[fic] Forgive And Forget (2/5)
Part II of V
I was walking home slowly. My head was jumbled with what had just happened a few short hours ago. Luckily, I had about three and a half hours before my job at the restaurant began so I decided to go home and take a nap to clear my head. That, and maybe find something to eat… if my fridge wasn’t empty.
I sighed as the cool October breeze blew past my face. I remembered. It was like a memory that would stay in my mind forever.
The way his cheeks flushed a bright pink when he realized what he said and how it could be interpreted; how he struggled to find the right words to describe what he meant. But most of all, I think I would always remember the rejection and sadness that shone so greatly in his eyes, when I was at a loss for words.
“I’m sorry,” I had said, “I just don’t know what to say.”
To that, he smiled. At first, I was confused, so I asked him as to why he was so content with my answer.
“Because you didn’t run away or anything,” Still puzzled, I had quirked an eyebrow, “You’re not disgusted by the idea of having a real friendship with me.”
I had laughed and pretended to gag. “Oh God, Mabbitt. Friendship.” But I smiled and he returned it gratefully.
When I reached the door to my apartment, I opened the door and stepped in quickly. After taking off my jacket and shoes I walked into the small kitchen to the left. On the table, I noticed a pink post-it with a messy message written on it, and a small white bag next to it.
‘Hey Ronnie,
My mom made your favourite for breakfast today. She told me to take it over when I go over to Frank’s, but I decided to just drop it by before classes. I knew you wouldn’t have much, or anything, in your fridge, and I checked. You have a carton of expired milk (you should throw that out, it stinks BAD), a bottle of ketchup, and Chinese take-out leftovers from like three weeks ago. Nasty. I was afraid to put my mom’s homemade meal in the fridge in case of contamination.
Anyways, enjoy, man. You need some food in you.
Later,
Monte’
Licking my lips at the thought of Bryan’s mom’s food, I opened the bag and took out the container. It was still slightly warm. I took off the lid slightly and placed it in the microwave for a minute to warm. When the machine beeped, I walked over briskly to take the food from it and began to eat. Even if it was just a plain breakfast (or dinner by this time) of eggs, sausages, and pancakes, it was just amazing to me. Considering I’d been living on next to nothing, or a bunch of instant crap, any homemade food was welcome with wide, open arms; to me, it was like heaven.
When I finished the delicious meal, I took a quick shower, and then lay in my bed, fully relaxed. All thoughts of Mabbitt vanished from my mind as I fell into a quiet slumber; more peaceful than it had been for a long time.
I greeted Bryan cheerfully when I walked in the backroom. He smiled back immediately, “You seem well.” He noted.
I nodded, “Yeah, a lot better.” I laughed, “Somehow, it’s like a light’s shining on my life and it’s slowly turning around.” I tugged off my t-shirt in exchange for the uniform one. “Oh, yeah, thanks for the food.”
“Anytime. Besides, you needed it, man.”
“Yeah.”
Bryan shook his head, “Anyways, I’ll meet you in the front. Frank said something about making you do counter, by the way- just a warning.”
I shrugged; it was better than dealing with tables or cleaning.
Walking out, I distinctly heard Frank’s gruff voice calling out a short “Radke! Front counter!” before I headed over to my position for the night.
A few groups of people came up to pay their bills before the phone rang. I picked it up after bidding a elderly couple farewell. “Thank you for calling Frank’s Restaurant and Bar; how may I help you?”
A familiar voice made the hair on the back of my neck stand up and gave me the chills, “Ronnie? Ronnie Radke, is that you?”
I froze. I knew damn well who the person on the other line was; I was just too stubborn to saying anything about it. I ignored his question and continued to act professionally, “How can I help you?” I asked again.
“Ronnie, Ronnie. It’s me, man. It’s Max.” He laughed, “Dude, I haven’t talked to you in like forever! How’ve you been?”
I frowned to myself- of course, he couldn’t see me- “Fine.” I answered shortly.
