Brendon got the courage to ask Pete to drive him to school, a week after their conversation about his future. The blond had looked intensely at the other before agreeing and got him to his destination. Right when the brunet was going to leave, Pete had quietly told him to be careful.

Brendon had simply nodded and smiled in answer, than quickly walked to his first period. Along the way, he was met with very curious stares and more than a few raised eyebrows. He had been the most talked about subject the past week among his fellow male did his best to ignore it; it was too easy to get caught up in gossip.

By his second class he had easily fell back into his old rhythm: pay attention, ask questions, and do homework. He had mostly been on autopilot until his art class, which he shared with Sarah.

When he initially walked into the classroom, Brendon wanted to simply stroll out when he glanced at his ex- best friend. After all she had done, the male couldn't even look into her eyes.

Oh crap. Shit. Brendon nearly seethed when he saw the girl wave at him in confusion. Yeah well, maybe I didn't say hi 'cause you ratted me out Sarah. Some friend you were, He thought as venomously as he could before sitting down at his seat. Thank god for alphabetical seating charts. This is gonna be the only time I like seating in my entire life, but I'm okay with it.

Once class started, Brendon's uneasiness began to dissipate, and started to relax in his chair. He had always liked art, of course less than he loved music, but still. Art was special to him, and he wasn't going to let a now practical stranger get in his way of enjoying his class.

That mantra had gotten stuck in his head the rest of the day, which he supposed was a good thing. He was happily surprised that some of his friends greeted him normally at lunch, unfazed at the "Brendon's gay" rumors flying around the school.

Brendon even raised the courage to tell his true friends about his living situation, even though he didn't have the strength to tell them the truth about his sexuality. I figure I can explain that to them at a later time.

Instead, the male had simled graciously at the people surrounding him, and gave them little hugs in gratitude. "You guys are the best," Brendon stayed to all of his friends, "and thanks for having my back after all of this."

Brent simply rolled his eyes and mumbled, "yeah, yeah," before turning away. His other friends, who were definitely more outgoing, had answered in various forms of "alright, that's fne, cool, you're great."

Brendon had never felt this happy before in his life, listening to his beloved friends. "Thank you so much," he breathed.

Dallon winked across at him, replying with, "oh, don't mention, B."

The brunet waved his friend off right when school ended. Thank god for pro-hour days, he thought. He began to stroll out of the parking lot when he noticed a car that reminded him of another vehicle. He stared at it for a few seconds before his mind processed what he was seeing. It was his parents' van. Oh my god. I can't go back home right now, I mean my mother tried to choke me to death.

Determined, Brendon walked straight ahead, not leaving behind a final glance at the familar car. You're okay, you're okay, he kept repeating to himself until he reached the front dor of the shelter. He knocked forcefully, calling Pete's name.

Luckily, the man was there, and Brendon was back in a safe place. He mumbled out a garbled "thanks," before retreating to his room. Ugh. What a day. It had been going decently until his parents decided to try to intrude on his life once more. I can't even imagine going back to them. What if she tried to kill me again?

Unbeknownst to the frantically thinking male, Pete stood at Brendon's door. The blond was dying to comfort the poor stricken boy, but he was unsure of how to approach the subject. Reluctantantly, he went back into the kitchen, determined to at least make some comfort food for the high schooler to eat when he was feeling more up to it. A smile slowly formed on Pete's face as he thought about the cute boy.

He shook his head clear. What washe thinking? He had Patrick, for goodness sake, not to mention that Brendon's only fifteen. Fifteen. Pete sighed deeply, then shrugged at himself. Everything will end up working out I think, at least I hope so. Oh well. We'll just have to wait and see.

With that, Pete returned to the food in front of him, happily cooking the zucchini and potatoes. Patrick should be back soon anyways, so maybe together we can confront Brendon. He hummed, pleassed at the new plan. Now he couldn't wait until his boyfriend came home.

A few minutes later, to Pete's surprise, Brendon walked into the kitchen.

"Hey Pete," the male started.

"Hey Bren," Pete replied.