-Author's Note: One point to whomever can figure out why I named Lasso Lass Annie. Minus twenty if you don't, because I should think it would be obvious. Also I'm listening to a lot of TATU lately (which inspired both this and She Loves Me Not) so don't be surprised if some lyrics rear their heads every once in a while. However none of these chapters will be written in songfic style.

"Would you like to come over for dinner tonight, John?" Timothy asked as they made their way down the hallway. "I asked Annie, too, but…well, I see she hasn't exactly grown up yet. She said something about having an important 'mission' " John gave a light laugh.

"Yeah, Annie's still convinced all adults are evil and must be stopped," He gave a shrug, "But there's not much we can do. I've tried. I thought about doing an intervention once, but it backfired. She tied me up and tried to convince me that adults are evil."

"You didn't answer my question," Timothy pointed out. "You wanna come over or not?"

John turned to look around before answering. "I'd like to, Timothy, but that could be an…unwise decision. There's something you don't know. I'm afraid others have found out, though."

"These are the 70's, John….seriously, what's anybody going to consider a big deal? Unless you're a hippy. I'll admit mother's not too big on those," Timothy said thoughtfully. Even though he could not see John's eyes, Timothy could tell that his friend's gaze was concentrated on the floor.

"It's a long story, Timothy. Leave it alone."

"Can't you trust me?" John sighed, straining his ears when he heard whispering. He stood straight, closing his eyes as he tried to focus in on the voices. The whispers were starting already. The people were already grouping Timothy with him. No…I'm already ignored here, or worse. I won't bring that down upon Timothy as well. Best not to accept his invitation. Don't want any rumors started, John decided.

"Mother wishes me to be home early tonight," John lied. "Something about not cleaning my room well enough."

Timothy groaned. "What are you, seven?! Your mom always was kind of crazy…no offense."

"None taken," John said nonchalantly. Timothy waved as he took off, and John sighed. He walked outside and sat down on the cold cement steps.

He felt suddenly relieved that Timothy had not been there two years ago. Back when John first came out of the closet. When it became public knowledge that he was gay. True, it was the 70's, and there seemed to be a higher rate of acceptance and admittance, but this town had not taken up the movement.

John was resigned to Timothy eventually finding out. He wasn't sure what he'd tell him. The truth, he decided. Maybe not the entire truth.. he added. Was it really that wise to admit that his first boy crush had been on his best friend?

No…I'll avoid that, John decided finally, leaning his head against the building. The stone there was very cold, but also soothing. This was his Senior year. After this, he could get out of here. Go to some place that would accept him.

He was never beaten up, though. He was too tall….he exuded a sense of strength, and not even the most brutal of jocks was stupid enough to attempt to fight him. What they didn't know was that John saw no point in hand-to-hand combat, though admittedly firearms and mechanics had always intrigued him.

But he was still not safe from whispers. The couple of bricks that had been thrown through his window…or the knowledge that every male he talked to would come over scrutiny as well. They would start in on Timothy soon enough, and Timothy's frailness…John shuddered to think of what they could do to his friend.

"Perhaps I should warn him," He said aloud. He fiddled with the idea for a while, then decided against it. He's the only one other than Annie who talks to me…I'd like to keep him as a friend as long as I can.