“Well, dude, I’ll be over in a minute. I just wanted to ask if you guys do take-out.” He laughed again, “I knew Bryan said he worked here, but he never said anything about you!”
I heard a voice on the other line telling my ex-best friend to shut up ‘cause he was too loud or something. Max muttered an apology before repeating his question.
“We do,” I replied. Just great, in a bit I would have to confront this… well, him and probably a few of his college chums.
“Alright. Well, see you in a bit, man.” He sounded excited. “Dude, this is great! I miss you so much, Ronnie. We haven’t gotten to hang at all since college.”
“Yeah, I know.” My voice held no emotion. I didn’t want to meet Max. I could go the rest of my life without meeting that backstabbing idiot again.
“Well, later!”
“Bye.” I hung up. Holding my face in my hands, I sighed. I looked up to see Bryan quirking an eyebrow at me.
“What happened?”
“Max is coming. Along with some of his college ‘friends.’” Bryan and I both knew most of Max’s college buddies were a bunch of druggies and all that shit. No good at all. Well, excluding Bryan, Robert, and Mabbitt of course, but as far as Bryan had explained to me, Max seemed to hang with the other group more than them these days.
“Wow. Sucks man.” He reached over the counter and patted my shoulder. “Just don’t start any fights, okay?”
I sighed, “Alright.”
Bryan flashed me a smile and went off. It was understandable; he did have a job to do.
Not a minute later, the door opened- the bell ringing cheerfully- and Max’s light laughter filled my eyes. Surprisingly, it wasn’t a bunch of Max’s drugged-up friends who came in behind him; instead I saw Mabbitt trailing behind with his usual grin plastered on his face.
“Hey Ronnie!” Max greeted as he approached the counter, which Mabbitt grabbed a take-out menu and started scanning through. It had been months since I last saw Max. His hair had grown slightly and it was messier than it used to be, minus the black. It seemed Max had decided to stick with his natural hair colour than to dye it again.
Mabbitt looked up quickly, “Hi Ronnie,” before continuing to decide on what to order.
“Green. Mabbitt.” I nodded curtly.
Mabbitt- who expected this- said nothing, while Max gave me a ‘what-the-fuck’ face. He looked over to his companion who simply shrugged, noticing Max’s confusion.
“Green, Ronnie?” He laughed maliciously, although quietly; clearly not wanting to start chaos. “Ronnie,” He repeated my name as if he believed it would knock some sense into me, “I’m Max; I’m your best friend. What’s up with this ‘Green’ shit?” And at the same time I could sense his anger rising.
“Nothing,” I responded bluntly, and then looked towards Mabbitt, “What would you like to order?”
“Uh, the stir-fry-” Mabbitt started but was cut off by Max.
“Nothing? Nothing, Ronnie?!” The anger was a flame dancing in his bright eyes, “What the fuck is up with you?!” He nearly shouted. Then he turned to Mabbitt, “And you! How the hell are you so calm?! Last I knew you two hated each other’s guts!”
“At least he-”
Mabbitt cut me off, “I never hated Ronnie.” I could hear the truth in his statement, and to that, the corner of my lips threatened to turn upwards, but not enough for fickle Max to notice. “I don’t know what gave you that idea.” He finished with an air of firmness.
Max was flabbergasted. He then turned to glare at me, “Fuck this, I’m leaving.”
His companion tapped him lightly on the shoulder, “Could you wait for a minute then? I really want the stir-fry beef and veggies.”
Max took one look at his innocent face and softened immediately, “Fine. I’m outside; don’t take too long.” And with that, he stormed out.
As soon as the door closed behind him, Mabbitt spun to face me with an apologetic smile, “Sorry about him. I guess he was expecting you to welcome him with open arms. He didn’t really notice the shit you went through. Plus, he’s been kind of moody lately.”
