Solo (Story)

## Tags

### Tags

Angst, Hurt, Comfort, Fluff, Heartbreak, Anxiety & Panic attacks, implied internalized homophobia, Pining

The only reason this fic is called **Solo** is because I have a fic named **Duet** and I thought it would be a funny reference lol *(Also I listened to the song "Solo" a lot during that time)*

There's actually a prequel to this one, but I'm really unhappy with it so I don't know if I'll be posting it. Long story short to that is that Blade found out Iron was dating Zelly behind his back and got so pissed off he just told him to fuck off and never talk to him again.

Iron got really sad because he was already dealing with Rust having his own mental freak out about it and to have Blade react so negatively really upset him so he chose to leave and let him cool off.

Blade then proceeded to cry himself to sleep every night because he was pining really hard and has yet to come to terms with the way he feels.

## **Summary**

After hearing about the relationship between Iron and Zelly, heartbroken and in a fit of anger, Blade cut ties with his best friend Iron, while giving his sister Zelly the cold shoulder.

A month later, his sister invites him to a small party at Rust's place to welcome a newcomer. Everyone is invited, and Blade wonders if he should go, even if this means potentially coming across his friend again.

## **Solo**

- Hey, are you coming to the party at Rust's place later tonight? - Zelly carefully asked, her brother Blade not paying her much mind as he laid on the couch with a tired empty expression. He had his headphones on and although she could hear the quiet noise of his music playing through them, she knew he could hear her just fine - Bro...? I know you're ignoring me but you can at least answer my question...
He simply shrugged in response - I guess. - His tone was cold and distant and only ever so slightly annoyed. Zelly sighed.

- Still giving me the cold shoulder, huh? - She sounded both worried and annoyed, receiving another wordless shrug from Blade in response. Although she could understand why he felt like that, his need for passive-aggressive remarks when upset was just an unnecessary addition that wasn't endearing in the slightest.

She almost immediately regretted this thought when she heard the sound of the music pausing as Blade just looked ahead, his expression was pained like he was trying to articulate words while trying to remain aloof - Who's going?

- Well...  There's me and Ron, Rust, the new girl Steam, some others... Y'know... Our friends..?

- Were no friends of mine if I never knew 'em. - Blade remarked almost with a hint of disdain, causing Zelly's eye to twitch slightly, she wasn't in the mood to entertain whatever fit he had been throwing for these past weeks and sighed frustrated but Blade continued. - Besides, you do know how I feel about Rust. Why would I want to go to his place?

- I really don't get it, he never did anything to you... - Zelly mumbled to herself rather than directed at him - You don't have to talk to him. His place is just the most... convenient. - She heard him huff in response and rolled her eyes - Besides, it might be fun. You could stop being all cooped up in the house every day... At least just for tonight...

Zelly's tone softened as she approached, kneeling by her brother who quickly avoided her gaze. She knew the real reason he didn't want to come, but enough was enough, after all, the two of them couldn't keep wallowing in their respective sadness fits forever.

- I don't mind being in the house all day...! - He responded as his voice quivered ever so slightly - Besides, the place's just going to be filled with strangers and you know I don't know anybody!

- All the more reason to come. You might meet someone new! Or see someone you recognize...?

- Zel, I don't want to talk to *him*! - Blade snapped, trying to sound aggressive but it came across as scared instead - He knows what he did, a-and you— - Blade stopped himself before he'd say something he'd regret. Zelly was looking hurt at him so he faced away, muttering a nervous apology.

- Please promise me you'll try... - She spoke sadly, getting up from kneeling beside him. Blade just closed his eyes shut and she took it as a sign to stop pushing it - I'll see you there then?

- I... I'll think about it... - He murmured - Just leave me alone...

Zelly could hear the quiet sound from the headphones come back up, drowning her brother's thoughts once again. Blade was looking ahead, clearly tense by her presence, she just wished things could go back to how they were before anyone knew of her relationship. He was completely impossible like this. They both were.

As Blade heard her leave, he sighed sadly, a party sounded fun, but lately, all he wanted was to just isolate himself from everyone, just listen to music and be a shut-in wallowing in self-pity. Besides, even if he did go, he'd just be there on his own, leeching at whatever snacks they'd have available. It almost sounded fine, he didn't mind being by himself, but of course, that one factor still prevented him from going.

