Hoot

Chapter 10

And Now is all that matters.

Roy was staring at the ground as he heard to footsteps approach, slowly getting closer and closer. The first thing he saw were the things he would be burned into his memory like every other time… A pair of bare feet.

Roy just stared, his face showing no emotion. He was too tired to even try. He didn't believe it. He was scared to look up. Scared to see the truth. Scared to be disappointed or scared to find out he'd been in pain so long, and now it was all coming to an end. The end were he had almost died, and he had saved him. Roy even chuckled to himself, the thought seemed so ridiculous. He studied the tan feet, trying to distract himself. But he couldn't lie to himself any longer.

He finally broke his stare, and slowly moved his gaze up, studying the persons shape. The man was wearing a pair of worn and faded blue jeans, and a dull black t-shirt. The man had a thin tall frame, accented with a tan tint in his smooth skin. Roy slowed his stare, moving up his gaze to meet the strangers. What he saw was a deep blue pool of endless oceans. The eyes expressed years of endless memories and deep thoughts and he could tell the eyes had been through years of worn as well. From these traits, he knew who this not so stranger was. Roy's breath suddenly hitches, and he can feel his face shape into a mask of confusion. His mind didn't accept the image either as did his heart. His mind and thoughts screamed with doubt and negativity, but there was still some of that sanity left in him, as he managed to stammer the words he thought he'd never get to say again.

"M-M-Mullet?" He nearly choked out, his eyes still entranced on the man, "is that you?" Roy took in a deep breath, steadying himself. The man walked slowly forward, keeping his gaze with Roy's. With every step Roy felt his heart race in hope, and for happiness. It had to be him. It had to be. The man stopped his pace, standing in front of Roy's sitting figure on the bed. Roy felt the mans warm eyes on him, staring deep into his soul, he felt light, like something had finally been lifted from his chest. He needed this answer. Needed to know. Then, he answered.

"Yes, Roy, it's me." Mullet answered warmly, in a deep rich voice as soft and gentle as the ocean in his eyes. Roy just sat blankly. A part of him overtook, screaming how foolish he was to doubt. But another part had been all negative. His life had been everything but positive. And now, he felt himself change. With those words, that phrase, that face. He was a savior, to Roy he was his arch angel. All of this running through his thoughts, he could only mutter few words.

"Oh my god." A part of Roy was still negative, and couldn't believe the scene that was playing out in front of him. Right now. He never thought this would happen. With his mind consumed with depression and misunderstanding, he had sworn his life to sadness. He had lost himself, and now he was expected to find himself now. He wasn't prepared.

"You… saved me?" Roy asked, surprising himself with the question, as he asked Mullet slowly, making sure he got the words out correctly. Mullet smiled, which made Roy's heart skip a beat or two. He hadn't seen him smile for years. It made his heart warm, and his soul and heart just get a little lighter and brighter.

"Yes, I did. I couldn't just leave you to die." Mullet replied to smile leaving his face, a serious expression plaster his face.

"Why didn't you?" Roy questioned, another question surprising him, "I mean, you were gone, and it's not like you cared.." Mullet stopped him immediately.

"Wait.. You don't think I care about you? I've always cared, Roy. Your all I have, and ever had. When I left you, everything was gone to me. You are my light. My best friend. You are always there, and you never left me. If you still don't think I care, your so wrong. Don't you understand, Roy?" Mullet's eyes pleaded to him, and all Roy could do was stare up at him, a hurt expression on his face, "If I didn't care about you, I wouldn't be here. I have cared forever, Roy." Mullet then knelt in front of him, looking deep into his eyes, searching for an answer.

"I-I.." Roy was wordless, "I'm sorry." He whispered quietly. Mullet took his hands then, and held them softly. Roy felt warmth radiate through him. Real warmth. This wasn't a dream. It was real.

"No, Roy." Mullet said softly, not breaking his gaze, "I should be apologizing," Roy looked at him still sad. He didn't know why he still felt unsure of it all, "I left you. I hurt you. Me." Mullet started, "the first time I left, I could see the pain in your eyes," Roy blushed suddenly, embarrassed. An odd response in the situation at hand, " and it nearly killed me." Roy looked down at there entwined hands, still wordless, "and when I came back to… well, I saw you lying there, and.." Mullet closed his mouth, afraid he'd upset Roy, and had really no way of explaining it all. Roy looked up into his eyes, and back down to his lap. My dream.. Was real? Then, for the first time in minutes, Roy spoke. Confidently, and sure, he held his head level to Mullets, starting to speak.

