Waiting for Sunset - Chapter 4 {Peter and Ian}
“Do either of you want to explain this to me?” Peter and Ian both woke to see David standing over them, looking at their still connected hands with a scornful, disapproving expression. Peter instantly began to panic and Ian tightened his grip on Peter’s hand in the split second before Peter pulled away.
“It’s nothing.” Peter stood up, distancing himself from Ian as he looked at David.
“Dave, it’s my fault.” Ian sighed. “Peter fell asleep and he just looked so, I dunno, peaceful and appealing, so I sort of reached out and just…took his hand.”
“No, you didn’t, because that would mean that you’re…gay?” David gulped, looking at Ian as though he were a rabid dog that might attack at any moment.
“I never tried to hide it from you,” Ian declared. “I showed hints many, many times; you just always thought that I was joking around and, well, I didn’t try to convince you otherwise.”
“You can change your clothes.” David glared at Ian. “And then you can get you can get out of my house.”
“Fine.” Ian nodded, reaching into his backpack for jeans and a t-shirt, pulling them on over his pajamas.
“Peter, are you ok?” David asked.
“Yeah, I’m ok.” Peter nodded. “Can I use your bathroom to change for church?” He grabbed at his own backpack.
“Of course,” David agreed and Peter made a beeline for the bathroom, changing quickly into khaki slacks and a button down. By the time he got back to the den, Ian was pulling on his shoes.
“So, uh, my mom said that she’d pick me up at the park soon, so I’m gonna go now, is that ok?” Peter asked David, hating that he was lying to his friend. “I need a walk - fresh air, clear my head, you know?”
“Absolutely.” David nodded as Ian walked out of the door without another word. “I don’t blame you one bit - I’m so sorry about Ian; I honestly didn’t know that he was like that.”
“It’s ok - well, you know, it will be.” Peter pulled his own shoes on, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. “Thanks for having me over.” Peter smiled. “Call me soon?”
“Sure thing. Bye Pete, it was good seeing you and again, I’m so sorry about Ian.” David walked Peter to the door.
“You too. I’ll see you soon.” Peter left, letting out a deep sigh the second that David closed the door. That had been close, too close.
“Hey there.” Ian walked out from behind the side of the house, pack slung over one shoulder lazily. “Want company? I thought that you might want an escort to the park, seeing as, you know, there’s a scary gay boy on the loose in this area - or so I’ve heard.”
“Ok.” Peter nodded, unable to hide a smile and slight chuckle at Ian’s joke. “I just have to call my mom and, you know, let her know that I’ll be at the park.” Peter pulled out his phone as the two boys began to walk. “Hi mom, look, slight change of plans - David had some stuff that he had to do, so I’m gonna be at the park instead…yes, I’m changed for church…no, I’m not alone…Ian, he’s a friend of David’s…yeah, yeah…by the swings?” Peter nodded. “Got it. Bye mom…love you too.” He closed his eyes for a second as he hung up his phone. “She’s picking me up in half an hour by-”
“The swings?” Ian smiled.
“Yeah.” Peter nodded.
“So.” Ian looked at Peter with a sideways glance as they walked. “You told a lie.”
“So did you,” Peter reminded him, trying to avoid having to get into the whole matter of lying. “Why did you cover for me?”
“Because it was the right thing to do.” Ian shrugged. “I mean if I hadn’t, David would have gone off on you too, then he would have told his mom, who would tell your mom, who would flip a shit, from the sound of things, and you would have spent the next three years in a confession booth repenting for your sins.”
“Don’t you think that you might be stereotyping a little?” Peter asked, trying and failing to raise one eyebrow.
“Maybe,” Ian admitted. “But stereotypes have to come from some shred of truth, don’t they?”
“Touché.” Peter let out a strangled snort of laughter. “At any rate, um, thanks for covering for me and, uh, you know, for making me laugh.” Peter looked down, trying to see a reflection in his shiny shoes.
“It was well worth the consequences.” Ian smiled as he stepped into the park. “I like making people laugh.”
“You’re good at it.” Peter jammed his hands into his pockets. He knew that his statement had been lame, but he didn’t much mind - after all, it was true and he had nothing better to vocalize.
“Years of practice and I’m still no David Cross.” Ian shrugged as they approached the swings.