*Ron would be there.* He felt his chest heavy and his stomach sick. His best friend that he had completely blown off after a big nasty argument about him dating Zelly behind his back. They hadn't spoken in over a month, and Blade assumed they wouldn't ever speak again, but the thought of seeing him, with Zelly no less, just made him sick, he couldn't stand it.

He could talk to literally anyone else but him, but he doubted he'd feel like anything other than wishing he would have stayed home. Perhaps it was for the best if he just passed on the idea.

But yet, the sad look that Zelly gave him just broke his heart. Deep down he knew her intentions were good, and he had been such a jerk to her throughout it all.

He didn't promise her anything, but he was still willing to try, just once, just for her. He owed her that much.

Hours later as the sun had started to set, there he stood, a mild feeling of regret as he wondered if he should have stayed home after all. But at that moment, he was facing the door to the large workshop that that Steampunk freak Rust called a home. Blade didn't even like him, nor did he understand why he'd throw a party of all things, but if he had come all that way here, he might as well go for it.

He was tense, the few seconds he stood staring at the door felt like hours, and taking a deep breath, he finally rang on their bell, wondering if they'd hear its chime over the muffled sound of loud electro swing music. He prayed they wouldn't, if Rust opened the door, Blade would reconsider going back home instead just so he wouldn't have to greet him.

He heard voices and noticed a shadow approaching the door and opening it. Before him didn't stand Rust, but instead, was a short, chubby dark olive-skinned girl in pale blonde pigtails who eyed him surprised - Oh... Hi! Are you here for the party? - She spoke and he took notice of the large red top hat she wore as well as her black and red Steampunk attire.

Blade was a bit frozen, he had never seen this girl before, and she didn't appear to recognize him either - I... I think I am...? - Maybe she was another guest...

- A-Ah, alright! Well, come on in! - Although she was smiling, he could tell how anxious and flustered she was - So many people keep coming here, it's crazy haha! I'm sorry, what's your name?

- I'm... I'm Blade... - He awkwardly walked in, looking around as the workshop's large space had been decorated to hold the party, loud music was playing as several groups of Drimare were gathered together and chatting amongst themselves. He recognized the faces of some of his neighbours, but most of the guests were strangers from the other villagers.

- Steam Vapora, a pleasure to meet you! - She reached to shake his hand and he smiled embarrassed, she was surprisingly strong for her small stature - Are you Rust's friend? I moved into the workshop just about two weeks ago, I'm still getting to know everyone!

He looked embarrassed by this, okay so this must have the new girl Zelly was talking about - Not exactly... I'm just here to check on my sister I guess... Zelly, have you met her? She has a pink scarf.

Her eyes seem to light up when he said this - Oh! You're Zelly's brother?! I knew I recognized your name from somewhere! - She looked embarrassed - Haha, I'm sorry I could never tell! You guys just look nothing alike!

- Y-Yeah we get that a lot, hah... - He seemed to be looking ahead, trying to see if there was anyone he knew, and most importantly, anyone he wanted to avoid.

Steam seemed to notice this and scratched the back of her head, holding one of her pigtails as a nervous tick - R-Right, I'm sorry, that was terribly rude. But do make yourself at home! Your sister and her boyfriend have been helping around a lot, so you're bound to see them!

Blade could feel the silent snap in his mind once she said those words, but of course, she didn't mean it badly - Th-Thanks... I'll be on my way now... - He forced a smile and just walked off.

- Let me know if you need anything! - He heard her say, and he nodded and waved, she seemed nice but he was so overwhelmed already. He had a snack table to leech on and drown his thoughts in, cursing the fact that he left his headphones home and couldn't zone to his own music like he usually did.

Minutes went by, maybe an hour had passed? Despite all the antique clocks decorating the place, Blade didn't bother with keeping track of the time. He simply watched everyone chat and hangout, feeling even more invisible than what he already literally was as he began wondering if he should just go home. All the groups were hanging out and having fun with lively conversations, it was no place for someone like him. And although wanting to avoid them, his eyes still searched for his sister, she knew that wherever she was, Ron would likely be nearby and Blade just couldn't deal with even just looking at him.

