AN: So sorry it took so long to get this chapter up. Its short but key. Please review.

Chapter Three: Safe Haven

It was strange how he felt as if he were spinning and falling; fast and uncontrollable, yet he felt he couldn't possibly slip from Zeke's strong grip. His arms around Casey felt inviting and warm. Casey felt his breath on his neck and he shivered. His face was still flushed from the aforementioned thrill; the kissing and bruising.

He held no anxiety here, in this place, time no longer mattered in Zeke's room. A muted sitcom on the television mounted atop the lopsided dresser cast pale lights across the walls. Casey wasn't sure as to when exactly the TV was turned on; nor if it had ever been off to begin with. The aqua-coloured ceiling comforted him. Zeke remained asleep through this wonder; and Casey believed that the sitcom was watching this part of their teenage years. This was the safe haven. The grey place, where white and black did not exist except together. The place where time, night, day and life were a figment of their imagination. And pain; pain was rendered deep below the surface. All Casey cared to feel here was serenity and reflection. To reflect on pleasures, and to angst. Angst and pain, no matter in what size, are different.

Zeke stirred, and placed a kiss gently on the back of Casey's neck. Casey's form shivered once again, trying to concentrate on the perfection this room held and not believing that Zeke was oblivious.

"It's quiet isn't it? Most kids had they're own place to go and think, like a treehouse, or a place by the lake. My house has been quiet for a lot of my life. Peaceful, almost. I used to think that the only way this place can be whole again is with my parents. Even though my whole house is always empty without them, I stay in here, because this is my place. The rest of it, was never owned by anyone, not really. This was never their home. But my room was always my quiet thinking place, like every kid has. And now, I'm getting used to the fact that it is peaceful here, a sort of tainted peaceful. And that's how it is."

Casey remained quiet, back facing Zeke as he listened to him speak. He sensed a bit of remorse in his tone, as his hands wandered Casey's back aimlessly. Casey could not help feel that the serenity had been disturbed, as Zeke's deep breathing was quickened and Casey fought to remain still. But with the new captivation and-- mirth?-- Zeke brought upon Casey, he could not help but smile.

He turned over to see Zeke's neutral face. The grin he once held on his face was gone, though Casey was sure the pleasure wasn't. He wondered what was going on in his head.

"Casey, your father won't touch you as long as I hold you. And the way I'm feeling, I'm never letting go."

Casey sighed. He had fought fiercely to forget time and reality. The stars outside Zeke's window scowled at him. School had ended many hours ago, and his father would be looking for him.

'Here though? his mind scolded He'll never find you here, or expect for you to be leaving home for some drug-addicted guy.'

"Leave home?" Casey thought aloud. Zeke looked to him.

"I don't think I could ever leave."

Zeke grabbed his shoulders. "What's waiting for you there, Casey? Your father's abuse, your mother's ignorance? What is home sweet home to you? Certainly not that fucking place!"

Casey sat rigid against Zeke's flailing. "Hundreds of images captured from my life, Zeke. Memories. Bad as they may be, I could never forget them at that place.."

Zeke fell silent. "I said I'd never let you go. And I don't intend on doing so, because the world out there is waiting to eat you alive!" He gestured to the window. Casey glared, but his face softened as he realized Zeke was only concerned for his safety.

"You're going to have to let go of me sometime Zeke, because even though black and white can be together, they will never be one. In some sense, grey is a seperate colour. A whole other concept."

"What are you talking about?"

"We are both guys, Zeke! And once we leave this place that reality will hit us hard. It's inevitable."

"It doesn't matter, Casey! It doesn't fucking matter!" Zeke withdrew his arms from Casey.

Casey narrowed his eyes at the action. "You know it does."

Sorry it's a short chapter. I'm entering high school this year so I'll be really busy but I'll try my hardest to get another chapter up but my life is hectic so please be patient and I apologize once again. Review!