One Shot (Cam)

[Deleted]

One shot
Gulbokhal tenga nareul dulleossan deoche geollyeodeul tenga
Only one shot
Domangchiji ma dwidoraseoseo duryeoume matseobwa...

Xun didn't make it a habit to listen to music while he practiced, especially the kind he was listening to now, but he found the song had a nice, heavy beat that made him feel... Well, badass.  He would never admit to such, but it was the truth.

He'd been working on jumps recently, so today he was taking the day off to work on more form-based work, namely his straight sword and staff.  At the moment, he was busy transitioning from stance to stance, twirling the blade around with practiced ease.  Being out in the courtyard, he knew he was getting the occasional passerby to stop and watch what he was doing, but he ignored most of them, keeping his expression calm and passive as he went through the movements.

Eventually, though, he did have to stop and take a break.  Xun kept his eyes downward as he walked over to his water bottle, trying not to make eye contact with anyone.  He'd skipped out on putting his contacts in earlier, since he didn't have any intentions of talking to anyone, so the pale blue color that they were naturally wasn't concealed, making him even more self-conscious than usual.

[Cameron Osiris]

Martial arts and the like had never been something Cam had ever tried, mostly because he was into a lot of other things already, but also because he didn’t have the discipline. Cameron wasn’t really dedicated to anything whole heartedly, but to everything in bits and pieces as he felt like doing them. It was for reasons like this that he felt really awed by those who could keep down a habit like that. Really out of all his passions, he was most dedicated to his guitar.

His instrument was in hand as he made his way to the Courtyard, and that was why he was thinking all of these thoughts about discipline. Cam smiled to himself – he hadn’t seen Xun in a while. They hadn’t been super close or anything, but Cam had gotten the kid to smile a little bit, and had even ended up helping him with was complex World History homework.

Excited to see someone he knew fairly well, Cam rushed towards the Courtyard just a little bit faster. “Xun!” He shouted, waving wildly. “Hi!” It was Cam’s usual greeting and he didn’t find it obnoxious at all. Once he got close enough he set down his guitar and put his hands on his hips. “How’s the sword training? Don’t you ever do anything fun?” Of course he was being sarcastic – sword training sounded so awesome, it had to be fun!

Cam sat on one of the benches and sighed, clearly happy to see the other boy. “Mind if I join you? Or will my music ruin your zen or whatever?”

[Deleted]

Xun didn't notice Cameron at first, too busy keeping his gaze from landing on anyone and accidentally making eye contact. That would mean interacting with a stranger or seeming awkward (which he was), but he didn't want to do either. And he thought Cam was gone anyway; he hadn't seen him in a while, at least. He was one of the rare outgoing people that Xun actually didn't mind too much, once he got past the initial 'wtf' stage.

His head jerked up at the sound of his name, and he blinked, squinting at the familiar blonde face he hadn't expected to see again. His lips twitched into a ghost of a smile. Well, at least he was still... Enthusiastic. "Hey, Cameron," he greeted in a much calmer, controlled voice, turning off his own music out of courtesy. He stood with the weapon limp in his hand as he studied the older boy - yep, still the same, it seemed. "I didn't realize you were back. It's good to see you." That was about as excited the boy got over seeing someone. He glanced downward at the question, twirling the blade around absent-mindedly. "It's going well. And jianshu is fun," he added, a small touch of amusement in his voice. "I received a silver medal in competition a few weeks ago." He'd just gotten back from Berkeley recently; it had been a good tournament.

He shook his head, waving at Cameron to do whatever he wished. "No, please, don't let me distract you," Xun insisted. His smile widened slightly. "My chi will be just fine." He was about to go back to his form, but polite curiosity was getting the better of him, and he quietly asked,"So... I won't pry as to why you left, but are you staying?"

[Cameron Osiris]

Cameron just knew a lot of people, but some of them were ignoring him. There had been a lot of rumors about him and why he had left, and people just jumped to assumptions. What could he do? He was still his friendly bubbly self, and if people had a problem with him, they were the ones missing out. Of course it hurt his feelings, but he would move on.

Not a whole lot had changed about Cam, in fact, he probably looked better now than he did before he left. Healthier, not so much weight on his shoulders. He was trying to just be himself again, and do his best. “Yeah, I forgot to send out the newsletter,” Cam said playfully. He didn’t always announce everything from the rooftops. Cam let out a low whistle. “Any kind of medal sounds pretty awesome, congrats.” He said with a nod. Hopefully Xun did things because he enjoyed doing them, not for the sake of getting medals.