He usually had no problem with mingling and chatting with anyone else, but he was on edge and the weight on his chest just made him recoil from trying. He wanted to join in, talk to the groups and get his mind off things, but he never felt more out of place and as he looked at the stairs in the distance, he tensed up. Coming down was his sister with some friends, and with her was Ron and Rust, the sight just made him sick with anxiety, his breathing became heavy, his mind was in fight or flight, but his body was frozen with fear.

What if they saw him? What if Ron was still mad at him? What if Zelly tricked him into coming so they could both humiliate him? What were they talking about? Were they talking about him? Was Zelly telling them how he had been eating nothing but salty chips for the past few weeks and how pathetic he was that he couldn't even find the energy to get up from bed after oversleeping every day?! He began to sweat as his paranoid thoughts started taking over.

- Hey... What are you seeing? - A familiar voice called out, startling Blade as he looked to find who was speaking to him, his hands were shaking and his chest felt heavy.

- W-What...? - He looked back at Steam who was looking up at him, staring worriedly. He had seen her hopping around from group to group, how long had it even been now? He glanced back at one of the clocks in the wall, but his thoughts were blurred, he couldn't focus, only looking back at the group as he felt a cold sweat.

- What do you see? In the room.- She repeated, her tone was concerned, and not knowing what she meant with this just made him nervous, he looked at her speechlessly, then back at the antique clocks - Don't think about it, just tell me...

- I-I... I see... clocks...? On the wall...?

- And...? What else? What else is around us right now?

- I... I see tables... With food...

- Anything else...?

- There's... People... And... Music...? N-No, I don't see music, I'm not an idiot...! Wasn't there a... *Ugh, what's it called...* That thing! With the disk and the cone looking thing... It plays music...

- The... The gramophone...?

- That...! How do you even find one of those around here... I always wanted one...

- There's one over there by the entrance... I can ask Rust where he got it, but it's likely from the home country... - She paused, noticing how he was still looking shaky, but mostly confused - Are you okay...?

Blade simply looked at her a bit startled - ...What was this for...? - He was still nervous but mostly he just felt confused.

- You've been standing here by yourself for quite a while and I was going to talk to you earlier, but then I noticed you looking really pale... I thought you were having a panic attack so I came to help you...

- By asking about the clocks...?

- No, just describing things that you see... Or things you can hear or taste... Usually, it helps you ground yourself when you're spiraling... My dad taught it to me when I was younger... - She offered a kind smile.

He blushed and was quiet for a bit, for a moment, he had almost forgotten what he was getting stressed out about - Y-Yeah, I just... Have a lot on my mind... Thank you anyway... I appreciate it...

Steam offered a bright smile - I know we just met but if there's anything you need to get out of your chest... I know things have been kind of hectic around your group, but I don't really know what happened since it feels kinda personal...

- Y-Yeah it's fine... I just don't feel like mingling with the other groups all that much... - He tried to say in a casual tone but it just came across as awkward and weird.

- Yeah... It's kind of overwhelming... - She sighed, standing next to him - I'm not good at parties.

Blade looked curiously, trying to get his mind off things - Me neither... Didn't you and Rust host the party, though...? I didn't take him for the party type.

- No way! - She laughed - It was his brother's idea! He thought it would help me make friends and get Rust to stop being so gloomy all the time. Between you and me, I don't think it's working, the guy's super weird.

Blade just chuckled awkwardly - So I heard... By Rust's brother, do you mean...?

- Ronald of course! Your sister's boyfriend...? Come to think of it, she did do most of the planning... Wait... You have met him, right? - Steam blinked curiously.

Blade cringed, his fingers carving his own arms anxiously as he struggled to keep a friendly smile on his face whenever his name was brought up - You can say that, hah... haha...

- Oh good... He's been helping me adjust with this whole moving in the workshop thing... The party idea though... it's not so bad... Look at me! I am making friends...! And I haven't weirded you out yet! - She smiled and sighed, clearly not convinced herself.

