“How have you been holding up?” Rafael asked, setting a heavy hand on Landon’s shoulder and making him jump.
Landon looked up at the taller boy. His eyes were wide, less alarmed about the startle and more about where the innocuous question was leading. “Fine. Why?”
“Well, I know you and Hope -”
“Broke up? Yeah. Thanks for that reminder.” Landon laughed breathily.
“Actually, I was going to say I know you and Hope both pretend like everything is okay, but Jed’s in the infirmary and the rest of the wolves are terrified they’ll be next.”
Landon laughed again, this time more awkwardly than painfully. “Well I didn’t send him there.”
“I know.” Rafael nodded. “But you’re both bottling things up. And she is starting to crack, but you’re just shoving it down deeper and deeper.”
“Look.” Landon pressed his palms together. “I’ve always wanted to be special; she’s always wanted to be normal. It was never gonna work out long-term. We both knew that. It was just a matter of time, so I’m fine.”
Rafael straightened, ready to argue again, but decided against it at the last moment. “Alright, Just promise me that when you’re not, you’ll talk.” He held out a hand.
Landon took it and pulled him into an embrace. “I will.”