Story 4: The Uncertainty of Future

"Well thanks that you do."

Travis said to Brody with the cheeriest smile on his face. He was genuinely ecstatic right now. And the reason was completely the things Brody said to him. Travis felt a beam of light shined on them and that the reason why universe makes sense was them. They both just stood in front of each other smiling at each other. Brody was a couple beers down but he was sober enough to know what he was saying. And Travis knew that. He knew this wasn't just some adverse effect of alcohol. He knew Brody was saying everything in his senses. Brody was genuinely happy too.

The next thing Travis knew was Brody holding the t-shirt he was wearing and pulling him in closely and placing his lips on him. Travis at that instant widened his eyes at Brody's this act. But when he saw Brody's eyes were closed and that he was enjoying this moment, Travis also decided to enjoy the moment while it lasts and close his eyes. And so he closed his eyes. They were just kissing and not smooching. Being at the center of the party, almost everyone could see them. Travis had no problem with it as long as Brad didn't. Because he was out in the first year of high school and also faced it's consequences; but not much. And the rumours of Brody being pansexual were now confirmed for real.

"OMG!"

"Brody Walker is fucking kissing Travis De'Mores!"

"Were they even friends?"

"FML!!!!"

"I seriously wanted Travis!"

"Does this mean Brody's pansexual for real?"

"Well now we know why Brody was talking about Travis for days!"

"They look cute!"

Travis and Brody could only hear these comments but they were sure other peoples were saying other things. Which they were involved enough in kissing not to hear them. They were loving the kiss they were sharing. They broke the kiss when they felt they need to see each other. And those cute smiles of them. Travis looked at Brody who was looking back at him in awe. Brody didn't had any desirable features. Short black hair, brown almond shaped eyes, long but thin nose and red lips. He was white and his face was short but he had a jawline. So nothing big but there was a glow in his face which though with such normal features, made him so desirable. He had a big and huge body. The tight blue shirt he was wearing revealed his abs and tight chest with hard nipples. And shorts revealed the nerves on his legs. Travis didn't had any body. He was a skinny guy with better features. Weirdly enough, Travis height was same as of Brody's. So they both were pretty taller for their age.

Brody felt no shame to hold Travis' right hand and walk. The number of stares and gazes decreased but at the same time they were visible enough. But Travis was too happy to notice them. He was busy loving the moment where Brody was leading him somewhere; by holding his hand. Brody too was profoundly happy. Their happiness were palpable. Brody led Travis to a spot on the lawn of the house where the party was held where not many people sat. Brody was the first one to sit on the soft green grass. After sitting, he; which seemed like cleaned a spot beside him and patted on it to indicate him to sit there. Travis knew there was no need to clean the spot as it was just grass and so did Brody but he did it anyways which made Travis shy. He sat and looked at Brody who was again staring at him. He was sure he never stopped. They both were quiet which bothered Travis because it was awkward. People giving them looks and they just sitting there; holding hands and looking here and there.

"I am so lucky to have this moment."

Brody said in his husky voice which made Travis jump a little. After realising what Brody said, Travis felt heat flowing through his ears and his cheeks going red. "You're so beautiful." Brody said again while waving a hand through Travis soft black hair. Then Brody kissed Travis again on the lips.

Travis chuckled and said, "Are you always going to do stuff in public?"

A sense of tension rose in Brody,

"Why? I shouldn't? Does this make you feel uncomfortable. Because if it does, we can totally be low key....."

Travis gave a quick kiss again; interrupting him and after that he said, "No, I love it. It gives me immense pleasure to let everyone know I am yours."

"And it gives me the same to show everyone that you are." Brody said sweetly, in his husky voice.

Travis shyed and looked down. He giggled and said, "We just confessed our feelings to one another just minutes ago and we are acting as if we've been together for weeks or months!"

"Well my feelings for you rose from weeks."

"So why didn't you tell me this any before?"

"I guess I was just scared."

Travis gasped and said, "You don't appear as someone who gets scared of something."

"No I was scared shitless. For real. Scared because maybe I will lose you as my friend too if I do this." Brody confessed genuinely.

Travis cupped Brody's face and said,

"For the record, I too had these feelings for a while.(stops cupping) Had them since we did that project together."

Brody chuckled, "Why? Me being shirtless around you at your room had an effect?"

"Yeah. Along with other things."

"Well I did it especially to just tease you. I got these feelings after the project though."

"Yeah. But it was annoying though. You coming to my room and just throwing the muscle t-shirt or just any other half sleeves t-shirt. And sitting beside me so closely shirtless. It gave me tickles but it also felt weird." Travis said.

"You never complained." Brody argued.

"Yeah that's because I liked it too." Travis said this and they both laughed. "You should know. I am lucky too to be here."

Brody faked crying, "Oh, stop! You're gonna make me cry!" They continued laughing.

"So when are you gonna take me on a date?" Travis asked excited.

Brody leaned in; held Travis' waist and whispered, "Well I am dying to. If you want we can have a date now."

Travis made some distance and said,

"No, I meant a date like movie or some diner or something."

