There was nothing but silence from August and Kaleb couldn’t blame the guy. What happened and how Kaleb walked out wasn’t good and he figured August needed space and time to collect himself. Kaleb knew he did wrong but he just wished he could fix everything. But he couldn’t. He wanted to though, the times he went to the man’s house to talk he wasn’t home and he would go to the restaurant in New Orleans to check on August but no answer, that’s when Kaleb dug deeper. Finding the hotel that August was staying at. Kaleb couldn’t just let time fix this, he had to talk to August at some point and as he stepped in front of the door, Kaleb’s hand felt heavy to knock on it. @augustharlow
As Kaleb was trying to catch up with work, he knew he had to see August soon. After all the man did the last time they spoke, Kaleb had to return the favor. Give his thanks to him at the latest. So he made some cookies and was soon on his way to August’s place. At least now Kaleb was feeling better. He was able to relax and now he was clean shaven and working his way back to normal life. Back to his regular routine and he was grateful for August. He was grateful for everyone even if he didn’t show it that much. Knocking on the door of August’s apartment, Kaleb waited patiently. Soon looking to see the door open and his friend standing there. “Hey” He spoke softly. “I have a peace offering. Chocolate chip” @augustharlow
I wish I had more friends, who should I be friends with?
Eisley, Carmel or August are definitely at the top of my list because I feel like friend-ing them will definitely benefited you in the food department. Just imagine all the amazing dinners and desserts you’ll get taste! I’m salivating even just by thinking about it!
Zara, Dawn, or Katherine are always a good choice to buddy up if you want a crazy night out in the town with three fabulous looking girls, drinking or party they’ll be ready, and they even seem to be the type of friends who will help you stumble your way home and held your hair or rubbed your back when you throw up.
Kaleb, Walker and Jaron are where you should go if you’re looking for a nerdy conversation and just generally geeking out about stuff. Kaleb and Walker are heavily into comics and games, and Jaron is into... well, he’s into cute stuff. But let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a friend who left you a rose for Valentine’s day, right?
After heading out to the store and getting some ingredients and a quick dessert for them, Kaleb was set to head over to August’s place. They had agreed to do a small cook out while they would pull out the telescopes and check out the constellations. Try and find different or new discovers if possible. What was great about this was that Kaleb had a key to August’s place. So he could open the door, set down the stuff that needed to stay in the fridge and soon head to the back yard. He had first set up his telescope and then went over to the grill August had. Starting up the grill, to let it warm up. Kaleb went back inside to start seasoning the hamburger patties he bought.
August wasn’t the only chef out of the two of them. Kaleb was decent and he wanted to show off his skills any chance he got. He even bought some potatoes that he started to cut up into cubes. Wrapping them in foil pouches and seasoning those as well. He didn’t hear if August was home or not as Kaleb was in his own little world.
Humming a song as he worked in the kitchen. Only to pause as if he heard someone in the house. Was August really here? Kaleb thought it was another half hour before he got home. “August?” Kaleb questioned with a soft approach. @augustharlow
Tagging → @augustharlow
Mentions of → Video games, food, alcohol abuse
Time Frame → A week before Kaleb goes to Florida
Location → Kaleb’s apartment
Notes → August comes over with food for Kaleb, as they soon go into video games and eventually Kaleb falling asleep on August.
Hours later, Kaleb had gone to the liquor store picked up a bottle or two and made his way back to his place. August didn't want to bring the booze but Kaleb was going to go get it himself and have himself a very good time. He started playing his music and just having a one man party. Dancing, carrying on like no other. He was at the state of happy go lucky. The fun party drunk since he knew food was going to come his way. Rocket was also having a good time as him and his dog were just having the time of their lives. The minutes turned to hours and he had soon finished one bottle of whiskey and on to the next. That's when he heard a knock at the door and soon his stumbling self moved to grab it. Opening it up he saw it was August with the food and a wide smile showed on his features. "Yes food! Thank you so much. Come- come eat with me."
August actually left few hours early from work -- which caused some of his coworkers look at him in an extremely weird way because August never left early, or when other people normally did -- and he had went home to make the food because he didn't want to make the food at work this time. Besides, if he would have started to cook something completely different all of a sudden it would have caused questions so it was better to do that at home. It was almost ten when August finally was behind Kaleb's door. About an hour later than he had said he would and August felt bad for it, but well, at least he was there now. August knocked on the door and just because the loud music was booming through the door August already knew what would await him once the door opens. And there he was -- drunken Kaleb. August's gaze dropped on the food and he was offering it towards Kaleb when he was invited to eat as well. "Alright", he said stepping in. He scratched Rocket's head when the dog came to say hello, August left his shoes by the coat rack and offered the packages of food to Kaleb again.
