Arc "You're okay there?" Chelsea asked, his voice holding a hint of worry. Arc nodded, staring upwards at the ceiling, his lips pressed tightly together. When Penelope had left in a hurry to go bowling with a friend, there'd been a silent awkwardness between them that Chelsea couldn't quite understand. Chelsea had been terrified seeing Arc lying on the floor, squirming as his right leg convulsed almost violently. He'd never felt that terrible lick of fear run through his spine, or that ball of trepidation drop in his stomach since his Didi had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Chelsea couldn't blame Arc for his fear of hospitals. He was scared of them too. Although, he wondered what had gotten a impassive person like Arc to be so worked up at the suggestion of a hospital. Had he have to say goodbye to a dear one in one of them too or was it just a stagnant bad feeling he got anytime he thought of them. He drilled questioning eyes into Arc but the other guy's posture was sti
Arc "Are you sure you're not the one that's afraid of getting attached?" "I'm not. I can handle myself." Arc wasn't sure he was handling himself well when it came to Chelsea. He'd used Penelope as an excuse for creating a boundaries, but it was more for him than her. He needed time to think, to process this new bout of tingling feelings that simmered to the surface ever since Chelsea forced his way into his life. In retrospect, Arc hadn't been willing and it happened to be that Chelsea could be a determined pest when set on something. He'd needed to put Chelsea outside the borderline of his personal life. Yes, he'd agreed to do the stupid pretense thing which he was almost starting to regret it but the money was too big of a deal to pass up. And he'd told Lily, Chelsea's social manager that he wasn't planning on ever quitting. Besides, Penelope could go away to college and her life would be made easier and better wit
Chelsea The hotel room was a serene oasis, with soft, creamy walls and warm beige furnishings that seemed to whisper relaxation. The large window framed a stunning ocean view, where waves gently rolled in under a clear blue sky. A comfortable-looking couch and armchair sat invitingly in the sitting area, while a sleek, modern desk held Lily's laptop and notes. The room's luxurious king-size bed, adorned with crisp white linens and plush pillows, beckoned a restful retreat. The air was filled with the sweet scent of fresh flowers, and the sound of seagulls drifted in from outside, creating a calming ambiance. Lily sat on the couch, typing away on her laptop, while Chelsea lounged on the bed, chewing his thumb in contemplation This was the second one he'd ventured into Lily's hotel room. "Could you please go away? I'm busy here." Lily's fingers flew across the laptop's keys, the clicking sounds a stark contrast to Chelsea's wavering thoughts. "I don't want to.
Arc Three days passed without the familiar sight of blonde hair and big brown eyes. The absence of Chelsea's bratty voice was unsettling. He couldn't quite put his finger on what he was feeling. Despite setting boundaries to keep him at arm's length, a lingering sense of melancholy had settled in. An empty feeling gnawed at his gut, leaving him perplexed. Maybe Chelsea had finally written him off as a lost cause, a deformity he no longer wanted to bother with. Perhaps he'd boarded a plane to LA, returning to his life of luxury and leaving Arc behind. Maybe Chelsea had gotten what he wanted and was done with Arc. The thought stung, and Arc couldn't understand why he cared so much. If Chelsea was truly gone, Arc would simply need to find another way to secure Penelope's school funds. But the practicality of it all did little to ease the hollow feeling in his chest. It was absurd. He barely knew Chelsea, and his tolerance for the other boy's childish antics was wearing thin. S
Chelsea Sarge was a kind-hearted and endearing individual, with a head of curly brown hair and a scruffy beard that barely concealed his youthful appearance. Standing at around six feet tall, he was lean and muscular, with a lanky build that belied his strength. Despite his rugged exterior, Sarge had a nervous charm, often fidgeting and stumbling over his words when Chelsea was near. His gaze would frequently drift towards Chelsea, his eyes locking onto him with an unmistakable intensity, revealing a secret crush that he struggled to keep hidden. "I'm sorry for calling you out here the way I did," Sarge said, his voice laced with sincerity. Chelsea smiled warmly. "There's no problem, really." Just then, Chelsea sensed a presence behind him and turned to see Arc looming, his face etched with a scowl that seemed to bore into both of them. Chelsea offered Sarge a reassuring smile, trying to put him at ease. Sarge laughed nervously,
Arc Saturday descended upon him like a reckoning, fueled by his simmering anger. The days since Chelsea's absence had ticked by with agonizing slowness, each one a fresh reminder that he might be laughing and smiling with someone else – someone more charming, more appealing. Someone who was his complete opposite, yet somehow, Chelsea's absence had sparked a craving he couldn't shake. As the days ticked by, the ache of not seeing him grew, until it became a persistent hum in the background of his mind. By the time Saturday arrived, he was raw with anticipation, his defenses worn down by the relentless longing to be near Chelsea again. The clock ticked closer to 3:30 pm, and Penelope's gaze lingered on him, her eyes narrowing into slits of suspicion, as if trying to unravel a mystery hidden beneath his skin. "What?" Arc growled, annoyance lacing his tone. She stood frozen in the kitchen corridor, her eyes wi
Chelsea The car was a snug fit for Arc, its low ceiling and cramped interior forcing him to duck slightly to avoid hitting his head. Chelsea was a little proud of himself from cleaning out the car before coming to pick up Arc. "So here's the plan," Chelsea said. "We attend that party and make a show of our fake kin-man-ship in front of everyone." "Only you would call this pretentious charade a kin-man-ship," Arc retorted. "You're getting to know me better, that's great," Chelsea said. "So, what else have you observed about me?" "Except the fact that you annoy me, nothing else," Arc retorted. "Ha! I'm glad you think of me that way." Chelsea drawled. "Besides, being a thorn in someone's flesh is something I excel at, and, it's a wonderful trait to have." Arc shrugged and gazed out the window, his attention drifting away. The car groaned and screeched in protest as it rattled down the road, its worn joints and tired engine crying out in agony. "You're ok
Arc As they pulled into the driveway of a large, two-story building, Arc was assaulted by loud pop music blasting through the air. The cacophony was excruciating to his ears, and he wondered why the neighbors hadn't yet filed a complaint, assuming the party had been raging for some time. As Chelsea stepped out of the car, Arc tensed up and his anxiety spiked. Not wanting to appear weak in front of him, Arc followed suit, carefully exiting the vehicle to avoid hitting his head. But as he joined Chelsea, the chaotic scene before them sent Arc's instincts into overdrive, and he felt a strong urge to make a hasty retreat. "Now that's a party." Chelsea exclaimed, his enthusiasm unmistakable. Arc couldn't decide whether to agree or disagree since he'd never been to a party before but he knew this wasn't the sort of social gathering he wanted to be a part of. He found himself wishing they had indeed veered off course, maybe really falling into a