1 am || dreamnotfound

twenty - seven

when clay arrived in front of nick's house, nick and punz were already there. sitting on the lawn and laughing over some shit that clay couldn't hear.

he placed his skateboard next to the others' and headed over.

nick looked over at him. "damn clay, you told me you'd be here in a few and punz never said a thing. so i guessed you would come here first but nope."

clay rolled his eyes while smacking the ravenette's arm. "oh fuck off."

punz laughed but didn't add on. instead, he decided to ask, "so, clay, how's life goin' with george?"

clay stiffened. did they know?

there was no way.

"good. we're friends now," he said.

friends, huh.

he ignored the look on his friends' faces and turned his own face away, fighting down the warmth in his cheeks. It shouldn't be so obvious to see--the blush--since it was dark, so maybe he'd get lucky.

they talked for a while until nick stood up, telling them that they should get on their way to meet the others.

clay reluctantly got up. honestly, he didn't know why he agreed to go to the abandoned hospital because he fucking hated scary shit.

it was cold tonight. the wind was harsh and temperatures had decided to drop.

punz finally broke the silence on their quiet ride. "clay."

the said boy looked over curiously.

"i've noticed you haven't gone to the gas station so much ever since we became friends with karl, alex, and george--specifically george for you," punz continued. "you haven't smoked or anything recently."

clay stayed quiet for a moment. he then hummed. "yeah, i guess you're right."

the softer tone in his voice told punz to drop it, and he did.

there was small talk the rest of the way, but that was 'bout it. soon enough, the three saw the others at the bridge and they all greeted each other happily. george gave clay a wide smile in the midst of it and clay smiled back.

as they rode to the hospital, alex said, "so, who's gonna protect us if we're in deep shit?"

"oh fuck that," nick said. "i'm outta there."

karl snickered. "same. screw you guys. i'm saving myself."

george gave a mock--offended scoff. "rude.... how 'bout clay. clay can protect us. he's the tallest."

clay's head snapped up. "what! no! just because i'm so tall doesn't mean i'm so big and brave."

george giggled. "too bad. we have decided. you're protecting us."

clay groaned exasperately.