The Selection (1x1 with AnnaCat17)

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

"No! Don't you dare!" Eleanor laughed, pulling him towards their seats to take a break. "You'll be sleeping on the couch if you continue with that," she teased.

"When will you be gone?" Jakob watched him with worry, his humour gone. He had thought they'd be spending time together.

Karter was outside of his house, kicking a soccer ball around with his brothers, trying to tire them out. As they went inside later to go to bed, he stayed outside, flopping down on the porch to think.

[AnnaCat17]

Vice grinned as he allowed himself to be dragged off by her. "Whst if i want a different punishment?" He teased with a wink as he leaned in amd kissed below her ear.

Matteo shrugged and sat up. "I dont know. I dont normally get a lot of heads up about when Pavel needs me to go somewhere, especially now that he is trying to end the war."

Gabel tried to wave to Karter across the street but when he didnt notice he blushed abd awkwardly lowered his hand, dragging himself inside.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Eleanor wrapped her arms tighter around him, leaning into his touch. "Too bad. You don't get to pick your punishment." She smirked at him, giving him a kiss.

"Oh. Alright." Jakob looked away, trying to think about what would happen to him if Matteo went away. Would someone come over to take care of him, or would he be sent to a hospital? If he even lived that long.

Karter looked up as he heard the door close at Gabel's house. He wanted to go over to him, but wouldn't that just make things more awkward? He forced himself to go inside of his own house, biting his lip.

[AnnaCat17]

Vice held tightly to her as he kissed her back deeply. He was relieved for the other people in the room that despite his buzzed state reminded him to behave. He pulled away after a moment with her and focused on eating his piece of cake. "Mat and Jake seem to be getting along well again." He commented casually.

Matteo looked sadly at his troubled expression but felt lost as to how to help. "I... I should probably go around and say hi to everyone. Im sorry Jake."

Gabel was silent as he went through his nightly routine but as he looked at his own reflection while brushing his teeth he felt his solitude press in on him. He wasn't used to this. He had grown up with four siblings so being completely alone felt unnatural. He had liked the guy he had gone on the date with. He seemed smart and charming but he had a feeling the guy wouldnt be wanting a second date. Gabel felt like he had bored the poor guy. He sighed and, despite his better judgement, texted Karter. [I hope you have a good night. If you were serious about wanting a relationship i just went out with a guy who might like you and i can send him your way. Good night Karter.] There. At least he was trying to make his dissapointment of an evening somewhat productive for someone.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Eleanor was disappointed when he pulled away, wishing they were alone. "Really?" Eleanor raised an eyebrow as she looked over at Jakob and Matteo. "They look like they're just out of an argument."

Jakob shrugged and got himself a piece of the cake to distract himself. He looked over at the others as he ate, his happiness from getting engaged faded.

[No thanks,] Karter sent back. [I might not be around long enough for that, anyways. Better not get into a relationship right now.]

[AnnaCat17]

"Ok well not right now but when we were dancing they looked happy together." He looked over at the guys and sighed. "I hope they figure everything out. I dont want to see what happens if one of them finds someone else."

Matteo walked off feeling dejected. What did Jakob expect? Je jad a duty to the crown that he could not ignore. His work could help prevent death and let them get the resources they needed to help the less fortunate. He tried to push away his stress and be charming again as he went around talking to people.

Gabel blinked in shock at the message and quickly finished brushing his teeth so he could call him. "What do you mean youre not going to be here?" He asked as soon as he answered, unable to hide his frantic tone.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

"Yeah." Eleanor glanced over at Jakob and Matteo, hating the glum expression on Jakob's face and the dejected look on Matteo's. She wished she could help them.

Jakob watched Matteo as he went around talking to the guests, resting his chin on his hands. His stomach churned to much to enjoy the rest of the cake.

Karter rolled his eyes. He should have expected a response like this, but he hadn't really thought Gabel would care much about it. "I got tested today by Lysander on my request. Once Jakob gets treated, I'm donated whatever in me is needed, whether I still need them or not. He's got a life worth living, people who need him. Betting than letting me waste mine, anyways."

[AnnaCat17]

Matteo stood talking with Pavel, grinning as he teased him. He waved Abril over as he continued to play with Pavel's hair. "Now Abril, i know we are all excited that Pavel has hair again but doesnt it bother you that your husband's hair is growing in grey on the sides? I think we better just shave it off so he doesnt have to face the shame if being the first in your friend group to go grey."

Pavel rolled his eyes and swatted Matteo's hand away. "It looks fine. Leave me be."

Gabel had to lean against the wall to keep from falling over. "I thought you were moving... Why would you willing have someone kill you?" He swallowed back tears before forcing himself to move. He fumbled as he pulled on his shoes, not caring enough to change out of his pjs. "Karter, people need you. Just look at your family. They rely on you and love you. You cant just... Just... You cant kill yourself. Its not allowed."

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Abril shook her head, wrapping her arms around Pavel's waist and kissing the side of his head. "I like his hair. No one's shaving it."

"He needs it. More than me. My family, they'll be fine. Maisie won't. She only has him."

[AnnaCat17]

Pavel smirked triumphantly and held Abril close as he kissed her temple. "Thank you my dear."

Matteo chuckled. "You know its ok to admit he looks like an old man. None of us will shun you for accepting this devistating change in his apperance. I mean you were always the more attractive one, Abril, but now you are so far out of his league its kinda sad." He teased happily.

Gabel grumbled angrily and hung up. He stormed across the street, being careful when he crossed the street since most people out that late were either drunk or too tired to pay much attention, and knocked briskly on his front door.