“Cool,” Cam said, picking up his guitar. He laughed at Xun’s antics. “I didn’t want to distract you!” The other boy was so courteous all the time, he was a really nice person to be around. Like, not intimidating in a relational sense. Cam wouldn’t want to mess with him and that sword though. As he tuned his strings, Cam was surprised as Xun initiated some conversation. Usually it was just pleasant silence between them.

Continuing to focus on his guitar, Cam nodded. “Yup.” He said, pronouncing the p with an extra popping sound. “I’m gonna graduate, and then, we’ll see. I was thinking Princeton,” he said in a joking manner, even though he had already been accepted to the prestigious school. Cam started playing a calm song that was slow and soothing. It was one of his originals. “What are the rumors these days?” He asked curiously. If they were going to talk about him, they may as well get any incorrect assumptions cleared up.

[Deleted]

Xun didn’t much listen to rumors, but that was mostly because he didn’t talk to a lot of people, especially those prone to gossiping. So he’d heard very vague things, something about a baby, but that was pretty much it. He’d seen the girl, Tak, when she was looking quite pregnant, and he supposed he could put the two and two together, but it didn’t really impact his life, so he didn’t really think about it. He simply smiled at the newsletter comment, not really getting it (but those sorts of sarcasm almost always went over his head). “Thank you,” he replied, dipping his head. “It’s always fun to watch people compete. There are so many talented people…” Xun trailed off. He was determined to be as good as the best someday.

A small chuckle escaped at Cameron’s retort. “It’s hard to distract me when I train,” he assured him. Sometimes Xun got so focused that people tried to talk to him and he didn’t even realize it until he snapped out of it. His ability didn’t help much with that – it took immense concentration to move both incredibly fast and efficient.

He surprised himself, though, by deciding to talk more instead of go right back to practice. He didn’t regret it, though – he was truly glad that Cam was back. “That’s great,” he replied, smile widening enough to show some teeth. “That’s right, you’re a senior, aren’t you? Ai-ya, that’s so soon.” His eyebrows rose a little at the Princeton bit. “That sounds like a good plan,” he said seriously, missing the joking tone. “That is a good school.” Realizing he was just standing there sort of dumbly, Xun finally laid his sword by his equipment bag and sat next to Cam, enjoying the pleasant music. “Rumors?” he repeated, folding one long leg up against his chest. “Ahhh… I don’t really listen to them. I only heard about the pregnant girl, but not much.” He tilted his head. “I don’t think it matters what you may have done to deserve rumors, though. You’re here now, aren’t you? You deserve a new start.” At least, that was the Chinese boy’s opinion, as unpopular as it may be.

[Cameron Osiris]

Cam nodded his head in agreement. “When’s your next competition?” He asked, not sure if that had been discussed already. He could see this hobby was important to Xun, and Cam liked supporting his friends. Maybe next time Xun compete, Cam could cheer him on, with homemade signs and everything. That would probably embarrass the guy to no end, but yeah, Cam would do it anyways.

“Okay good,” Cam said, glad for the reassurance, “cuz I’m usually pretty distracting.” He winked at Xun, but Cam knew by now that his friend wasn’t someone to be wooed. Or well, at least Cam hadn’t been able to, despite his best efforts.

Even when Xun was happy, it was mild. Cam hadn’t really ever heard the other boy laugh, and it was hard to catch Xun displaying any kind of emotion, other than stoic. Cam was pretty sure that wasn’t an emotion. “Yeah, it’s crazy to think I’m almost done with high school,” he said, feeling both excited and nervous at the prospect. Cam smiled brightly, his power helping him glow. “I got a scholarship there,” Cam said softly. He could trust Xun, one because Xun was a loyal friend, and two he didn’t really gossip.

Cam’s light blue eyes flicked beside him, noting that Xun was beside him now – he had the grace of a cat, must’ve been nice, it made Cam look clumsy. A tender smile crossed Cam’s face, “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s said to me since I’ve been back.” He continued playing the song. A puzzled look overcame Cam’s features, thinking about how he was going to meet his daughter soon. What a foreign thought.

“And you?” Cam asked, changing the subject without any segue. It was rare he had Xun’s attention like this, so, he might as well make the most of it. “What’s new? Got a girlfriend or a boyfriend or whatever yet?” Cam smirked and laughed at his own antics, his fingers continuing to play the next note while he spoke. This was probably the only thing he knew how to multitask at – talking and playing guitar.

