{ Fight and letters / with Atlas and Adeline }
To say Archie knew what was going to happen might be a lie, but he did have a feeling it was worse than he thought. Of course, in a world where your best friend didn’t have a sister you had feelings for and you promised you wouldn’t do anything about it, this just might be one silly encounter. But this right here was far from it. There is just one thing you have to keep in mind - Archie did keep his promise, one way or another. Those letter Atlas was holding wasn’t something anyone was ever supposed to see. They were letters Archie never intended to send but held sentiments he never dared to voice. He had only written them to sort out his own feelings, never thinking they would be discovered.
”Don’t. Don’t be mad at her. She knows nothing.“ While Archie maintained his composed exterior, inside, he struggled with the consequences of his private business. A silent hope lingered that Atlas could be reasoned with, that they could resolve this without causing distress to Adeline. What else could Archie do? This was something he caused so lashing out at his friend, if he could still call him friend, was not the right option.
And lie? There certainly wasn’t any need for it. Could Archie truly get himself out of this situation? No. He did not think he could. All the evidence was right there, now in his hands and on the floor. But one question lingered - how did Atlas find them? How possibly could’ve he done it? He was far too concentrated on that to notice Adeline picking one letter up. Maybe one day he would’ve been brave enough to give them to her himself but this was not how it was supposed to play out. ”I didn’t do anything. I don’t know what you wish for me to say but I did not… I didn’t do anythi- How did you get them? How did-“ His mind raced with a mix of emotions, and beneath his cool facade, a sense of vulnerability emerged. Archie usually knew how to navigate complex situations but now he found himself entangled in a web of his own making. As he started to question Atlas about the source he heard Adeline’s voice. Her question immediately making him turn back to look at her.
Does he keep pretending as if this was all nothing or was it time to confess whatever he was feeling?
[color=“#7d8270”]”Nothing.“[/color] It took everything inside of him not to look directly at her as he spoke. It took everything not to let his emotions show and keep putting on that calm emotionless facade he knew how to do so well… When he wanted to do the opposite. [color=”#7d8270”]”Would you like to give it back to me?“[/color] Ha calmly asked as he extended his arm, waiting for her to give it back. ”Or… Why don’t you keep them all? They are yours after all… Right, Atlas? You were the one who decided she should see them?“ For a short second his eyes met Adeline’s, letting just a glimpse of his feelings show. The hurting.
Before bringing his attention back to his good old friend.
@sunflowerjm sad