After picking up the kids and returning them to HQ, Brice became distant. In the beginning, Clay thought he was imagining the way Brice was pushing him away, but then as more time passed, it became clear. First, it was fewer sleepovers and then less talking altogether. Brice never met up with him, and the apartment became frosty. No more music or reading. Moments together were met with painful silence.
When Clay asked what was wrong, all Brice said was that Clay would one day become the best damn agent out there. And Brice always added that he was holding Clay back.
Gradually Brice closed himself off from Clay completely, and there didn't seem to be anything Clay could do about it. The only thing that stayed the same between them was sex. That was as hot as ever.
Sitting outside the mess hall, Clay waited for Brice. Graduation was in one week, and he had to figure out a way to stop this distance from growing any more than it already had. The problem was, he didn't know what he should do. He tried to explain that becoming an agent was low on his priority list, but that didn't work. Maybe telling Brice the truth about why he was here was the answer. He just needed to get the balls to do it.
"Wicks." Abdul spun around the corner of the hall. His friend walked at a clipped pace and grabbed Clay's arm.
Abdul didn't stop his forward motion and yanked Clay after him. They began a quick trot down the walkway.
"I can't talk right now," Clay began. He didn't want to explain to Abdul that he was waiting for Brice, but Abdul didn't even give him the chance to say more.
"It's now, Clay." Abdul kept up his half-jog. "We're going to Keith's office."
"Now?" Clay's heart slammed into his boots. This was terrible timing. He and Brice were on rocky ground, and he didn't even know why. He couldn't be fucking around with the Keith thing now. "We have a week before graduation. That was the deadline."
"I don't give a shit about deadlines." Abdul let go of his arm, and Clay stopped walking. "We are moving forward. The time is now."
When he didn't move, Abdul spun around and yanked on his arm again.
"Abdul I--"
"Do I have to remind you why you are here? You're not a recruit. We are not recruits, and we aren't waiting for graduation. Move your ass. We are going to Keith's office now. We're on."
Clay nodded and started after Abdul. It was true. They had no reason to stay for graduation other than Clay needed more time with Brice. His mind spun on what to do with Brice, but he shoved that problem out of his head. He needed to do the job he was here for, and then he'd figure out his love with that stubborn mule later.
When Abdul and Clay reached Keith's office door, Abdul let himself in. Clay entered behind him and glanced around.
Brice and his eyes met.
Fuck.
Clay's stomach twisted. Of all the people to be here, Brice had to be one of Keith's trusted men. He had so hoped this wouldn't happen with Brice around.
On the right side of the room, Brice stood next to Nancy with confusion written on her face. At the desk sat Keith with his daughter Karma and her husband Rea flanking him. To the left, in a chair reading, was doctor Gears.
As Abdul and Clay took the seats across from Keith's desk, he glanced around for Janis. She was missing, but he had a good guess where she was.
"Now that Abdul is here, we can begin." Keith cleared his throat.
