Home life seemed impossible, with a father labeled as an alcoholic and handling the responsibility to take care of my younger brother. I was still considered a teenager myself, attending wild parties, smoking with my friends, but the ever-looming parent figure still had to come out once I entered my house. It was a serious stressor trying to hide the unsafe social activities from Eridan. He looked up to me and I planned on making up the lost time our father decided to skip over.
The only thing that drove me to a better future was swimming. It took the edge off and cleared my thoughts long enough, not worrying about anything but the rush of water surrounding my body.
A safe heaven, I would call it.
Nothing stopped my mind into wandering about the coffee eyed boy I befriended, though. No matter how much I tried to distract myself, he'd always find a place to stay. It started to make me question a few things about myself, possibly even not knowing who I thought I was before. I wasn't prepared enough mentally to be able to comprehend that maybe I liked him in a special way.
- C.A.
_____
As dawn approached to start the day, I was already one step ahead and getting ready. Today was the swim meet and if for some god-awful reason I was at least a minute late, coach would have my ass served on a silver platter. I had my normal plain tee and jeans laid out on my bed, after stepping out of the shower and drying myself off. The smell of men's shampoo was strong as I ninja myself down the hall into the bedroom in attempt for no one to see me naked, but who would be up early in this house? Certainly not my father or brother.
'Ding'
The phone on my bed notified me of a message. Once I dressed into some clothes, I flopped down and swiped the phone to check.
Homebroo👌 messaged you.
What could this guy even want?
Homebroo👌: dude cro I have something to tell you
You: Rufioh... we're literally going to see each other at the meet.
Homebroo👌: This can NOT wait man!!
You: Sheesh okay fine. Just tell me already.
Homebroo👌: After party. Homecoming. My place. Fuck yes.
You: I'm all in, your parties are the fucking bomb
You: I'm guessing your parents are going on one of those trips again
Homebroo👌: Yeah the party is cool with them, just an early birthday present while they're outta town. but the crib is ours to take! You can invite anyone and everyone dude, this is going to be lit as a motherfucker!!
You: Alright, it's a plan. Let's get this shit rolling 😎
Homebroo👌: 👌👌👌
After a silent 'Yes', I pumped my fist in the air, doing a little victory dance to myself. Rufioh's parties are quite the spectical. Always the talk of the school afterwards with the large amounts of people getting wasted, hoping around like idiots, sometimes the cops were involved at some point, but it ended a glorious weekend with a bang.
As the time practically flew by, I found myself lunging a light duffle bag with some nessesary swim gear to the school yard. I pushed on the metal gate, making my way into another door labeling 'Pool' and plastered with tryout posters for the swim team that you casually see on almost every bulletin board in the actual school.
'You mean MY swim team.'
A small chuckle escaped my lips before I opened the door and the familiar soothing scent of fresh chlorined filled my nose as I entered into the locker room. Rows of skinny metal lockers filled the small space, a hand full of benches between each row, and a few showers for after practice too. This felt natural to just invite myself in here, the first to arrive and get some practice laps in before everyone else shows like always. Oh how I missed the school pool this summer. It's my safe heaven from home, my second family, the born right of an Ampora to be here in this temperature controlled aqua environment.
The black bag dropped down next to my feet as I made a seat on one of the metal benches, facing towards the specific assigned locker from last year. The name 'Cronus D. Ampora' was plated onto the front of the locker on a small metal strip. I bent down to unzip and go through my gear, but then felt my phone start to vibrate.
Raising an eyebrow, I curiously fetched the device from my back pocket and saw that it was from none other than Kankri Vantas. I quickly swiped up to answer, placing the phone up to my ear.
"Aye Kankri, wvhat's goin' on?"