Brody left his hold on Travis' waist and said with a little frown but still with a smile, "Why, you don't want that kind of date?"

"No I do. But now right now, you know. People just stop showing interest in one another after that, you know." Travis said with a little nerve.

Brody made a frown on his face as if to show his real confusion,

"You think I want that for us?"

Travis understood he shouldn't have said that and now things may go wrong, "What? No! Brody, no! I just said it like that. I don't want this and I know you neither. I just blabbered. You know how I am. I just say things without thinking anything. Please I didn't mean like this."

Brody realised he also overreacted. He placed his hand on Travis' which was already on Brody's other hand. "Don't worry. You know I overreact at even small things. I know you didn't mean it like that." Brody felt in heaven when he saw Travis' enlightening smile. "And to answer your question, we can go to a date anytime you want. I'll even skip my football match for you."

"Oh, am I that important to you?" Travis asked in true wonder.

"You know you are." Travis cheeks flushed in red the instant Brody said this. This made Brody so mad for Travis. "So what you might wanna do on our first date?"

"I don't know. Some movie or something.(his eyes gets widen) Oh. Now that you are pansexual for no doubt, I have no shame in asking you this but have you ever watched any gay movie?" Travis asked in excitement.

Brody's eyes get widened too and he chuckles, "Well I've only watched that Simon one. You know that?"

"You mean Love, Simon?"

"Yeah. I only watched that of that genre and to be honest, it felt so difficult to you know come out and or whatever that is." Brody said.

"Well mi amigo (Brody smacks Travis' arm) Sorry! But aren't you my friend?"

"I am. But I prefer boyfriend." Brody stated.

Travis for a second hid his face in his hands; maybe to hide his embarrassment and awe. "Well my boyfriend (smiles brightly at the word) hasn't explored this genre enough for me. You have only watched Love, Simon which isn't that good. Stuff like that doesn't happen for real. It can still be categorised as more of a drama and less of a gay. So it's decided. We are going to watch a gay movie on our first date." Travis demanded.

"Anything you want. And I demand cuddles!" Brody said.

Travis in his smile frowns a little and sees Brody smiling his face out and says while holding his hand tightly,

"Brody, again, don't take this the wrong way but we've expressed our feelings just some minutes ago. And now you're saying like anything you want or I demand cuddles. And believe me, I don't have any problem. But don't you think we are speeding this up?" Travis asked worriedly.

Brody then understood Travis' true worry and answered, "Trav, I am saying whatever I feel like saying. These things, they are coming in my mind and I am saying them. I don't think we are speeding this up. Everyone has their own pace. And I feel like this is the right pace for us. I like this."

Travis gave a kiss on Brody's cheek and said, "I like this too."

After such a conversation, Brody and Travis decided to be a part of the party. And so they played games like beer pong, truth or dare, etc. and for Travis' fortune, Brody was always with him. In beer pong he because of Brody didn't drink much.

In truth or dare Brody sat beside him. The bottle landed on Brody and he was given dare of kissing the person sitting next to you. So Brody gave a thumbs up and kissed Travis. The dare-giver was offended though. He wanted Brody to kiss Madelyn; the girl sitting to the other next. He shared this to which Brody said,

"The dare was to kiss the person sitting next to you. You should've made it specific to kiss Madelyn." At this point Travis realised he was falling hard for Brody.

"What are you guys like a thing now?" Madelyn asked.

Travis was about to say something but Brody cut him off, "Yeah we are. He's mine and I am his." Brody said and kissed the side of Travis' head. Travis so loved the fact that Brody would just own Travis for him and he make himself to be owned by Travis. The fact that they were together as a thing for not more than a day and Brody was so open and loving was almost unbelievable. To think, it was really unbelievable. The way Brody just expressed his feelings out of nowhere and was now so mad for him and was so sweet felt like it was more like a dare.

Travis realised how he got this thought. He could see his Subconscious Mind. His Subconscious Mind was him only but a little more serious and wise. Actually a lot more.

Mind:- No you subconscious mind. Don't show up now. I am having a fun time and can't deal you! Amd Brody says he is, so he is what he is saying he is and meaning every single word he is saying. He really likes me. You have just seen many movies and read novels!

Subconscious Mind:- Oh, come on! You really do believe all the things he is saying?!

Mind:- Yes, I do!

Subconscious Mind:- Okay, as you say.

After playing games the whole decided to dive into pool. Travis refused because they had a test on Monday and he cannot take a risk of catching cold. He managed to convince Brody when he said he will put his legs in the pool and sit by it. Brody didn't care much for a test. He was so good in football, he most likely had a chance of getting a scholarship. He just had to focus on his game and not fail in any of the subjects. That he could do. Now that he had Travis; the handsome nerd.

Brody stripped down to his jockstrap. Literally a jockstrap. No wonder rumours of he being a pansexual spread around so quickly. When Travis saw Brody in that jockstrap with that hunky body of his, he felt his little member getting excited down there. He almost drooled. Brody seems to notice that and enjoy that. So he turned around to show his ass and started twitching it; irrespective of the people staring at him and his ass. He didn't care about them. He just wanted to tease Travis. At least that was what Travis thought. He then again turned around to face him, gave him a wink and dived in the pool.

