Not dead yet

[stephen--murphy]

Fourth of July Camping|| StAx

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston‌:

Maxen didn’t know what came over him and he found himself unable to regain control and it wasn’t until he felt Stephen’s arms around him that he stopped struggling and hitting and wrapped his own arms around him. His face buried deep into his neck an he cried openly into it. He was in pain, a lot of it, and it came out with each blow he gave his husband. Both of his hands clung to the sweat and dirt covered back, knuckles red and bleeding. Everything from the split skin on his hands, the blow to his stomach and the pain in his heart felt too much for him and he said, basically pleading, “Don’t leave me again. Please don’t leave me again. I don’t think I can handle it happening. Not again.” He knew how it sounded and he wanted to be vulnerable. Open. He wanted this man to know just how much he broke him when he disappeared.

As much pain as he felt, MIaxen crying tore him up. When they first got married, Maxen was just always happy and Stephen wanted to keep him that way. And it hurts him to know that he is the cause for Maxen’s pain. Stephen clunged to Maxen just as hard as he clunged to him. It was the constant physical contact that Stephen missed also. Maxen used to always find ways to hug, cuddle, kiss, and just caress. Stephen hadn’t felt that in ten years, and this was quite overwhelming, but he just hugged Maxen harder until he heard Maxen’t pleading voice. Stephen loosened his hole on Max, and moved both hands so that he can hold Maxen’s face in his hand. He gently lifted his head up so that htey were making eye contact. He needed to say this and he wanted Maxen to know how serious he was. “I promise I will never leave you again. I don’t care about bad it becomes, or how much danger I am. I never want to be apart from you agian. I love you so much and the thought of leaving you again is painful, and I don’t just mean emotionally.” He cracked a little smile. I understan your anger, and I just want to rebuild what we had.”

[stephen--murphy]

Fourth of July Camping|| StAx

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston‌:

What Maxen wanted unfolded and he panted hard while his hands hurt like hell from the blows. Stephen spoke the truth and he knew there was sense behind those words but it didn’t help with how betrayed he felt. And then…then the punch came and it knocked the air out of him so fast that he had to gasp and cough at the same time while he laid a hand on his knee. While he regained his breathing, bowed slightly, he looked up at Stephen and then, without notice, he lunged for him and tackled him to the ground. Maxen didn’t feel himself and as they thudded to the dirt he tried to get on top of him to issue another blow. “Cushy? You call worry about you every fucking day and mourning you at the same time as cushy. I felt dead without you, Angelo Dead! Nobody could get me to do anything and I ran that bar because it was the only thing I had to remember you by. The bar. The trailer. The damn cat. That is all I had of you. I had to leave Havenoaks because it hurt too much and I couldn’t go on living there. An-an-and he-” he was breaking up with his words and breathing and he kept waiting for another hit to come but he couldn’t see straight and wanted to just go back to a time where nothing like this would have happened to them.

Stephen didn’t expect Maxen to lunge at him, or for him to fall to the ground hard, the wind being knocked out of him, while Maxen punched him. He never thought he would see them go at each other like this. He knew there was anger, but this much? He was glad that were getting it out, be he was worried that they would never fix it. Stephen shoved Maxen off of him, and sat up catching his breath.He was sore, bruised, and tired, but that didn’t stop him from reaching over and pulling Maxen in his arms hugging him. This was the first time in ten years that he hugged or even held Maxen in his arms and he needed it, not matter how pissed they were at each other, they needed this. Maxen’s words got to him, and he realized just how much he hurt him, and yea Stephen went through hell, but both of their feelings are valid and Stephen didn’t want to spend the time fighting anymore. He was drained, and just wanted to hold his husband. “I love up Maxen. despite how angery I am, or the things I said, I love you. I wouldn’t be here having you kick my ass if I didn’t love you.” Stephen was tired of fighting, and just wanted to hug the man that love.

