So I have been having a lot of inspiration for Crooked lately, so the last chapters of BMR were kind of on the back burner. I'll try to post chapter 35 (part 2 of 4) really soon, but until then, enjoy the next chapter of Crooked!

Look at my cute little baby Harry in the media. He deserves all the happiness and hopefully, he gets it. I thought this song was very fitting and it's kind of like a bittersweet piece. I couldn't find the Stripped version of the song on YouTube, but it is on Spotify if you're up for the search! Anyways, enjoy the chapter!

***

When Bradley told me we were going 'out' to eat, I didn't think he meant outside. The sun had gone down about an hour ago, so our only source of light came from the flashlights on our phones. Even so, it hasn't stopped me from tripping over rocks and twigs, but I didn't mind, since Bradley would wrap his arms around my waist to steady me every time.

"Where are you taking me?" I chuckle when Bradley grabs my hand, pulling me behind him.

He shines the flashlight under his chin, giving his face an eerie glow. "My tree house."

I snort. "Your tree house?"

There's amusement dancing on Bradley's lips before he shines the light back on the path ahead of us. "Yes. Rodney and I built it with his dad before he passed away." His bright smile suddenly fades. "My dad was really busy running Sins and keeping my older brother in check. He didn't have much time for me. I guess my uncle became kind of like a second dad to me that summer. Really sucked when he was gone."

Sometimes I forget that Rodney lost his father seven years ago. His mom and Amber's dad have been together for so long now that everything before that is just a distant memory. Us both having lost our fathers one way or another was something that brought us closer not too long ago, but it wasn't a strong enough bond for him to refrain from bullying me.

I give Bradley's hand a comforting squeeze and he immediately perks up.

"Come on, it's this way." He pulls me from the safety of the path.

We only walk maybe a hundred feet until Bradley stops us in front of a well-endowed tree. The branches stretch out thick and wide, it's easily one of the biggest trees I've seen. Perfect for a treehouse; and so it was. A wooden ladder is built into the tree itself with a rope hanging by it, most likely for extra help with the climb if necessary.

Looking up, a bit of the treehouse is exposed, but it's hidden by enough leaves to let the rest be left to the imagination. A shimmer of light leaks from the bottom, which I can only assume is the way in.

"Gentlemen first," Bradley says, gesturing to the ladder with a sweet smile.

"What does that make you then?" I fold my arms teasingly.

"A gentler man."

I shove him playfully. "You're full of it."

"Fine." He chuckles, not wasting any time with mounting himself on the ladder. "I guess I'll go first."

I'm not sure where the confidence suddenly comes from, but when he's already a ways up the ladder, I say, "Hey, at least I have a great view."

Even though I can't see his face, I know he must be blushing.

Once I make it to the top, Bradley offers me a hand and I take it. When I look at the surroundings, I can't stop the smile that stretches from cheek to cheek. There are lights strung up all over the box-shaped treehouse and little candles sit on the window panes. They are fake, but I don't care. It's beautiful. A blanket sits in the middle of the room with decorative pillows, and plates, and a picnic basket.

No doubt, I look shell-shocked.

"You-" I can't get any more words out for a second until I look at him. "You did all of this for me?"

He shrugs, a proud smirk displaying on his soft features. "I told you I liked you a lot, and I meant it."

In that moment, everything falls away. Without hesitation, I grab Bradley's face in my hands and pull him to me. His lips are welcoming when I brush them against mine, our tongues dancing in hot bliss for a second before I pull away.

"So," I smile when his heated gaze meets mine. "What's for dinner?"

With much enthusiasm, Bradley starts digging around in his basket, taking out dish after dish. "I didn't know what you liked, so I just put together a few different things." He chuckles nervously before pointing to some tortilla rolls. "These right here are Italian Pinwheels, and I made a Caesar salad with homemade croutons just in case you happened to be a vegetarian, but we can eat that even if you're not. Chips and guacamole dip are over here and I made raspberry tarts for dessert, or there's also brownies in case you're more of a chocolate man. And-"

My hand enclosed around his. "Bradley, slow down. It all looks amazing. Although, you didn't have to go through all this trouble."

He looks down and I feel like he's hiding another blush. "I wanted to impress you."

The very idea that he thought he was the one who needed to impress me is mind-boggling. When we are together, there's not a moment where I'm not left in awe of him.

"Hey, there's nothing about you that doesn't impress me. Hell, you may just be the most impressive person I know."

Bradley's shoulders sag in relief and it makes me wonder if I misjudged him.

At first, I was under the impression that he was this fearless, self-confident guy, but now I realize he is just as anxious as I am. Being a closeted gay can do that to you. It being especially daunting when you find a boy you like, who you actually might have a chance with. A pang hits me with a sharp jab when I think of a specific sandy-haired boy with a bad temper, his biggest talent being drawing me in, only to push me away.

I don't let the stray thought ruin my date when Bradley and I dig into the dinner he prepared. Our meal is accompanied by a glass of wine, which he probably swiped from his parents, because it looks expensive. It doesn't take long for us to devour everything, leaving only some leftover guac and a slice of fruit tart.

With full bellies, we lay on our sides facing each other. I use my forearm to prop my head up, my freehand playing with Bradley's when they meet in the middle.

"When did you figure it out?" His voice is soft, almost as if he's afraid to ask the question. "That you're into guys, I mean."

The question earns an uncomfortable silence, but I manage to get the words out. "Two years ago. What about you?"

He smiles sheepishly. "I was eight."

My eyes widen. "Eight? You've been in the closet all this time? Does anyone know?"

"Other than nosy little Amber?" He chuckles. "No. I didn't want to risk it."

"Amber won't say anything."

"I know that. Amber is probably one of the chillest girls at school. Plus, it would be an awful step-cousin thing to do."

"Are you afraid what Rodney would do if he found out?"

"Terrified." He sighs heavily. "Rodney can be a huge asshole, but he's not only family. He's also my best friend. You used to be friends with him, too, so you know how he's not all bad."

No matter how badly I want to disagree, he's right. When Rodney and I were close I mostly only saw the good side of him, and if I'm honest, he was probably my very first boy crush. Looking back now, I wonder if there was another reason Rodney turned on me. We were friendly even after he'd found out about his step sister and me, but two weeks after was when it all fell apart. What happened in those last two weeks that I've overlooked?

"I know he's not."

His fingers curl around mine, his gaze penetrating. "But just so you know, if this somehow does get out, I won't deny it."

That's it. Those are the words that got my whole attention. Hiding that you're gay is one thing, but actively denying it is just like lying to yourself.

I lean in to kiss him again and when we part he whispers, "What was that for?"

And I whisper back, "Because I like you a lot, too."

***

So, Bradley and Harry are getting closer, but like always, Harry is still holding on to that certain Sandy-Haired Boy. Who are you rooting for at this point? Whittney or Bradley? I know my preference, but I'm not going to sway you readers. (: 

If you have the time to lemme know some of your thoughts on the chapter, that would be awesome. Or maybe leave a vote if the chapter was deserving. Those always make my day! Thanks to all of you who stick by me even through my lagging updates and have a great rest of the week!

Until next time,

TheWriterD