Witness

Chapter Three: Confusion

A/N: Okay, here it is: the long awaited update. I would like to thank everyone for their patience; last month was very busy for me. However, updates should now come far more frequently (pending reviews of course *hint* ;) )

Warnings: None; this chapter is completely safe.

Athrun’s immediate reaction was one of pure panic. He stood quickly, as if to run away, before hastily stopping himself to log off the computer. He knew that no matter what, he could not get the laptop back to Kira’s room without the other boy catching him. Therefore, he was forced to sit and play innocent to his friend. Kira entered the room and greeted Athrun as he headed towards the closet. However, he stopped shortly after, noticing immediately something misplaced.

“What are you doing?” asked Kira, gaping at his open laptop, clearly looking troubled. He was frozen in place, as was Athrun. The blue-haired boy desperately scrambled his brain for a viable excuse.

“Nothing,” he replied as casually as possible, stalling for time. He was hoping to not arouse Kira’s suspicions. Kira had once again resumed moving towards the closet, also trying to maintain an air of calmness.

“No, nothing would require my computer to still be in my room,” responded Kira, with a slight edge to his voice. He tried to conceal his annoyance/horror by using a joking tone. Athrun did not seem to notice either.

“Well you see,” began Athrun, shifting uncomfortably while still thinking of a lie, “I was working on an essay when my laptop went dead. I couldn’t find the power cord, so I thought I’d borrow yours to finish.” He avoided his friend’s gaze; his eyes would betray him. “I didn’t think you’d have a password on it, though,” explained Athrun, “so I never actually got in…” He was pleased when Kira seemed to accept this excuse. “I didn’t think you’d mind…” added Athrun to seal it.

“No, I don’t,” replied Kira as relief washed over him. “I thought I saw your power cord in the hallway closet last,” said Kira as he entered the livingroom. Athrun rose to check, while mumbling something about how the stupid thing could have gotten there. After Kira was sure his roommate was not in sight, he dashed to his computer and immediately changed the password. ‘I’m sure he would have figured this one out if he had the time…’ thought Kira. He finished just before Athrun returned, power cord in hand.

“There, now you can finish that essay,” said Kira casually while gesturing at the cord.

“No, you’re home now. I’d rather relax for a while…” responded Athrun. It was his intention to stop when Kira got home anyways.

Agreeing, Kira explained that he needed to change, and then they could do whatever. He suggested that perhaps they should watch a movie before disappearing down the hallway. Athrun, however, was far too busy thinking about everything he had learned to respond to his friend’s suggestion. ‘What could Kira possibly want with those?’ he thought to himself. Scenarios of blackmail and humiliation flew through his paranoid mind. He reassured himself Kira would never do any of those things as more unlikely possibilities occurred to him. But then why? Or, maybe, what?

He began to debate whether or not he should confront Kira about the pictures. After all, they were pornographic images of him. He had every right to demand Kira delete them. However he quickly ruled out this possibility. If he did so, Kira would know he lied, and in all reality, Athrun should never have even entered his room, let alone touch his laptop. Besides, the scene would be far too awkward for either of them. A confrontation like that could end their friendship, and that was certainly the last thing Athrun wanted. Being so entrenched in his thoughts, Athrun did not even notice Kira return.

“What do you want to watch?” asked Kira. The surprise of hearing his friend caused Athrun to jump. Kira smirked at his friend’s reaction, but decided to not say anything. He was bent over, looking at their rather extensive DVD collection. Athrun could not help but notice how nice Kira’s ass looked while he was squatting like that.

“Anything is fine by me,” replied Athrun, unable to shift his gaze, “I’ll probably just fall asleep anyways…” he had no intentions of sleeping, but he certainly would not be able to pay attention. Even now his mind was drifting back to that forbidden folder. He had much to contemplate.

Kira selected an old war movie; one of their mutual favorites. He jammed it into the DVD player before plopping on the couch. Athrun sat on the floor, leaning against it just over enough so he did not obstruct Kira’s view. He often claimed it was the best position to watch a movie. Sure enough, though, even before the opening credits ended, Athrun was engulfed by his thoughts.

He was occasionally aware of the movie blaring before him, but for the most part he was lost. He wanted a plausible solution, he needed answers. However, neither were easily coming. He could not let Kira keep those pictures… Finally, after much deliberation, he decided he must delete the pictures. He would once again sneak into Kira’s room, steal the laptop, and delete all the images. It seemed viable. Kira would not be able to confront him for the same reasons he could not confront Kira now. He was, however, reluctant.