- I don't think you're weird... If anything you're doing better partying than me... - He looked back at where his sister and his friend were and noticed they were still talking in their own group. In the distance, Ron looked... fine... he was laughing and seemed... happy... Maybe he was feeling grateful to have him gone at last - I'm sorry, I... should probably head home... - Blade mumbled, lowering his ears, his shaking returning.

- Are you sure you're okay...? I know it's none of my business but you've just been standing here all alone and I'm a bit worried... - She followed his gaze into the group in the distance.

- It's... a bit personal... Long story short is that I didn't actually want to come here... I tried to talk myself into coming regardless because I thought I'd feel better but... I don't think it's working out... - He mumbled, staring almost longingly at the group, but froze as both Zelly and Ron stared back at him. Zelly waved at him, but Ron... Ron pretended not to see him. He was avoiding him too. Somehow this made him feel worse.

- Do you want to talk about it...? - Steam innocently asked, and noticed how Blade quickly looked back at the opposite side of the group, clenching his fists.

- I just... I think there's something wrong with me... - He spoke anxiously - I feel so many different things and they're all so intense... I shouldn't be so freaked out over being here, but I am and I hate it...!

- You're overwhelmed, it's understandable... - She spoke softly and noticed how he was getting tensed up again - Do you need to go outside? I can come with...

Blade looked back at her, then back at the group, Zelly had returned to her conversation, but Ron was just staring at him, sternly. This only stressed him further as Blade could feel the weight of his gaze on him, he couldn't read his expression, but he could swear Ron absolutely loathed his very essence at that moment.

- I shouldn't have come here... - Blade muttered, looking away then at Steam.

- I'd love to help if I could...

- Y-You're fine... - He tried to resist the urge to look back at the group - Thank you for talking to me... I just need to leave... I-It's getting late...

- Already...? - She looked at the time distractedly, then back at him worriedly - Ron's heading this way, though. We could at least say hi... - She commented, looking at the side where the other boy left his own group to approach them.

Blade immediately grew anxious, looking back and locking eyes with his ex-best friend, who just stopped, he looked angry but his expression quickly became one of uncertainty once Blade stared back at him. His suspicions were confirmed, Ron was still mad at what happened and Blade couldn't take it. In a panic, he ran off, bolting off the building, not hearing Steam calling out for him.

The moon was shining down on him and his heart was bouncing off his chest, his panic just yelled for him to run, so he did. Everything hurt all over again, he couldn't take how mad he looked at him, was he going to tell Steam how horrible he had been? Were they going to fight again? He didn't want that, he couldn't handle it.

After a few minutes, he found a secluded spot, an old log repurposed into a bench. He sat down on it, panting heavily as he was trying to regain the breath that his anxiety took from him. He wanted to cry, he wanted to scream for the whole forest to hear, but instead, he just curled in on himself, tears wanted to come so badly but he contained himself. As his adrenaline faded and it sank in how tired he felt, his lack of rest was finally kicking in and he felt lightheaded.

Stupid! He should have stayed home! Of course, he couldn't do anything if HE was there, and he was an idiot for thinking otherwise. His panting worsened as he heard the sound of someone running behind him, he prayed it was only Steam, but the tall shadow was impossible to mistake - There you are...! -Blade closed his eyes, covering his mouth as Ron approached and sat next to him on the log, panting as well. He ran after him just to tell him how much he hated him, there was no other explanation.

- Why did you run off like that...?! - Ron spoke almost yelling, his tone sounded both angry and scared, and he placed his hand on Blade's back, who still failed in his attempts to hide the anxiety he was feeling.

- GO AWAY, I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU...! - Blade snapped suddenly, slapping his hand away, startling Ron with this. He tried to get up to run off again but felt his arm getting grabbed firmly.

- B, wait! It's me...! Can we talk...? - He called out, his voice clearly distressed.

- Let go of me! - Although Blade wanted to get away, he couldn't help but feel lightheaded from his anxiety and sat back down. He tried to focus on his breathing, but he was just too nervous - W-What do you want?! Why did you follow me...?! Can't you take a hint?!

Ron took a deep breath, there was no use for them to be yelling at each other like this... Not again... - I was hoping you'd come... Zel told me you probably would... I've been wanting to talk to you...