There was a brief moment of rustling coming from the other end before his voice finally answered, "Hello Cronus, nothing much... Actually, I just wanted to apologize about the other day if I sounded a little desperate. I hope that you don't feel obligated to invite me along with your friends like that. It's just since the move, I've been cooped up in this stuffy house and-"
"WVhoa there, slow dowvn a bit." I interrupted, really have been taken by surprise with the apology. "Ya don't havwe to apologize for anythin' other than not showvin' up to the dance. Just cause ya don't knowv people yet, don't mean you havwe to skip out on all of the amazin' Senior opportunities."
There was a slight laugh from the other end, which triggered a smile from myself. "And by opportunities you mean drinking spiked punch, watching couples grope each other, and being crammed into that tiny gymnasium like sardines in a can."
I nodded to myself, though knew Kankri wasn't going to see. "Exactly. Feelin' like crammed sardines in a can is all part of the experience." Another small laugh was heard as I also joined in before it went silent again. Already coming to realize that Kankri isn't really a good conversationalist from the few times I actually spoke to him, these pauses were expected. Why did this feel so forced and awkward though? Something felt off in his voice. I didn't want to keep Kankri on the phone in silence too long, so I decided to blurt out the first question that came to mind to fill in that empty void. "So, wvhy are ya up this early anywvay? Your only motivwation can't be just to apologize to me."
"Oh, uhm- Well... It was the majority, but I have trouble sleeping mostly. I'm usually up this early anyways, so I decided to give you a call to clear my conscience."
A thought popped up in my mind just then, "WVell... If you're not doin' anythin' this mornin', wvhy dontcha come by the school an' wvatch some swvimmin' action? I mean, didn't ya say somethin' 'bout joinin' a club? The swvim team is alwvays lookin' for newv guys."
A hint of excitement was in his quiet tone as he answered almost immediately, "Y-Yeah! Well... honestly I will take anything at this point to get out... Are... Are you sure you want to be seen with someone like me?"
My smile dropped a bit at his response. How bad did he have it at his other school for his self-confidence to be that low? I'm starting to feel bad for the guy, but that wasn't necessarily the reason to why I invited him in the first place. He needs a friend and I don't mind being one to him. "Kan, I don't care if ya decided to come in ass naked. Just come if ya wvant, okay?"
"Wh- Cronus! That was really-"
"See ya soon, Chief." I quickly interrupt before hanging up the call, quietly chuckling to myself. He's sensitive with anything vulgar, so I find it entertaining to tease him a bit. While he's not here though, I decided to strip down and get my swim gear in check for some early practice.
●◉◎◈◎◉●
Being engulfed in the warm, cool liquid is what I live for. Hearing the fast paced pounding of my heart as I execute skill and timing, is something that I mastered in all the hard earned efforts put into this particular practice. The drooling days of mere exhaustion just to perfect a stroke, almost make me feel like I was created for this passion. My passion, my dream, my future all revolves around this sport. Most of all though, it's the satisfaction of being important. Being wanted and loved by all. Knowing that everyone is watching me succeed past their expectations.
'Fuck you, dad.' Popped into my thoughts as I effortlessly glide through the water with each movement of my body. 'I will never be you.' The force of the liquid alone couldn't slow you down as you looked ahead at the end of the pool. 'I fucking hate you.' As I came up for a deep breath of air, my hand reached the hard graveled surface of cement as the other wiped away the remaining drops on my face.
"Ampora!" I jumped a bit and directed my attention to the short, chubby balding man standing practically right in front of me. Though his voice was stern and angry, his expression said the exact opposite. "Astounding speed, my boy, but next time save that skill for the competition. We need the swim team captain to bring his best game."
With a wink from the coach himself, I couldn't contain my excitement. "Thanks Coach Williams! I wvon't let the team dowvn!"
"I know you won't. Keep it up." Mr. Williams nodded his head my way before excusing himself to tell at another student, particularly more aggressive than what he showed me.