When Brody's face rose above the surface of the water, Travis let out a short laugh because Brody was indeed looking funny. Brody splattered some water on him.

"Hey! We agreed on this! No splattering water. I have a test to study for. Not everyone is lucky as you!" Travis faked complain. Travis liked to have fun. Infact, he was always up for fun like parties and stuff. He didn't had any party type friends but everyone used to invite him because of his friendly nature. He'd always help people. He was a nerd but a friendly nerd and a type of nerd who didn't disturb people or annoy them. So he always was ready for parties. It's just that he couldn't ever had real fun because of his studies. He really wanted to be admitted in a good college. But this restricted him from doing other fun stuffs.

Brody decided to do some fun. He gave Travis a smirk and said,

"Oh, I think I am lucky. Since you know, I get to do this." Brody winked at Travis who didn't had any idea what Brody was doing.

Brody got close to Travis and then went down in the water. Travis was confused.

'What the hell is he doing. What did he mean when he said he was lucky.... Oh, my!'

Travis gasped and his mouth shot open. His eyes widened. He could feel so much ecstasy. Brody started sucking Travis' toe. Brody's mouth was filling with water but he was determined to make Travis go mad. He was constantly whispering to stop but Brody couldn't listen. Even if he could, he wouldn't stop.

When Brody thought it was enough, he stopped sucking and again rose up. He removed all the water on his face to see Travis. He saw and he laughed so hard. Travis seemed out of this world. His eyes were closed but his mouth was open. And his hair was messed up as if Travis repeatedly waved a hand through it.

"So how was it?" Brody managed to say after laughing.

"I think my legs aren't the only thing which is wet anymore.." Travis managed to answer.

"Hey man you are not helping me to stop doing such things!" Brody complained to Travis. They both chuckled. Then Travis pulled Brody and gave him a kiss.

"You're not getting anything except this. And I don't think I am in the state to give you anything else, so...." Travis said softly and they both laughed.

The party seemed to reach at a point where things would heat up between couples. As it was the time of dancing. Slow dancing at slow songs. Brody and Travis was too dancing and talking. But a specific song came up and Travis got enlightened.

"Oh! It's Indestructibles!" Travis said with a huge grin. "I love this song!"

"I don't know this song! And it isn't even in English. How come you like this song?"

"It's a Spanish song." Travis informed.

"Oh, you still have some Spain in your blood!" They both chuckled. "So you understand the song?" He asked.

"Yeah. That's why I love it." Travis stated.

"Sing the translations to me." Brody demanded.

Travis widened his brows and asked in surprise, "What? You want me to sing the translations?"

"Yes! If you love this song, I should at least know what it means. This will help me to understand you better."

"Brody, I can't sing...."

"Please Trav?" Brody asked with puppy eyes.

"Okay!" They waited for a couple of seconds. "Okay here goes. Don't laugh!" Travis hugged Brody so that Brody could listen to what he'd say.

"I know it seems eternal and it won't change.

That it hurts so much that it can't be erased.

But, there is no choice but to pass.

For this one more time.

Not even the old people of the place remembers it.

Our government fails to specify.

If there was any hint, any sign

That made him suspicious.

You repeat me over and over again.

That you no longer feel what one day was.

The force that would hold us together

Before the most fatal of destinies.

And despite everything, I still don't know what happened.

If you and I were so happy.

If you and I were so happy.

And you and I were Indestructible.

And so the song goes."

"You know I didn't understand the whole meaning of the song and I know there is some deep shit in it but I didn't get it." Brody said; still embraced in the hug.

"Yeah, I kinda expected you won't." Travis said.

"But I loved every second of it. Because you sang to me. No one's ever sang to me before. My mother says she did but seeing her condition now I don't think she did. I mean I don't remember. But you did and so beautifully."

Travis broke the hug but maintained a very little distance between them. It felt as if Brody would kiss him from the way he was looking. He was loking like he don't wanna see anything else. Travis was sure Brody would kiss him but to his surprise Brody just sticked his forehead to Travis' and closed his eyes. It felt so romantic.

Mind:- You were wrong. He really do like me.

Travis decided to go home as staying over didn't seem like a good idea. The house turned into a motel with a bunch of hook-ups. Travis lived around the same neighborhood to the house where the party was held. And the neighborhood was safe so he didn't bring along any vehicle with him. Brody did came with a car but he decided to gave a lift to Travis and then go on his way. Travis agreed to this plan.

"I am still bewildered why we didn't stay over at the house." Brody said to Travis while walking towards his car.

"Well this place started giving off brothel vibes." Travis said. "Something I didn't wanna be a part of."

"Coming that from you is a little rude." Brody commented.

"Why? Because the nerd isn't allowed to say such things?"

"No." They both chuckled.