[Deleted]

Xun tilted his head as he recalled the date. "It's in August, in Seattle," he replied, toying with the hem of his shirt. If Cam somehow tagged along with signs and everything, Xun would likely be mortified with the attention. There was nothing against the rules about it, but... Eep! He would be blushing for days. As expected, the wink with the comment had no effect on Xun, just a mild confusion that he quickly brushed away with a wary smile. Perhaps Cam just meant that he was loud...?

"I'm sure it's exciting," he replied, blinking as Cameron seemed to... Glow. Ah, right, his ability. It was an interesting effect, and Xun let out a breathy chuckle. "Oh, really? Cam, that's great!" His voice didn't rise much, but he put in an effort to sound supportive, because he was. "I still have one more year. I should... Probably look into applying for scholarships," he mused. Although, really, he might end up taking a year or two off if he got the chance to train on national levels.

His features went a little sad and curious at what Cameron said next. Xun had only spoke his mind; he hadn't meant it as a compliment or anything, even if that was how it came across as. "Are people bothering you?" he murmured, brow creasing. If there was one thing he couldn't stand, it was people bullying others, even verbally. "I can... Threaten them. With that," he said, pointing to his sword. Of course, he would never actually hurt someone, and he was mostly kidding (shocking), but the concern was there.

He blinked when the conversation was turned to him, and he was about to respond when the subject of a significant other popped up. Xun's cheeks immediately reddened, and he shook his head, clearly not familiar with talking about such things. "No... No, I do not," he replied, rubbing his arm uncertainly. "I'm too... Busy." That was just an excuse; truth was, he didn't think he was really interested. Maybe if the right person came along, but... "D... Do you?" It was polite to ask, right?

[Cameron Osiris]

It was the fact that Xun didn’t catch on to flirting that made Cam always try – Xun at least understood perseverance. The blond found it amusing that Xun didn’t really respond to any kind of flirting, but was also too nice to really point out how stupid Cam was for trying. “Seattle,” Cam said, mulling over the word as though he were tasting it, “I’ll remember that.” Oh, he was going.

“Yeah,” Cam said, scratching the back of his head as he tried to calm down, “I worked damn hard for it so...” Being super excited around Xun usually just ended up with Cam talking way too much and the other boy just staring. It was nice to tell someone though, someone who would be happy for him and not be disappointed that he wasn’t staying forever. Cam shrugged at the scholarship comment. “Couldn’t hurt.”

Xun wasn’t the only one who had spoken his mind around Cameron. The blond gave a surprised laugh. “Thanks Xun, but I think I’d lose that full ride if you went around threatening people for me with that thing,” he said, patting his friend’s shoulder as a 'thanks anyways'. He had to admit though, Xun did have a sense of humor. Unique, but still funny. Cam pointed to his eye, which was healing nicely, but still yellow and brown in certain areas. “I got punched in the face before I even moved into my new dorm room.” He had also been slapped his arrival day, but, whatever. At least that had ended with a kiss and a cuddle.

Cam laughed, continuing with the tune which was turning a lot happier. “That’s such a bad excuse,” he said, looking Xun in the eye, “come on, someone’s gotta be interesting to you.” Everyone was interesting to Cam, he knew that was an anomaly, he just didn’t realize that his polar extreme could also exist. He noted Xun’s red face and decided not to press further than that. “Do I what? Have someone?” Cam shook his head, looking off into the distance. “Nah.” And he was starting to believe he had never really had anybody.

[Deleted]

Someone would... Pretty much have to flat-out tell Xun that they were flirting with him for the naive boy to get it. Peacockery and boasting, compliments, all the like... He just didn't understand enough to care. "What, you want to come?" he asked incredulously. "I mean, the support is welcome, but..." Xun trailed off. He didn't want Cam to spend the money, and, well, yes, he would be embarrassed.

He didn't mean to be a damper on the blonde's excitement, though - he really was happy for him, he just didn't show it well. "You should go," he encouraged. "If that is what you want to do. If not..." Xun shrugged, fiddling with one of his ear piercings. "I'm sure you will decide what path you want to take." He shot another small smile his friend's way; he wasn't going to win any inspirational speech awards soon, but at least he was trying.

