Living Reluctantly

Of course. Thank you, I won’t let your efforts be in vain. I promise.

I’ll hold you up to that promise!

I’m not sure I can even stand to look at it anymore.

-laughs- Okay, okay, i think that’s enough bashing on my face for the day.

“Rude, real rude. Kylie and I both pull our weight and try to clean thank you very much. None of the take out there is over a month old. You learn to ignore the music sheets everywhere.”

“I have to question your definition of cleaning. Hire a cleaning lady or something or else you’ll be tagged as Aidan Blum-musical slob.”

You would really do that for me?

Sure, the rest is all to you of course.

“Not much time off for New York’s favorite face?” Pat grinned, his voice taking on a gentle teasing tone. “Though according to you, time stolen can’t be time mourned because, well, at least you’re getting work, right?”

Arthur winced at the description but just nodded, he knew he’s being teased. “Mhmm. Exactly, I’m not one to complain. Besides, Ollie makes sure I rest in between projects I just don’t use it to go out and do other stuff.”

Impressive. Somehow, I imagined your job involved swords. But I can see why. 

Swords? Does anyone have jobs involving swords these days?

Oliver made sure he grabbed some ice for the both of them. He could never really get mad at Arthur, annoyed yes, but mad, no. They felt more like brothers in that aspect. “Easy there.” he chuckled sliding him the glass with the ice in it. By the end of this night, they probably were going to get drunk. “I’m all ears.” Oliver wanted to hear what Arthur wanted to talk about, or even catch up on.

Arthur was still quick, something he was thankful for even after the accident. His agility was still there, he was still strong and Oliver made sure he’s thankful for all those and not stay in that dark place when he was hating himself for what happened. “You better be or else I will look for another person to drink with, maybe Annabelle...she was really great to talk to the other night.” Arthur started.

Andy felt her heart speed up. Was it possible to feel love for two men at the same time? Andy loved Perseus, he was her soul mate. She knew she could love Prescott, he was sweet and kind and had the same heart as her Perseus, then there was Arthur. She had never loved Achilles - but Arthur was charming and her friend and there was something about him that made Andy want to seek comfort in him. She squeezed his hand back curling her fingers around him and bringing him closer to her on the couch. 

As she squeezed back his hand, all the possibilities for them rushed through his mind again. But will she choose him? Will he even put her into that position? It seems unfair. Besides, Prescott presented a much easier route for her. No complications and all the shit that comes along with him. He liked how they fit like puzzle pieces when she moved closer to her and leaned on him. It felt natural, like it was something they can get used to. 

“Alright. Bring your sneakers. It’s going to be a lot of walking.”

Oh yeah. And his nose? Way too big for his face.

I know! Why does he even have a picture there? It’s horrid!

Seeing Arthur relaxed Oliver, they have been through a lot together. The good, the bad, ups and down. He enjoyed hanging out with his best friend who is like a little brother to him “You had to have seen that coming.” Oliver chuckled knowing that Arthur gets annoyed when Oliver messes around with him. Oliver moved towards the couch sitting down.

"Yeah, yeah! I know you can't help being your annoying self." Arthur said with a glare and a frown at Oliver's direction. They both knew that no matter how annoying they can be with each other it's alright. That's how real friends are. He went to the couch and settled in, waiting for Oliver to get the glasses. "Don't forget the ice!"

Andy smiled at the explanation he gave her. Arthur made her feel things, but when he didn’t make things clear after Aina was told what happened and he decided they should just be friends until things settle Andy felt her heart drop. She knew it was probably for the best, he didn’t belong to her. “No, I’m glad you stopped by.” She said truthfully. 

"Me too." He told her honestly. How many times had he been in this crossroad? Having strong feelings for Andy yet not being able to really fought hard for it, it's like there's something stopping him, it's like he was never meant to make him fully his. He looked at her and once again got awed by her beauty. Any guy is lucky to have her and he felt stupid not doing just that when it's clear he could have had that chance if things weren't so complicated for them.