As soon as Brody unlocked the car, his cell ringed. "Oh, sorry.(picks up the call) Yeah mom?.... So?... Now?... But mom... Okay!.... Yeah, I will!.... Okay. Okay. Okay, bye mom!" He sighed heavily.

"What is it?" Travis asked.

"We actually are out of diapers. And plus Seth also has a fever so I've go to go to the medical store. Mom says it's urgent but there's no way I am not gonna give you a ride."

"No, wait listen. You should go. I'll find someone else." Travis suggested.

"What? No! I am not gonna leave you!" Brody said.

"But just listen..."

"I am not gonna leave you alone at this hour! Period!" Brody interrupted.

Travis shrugged and said, "Fine. It's just that I wanted to have my first ride in your car on out first date. You know, just to make it more special.(gets close) And that we would do something to make it the day we will remember for the rest of our lives."(Brody closes his eyes to imagine stuff) Don't you want our first date to be the best date of our lives?"

"I do.." Brody says softly with eyes closed; as if hypnotised in his own imagination.

"So will you please save the ride for our date?" Travis asked in his soothing voice.

"I will...." Brody answered still with his eyes closed. Like in a trance.

"Thanks." Travis chirped loudly to which Brody opened his eyes and cursed.

"Oh, fuck! You.. you.. you...."

"Don't worry. There's plenty of people whom I can walk home with. Just for company. You go. Seth needs you."

"But I-- fine! You won! You owe me many stuff to do on our date!" Brody said with a smirk.

"And I promise to do everything." Travis said with a wink. "Only if you go now." Travis said. Brody pulled Travis for a deep kiss and then waved him bye. Soon, Travis was standing alone.

'Ah, fuck it! I'll just go alone!'

And so he started walking towards his house.

Just after a few steps, Beth called him. Beth; she's your mediocre cheerleader. And she leads her squad so this adds to her mediocrity. She has the height to make every guy think she is cute. White and eyes as blue as ocean. She has dated most of the guys in high school and knows no bounds to be bitchy. And not to forget, she is an ex of Brody.

"Hey Travis! You walking alone? Where's Brody?" Travis unlike other guys noticed the bitchy tone in her fake sweet, chirpy voice.

"Uh, he had something important to do. So I told him to go." Travis answered in quite uninterested manner.

"Pardon my surprised face. It's just that at the party he acted like a gum stuck on your shoe or you acted like the gum, I don't know." Beth commented with a devilish smile.

"No, it's just that we came to be very fond of each other." Travis stated quite uncomfortable from Beth's comment.

'Is that what others thought? He as gum?'

"Yeah, we all know what you mean by (air quotes) fond.(Travis chuckles) So you two like together now or something?" Beth asked. Travis sensed a little amount of discomfort in Beth when she asked this question.

"I guess. He do reciprocate my feelings, so.." Travis replied.

"Oh he reciprocates, does he?" There it was; the bitchy tone again. "Look Travis. You are a good guy. And Brody tends to destroy the left good people. Take me as an example. I wasn't always such a bitch." This surprised Travis. Beth was bold and fierce enough to confess she is a bitch. And now that Travis thinks of it, Beth was always cruel and ride but she became a bitch after she and Brody broke up. "He does this. He makes you fall hard for him and once he's bored, he breaks up with you and you are left alone with your broken heart." Beth looked down. Travis noticed her gloomy face. "I am only saying you to be careful, kay?" Beth said and without getting any sort of answer from Travis, she went ahead fast and soon disappeared. It seemed like she wanted to just warn him. Travis felt no need to take anything Beth said seriously.

Subconscious Mind:- Oh, come on! You seriously decided to ignore this possible saving-your-ass advice?

Mind:- I should really stop allowing to speak. Beth is just jealous and nothing else.

Subconscious Mind:- Oh, so you're just going to ignore her gloomy face then. That seemed more than just jealousy.

Travis' Mind was so glad when someone called out his name. Because his Mind clearly had nothing to backfire. When Travis turned to see the person, he matched eyes with Caroline. Consider Caroline as someone who is always at refusal believing the good things the world has and prospers. She is the darkest personality his high school possess. She would always carry that annoyed and scary look and gum in her mouth. She was always a dark person but she became like this devil after she broke up with Brody.

"Oh, hi Caroline." Travis greeted.

"I prefer Cal or davo which means devil in Bosnian." Caroline said in her dark voice showing no expression. Her eyes looked so terrifying with all that black shaded eyeliner. Her white complexion didn't help at all.

"I'll take my chances at Cal." Travis nervously chuckled.

"I thought you would." Caroline maintained her look and voice.

"So why did you call me. Was there something you wanted to ask?" Travis asked.

"Well, I wanted to congratulate you." Caroline said with maintaining her tone.

"Congratulate me?" Travis was confused.

"Yeah well you've caught such a big fish!"

"Fish.. oh! You're talking about Brody?" Travis asked.

"Of course dumbo!" Caroline replied.

Travis felt hurt when he realised she referred Brody to as a fish. "How come you are here? I mean you don't seem a kind of person who attends parties." Travis regretted asking the question as he was afraid he may've toed his line and that Caroline can anytime swallow him up. Caroline was seriously scary.