"Ah, right...." Xun gave a slightly awkward laugh and rubbed the back of his neck. This was why he didn't talk a lot, he always made a fool out of himself. "Well, I'm... I am still here if you need to talk or anything," he offered. It was a genuine offer this time. Xun peeked at Cam's eye as he pointed it out, eyes widening as he saw the bruise. "That's awful!" he frowned. If this was going to be a regular thing Cam had to deal with, maybe Xun should teach Cam his own way to defend himself. "I don't understand why people can be so mean...." he mumbled trailing off. The people he trained with, all more skilled in fighting than the average person, none of them used their skills to harm other people. It wasn't moral.

"It's not an excuse," he squeaked, which was an obvious giveaway that it was. Xun shook his head vigorously; absolutely no one came to mind. "No... No one," he replied. "I'm not... I'm not interested in... Physical... Things..." If he could blush any more, he was. He knew that most people were, though, and gave a sympathetic frown at Cam's plight. "I'm sure you will find someone," he said gently. Cam was a good person, there was no reason why he wouldn't, right?

[Cameron Osiris]

Cam was pretty much he had told Xun once that he was cute, but even then the comment had been brushed off. Direct or not, Xun was a hard nut to crack. It was a good thing Cameron wasn’t aggressive or anything. Cam smirked. “But what? Will I dishonor your family?” Okay, that was a major stereotype, but Cam was hoping Xun would see the joke for what it was. Xun liked his privacy, and Cam was intruding. “I won’t come if it bothers you,” he said, not offended in the slightest. He didn’t want grandma Jinsong having a heart attack or anything.

“Yeah, it’s what I want.” His heart panged as he thought of Chester. “There’s nothing holding me back here.” Well, there could’ve been, but he seemed to fuck up all of his relationships despite his best intentions. He just hoped everyone would understand why he was leaving this time.

Cam shrugged. “It wasn’t that bad,” he lied, because he didn’t want Xun worrying over him. Cam offered his friend a smile. “Thank you Xun, you’re a good listener,” and Cam meant it. He usually meant what he said for the most part, but it was nice to hear that someone was there for him. “You too you know, you know where I live.” Who knew, maybe quiet Xun would need a shoulder to lean on someday or a friend by his side.

Cam studied Xun with interest. “You’re a terrible liar Xun.” The blond laughed again, not trying to make fun or anything, but seriously? “You’re serious though,” Cam said, letting out a low whistle. “Have you hit puberty yet or what?” Once Cam was interested in something he didn’t back down. He put down his guitar and shrugged. He wasn’t interested in finding someone right now. “So you haven’t even kissed anyone?”

[Deleted]

Ooh... Xun prickled up a bit at that joking question, but deflated after a moment; he knew Cam well enough to know he was kidding, even if he didn't like the humor. He just didn't respond, instead fidgeting with his hands, wondering if he should go pick up his sword again so he had something to do with them. "It doesn't.... Bother me," he replied, tapping his leg. "I just... Haven't had a friend go before." Maybe it would be alright. Maybe even... Fun. He could show Cam around his hometown, or something, get some boba tea in the International District, stop by A Piece of Cake... Yeah, maybe.

Xun nodding understandingly. He knew nothing about Cam's... Romantic interests, and considering how it seemed people were treating the blonde, he didn't blame Cam for not worrying about leaving. "We will have to stay in touch," he said with a small nod. He had few enough friends as it was.

Still, Xun smiled at the compliment. "I'm not that good at talking, so I guess I have to make up for it somehow," he replied, another peek of humor showing through. And he did appreciate the reciprocated offer. "Thank you," he murmured. He didn't have much drama in his own life, so he likely wouldn't take it up, but he did at least like spending time with Cam, so he would appreciate the company if nothing else.

Ai-ya... Xun's lower lip pouted out as Cam called him out. "I am serious..." he agreed, wishing the heat would leave his cheeks. "I... I don't know..." His voice was barely a mumble now. It seemed like a rhetorical question, but Xun didn't know how to respond. He peeked over as Cameron put his instrument down, and hunched his shoulders slightly as he shook his head 'no'. "Is that... A bad thing?" he asked innocently, meeting Cameron's pale eyes with his own.

[Cameron Osiris]

Cam continued to hold the smile on his face. “You don’t have to decide right now, just lemme know, kay?” There was nothing wrong in wanting some privacy in your life, and Cam didn’t want to impose, he couldn’t just invite himself to things. “There’s a first time for everything you know.”