- Well, I've had the WORST night, and you're the last person I want to see right now! - He spoke angrily - J-Just leave me alone... - His voice was shaking and he looked away.

Ron simply gave him a stern look and stared ahead quietly, Blade's breathing had calmed down and he too stared away from him, his heart bouncing off his chest just made him feel sick.

- What's going on...? Is there something you need to talk about? - Ron firmly asked as he kept staring ahead, the familiar phrase hitting Blade harder than he thought, recalling times when they would talk and confide in each other about anything, rather than keeping secrets all the time - We can't keep doing this...

Blade whimpered softly, he wanted to talk about it. So badly, but instead he just covered his eyes, trying to keep himself from breaking down after shutting off any kind of emotion that came to him for all those past weeks. He wasn't going to start crying in front of him, one time was enough!

"*There's nothing to talk about.*" were the words that coldly wanted to leave his mouth, but only a quiet whimper came instead - N-No... NO! I-It's n-nothing...!

Ron looked surprised by this, he didn't expect him to be this close to crying, in his mind, he thought he was just angry, but a protective instinct was kicking in when he heard him - H-Hey, it's okay...! You don't have to talk if—

- Y-You hate me, don't you?! After what I did?! After what I SAID to you?! - Blade looked back at him, holding back his tears, his ears lowered and Ron stared worried yet sternly at him. The same stern expression he had during their argument. Talking to him was like trying to grab a hissing cat to comfort it all while it kept trying to scratch and claw at him. It was difficult and required a lot of patience most of all.

- Why would I hate you...? - His tone was firm, and with how flighty Blade felt, he knew the answer already.

- I completely blew you off! I was a jerk! I insulted you! How could you not hate me?!

Ron looked down sadly, he really couldn't keep the stern act no matter how much he tried, especially with him - I don't hate you... I just really missed you... I was hoping you'd want to talk about what happened... I *want* to talk about what happened!

- Th-There's nothing to talk about...!

- Blade, this... - He gestured vaguely towards him - This doesn't look like it's nothing... I know that what happened wasn't like you! But I need to understand why!

Blade hesitated for a few seconds then snapped - Look, I just can't deal with you and Zel, okay?! You could have told me o-or like, given me a heads up! It's grossing me out and I'm sorry that that makes me an asshole but I can't change how I feel about it! - He clenched his teeth, looking down in shame - B-But... I'm sorry for what I said! I really am! You didn't deserve that! There is no excuse for what I did! Me hating it is no excuse and you have every right to hate me and cut me off!

There was a brief silence between them as Ron looked lost in thought while Blade was just sitting quietly, only his anxious breathing could be heard - It's fine... - Ron finally spoke - It's fine... I'm sorry I got mad and I hid it from you... But I don't hate you... I just want to talk to you...

Blade seemed surprised by Ron's calmer response, looking shocked at him - Wait... what...? What do you mean you're not mad...?

- I am mad! - He spoke suddenly to which Blade recoiled - But... I don't hate you... You're still my best friend... At least... I hope you still think so... - Ron continued, noticing Blade staring at him then away, he seemed overwhelmed again.

- N-No, I... I'm awful... I just... can't... It just hurts me too much to think about the two of you like that... - He wanted to sound angry but instead, he sounded heartbroken and Ron looked worried as if trying to figure out how to approach him - It feels wrong, I feel wrong, everything is disgusting, and I hate it, I HATE IT SO MUCH! Why her?! You could have gone for anyone else, but it had to be with her and I can't stop thinking about it...! I don't want to be mad at her!

- ...Is there... something you'd want to tell me...? - Ron simply asked and Blade froze, taken aback by this question, it was an odd question but he couldn't possibly know how he felt, could he?

- I... - Blade clenched his fists - I really want to be happy for you! You two are the most important people in my life, but instead, I'm just being a jealous asshole for no reason...! - He was tense, sounding exasperated as Ron looked worriedly.

- You're not an asshole... Okay maybe sometimes but... I still care about you, you know? Nothing needs to change between us... We can still be friends...

- Before you realize how terrible I actually am...! You've seen it...!