"Yeah well, I had reasons. Part reason was the host is my younger cousin so his parents kind of ordered me to attend. I sat at one spot and saw how the most magical creatures that is us was succumbed into the greed of dark pits like alcohol and drugs.(Travis eyed Caroline) Oh, sorry. I tend to talk the way I am. And not the way of this unholy world."

"No worries Cal. But aren't you like a devil who is himself unholy?"

"Everyone attracts towards devil. I like to think the whole world attracting towards me. I never said I am not unholy.(Travis nods) Major reason to attend this excuse to escape reality per se party is to spy on Brody; the most unholy creature.( realises Travis' presence) Oh, sorry. I forgot I ain't talking to my friend."

"Why do you call Brody unholiest creature?" Travis asked a little angry.

"I didn't say unholiest. I said the most unholy creature."

Travis was angry now, "Is there some difference between them?"

"No, but it is highly wrong grammatically."

"You call my boyfriend the most unholy creature and now you are correcting my grammar?" He asked.

"Is it just me or there is a sudden rise in the temperature here?(Travis heaves a sigh) Is he already your boyfriend now?"

"You know what? He is. He's my boyfriend and I am his." Travis stated clearly with a fierce look.

"Good for you I guess. I mean having Brody as a boyfriend is a fucking wish of everyone. So I mean it is a big deal. But having Brody as a boyfriend has it's own hazards. Believe me, I was his for almost 2 months."

"Hazards?..." Travis got confused and scared a little.

"Yeah I mean once he gets away, you are left with your thousand pieces of heart. And I wasn't the only one with that condition. Every ex of him goes through the same thing. Months of depression and suicide. He makes you feel so special then and when he wants to back out, he backs out without even thinking about us. He's so selfish. That's why I call him the most unholy creature. (Travis starts to say something but she cuts off) Yeah, but you are his first boyfriend though. So things might go differently. Which I barely believe so. Anyway, take care."

Just like Beth, Caroline walks off fast without even getting any kind of answer from Travis. Travis was somewhere happy that she left because she was scary and she maintained her dead tone throughout the time. He was glad she went. But not on the note she left.

Subconscious Mind:- Wow! So she is depressed! From Brody! Why didn't we didn't think of it before?!"

Mind:- Oh, you again! I really don't have time for you now! Shit's already too heavy to deal with you."

Subconscious Mind:- Well it isn't my fault you, when loss of your only friend made your Subconscious Mind i.e. me your best friend and advisor and can't get rid of me!

Mind:- Kids act in desperation. And I don't know why I can't get rid of you. You irk me!

Subconscious Mind:- I didn't used to before. Infact, I was your only support. We've talked so much. I have given so many advices on stuff for your own benefit. Which you've taken every single one of them gracefully. And now when I'm trying to give you one, I irk you?

Mind:- Oh, you're just giving me this because you are jealous thinking I'll get busy with Brody and won't be with you anymore.

Subconscious Mind:- I am your subconscious mind. I am gonna be with you always anyhow!

Mind:- I don't want you to be!

Subconscious Mind:- Oh, talk later. Here's coming one more!

Mind:- Wha....

Travis heard a voice calling him. This voice was familiar. When he turned around, he saw his ex-friend Miranda giving him a huge smile. Miranda was no good looking but had big boobs and her ass was just desirable. Miranda was at one time very good friends with Travis but once she was girlfriend of Brody, she refused to meet with Travis. Because Brody was this famous jock and Travis was just the total opposite. She didn't wanted to be the one with a famous boyfriend and infamous friend.

Travis was genuinely surprised to see Miranda calling him because it's been ages since she has talked to him. She didn't even talked to him once she and Brody broke up.

"Hey, Miranda."

"Hey Travis.(gasps and smiles) Long time!" She spoke.

"Yeah, um why are you here exactly? Do you want to lecture me like others?" He said with quite an irritation.

"Lecture? Others?... What are you saying?" She seemed confused.

Travis realised he was acting out stupid. "Oh, um.. sorry. Yeah sorry for that. Did you want something?"

"Um.. just wanted to say hi. You were walking alone so I thought I should you know like greet you or say hi." She said innocently.

"To be honest, I live around here. So I didn't bring my car here."

"Yeah, I remember." Miranda stated with a nervous smile.

"Yeah. Yeah, of course you do. And Brody insisted on dropping me off but I told him to go away since he had some work to do."

"Yeah that cleared some questions."

"What do you mean?" Travis frowned.

"Well, it felt like he will drop you and be with you wherever you go.(sees Travis frown going deeper) Don't take it the wrong way. You two were beyond cute. You were adorable as bunnies nibbling on a carrot.(Travis nods in satisfaction) You know I never believed any of those rumours of Brody being pansexual or anything. But now when I saw him with you, not only I believe them but somewhere also feels that he isn't pansexual or anything and indeed is gay." She confessed

"Why would you say that?" Travis felt confusion. True confusion with a hint of happiness.

