The Offense

Esper could sense Matthew’s heart pounding, pounding far faster than it should have been. Esper took a sharp breath, a bead of sweat gathering on his brow.

“Mr. Matthew, is something wrong? What do you mean?”

“I need you to go home, right now,” Matthew said through grit teeth. He swallowed, steading the tremor in his voice, “Please.”

Esper took a step forward, reaching out to grab Matthew’s arm. Umbra had told him about Matthew’s jarring changes in mood, but he had never experienced it first hand.

“Mr. Matthew, have I done something to offend you? I'm very sorry-”

“Esper,” Matthew snapped, less in anger and more in distress. He pulled away from Esper’s reach, falling into an anxious pace across the floor. “Just listen to me. Go home.”

“Mr. Matthew, you don’t seem well. Please tell me what's wrong.” Esper had known Matthew for over a year, and the only time he had even seen him distraught was when he discovered Abiathar’s body in the Circle of Life. For someone with such a level head as Matthew, something had to be wrong.

Matthew tugged his fingers through his wet hair, jaw clenched. He breathed short spurts of air through his nose, his chest rising and falling at a rapid pace.

“We can ride out the storm together, okay?” Esper took another step forward, close enough for him to smell Matthew’s sweat, “It's going to be fine.” His fingers wrapped around Matthew’s wrist.

Thunder roared and lightning flashed, Matthew’s eyes obscured by a gleam of white light. He gasped, clammy hands suddenly lashing out, pushing Esper to the ground.

Esper’s entire body stiffened, instinctively pushing his stomach to the floor and hugging his chest. For a moment, he was a child, cowering before Gaea.

Matthew trembled as Esper huddled at his feet, cold realization washing over his face like an ice bath. “Esper, I'm- I didn't mean to, I-” Matthew choked, covering his face and darting down the hall, slamming into the frame of his bedroom door.

Esper realized he was alone. Dirty carpet wrapped around his hands as he dragged his head up, unable to keep himself from uttering a low wail. His bottom lip quivered as he felt his way down the hall. He was unharmed, but shaken.

“Mr. Matthew!” Esper shouted, pounding his first on Matthew’s door, “What's going on? What did I do wrong?”

Fear fueled Esper’s frantic cries as his head spun in circles. He couldn't fathom how he had upset Matthew. He couldn't have Matthew hate him. He couldn't go through this again.

He could feel Matthew’s presence, collapsed just on the other side of the door. His door was thin, but he felt miles away.

“Talk to me, please! I'm sorry! I’m sorry for whatever I did!” Esper sobbed, his voice cracking.

Outside, the storm was in full force, rain beating against the windows and thunder shaking the walls. Matthew was crying, Esper could hear him. His loud, fearful wails were almost unbearable.

Esper fell to his knees, letting his forehead rest against the door.

“Just let me in...”

Author's Note- mmh it brings me pain to write situations where my babies make mistakes and screw up. sadly these are real people, who arent perfect.

and thus the setup for part of the story happens, and its all angst from here on out. dont worry, it gets better :)

also, love that strong foil between the subplots (and that symbolism)