“Uh…David who?” Peter frowned in confusion, setting his backpack down on the bark chip ground before taking a seat on the swing.
“David Cross - he’s an actor slash stand up comedian?” Ian read Peter’s still perplexed expression. “Eh, never mind the reference, I just think he’s really funny.”
“I’ll check him out.” Peter nodded, slightly moving his body so that the swing began to sway gently back and forth.
“You should.” Ian walked behind Peter, beginning to push the other boy. Peter, surprised by the sudden lurch of the swing, grabbed the chains on the side to keep from falling into the bark. “Whoa, you ok there?” Ian asked, stopping the swing.
“Yeah, just wasn’t expecting to be pushed, that’s all.” Peter shrugged, pushing the hair that had fallen in front of his eyes back behind his ear.
“Sorry.” Ian chuckled. “Heads up, I’m going to push you now - better hold on tight.”
“Got it.” Peter smiled as he gripped the chains. The second that Ian’s hands made contact with Peter’s back, he felt a small shiver course through his body. The hands pushing him were strong, but Ian was being gentle, careful not to shove Peter off of the swing.
“So.” Ian began to speak as he pushed the swing. “On a more serious note…” he trailed off as though to silently ask Peter’s permission before continuing.
“What note might that be?” Peter closed his eyes for a second, enjoying the wind in his face and hair.
“Were you - I mean are you, comfortable with what happened last night?” Ian asked, putting his hands above Peter’s on the chain, gently slowing the swing.
“I…” Peter paused. He was considering asking Ian exactly what he was talking, but Peter was confident that he already knew. “Yes, I am,” he replied.
“Ok.” Ian gently let go of the chains, moving around to the front of the swing so that he was facing Peter. He put his right hand on the chain, using it to hold himself up as he bent his torso at the waist, leaning in towards Peter. He reached out, pushing some of Peter’s hair away from his eyes as he spoke. “I like you, Peter.”
“Peter!” Peter nearly fell backwards off of the swing as he heard his mother calling. “Petey, come on, we’re running late!” she called.
“Coming!” Peter shouted back. He pushed past Ian, grabbing his backpack and thanking God that his mother hadn’t noticed the precarious position that he had found himself in. He quickly walked towards his mother, leaving Ian with nothing more than a small wave.
“So close.” Ian sighed, leaning up against the pole supporting the swings as he watched Peter hurry off. He had just sat down on the swing when he felt his phone vibrate. He flipped it open, a smile creeping across his lips as he read the message from Peter.
I like you too.
***
“Did you have a good time?” Sasha asked as Peter climbed into the car and sat down beside her.
“Yeah.” Peter didn’t even try to hide a smile as he nodded. “I really did.”
“Good.” Sasha reached out, ruffling her brother’s hair. “It’s nice to see you out having fun.”
“Yeah.” Peter gulped. You wouldn’t be saying that if you knew the whole story, he thought to himself. If you knew the whole story, you’d hate me.
“Hey.” Sasha poked Peter, lowering her voice. “Are you ok?” she asked.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” Peter looked at her, the words leaving his mouth quickly - too quickly.
“Because you look pained and as a far as I know, you don’t get sick in the car, and unless something horrible and scary happened last night, you’re not a vampire, so church shouldn’t be grounds for pain.”
“Really, I’m fine,” he assured. “I’m just tired - we stayed up pretty late watching really, really bad horror movies.” Peter sighed, wondering how late he and Ian really had stayed up talking.
“That’s not your tired look,” Sasha pressed. “Your eyes get all droopy when you’re tired and I’m sensing absolutely no droopiness.” Sasha looked at her brother closely. “In fact I think you might be hiding something.”
“Like what?” Peter asked. “What would I be hiding?”
“I don’t know, but I do intend to find out.” Sasha sat back.
“Yeah, well good luck finding something that isn’t there.” Peter rolled his eyes, though he was, in fact, beginning to worry about whether or not Sasha would manage to uncover his new secret.
All through church, Peter did his best to remain calm, though he grew slightly nervous as he looked around. He knew so many of the people in the room, a good number of them went to his school, even, and yet every last one of them would loathe him should they discover the way that he currently felt. After they got home, he excused himself to his room, claiming that his stomach was upsetting him. He lay down in his bed and closed his eyes, falling asleep far more quickly than he intended.