"I'll be totally honest with you. We had sex. Like times enough to determine whether he was really into it or not. And the fact is he wasn't. A girl knows whether a guy is really into it or not. He would say he is and that he is interested in me and to be honest, he did seemed interested in me but not so in intercourse. And now when I see him even kiss you, there is that smile and pleasure on his face which I don't think ever was with me or with any other girl."

"Oh." Was all Travis could spoke out. He was so bedazzled after hearing all this. And to think he made Brody happiest. But he hid that.

Miranda realised something and now she was regretting all the things she said, "Oh, I am so sorry to say all this now. It would be so difficult for you and you'd be more devastated because of this. I shouldn't have said all this. Now you'll have hopes and once he's gone...."

Travis interrupted her with genuine confusion, "What do you mean?"

"Well don't be angry or don't stab me after saying this but Brody tends to loose interest and feelings after not more than three months. Well he was for three months only with Sandy. We others would only get till two months. Though I really hope that wouldn't be a case for you two because you two are utter definition of cuteness and adorable." Miranda spoke her mind. After hearing what Miranda had said, Travis felt a deep stroke-type pain in his chest. He actually started to believe all the things Miranda, Beth and Caroline had said. It can't be true that all of them were just being a bitch. And Miranda's tone didn't helped classify her as a bitch.

"And don't think being Brody's boyfriend will make your life any easy. Being Brody's boyfriend or in my case girlfriend has it's own flaws and consequences. You have to drop all your dorky and nerdy friends just to fit in his group. That's why you know, I dropped you.(Got embarrassed) But you don't seem to have friends to loose; no offence so you won't have to face that one. You'd have to be super cool and be like the complete opposite of you. You have to dress good and what not! But at the time, it all seems worth it. But when things are done, you realise you lost yourself. You became someone else for someone who fucks you over for someone. And you are left having no idea of who you are. Which in my case, worked." Miranda rolls her eyes and takes a momentarily pause.

"Look Travis, I was highly ashamed to realise I lost you knowingly for someone who again at the time seemed worthy but after the break up was not at all worthy. I couldn't face you at all. I really missed you but I couldn't just make amends like that when I was done with Brody. You could've forgiven me but I couldn't ever forgive myself ever. You were a friend everyone should have and I lost you because of a guy. I've done a grave mistake and that's why I am not asking us to be friends again. I just wanted to explain myself. To explain why I did what I did.(chuckles) No offence again, but Brody fucked me for good."

Travis could easily notice Miranda's regretful face. And not just regret but fatigued face. Travis didn't want to stand where Miranda was standing ever. And Brody made her like that. She was a walking Titanic's ending. So sad and gloomy. He didn't want to be where she was at all! And not like Beth or Caroline. He just wanted to remain like himself for the rest of his life. But Brody seems to change that. Thus really worried him.

"It's good that you cleared yourself. Now there are no complaints, right?"

"Thanks for hearing me out. Now it pains a little less.(chuckles sadly) I do really wish you two work it out and live with each other for the rest of your lives."

"I hope so too." Travis said while completely hiding his worry.

Miranda stopped and said,

"Well this is me, so...."

It was then Travis remembered that Miranda lives two or three houses away from his. That meant he'd finally reach home and his ride with Brody's girlfriends would end along with questioning Brody. He was relieved thinking that.

"Oh, yeah.... So I guess I'll see you." Travis says with a smile and a shrug. Miranda waves him and goes off. Not to bump into anyone else, he started running and within a few seconds he reached home and now was standing in front of it. Being highly non-atheletic, those few seconds of running got him gasping for air. And while he was gasping for air, his Subconscious Mind stood in front of him.

Subconscious Mind:- Wow! You do really don't want to run into anyone!

Mind:- And that includes you too!

Subconscious Mind:- Well you are unlucky!

Travis noticed a beam of light on the road. It seemed like a headlight of a car. And so he turned to find Sandy, another girlfriend of Brody approaching him in her car.

"Fuck my ass!!" Travis mumbled.

Sandy was the one who lasted with Brody the longest. Three fucking months. And here Travis almost named his third kid in his mind at the party after spending some like 2 hours with Brody. Rumours are that Sandy skipped school for a week after their break up but then got the better of herself after that. Always smiling and helping people. So the chances of Sandy sassing is close to nothing.

"Hey, Travis. I already ship you two!" Sandy commented after stopping her car in front of him.

"Ship who?" Travis asked.

"You and Brody, of course!(Travis' face gets red) Yeah! Me and my friends even gave you a name. Trody! How's it?" Sandy asked with the widest smile on her face.

"It's pretty amazing!" Travis beamed with joy.

"Yeah, a couple of folks were arguing on Bravis but it certainly wasn't as good as Trody. You two seem the perfect couple now.(Travis chuckles) But then again, every couple involving Brody seems perfect. I was trendy for three months. But I managed to be in news even after that. I don't think others were strong enough to do so. But that's what Brody does. Leaves you weak and with no power. You get so in that getting out gets impossible and complicated. I was lucky." Sandy bragged but something didn't seem right. It seemed a little monotone or emotionless.

