Saving Grace.

Bryce woke up in his bed alone. The coldness of his room was almost too much to handle. He sat up and the first thing he said was Ryan's name. But it was silent and the reply he was hoping for had never came. Bryce sighed and pulled himself out of bed after glancing at the time. (5:45 A.M)

The wooden floor creaked under his weight as he made his way to the bathroom. Bryce turned on the water, stripped, then stepped in and let the burning water to hit his back. To him it felt like knives being thrown but he didn't even bother changing it.

Bryce needed a friend. To be exact he needed the two who helped him through so much. Ryan was one of them and the other was still a mystery. He didn't care if he was upset with one.

Bryce turned off the water and stepped out after drying himself off first. He threw on a white dress up shirt and some blue jeans before he made his way outside to where he glanced at the clock again before muttering something and grabbing his backpack. "Crap." He whispered, seeing Ryan's jacket on his bed again.

<–||

Bryce walked down the hallway holding onto the jacket. Suddenly boys surrounded him causing him to stop and look around confused. "We heard you trying to get with Ryan Wrecker.." One said, his face held disgust. Bryce groaned as he ran a hand through his locks. "No-" he was cut off by one shoving him into the lockers. "We don't respect gays like you. Especially when they try to get with someone who's straight!" He barked, face only inches from Bryce's. "Straight??"

When the male lifted up his fist Bryce's eyes widen and he prepared himself for the blow. It struck him once and he felt pain fall onto his lip. The older male threw Bryce onto the floor and Bryce immediately held his busted lip, pain stinging through his body. All that ran through his mind was, 'Why me?'

When the older male picked him up he slammed him against the wall this time, causing Bryce to hit his head. Stars danced across his vision for a split second and his hand jerked up to the olders fist. He leaned his body against the wall and tried to escape the grasp he was held in.

When Bryce expected another blow the man was shoved off of Bryce causing his feet to hit the floor. His blue eyes traveled up to see Ryan punching the other guy in the face. "Let go of me!" Ryan barked as he was dragged off by the one of the other men. Bryce just stood there and watched until he seen Luke step in and knock the shit out of another man who was heading straight for Bryce. "Ohm I swear to god," like grunted. "Once we're outta this you owe me."

Bryce bit his swollen lip and ignored the sudden rush of pain he got from it. The men scrambled off and Ryan jumped to his feet he grabbed Bryce's shoulders first. "Bryce are you-" he stopped and placed his thumb on Bryce's swollen lip. This time Bryce made a face and jerked away once he felt the pain. "Oh my god.." Ryan hugged him and Bryce hugged him back.

Luke crossed his arms at the scene and chuckled to himself. "I'm so sorry," Ryan apologized. "If I wouldn't have left this would've never happened.. God damn it.." Bryce stared into Ryan's hazel eyes as the older rubbed his cheek with his thumb.

He was speechless.

Bryce chuckled bitterly as he shook his head at Ryan's behavior towards him.
He wrapped his arms around Ryan's neck and pulled him into another hug, this time he had pressed his body against him. Tears were flowing down his red cheeks. "Thank you.."

"Come on," Ryan whispered, parting from the hug. "Let's get you to the nurse.."

"Um, I'll take him Ohm." Luke stepped in. "I need to have a word with Bryce."

Ryan nodded, understanding what he meant by that. Luke wrapped his arm around Bryce and they made their way down the hall. It was silent at first. The two firends never spoke a word until finally Luke pulled his arm away.

"You know," he began. "I didn't want Ohm around you or Jonathan because he played so many but..now that I see him with you..it makes me wonder." Silence. "I think he really likes you Bryce."

As they turned a corner Bryce looked down at the floor. Luke had made him realize how hard he was on Ryan about the whole Jonathan thing. "Yeah," Bryce sighed. "Maybe you're right.." They entered the nurses office.

<–||

Of course Ryan blamed himself for what happened to Bryce. How could he not? Ryan was making his way back to class holding his jacket in his left hand.

The feeling Ryan had got when Bryce hugged him back was the only sign he needed to let him know Bryce needed him to stay by his side. When Bryce said what he did the weight he held on his shoulders was gone. He made his way to class.

It was almost time to confess who he was in person. He had decided it would be best if he did so Bryce could believe him. Ryan sighed, just thinking about it ate at him.

Ryan sat down in his chair and pulled out the letter he had wrote to Bryce. He was smiling as he remembered what the other said. Maybe, just maybe, Bryce would still love him in the end. He began to scan over his letter.

Dear McQuaid,

Oh that makes me feel amazing. Have you ever thought that you do know me? Maybe we've spoken once or twice Bryce..I know I know you. And don't worry Bryce, I'm in love with you. We can be equal on one thing now right?