“Hey, Pete?” Sasha entered Peter’s room that evening. “Dinner’s on the table if you think your stomach can handle it.
“Oh, yeah.” He nodded. “I should be fine - I honestly think that I Was just tired.” Peter grabbed his phone, heading towards the door, following Sasha as he opened the sole message. He smiled to himself as he saw that it was from Ian.
So, when you said that you weren’t gay…
Peter sighed as he read the message. Ian was directly asking him and this time, he wasn’t going to be dishonest.
I think I lied.
Peter sat down at the dinner table, resting the phone on his thigh so as to obscure it from his family’s view as he waited for Ian to respond.
You…think?
Peter carefully looked down, responding slowly so as to keep the virtual conversation hidden from his family’s view.
I guess you could say that I’m questioning.
Peter barely got a bite of his chicken before his phone vibrated again.
So…would I be crossing a line if I asked you out?
As he read the message, Peter his lip, responding quickly and concisely.
No.
He rested the phone back on his leg, quickly finishing the food on his plate as he awaited the vibration. When it came, he did his best to read the message in a subtle fashion.
Can I take you to the movies Friday night?
Peter excused himself from the table, heading towards his room as he typed his brief response.
Yes.
When he reached his room, Peter lay back on his bed, closing his eyes, a smile in place on his lips as he rested his phone on his chest.
Meet me downtown, Fox Tower, at 7?
Peter started slightly at the vibration, but wasted no time forming his reply.
I’ll find a way to be there.
Peter had just barely set his phone down on the bed when Sasha opened the door. She entered the room, closing the door behind her before walking over to Peter, one eyebrow raised. “I knew that something was up,” she stated. “Who is she?”
“Who is who?” Peter asked, frowning at his sister’s interrogative tone.
“I saw you texting under the table.” Sasha rolled her eyes. “You never try to hide your texting. Pair that with the red ears and lip biting, there’s really only one conclusion to be drawn. You,” she pointed at Peter accusatorily, “were texting a girl - one that you’re interested in, no less.”
“Really, I wasn’t. I promise, just drop it, ok?” Peter curled his toes against the carpet, hoping that Sasha would give up and leave him alone.
“Oh my god, she’s not Jewish, is she?” Sasha asked, her tone suggesting that she was joking.
“No, she’s not Jewish, because in order to be Jewish, she would have to exist, and she doesn’t, so drop it please!” Peter tried as hard as he could to make his voice sound less desperate, knowing that the more worked up he became, the more curious Sasha would get.
“Well then you won’t mind me verifying that.” Sasha grabbed Peter’s phone before he had the chance to stop her.
“Really, Sasha, it’s not what you think.” Peter squeezed his eyes shit, hoping that Sasha wouldn’t actually look.
“Whoa…” Sasha dropped Peter’s phone on the bed. “It’s really not what I thought.” She gulped.
“Please.” Peter looked at his sister, an expression of anguish on his face.
“Who’s Ian?” Sasha asked, looking at her brother.
“He’s this guy that I know…” Peter’s voice trailed off as he looked at the ground.
“A boy you know who asked you out?” Peter simply nodded in affirmation. “Peter, are you gay?” she asked, trying as hard as she could to make eye contact with her brother.
“I don’t know what I am,” he whispered hesitantly. “But I know that I like Ian.”
“Like…you’re attracted to him?” she questioned.
“Yes.” Peter nodded. “But Sasha, please,” he begged. “Please don’t tell anyone.” He began to chew nervously on his lower lip. “God…you hate me now, don’t you.”
“No!” Sasha walked over to Peter, pulling him into a hug. “I love you, Peter - you’re always going to be my little brother.” She ruffled his hair. “Even though you’re growing up and going on your first date.” She smiled at Peter.
“And you’re not going to rat me out?” he asked.
“Of course not.” Sasha shook her head. “But you do have to keep this quiet. If it gets out, mom and dad will lose their minds.”
“I know.” Peter nodded. “Trust me, I know.”
“Look, Peter, don’t worry.” Sasha put her hand comfortingly on Peter’s shoulder. “I’ll drive you and cover for you on Friday, it’s your first date, you shouldn’t have to worry about anything more than the date itself.”
“Thank you.” Peter sighed, feeling incredibly relieved not only that Sasha would keep his secret, but that she was willing to help him.
