The More Loving One

“Seth,” Levi echoed, trying to mimic the stern tone, though he sort of wavered through it. All through Levi’s life, it had been spent pretending that everything was okay, time and time again… until it came to Seth. It’s why he was so quick to snap at the other and become an emotional wreck. Seth was the only person he felt okay being vulnerable in front of, but even this… it felt different. Embarrassing, almost. He leveled his gaze on Seth when he told him not to lie - lying is something Levi had always been good at, however. He could lie his way though most anything. Telling the truth here wasn’t at all ideal, though his eyes softened as Seth reached up, letting out a small huff of a laugh. “It’s not important what really happened,” he argued. “What’s important is that I’m here, and I clearly deserve to be treated like an absolute angel.” The corner of his lips tugged up, though it clearly didn’t meet his eyes. “… what? Yes. I’m fine. I’m a tough cookie,” he assured, rolling his eyes. “And I can make people sign my cast. I never got to do that. I need to start carrying around glitter pens.”

“You know... you really can’t be mad at me for not telling you things if you’re going to keep things like this from me,” he said softly, before shaking his head slowly. “But I’ll leave it alone. For now.” Eventually he wanted an answer. A truthful answer but he supposed that pressing too hard immediately, especially in public, was not a good idea. “Luckily for you I have a long weekend so I am free to pamper you as much as I’m sure you’d like.” A thought hit him then, one he likely wouldn’t have suggested if he didn’t find himself feeling as worried and protective as he was just then but honestly seeing Levi this way made Seth not particularly want to let him out of his sight. “You wouldn’t want to just... stay for the weekend, would you? With me, I mean. I can clean out some room in the closet for a couple days worth of things.” And if he was staying over, Seth wouldn’t find out about things like this far after the fact. “Very tough... but are you sure?” A certain degree of disbelieve was still clear in Seth’s eyes but he would let it go for now if Levi wanted him to. At least so he was telling himself. “You don’t have to pretend like you are if you’re not. Not around me.”

Amalia: as long as u are oaky

Amalia: well now I iust feel bsd for making you talking about it. I didn't thinkit was goinf to be domethjnt so... Intense

Amalia: ... from meyou mean?

Seth: I've made it this far still smiling. I think I'll be fine.

Seth: It's really fine. I'm not over it, but I've accepted it. She was just something special, you know?

“I deserve it” she repeated, partly hoping that her not bringing herself down so much might make him worry less but there was also a part of her that decided she was overdue a self compliment. Nodding, Lucy couldn’t disagree with anything he was saying, she would do the same for him. In fact, thinking about how she would react to someone else in her situation was the only thing that seemed to wake Lucy up to her reality and that’s exactly what she needed to keep in the forefront of her mind. As Seth wrapped his arms around her, Lucy felt all of the tension leaving her body and, even if it was just for a moment, she felt herself relaxing. Pulling back, she looked up at him with a guilty expression. “I don’t know if I…” she paused, trying to figure out the best way to explain herself without offending anyone - she seemed to be doing that too often lately. “I don’t think I want Levi… not because I don’t think he’d be good. I’m sure he’s wonderful at what he does. It’s just…” she sighed. “I’m not sure I’m ready to explain everything to someone who I’m going to see on a regular basis. I don’t think I’m… strong enough to handle that. I think someone I don’t know and never have to see again might be better.” Her words sounded more like a question, as though she needed his approval before confirming her thoughts. “But maybe we could ask him to recommend someone?” 

“Keep telling yourself that and I promise you’ll soon come to realize  that it’s true,” he said to her gently, but not pushing any more than that. He doubted her mindset was going to be changed that easily. While he was working more off his own assumptions than anything else, that was enough for him to feel like he had a faint idea of what was going through her head. And enough for him to be willing to set aside anything else for the rest of the day to make sure she was feeling well. The comment made him pause before he just nodded. “If that’s what you want then I can ask him. I won’t even say it’s for you if you don’t want me to, just ask if he can suggest someone to take over. But... it’s a small town, Luce, chances are no matter who you go with you’re going to see them on a regular basis. There’s no getting around that. I’m not trying to change your mind... but I think you should take that into consideration.”