[stephen--murphy]

Fourth of July Camping|| StAx

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston‌:

As soon as the punch landed Maxen watched the love of his life dropped on the ground and stare up at him. He breathed hard and he immediatly wanted to help him up but that would defeat the purpose of this. Maxen watched as he rose to his feet and instead of apologizing or saying something to help ease his anger Stephen went for a taunt and Maxen found that the anger needed to remain. It needed to fester and make itself known. Instead of speaking he went up to the man, a man he’d seen as the only person capable of capturing his heart, and he punched him again, this time with his left hand. This hit Stephen in the stomach before he gave him a right hook to the jaw. It went fast, much like when he practiced with the bag and he grunted and made a noise that sounded very much unlike him. “Aren’t you going to say something? Aren’t you going to hit me back and tell me that I have no place to be mad at you?” He spat out at him, eyes dark and cheeks flushed. 

Stephen knew his words would make Maxen angrier than he already was, and that was what he wanted. But of course that came with pain and Maxen, being a good with his hands combined with his experience with a punching bag, brought a lot of pain. Stephen had tried to tighten his stomach muscles so the blow won’t feel too bad, but of course Maxen was a bit faster, and the punch to the jaw wasn’t expected at all. Stephen spit some blood out, and glared at Maxen. And he just let his anger come out. “You shouldn’t be mad at me! You should be grateful!” Stephen shoved him back hard. “I spared you from a life that you would have hated! Do you have any idea of what I went through? I spent time in prision! If you were with me, they would have put you in witness protection or some shit and we would have been separated anyway!” Another shove. “I did what I had to do and I don’t regret it! I would do it again in a heartbeat!” The anger was right there on the surface, and with that, stephen threw his first punch at Maxen stomach. “You’re mad because you had to stay here, running a bar, having the cabin, having the cat, moving in with your sister, being free to do whatever it is that you wanted! It seems like you had a pretty cushion life Max.” Stephen was breathing hard and his vision was blurry, and he didn’t know if that was from sweat, him bleeding, or crying.”You weren’t in a place where you can end up dead at any given time, so if I was you, I would be thanking me instead of walking around with that chip on your shoulder.”

[stephen--murphy]

Fourth of July Camping|| StAx

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston‌:

This wasn’t what he intended to do during their trip but as soon as Stephen neared him Maxen felt that hitch in his chest and he took in a deep breath to try to ease the weight. It didn’t help and he balled his fists. Maxen nodded. “You know how much I love you, Stephen. I told you before that if you’re to leave to take me. I want to be with you. I don’t know what you’ve been through. It’s impossible to tell me ten year’s worth of things but I missed out on those ten years and I am angry at you about it. Not because you abandoned me but because I wasn’t there when I should have been.” He brought his fist up and hit him in the chest. Hard. The knuckles connecting with the skin felt odd but there was a sense of relief which came from the impact.

Stephen heard Maxen’s word like a slap. He knew that his husband was furious with him. He remember all of those convesations they had when Maxen would tell him that he wanted to be with Stephen in every aspect, including being on the run with him. Stephen could never do that to Max, but it hurt when he left there. It was the worst pain he ever felt. But now with Maxen squaring up and punching him in the chest, that was the worst pain. Yea it physically hurt and knocked him on his ass, and knocked the wind out of him, but the hurt in his eyes is something that he never wants to see. Maxen deserves to be nothing but happy, and Stephen took his happiness away. So he deserved all of thiis. Stephen needed to take a few minutes before getting up. He knew his husband was experienced with boxing, so he knew this wasn’t going to be cakewalk. But damn, is all Stephen could say to h imself. He got himself and brushed the dirt off of him. “Is that all you got? Stephen said tauting him. He needed Maxen to get more pissed then he already was. He need Maxen to unleash his fury, so that it can spark Stephen’s, and that they could really really box, and get their anger out. “I thought you would have went for my face. That might be more satisfying then a punch to the chest, don’t you think?”

[stephen--murphy]

Fourth of July Camping|| StAx

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston‌:

This wasn’t planned out but it was more about the spur of the moment resolution than something they needed to go into some discussion about. Maxen stared at the gloves and he started to take them off. “I think with this it might better for both of us to go in without the padding. It’ll hurt but it’s supposed to.” This wasn’t like him but he needed that release and maybe after a few good hits in they’ll be fine. He wanted them to be fine. The gloves went down and he stood in front of his estranged husband, a man who he loved more than himself. The man who hurt him in a way he prayed he’ll be able to get over because he wanted them to resume what they had planned years ago. He took a breath and went ahead and peeled his shirt off before he neared Stephen. “If you think this is a bad idea then we’ll go get the other pair of gloves.”