- B, I've seen some messed up things, and you know that better than anyone... I promise you're nowhere near the definition of terrible... I know that wasn't you... The real you is my friend... - He placed his hands on his shoulders - I still love you as a friend so if you want to keep being my best bro, I'm up for it. - He held his shoulders firmly - Again, if there's anything... ANYTHING you need to tell me, I'm here...

Upon hearing his words, Blade choked up as he looked up at him quietly before he started to sob - I-I... N-No... I'm... I'm sorry... Y-You just w-wouldn't understand...! I-I'm a m-monster! A d-disgusting monster...! - He covered his face in shame and tried curling on himself again.

This surprised Ron who grew anxious wondering as to what to do, was he going to yell at him again...? This wasn't the same angry crying from the last argument, was it? - H-Hey come on, B... D-Don't say that...! Come here... - Awkwardly, he reached for Blade, who looked surprised by his gesture as he found himself in the middle of a hug.

Blade didn't know how to react at first, but instinctively nuzzled on his friend's shoulder with his ears low, closing his eyes as he bawled quietly, he had repressed his feelings for so long, and now the floodgates were wide open. He didn't want their last two conversations to end with him crying, and yet, here he was again.

Ron was just petting his head in what he hoped was an affectionate manner, feeling Blade's hands timidly holding his back as he wept softly. This wasn't an angry crying, it was... mourning and heartbreak.

- Shh... It's okay... - Ron reassured him, getting teary-eyed as he held him close - W-We can still be friends... I'm sorry I hid something like this from you...

- I just... j-just thought I'd never see you a-again...! - He cried out, as his voice was muffled, there was nothing to say, the feelings he denied himself were coming at full force.

- That would never happen... I'm here and always will be... P-Please don't cry, you're gonna make me cry too... - Ron swallowed and closed his eyes as he rested his head on Blade's. It was... comforting.

- I-I'm sorry... I'm s-so sorry...

With the warmth and comfort he felt in his embrace, all the doubt Blade felt about his feelings seemed to disappear, and it was at that moment that he realized, he was in love with his best friend. And there was nothing he could do against it.

A few minutes had gone by, the crying had been reduced to quiet sniffles, as the two remained embraced, Ron looked sadly as he kept holding his friend, why couldn't he find the strength to let him go...? - How are you feeling...?

Blade was silent for a moment, looking down with his ears low - L-Like shit... - His voice still trembled - I shouldn't have said those things to you... I can't stop thinking about it...

- B, it's fine... - He sighed - I know you get like that when you're upset... You get... emotional, and say things you don't really mean... - He spoke, his eyes looking ahead as his expression seemed distant.

- N-No Ron...! You shouldn't be okay with me treating you like that...! - He looked up at him, letting go of the hug.

- I know but... I did prompt it, didn't I...?

- No! A-And even if you did, it wouldn't excuse what I said...!

- You... didn't mean it, right...? - He seemed gloom as he spoke - About how you hated me and wish we had never met...? Or how you never wanted to see me ever again...? I just wish I could make it right, I'd give anything to make things go back to normal...

- No! Please no... - Blade looked teary-eyed at him, hearing his own words repeated back to him and realizing how much he had hurt him - I'm sorry, I completely blew shit out of proportion...! I... - He looked down in guilt - Deep down I'm happy for you, I'm just... being stupid about it... I-It just really shocked me, is all... I really do want you to be happy... If you being with Zel is what makes you happy, then I don't care!

Ron glanced at him, Blade quickly averting his gaze with a faint blush, he wondered if he was being fully honest or if there was another hidden reason for his breakdown, but he didn't want to press him on it, this didn't sound like "not caring" - You look really tired... - Ron commented as he noticed the bags under his eyes. Now that he could finally look at his face, it was hard not to notice the state he was in.

- I-I just haven't slept too well... - Blade quickly rubbed his eyes, it wasn't only today, restless nights of crying himself to sleep had taken a toll on him - A-And I was just crying now so... Of course, I look like shit...!

- No, I know that. It just... It really shows... - He paused for a moment, placing his hand on Blade's, holding it reassuringly - Again. If there's anything you need to tell me... You don't have to hide... I want to help you...

