Chapter Text
One week. The brown haired boy did not interact with him for one week. Gavin avoided him as if the events of the previous week did not happen. He was confused. What happened? Did I do something wrong? He tried to contact the Brit, but there was never a response. Not until one week later, at 2 am, the vibrations from his phone on the bedside table woke him.
--
Michael sat, back against the wall, waiting for his… boyfriend to finish his band practice. It was still weird calling his best friend, his boyfriend. Of course, it still would be. He missed Gavin in the morning; he woke up slightly late.
“Hey, Gavin.” Michael stood up, a smile spreading across his face. He stared at green eyes. The flitting unhappiness in them was immediately covered up by simple acknowledgment. The Brit did not attempt to respond. It was weird. Gavin would normally be bounding up to him, telling Michael about his day. Instead, Gavin nodded curtly towards his direction and walked out of the school. Michael thought nothing of it. Maybe today was just not a good day and he needed space. Everyone went through that time.
Did I do something wrong? Maybe I should have called more often or something? Michael thought as he sat on the lawn outside of Gavin’s house. In his lap sat a box of chocolate cake. The Brit loved that bakery’s cakes, especially the chocolate cake. I hope he will talk to me soon.
Michael waited. It was odd; the boy was late. He rarely ever was late. Getting up to his feet, he walked to the front door. Maybe the boy woke up late. Just as Michael raised his hand to knock on the door, Mrs Free already opened it.
“Michael, dear, what are you doing here? Gavin already left.” Mrs Free looked as confused as Michael felt.
“He left already? What time did he leave?” Michael stared at the box of cake he was holding.
“Thirty minutes ago I think. He left much earlier than normal. Did not tell me why. I just thought he was rushing to meet you. I did find it odd; he would always walk to school with you.” Mrs Free explained.
“Well, maybe I will catch him in school. Could you do me a favour Mrs Free? I bought Gavin his favourite cake; could you give it to him later? I might miss him again.” Michael lifted the box closer to Mrs Free. She nodded. He caught a flash of guilt in her eyes.
Guilt? Is she hiding something from me?
Is Gavin hiding from me?
“Hey, uhh, Ray, got any reasons why Gavin seems to be avoiding me since Monday?” Gavin was nowhere to be seen at the cafeteria. Normally he would be with him. It was Wednesday and Michael had barely caught a glimpse of Gavin.
“I don’t know what’s up. He has not spoken to me since then either, the same thing with Meg.” Ray looked at Michael, concern plain in his eyes. It was weird. He took the phone from his pocket and opened the conversation he had with Gavin. It stopped since Sunday night.
“Huh.” Michael nodded as he started texting Gavin.
Michael: Hey Gavvers. Can you tell me what’s going on?
Michael: You can talk to me about anything.
Michael slipped his phone back into his pocket, hoping to get a reply from the Brit soon.
“Did you do something to upset him?” Meg set her tray down next to Ray.
“Why would I? Everything was going well. He just stopped talking me Sunday night. I waited for him to go to school together and walk home together from his band practice.” Michael stirred the pudding around in his cup.
“I just thought… I am sorry for suspecting you, Michael. Just that previously, you know…” Meg set her fork down, apologising for the misunderstanding.
“Nah. I thought I did something wrong too.” Michael looked at his phone. There was no reply. His temper rose as he saw that the message was read a minute after he sent it, but there was no reply. Michael quickly calmed himself down. Maybe he wants to talk in class.
Gavin always sat next to Michael in any classes they had together, like literature. When Michael entered the class along with the stream of other people, he saw Gavin already seated. Not in their usual spot. Gavin was seated right in the front row.
I have had enough of this.
Michael walked towards Gavin, the temper from before surged back up. He could taste the malice in his mouth and unclenched his hand, which was already red and radiating pain from him digging his fingernails into his flesh.
“Hey, Gavin.” Michael worked to stave off the anger he held. The boy did not look up.
“Michael.” A one-word reply. Really Gavin?
“You have been ignoring me. Did I do something wrong?” Michael breathed out loudly through his nose.
“No… Not you.” Gavin still did not look at Michael. He started to scribble on his notebook. Gavin only did it when he was nervous.
“Then what? Why are you ignoring me?” Michael started to grow exasperated; he pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Sorry Michael. I wish I could tell you. I am so sorry Michael.” Gavin’s voice started to break. Michael reached out to touch Gavin’s shoulder when he saw tear marks on the notebook page.
“Please Michael, stay away from me.” Gavin’s voice was strained with tears. Finally looking up to meet eyes with Michael, Michael saw the tear tracks down Gavin’s face. Michael nodded stiffly, shuffling back to his seat right as Mr Sorola walked in.
Michael was floored. What happened? Is he tired of me? Why won’t he tell me?
--
“Michael.” The voice on the other line was breathy. Quiet sobbing cleared Michael’s tired mind.
“What’s wrong Gavin?” He immediately asked, worried about the Brit.
“I need to see you. Please.” The sweet melodious voice was broken and beaten down. “I’m outside. Please, I need to see you.”
“Wait right there.” Michael bounded out of his bed and ran to his front door.
Gavin was standing outside wearing his pyjamas, sobbing and crying into his sleeve. He looked up to Michael, eyes red and swollen. He took a shaky step forward and touched Michael’s arm softly. Michael immediately enveloped him in a hug and stroked his back.
“Hey, shh, it’s okay now. Let’s get you inside.” Michael led the boy inside, never letting go of the crying boy.
“It’s not.” Gavin whispered voice choked by his tears.
Michael sat the boy on the bed and covered him with a blanket. The boy’s skin was cold to the touch. He wanted to fetch Gavin a cup of water, but he would rather not leave the boy alone yet. Later.
They sat side by side in silence, only broken by the sobs of the Brit. Michael continued stroking Gavin’s back with Gavin’s head resting on Michael’s shoulder. Michael desperately wanted to know why his boyfriend did not speak to him for one week, telling him to stay away from him. He desperately wanted to know why his boyfriend ended up outside his house in his pyjamas at three in the morning. He desperately wanted to know how to make his boyfriend feel better.
“I might be moving back to England.” Gavin whispered in the middle of a sob.
Well, shit.