Any other time, Stephen would be against this, but now he sees how badly they need this. He hopes that after tonight, they can finally move on. “It’s not a bad idea Maxen. We need to feel the pain, and maybe have a bunch of bumps and bruises to remind us of how much we want to fix this.” He couldn’t help but eyes Maxen’s chest. He was only human after all, and missed Maxen’s form as well. He lifted his shirt over his age and walked up to Maxen. “So you want to get the first hit in? 

[stephen--murphy]

Fourth of July Camping|| StAx

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston‌:

When gloves came out Maxen looked at them. Surprised. The explanation made sense and he took them from Stephen. He never struck his husband before but he thought it might help. There was pent up anger and if this can release it then they can start to get back to where they were. If it was possible to. “I’ll put them on.” He said and pulled one glove on then, with some practiced procedure he pulled the other. He didn’t lace the but they felt snug on his hands. Maxen looked at the gloves then to Stephen. “Do you plan to hit back?” He stood in front of his husband, glad they weren’t close to the fire. He thought of that anger which sat on his heart; weighing him down completely. “There must be something inside you, too. Some anger. Might not be at me but what tore us apart.” As much as he wanted to hit him he couldn’t do it without Stephen hitting him back, too.

Stephen was glad that Maxen took him up on his offer. He wanted so bad for things to be okay between them. He knew that it may take time for them to go back how they were, but this could be some kind of start. “I hadn’t really thought that far ahead. But now that you mentioned it, I do have abger at this messed up system, and myself for being such a fool and just leaving you like that. So I’ will hit back, though I only brought one pair of gloves. Do you think you have another pair lying around here, or maybe in the cabin? If not, we can take turns.” 

[stephen--murphy]

Fourth of July Camping|| StAx

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston:

Maxen held his plate with both hands and considered what Stephen proposed. It would help with his budding anger and he felt he needed to release it. It would be good to focus it on the one person who he thought would be there for him; that understood how important it was to keep him in the loop with what’s happening instead of leaving him and making him think he was dead. The reasonings behind his departure were rational and he understood the importance with shutting him out that way; as it was for his very own safety. But it didn’t rid the abandonment sensation. 

He didn’t say anything but the sudden loss of appetite had him set his plate to the side and he picked up his bottle. Maxen stood and walked away, keeping his back to Stephen while he looked straight ahead into the woods. There was nothing around for miles and he liked how isolated they were. Maxen drank slowly and thought again about the suggestion. “Okay.” he said at last and tipped back his back once more to empty it into his mouth. He swallowed it and went to the small bag he used for recycling. While there he looked to Stephen and said. “Lets do this because I do have a lot of anger towards you and I don’t want to feel it anymore. It’s suffocating me.”

Stephen was glad that Maxen took him up on his offer. He wasn’t looking forward to get punched, but he was looking forward to Maxen just letting out his frustrations and anger. He hoped that this would help them move on from the past mistakes. He got up and threw out his beer bottles in the same recycling bag. He put his empty plate in the garbage also and walked towards the bag that was set down by his feet. He squat down and opened it pulling out some  old boxing gloves. “I’ve had these for a few years. Made me think of you when I was using them. He got up and walked toward his estranged husband and handed him a pair of gloves. “I brought them just in case you took my suggestion. So we can either use them or not, or do this however you want. Just don’t hold back.”

[stephen--murphy]

Fourth of July Camping|| StAx

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston:

They were about to get into comfortable conversation and Maxen thought about how easy it could be. To set aside the hurt and just have this time with his husband as if it was the way it used to be and there hadn’t been a ten year gap. “With how strained things feel between us, I think it’s good you like this.” He said eating the fish now and thinking about his words. “I like it, too.” He chewed on his food and looked to his husband. “I missed you.” he didn’t want to open himself up to vulnerability but when it came to Stephen his heart still belonged to the man. “Fine. As fine as it can be. He’s busy with work all the time and tries to see Rowan and I but we’re not close. I’m closer to my mom who still lives in France. She couldn’t get herself to come back.” He ate another bite and leaned back against the log to stare into the fire. “Sometimes I’d think about everything we’ve done together and it made me wish I could go back and relive it.” He spoke these words slowly, as if he wanted to savor them in some sense. “Do you think we’ll be able to get back to how things were?” There was a soft sadness to his tone, one which carried into the expression he wore as he finally looked at his husband once more.

