A Love Like War

VIC'S POV
I couldn't help but continue to steal glances at Kellin. Something in his eyes, he looked... sad? Clearly upset over something. Jaime continued to talk in my ear but Kellin had all of my attention without even trying. He lokoed behind his shoulder before his mood suddenly intensified. His pale skin intensified into a sickly pallour, a colour I was only familiar with on the skin of a dead man. His hands shook and his breath became ragged.
"Kellin?" I asked him, gently touching his arm. When he didn't respond I held on a little tighter.
"Kellin, hey, Kels. Are you okay?" I said nervously, the nickname spilling out simply. He met my eyes for only a second before turning back to see behind him. Just as quickly he pulled back from me before I could retailiate, standing up and running away. His body looked as if it was going to fold in half, and when he began to fall I stood as if I could save him. Instead he was grabbed right on time by General Bostwick, and the look on his face put eevrything together. The look of recognition, of anger.
Kellin lied. I thought. Why would he lie?
Silently I sat back down, my expression blank as I mulled over the past minute in my mind. Something between Kellin and his father clearly... something I'd have to find out eventually. He'd tell me. I'd find out.
"Well that was weird." I finally said more so to myself. Jaime hummed and nodded.
"Got that right. You think he's okay? Something spooked him."
"Or someone." I muttered, rolling the food around on my fork.
"Speak up little one." Jaime nudged me, making me drop my fork on my plate. I jst left it and dropped my hands, my hunger dissapearing.
"Nothing." I smiled. Jaime just nodded before finishing off his plate.
"Hey, you want to see some pictures?" He asked suddenly, eagerly reaching for his pocket. I nodded and waited, until Jaime passed over two photographs. The first of him and his fiancee at their engagement, the day before Jaime found out he was drafted. The second a black and white scanned image... of an ultrasound.
"You're...?" I asked, grinning. Jaime nodded furiously, his face completely lit up.
"I'm gonna be a daddy!" He exlaimed, hitting my shoulder as he bounced in his seat. I shook my head at astonishment at my new friend's announcement.
"I'm so happy for you, that's... incredible." I said, my voice slowly fading as my thoughts were brought back to Kellin.
"I know! And we've already-" Jaime spoke, but I began to tune him out as I imagined Kellin. Where was he? Did he get sick? I couldn't help but hate myself for not following him. My mind brought me back to the image of his bruised and cut face, the scars on his forearm. The pestering in my brain made me feel insane with posession, the need to know everything about this boy.
No matter the consequence.
"Earth to Victor." Jaime snapped his fingers in front of my face, making me pull away from my reveling.
"I, uh, s-sorry. Continue." I stuttered, embarassed to be caught daydreaming.
"Dude, you're being like you..." Jaime paused, looking up at me. "Holy Jesus do you like him?"
I winced at the word. "N-"
"Gotcha. Oh man, you totally do!" Jaime said, laughing. I slapped his arm, begging him to be quiet.
"Please Jaime, I'm serious, please don't tell."
Jaime paused, looking at me with a raised eyebrow. "Who would I even tell?" And we began to laugh again. "No, but seriously man, go get him. Like, now."
I looked to the doorway as if Kellin would magically appear. I then looked back to Jaime. "You're right. I'll see you later." With a wave I got up and left, heading out the doorway Kellin was pulled into. It was then I also was stopped.
"Where ya think yer goin'?" The guard asked, gruff and musclar. If he smiled I'd be sure there were missing teeth.
"I need to go find my-"
"Nuh-uh. Bell's gon' go. Better scram. You go nowhere but the field."
I looked past him for maybe even a glance of Kellin but to no luck. With another shove from the guard I stumbled backwards and he reclaimed his position. The bell rang overhead and another pair of hands grabbed me from behind.
"We got to get out there." Jaime said, looking worried for me. With a glare towards the guard I followed Jaime, off to Dawson.
This wil be fun.
****
That was not fun.
My body was stiff yet felt like gellatin as I limped towards the shower after having a full day of workouts and a surprisingly stuffing meal for dinner. I still hadn't seen Kellin and felt surged with worry, but once again I hadn't been permitted to leave until I finished my supper, as if I was a 5 year old boy again.
Without a single care I stripped down and let the freezing cold water shock my body. I held tight to the bar of soap and scrubbed as quickly as I could before rinsing off and twisting off the tap. I wrapped the towel around my waist and walked right out of the showers and towards Kellin and I's bunk area.
I was about to drop my towel when I noticed Kellin in his bed. His back to me, I looked at the hills of his body as he breathed. Realising what I was doing I instantly turned away and silently dressed under my towel until slinking into my own bed.
"Hey Vic." Kellin said quietly, not turning around. I waited a few seconds as I weighed in my mind if I even heard the voice.
"Kels, you okay?" I asked gently, laying down to face him. Dammit, there I go with the nickname again. Kellin stayed silent for a few seconds longer than comfortable, making me regret the nickname.
"Yeah, m'fine."
"You sure?"
"Mmm." Kellin grunted, unresponsive.
"Kellin?" I asked, trying to get him back into conversation. There was no reply. "Kellin?" I tried again. Silence. Frustrated, I rolled over so my back was facing him and soon fell asleep, his name still on my lips.