redhotsummers | IC Contact post!

I'm glad I'm here, too

[Caleb picks up his food when he finally lets go of the hug, nudging Alex in the side with an elbow and a laugh before leaning back a little and relaxing on his couch. It's nice to just be around him outside of work, even if the atmosphere isn't that different. He glances over at Alex, giving the food a try and watching him a quiet moment.]

I'm glad you're here, Alex. Things would be really different if I hadn't met you. [He'd probably be working in an office again. Stuck in a cubicle, ignoring the beautiful strange city they lived in. He wouldn't have met half as many people. Never would have chosen a job that involved face to face interactions or such a relaxed, easy workspace. It's hard to imagine, but if he thinks about it, he can even find and pin down some of the ways his life is different for Alex being in it.]

Nah--you would have found your own way. You're a survivor, Caleb.

[Even if he doesn't realize it. Alex knows that Caleb could have survived without Alex; most people could exist just fine without him.]

Having you around the shop keeps me from looking stupid about new music. I need you way more than you need me, trust me.

[He shakes his head but he doesn't argue. What Alex sees, he can't quite, and he's not nearly as sure. Alex had been an important part of his life in Eudio from the first day. He's positive in his claims. Alex had been an understanding friend when he was suffering the worst of the claustrophobia, and he had given Caleb something to focus on and work with, an outlet for his energy and a much needed friendship when he had had none.]

I enjoy comparing notes with you. I think we make a good pair in finding things for people to listen to.

[And then, softer.]

And I'm not going anywhere.

[Alex smiles a little.]

I'm going to try not to, too. If I decide to leave, I'll tell you, okay? I won't just disappear--and you'll be getting the shop.

[He pauses, then hastily explains.]

I'm not planning on leaving anytime soon. But I'm just saying. Things got a lot more complicated for me, now. I hate it.

[It'd be a lie for Caleb to say his heart hadn't started pounding away with a flash of anxiety at the way Alex was talking. It was smart and sensible but it still caused a stir of panic.]

Yeah. Of course. Just-

[He bites his lip but he nods along. Complicated certainly does seem accurate to Alex's life lately, and he doesn't even want to think about the thoughts that would go through his head of Alex left the way he had, or went home to- to what exactly? He couldn't really go home, could he? Not unless something changed.]

I appreciate that you would let me know. [It's more than he managed to do for anyone, and he wonders what people thought had happened to him. If he hadn't come back, would anyone have even guessed at the fate waiting for him back home? Would anyone else know about Alex's? How did anyone in the city know if things had really been changed in any way?]

I can't say I look forward to the idea, but I'm not - I know people do leave, eventually. It happens.

Hey--

[Alex smiles a little, shaking his head.]

It does happen. A lot. But just--I didn't mean to upset you. Sorry just...been sorta morose lately. It comes and goes. And you know I've not been the happiest, always before.

I mean it, really--I'm putting in my time with people; there is no risk for me to be leaving unless I want it.

Glad to hear it.

[He gives Alex a small smile for his reassurance, trying to redirect his concern and fear into some form of humor. It comes out a little flat, but he's at least calmer over the idea of it all.]

Otherwise I might have to invade your personal space even more than I already do.

[Alex laughs.]

Going to smother me with hugs, huh?

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