I grinned back before passing his order to the back. “It’s alright. I had a feeling he wouldn’t be friendly about it. I mean, all before I was more bitter to you- sorry about that- until I realized it wasn’t your fault. Max chose you, after all, not the other way around. And… you’re not so bad.”
Mabbitt beamed. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
Chuckling softly, I shook my head. “God, you’re always smiling.”
He paused for a moment, “Does it bother you?”
I glanced up, not believing my ears, but he stood there with a concerned expression on his face. I smiled and shook my head again. “Not as much as it used to… But it’s still damn annoying.” He seemed to be slightly puzzled at my pleasant expression. But before he could speak, I continued. “But then again, it’s better to be happy than sad or angry, right?” The cook called me to let me know Mabbitt’s stir-fry was done, so I reached over to grab it and I placed it on the counter between my new friend, you could say, and myself. “That’ll be $6.73.” He handed me a bill and I gave him his change.
He picked up his bag, grinning, and leaned over the counter. Before I could ask what the hell he was doing, I felt his lips brush lightly against my cheek. He pulled back blushing, yet clearly finding my shocked stupor amusing through his silent giggles. “Thanks Ronnie.” He said before leaving me to wonder if that even counted as a kiss.
Craig walked out of the restaurant in a mixture of thoughts. What would Ronnie think? What would Max think? And lastly, why the hell did he just do that? Well, what was done was done. He couldn’t deny that he did feel something for the taller boy, despite his rudeness at times. Was it love? Craig was certain it wasn’t just a simple infatuation. But one thing was for sure, even though they had gotten along pretty quickly, he hoped that he didn’t just throw it down the drain with his simple action.
“You alright, man?” Max held a concerned expression.
Craig nodded, “Yeah.”
The lighter-haired male’s face hardened as they began to walk down the street. “Dude, I can’t believe it. Why the hell is he pushing me away? We’re best friends, or were now I guess.”
“Well,” The other started, “Did you ever think about how Ronnie may have felt?”
“What do you mean?” Max questioned, “I mean, yeah we sort of fell apart after I started college, but I had school, and I knew Ronnie started work since he moved out of his dad’s place. I know it was really hard to get together, but why the hell would he hate me? Is it just ‘cause I went to college and met some new friends? I never thought he was that possessive.”
The darker-haired boy sighed, “It is partially because of college. Do you remember the day mom and I moved in next door?” He nodded. “Weren’t you the one who started pushing Ronnie away to hang with me, even if he had already said he didn’t like me?”
“Yeah…”
“Ronnie felt replaced; thrown aside. He felt lonely. And, I feel for him, man.” He sighed again, “I hate seeing him so empty every day.”
“Wait, what? Every day?”
Craig blinked. “Starbucks. He works there. I see him every morning. He’s the one who convinced me to try the cranberry muffins.”
“So that’s where you’ve been going every morning.” He spoke quietly.
“And… shit, I’m sorry Max.” The said male threw him a confused glance. “Tomorrow, I want to ask him out.” He left out the part that Ronnie may bear some hatred for that ‘kiss’, but Max didn’t need to know that.
“W-WHAT? WHY?!” He looked furious.
Craig stared ahead into the darkness of the street in front of them. “I think… I think I’m falling in love with him, man.”
The sound of Max’s footsteps stopped. The other turned around to see a sombre expression take over his friend’s features, but then continued to walk on. “T-That’s great, dude.” It sounded sarcastic.
Craig ran a bit to catch up, “Look, man, I know you’re pissed. I mean, we’re like best friends and Ronnie’s… well, Ronnie. I don’t want to lose our friendship over this, but I’m falling, and I’m falling hard. No pun intended.” He took a breath, “I just… Max, dude, c’mon, you’re not making this easy for me. You won’t even look at me. Max-”
“You never even told me you were gay.” He sounded accusing.