Stephen wanted to be optimistic and tell Maxen that they will get what they once had. But the truth is, he doesn’t know. He knows that Max is hurt, and he could be hurt beyond repair. And it would be Stephen’s fault. “I would like to say yes, that we will get back to where we once were. It will take time though. I know you may still be hurt or angry, and I don’t see you getting rid of that anytime soon.” Stephen cut into his fish and took a few more bite, and then washed it down with his beer. He needed a little pause in what he was going to say. “I know you know I love you. Never stopped, and always will. It was selfish of me to leave you for so long and just think if I came back, we could just pick up where we left off.” Stephen set his plate aside and turn to fully face his husband. “Remember way back when, I was going through some stuff, and you told me that if I ever get angry that I could throw stuff around and you’ll take me outside so that we can box or sprawl, and then make love to bring me back down? I feel that we should do that. Not the make love part. But the boxing or sprawling part. Maybe it will help with your anger toward me if we just get it all out in the open.” He picked back up his plate and continue eating. “It’s just a suggestion because I want to get back what we once had.”

[stephen--murphy]

Fourth of July Camping|| StAx

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston:

When they’d camp in the past, one of them would be close to the other while they spent time next to the fire; especially after dinner. The fish they caught earlier in the day sizzled in the cast iron frying pan and Maxen stared at it while he sipped at his beer. He’d been lost in thought throughout most of their time together because there was the obvious conflict with whether to forgive and forget or to allow the anger which simmered underneath the surface to come out.

Since Stephen return Maxen bruised his knuckles at the gym, issuing such hard wallops to the punching bag; opting for bare fist instead of gloves. It wasn’t smart of him and there were traces of those bruises still but with how dark it was he didn’t think Stephen would notice them too much, if he hadn’t before. 

Drinking in silence he moved the pan away from the flames, using a mitt to keep from burning his hand, and he served each of them their own fish with the potatoes he packed for the trip. Maxen walked over with both plates and he handed one to Stephen before he sat next to him on the log. “Can you believe we’re back to this place?” He asked, breaking the silence at last, using a fork to tear into the crunchy texture of the fried fish. It was still too hot to eat, the steam wafted into his face. “I came here a couple months ago to see my dad. He’s still living on his own.” He said. His mother never returned from France. She started a life with another man who had two small children to occupy her time with.

Stephen took his plate with a smile and was ready to dig in. He didn’t realize how hungry he was until Maxen started the food. Being here with him brought back a lot of memories. Memories that he would always cherish. Stephen savored his first bite. After all the time he spent away, time he spent in jail, this was probably the best meal he had in a long time. “I can’t believe we’re back here at all. I had hoped to be here with you one day, but it seemed impossible. Now as cliche as this may sound, it feels like a dream come true.” Stephen meant those words. He often dreamed about being on their property, or camping, or sailing, or just cuddling on the couch in their cabin. Simple things that meant so much to them. “How is your relationship with him now? And how is your mother?” Stephen remembered that their relationship was a bit strained when they got together. He hoped that maybe with his absence, Maxen and his father got along better.

[stephen--murphy]

Fourth of July Camping|| StAx

Stephen was a little nervous about this camping trip. He hasn’t been alone in a tent with Maxen for ten years, and he honestly don’t know how to act. The day was okay and seeing Havenoaks and Duel were interesting, but now he was here alone with his estranges husband and his mind couldn’t stop racing. All throughout the day, he kept glancing at Maxen wondering what was going through his mind. Sometimes Stephen dreamed about a day like this where he and Maxen can camp out under the stars and just hold each other. But now that this dream situation is here, Stephen doesn’t know what to do or say. He still feels like Maxen can’t forgive him, and that thought hurts his heart more than anything. 

Stephen reached into the cooler next to him and grabbed a beer. It was his second one tonight. He was hoping that it would calm his nerves down, but that doesn’t seem to be working. “How long has it been since you’ve been in Havenoahs?” Stephen needed to break the silence and tension.