"Good for you." Travis commented with a slight disappointment. The reason behind his disappointment was that Sandy also started on Brody. He had enough of him and the consequences of being his boyfriend. He just wanted simple life with Brody and now thanks to all of his momentous meetings with Brody's ex has made him question.

"Brody's break up also spared me some good things. I don't feel sad anymore!(Travis' eyes widen) Seriously, I am always happy. I don't feel the s of sadness. Or anything for that matter. I just feel happy."

Travis found this hard to believe. How can someone always feel happy?

"You can't always feel happy. I mean sometimes you get hurt or you watch a sad scene in a movie or series. It is impossible to live with only happiness."

Sandy frowned but didn't lost her smile, "Okay.. yeah, you're right! I can't always feel happy. I should be feeling something else too. But I guess I don't feel them. Come to think of it, I don't feel anything!"

"So how do you feel happiness?" Questioned Travis.

Sandy looked around in wonder, "I guess since I don't feel sad or angry or any other feelings, I figured I feel happy..."

Travis crossed his arms and his face fell serious, "So Brody left you emotionless and hollow?"

Sandy was embarrassed and quite regretted stopping in front of him,

"I guess.... Well, it's late, so I should go.(ignites her car) See you!"

Travis was done. He really wanted to low down. Just lie down and do nothing else. The stress got him so exhausted. Before Brody left, he planned he'd study till he knocks out since he wasted some of his time at the party but now when he was standing in front of his house, he was just waiting to collide with the bed. He advised his parents to not wait for him and so he found them sleeping in their room with his father. He was hungry but not anymore so he just wore something comfortable and hit himself hard on his bed. At the party, he imagined himself all smiling at night on his bed but those exes of Brody really were buzzkill. He was tired but couldn't sleep as his mind was constantly fluttering on Brody and possible severe consequences of being with him.

Suddenly he heard his Subconscious Mind hissing on him from above. He looked up and was perplexed to see his Subconscious Mind stuck on the roof like a lizard. He jumped a little because this totally felt like a jumpscare of a horror movie.

Mind:- What the fuck! You really terrified me! How come you're up there?

His Subconscious Mind shrugged and gave him a grin:- Well, why don't you ask yourself? I am sure you know this!

Travis tried to understand the reason why he was up there. And then he realised it. And his expression changed.

Subconscious Mind:- You really do miss him, don't you?

Mind:- I try not to.(Travis starts to sob) I promised him I won't like this. I would always remember him when I'd be happy. But now I am just missing him so bad!

Travis sniffles.

Subconscious Mind:- He didn't leave you a sobber and sniffler, you know. He left you strong. But now you are, I think the weakest person on earth. I don't think you are making him any happier. I warned you not to fall so hard for Brody. But you did any anyways listening to your stupid heart.

Mind:- I couldn't help myself.

Travis releases a tear.

I so tried avoided all those feelings but I just fell harder. And I can't stop myself from falling. Even after hearing what Brody could do, my heart still belongs to him. Because I am sure his does...

Subconscious Mind:- You're right. He's never been so happy. His heart does belongs to you. But can you be sure that it would forever? Can you be sure that he'll never leave you and that you'll never be heartbroken again? Let's face the facts here, Brody has the capacity to hurt you; which you are so afraid of. Which you avoid your best. So all of this comes down to one question: Do you think he'll always love you?

Travis rolled his eyes and started thinking if Brody seriously loves him or not. Or if he could be sure that he would forever love him and be with him. It pretty much seemed he would. He never saw Brody so happy and pleased; content. But his exes say he is like that with pretty much everyone of them. So only being happy and pleased weren't helping him. He needed to think of the things Brody had said. He at that second rewinded his confession.

'I was wandering around having absolutely no idea of what to do. I was constantly trying to have fun but I just couldn't seem to divert my mind from Brody. And his beautiful pecs... I really curse Mr. Bettingham for giving us such an easy project which didn't last even a week! Now I really miss him coming in my room and just going shirtless. I don't know if it was just to tease me or anything but if it sure as hell worked! It's been a fucking month since the project and I am still head over heals for him! While I was roaming around, I saw Brody coming towards me smiling but a little nervous. He looked cute and absolutely hot in his clothes! God I hate that blue shirt! I too walked towards him and soon we were standing in front of each other.

"Didn't expect you here." Brody said with an innocent smile.

"Well, I did help Manny on yesterday's test which will easily give him a B, at least so he invited and here I am." I explained.

"You're looking good." Brody commented me with a smile. The smile never left his face.

"Thanks. And you do wear shirt and cover your upper body in front of people." I sarcasmed.

Brody shrugged before answering,

"Well the speciality was for you specifically. I felt an urge to show you my body so I did. By the way, we haven't talked since I think our project. I thought we were getting along pretty well."

"I thought I was just a project partner to you."

"Oh, don't say that! I considered us friends. Good friends actually." He faked whining.

"Thanks that you consider me your friend. But I don't think I can consider you my friend." I just stated didn't expecting of what would happen next.

