Duality

Everything feels completely different as you re-enter the party this time. Not just because of your moment with Aden earlier but also due to the increasingly rowdy nature of the gathering. The sound of voices arguing can be heard over the din and music leading you in the direction of the commotion. You follow the sound already knowing what you'll find when you reach the source. Entering the living room you see Aden's already found the culprits and has inserted himself between the bickering party.

"You're an idiot!" Ash is irately yelling around his new obstacle to the man standing on the other side.

"Oh, very mature." Kaleb rolls his eyes, clearly enjoying the rise he's getting out of the younger man. "Resort to name calling when you no longer have an argument."

"I- Shut up!" Ash exclaims, his eyes flashing violently as he struggles to control himself.

Biting your lip, you look between the men feeling helpless against the situation. The crowd around you bustles in anticipation as word of a fight makes its way around. Just as you're about to step forward you're stopped by a firm hand on your shoulder.

"I wouldn't worry about them." You turn quickly and are somewhat surprised to see Drake. For some reason you didn't quite envision him as the party type. "This happens every once in a while. They'll eventually get bored and call it a night."

"Are you sure?" Your brow furrows as you look back to the heated yelling match still taking place.

"Yes." His own gaze has grown bored as he stares ahead at the men before snapping out of it and turning his attention back to you. "Why don't I drive you home? I'm about to head back by myself."

Biting your lip again, you consider your options briefly before nodding in agreement. After all, you're sure there's nothing you can do to assist at the moment. Drake gestures towards the exit and you follow him out to his car. Thankfully, he doesn't seem to expect or try to elicit any conversation during the ride back. Once you've arrived at the house, you thank him for the ride before parting ways inside. Taking a seat in the empty living room, you let out a long weary exhale. After everything that has happened today, you feel as though you need a solitary moment to decompress. You're barely given enough time for that before the front door suddenly slams open.

Jumping up in surprise, you quickly rush over in time to see all three men return and make their separate ways down the hallway and into their respective bedrooms. You continue standing there for a moment as the sound of doors clicking, or in some cases slamming, are heard. You know you should leave well enough alone and give them space until the morning. However, something is gnawing at you, compelling you to go confront one of the offenders. You breathe in deeply, trying to steady your nerves before slipping out into the hallway.