He could just about hear August's guitar over his headphones, and he found himself reaching over to pause the music so he could listen. He recognised the song. August had played it at a talent show, and Caleb had found his act slipping as he'd grinned and had nearly texted August to say "Bieber? Really?" And then he'd caught himself just in time to stop himself from sending the text. The smile had dropped of its own accord. So Caleb put his headphones in again. It wasn't enough. He needed to get out. He got up and grabbed his backpack, pulling it on, before grabbing a piece of paper, scribbling his number down on it, and "gone shopping. let me know if you want anything. -c" He stuck it to August's door, before heading out the door and slamming it behind him.

He was expecting the feeling of tension to drop when he walked out that door, especially due to the fact he still had music blasting through his headphones. But it still hung over him like a shadow, almost worsening as he walked. He needed a distraction. He needed a release. He needed to feel adrenaline pumping through his veins, needed to feel reckless and stupid. So he sent around a few texts asking if anyone knew about parties. Alcohol and if he was lucky, maybe even a fight he wouldn't win.

He kept his headphones in, ignoring the occasionally suspicious and dirty looks he got, as he roamed around the store, picking up stuff he knew they'd probably need. He didn't have it in him to do a proper shop, so just picked up enough to get them through the next few days. Decaf coffee. Normal coffee. Did August even drink coffee? He knew so little about the person he had once called his best friend and that hurt.

His phone buzzed with a text, and he stared at it for a moment in confusion before realising who it was from. Deleting August's number had been one of the hardest things he'd done. But it made things so much easier in the long run. He backtracked along the tea aisle, searching until he found it. Once he'd paid for everything, he just dumped the lot into his backpack. He had intended on just going straight back to the apartment. But he felt like he'd need a little something to get him through these next few hours. And seeing as alcohol was off the cards, he made a detour into a Starbucks for a decaf mocha. He don't know what gave him the thought to order an iced tea while he was at it, but something did.

It wasn't too far of a walk back to the apartment. The whole way, he'd hoped that August would still be in his room. But no such luck, he could hear the TV on as he reached the door. He made himself take a deep breath as he opened the door, careful not to spill the precious cargo in his hands. He didn't even really look up at August as he made his way over to him and held out the tea.

"I thought iced tea was a safer bet than coffee. Given you specifically asked me to get tea in the store," he said by way of explanation, walking away to start putting away the groceries. "I only drink decaf. For future reference. Not that I expect you to buy me coffee. But just in case."