[maxenweston]

Take Two || Stax

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston:

When Stephen spoke of meeting his father Maxen looked at him with such surprise that even he didn’t know how to process it. He knew that it would be inevitable and Stephen met his father on numerous occasions but he didn’t actually expected to see him. “I want to get a chance to introduce myself and talk to him but maybe we should wait until things are better between us. It’ll be too much happening at one time.” He hated how overwhelmed he was with all that took place in the past week and needed to attempt a semblance of control of the situation. “I work at a small garage on the weekends here in Portland. It’s a father and son operation but I help get them through their workload on the harder projects. We can go on next Monday if that’s okay. Camp out and stick around for the 4th of July?”

Stephen agreed that there is a time for everything. He didn’t want to make Maxen uncomfortable about anything, so he will wait until the time is right. “Okay, so we’ll just play it by ear. Whenever you’re ready.” Stephen didn’t delude himself to thinking that things would go right back to where they left off. He knew that couldn’t be the case. He knew that he hurt Max, and he needed that time to heal. Stephen wanted to give him that time. “Whatever happened to Al? Did he pass his garage on? Or is still running it?” Stephen liked the idea of camping out with Maxen. It was a favorite of his and one of things he missed about being with husband. “Monday works well for me. I’m not working or anything, so I’m free.”

[maxenweston]

Take Two || Stax

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston:

Maxen wanted to believe this. Stephen never lied to him before and warned him of the potential of packing up and going but it stung. It stung bad. But he couldn’t fault him for deceit. It was never about that. His dark eyes stayed on Stephen and he felt himself relax. Not completely but enough where he didn’t feel as if he had a hard piece of wood plastered to his back. “I’ve never been in a situation like this before. Picking up where we left off won’t be easy but at least we’re in the same room. Talking.” Maxen continued to hold his hand and found himself not wanting to let go. “Do you want to head to Havenoaks at some point so I can show you the bar?” If things got back to the way they were Maxen didn’t know if he’d actually want to return to the small town, that getting out did some good for him as he’d never left before. 

Stephen knew it wouldn’t be easy. They haven’t been in each other’s life for ten years. They are both different people and would have to learn each other all over again. But he is up for the task. He hated leaving Maxen like that, and he wants his husband back. Stephen squeezed Maxen’s hand a little. “I’m glad we’re here talking. It means a lot that you’re willing to give this another try. I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want to try.” It would be devastating, but it would be what Stephen deserves. “I would definitely like to see the great job you did with the bar, and also maybe see the cabin? Maybe show my father how I lucked up and found a great husband, who kept my bar alive even after I left him.” Stephen didn’t have words to describe how much that meant to him. Max could have just closed it or sold it, but he didn’t. He kept it alive. And if that doesn't show how remarkable he is, he doesn’t know what will.

[maxenweston]

Take Two || Stax

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston:

Maxen held Stephen’s hand, an act he thought was long gone, and he stared at them. Fingers interlaced and different. More scars. More rugged. These were the same two hands which connected them together while they walked the street, sat on the couch, or made love. These very hands belonged to two men who swore they’d love each other until their dying breath. Now…now those promises were put to the test and Maxen tightened his grip on that very hand and closed his eyes in hope this would help rid the intrusive thoughts which reminded him how Stephen left. How he left him in the middle of the night. That no explanation, no matter how valid it was, could ever have him regain his trust in him. “Is that a promise you can keep?” he asked, eyes not on him. He couldn’t raise them above their matching bands with practically melded together in that instance. 

That was a good question. Is that a promise he can keep. Stephen thought about this since he has been back. Would he flee without a word again if something happened. And honestly, Stephen doesn’t want to leave Maxen again. He wants to stay with him and spend forever with him. The trial is over, and those guys that are after him are rotting in jail, so Stephen doesn’t think that this is a secret he won’t be able to keep. It is. Maxen I promise I won’t every leave you. The threat is gone, and I’m ready to just move on with my life with you, and even if the threat resurfaced, I would want you by my side while I go through this. I just missed you so much and I know what an idiot I’ve been. I don’t want you to feel this way again, or I for that matter.”

[maxenweston]

Take Two || Stax

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston:

“You left but you explained your absence and I’m having difficulty being okay with it.” He said as soon as Stephen spoke, not wasting a second to get it out. “Those sorry excuses included time spent in jail and reuniting with your father.” He reminded him with a soft voice, eye on the top of his bottle. He leaned back and kept quiet now, the offer to leave him and the life they started many years ago behind on the table. He tore his eyes away a droplet of water which slipped down the bottle’s side and rose to his husband. “If I wanted that option I never would have showed.” He said, voice low. Almost emotionless. Maxen breathed in deep and leaned forward again and reached across the table to take Stephen’s hand, which had the bottle’s label in it. “I’m here because I want to try to get back what we once had.”

