[For Anthony]

[poetic_apostle]

It was a familiar scene, at least on the island. Anthony sitting on his bed reading, and Julian sprawled next to him, head on Anthony's thigh, reading, drowsing, or like today, writing. Well, sort of writing. It was more of editing, reading back through the last half-dozen or so poems he'd written, scratching out words and jotting down replacements

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[alittleofboth]

The fact of the matter was that Anthony was barely seeing the words upon the page. His mind teemed with worries - Guy, Donald, the disastrous Halloween, the romantic dramatics that had followed closely on its heels. The stakes might not have been quite so high, but the task of holding his friends together by threads was his once again. Julian's presence, while not bothersome, was all but ignored.

"Hm?" He shrugged, not looking up. "Well enough."

[poetic_apostle]

Julian smiled, closing his notebook and setting it aside. 'Well enough' hardly indicated that a distraction would be unwelcome, and he was starting to hate everything he was reading, at this point. It was time to do something else.

He hooked a finger around one of the buttons on Anthony's shirt, tugging lightly, teasingly at it. "Fascinating?" he purred with a hint of amusement, sort of gauging Anthony's interest.

[alittleofboth]

But Anthony did not reply, nor show any particular sign of interest. His mind was not on his book - but it was not on Julian, either. "It passes the time," he replied mildly.

[poetic_apostle]

But Julian knew better ways to pass the time. Or at least, they were better in his opinion. He undid the button his finger was hooked round, then reached up and tugged the top of Anthony's book down. "That's not a very convincing endorsement, Anthony..." he said with a grin.

[alittleofboth]

Anthony's expression behind the book was one of mild annoyance. "Julian," he said evenly. "Please, I'm reading.

[poetic_apostle]

Julian sighed and let go of the book, picking up his notebook again. But it didn't last long--he just wasn't in the right frame of mind for poetry. He set it down again and turned onto his side, letting his fingers trail lightly up the inside of Anthony's thigh as he closed his eyes.

[alittleofboth]

But as simple as it was, all the gesture did was make Anthony tense. He sighed quietly and closed his book. "For God's sake, Julian. Not right now." Was a moment's peace truly so much to ask for?

[poetic_apostle]

Julian's hand was jerked away and he sat up, looking hurt. "...Sorry," he mumbled, curling up a few inches from Anthony and resting his chin on his knees as he stared across the cave, not exactly sulking, but definitely wounded by the harsh rejection.

[alittleofboth]

He should not have spoken so sharply, Anthony knew that. But he had not the mind for either niceties or the patience to convince Julian to leave him be by kinder methods.

Once Julian had moved he opened his book again, but he said more quietly, "It's been a long day."

[poetic_apostle]

Whatever the reason for the sharp words, they had stung far more than they likely should have. Julian was silent for a minute more before turning to look at Anthony, expression almost mournful. "Perhaps I should go." The words made his chest ache to speak them, but if he was merely an irritant, he certainly didn't want to remain so.

[alittleofboth]

Anthony almost objected. He looked up and swallowed, though his expression was, as ever, difficult to read.

And then he gave a small sigh. "Perhaps you should," he agreed quietly, though he didn't sound particularly pleased - merely resigned.

[poetic_apostle]

Julian swallowed hard and nodded, eyes stinging with sudden tears that he held back as he slowly collected his notebook and pencil. He wanted to say something--there was already far too much going unsaid between them--but perhaps now was not the time.

[alittleofboth]

Anthony's expression softened slightly, turning apologetic. The things not said - they were building up around them, a house of cards that was becoming less and less stable with each passing day.

But if it became too unstable the slightest word could knock it down, couldn't it?

"Good night," he said quietly.

[poetic_apostle]

It was getting harder to hold back his tears, but Julian wasn't going to just leave. Not without a kiss.

He leant in and kissed Anthony lightly. "Good night," he whispered, the sound hoarse with emotion.

[alittleofboth]

Anthony accepted the kiss and almost smiled as Julian broke away. "Only a long day," he murmured with something like assurance. He paused. "I will see you tomorrow?"

[poetic_apostle]

Julian nodded, the leaden feeling in his stomach at least partially dissipating as he brushed his fingers tenderly over Anthony's cheek before getting to his feet. "Of course," he replied, nodding. "Hopefully tomorrow...won't be as long."