"Well, after everything we've been through, I owe you that much." he purred, lightly kissing my forehead.

Its times like this that count the most: watching amazing movies, like Dawn of the Dead, as you sit there, being held by an even more amazing guy.

"You don't have to, you know. There is no rush..." I told him this to make him comfortable but I so badly wanted that from him.

"No, trust me, I want to. My parents deserve to know. Even more importantly, you deserve it." he spoke only a notch louder than a whisper, even though we were the only ones in the house.

"I can't even begin to explain how sorry I am about today. You didn't deserve that." This was about the millionth time he had apologized today. He pulled me closer as if to emphasize what he meant.

Gerard stayed over after the little ordeal with Brennon. We sat there and watched movies while kissing and holding the other. Gerard and I are "puke-ably" cute. It would make anyone sick but it makes me proud.

I felt silly for ever doubting him; embarrassed even. But he reassured me by saying I had reason to doubt him. He said that after everything he had done to me, anyone else would react the same way I did.

I made him vow that he wouldn't confront Brennon yet because I know that would end terribly and with dire consequences. I asked Gerard to wait it out some.

When confrontation was mentioned it led to talk about his parents. After what happened, Gerard was tiered of hiding. He "wanted me and wanted to make sure everyone knew it too". Those were his exact words. And now, here we are.

"You know what? I'm going to tell them right now. My parents should be home." That's Gerard for you; when he decides upon something, he will exceed the farthest measures to make sure it happens.

"No, stay. You can talk to them later."

I wanted him to tell his parents but I also didn't want him to get carried away and ruin himself.

When I came out, my mom was fine (though she seemed awkward about it at first, she dealt) it was my dad who wasn't as happy (he wanted a normal son, the thought of anything different bothered him). Although everything turned out good for me (family-wise), I had taken it slow. But for Gee, things could turn out badly, especially since he is jumping at it.

And I didn't want things to turn out badly for him...

"I need to do this now. It's gnawing away at me." Gerard's voice was determined. I could tell he wasn't going to drop it until I let him leave.

"Fine..."

We said our good byes. He kissed me and made extra sure that everything would turn out fine. I wanted to be convinced of him but I wouldn't be relived until after, when he tells me what happened.

I know I'm not the only guy who likes guys in this god damned town. I also know that I am one of the only whose parents took it well.

So if you were in my shoes, you would understand why I was so nervous for Gerard.

~~Hours Later~~

Sweet Pea needed a walk before she decides to shit on my bed. I too needed a walk, and I too needed to get rid of shit. Unlike her, I needed to get rid of the shit on my mind, rather than up my ass.

It was about ten that Sunday night, and even though my mom was worried I'd get jumped or kidnapped or something, I persuaded her in letting me leave for a bit. It's nothing I haven't done before.

I hooked the leash onto Sweet Pea's collar, then left the house, closing the door behind me with a sigh.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the cool night air. It's exactly why I liked night time. The air always had a chilly bite to it. Everything always seemed to be so placid and untouched, even in a place like New Jersey.

I decided to walk to the closest park. You tend to find a few used needles here and there but nothing I haven't seen before.

On the way there, Sweet Pea paused at a few polls and trees sniffing at the piss left there from other dogs. It's always nice to just watch her. She doesn't seem to have a care in the world. Maybe that's why I love animals much; they are so care free. I admire them.

I stepped onto the slightly wet grass from the previous rainy weather. It was extra dark here since there are hardly any street lights, but I'm not scared. I may be small but I could put on a good fight if one arose.

As strolled the park with Sweet Pea, walking by the playground, my eyes were immediately drawn the still body of a boy. He was shrivelled up (possibly sleeping?) on the park bench, facing the opposite direction of me.

I'd seen lifeless drug users plenty of times before, napping away a long and hard come-down, especially since I'm from Jersey. So this was nothing new to me. But something about this guy caught my attention.

I cautiously walked over to the bench where he lay. When I got close enough, I could hear he was breathing heavily and letting out what sounded like little whimpers.

Every cell in my body was telling me how stupid and wrong I was being. What if this guy jumps up and shoots me or something? But I couldn't help my curiosity. There was just something so... familiar about his figure.

I went to poke his shoulder but then hesitated. My brain told me to stop; it's a bad idea. But... everything else told me otherwise.

I went forth and ever so gently gave him, whoever he was, a tap. I let my finger rest on him. I don't know why.

I felt the guy before me tense up under my touch.

I knew this "druggie". He wasn't so much of a "druggie". I can't believe I didn't realize it earlier. It was so obvious to me now.

He slowly turned his body and he tilted his head to face me. He seemed a hint frightened at first, and then his expression softened when he saw who it was. But soon the relief and content washed away angst manipulated his face.

The beautiful hazel eyes that met my own gaze weren't just of anyone's.

The boy who I found pathetically sleeping on a bench... it was Gerard.