Brody frowned to this and asked,

"Why? Am I not a good person?"

I widened my eyes to this,

"No, you are!"

"So what's the problem?"

I rolled my eyes to this and replied,

"Well better to say it now than I don't know when so here goes.... I can never consider you my friend because you can never be just my friend.."

Brody widened his eyes and looked in disbelief. But a little tinge of happiness was formed on his face which I still at that time was confused over. Idiot!

"Why do you say that?"

I shrugged and just replied,

"I like you, that's why."

At this Brody smiled and instantly but slowly held my hand. I was surprised.

"I like you too." He chirped.

I was perplexed, "Say what now?"

"I like you Travis De'Mores!"

Seeing his genuine eyes I believed him.

"Well thanks that you do." '

Travis wiped the tear on his cheek which he shredded in happiness. That was the best thing that happened to him. And that memory was certainly going to live with him forever. But this didn't answered his question. He wasn't sure that Brody wouldn't leave him. This was still uncertain. And one thing which was for sure certain was that Travis at all didn't want to be heartbroken again. This thing if wasn't meant to be forever, had to be stopped as soon as possible.

Over the course of Sunday, Travis completely ignored Brody's call and texts. He wanted to face him directly at school and ask him the question. And so, Monday came along. At the school gate, Travis noticed Brody standing at the entrance. Seemed like waiting for someone anxiously. And so he hid himself till the bell for lecture rang. When it did, Brody cursed and went inside. Travis carefully made his way towards his locker once he felt Brody wasn't in the radar. He instantly opened his locker and looked for the books for his first lecture. Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder and he instantly realised it was Brody's.

"Why have you been ignoring my calls or texts." Brody questioned more like interrogated.

"I wasn't ignoring, I was just....."

"Oh bull! Don't for the love of God say you were busy! You have been completely ignoring me. It felt as if you were gone somewhere." Brody interrupted. "Is there a problem?" Brody looked concerned and a little scared.

"We can't talk here, and it's time for class, so talk later." Travis decided to let got the topic for now.

"Do hell with class! If there's something bothering you, then it's bothering me too and that means it's bothering us. So I'd like the thing to be settled as soon as possible.(held Travis' right hand) Come here." Then Brody started to lead Travis somewhere. Travis wasn't offended by missing his class. He also wanted to settle that question once and for all.

Brody lead Travis to the library where there were bookshelves and bean bags to sit. Also tables with chair. And there was a smooth music playing on speakers to set the mood for the sitters. They sat at a table opposite to each other.

"So what is it?" Brody asked.

Travis releases a long sigh,

"I've experienced loss of someone very close to me. He left me completely heartbroken but I learned to live again. But it wasn't easy. I've lived many sleepless nights and crying nights. I fell into depression and so I don't want to go through that path again."

Brody left his hold of Travis palm on the table, rolled his eyes and released an irritated sigh.

"Did my exes get to you last night?(Travis didn't give any answer) You don't have to listen to them. They always mess with people who try to be with me. Says they try to save them or some shit."

"So should I be saved?(Brody was silent) Tell me, Brody. Am I in a situation where I have to be saved by someone else from you?(Brody remained silent) Look Brody, I love you!(Brody gets mesmerized; still silent) And yes we've been together for not more than 48 hours but I have started loving you long way before! But I can't risk loving you more without any assurance that I won't get hurt. I have it in me to leave everything in this world and just love you if you tell me looking; in the eye and promise me you won't hurt me."

Brody couldn't speak as he had a big lump in his throat. Travis just confessed his love to him. Brody imagined this to be so romantic but instead it came when his love was being questioned. Brody gulped down that lump and finally spoke hesitantly,

"Travis.... I cannot promise you this. Because we aren't sure what the future is! What future holds for us, I don't know. I could hurt you even if I won't want to. But I can promise you this, I will with whatever I have in me, try my level best not to hurt you. I would hurt myself before hurting you.(holds Travis hand again) And you can take my word for it; I have never in my life told this to anyone."

Travis noticed Brody's truthful eyes and nodded.

"And Trav, I love you too" Travis noticed the tear escaping Brody's right eye. It was already wet but he didn't think he would let them escape. This proved that he really do love him.

Travis couldn't help himself anymore and so, he cupped Brody's face and kissed his lips. It was the best kiss Brody had shared. Because it shared love and just love.

When they broke the kiss Travis saw his subconscious mind chuckling and leaving the library.

"Now who's going public Trav?" Brody chuckled and said after leaving the kiss.

"You already gave me a nickname. I didn't gave you anything." Travis faked whine.

"Well, you can call me by your name." Brody said with a smirk and wink.

Travis backed a little,

"Wait, have you seen Call Me By Your Name?(Brody grinned) But you said you only watched Love, Simon!"

"I can bet I have watched more than you did." Brody bragged.

Travis raised his left brow and asked,

"Oh, really?"

Brody shrugged and said,

"No. Just those two.(They both laughed) On a serious note, will you call me by your name?"

Travis looked in Brody's eyes and said,

"I'll call you my life."

***