The other froze for a moment before replying, “Well, I never dated anyone when I moved here. I never talked about chicks like you guys did. I assumed it was kind of obvious.” Then, he softened, “You- you’re not against gays, dude, are you?” Worry filled his voice. What if Max pushed him away over something so trivial like sexuality? Yeah, Max could be an ass- especially if he was really high or drunk- but Max was his first friend when he moved. He didn’t want to lose that.
Max laughed heartily, making Craig stare in a shocked state. “If I were against gays that would be really hypocritical of me since I’m bi, man.” Both boys visibly relaxed and continued walking in a comfortable silence.
After walking about two or three blocks, Craig’s curious voice filled the night’s silence. “Hey, Max?”
“Hm?”
His fingers ran through his hair nervously. “Is it okay if I ask… well, would you be okay with me and Ronnie?”
Max’s walking stopped abruptly. “No.” The answer was short and whispered so that Craig had to strain to hear him.
“No? Why not, man?”
Max lifted his face towards the clear, dark sky. “Have you ever thought to why I chose you over Ronnie back then?” As he blinked a lone tear fell down his pale cheek.
Confused to his friend’s behaviour, Craig shook his head. The smaller male’s head lowered, and it looked as though he were just staring at his shoes. Craig thought that at first, until he noticed his friend’s shoulders shivering slightly. He was about to reach a hand out to pat his friend’s back and ask if anything was wrong, when the sounds of quiet sobs reached his ears.
“Whoa, Max, dude, what’s wrong?”
“I- I should go home.” He was about to walk off, but Craig reached out and grabbed his arm firmly. Startled, Max shot his head back and Craig froze at the tears staining his friend’s soft face.
“M-Max?”
“I-I fell in love with you, okay?! From that first day… when you moved in…” Max’s wretched sobs continued as he spoke the words. Gaining no response from his stunned friend, Max pulled his arm out of Craig’s hold and ran off into the night.
Still standing in the same spot, Craig watched Max run off in an apologetic gaze. Silently promising himself he would fix things with Max before going on in his relationship with Ronnie, Craig walked home alone.
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Sorry for being a little late. But I hope you enjoy and comment :) Thank you.
I was walking home slowly. My head was jumbled with what had just happened a few short hours ago. Luckily, I had about three and a half hours before my job at the restaurant began so I decided to go home and take a nap to clear my head. That, and maybe find something to eat… if my fridge wasn’t empty.
I sighed as the cool October breeze blew past my face. I remembered. It was like a memory that would stay in my mind forever.
The way his cheeks flushed a bright pink when he realized what he said and how it could be interpreted; how he struggled to find the right words to describe what he meant. But most of all, I think I would always remember the rejection and sadness that shone so greatly in his eyes, when I was at a loss for words.
“I’m sorry,” I had said, “I just don’t know what to say.”
To that, he smiled. At first, I was confused, so I asked him as to why he was so content with my answer.
“Because you didn’t run away or anything,” Still puzzled, I had quirked an eyebrow, “You’re not disgusted by the idea of having a real friendship with me.”
I had laughed and pretended to gag. “Oh God, Mabbitt. Friendship.” But I smiled and he returned it gratefully.
When I reached the door to my apartment, I opened the door and stepped in quickly. After taking off my jacket and shoes I walked into the small kitchen to the left. On the table, I noticed a pink post-it with a messy message written on it, and a small white bag next to it.
‘Hey Ronnie,
My mom made your favourite for breakfast today. She told me to take it over when I go over to Frank’s, but I decided to just drop it by before classes. I knew you wouldn’t have much, or anything, in your fridge, and I checked. You have a carton of expired milk (you should throw that out, it stinks BAD), a bottle of ketchup, and Chinese take-out leftovers from like three weeks ago. Nasty. I was afraid to put my mom’s homemade meal in the fridge in case of contamination.
Anyways, enjoy, man. You need some food in you.