“Goodnight, Petey.” Sasha headed for the door. “Just don’t worry about mom and dad; what they don’t know about you won’t hurt them.”
“It’s nothing.” Peter stood up, distancing himself from Ian as he looked at David.
“Dave, it’s my fault.” Ian sighed. “Peter fell asleep and he just looked so, I dunno, peaceful and appealing, so I sort of reached out and just…took his hand.”
“No, you didn’t, because that would mean that you’re…gay?” David gulped, looking at Ian as though he were a rabid dog that might attack at any moment.
“I never tried to hide it from you,” Ian declared. “I showed hints many, many times; you just always thought that I was joking around and, well, I didn’t try to convince you otherwise.”
“You can change your clothes.” David glared at Ian. “And then you can get you can get out of my house.”
“Fine.” Ian nodded, reaching into his backpack for jeans and a t-shirt, pulling them on over his pajamas.
“Peter, are you ok?” David asked.
“Yeah, I’m ok.” Peter nodded. “Can I use your bathroom to change for church?” He grabbed at his own backpack.
“Of course,” David agreed and Peter made a beeline for the bathroom, changing quickly into khaki slacks and a button down. By the time he got back to the den, Ian was pulling on his shoes.
“So, uh, my mom said that she’d pick me up at the park soon, so I’m gonna go now, is that ok?” Peter asked David, hating that he was lying to his friend. “I need a walk - fresh air, clear my head, you know?”
“Absolutely.” David nodded as Ian walked out of the door without another word. “I don’t blame you one bit - I’m so sorry about Ian; I honestly didn’t know that he was like that.”
“It’s ok - well, you know, it will be.” Peter pulled his own shoes on, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. “Thanks for having me over.” Peter smiled. “Call me soon?”
“Sure thing. Bye Pete, it was good seeing you and again, I’m so sorry about Ian.” David walked Peter to the door.
“You too. I’ll see you soon.” Peter left, letting out a deep sigh the second that David closed the door. That had been close, too close.
“Hey there.” Ian walked out from behind the side of the house, pack slung over one shoulder lazily. “Want company? I thought that you might want an escort to the park, seeing as, you know, there’s a scary gay boy on the loose in this area - or so I’ve heard.”
“Ok.” Peter nodded, unable to hide a smile and slight chuckle at Ian’s joke. “I just have to call my mom and, you know, let her know that I’ll be at the park.” Peter pulled out his phone as the two boys began to walk. “Hi mom, look, slight change of plans - David had some stuff that he had to do, so I’m gonna be at the park instead…yes, I’m changed for church…no, I’m not alone…Ian, he’s a friend of David’s…yeah, yeah…by the swings?” Peter nodded. “Got it. Bye mom…love you too.” He closed his eyes for a second as he hung up his phone. “She’s picking me up in half an hour by-”
“The swings?” Ian smiled.
“Yeah.” Peter nodded.
“So.” Ian looked at Peter with a sideways glance as they walked. “You told a lie.”
“So did you,” Peter reminded him, trying to avoid having to get into the whole matter of lying. “Why did you cover for me?”
“Because it was the right thing to do.” Ian shrugged. “I mean if I hadn’t, David would have gone off on you too, then he would have told his mom, who would tell your mom, who would flip a shit, from the sound of things, and you would have spent the next three years in a confession booth repenting for your sins.”
“Don’t you think that you might be stereotyping a little?” Peter asked, trying and failing to raise one eyebrow.
“Maybe,” Ian admitted. “But stereotypes have to come from some shred of truth, don’t they?”
“Touché.” Peter let out a strangled snort of laughter. “At any rate, um, thanks for covering for me and, uh, you know, for making me laugh.” Peter looked down, trying to see a reflection in his shiny shoes.
“It was well worth the consequences.” Ian smiled as he stepped into the park. “I like making people laugh.”
“You’re good at it.” Peter jammed his hands into his pockets. He knew that his statement had been lame, but he didn’t much mind - after all, it was true and he had nothing better to vocalize.
“Years of practice and I’m still no David Cross.” Ian shrugged as they approached the swings.
“Uh…David who?” Peter frowned in confusion, setting his backpack down on the bark chip ground before taking a seat on the swing.