"Fuck yes-" I exasperated before letting go of the cement and pushing the blue tiled wall with my feet. The water carried my body out further from the edge as I slowly relaxed and let the calming liquid guide me blindly. Closing my eyes, I couldn't help but to have a permanent smile on my wet features, floating above the waters surface as it embraces every angle of my body. This was what I wanted and it was what I expected to get, but it still makes me want to yell from the rooftops. Possibly shove it in my unsupportive father's face and say, 'I told you so'. God that's going to feel so fucking good.
"If it isn't the egoistic jock of Skaia High." Knowing who it was, I flipped down into the water before splashing upwards at the boy in a black band tee. It soaked the teen as he let out a little yelp, failing to avoid the sudden splash. "Cronus Ampora!" His voice echoed through the enclosed facility, attracting a lot of attention towards the two of us.
As what I was expecting, a red faced coach came stomping our way as I slowly pushed myself up and out of the water. I sat patiently on the ledge, staring at the water as the scolding began. "What the hell is going on here? You don't splash around like a fucking fish outta water! If you're going to do that, then leave. I already gave you the spot so get out before I change my mind and give it to dimwit over there." I glanced up to where coach Williams was pointing and had to hold off the snicker that almost escaped my clasped lips. Rufioh, the dimwit as what coach put it, was currently adjusting the bright red spandex around his ass on the other side of the pool.
"Yeah, sorry 'bout that coach." I apologized, still finding it hard to hide the cracking smile on my features. Standing up off the concrete and grabbing the nearby towel I had placed earlier, I dabbed the towel on my face and chest a bit before slinging it onto my shoulder. I glanced at Kankri, which had his head down and hadn't said a peep this whole time. This started to worry me a bit as his face was undeniably flushed and expressed being uncomfortable, but thankfully a plan bubbled up onto my mind. "Hey Kan, I'mma change real quick. WVait for me outside- yeah?" Before he could even respond, I flashed a small smile before starting the short jog over to the locker rooms.
Doing my usual after swimming routine; shower, collect my belongings, and say a few goodbyes to a hand full of classmates... I swung the black tote around my shoulder and cursed a bit as I realized my hair was still wet and dripping onto my white tee. With a slight annoyed sigh, I pushed the glass door to meet the cool morning breeze.
Kankri pushed himself off the wall he was leaning on, meeting me halfway with crossed arms. "Was that really nessesary?"
I only responded in a small chuckle as the both of us started walking down the path together. "Hey, wvhat 'bout goin' to grab somethin' to eat wvith this hotshot athlete?"
The smaller male glanced over haphazardly, "Really...?"
"Yeah!" I exclaimed, giving a nonchalant shrug. "I knowv this amazin' café in towvn that I take my brother sometimes. Wvanna come?"
He was hesitant with this answer, but I saw a small smile crack his exterior from my side glance. "Yeah, I'd like that."
I was content with his response and started down the familiar sidewalk that lead down town. The warm fall breeze wisped around, assisting in drying the rest of my puddled self off, hopefully by the time we reach the cafe. The air was filled with a comfortable silence too, but not like before. More... Relaxed type of silence that I knew Kankri didn't seem as awkward as before. I looked at him from aside and saw his curly brown locks sway in the slight wind, his stature and emotions display confidence as always, but I knew that was a well placed charade.
Maybe he was warming up to me finally, opening up and revealing his true, non perfect self that I see all the time. Maybe... Just maybe this overwhelming sense of confusion and curiosity will go away once he does.
The two of us reached the cafe in record time, well, time itself passed by more fast than usual as I occasionally caught myself trying to think of future conversations with Kankri. Was that a bit obsessive... As a friend? No, I just want to avoid those unwanted silences, so it's normal for me to preplan something for us. It's not like we have a lot in common to work with. As we entered the small establishment, I lead us to a booth and sat down on the left while the boy in black took the other, facing me.
