A/n: Sadly Ch11 got zero reviews. That hurt a little bit, but that's okay. I understand, people are busy. And this story is getting long but I promise it's getting better. I actually have ideas for what's gonna happen next. :) So please please, read and review. I think if this chapter gets the same reaction as the last, it won't be as fun to write. :( Please, Enjoy!

Chapter 12

Stand By Me

(Jeremys' p.o.v)

If anyone were to ask me if I thought Tyler Lockwood would ever want to know if I was ready to let my family know I was seeing another guy, and that guy being him, I'd immediately respond to the bizarre question with, "Are you kidding?" But I'd be wrong. Because he just did. He just asked me if I were going to tell my family. About us. I didn't want to tell him this straight forward, but the answer was no. I just wasn't ready to let Jenna and Elena know. Or anyone else for that matter.

The reason? Truth be told, I'm ashamed. When I was with Anna, I wanted to tell everybody. And I did. I think that was my first mistake. The wonders haunted me all the time before I realized my feelings for Tyler. Would she have died if I never told John how I felt about her? Would she have stayed if I hadn't asked her to? Because she wasn't going to. She had found her mother dead and was ready to leave. That same night she went through my window to kiss me goodbye. But I begged her not to go. She stayed even though I never even gave her the one thing she wanted. The thing I think she stayed for. For her to hear me say I loved her. Which I failed to tell her. She stayed that night for me and her life ended because of it. The night she found her mother dead was the night she found out John had done it. And it was the night I found out that he killed Anna. As I watched.

I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if people knew Tyler and I were together. Probably nothing that extreme, but in this psychotic town you could never be sure. After all, it was small. One piece of gossip would spread like wild fire. Then it'd be out of our control who would know. I couldn't bare risking it. Not yet. A part of me knows it's crazy to go off of what happened in the past, but we all know history has a habbit of repeating itself where you least expect it.

So when I heard Tyler ask me if I was going to tell my family, I simply drew in a deep breath and looked in his eyes. They stared back at me waiting for my answer. His chocolate brown eyes made my heart flip and stomach sink all at once. My brain searched for the right answer. Apparently my brain and mouth aren't speaking to each other at the moment because my mouth just went for it.

"Now? You don't think it's too soon? I mean, we just got through "the talk". God, what was I saying. He's never gonna go with this bullshit answer.

When he didn't answer me, every second felt like hours. I didn't want him to be hurt, but from looking at his eyes and his furrowed brow, it'd be a safe bet to say he was. Looking at his face prompted me to don only one thing. I kissed him. That was still new to us so his reactions could have gone either way. Thankfully he just kissed back.

Our mouths were both closed. Feeling each others touch and lingering lips. As I pulled back I felt his hand wrap behind my neck and drew me to my bed. Even though I don't think he prefers it, he allowed me to be on top and we just returned the kisses. The feeling was nice. New. But I knew it'd only last for a few more moments before he'd want to talk about other people knowing.

After the last kiss that involved both our tongues and swollen lips, we pulled back and just stared at each other. I wasn't going to speak first. Figured whatever I said would ruin the moment. I didn't care if it'd be hours until words would be heard. I had all ready given him a disappointing answer.

"Okay", I heard from his beautiful mouth. Masculine but passionate.

I slowly lifted my body from my bed and stared at him searching for any emotion. Just wondering when the next time the question would come up again.

The weekend had passed and the school week started yet again. I knew Monday would be interesting. Just nervous to see how it'd go. My eyes had opened just before I heard the ring from my alarm clock. Normally now would be the time I've thrown it against the wall, but I was surprisingly full of energy. Nervous, yet energetic.

I had showered, dressed, eaten breakfast, and had walked through the front door only to find one Tyler Lockwood standing in front of his car waiting for me to enter it. It was weird. I didn't expect this from him. Maybe my nerves could settle after all. I let out a deep breath and smiled to the jock in front of me.

The drive was comfortable. Not completely silent but calm. It had gotten slightly awkward when he turned the radio up and we heard the words,

When the night has come, and the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't - be afraid, no I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand by me
So darlin' darlin' stand, by me

I debated whether or not I should turn it off but he seemed to enjoy it. He then told me he liked Ben E. King. That when he was little one of his nannies would sing it to him all the time.

Hearing these kind of things from him made me happy. I loved that he trusted me enough with his secrets. Because I knew for sure that not many people knew that he loved Stand By Me.

When we arrived at the school in front of the many eyes that stared at us as we walked together, he told me to relax and just act like we've called a truce. Which we had, but wasn't the whole story. I was glad he wanted it to be low key. Obviously people would wonder why we had grown so civil toward each other, but absolutely no one would ever guess the truth. Not if we played it cool, anyways.

By the time 2nd period was over I probably listened to maybe 5 minutes of the class. My head was all over the place from what Tyler was doing and what he was thinking about to surprisingly, Elena. How she'd react if or when I ever decided to tell her. It wasn't as if I was ashamed, I just know better. Maye it's not a matter of knowing better, but being cautious.

(p.o.v over)

The bell releasing 2nd period had startled Tyler. He gathered his things and went to the restroom before his lunch period. He didn't have it with Jeremy so he knew his friends who had seen them walking together would bombard him with questions. If it were anyone else, he wouldn't assume it. But with his history with Jeremy Gilbert, it wasn't a surprise that them being "friends" would raise some eyebrows.

He found his regular table and sat down among the other jocks and trashy girls that just recently, Tyler had such a disrespect for. No respectful girl would wear skirts that short and tops that tight or low cut. And be so touchy feely with other girls' boyfriends. I mean really. Everyone knew Matt was with Caroline but trash like Aimee just couldn't keep their hands off him. She got what she deserved when Caroline called her out. You'd think she'd learn her lesson by now.

