Disarmed (Fence #2)

by Sarah Rees Brennan

“Why would I bother you if all I wanted was to exchange pleasantries?” asked Seiji. “We can do that during winter break. No, I’m calling about something important. This is about Nicholas.” “Okay, wow, it’s happening,” said his father. “Right, Seiji, let me just move away from the others, give us some privacy. Listen, guys, save me something from the drinks cart—”

“You don’t need to leave your friends.” Seiji was starting to feel unnerved. “They’re not my friends, they’re business associates. I barely like them,” his father said, then speaking away from the phone, “Sorry, Jock, didn’t mean for you to hear that.” He transferred his attention back to Seiji. “Doesn’t matter! What matters is you, Seiji. I think I know what you’re going to tell me. I’m so glad you feel able to share this with me! Thank you. I, ah—love you.” Seiji cast a hunted look around the courtyard. He had the irrational wish to climb up a chestnut tree and escape this emotional conversation. “And I’m sure I will love Nicholas,” his father continued. “Why would you do that?!” asked Seiji. “He’s annoying, and he’s bad at fencing!” There was a long pause on his father’s end of the line. “I’m sure he has… qualities,” his father said at last. “The point is, I hope you know that you can always tell me… whatever it is you have to tell me. I’m accepting. I accept you. I just found it difficult to swallow the idea of Jesse.” “Why are you bringing up Jesse?” Seiji’s throat narrowed a small but crucial amount when he was forced to discuss Jesse Coste, his former fencing partner and the reason he was attending Kings Row. The mysterious obstruction in his throat made it difficult to speak clearly and show that Seiji was perfectly all right. “No reason,” said his dad. “I’m sorry. Let’s never talk about Jesse again. That would make me very happy. Tell me about Nicholas!”

Brooo I’m dying 😭😭😭

“He sounds nice.” His father’s tone was doubtful. “Well, I’m an open-minded and modern man. Tell me whatever you have to tell me about Nicholas… and Eugene.…” “It’s really the whole team,” said Seiji. On the other end of the line, his father made a strangled noise. Seiji heard him cover the phone and yell out muffled apologies to other golfers.

I actually can’t with this. 💀

Seiji stared fixedly up at the fall-gold leaves. “About what you were saying earlier.” His father coughed. “Ah. Yes, some crossed wires there. I can see how a lot of the things I was saying probably didn’t make sense to you.”

Why had he done this? Just because Nicholas wanted to go to Camp Menton. Just because Nicholas hadn’t been trained the way he deserved. Why was it up to Seiji to make that right? What had Seiji been thinking? He must have lost his mind.

ITS CALLED CATCHING FEELINGS BRO

“Nicholas!” Seiji snapped, as though he were a highwayman demanding Nicholas’s money or his life. “Are you pleased?”

Okay so I was def shipping this is book one but damn book 2 is REALLY feeding me

Nicholas could tell Seiji was happy about France, too. He was looking at Nicholas, and there was a faint curl of satisfaction to Seiji’s mouth that might have been a smile on someone else.

Oh my GOD

Harvard had taken solid ground away from Aiden, and then wondered why Aiden was drowning.