Later,
Monte’
Licking my lips at the thought of Bryan’s mom’s food, I opened the bag and took out the container. It was still slightly warm. I took off the lid slightly and placed it in the microwave for a minute to warm. When the machine beeped, I walked over briskly to take the food from it and began to eat. Even if it was just a plain breakfast (or dinner by this time) of eggs, sausages, and pancakes, it was just amazing to me. Considering I’d been living on next to nothing, or a bunch of instant crap, any homemade food was welcome with wide, open arms; to me, it was like heaven.
When I finished the delicious meal, I took a quick shower, and then lay in my bed, fully relaxed. All thoughts of Mabbitt vanished from my mind as I fell into a quiet slumber; more peaceful than it had been for a long time.
I greeted Bryan cheerfully when I walked in the backroom. He smiled back immediately, “You seem well.” He noted.
I nodded, “Yeah, a lot better.” I laughed, “Somehow, it’s like a light’s shining on my life and it’s slowly turning around.” I tugged off my t-shirt in exchange for the uniform one. “Oh, yeah, thanks for the food.”
“Anytime. Besides, you needed it, man.”
“Yeah.”
Bryan shook his head, “Anyways, I’ll meet you in the front. Frank said something about making you do counter, by the way- just a warning.”
I shrugged; it was better than dealing with tables or cleaning.
Walking out, I distinctly heard Frank’s gruff voice calling out a short “Radke! Front counter!” before I headed over to my position for the night.
A few groups of people came up to pay their bills before the phone rang. I picked it up after bidding a elderly couple farewell. “Thank you for calling Frank’s Restaurant and Bar; how may I help you?”
A familiar voice made the hair on the back of my neck stand up and gave me the chills, “Ronnie? Ronnie Radke, is that you?”
I froze. I knew damn well who the person on the other line was; I was just too stubborn to saying anything about it. I ignored his question and continued to act professionally, “How can I help you?” I asked again.
“Ronnie, Ronnie. It’s me, man. It’s Max.” He laughed, “Dude, I haven’t talked to you in like forever! How’ve you been?”
I frowned to myself- of course, he couldn’t see me- “Fine.” I answered shortly.
“Well, dude, I’ll be over in a minute. I just wanted to ask if you guys do take-out.” He laughed again, “I knew Bryan said he worked here, but he never said anything about you!”
I heard a voice on the other line telling my ex-best friend to shut up ‘cause he was too loud or something. Max muttered an apology before repeating his question.
“We do,” I replied. Just great, in a bit I would have to confront this… well, him and probably a few of his college chums.
“Alright. Well, see you in a bit, man.” He sounded excited. “Dude, this is great! I miss you so much, Ronnie. We haven’t gotten to hang at all since college.”
“Yeah, I know.” My voice held no emotion. I didn’t want to meet Max. I could go the rest of my life without meeting that backstabbing idiot again.
“Well, later!”
“Bye.” I hung up. Holding my face in my hands, I sighed. I looked up to see Bryan quirking an eyebrow at me.
“What happened?”
“Max is coming. Along with some of his college ‘friends.’” Bryan and I both knew most of Max’s college buddies were a bunch of druggies and all that shit. No good at all. Well, excluding Bryan, Robert, and Mabbitt of course, but as far as Bryan had explained to me, Max seemed to hang with the other group more than them these days.
“Wow. Sucks man.” He reached over the counter and patted my shoulder. “Just don’t start any fights, okay?”
I sighed, “Alright.”
Bryan flashed me a smile and went off. It was understandable; he did have a job to do.
Not a minute later, the door opened- the bell ringing cheerfully- and Max’s light laughter filled my eyes. Surprisingly, it wasn’t a bunch of Max’s drugged-up friends who came in behind him; instead I saw Mabbitt trailing behind with his usual grin plastered on his face.
“Hey Ronnie!” Max greeted as he approached the counter, which Mabbitt grabbed a take-out menu and started scanning through. It had been months since I last saw Max. His hair had grown slightly and it was messier than it used to be, minus the black. It seemed Max had decided to stick with his natural hair colour than to dye it again.