"So, what's the deal man? You friends with Gilbert now." Was asked by one of his jock buddies. Tyler was surprised he could understand him with that burger shoved in his mouth. The guy had a big mac from micky d's and 8 fries in his mouth all at once. Seriously? You can't make time for each piece of food? It isn't going anywhere. Tyler was amused that all these thoughts were popping in his head. He hadn't expected for his opinions of his friends to change so much. But none the less, they were his friends.

"We uh, said the fighting was gettin' old. Annoying. Offered him a ride this morning, nothing big." Tyler toyed with his options he could go with, but just decided the less he lied about, the less he'd have to remember.

Another guy sitting across from Big Mac eater had said, "I think it's a good thing. A kid that young doesn't need another problem on his plate." Tyler was surprised Michael had showed so much respect. Michael was never one to be vulgar or even rude, but Tyler really appreciated how mature of a comment he had gotten. Though coming from Michael, it wasn't to much of a shocker. He had always been one of those polite guys who was friends with everyone. From freshman to the brainiacs to the athletes. He was great with the books and could throw a football like nobodies business. So he got respect.

The other comments and questions that were said didn't surprise Tyler. He'd hear, "You feelin' pity for him or somethin'?" Or, "I'll give it a week. He'll or you will say somethin' smart ass and start throwin' punches." Tyler would just roll his eyes and turned the subject. Eventually they talked about the game on Friday.

When his lunch period was over Tyler made his way to his locker in the locker room and saw Michael sitting there.

"Hey man," Tyler said with his usual nod of the head.

Michael looked at him for a second and smiled. "So, anything you weren't saying before?"

Tylers' heart instantly sank. His breath had hitched and he started to sweat. His body was turned away from Michael so he had the opportunity to close his eyes and breathe to himself. Told himself that the other guy just meant anything other than the truth. So Tyler turned around and met the other boys eyes and simply said, "What're you talkin' 'bout?" Tyler didn't want to get so serious so he lightened up with a small smile that instantly faded as Michael started to speak.

"I don't know, it's just that uh, when I uh saw you guys this morning?" Michael had looked a bit nervous at this point.

"Yeah?" Tyler wasn't smiling anymore.

"The way you looked at him, it just looked um, like you were looking for something." Michael was getting to the answer and Tyler knew it. Apparently Michael was standing closer than Tyler thought.

"Look man, never mind. Forget I said anything. I could've just been seeing something else. But-"

"But what?" Tyler didn't seem mad, just curious.

"Can you keep a secret for me?" Michaels' eyes were reading Tyler as best as they could. But Tyler was known to have a very hard-to-read face. So he just had to trust Tyler.

"Uh," Tyler nervously chuckled, "S-sure." He could only imagine what he was about to hear.

"For uh, the past 3 years, I've uh," after clearing his throat Michael continued, "I'm gay."

Tylers' mouth had dropped. It had dropped so long he thought his jaw would break. He eventually noticed the drool that his opened mouth was letting out and finally decided to shut it. Along with his eyes, that had widened twice their size.

"Really?" Tyler made sure not to have any sign of judgement on his face.

He couldn't believe it though. He grew up with Michael all his life. From Pre-K to now. He never even had any doubts about Michaels' orientation. And he certainly never heard any theories. Tyler had also put together the pieces. That when Michael was talking earlier, he was right on the nose. Probably figured Tyler would open up if Michael had said it first.

Which he was right. Tyler told him everything. He confided in him completely. Praying that he wouldn't regret it later. He told Michael how it started, made sure to leave out the mature details though. As he had ended his sentence he realized he had some questions of his own.

"So, you said for 3 years? Was when you knew it?"

"Well, before that, I knew I wasn't in to sports for all the sweating and grass stains." This made both boys laugh. Tyler was relieved to know he wasn't alone now. He obviously had Jeremy but, an understanding football buddy too? It was just what Tyler needed right now. And he trusted Michael. Knew that it wasn't in him to betray anyone.

"Are you seeing anyone?" Tyler was curious to find out if there were any other jocks who had came out. He doubted it though.

"Yeah." He went on to say that it was some guy they both knew. Tyler was shocked. Never thought it'd be someone he knew. A guy that was into lacrosse.

They were lucky that gym had no class that period because they both skipped and stayed in the locker room the whole time of third period. Talked about anyone else that Michael knew had came out, no one else on the football team but a couple of basketball players and another lacrosse guy. They also shared how they felt when they first admitted to themselves how they actually felt. He learned that when Michael told his parents, that they both accepted him and assured him that it was okay. And when he confided in a friend he got the same support. Tyler also heard Michael say that he'd be there if Tyler ever needed to talk to him.

Eventually the two had to get to 4th period. But Tyler thanked Michael and had made his way to his next class. When he walked through the halls he had a totally different outlook on other people now. Obviously he'd never say their secrets, but was glad he wasn't the only one.

A/n: Stand By Me - Ben E. King; I played this song on repeat while I wrote this. The chapter doesn't exactly match the song entirely, but the theme of the chapter is that Jeremy isn't ready to tell anyone, but Tyler actually is. And normally you'd think the other way around. And Tyler has found someone to confide in. He's just waiting to see if Jeremy will ever do the same. And Tyler never intended to tell anyone. It's just when Michael trusted Tyler, it over whelmed him. But we see why it's hard for Jeremy. Because when he told people about Anna, and asked her to stay, it got her killed. So the way the chapter relates to the song is that Tyler is willing to throw his "jock" reputation away for Jeremy and needs him more than ever now to stand by him.