Ch.18 - Away

Sebastian offered a cola to Henry as he clicked off his stereo. The air was awkward, and Sebastian found himself missing their old relationship; not to mention if their company wasn't so established it probably would have already crumpled with the way they had been avoiding each other.

"I think it is better if we're blunt during this. So, what exactly are you hoping to accomplish with this talk? I'm not giving up Marlin; end of story."

Henry popped open the cola and avoided Sebastian's eyes," I know, and I've accepted it. Britney and I aren't good for Marlin. You are; she's happier around you. I respect that. I just need some time to get over it." Henry's throat closed and he stopped.

The room was silent for a while before Sebastian reached over and laid a hand on Henry's shaking one. Henry didn't notice, too wrapped up inside his own head.

"So, are you asking me to keep her away from you?"

Henry let out a chocked laugh," it sounds so egocentric but yeah. I don't trust myself right now and I just need time to heal. Can you just keep her here?"

Sebastian grunted and ran a hand down his face. He couldn't stop his next words as they left his lips. "When was the last time you fucked her?"

Henry choked on his drink and he finally looked Sebastian in the eye," what!?"

Sebastian felt his insides coil almost as if they were taking his reaction as bad sign. He didn't know exactly why this was bothering him so much. He felt like he was missing something, as if people were hiding things from him. "You sent me the video, didn't you? Did you fuck her after that? After you knew I was pursuing her?"

Henry was shocked into silence and Sebastian nodded as he pushed himself out of the chair. Henry panicked as he went to the door. "Sebastian! Wait!"

"You think I wouldn't find out that you sent the video? I know the same tricks you do. You're seriously fucked up Henry."

Henry gripped Sebastian's arm and yanked him back. "No, I haven't touched her since I sent you the video!"

Sebastian whirled around," when was the last time then!?"

Henry gripped his hair and groaned," a couple days before but why does that matter?"

"It matters because it kills me! Knowing that you hold more of Marlin than I do!' Henry froze,' it shouldn't bother me, but it does. I feel like there is a fucking love triangle going on around me and I'm just a bystander."

"I don't know what you want me to do."

Sebastian glared at Henry," I don't want you to wait till you're okay. I want you away from Marlin till you are over her. Till this on and off again relationship is completely gone. You've messed up Marlin's mind Henry and I think it's better if you leave us alone while I help her fix it."

Henry's mouth was suddenly dry again and he felt like crying. He also knew it was for the best, so he nodded and looked away again. "Are we going to be alright? I don't want to lose our friendship too."

Sebastian opened the door and nodded," as long as you stay away from Marlin, we'll be fine."