“David Cross - he’s an actor slash stand up comedian?” Ian read Peter’s still perplexed expression. “Eh, never mind the reference, I just think he’s really funny.”
“I’ll check him out.” Peter nodded, slightly moving his body so that the swing began to sway gently back and forth.
“You should.” Ian walked behind Peter, beginning to push the other boy. Peter, surprised by the sudden lurch of the swing, grabbed the chains on the side to keep from falling into the bark. “Whoa, you ok there?” Ian asked, stopping the swing.
“Yeah, just wasn’t expecting to be pushed, that’s all.” Peter shrugged, pushing the hair that had fallen in front of his eyes back behind his ear.
“Sorry.” Ian chuckled. “Heads up, I’m going to push you now - better hold on tight.”
“Got it.” Peter smiled as he gripped the chains. The second that Ian’s hands made contact with Peter’s back, he felt a small shiver course through his body. The hands pushing him were strong, but Ian was being gentle, careful not to shove Peter off of the swing.
“So.” Ian began to speak as he pushed the swing. “On a more serious note…” he trailed off as though to silently ask Peter’s permission before continuing.
“What note might that be?” Peter closed his eyes for a second, enjoying the wind in his face and hair.
“Were you - I mean are you, comfortable with what happened last night?” Ian asked, putting his hands above Peter’s on the chain, gently slowing the swing.
“I…” Peter paused. He was considering asking Ian exactly what he was talking, but Peter was confident that he already knew. “Yes, I am,” he replied.
“Ok.” Ian gently let go of the chains, moving around to the front of the swing so that he was facing Peter. He put his right hand on the chain, using it to hold himself up as he bent his torso at the waist, leaning in towards Peter. He reached out, pushing some of Peter’s hair away from his eyes as he spoke. “I like you, Peter.”
“Peter!” Peter nearly fell backwards off of the swing as he heard his mother calling. “Petey, come on, we’re running late!” she called.
“Coming!” Peter shouted back. He pushed past Ian, grabbing his backpack and thanking God that his mother hadn’t noticed the precarious position that he had found himself in. He quickly walked towards his mother, leaving Ian with nothing more than a small wave.
“So close.” Ian sighed, leaning up against the pole supporting the swings as he watched Peter hurry off. He had just sat down on the swing when he felt his phone vibrate. He flipped it open, a smile creeping across his lips as he read the message from Peter.
I like you too.
***
“Did you have a good time?” Sasha asked as Peter climbed into the car and sat down beside her.
“Yeah.” Peter didn’t even try to hide a smile as he nodded. “I really did.”
“Good.” Sasha reached out, ruffling her brother’s hair. “It’s nice to see you out having fun.”
“Yeah.” Peter gulped. You wouldn’t be saying that if you knew the whole story, he thought to himself. If you knew the whole story, you’d hate me.
“Hey.” Sasha poked Peter, lowering her voice. “Are you ok?” she asked.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” Peter looked at her, the words leaving his mouth quickly - too quickly.
“Because you look pained and as a far as I know, you don’t get sick in the car, and unless something horrible and scary happened last night, you’re not a vampire, so church shouldn’t be grounds for pain.”
“Really, I’m fine,” he assured. “I’m just tired - we stayed up pretty late watching really, really bad horror movies.” Peter sighed, wondering how late he and Ian really had stayed up talking.
“That’s not your tired look,” Sasha pressed. “Your eyes get all droopy when you’re tired and I’m sensing absolutely no droopiness.” Sasha looked at her brother closely. “In fact I think you might be hiding something.”
“Like what?” Peter asked. “What would I be hiding?”
“I don’t know, but I do intend to find out.” Sasha sat back.
“Yeah, well good luck finding something that isn’t there.” Peter rolled his eyes, though he was, in fact, beginning to worry about whether or not Sasha would manage to uncover his new secret.
All through church, Peter did his best to remain calm, though he grew slightly nervous as he looked around. He knew so many of the people in the room, a good number of them went to his school, even, and yet every last one of them would loathe him should they discover the way that he currently felt. After they got home, he excused himself to his room, claiming that his stomach was upsetting him. He lay down in his bed and closed his eyes, falling asleep far more quickly than he intended.
“Hey, Pete?” Sasha entered Peter’s room that evening. “Dinner’s on the table if you think your stomach can handle it.
