Methods

by Hg Muffin-Stuff

Chapter 7: Lilac and Lavender

"I'm sorry."

Squilliam's unibrow tightened over his eyes, his lips scrunched up, struggling - in one of those rare moments of his - to find words. "Squidward, I..."

Squidward waited for him to continue as he stood beside their table. After seeing that Squilliam had no more words for him, he quietly spoke. "You broke my heart, Squillie." With that, he headed for the door, choking down a sob.

As Squidward walked outside along the curb, Squilliam sat in his seat, his stomach churning as his eyes followed Squidward's bobbing head on the other side of the windowpane. Again, for the second time, he was losing what he truly wanted.

Fragile. Vulnerable. Maybe Squidward wouldn't accept his love, but he needed to accept his helping tentacle.

Squilliam ran out of the restaurant, forgetting his dignity, his name, forgetting the check (though it wasn't as though the owner doubted he would pay the bill), his thoughts only on Squidward.

When he saw his departing lover crossing the street, failing to conceal his sobs, he had to admit that he felt a small bit of guilty pride for having such a strong effect on him. Whatever he felt quickly fell away when he realized that Squidward wasn't crossing at a light.

"Shit!" Squilliam briefly glanced one way before dashing into the street and pushing Squidward to the other side. "What the fucking hell, Squidward?" he screamed. "Were you just not looking, or are you trying to get yourself killed again?"

"Maybe. What do you care? You don't have a shot with me."

"Maybe not. But I don't want your entrails splattered on the street. I still love you."

"Goodbye, Squilliam."

"Squidward, no."

"Look, I already told you -"

"I don't give a damn what you told me, I want to know what you're planning," Squilliam said, unwittingly gripping Squidward's arms.

"Go away!" Squidward yelled, turning his head sharply to hide the tears dripping onto his cheeks. "Can't you hear me, Squillie? I asked you to leave."

"I need to know you'll be okay."

"I'm fine! Just go. Leave me alone, and I'll be fine."

"All right, but you look pretty torn up about this...Squiddy." Squilliam trailed a suction cup softly along Squidward's chin, whispered, "Goodbye, love," and started to walk away back towards the restaurant.

"No - wait, Squilliam. Don't go."

Squiddy. Good ol' predictable Squiddy. Squilliam reassured him, "I'll stay, darling."

"Do you really mean that?" Squidward asked, sniffling.

Squilliam sat down beside him. He smiled lovingly at Squidward, wrapped each tentacle around his, locking each suction cup in a lavender kiss, and said, "I do."

**

Author's Note: There will likely be a sequel, but probably not for awhile, both because of real life (catching up on art class and band practice and such), and because I have several prequels in the works. There is greater description in my profile, but they include Tea at Fancyson Manor, which occurs shortly before this fic, and Summer Nights at Band Camp, about Squidward and Squilliam's relationship.