Surely enough, Kaleb was in a good mood. Which was rare with how he was acting lately and how he didn't want any company. He was tired of so many people seeing if he was alright, asking how he was doing, and more so asking for Kaleb to talk to them. To tell them what was bothering him truly and that wasn't the case. He was one to keep himself isolated and not tell them what was going on. That's just how Kaleb was and sure it offended people and made him look like a bad guy, but no one was able to force anything on Kaleb and if they tried he would shut them out. Luckily enough August was just giving him food. Dancing over to his music he turned it down a little and stepped over to the food that was given to him. That goofy, drunk smile showing to the other. "So.. what'd you make?"
August knew when someone needed space and no matter how much he wanted to know what was wrong and could he help with anything, he knew he should not push it. So he tried his best not to question any of it and just be there if he would be needed. Kaleb would contact him when he'd want him around. Just like now -- Kaleb had wanted food and therefore August had left early from work to make that happen. "It's sun dried tomato chicken florentine pasta." And it actually was made for six people so there really would be enough food for few days, because like that August could be sure Kaleb would be eating and not only drinking. "Do you want to eat right away?"
Looking at the boxes and soon opening them up, Kaleb's eyes were glued to it. Only to turn his head to August with delight. "This looks freaking amazing but first.. dance with me!" He spoke up, heading over to August and taking his hand in the other's. Doing a little jive motion and swaying his hips in the motion. Kaleb was getting in the groove of the beat and he wanted August to as well. "We'll eat in a little bit." He smiled back to his friend like nothing was wrong. Just a man who was happy, drunk, and hanging out with his best friend.
August smiled a bit wider when Kaleb complimented the food -- of course August knew Kaleb would say that, but still, hearing it made him feel happy -- but the smile turned into an expression of surprise when he was demanded to dance. August glanced down to their hands and as he looked back to Kaleb's face and on that moment August knew for sure there was no other choice than dance. So he chuckled softly and joined the dance but in a lot calmer than Kaleb.
No matter what, August's food was great. There was no doubt about it that August can make amazing food. However Kaleb was wanting to dance a little more and with his friend here it helped. He felt a little comfortable and really in his skin for that matter. No worries just drinking and having a good time. Hearing the chuckle from his friend made him smile as he saw that August was having a good time. Well at least that's what Kaleb thought. He kept on dancing and even got closer. Bodily close as Kaleb's hand moved up August's arm. They were friends yes, they had amazing chemistry and yet knowing where August stood, Kaleb forgot in this moment. Their views were different but drunk Kaleb was all about fun and little boundaries.
The dancing turned into a lot more intimate than August had thought it would, but truthfully he didn't mind it at all. He probably should, but he didn't. So he just kept on dancing with Kaleb letting the other be as close as he wanted.
Kaleb's hands were doing the talking at this point as he shifted them down, feeling August's arm and soon resting on his hips. The level of comfort and mostly how drunk he was gave Kaleb a free range at the moment. His body close with August as he felt himself get excited in more than one way. That boundary was breaking as Kaleb continued. Soon he back up. "I'm sorry.."
Maybe dancing like that was wrong in so many ways, especially since August didn't really stop himself from doing stuff as well, because when Kaleb moved his hands on August's hips August let his own hands move onto Kaleb's hips as well. But then clearly the situation was getting a bit too far and August's face turned red and he quickly avoided Kaleb's gaze. It was obvious what was happening and well, August had gotten slightly aroused by the situation as well but Kaleb clearly was more aroused by the situation. "It's okay", August muttered and glanced towards the table, "Should we eat now..?" Especially since August just wanted to kiss Kaleb but he knew he really shouldn't do that, especially while Kaleb was drunk. He just shouldn't.
The sense of awkwardness between had made Kaleb shift. The state of his uncomfortable situation for how his body reacted shouldn't. Although it could, Kaleb respected August's wishes and knew how the man was in times like these. So now he was slightly aroused and he could tell by the red on August's face that he felt something too and it had to stop. "Yea-yea we should eat." Kaleb stuttered out as he brushed his hand against the back of his head. Playing with the hairs on his neck. Moving over to the kitchen, Kaleb got a couple of plates and some silverware. The bottle he was working on still on the counter as he went to take a sip of it.