“A tennis player, huh?… I’m trying to think of a good line to go along with that but all I’ve got is ‘you can play with my balls anytime’” he shrugged, not even the least bit embarrassed about the terrible attempt. Freddy couldn’t help but pout a little at the new information. Would it make him flirt less? Most likely not but he might put in a little less effort now that he knew he didn’t have a chance - although, he couldn’t quite skip over Seth’s choice of words. “You don’t usually sleep with men? Does that mean you make the odd exception?” If the answer was yes, he was ready to bring out the big moves he thought. “Am I?” he asked, tilting his head and blinking up at the other with false innocence. “Oh, thank god. I don’t have any relatives in Baltimore as far as I know. I’d be fucking pissed if some random aunt of mine has more chance with you than I do” he joked, slowly shaking his head. “That explains why I don’t remember you. I knew there wasn’t a chance I’d forget a face like that” he said, taking a moment to look at Seth properly before humming in appreciation.  “I am, actually. Grew up here, moved away for college and ended up dropping out early to go release a video game I created out in LA, lived there for a few years and now I’m back” he explained, going through his life story as quickly as possible. “Please” he nodded at the offer. “That was my plan all along. I hired that girl to throw my shoes at me just so I could make a lasting impression on whoever came to my rescue.”

“I think there might be a line in there about playing doubles instead of singles for the night or something like that, which unfortunately I happen to be a singles player. Tennis doesn’t give you a lot to work with admittedly.” The line had him rolling his eyes but with amusement. Figuring his words were enough to tamper down any real hopes, Seth figured that would be that, though the flirting was amusing to him. The question made him pause for a second before shrugging. “I won’t say I never have. It may have happened a few times.” More like a lot in recent months, but his feelings about that were still too up in the air. “A flatterer at least.” Seth amended though nodding and sticking with his words as he took a bite. “She had a little more than just a chance... but that’s not a story for today. Or ever,” he decided, shaking his head. “You’ve got a line for every occasion, don’t you? I’m actually pretty impressed at this rate. And finding it both harder and easier to see why you ended up kicked out.” Leaning forward a little, Seth listened politely, nodding his head to show he was listening. “Impressive. I’d ask if I’d ever heard of it but I just remembered I’ve never really been much for video games so probably not. I have an appreciation for them as an art but lack the patience to get through them,” Seth admitted. “I can’t say it didn’t work.”

“The innocent act won’t work on me, I’ve seen your rude side far too often by this point. It’s a completely mystery to me how you’re still seen as… the town sweetheart or whatever” she teased, rolling her eyes dramatically. “When, in actual fact, you’re just a… big old meanie.” Not her finest insult but it wasn’t as though she had any chance of convincing him she was serious anyway, especially not with the hint of a smile in the corner of her mouth. “Way too dramatic, I don’t know how you have the energy. I guess it is. I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t have a complaint or two to make about their career choice… actually, I’ve never heard Phoebe complain. She seems pretty happy.” Resisting her instinctual urge of another eye roll, Amalia shook her head instead. “Please don’t ever introduce us, I don’t do old people. They’re so…” Annoying was the word she wanted to use but she realised she used that far too old. “Old.” Looking over at him as he continued, Amalia was quickly furrowing her brows. “He’s leaving? What does that mean for you? Is he selling up or just continuing to rent the place while living in another town?”

“Maybe they just don’t hang out with me as much as you do?” he suggested with a laugh, not even arguing against her words or that he had a rude side. “A meanie? I don’t think anyone has called me that since I was twelve.” The word left him far too amused as he shook his head at her, clearly enjoying himself and not the least bit offended. By now he doubted that she ever really wanted to offend him. “I guess I was just born this way. Always too much energy to urn through and not enough time in the day. Pheebs? She loves it. Without a doubt she was meant to be a beautician. She’s one of the lucky ones who’s truly found her calling,” he mused, a little bit jealous of that fact but there  was nothing Seth could think of that he loved doing like she loved that. “I don’t think that would be a problem, though he’s mentally pretty young. Younger and hipper than me anyway.” Seth chuckled fondly. “Yeah, turns out that he is. From what I can tell he’s giving control of everything to his son which is... probably not going to be a problem.”

Amalia: I wont ask u anymore about what lhappened and oim not sure I would even know how to comfort you so don't wo

Amalia: I shouldn't have forced you to tell me... sorry

Amalia: oh. yhat does complicate thinngs

Amalia: I'm tryin g to do the whole fridge thing here but my head is already spinning and this isn't familiar territory for me an innot sure what to say

Amalia: *friend not fridge

Seth: It's fine. It's been years, I'm okay. You don't need to comfort me.