Mabbitt looked up quickly, “Hi Ronnie,” before continuing to decide on what to order.
“Green. Mabbitt.” I nodded curtly.
Mabbitt- who expected this- said nothing, while Max gave me a ‘what-the-fuck’ face. He looked over to his companion who simply shrugged, noticing Max’s confusion.
“Green, Ronnie?” He laughed maliciously, although quietly; clearly not wanting to start chaos. “Ronnie,” He repeated my name as if he believed it would knock some sense into me, “I’m Max; I’m your best friend. What’s up with this ‘Green’ shit?” And at the same time I could sense his anger rising.
“Nothing,” I responded bluntly, and then looked towards Mabbitt, “What would you like to order?”
“Uh, the stir-fry-” Mabbitt started but was cut off by Max.
“Nothing? Nothing, Ronnie?!” The anger was a flame dancing in his bright eyes, “What the fuck is up with you?!” He nearly shouted. Then he turned to Mabbitt, “And you! How the hell are you so calm?! Last I knew you two hated each other’s guts!”
“At least he-”
Mabbitt cut me off, “I never hated Ronnie.” I could hear the truth in his statement, and to that, the corner of my lips threatened to turn upwards, but not enough for fickle Max to notice. “I don’t know what gave you that idea.” He finished with an air of firmness.
Max was flabbergasted. He then turned to glare at me, “Fuck this, I’m leaving.”
His companion tapped him lightly on the shoulder, “Could you wait for a minute then? I really want the stir-fry beef and veggies.”
Max took one look at his innocent face and softened immediately, “Fine. I’m outside; don’t take too long.” And with that, he stormed out.
As soon as the door closed behind him, Mabbitt spun to face me with an apologetic smile, “Sorry about him. I guess he was expecting you to welcome him with open arms. He didn’t really notice the shit you went through. Plus, he’s been kind of moody lately.”
I grinned back before passing his order to the back. “It’s alright. I had a feeling he wouldn’t be friendly about it. I mean, all before I was more bitter to you- sorry about that- until I realized it wasn’t your fault. Max chose you, after all, not the other way around. And… you’re not so bad.”
Mabbitt beamed. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
Chuckling softly, I shook my head. “God, you’re always smiling.”
He paused for a moment, “Does it bother you?”
I glanced up, not believing my ears, but he stood there with a concerned expression on his face. I smiled and shook my head again. “Not as much as it used to… But it’s still damn annoying.” He seemed to be slightly puzzled at my pleasant expression. But before he could speak, I continued. “But then again, it’s better to be happy than sad or angry, right?” The cook called me to let me know Mabbitt’s stir-fry was done, so I reached over to grab it and I placed it on the counter between my new friend, you could say, and myself. “That’ll be $6.73.” He handed me a bill and I gave him his change.
He picked up his bag, grinning, and leaned over the counter. Before I could ask what the hell he was doing, I felt his lips brush lightly against my cheek. He pulled back blushing, yet clearly finding my shocked stupor amusing through his silent giggles. “Thanks Ronnie.” He said before leaving me to wonder if that even counted as a kiss.
Craig walked out of the restaurant in a mixture of thoughts. What would Ronnie think? What would Max think? And lastly, why the hell did he just do that? Well, what was done was done. He couldn’t deny that he did feel something for the taller boy, despite his rudeness at times. Was it love? Craig was certain it wasn’t just a simple infatuation. But one thing was for sure, even though they had gotten along pretty quickly, he hoped that he didn’t just throw it down the drain with his simple action.
“You alright, man?” Max held a concerned expression.
Craig nodded, “Yeah.”
The lighter-haired male’s face hardened as they began to walk down the street. “Dude, I can’t believe it. Why the hell is he pushing me away? We’re best friends, or were now I guess.”
“Well,” The other started, “Did you ever think about how Ronnie may have felt?”