- N-No, there's nothing! - He blushed with the gesture and quickly grew defensive, but told himself to relax before he'd lash out again - D-Did Zel tell you something was up...?

- She told me you were still sad and giving her the cold shoulder... - He looked a bit disapproving and Blade avoided his gaze, he was almost sure his sister knew, but she wouldn't tell him, would she...? How much did he know?

- Anything else...? - Blade continued as Ron eyed him uncertainly.

- Uh... Like what...?

- Anything...

- Well... Nothing I didn't know or... "suspect" already... Unless you're hiding something... I'm not that kind of psychic, heh... - He forced an awkward chuckle as Blade looked down timidly.

- No... - He mumbled a bit unsure of what Ron was implying with all this - There's nothing... I just feel like a jerk... That's what I'm hiding...

They kept sitting in silence, not saying much for a few seconds, Ron looked back at Blade who was just staring down pitifully, noticing him avert his gaze once he felt him staring.

- You really should go back to the party, they're probably wondering where you ran off to... - Blade muttered, rubbing his arm a bit timidly.

- I'm right where I want to be... - Ron reassured him - Do *you* want to go back...?

Blade looked almost hopeful but his expression was soon covered by a look of gloom - No... I don't think it's good for me to be there, seeing you and... - He paused and cleared his throat- I just want to go home...

Ron looked sad but understanding of this - Want me to walk you there...?

- No... I took enough of your time... - Blade simply got up, with Ron soon following after him.

- I'm walking you home. - He spoke almost firmly - It's dark out here.

- Ron, it's fine...

- I insist...

- I really would rather be alone right now... - Blade rubbed his eyes again.

- Do you really? - He asked to which Blade seemed avoidant again - I know you don't actually want that...

Blade wanted to retort with something sassy, but he knew he was right and Ron noticed his reluctance - I-It's just that... Being with you... It really hurts, okay...? - Blade muttered - I just keep flashing back to the argument...

Ron approached him sympathetically, noticing how Blade was quick to avert his gaze - I never wanted to hurt you, you know that...

- O-Of course I know... - He mumbled as he started walking, his friend quickly following alongside him - I... I just shouldn't have shouted... or said those horrible things to you...

- Well, we could steal Rust's watch and undo that whole encounter, eh...?

A faint smile couldn't help but appear on Blade's lips with this weak attempt as a joke - Right... I think I'd react all the same regardless of how you explained it to me... - He had a bittersweet tone to his voice.

- You would...? - Ron looked worried and Blade's smile faded.

- Yeah... No amount of letting me down easily could have prevented what I felt that day...

- B... - Ron sounded distraught by this, but Blade's expression was serious.

- It's true...! I... I kind of get a bit defensive over Zel in this regard... I will fight whatever weirdo tries to approach her like that... - he looked away again - So to find out it was you all along... Hah... I don't think I ever cried that much in my life...

Ron gave him a gentle but firm punch on the arm, scolding him, to which Blade winced and looked at him confused.

- Ow?! What was that for?!

- I was worried about you, dumbass...! Don't say things like that! - He was staring angry but concerned at him - If I knew you felt that way about us, things would have gone differently!

- W-What...? - Blade gave him a surprised look - What do you mean...? Us as in you and Zel...?

Ron blushed lightly and looked ahead - N-Nevermind, just forget it... - He didn't want to confront him about his suspicions. If Blade really wanted to tell him his real feelings, he would. Else he could keep dancing around the subject all he wanted. Two could play at that game - Let's just go home...

Blade simply sighed as he followed him - Ron...?

- Hm...?

- Will you be okay...?

- What...?

- I asked if you're going to be okay...

He could feel Blade's gaze on him - No I heard you the first time, what's this about...? - He asked, with a confused and worried expression on his face, noticing Blade looking down with guilt.

- I mean after all this... - He paused - I... I really don't hate you... I swear I don't...!

- I know that... You told me... - Ron spoke reassuringly - You don't have to keep apologizing... I know that wasn't like you...

- But what if it was...? What if I've always been like that and it's just your first time seeing it...?

Ron looked quietly with this as they kept walking - I think that... I know you a lot better than that...