How much August wished he could just hop into the bed with Kaleb, but he knew he really shouldn’t let it happen. Their friendship was too important to risk it with lust. August really didn’t want to lose Kaleb's friendship, especially because of such reason. August walked to the kitchen and sat down putting his hands on the table so he would have something to stare at. He was quiet for a moment until he finally spoke again. "We can dance more later, if you want.."
Kaleb didn't think it would ruin them. Whenever they did have these conversations about sex and attraction it always seemed to live them at a stand still. One wanted more than just sex while the other was just feeling the connection. Not wanting to commit but just go with the flow of it all. Kaleb didn't want to ruin August's prospective on it. And if they were to have sex, things would be different. Not entirely but he knew the levels of emotion would cross over. Getting some of the food on his plate and sitting down, he sighed deeply, relaxing himself. "Yea" he nodded. "Uh.. so how is work?"
Maybe they should talk again about this whole deal of sex eventually. When Kaleb wouldn't be drunk and when he would feel better in general. But they always seemed to circle the topic so maybe they really should talk about it again. August waited Kaleb to take food first and then took a bit himself. "Busy... I've been there a lot lately, but that doesn’t surprice anyone.." August almost asked about Kaleb's work, but then remembered Kaleb had said he had skipped so August decided not to talk about it. Maybe something else then..? "Have you used the telescope a lot yet?"
It wasn't like Kaleb just wanted sex from August. Kaleb had sex with those he felt a level of comfort with. He had physical and emotional connections with most of his friends. With August it was definitely an emotional one and they seemed to always dance around the physical aspect to it. Of course Kaleb wouldn't pressure the man. He got it, for the most part. August was older. He was wise and more so wanted something grounded, a relationship and possible future with someone while Kaleb was too scared any future. Anytime he would think of looking forwards something was bond to happen to make him regret it. Eating quietly as he listened, Kaleb soon nodded. "Yea, I bet they were surprised you left early tonight?" he asked. "Um.. no I haven't. Just haven't felt like using it"
Funny how August didn't want to pressure Kaleb with anything and Kaleb felt the same, but then again, they really were so similar in many ways. August's attention was mostly on the food, although he wasn't really eating it, he was just moving it around the plate. "I'm rather sure they thought there was a family emergency going on or something since I never leave when others do." August looked up from his plate when he heard Kaleb's answer and August had to reach out to his hand. He took Kaleb's hand into his, squeezed it softly and gave him a gentle smile, trying to tell him it was okay. That things would get better again and that he would be there whenever Kaleb needed him.
Kaleb poked his fork through the pasta and chicken. Taking small bites and chewing thoughtfully. He really enjoyed the food and maybe it was because he didn't eat much and that he was drunk, but he really did look forward anytime August could make him food. It was always his favorite. Laughing softly thought as the man explained that his co workers might have thought it was an emergency, Kaleb added. "Yea, a food emergency" He joked lightly as Kaleb wanted to brush off the last part, he wasn't like himself. Stress and guilt was powering over him and this was just his way of dealing with it. It was hard for people to grasp and it was hard for himself to accept what was happening only to get to that breaking point. Which was very soon. Feeling August's hand on his, he looked up and in the silence of the moment he smile softly back to him.
Usually August never felt awkward when he was spending time with Kaleb, but somehow right now the silence was doing something odd and August started to feel like he should talk about something or do something because the silence felt so heavy. He just had no idea what to talk about because all questions he had were about how was Kaleb doing and was he going to go and see Jessica and when would he go and so on. He looked at their hands, smiling softly at the feeling of having Kaleb's hand in his. He needed to come up with something to talk about and the only neutral thing that came into his mind was food. "Is there some specific food you'd like me to make for you?"
Kaleb had been a bit of a hermit with everyone lately. He doesn't want people to feel sympathy for him, he didn't want the pity and worry. The amount of emotions he felt for others made him shut himself out. On top of that, feeling the amount of guilt he had for himself from his past was just stressing him the fuck out. Luckily this was a calm evening. Hearing the question though, Kaleb bit his bottom lip. "Um.. I don't know. I'm pretty easy, chicken, pasta. This is great."
