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-Brendon’s POV-

That’s when I lost it. That word. I was not gay. I was not a faggot. How dare he call me that, just because I’m friends with one? Just because I helped him out? How low. This was complete bullshit. I couldn’t focus on anything, let alone driving. I got in the car, as did Ryan, and I just zoned out on the road. I drove to my house, and just left the car. No words were said. I slammed the driver side door shut and stormed angrily into the house. I waited for Ryan to follow me, but a few moments later I realized he was still out in the car, speechless. Now I felt bad.

I stood there staring out my window, waiting for him to move, but he wouldn’t budge. It almost scared me, in a way, how he just locked up like that. What was he doing? I didn’t know, and I didn’t care. My mom was home early from work today.

“Where’s Ryan?” She asked.

“In the car. He won’t get out.” I mumbled. I could see the look on her face when she sensed my mood.

“Sweety, what happened?”

I wasn’t sure what to tell her. You see, my parents are strict mormons, and honestly, I didn’t care much for religion, but I couldn’t tell my parents. They’d be so ashamed of me. I just stood there, not answering.

“I’m going to my room.” I said, ignoring her question. She looked extremely frustrated, but let it go. The second I got through my bedroom door, I slammed it shut and locked it tight. My trusty little acoustic guitar sat beautifully in the stand just waiting to be played. I gently picked it up and began playing random notes. I began to listen as I heard music being formed, a new song. I wrote down as many notes as I could remember playing, but it was a little fucked up when I tried to replay it. Oh well. I put the guitar down and went to sleep without any dinner.

-Ryan’s POV-

Was… was he mad at me? The way he stormed off like that, I couldn’t handle it. I sat there, paralyzed for hours. Literally, hours. I did not leave that car. I just sat there all afternoon, all night. Neglecting my homework, neglecting food, though I was pretty hungry. It was about 8 pm when I decided to finally leave the damned car. I walked out and into the house.

Mrs. Urie had a really worried look on her face. “Ryan, are you okay? What happened to you and Brendon?”

“He didn’t tell you?” I asked. She just shook her head silently, waiting for me to explain myself. So, I did. I began with Pete harassing me earlier, then I moved on to what happened this afternoon with Pete calling, not only me, but Brendon and I both “faggots.” God I hated that word.

She cringed at the word, too. From what I understood, Brendon’s parents are homophobic and extremely religious. It probably wasn’t the best idea to just hand out this information to her, but she had a right to know, I guess. She was pretty upset by the looks of it.

“Why were you sitting in the car for so long though?”

Honestly, I didn’t even know the answer to that question. I was just so stunned, I didn’t know how to react, and I just remember not moving an inch the whole time.

“Hmm… good question.” I looked down at my feet, feeling a bit awkward. I was starving, but I wanted to just leave and go upstairs, so I skipped dinner. I felt bad because Brendon’s mom spent time cooking it for us and all, but I just didn’t really feel up to eating right now.

I made a hasty retreat to the guest room and locked the door, writing in my notebook all night long. I was running out of pages, though. I didn’t want to waste them all on some stupid word that was thrown around at me all day, and even to Brendon now.

I felt horrible about it. It was my fault. I came to Brendon for help, and being the nice guy he is, he took me in knowing I was gay, knowing I liked him. I didn’t really see all of this coming, but I guess that’s just how it is now. If I had stayed at my house that night, I probably would be a lot worse off, but at least Brendon wouldn’t be a target at school. Too late for that one. I sighed and turned off the light. Sleep time.

-Brendon’s POV-

I couldn’t sleep at all. It was way too early to be sleeping, and I was starving. I must have been trying to sleep for a long time, though. I heard my dad come home from his business trip. He wasn’t supposed to be back until tomorrow morning, but I guess he’s home early. Or really late at night. It was nearly midnight, and I still couldn’t get any sleep. I sighed.

I sat up in bed, thinking about what happened today. It scared me. What would make them think I’m gay? Then I started thinking harder, and started questioning myself about it. I started wondering, what if they’re right? Gah, no they can’t be right. I’ve only ever liked girls. Why was I even thinking about this? I needed food, and sleep.

I lied down in bed again, attempting to sleep.

Images flooded my mind. I saw Ryan’s face, many times. We were… happy? I didn’t understand what was going on. We were just happy.