Stephen knew that getting back to where they once were was easier said then done. So many years have passed and they are both different people. There were still things that Stephen didn’t want to talk about, but knew if he had any hope of getting his husband to trust him again, he would have to tell everything. And he was willing to do that because Maxen deserved to know what his husband been up to in his ten year absence. Feeling Maxen’s touch for the first time in years, did something to him. Stephen took his free hand and laid it on top of Maxen’s hand. “I’m glad that despite everything, you’re willing to give it try. I don’t deserve this, but I promise that I will not leave you again, no matter what. The first time nearly destroyed me, and us. I have no desire to repeat the same mistake.” Stephen was getting a second chance with his love and he will not screw it up.

[maxenweston]

Take Two || Stax

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston:

The words. The picture. These were unexpected surprises and Maxen looked at what Stephen kept on him. The picture was in near tatters and there were white cracks which spread through the entire photograph to show it’d gone through numerous foldings. He stopped moving the bottle within his hands and stared down at it. Maxen swallowed hard, his adam’s apple bouncing, and he felt such a dryness in his throat even minutes after he had his beer. “I feel like an asshole.” he said at last, the statement one he didn’t intend to say. “I’ve been furious, Stephen. To the point I didn’t think I want to see you again after our run in. Now you tell me this and I feel as if I’ve behaved selfishly.”

“But you haven’t behaved selfishly. I’m the selfish one. I leave you with a word or a trace of where I’ll be, then I come back here with some sorry excuses and just expect things to go back to how they were.” Stephen didn’t want Max to feel bad about anything. This is all on Stephen and Max has a right to feel as he wants to feel. “You have every reason to be furious with Maxen. Sorry doesn’t even begin to fix thing. And if this is still too much, and you want to walk out and never see me again, then that’s your right and though it will break my heart, I will respect your wishes.”

[maxenweston]

Take Two || Stax

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston:

Maxen turned in his seat and faced Stephen, bottle nestled between both his hands while Stephen fidgeted around with his. This wasn’t something he’s done before. Not with him around at least, and Maxen picked up this was nerves. Why wouldn’t he be nervous? They weren’t in a stable place right now with their relationship. “Does your dad know I’m here?” he asked, rolling the bottle between both hands. “With all honesty? Not well. I’ve been back and forth with how to approach you again. I went to our property and camped out in a tent for a few days to gain some perspective. That’s why I look the way I do.”

“When I came back from seeing you, told him bits and pieces. So yea he knows you’re in Portland. Doesn’t know you’re here now though.” Stephen took a sip of beer, letting the cool liquid go down before continuing. “He does want to eventually meet you though. He has heard a lot about you and want to actually see you in person and not in a crumbly photo that I carried around with me.” Stephen went into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He opened it taking a wrinkle photo out and sat it on the table in front of Maxen. It was a picture of him snuggled in their bed at the cabin, with bed hair and a smirk. “That was basically the only picture I had of you and it helped me through some tough times.” Stephen used it to remind him of who he was coming back to.

[maxenweston]

Take Two || Stax

[stephen--murphy]

maxenweston:

The bottle felt cold in his hot hand and it wasn’t until then that he realized he’d been sweating all this time. He brought the bottle to his lips and took a long drink of the cold beer, not stopping until half was gone. After he lowered the bottle and licked his lips he looked towards the area where the rooms were. “IS your dad home right now?” He didn’t know if they had to keep their voices down or if his voice knew much when it came to him. Maxen went to the kitchen area and took a seat in a chair and set the bottle on his knee. This wasn’t his home but he didn’t think Stephen wanted to keep standing around.

“No, he isn’t. He went out to a bar. Something about tired of being cooped up in the house.” Stephen decided to get himself a beer because facing Maxen again with all of this tension between them was harder than he thought. He was however happy that he made himself comfortable and sat down. Stephen followed suit and sat across from him. and began picking the label off of his beer bottle. Another nervous habit that he picked up.  “So how have you been since I saw you last week?” Small talk never hurt anyone.