That had been 2 years ago, when the two of them were 14. Now, being 16, they had started high school, Nick had come out to his parents (Who had been shocked but completely accepting, as Jeff had anticipated), and were still as inseparable as ever. That is until one day, Derek, the school's tough jock/homophobic asshole, over heard a rather private conversation between Jeff and Nick.

"I just don't see the big deal in it."

"Everyone would hate me."

"That's not true. I don't. You're parent's don't."

"That's different. Think of what would happen to me if everyone knew. Remember what those guys 2 years ago did? I almost killed myself. Well I did. But I-"

"I know, Nick, I was there. It's not like I'm gonna make you come out, I just don't see the big deal in whether a person is gay or not. You're sexuality doesn't change who you are."

"I know that, and you know that, but everyone else? Some people just don't like it. And I don't want to risk a relapse of grade 8."

"Okay. I get it. Sorry I won't bring it up again."

"It's fine, thanks."

Oh, my, GOD! Nick is gay! What does that make Jeff, his freaky gay boyfriend? Derek thought to himself. I'm going to ruin them.

The next day, when Nick and Jeff went to school, everyone was staring at them. Some gave them sympathetic looks.

"What's up with everyone today?" Jeff asked Nick. But before he could answer...

"FAGS!" someone shouted. The two boys were pushed to the floor, kicked multiple times, hearing chanting of obscene words. When the assailants left, Jeff crawled over to Nick.

"Nick, are you okay?"

"How did they find out?" Nick sobbed.

"I don't know, Nick, but we have to get out of here. Let's go, I'll take you home."

Jeff and Nick stumbled their way to Jeff's truck. When the 15 minute drive was over, and they reached Nick's house, Jeff helped him get to the door. Nick's mom was in the living room watching T.V. when they stumbled through the door. Gasping, she helped the boys.

"What happened?" she shrieking.

"They found out mom, they all know!" Nick cried.

"We don't know how," Jeff said, answering Mrs. Duval's next question.

"I'm not going back there, please don't make me," Nick cried. There was a heavy silence in the room. Finally, Nick's mom broke it.

"I'll talk to your father. I read about a school, Dalton something, and there's a zero-tolerance bullying policy. It's enforced. I'll see if we can hook up your transfer," she said softly. She left the room to call her husband.

"Really?" Nick said. "Wait, Jeff, they hurt you too. Oh my god, it's my fault they hurt you, oh my god, Jeff it's all my fault!" Nick sobbed.

"No Nick, it's fine, I'm fine, it's you I'm worried about. I'll be okay. Where's Dalton?" Jeff asked.

"Westerville," said Nick's mom said, coming back into the room.

"Westerville?" Nick and Jeff both shouted.

"Yeah, we're heading down there this weekend; you start on Monday next week. We'll pack soon."

"So soon?" Nick said.

"Nick, I guess, this, I mean..." Jeff stumbled to find the perfect words.

"Jeff..."

"I'll miss you. I mean, stay in touch, okay? I have to go home," Jeff said glancing at the clock. "Good luck. Bye." Jeff walked to the door, smiling as he opened it, and stepped out.

"Wait Jeff!" Nick called, but it was too late. Jeff was gone. He trudged up to his room to pack, but instead, lay on his side on the bed, crying softly, looking at a picture of him and Jeff. The 2 had been friends since Kindergarten, and now he was leaving. Jeff would stay here. Meet a new best friend. Jeff would be okay without him. But he wouldn't be okay without Jeff. He lay there for what seemed like years, thinking of all the memories they'd shared, all the pranks they'd pulled, how they were always there for each other. How much he loved Jeff. Wait, what? He loved Jeff. Oh my god.

It was too late for realizing things like that now.

Nick pushed the thought from his mind, and got started on his packing, trying with all his might to stop thoughts of Jeff from his mind.