The blond wasn’t very good at staying in touch where long distances were involved, but if Xun was serious and keen on the thought, then Cam would do his best. “Yeah, I’ll give you my phone number,” he said, and for once, wasn’t actually trying to flirt about it. Cam wasn’t often serious, but Xun was, and some of that personality was bound to rub off on him. You are who you hang out with after all.

“Hey come on, it’s a strength to know how to listen these days,” he said, sensing the humor in Xun’s voice. People weren’t exactly praised for being quiet, people were praised for speaking their mind. But not everyone could be the same, that would just be boring. Cam and Xun were opposites on many levels, and yet they could still learn a lot from each other. Cam liked that.

"No..." Cam said, staring at Xun. He also liked the way Xun was looking at him right now. His eyes weren’t normally that colour, and Cam wondered briefly if Xun wore contacts. His mind raced and the only thing he could think of doing in this very moment was lean forward and kiss Xun lightly on the lips. Nothing extravagant or heart stopping, just a token. Cam leaned back and let his hand drop, not realizing he had been cupping Xun’s face. The red on Xun’s face suited him, and Cam smirked at the moment.

[Deleted]

Xun hesitated, then nodded, deciding he'd think about it. Honestly, the more he considered it, the more the idea was growing on him. "Alright," he agreed, keeping the thought in the back of his head. He wondered what some of his other conservative friends in Seattle would think of the outgoing blonde, and Xun smiled to himself.

He was definitely serious about keeping in touch, and made a mental note to grab his phone out of his bag when they parted ways today. "Great," he replied, feeling a little relief. Cam brought out the rare outgoing nature in Xun (it was very mild, but it was there), and the Chinese boy knew he would miss it.

"Ah, you're too kind," he chuckled, feeling a little embarrassed. "I just never know what to say." Xun was a good listener, but not the best at giving advice. So even though he could potentially be someone people came to often, no one really sought him because he wasn't known for really helping all that much. Maybe that was something he could work on...

But, whoa, something in the air had changed, and Xun felt glued to the spot, uncertain what he was expected to do. Before he knew what was happening, there was a pressure on his cheek from Cam's hand, and then a similar pressure on his lips, only this time it wasn't his hand, but Cam's mouth. As soon as they parted, Xun gawked at his friend, fairly certain his brain had stopped working. It didn't matter that it wasn't long or passionate - the act alone was just... Mind-numbing. He finally swallowed hard, then uttered,"What....?" His first kiss. Cam had just snuck in and stolen his first kiss... And Xun found that he didn't care too much. Better a friend than someone he didn't know as well, right?

But... Cameron was also a boy... And yet Xun realized he didn't care about that either. What did it matter? Lips were lips, whether it was a boy or a girl. "I..." Wow, yeah, words were not his friend right now. ".... Why?"

[Cameron Osiris]

Cam shrugged. "You don't have to say much to make people feel good, at least that's my experience, but I do talk too much." Besides, sometimes all people needed was someone who was willing to listen and just be around them in order to make them feel normal.

Cam wasn't really sure why he felt inclined to kiss Xun, he was just too damn cute. And he had never been kissed before! Out of his good heart, Cam was going to make that a possibility. The kiss was nice and Cam had missed something that had felt innocent. Cam only chuckled at Xun's reaction. "That good hey?" His hand snaked out to clutch Xun's for reassurance.

"Why not?" Cam asked in return. His self confidence wouldn't be ruined if Xun decided it the worst thing in his life and he was never doing it again. "Did you like it?" Now Cam was both curious, and well, still enamored by Xun for the moment.

[Deleted]

Xun chuckled a little. "I don't think you talk too much, it... Fills in the awkward gaps," he mused, scuffing the toe of his shoe on the ground. He supposed he understood what Cam meant, though - a lot of people had a lot of problems, and though he didn't always have the answer, at least he could offer support.

This, though, this was way out of Xun's normal comfort zone; had it been anyone else, he probably would have grabbed his stuff and fled. And... Well, he felt kinda warm and tingly. Was that what feeling wanted was like? "Uh, I mean... I don't have... Anything to compare it to," he said breathlessly, staring at their intertwined hands. He didn't move to take his away.

He cleared his throat and averted his eyes to the ground, pondering the blonde's questions. "I..." Had he liked it? His brain had sort of fizzled when it happened, he hardly even remembered what it felt like. "It... Was not bad," he finally said. "Just... Unexpected." To say the least. "I am sorry, I'm just not used to... Such things." His voice was even more uncertain and faltering than usual. He finally peeked up at Cameron again, a very small, shy smile touching his lips. "Thank... You?"