[Ryan]
I sent Brendon a text while laying in my bed after spending almost an hour debating with myself about it. I had to let him know (very subtly, of course) how I was feeling. Before I chickened out, for the millionth time. I've wanted to tell him so many times, I've lost count. I'll come out and tell him eventually, in more ways than one.
I heard the slam of the door. Shit, dad was home. "George!" He yelled, almost incoherently. It was a bad day. I panicked, opening the window and climbing down the tree. I rushed down the street to Brendon's house. I knocked on his door. "Oh, hey Ry." He answered with a smile. "What's up?" "Can I stay tonight?" I asked. His smile dropped a little and he nodded. "My parents just went out, but they'll be here soon." He told me. I nodded in acknowledgement.
We went up to his room. "Your dad hits you more than occasionally, doesn't he?" Brendon asked after a while. He seemed a little hesitant, as if he was scared to ask. I nodded, not meeting his eyes. "He's an alcoholic. Has been since my mum left when I was young." I told him quietly. Brendon was by my side, arms wrapping around me. Tears spilt down my cheeks silently. "Hey, it's ok." Brendon hushed soothingly, wiping the tears gently with his thumb. "He can't hurt you here, it's ok. I promise."
His lips touched my cheeks softly and briefly. If it wasn't for the tingling feeling it left, I would've thought I was imagining it. I gave him a small watery smile; it was all I could manage. "C'mon, let's do something fun." He grabbed my hand and practically dragged me into the lounge room. "Sit." He told me. I did as he said with a salute and quiet "yes sir." He pulled out a few dvds, handed them to me and told me to pick one out. He then ran into the kitchen. That boy has too much energy.
The movies were Nightmare before Christmas, Alice in Wonderland, Juno and Mulan. He came back with popcorn and oreos (with the milk, of course). "My god, it doesn't take that long to decide." He chuckled. "You sure you're straight, Bren?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at the movies. "They're good." He said with a glare. "Oh, I know." "How would you?" He asked. I looked back down at the movies. "Ryan, are you gay? Like, actually?"