Awakening.

Bryce stared at a grinning Ryan who held up a shirt that was gray. It was almost time to leave yet Bryce couldn't even fit a pair of his friends jeans so he was forced to wear the same pair from yesterday and now they were going through Ohm's closet in search of a shirt. He sighed, "Just give me it."

He had given up.

Bryce took his shirt off and threw the other over his head and groaned when he noticed how big it was on him. "You know what we could do?" Bryce said, suddenly remembering something. "We could stop by my house. Mom gets home about this time."

Ryan glanced at the clock before looking back to the blonde. "We better haul ass then." Bryce hummed in response as he threw his bag over his shoulder and they rushed out the door.

<—||

Ryan waited by the mailbox for his crush to come back out and he was reading over the text Columbia had sent him saying the teacher wasn't even in class yet. By the way she made it out they probably had a sub. When the sound of the door opening echoed he shoved it in his pocket and looked up to see Bryce dressed out in a pair of skinny jeans and a white button up. "Okay mom, I get it." Bryce seemed to be irritated.

"You ready?"

"One sec." Bryce checked his bag for something. "Okay, now I'm ready."

The two boys made their way down the street in silence. Ryan had took note that it was always like this when they walked from or too school. It wasn't an awkward silence but a rather peaceful one. After making a few sharp turns they were at the school, late.

Ryan and Bryce stopped by the office for a tardy then went their separate ways with a quick goodbye. Ryan opened the door to his classroom and noticed the substitute was laid back in the chair chewing on a piece of gum like it was the last thing she had left. "Tardy?" She asked, chopping like a cow. Ryan handed her the tardy and say in his seat behind Michelle who was eyeing him.

"I heard about the boys beating up McQuaid." She whispered, eyes darting to the woman in front of her. "Tuff break.."

Ryan didn't even want to think about their reason for doing what they did. He never came out to anyone other than a few of his friends because words spread like a (( EXCUSE MY FRENCH GUYS!)) whores legs. "Yeah, I got there just in time.."

"Can't even think about what could've happened if you hadn't. They wanted to kill him Ohm.." She stated. "I think of they get ahold of him next time it'll be hell."

That made Ryan's stomach knot. "They won't," he blurted out. "I..I won't let that happen." Michelle only stared at the older male before chuckling a little at how much courage he had. "So tell me then," She turned to him. "Would you give up everything for him? Popularity? Life?"

"Yes."

Ryan didn't even think twice about that answer and it seemed to have shocked his friend for her eyes went wide. "You're brave Ohm. I can only hope you're serious..when I came out it was hell. I've been dealing with it since middle school." Michelle turned around at that and Ryan ran a hand through his hair.

Ryan knew these feelings weren't just a one time thing. They were something he couldn't get rid of and he immediately knew what it was he was up against. It wasn't lust..it was love.
Somehow, Bryce had broke through every wall Ryan had built and tore at his skin like he was fresh meat.

For Bryce it was should've been easy.

Ryan would give up everything for Bryce and knew that what he was telling Michelle was the truth. Bryce was like a drug to him and he couldn't go without him. The younger male had become an addiction for the older one.

He had got himself hooked and now the problem was getting himself unhooked. It wasn't long until he graduated. Moved away from here. Left Bryce..

Part of him wanted to stay with the blonde but even he didn't know Bryce would still like him once he showed himself to him. Ryan wanted to back out. He wanted to ditch the whole idea and just let Bryce get over the "other" him but he couldn't. The promise he had made haunted him and lingered like his own shadow.

Even that seemed to turn against him at times now.

<—||

Bryce walked down the hallway holding his books close to his chest and as he got to the door he noticed Ryan leaning causally on it. He stopped by there and smiled, "Hey Ohm! What's up?" Ryan was silent for a few minutes before grabbing the books from the youngers hands. "I'm walking you home." Bryce just watched as Ryan walked out the doors.

"Ryan!" Bryce called, trying to catch up. "Ryan Wrecker!"

At his last name the man stopped and turned around to stare at the blonde who was now panting from the rather long run. "I can walk myself home." Was all Bryce said once he caught his breath. Ryan looked away. "I know but I still don't feel like you should walk home alone okay? Just today..you can walk home tomorrow by yourself.."

"Promise?"

Ryan hesitates but when he notices the loo from Bryce he sighs on defeat, "Promise." They both started their walk back to Bryce's house like their normal routine.

Dear McQuaid,

I can't wait to meet them! From all the good talk you've given them I bet they're great. I have a feeling that I know this person though because I know many.. Oh and Bryce, think back at when this first started for me. Remeber that sticky note? At the time I didn't think you'd be such a big part of my life. Now though, I find it funny how you're my everything.. Till the next letter Bryce.