Seth: Like I said, it's just not a story that anyone wants to hear because it's not very nice.

Seth: I know.

“How did this happen?” Levi lifted up the cast on his arm, though the bruise on his cheek was likely another questionable mark on his body, along with the few scratches. Levi let out an over the top sigh. “Where do I begin? I was just minding my business, walking down the street, right? I hear a scream, and being the extremely brave boy that I am, went to help in any way I could. To make a long story short, I ended up in a fist fight with two other men, totally kicked their asses, but even heroes get hurt sometimes in the process.” His entire story was a lie, but being the way that he was, he didn’t feel comfortable sharing what had actually gone down. Instead, he quirked an eyebrow. “So… I say that you buy me a drink. For being such a brave, honest hero for Town. Wow, I should really start working on a costume and name. Any ideas?”

“Levi,” Seth said in a very stern tone, the cheerful look on his face at the idea of meeting up with the guy quickly replaced by a look of concern. It had been a few days since they’d met up and he’d really been looking forward to this date but that all left him the moment he saw his friend. Though he was normally the sort of person to just accept stories at face value no matter the circumstances or if he believed they were true, he could not ignore this. “Don’t lie to me.” His words were quiet but they left no room for an argument that Levi wasn’t lying. Reaching over he gently brushed a thumb over the bruise, concern bright in his eyes along with the faint stirrings of anger, at the people who had done this, of course. “Do you want to tell me what really happened? I’ll buy you a drink but I don’t think I can make a joke out of seeing you hurt, you know.” He dropped his hand again, gesturing to the bartender and ordering for both of them before sighing as he looked back at Levi. “Are you okay? And I don’t mean...” he gestured to the bruise and the broken arm before shaking his head. “I mean are you okay?”

Amalia: ... U wee married?? wow whay a big thing to just never fucking mention

Amalia: oh. I judt read the end of that. Sorry

Amalia: I don't know

Amalia: wekk then if you know you're a completely different person then why do u think ur going to make the same decisions or mistakes whatever u want to call them

Amalia: did you tell him that

Seth: I know. But if I mention it then I'd just have people asking what happened or trying to comfort me about it. But what is there to say? She left and I let her go.

Seth: Because at my heart I'm still the same person I was, just a lot older and a little bit wiser. And I'm still in love with her. He's not happy about that.

Amalia: me neither tbh

Amalia: yes ou are

Amalia: wat happned to the girl? why didnt' you gt marrid in the end?

Amalia: but your'e a lot different now arent yu? i'm sure you'fe told me that one thousand times.

Amalia: do you love him?

Seth: I did. I had a marriage license before I ever got a diploma. Told you... I've done a lot of leaping. But then she left.

Seth: He was the best man at my wedding too, so I can't really say that I don't at least in part deserve the situation I'm in now.

Seth: I am. It's amazing how much love can change you. Love and heartbreak.

She shrugged.  “I think sleep deprivation could be the worst torture you could give me, cause apparently it really effects me.  If I ever develop an arch enemy, keep that a secret from them, please.”  She dropped her shoulder a bit to aid him in helping her, sticking her tongue out in the process.  She couldn’t help but smile with glee at his suggestion, seriously considering it.  “For a teacher, you’re a bad influence, Mr. Seth.  If only if was summer and town had a killer water park.  Then I’d have to force you to skip with me.”

“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. But I agree, definitely not fun times. I don’t think it’s fun for anyone,” he said with a shake of his head, experienced enough with that himself. Fixing the bag properly, he just chuckled at her before shrugging his own shoulders. “I’ve never claimed not to be,” he said with a shake of his head. “In fact I do believe I always say I’m not really teacher material. If it was summer I’d have the day off anyway. There is, however, a fair set up about fifteen minutes away. Not exactly a water park, but it’s something.”

Amalia: iarne you supposed to talk dbout things even the ones u don't want to. closure or whatever

Amalia: fair enoug

Amalia: I don't understand

Amalia: okay FINE dont tell me the story I don't wan fo hear it anydah i don't care

Seth: I've heard that said before, I'm not sure if I believe it.

Seth: Sorry. I'm doing it again, aren't I? I don't mean to. I guess I've gotten used to being evasive. I want you to know it doesn't mean I don't trust you.

Seth: It's not even that interesting of a story really. Just an age old cliche. Bad boy meets a good girl and suddenly he's falling. Levi and I were in a very... well a pretty similar sort of place to where we are now.

