hunter.

Hunter was for the first time in what felt like forever, unprepared for betrayal. For once he hadn’t seen it coming. So the pain was overwhelming. He wasn’t just angry, he was devastated. Not only was Blaine becoming his friend, but he was basically the only person he’d befriended in years. Which was especially strange seeing as he couldn’t imagine the other ever understanding him. The impossible is always just that much more tempting to achieve. This backstabbing changed everything. It would teach him never to trust another so called friend. Then again he’d said those words before. He once believed he’d never put faith in anyone. Blaine really was an expert at breaking people. A skill far crueler than simple villainy.

The rise && fall of his chest mirrored Blaine’s. It was clear that his acting out was not acceptable to the other Warbler. Or new captain as he fought so hard to become. The anger Hunter expelled was not being taken lightly. Seeing the fire he felt reflect in Blaine’s eyes only made him more sure of his wrong doing. Hunter grit his teeth in frustration when his wrists were captured. With a few unsuccessful tugs it became known that Blaine had a lot of secret strength. Something almost admirable, if he wasn’t so furious with him. “You’re taking them! You’re ruining everything.” The words were shallow under his breath as he moved in close, hovering in the most intimidating way possible without access to his fists. “You should know that this team is all that I have! I’m sure you’re rather observant! How could you let me TRUST that you were my friend if you were plotting against me this whole time? At least when I hurt people, it’s crystal clear what I’ve done. Not jaded && sneaky like your little plan. Think you’ve won? Think you have the world if you knock me down? Then do it. Take away everything, just so you can parade around as a savior. We both know that’s what they all want. I knew it was too good to be true.” His final words faded to a whisper as he felt tears stinging his eyes. He held himself tall through it, knowing much better than to break in front of the enemy. With whatever strength he could muster he shoved, in hopes of getting his wrists freed && receiving whatever was coming to him.

Blaine’s hold on Hunter’s wrists only strengthened when the other boy began to go off on him again.  Letting go would be a huge mistake.  One that might end up with a swing in his direction judging by the outburst and the way it was escalating.  If that were to happen?  Blaine wasn’t sure what he would or could do to stop it.  And it was a mess he didn’t want to be faced with. “I’m not trying to take anything away from you, Hunter!”  Without realizing it–Blaine was beginning to shout back.  Yes.  Shout.  The normal patient tone of his voice was hardening the more defensive be became.  “If you think that’s happening, it isn’t because of me manipulating them.  I told you I wouldn’t do something like that!”  Hunter towering over him didn’t seem to frighten or even intimidate Blaine. There was an underlying confidence in the smaller Warbler that said he wasn’t going to allow himself to cower over a height difference.  Not in this situation where Hunter was rapidly spiraling out of control. He had other means of defending himself that didn’t rely on posture or standing over someone. Further proved by the unwavering grip he kept on Hunter rendering him the one in control of the other if it came to him needing to be.

“They’re free to think on their own, you know?  Have you bothered to ask them what they want? Have you?!  I’m doing nothing but listening to them, Hunter.  And being their friend like I always was.  That’s it.  I haven’t plotted against you. Honestly?  Is that the person you think I am?” With the second shove–Blaine stumbled back one step and caught his footing on the second but he let Hunter’s wrists go and put his in the air in front of his shoulders, palms facing Hunter and elbows pointed towards the floor.  Turning their argument into an outright fist fight was the last thing he wanted.  But he wouldn’t tuck his chin down, wouldn’t look away or break their eye contact.  Not until Hunter calmed down.  Speaking of which–Blaine’s nostrils flared but a sigh parted his thinly pressed together lips.  Dropping his voice into a forced calm that belied his pounding heart–Blaine made a final attempt to bring things down a notch.  “I thought you knew me better and trusted me more than that.”