It was only natural that August was worried about Kaleb. August saw him as his best friend, they hadn't known for that long really, but they just had clicked and became close really quickly. At least August saw it like that. Plus he always worried about others, even those he didn't even know, so you could just imagine how worried he could get when it was about someone he really cared about. "Just let me know if there's something and I'll make it", he replied knowing better than well that he really would make whatever Kaleb wanted him to cook if Kaleb would just ask. "Even if it'd be in the middle of the night. And if you ever need me, I'll come over." No lie in there either. No matter what time it would be August would come to Kaleb if he'd be asked to come. Even if Kaleb wouldn't be dealing with something hard right now August would still be there for him for everything.
Their friendship was strong and they had only had it for a few months now. They were still learning more and more about each other and yet it seemed like they had been best friends for years now. It was strange but he liked this friendship, he wouldn't want to ruin it in anyway and he wouldn't want to take advantage of August's kind heart. He knew he worried just as much as Kaleb did and knowing that made it harder for him. "I will let you know but I wouldn't ask for a meal in the middle of the night. I may stay up to play video games sometimes but I wouldn't do that to you"
A soft chuckle left from August's lips at Kaleb's words. "I know. But you are still free to do so." Others did it as well so Kaleb had the right to do so too. Plus probably if it'd be Kaleb asking for the food August would agree to it a lot easier than if it would be someone else asking. "But eat now, then we can do something else, like dance or whatever you feel like doing. I could try one of those games of yours as well." August hoped changing the topic in general would make Kaleb feel better and that sad expression from his face would disappear. August's heart was still heavy, nothing would change that, but he wanted to see the happy Kaleb even that it was the drunken Kaleb who was being happy. At least there would be a smile on his lips because of that.
There was a soft smile to his features as August still offered Kaleb the thought of food anytime he wanted. It was sweet of him and no matter what, he would think of August when it came to when he needed food. But he didn't want to use his friend to that advantage either. His boyish smile came about when he mentioned dancing or playing a video game. "Yea we can play a game after this" He spoke as he took another few bites of the pasta. Humming happily from the taste of it
August smile grew a bit bigger when Kaleb seemed happier again. That was good. Really good. Finally August started to eat his food as well instead of just moving it around the plate. Once he had finished eating and Kaleb seemed to be done as well August got up, took his plate and Kaleb's and went to the kitchen to wash them so Kaleb would have clean plates on the next day.
The rest of dinner was ate with smiles on their faces and it felt nice. Normal even as they got to eat and hang out like this. Of course, Kaleb was drunk as well. He had been drinking for the last two hours and dancing so of course Kaleb was happy but he was even more happy that he was hanging with August. Getting up and grabbing his bottle, Kaleb took another long drink from it as he then moved to his living area. Setting up the xbox to play some arcade type game. Something simple yet fun that they could play. "I'll try and teach you right, or maybe just let you win the first game" Kaleb teased
August was sort of happy for being there and all, but of course his worry was still there because of Kaleb's drinking and lack of speaking what was wrong. But August knew better not to speak about it so he just tried to be happy from the fact Kaleb was smiling. He washed the dishes and then walked to the living room sitting next to Kaleb on the couch. "You probably will win no matter how well you'd teach me", he commented with a chuckle as he picked up the controller. "But at least I'm not as bad with these as I used to be."
"Yea at least you aren't that bad from the first time. I crushed you" Kaleb commented back with a small chuckle as he started up the Mortal Kombat game. "Please tell me you remember hearing about this game at least?" He spoke as the game was loading up. Kaleb took another swig of the whiskey before setting it down on the coffee table. He knew he could talk to August about it but he didn't want to at all, he just wanted to do something to take his mind off of everything
August chuckled softly and nodded at the memory. He really had been terrible on the first time and he was terrible even now, but at least a bit less terrible than before. But did August know the game they were about to play? August wanted to say yes but he knew that would be a lie. "No, I don't think I have", he said as a soft blush came on his cheeks. Since this game was something August hadn't played he knew he would lose -- again. But well, maybe the game would keep August distracted from the fact Kaleb would be drinking whiskey the whole time they'd be playing.
With a high pitch squeal he looked over to August in shock. "What?! It's an iconic game Auggie." He spoke to his friend, only to see the man blush and seemingly feel off. "It's fine though, this is basically a fighting game player verses player. We will have fun. You pick a character and mash buttons"
"I know, I know, I just always had my nose in the books I didn't have time to play games", August said as his blush only got deeper. He felt bad for not knowing a thing about games, luckily he at least knew what Mario and Tetris were, but other than that he really knew nothing. August listened the explanation and eventually nodded. "Okay, mash buttons."
