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Above the small midwestern town, the moonlight overshadowed the local park. The brisk air sent shivers on the spines of the young boys swaying silently on the swings.
“Garroth.. It’s late. Let’s head back.” “Go on without me. I’ll be fine.” Whispered Garroth, barely audible above the swish of the tree's leaves around them.
The ‘conversation’ withered as quickly as it began. It was no secret Garroth had crushed on Aphmau. Everyone had seemed to know, except her. It came as a shock to see her hand in hand at school with Zoey, one of their mutual friends.
“Garroth c'mon man. Let me drop you off, it’s too late to let you walk.” Laurance’s words fell on deaf ears.
It was also no secret Laurance had a thing for Aphmau in the past, but he eventually realized he only really cherished her as a friend and not a romantic partner after a date he asked her on. What he now realized was while some women were great, some men really caught the brunettes eye. Specifically a certain blue eyed man. No hard feelings were ever shared, they’d been on good terms since then and spoke regularly about other dates and people they were interested in. He was aware of her crush on Zoe but didn’t think it’d stick. He was now in the difficult situation of comforting his best friend while knowing that this would happen eventually.
It was heartbreaking to see his favorite person be in such a state. His usual perfect hair was splayed out and his eyes puffy and lost. In all honesty he still looked like a prince straight out of a movie but Laurence knew that wouldn’t make his friend feel any better.
“You leave me no choice then.” Laurance grabbed onto Garroth’s arm and gently pulled him off the swing. At first Garroth opened his mouth to protest but found it too bothersome so he followed silently.
Eventually, neither knew how, their hands shifted into the others naturally and the small amount of warmth brought a smile to Garroth's face. They’d never been shy to share their love with each other, even something as small as hand holding. Laurance on the other hand got bashful as his cheeks went pink but if asked he would brush it off saying the wind was making him cold. Of course this was platonic, what else could it be?
“You first my good sir.” Laurance dramatically opened his passenger door for his friend, sadly having to let go of his hand in the process of his perfect courteous bow. The slight embarrassment was worth it to look up and see Garroth fight a smile as he thanked him and sat inside. He carefully shut the door and got in the drivers side trying desperately to cool himself down so his flush could pass.
As soon as they arrived they gave a quick greeting to his brothers and walked up towards Garroth’s room. The Ro’Maeve parents were out of town like they usually were so Laurance sleeping over was never a problem. The other boys didn’t care as they all stayed in their own respective spaces and were used to Laurance staying over most nights anyway, he even has his own spot in Garroth’s closet.
“Thanks.” The looming silence was finally interrupted by Garroth himself. He seemed calmer now, his swollen eyes mostly back to normal. Almost as if his heart wasn’t completely shattered only a few minutes ago. Almost.
“Of course man. I’m always here for you.” Laurance turned to him and offered a hug which Garroth gladly accepted. It lasted a lot longer than Laurance thought it would but he didn’t mind, any moment with his best friend was a special one.
Maybe that’s all they would be. Friends, close companions, brothers even. Even if Laurance had the courage to spill his heart to him he knew better than to ever be completely honest.
Twilight rolled around and they spent hours talking on Garroth’s balcony; rich people am I right? Eventually forgetting about Aphmau and laughing about anything and everything. It was nice. Cuddled up with a shared blanket and holding hands as if it was a casual thing for best friends to do. Neither would trade it for the world even if they yearned for more. For now this was enough.
They were both enough.