“What do you mean?” Max questioned, “I mean, yeah we sort of fell apart after I started college, but I had school, and I knew Ronnie started work since he moved out of his dad’s place. I know it was really hard to get together, but why the hell would he hate me? Is it just ‘cause I went to college and met some new friends? I never thought he was that possessive.”
The darker-haired boy sighed, “It is partially because of college. Do you remember the day mom and I moved in next door?” He nodded. “Weren’t you the one who started pushing Ronnie away to hang with me, even if he had already said he didn’t like me?”
“Yeah…”
“Ronnie felt replaced; thrown aside. He felt lonely. And, I feel for him, man.” He sighed again, “I hate seeing him so empty every day.”
“Wait, what? Every day?”
Craig blinked. “Starbucks. He works there. I see him every morning. He’s the one who convinced me to try the cranberry muffins.”
“So that’s where you’ve been going every morning.” He spoke quietly.
“And… shit, I’m sorry Max.” The said male threw him a confused glance. “Tomorrow, I want to ask him out.” He left out the part that Ronnie may bear some hatred for that ‘kiss’, but Max didn’t need to know that.
“W-WHAT? WHY?!” He looked furious.
Craig stared ahead into the darkness of the street in front of them. “I think… I think I’m falling in love with him, man.”
The sound of Max’s footsteps stopped. The other turned around to see a sombre expression take over his friend’s features, but then continued to walk on. “T-That’s great, dude.” It sounded sarcastic.
Craig ran a bit to catch up, “Look, man, I know you’re pissed. I mean, we’re like best friends and Ronnie’s… well, Ronnie. I don’t want to lose our friendship over this, but I’m falling, and I’m falling hard. No pun intended.” He took a breath, “I just… Max, dude, c’mon, you’re not making this easy for me. You won’t even look at me. Max-”
“You never even told me you were gay.” He sounded accusing.
The other froze for a moment before replying, “Well, I never dated anyone when I moved here. I never talked about chicks like you guys did. I assumed it was kind of obvious.” Then, he softened, “You- you’re not against gays, dude, are you?” Worry filled his voice. What if Max pushed him away over something so trivial like sexuality? Yeah, Max could be an ass- especially if he was really high or drunk- but Max was his first friend when he moved. He didn’t want to lose that.
Max laughed heartily, making Craig stare in a shocked state. “If I were against gays that would be really hypocritical of me since I’m bi, man.” Both boys visibly relaxed and continued walking in a comfortable silence.
After walking about two or three blocks, Craig’s curious voice filled the night’s silence. “Hey, Max?”
“Hm?”
His fingers ran through his hair nervously. “Is it okay if I ask… well, would you be okay with me and Ronnie?”
Max’s walking stopped abruptly. “No.” The answer was short and whispered so that Craig had to strain to hear him.
“No? Why not, man?”
Max lifted his face towards the clear, dark sky. “Have you ever thought to why I chose you over Ronnie back then?” As he blinked a lone tear fell down his pale cheek.
Confused to his friend’s behaviour, Craig shook his head. The smaller male’s head lowered, and it looked as though he were just staring at his shoes. Craig thought that at first, until he noticed his friend’s shoulders shivering slightly. He was about to reach a hand out to pat his friend’s back and ask if anything was wrong, when the sounds of quiet sobs reached his ears.
“Whoa, Max, dude, what’s wrong?”
“I- I should go home.” He was about to walk off, but Craig reached out and grabbed his arm firmly. Startled, Max shot his head back and Craig froze at the tears staining his friend’s soft face.
“M-Max?”
“I-I fell in love with you, okay?! From that first day… when you moved in…” Max’s wretched sobs continued as he spoke the words. Gaining no response from his stunned friend, Max pulled his arm out of Craig’s hold and ran off into the night.
Still standing in the same spot, Craig watched Max run off in an apologetic gaze. Silently promising himself he would fix things with Max before going on in his relationship with Ronnie, Craig walked home alone.
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Sorry for being a little late. But I hope you enjoy and comment :) Thank you.