A/N
I wrote this while being sober
Life at Camp Half-Blood moved forward in its usual way. Training sessions, quests, and late-night conversations became the norm for Connor and Malcolm. Despite the silent pain Connor carried, he found comfort in their friendship and the moments they shared.
One afternoon, as they were working on another blueprint under the oak tree, Malcolm seemed unusually quiet. His brow furrowed as he concentrated on the sketch in front of him.
“Is everything okay, Malcolm?” Connor asked, trying to sound casual.
Malcolm looked up, his blue eyes filled with a mix of anxiety and determination. “Actually, Connor, I’ve been thinking a lot lately. About what we talked about at lunch the other day.”
Connor’s heart skipped a beat. He kept his expression neutral, not wanting to betray his inner turmoil. “Oh? What about it?”
Malcolm hesitated, his gaze dropping to the blueprint. “I think I need to tell this person how I feel. It’s been eating me up inside, and I don’t want to keep it a secret anymore.”
Connor swallowed hard, forcing a supportive smile. “That’s brave of you, Malcolm. I hope it goes well.”
Malcolm’s eyes met Connor’s, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. “Thanks, Connor. It means a lot to me to hear you say that.”
They continued working in silence, but the air between them felt charged with unspoken words and emotions. Connor tried to focus on the task at hand, but his mind kept drifting to Malcolm’s impending confession. Who was the lucky person? Would Malcolm find happiness with them?
That night, Connor lay awake, his thoughts a whirlwind of hope and despair. He knew he had to be supportive, no matter how much it hurt. But the silent tears that flowed each night seemed endless, a reminder of the love he kept buried deep within.
The next day, Malcolm seemed more resolved. He approached Connor after breakfast, his expression determined. “Connor, can we talk? Somewhere private?”
Connor nodded, trying to keep his anxiety at bay. “Sure, let’s go to the lake.”
They walked in silence, the tension between them almost palpable. When they reached the lake, they found a secluded spot under a willow tree, the branches swaying gently in the breeze.
Malcolm took a deep breath, turning to face Connor. “There’s something I need to tell you, and I hope you’ll understand.”
Connor’s heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of dread and hope filling him. “Go ahead, Malcolm. I’m listening.”
Malcolm looked nervous, his hands fidgeting at his sides. “The person I have a crush on… it’s you, Connor. It’s always been you.”
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Connor stared at Malcolm, his mind struggling to process what he had just heard. “Me?” he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Malcolm nodded, his eyes filled with vulnerability. “Yes, you. I’ve been too scared to tell you because I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. But I can’t keep it inside anymore.”
Connor felt a rush of emotions—relief, joy, and a lingering disbelief. “Malcolm, I… I’ve felt the same way about you for so long. I just never thought you could feel the same.”
Malcolm’s face lit up with a mix of surprise and happiness. “You do?”
Connor nodded, tears of joy welling up in his eyes. “Yes, Malcolm. I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember.”
In that moment, the weight of unspoken words and silent tears lifted from Connor’s heart. Malcolm stepped closer, wrapping his arms around Connor in a tight embrace. They stood there, holding each other, the pain and uncertainty of the past weeks melting away.
As they pulled back, Malcolm cupped Connor’s face in his hands, his eyes searching Connor’s. “I’m so glad I finally told you.”
Connor smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile that he hadn’t felt in a long time. “Me too, Malcolm. Me too.”
From that day forward, their friendship blossomed into something deeper. They continued to support each other, facing the challenges of camp life together. And every night, instead of silent tears, Connor found himself falling asleep with a smile, knowing that he and Malcolm were finally on the same page.
The future was uncertain, but for now, they had each other, and that was enough.