“Oh, yeah.” He nodded. “I should be fine - I honestly think that I Was just tired.” Peter grabbed his phone, heading towards the door, following Sasha as he opened the sole message. He smiled to himself as he saw that it was from Ian.
So, when you said that you weren’t gay…
Peter sighed as he read the message. Ian was directly asking him and this time, he wasn’t going to be dishonest.
I think I lied.
Peter sat down at the dinner table, resting the phone on his thigh so as to obscure it from his family’s view as he waited for Ian to respond.
You…think?
Peter carefully looked down, responding slowly so as to keep the virtual conversation hidden from his family’s view.
I guess you could say that I’m questioning.
Peter barely got a bite of his chicken before his phone vibrated again.
So…would I be crossing a line if I asked you out?
As he read the message, Peter his lip, responding quickly and concisely.
No.
He rested the phone back on his leg, quickly finishing the food on his plate as he awaited the vibration. When it came, he did his best to read the message in a subtle fashion.
Can I take you to the movies Friday night?
Peter excused himself from the table, heading towards his room as he typed his brief response.
Yes.
When he reached his room, Peter lay back on his bed, closing his eyes, a smile in place on his lips as he rested his phone on his chest.
Meet me downtown, Fox Tower, at 7?
Peter started slightly at the vibration, but wasted no time forming his reply.
I’ll find a way to be there.
Peter had just barely set his phone down on the bed when Sasha opened the door. She entered the room, closing the door behind her before walking over to Peter, one eyebrow raised. “I knew that something was up,” she stated. “Who is she?”
“Who is who?” Peter asked, frowning at his sister’s interrogative tone.
“I saw you texting under the table.” Sasha rolled her eyes. “You never try to hide your texting. Pair that with the red ears and lip biting, there’s really only one conclusion to be drawn. You,” she pointed at Peter accusatorily, “were texting a girl - one that you’re interested in, no less.”
“Really, I wasn’t. I promise, just drop it, ok?” Peter curled his toes against the carpet, hoping that Sasha would give up and leave him alone.
“Oh my god, she’s not Jewish, is she?” Sasha asked, her tone suggesting that she was joking.
“No, she’s not Jewish, because in order to be Jewish, she would have to exist, and she doesn’t, so drop it please!” Peter tried as hard as he could to make his voice sound less desperate, knowing that the more worked up he became, the more curious Sasha would get.
“Well then you won’t mind me verifying that.” Sasha grabbed Peter’s phone before he had the chance to stop her.
“Really, Sasha, it’s not what you think.” Peter squeezed his eyes shit, hoping that Sasha wouldn’t actually look.
“Whoa…” Sasha dropped Peter’s phone on the bed. “It’s really not what I thought.” She gulped.
“Please.” Peter looked at his sister, an expression of anguish on his face.
“Who’s Ian?” Sasha asked, looking at her brother.
“He’s this guy that I know…” Peter’s voice trailed off as he looked at the ground.
“A boy you know who asked you out?” Peter simply nodded in affirmation. “Peter, are you gay?” she asked, trying as hard as she could to make eye contact with her brother.
“I don’t know what I am,” he whispered hesitantly. “But I know that I like Ian.”
“Like…you’re attracted to him?” she questioned.
“Yes.” Peter nodded. “But Sasha, please,” he begged. “Please don’t tell anyone.” He began to chew nervously on his lower lip. “God…you hate me now, don’t you.”
“No!” Sasha walked over to Peter, pulling him into a hug. “I love you, Peter - you’re always going to be my little brother.” She ruffled his hair. “Even though you’re growing up and going on your first date.” She smiled at Peter.
“And you’re not going to rat me out?” he asked.
“Of course not.” Sasha shook her head. “But you do have to keep this quiet. If it gets out, mom and dad will lose their minds.”
“I know.” Peter nodded. “Trust me, I know.”
“Look, Peter, don’t worry.” Sasha put her hand comfortingly on Peter’s shoulder. “I’ll drive you and cover for you on Friday, it’s your first date, you shouldn’t have to worry about anything more than the date itself.”
“Thank you.” Peter sighed, feeling incredibly relieved not only that Sasha would keep his secret, but that she was willing to help him.
“Goodnight, Petey.” Sasha headed for the door. “Just don’t worry about mom and dad; what they don’t know about you won’t hurt them.”