Seth: Then I asked the girl to marry me.

“You’d never catch me climbing out a window. Physical activity is not my forte… well, with one exception of course.” His eyebrows moved up and down, Freddy figuring that his tone along with his expression were enough to spell out which particular activity he meant. When the man started cooking, Freddy took the opportunity to glance around the apartment a little before eventually getting up and wondering over to where he stood, resting his back against the kitchen counter. ”Oh, so it’s just attractive naked men going at it with his best friend that he wouldn’t like? I guess that makes sense” he shrugged, though looking very smug over the flattering adjective that the other had added in. “It’s Freddy, by the way. This isn’t the first time I haven’t known the name of the person cooking me breakfast but I feel like I should at least offer you mine. I’m not always this complimentary, no, I’m usually quite shy. You must just bring it out of me” he flirted shamelessly, fluttering his eyelashes slightly as the man looked back at him. “Ms Clarke… you don’t say. I’ve never been so glad to know that my mom has never been a teacher or I could be really grossed out right now. Freddy Clarke, to give you the full title.” His own name was spoken with a hit of expectation that the other might have heard of him… despite only being recognised by one person since he’d gotten back… and that person had known him in high school. “I do hope so.”

“It was very good for the body, I’ll admit. I was also a tennis player at the time so it wasn’t too tough. I’ve always been a fan of sports. And of your exception too, of course,” he joked, shaking his head and assuming he knew exactly what the other meant. Nodding his head in response to the question, Seth couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, I think that’s definitely where he’d have the problem. I don’t usually sleep with men anyway so he’d be exceptionally bothered.” Glancing over at the guy again, Seth nodded. “Ah, yeah I forgot to introduce myself, didn’t I? It’s nice to meet you anyway, The name’s Seth. You are a charmer, aren’t you?” More than anything Seth found it amusing, not feeling the need to encourage or discourage the other from flirting with him since it didn’t particularly bother him. “... hopefully not a relation. I’m from Baltimore if that helps so it wasn’t even around here. I only moved out here a few years ago. Not sure if you’re from around here or not though, I don’t think you said. Juice?” he tacked on, holding up a carton of orange juice to offer the other. “I’d like to think so. And this does make for a very interesting introduction story.”

“It’s reciting with feeling. You can have a one man show.” sh teased him. “Well I do that sober so there’s just one more reason I should never teach. Some day you will sob in front of me and I will feel like less of a crazy emotional mess.” Maggie giggled. “I will cut you off. I am totally broke so I normally depend on guys thinking I’m hot and pity drinks when I’m alone. So this is a rare occasion. Home booze is so much cheaper.”

“I have always been better with other people’s words rather than my own,” he agreed, seeming to take to the idea at least a little more. “There are already enough tears in high school that they don’t need the teachers adding to them. Believe me. Oh, I don’t doubt that. I cry a lot. Just generally not in front of people.” Laughing, he nodded his head. “That’s probably a good strategy. Sadly it doesn’t work quite as well for me. I end up doing the drink buying rather than the other way around. Home booze is almost always the way to go.”

Although Lucy didn’t actually verbally accept his offer, the understanding nod and the grateful smile she gave him spoke for her. “You’re too nice to me. I don’t deserve all of this” she eventually got out, her voice a little choked. The assurances that he wouldn’t ask her any questions was surly a relief, Lucy knew she needed time to convince herself she was doing the right thing before pouring her heart out to others and despite all of her realisations, there was still a very small part of her that wanted to protect Tyler. Taking the handkerchief from him, she carefully dabbed away the lingering tears from her cheeks. “I’ll wash this and give it back to you.” It seemed a strange thing to say, especially considering she had no home to wash it in but the words came out before Lucy really had a chance to think them over, a surprising smile appearing on her face once she had. It was small but a smile nonetheless. “I don’t know what else to say” she admitted as he assured her she didn’t need to thank him. As he patted her head, Lucy slowly leaned over to rest it gently against his shoulder, wanting to savour the moment of feeling safe for the first time in a while. “I think I need a lawyer.”

“Wrong,” he told her with a shake of his head. “You do deserve it. Because if you were in my shoes and I was in yours you’d be doing the same thing for me, right?” Seth fully believed that and even if he didn’t thin it was the case he felt that every act of kindness was good for sparking several more in the future. “Alright, but don’t worry about it too much. I have another one,” he assured her, nodding his head and watching her carefully. “You don’t have to say anything.” And it was true he expected nothing back from what he was doing, smiling down at her as she leaned into him and wrapping his arms around her in a quick but hopefully comforting hug. “Now that I can do. I happen to know a very good one. We’ll get this all sorted out, I promise you.”