It really showed how different they were growing up, what they were raised with and what made them the people they were today. As he set the game up, it soon gave them the character selection as Kaleb picked his and looked over to August. "Yep just mash some buttons but first pick your character and hit A"
They were different in so many ways, but at the same time they were so similar in many other things. And in a way August felt like their differences were the thing that worked like glue in their friendship. Their differences balanced it all. August glanced down to the controller to double check was the A button still in the same place as it was last time. Then he looked at the characters and since he didn't understand anything of their skills or how good they were he just went with a character he picked up completely randomly.
Their friendship was a good one, one that people would envy due to how close they were. How their personalities were similar and yet they had different traits, different interests and hobbies. However it worked for them. It made them very compatible for each other in ways that they could help each other or break each other down. They started playing once they selected their characters and the rounds went on and on. Most of them were one by Kaleb but at some point, Kaleb tried hard to lose and even then won. It soon got boring for them and they turned on a movie instead. Kaleb had finished the bottle and was relaxing with August on the couch, his head soon leaning over to the man's shoulder as his eyes felt heavy. Sleep taking over his drunken state of mind
The game really made no sense to August, but he did notice you could make combos that made the character do some kind of super move that was a lot more powerful than normal kick or hit, but most likely Kaleb knew all those by heart so August had no chance to win with his random accidental combos. But in the end August didn't really mind he kept on losing all the time since Kaleb seemed to be having fun and that was what mattered. But watching a movie felt like a lot better idea after the game full of failure. On some level Kaleb falling asleep was expected and when August noticed Kaleb was sleeping a tiny smile came on his lips. He brushed Kaleb's cheek softly and turned his attention back towards the tv. When the movie came to an end August carefully got up from the couch, turned the tv off, and looked at Kaleb again. He could let him sleep on the couch, but August knew way too well how sleeping on the bed would be so much better idea than sleeping on the couch, he just knew he couldn't leave his friend there. So being extremely careful August picked Kaleb into his lap -- and was slightly surprising how light Kaleb actually was, which pretty much only made him worry more because it could mean Kaleb had lost some weight lately -- and carried the man into the bedroom. August took Kaleb's pants off to make the sleeping a bit nicer, he was thinking of taking off the shirt as well, but that might need a bit too much work right now so he decided to leave it on. Then he tucked Kaleb into his bed making sure he would stay warm and all. August watched at sleeping Kaleb with a faint smile on his lips, leaned closer kissing his forehead softly. August straightened his back again and happened to look around in the room. Kaleb clearly hadn't been cleaning that much lately and since August had time and whatnot he decided to help Kaleb around a bit. He picked up the dirty laundry from the floor, closed the bedroom door behind him and started to clean the rest of the apartment as well. He wiped the shelves from dust, washed the dirty dishes, organised the magazine piles and just tidied the place from here and there so it'd look nicer again.
The amount of alcohol was about the only thing that got Kaleb to sleep during the night. Due to his current status it was hard to get any sleep. He couldn't focus on work and his life in his apartment reflected how he was dealing with everything. Disorganized and a mess in all. Most nights while sleeping he would have dreams of Jessica. Old memories of the nights in Florida. The fights him and Jessica had but tonight was different. Kaleb wasn't dreaming at all. He was in a simple state of tiresome. The events tonight with August around had kept Kaleb at bay with his thoughts luckily. He felt some motion of movement as he was picked up from August only to grown softly but still stay asleep. All he did was drink and eat junk food and that unhealthy pattern was making him weak, he lost some weight from not keeping up with his normal patterns and in reality it was surprising that he didn't get alcohol poisoning yet. It was sweet that August had taken Kaleb into his room and made sure he was comfortable and even more caring that the man had cleaned up after Kaleb. Even though Kaleb didn't ask for it, to have August there for him for anything like this meant a lot.
August cleaned the apartment as well as he could without making much noise and once he was pleased by the result he double checked everything, went to check on Kaleb and decided to put a bucket, a small towel and a glass of water by his bed, just in case he would feel sick when he wakes up. Then he just walked around the apartment turning off the lights and making sure everything would be alright. August gave one last glance towards Kaleb's bedroom, smiled softly and stepped out of the apartment closing the front door behind him. Hopefully the next day would be better for Kaleb.
