Broken Strings (Prodigy: 2)

The Truth

Did he want to screw with Zane? That felt like he was punishing him. What was he punishing him for? Having a girlfriend? Even Locke knew when he was being ridiculous – not that he usually cared but Zane's hunched back gave him pause.

Of course, he could always just tell him the truth.

"You look like shit," he said bluntly and Zane's muscles flinched across his back. Locke let out a silent breath at the reaction and walked forwards, tapping his shoulder with the bottle of water. "Drink something, do you have a headache?"

"Locke," Zane muttered, his voice low and rough, deeper then usual. The sound sent a shiver up Locke's back but he just set the water on the table.

"What?"

"Locke... about last night..."

"Oh last night," Locke said, a grin forming, "hey, what can I say, you're pretty active when you're drunk, who knew."

Zane's hands tightened.

"Seriously, I'm amazed I'm walking this morning, sportsmen have stamina to die for," Locke continued, laughing.

Zane drew in a short, sharp breath and Locke looked at him. Zane opened his mouth and Locke stepped forwards and crouched in front of him, setting his hands on his knees.

"Zane," he said softly, "Zane, I'm teasing you."

Zane was still for a moment, then his head snapped up and he stared at Locke in surprise. The shock almost made Locke laugh again.

Instead he withdrew his hands from his knees and settled them on his own thighs.

"We didn't do anything, don't look so devastated," Locke said, smiling up at him, his brow pinched.

"What?" Zane said, eyes wide.

"We didn't do anything. Well, no that's a lie. We made out and you're surprisingly good with your hands, but we didn't do anything serious."

Zane continued to stare at him and Locke pushed to his feet, stepping away from him, still smiling and lifting his arms, spinning on the spot.

"Does this flawless skin look like the skin of someone who's just had sex? Not a kiss-mark to be seen. And do you see a scratch mark on you? If you were lucky enough to have me, you'd know by now that I'm a damn aggressive lover."

"Locke—"

"Not because of any kindness on my part mind you, you only went and fainted on me before things could get fun," he added and Zane looked away.

Locke's smile faded as soon as Zane wasn't looking and he turned away, looking out of the window, folding his arms.

"Trust me, you're as golden hearted as you were yesterday," he said gently.

"Locke," Zane said slowly, "... We..."

"Madi text by the way."

Whatever path the conversation could have taken ended with that line. It was like reality slammed home and Zane stood up, looking around before walking out of the bedroom to retrieve his discarded phone.

Locke sighed, closing his eyes. He bumped his forehead against the window and folded his arms, nails digging into his biceps.

"Locke."

Zane's voice by the door made him slowly open his eyes, looking out over the city.

"I have a performance tonight, I need to get ready," he said.

"Locke, about last night."

"What about last night?"

"... Sorry."

Locke's brow furrowed and he looked around. Zane was already picking up his shirt and pulling it on, running his fingers over his braids.

"For what?"

Zane didn't answer that. Just buttoned his shirt and reached for his shoes that were still neatly lined up next to Locke's. He took a seat on the bed and pulled them on, looking around for his bag and belt.

"Will I see you again before you leave?"

Locke walked out of the bedroom and retrieved Zane's bag that he'd dumped the night before in the living room, dropping it on the floor at his feet and folding his arms, looking down at Zane.

"I dunno," he said, "Maybe. It's not like we need to meet."

Zane looked up and Locke looked away. Holding up a finger, he walked to one of the dressers and opened a draw.

"I got you a present, by the way."

Zane looked at him in surprise. "A present?"

"For winning the match. Figured the man of the hour deserved something."

He pulled a small box out of the top draw and tossed it over to Zane.

Zane, to Locke's surprise, fumbled and almost dropped it – how unlike him.

He raised an eyebrow at Locke and Locke raised an eyebrow back so Zane looked down and opened the box.

His eyes widened.

"Figured I'd give you something useless," Locke said lightly, walking over and sitting down beside him, looking into the box.

It was a platinum hooped earring, simple and small that wouldn't get in his way during his games and practice.

Zane just stared at it for a while in complete silence and Locke draped himself back across the bed, closing his eyes. He was tired all of a sudden. He didn't want to sleep, he was just tired.

"Thank you," Zane muttered.

"That's ok," Locke said, "You don't have to wear it if you don't want to, I know Madi gave you that other one. Just figured you might want a change every now and then."

A hand suddenly came down over Locke's eyes, blinding him as he jumped.

"Hey," he snapped, right before Zane pressed his lips down on the corner of Locke's mouth.

Locke froze.

It was like being seventeen again. When they'd parted ways at the airport and Zane had given him the exact same kiss in the exact same spot and Locke had frozen then as well. His mind went blank, butterflies flared through his stomach and he couldn't react fast enough to do anything before Zane pulled away.

His hand left Locke's eyes and his eyes snapped open, just in time to see Zane's ear.

He'd put in the earring.

It glinted in the light.

And then Zane was gone.

By the time Locke sat up, Zane's long legs had carried him out of the room and then out of the apartment.

"Zane!" Locke shouted, launching to his feet.

He tore across the apartment, throwing open the door and falling out into the hall.

"Zane!" he cried but Zane was gone. The hall was empty. He had to of run to get away so fast and he was gone.