He continued to struggle with himself. This level of dishonesty made him quite uncomfortable. However, it was the only idea that seemed to pass all major obstacles. It would have to be done as soon as possible. Again he fell deep into thought. ‘Every solution poses more problems…’ he determined. Now he had to decide on a when; the how, why, and what were already done. Then he thought about what would happen if he was caught. A growing list of concerns furthered his frustration.

“What’s wrong?” asked Kira, suddenly pulling Athrun back to reality. He blinked at Kira, and gave him a confused look. “You seem troubled…” explained Kira. Athrun was still a little dazed, and could not respond. He looked around the room, noting the movie was about half done.

“Nothing,” he lied. It felt awkward to speak with Kira at the moment. He had never before felt that way with his friend. He stared blankly at the television, unable to maintain any semblance of a conversation. He also did not want to encourage any conversation either. Hearing moving behind him, Athrun attempted to focus on the movie and pretend everything was fine.

“Seriously,” pressed Kira, “something is bothering you. What’s the matter?”

Athrun hesitated for a moment, unsure how to answer. “I’m just worried about next week is all. It’ll be very busy…” he answered lamely. However, Kira seemed to accept this, and did not question further. Athrun was relieved, and he sighed audibly. He truly hated lying.

Comforting hands were placed on his tense shoulders, and they slowly began massaging. The sensation created a warm, soothing feeling inside of him, and he felt a portion of his stress simply melt away as time progressed. Several moments passed; Athrun closed his eyes and pressed his cheek against one of the hands in silent gratitude. He suddenly realized it was Kira massaging him. ‘As if it could have been anyone else…’ he thought. He leaned forward, trying to move away from the other boy, but he was pulled back to his original position.

“What are you doing?” asked Athrun, confused by the combination of his friend’s actions and his own mixed feelings for the boy. Continuing his work, Kira paused before answering.

“I thought this might help you feel better…” replied Kira as if it was obvious. Athrun did not no how to respond. He certainly did not want Kira to stop; he felt so incredibly comfortable. He managed a weak thank-you, to which Kira did not reply. By now his feeling from earlier were in fierce contention with the feelings he held for the boy, renewing and deepening his uncertainty.

He knew Kira had no feelings for him, at least none that extended beyond friendship. He was the only one who could feel that way about a friend. Swooping into the room, Birdie landed nearby. The mechanical bird climbed Athrun’s arm, and upon reaching the shoulder, delivered several sharp pecks to Athrun’s head.

“Ouch!” cried Athrun as the small robot fluttered away.

“Hey, Birdie!” called Kira after his bird, but the thing was gone. “Sorry,” offered Kira, as if it was his fault.

“Don’t worry about it,” replied Athrun, still rubbing the sore spot. For some reason he could not shake the thought Birdie was trying to knock some sense into him. However, he eventually succeeded in banishing the thought from his mind. With difficulty, of course… Kira was still massaging his shoulders, and he was finally beginning to relax.

“Goodnight,” said Kira, stopping abruptly and rising. The movie was not even finished. In fact, the best part was just about to start. Athrun looked at his friend confusedly.

“Going to bed so soon?” asked Athrun, mindful of his tone. Kira paused at the hallway entrance, briefly.

“Yeah, I had a stressful day,” he replied before continuing to his room. Soon after, the sound of a door clicking closed echoed down the hallway and into the livingroom. Athrun had been so consumed by his own problems that he neglected to ask Kira how his supper went. It was now safe to assume it went poorly. In spite of everything, Athrun was ashamed by his own selfishness.

He remained awake for a while longer, contemplating many things. Finally, when the movie ended (not that he was actually watching it), Athrun allowed his mind to finally rest. He was exhausted from the hours of intense thought. Gathering himself, he got up, turned off the TV, and went to bed. He resigned himself to what was sure to be a restless sleep.

TBC…

A/N: This chapter was difficult for me. I honestly had three different planning pages that would each take this story in a different direction. I finally, after much deliberation, decided this was the way to go. Hopefully, I made the right decision.

Finally, I was thinking about doing a Valentine’s Day lemon, but I don’t think there is enough interest for these when compared to the amount of effort that goes into them. However, I can be persuaded to reconsider… Anyways R&R as always!

WinterAxe