"So I've been meanin' to ask ya..." I started as Kankri looked up from the menu he was scanning, but I couldn't quite get the question out right away. His chocolate eyes were attentive as his easy-going expression twitched into a more questionable stare. I couldn't help but to study his face once again. This might be the closest I've got to see his perfect features. The light from the sun peered in from the window next to us, reflecting off his caramel skin and complementing his appearance more so. God, how can he distract me from just a little glance? It's impossible to be this dumbfounded about another guy... Isn't it? Am I getting sick? What was I even going to ask him again?
"-onus?" As I snapped my thoughts back into place, Kankri had a mixture of confusion and worry on his features now. "Cronus, are you okay?"
"Oh, uhm-... Y-Yeah yeah, I'm fine Chief. Just got lost in thought that's all." I gave a small laugh to try and weave through the awkward tension building through my jumbled words.
The boy leaned back onto the plush booth, laying his hands in his lap. "If you don't mind me asking... What's troubling you so much that it blanks you out of reality?" I watched as one of his eyebrows raised in response to his question.
I gulped a bit, my mind racing to find an excuse or lie, but I didn't want to do that to the curly headed individual. The next best thing was to spill out some... Alternative sensitive truth rather than the highly embarrassing one. "I mean-... Just havwe some home issues, an' by home issues I mean my pops. It's nothin' serious though so don't be worryin'. WVe ain't been seein' eye to eye in years, so me finally makin' swim captain isn't really goin' to be appreciated as much as I want him to." I gave a small sigh, more nervous than embarrassed to be admitting a very true statement. Only Mituna knows of my shitty father ordeal, no one else, so this is a huge step of trust I'm giving Kankri right now.
Kankri, on the other hand lit up a bit to my response. "You made captain? That's amazing Cronus! Is that not what you've been exclaiming about everyday?"
I blinked, taken aback from his reaction. "Uhm, it is. I am excited, but it's not really wvhat I expected it to feel like." I apprehensively smiled, though it didn't last long. God, why did I have to bring him up and bum me out?
The dark skinned boy slowly reached to one of my hands on the table and gently placed it on top of mine. My eyes widened a bit as I felt my heart start to pound within my chest from contact. He's never touched me, or rather never showed any sympathy like this until now. "You shouldn't let someone bring down your joys in success. Though I am a bit hypocritical in this subject because I know way too well of those emotions... It's always darkest before dawn. This is a very big deal, Cronus, and if it makes you feel any better... I am proud of you, congratulations." A hint of sadness lingered in his voice and I just caught on to what he was saying. This wasn't sympathy, but empathy. What's happening to you, Kankri Vantas?
Hearing those words come from Kankri made a huge difference in my emotions. As he reluctantly removed his hand, I reached forward to grab his. The smaller boy jumped a bit as he stared between our hands and I, heat on his cheeks formed in the process. "C-... Cronus?"
"Thank you for those wvords." Was all I could say before embarrassing myself further than I did. I quickly let go of his hand as I realized he was stuck with me clasping onto them. "I really needed them."
"Oh, n-no problem. You are always nice to me, so I'm grateful that you decided to open up to me like that... I mean, we hardly know each other and you invited me to the Homecoming dance and now we're going to eat with each other. You really know how to make the new kid welcome." His eyes were trained elsewhere from my gaze. Did I do something wrong and not notice?
"I think you're a really cool dude and honestly... I don't knowv wvhy, but... Like... You're easy to talk to, ya knowv?"
"Yes, I believe you are too... Sometimes." He finally returned his own glance as a hint of playfulness was in his tone.
I raised my eyebrows in surprise and acted offended, "Sometimes? I opened my heart an' soul just to be beliewved sometimes? WVowv."
Kankri gave a laugh and I joined in too, just before the waiter came and took our orders. My sweet tooth decided on a strawberry shake and Kankri a vanilla. After that short but serious conversation, everything else seemed to fall right into place. None of what I expected to happen didn't, but that wasn't a problem anymore. I felt excited that the two of us felt more close after that experience. It felt natural, right, and I'm thankful that this world had brought someone like Kankri into my life.