“You have? Got any more tips for a rookie like me?” he asked, playing up his innocence as much as he could. “I’m not much of an expert when it comes to this sort of thing.” Not entirely true but it was fun to pretend. “I agree. I have some wonderful stories, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to hear them some time.” Chucking, Freddy followed the man into the apartment and perched himself on the first seat he saw that still had a good view of the kitchen. There was a smug smile quickly appearing on his face at the other’s words but he was shrugging off the rest of his words. “What, has your best friend got something against coming home to find an unknown naked man in his or her apartment? Weird.” Clearly joking, he followed his words with a laugh. “Yeah that’s pretty boring… though there’s definitely something sexy about it too, I can’t deny. Everyone’s had at least one teacher fantasy in their life, right?” If he were being honest, sex had been the farthest thing from Freddy’s mind when he was in high school, it had taken him a lot longer to see what all the fuss was about than most other people. “You’ll be glad to hear that I only get more fun the longer you know me”

“Keep in mind I was a teenager at the time so it doesn’t all apply. More climbing out of windows to keep parents from finding me than getting tossed out the front door,” he said, shaking his head with a chuckle. “I wouldn’t call myself an expert at this point either, it’s been a lot more years than I’d like to admit since I’d done anything quite like that. Do you now? Maybe we’ll have to trade stories some day,” he decided as he started cooking, humming cheerfully to himself. “... actually, no. He’s pretty happy with attractive and under-dressed men in his apartment actually.” The words came out of his mouth with an amused laugh, causing him to shake his head as he said it with clear fondness. “You’re just full of flattery, aren’t you?” Seth asked as he glanced at the guy over his shoulder. “But I suppose that’s true, we’ve all had one. Ms. Clarke be still my heart.” Raising an eyebrow, Seth finished making the food splitting it up into two plates to bring over to the table. “Well that’s good to hear. Sounds like the start of a very nice friendship.”

“I’m not saying that! I’m saying you are learning the ways, darling. This dream is just… confirmation that you are heading in a fantastic direction. Eh?” He nodded in approval with his own words. “You’ve never wrote me a poem, which is heartbreaking on many, many levels….” Levi’s voice drifted, gaze quickly narrowed as he could tell what direction Seth was going, though he tried to just huff it off. “Okay,” he said slowly, placing his chin in the palm of his hand as he looked at the other. “… that doesn’t quite explain why you look so worried and distracted, then. If he’s taking care of himself, you should be happy for him, right?”

“Well I won’t complain about that. I’m pretty happy with the direction my life is moving... in a lot of ways.” Raising an eyebrow Seth thought over the words before shaking his head as he looked back at his coffee. “None that you know about at any rate,” he said teasingly around the cup as he took a sip. He wanted to make it sound at least a little like a joke she he wouldn’t be asked to actually show these poems to Levi in the future... something he definitely wouldn’t do. “No, no that’s good for him. It was a bit worrying for him to be living on his own anyway... it’s just that he’s moving out of Town to do it. But it’s not a big deal, I’m sure it will be fine. It’s just any changes with housing stuff can be worrying, right?”

“Why don’t you try acting?” she said with a smile. “I mean you’re already pretty convincing with it. Maybe you could act in some community Shakespeare theater. Then you get to borrow his words but use your own spin on it.” Maggie shook her head at  his comment. “That would be me if I was a teacher. In all honesty I’d be a sobbing mess all the time.” she laughed. “Well you’re gonna be a part of the way guy when it comes to drinking with me. Maybe you get a half of a bottle of wine. Or two thirds. Depends on how much we drink here. But it is always cheaper to do it at home.” she said with a smile. “Okay. It’s planned.”

“Acting? I’m not sure that’s for me, then again I haven’t tried ever so maybe I’ll give it a shot one time.” He shrugged, considering it but not sure he’d actually take up the idea. “They tend to frown on sobbing I’m sorry to say. It’s why I keep mine to when I’m at home.” He chuckled. “I’ll do my best, but you might have to be the one to cut me off. I’ll do my best to hold back. Cheaper drinks are probably a good idea though, my wallet isn’t happy with how much time I spend in bars.”