"You cried, Mullet." Roy spoke quietly, and the room was silent. Roy stared into Mullets eyes and saw shock, "you cried, I had never seen you cry.. I saw it, in my dreams.. And.." Roy's voice cracked, "you held me, and I could feel it, feel your arms around me.." Roy still spoke quietly, holding there entwined hands, he felt his own heart race, as he heard Mullets even breathing suddenly hitch, which made Roy falter in his words, "you whispered into my ear.. Sleep well, my love. And then you kissed my cheek, and told me you'd come for me.. And here you stand. I'd never thought.." Roy's voice cracked again, " all that time.. I thought you were gone forever.." Roy finally broke his gaze from Mullets, in pain, he held his head low as the tears spilt, his emotions poured out of him like the oceans that held his gaze. He didn't know how long he cried, but was still fairly aware of Mullets presence in front of him, and he could feel the sadness in the room. The bittersweet reunion. After what seemed like forever, Roy finally stopped his violent shaking, and got a hold of himself. He felt weak. He felt empty, like he had no energy. He had just poured out his whole 5 years past. But there was a slight burden lifted. Somewhere inside he knew things would be different. He looked up at Mullet finally, with blood-shot eyes, red and puffy from crying. He knew he looked like crap right now. He knew Mullet was seeing him in his weakest state, and yet he didn't care at all. He didn't even have enough energy to speak. Roy saw a pang of hurt and sadness in Mullet's eyes. Mullet had then sat fully onto the bed, and pulled Roy into his arms, with no words said. Roy finally felt home. He felt at peace. He grabbed a handful of Mullets shirt, inhaling silently, the scent of his savior. He buried his head into his soft chest, curling into his chest. He was in love. He knew it then that this is where he belonged.

"I'm so sorry.." Mullet whispered quietly, holding him against his chest, " I'm so sorry.. I don't like seeing you in pain… so please.. don't cry.. No more.. I'm so sorry.." Mullet pleaded softly, his voice cracking. Roy heard the love and care in his voice, and that was all he needed. Roy looked up into his eyes, softly smiling, "I'm sorry I upset you," He said sniffling, "Its just a lot to take in, a little overwhelming.." Mullet stared deep into Roy's eyes with softness, playing with a loose strand of his curly brown hair. He spoke after a few moments.

"and Roy.." Mullet said slowly, Roy looking up at him, "What you saw in your dream.. It was all real. I came back, and im here now, because I am in love with you, and nothing could, or ever will change that. I don't know how you feel, but I know now nothing can break me apart from you. I cant bear to lose you once again." Mullet finished sincerely, all the while staring into Roy's deep blue eyes, watching his irises grow, and a tear run down his face. He smiled weakly, all the while saying nothing.

"Roy.. Are you ok?" Mullet asked quickly, afraid he'd said to much. Roy looked up at him, softly smiling.

"Of course, Mullet. You don't know how long I have waited. I love you. And you're here. With me. Right now. That's all that matters." Roy stared at Mullet's face looking for an answer, as Mullet held him near. Mullet lightly tilted Roy's chin up, meeting each others soft eyes. Mullet ever so slowly lowered his head, getting closer to his lips touching Roy's each passing second. Mullet slowly closed his eyes, as Roy's followed. There lips were so close to touching. Roy could hear his own heart race, it was beating so hard, as he tasted Mullet's sweet breath on his tongue. Mullet paused for the slightest of seconds, as both boys acknowledged there hearts beating, the same rhythm. The same song. Then there was a soft burning fire of coals, the soft flow of lava, as there lips met in a searing, slow, love-filled kiss. Mullet held Roy's face softly, there lips molded together. Roy wrapped his arms all around Mullet. They were in love. A love un-ending. Cold and warmth united. Both boys pouring out there hearts and souls, confessing love and happiness. Roy was at peace. Finally home. He'd found his way through all the tears and pain. But it was all for his love, and that's all that mattered to him now. And he knew Mullet had felt the same way. Forever.