Episode 8

Calvin closed the door and went to his desk, placing both hands on it as he tried to maintain his composure. His blood was boiling with rage upon learning that Frank had played with him like that.

What irritated Calvin the most was the fact that Frank acted as if nothing had happened, getting engaged the same night he got sexually involved with him. If Frank just wanted a one-night stand, he could at least have been honest about it. However, Frank flirted with Calvin for quite some time, giving hints that he was looking for something more than just a casual encounter.

Stepping away from the desk, Calvin ran his hand over his face, still with mixed feelings. He felt frustrated to realize that he was the only one who believed that a romance, a relationship, and perhaps even the possibility of living together could arise between them; a vision he always nurtured, imagining finding someone to fulfill these desires.

As he tried to calm his anger, he heard someone knock on the door and enter. Calvin snorted and smiled in disbelief as he realized it was Frank who had entered the room.

"I want to talk to you, Calvin." Frank stood still, awaiting an answer.

"If it's about work, you can talk, but if it's personal, I'm going to tell you right now that we have nothing to talk about," Calvin warned, sitting down on the chair.

"Calvin, I..."

As soon as Frank started to speak, the siren sounded, interrupting what he wanted to say. Whenever they went out on a call, Frank and Calvin would go in the same truck, even to spend more time together. However, this time it was different. As they rushed out of the room, Calvin gave an order.

"You're going in the other truck with Eddie, and I don't have time to discuss this right now."

Every second was crucial when an emergency arose; they had to be quick and precise to get out of the firehouse as quickly as possible. Calvin didn't have the time or patience to discuss his decisions at that moment. As they got dressed, he informed another recruit that he would be switching places with Frank this time. Everyone was surprised, but no one dared question the decision.

Eddie didn't say a word, but he realized that Calvin was acting differently and chose to just observe. Frank didn't know if Calvin would give him a chance to explain the situation. He knew that Calvin might be imagining many things about him, but all he wanted was a chance to express his feelings.

The occurrence that time didn't last long, and upon returning to the firehouse, Frank was determined to keep trying to talk to Calvin, hoping that he would listen to him. As they removed their gear, Calvin remained serious and silent, attracting everyone's attention, as he was usually smiling and playful.

As soon as Calvin walked away, heading towards his room, Frank tried once again to talk to him.

"Calvin, wait, please, we need to talk."

Calvin stopped his steps and looked back, responding to Frank's words.

"What I need is for you to leave me alone and stay away from me. You don't need to explain anything to me; everything is already clear enough for me." Calvin replied and continued walking.

Unsatisfied with that answer, Frank stepped forward as well, grabbing Calvin's arm in an attempt to stop him once again. Calvin's attempt to restrain himself was in vain, because as soon as he felt Frank's touch on his arm, remembering the caresses from the night before, his anger exploded.

Calvin turned and punched Frank in the face, who ended up falling to the ground. Some colleagues were nearby and ran to hold Calvin, who was determined to continue. Eddie was one of them.

"What the hell was that, Calvin? Are you crazy?" Eddie asked, pushing him back.

Frank, surprised by the reaction, didn't imagine that Calvin would react that way. Calvin, however, didn't answer Eddie and just pointed his finger at Frank, issuing another warning.

"Stay away from me, Frank, or next time it's going to be worse."

The warning given, Calvin broke free from his colleagues and headed back to his room. Frank was helped to his feet, wiping the blood from the cut caused by the punch.

"What's going on, Frank? Yesterday you two were fine, smiling at each other, and now you're at each other's throats? What made him do that?"

Eddie questioned Frank about Calvin's attitude, trying to understand if he could use that aggressive situation to his advantage. However, Frank didn't want to cause any more trouble for Calvin, especially since he knew the reason behind the reaction.

"Don't worry, lieutenant, I'll work this out with Calvin personally. It was just a misunderstanding, and I'll handle it."

Frank replied and headed in the opposite direction to which Calvin had gone. The onlookers didn't understand anything because Calvin had never acted that way. Since Frank wasn't clear in his explanations, Eddie took advantage of the situation and went to speak with the battalion captain. He went to the captain's room and addressed the matter as soon as he entered.

"Sorry to bother you, sir, but I believe it's my duty to report this situation to you."

"What situation are you talking about?" the captain questioned.

"Calvin is acting strangely today, aggressive. He even punched Frank. I don't know what's going on, but I think it would be good to pay attention to this kind of behavior. We have no idea what he might have used."

"What are you talking about, Eddie? Are you suggesting that Calvin might have used some kind of drug? He has never exhibited behavior that would suggest what you are insinuating. In fact, he prides himself on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, taking care of his muscles. What you are suggesting doesn't make sense."

"I'm not openly accusing him, sir, I'm just saying that this change in behavior and mood is suspicious, or don't you think?"

The captain liked Calvin and had even met his father, when he was a firefighter; therefore, he didn't think this could be the reason for the behavior described by Eddie.

"I'll talk to him first before I assume anything. We don't know if he's going through something. Thank you, Eddie, I'll take care of this matter."

Eddie left the room afterward, and even aware of the esteem the captain had for Calvin, he knew that he couldn't help but feel a certain suspicion given everything he had said and insinuated. He was determined to do whatever it took to receive the recognition he thought he deserved and take Calvin's place.

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