Lost in the middle of nowhere

AFTER THE RAIN

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Louisiana rain was different than what you see in Los Angeles. It was heavier, more frequent, and lasted longer than any 'storm' in LA. It was rare to see a thunderstorm in LA, and Brendon loves them. He loves it when the temperature decreases and cherishes the feeling of the rain against his skin.

Brendon was rudely woken up a few hours ago by the sound of his phone ringing. It was Ryan for the millionth time in the last two weeks, and he didn't truly care enough to answer it. He didn't want to hear the excuses and sweet words. It was all just an attempt to get him to come back to LA, and he didn't want to do that. Going back to the city of angels was the last thing on his mind. In all honesty, Brendon could see why Dallon liked it here. It was peaceful, low crime rate, and no one seemed to bother you as they do back home. Not to mention he doesn't know anyone here and it appears no one knows him or they're kind enough to leave him alone. He was grateful if that were true.

Brendon was sitting in his car, still parked in the diner parking lot, and thought about Dallon's offer for a few hours. Truly thought about it. Maybe Dallon was right. Perhaps he should stay for a while. He certainly didn't want to go home. Maybe He could find an occupation nearby. He had money, but it would only last for so long, and not to mention if he decided to stay permanently, he would want a way to find a place to live. He couldn't live with a stranger forever. But, would Dallon always be a stranger?

Brendon's thoughts were broken by the sound of his phone going off again, letting him know there's a text message waiting for him. In a way, he hoped it was Dallon, but the cute giraffe man didn't even have his phone number. The boy grabbed his phone from the dash and checked the message. Ryan. Again. But, what the short message contained caused Brendon's blood to run cold.

'I know where you are.'

Another massage rang through and Brendon thought he would throw up all over his car.

'See you soon, princess. 😘"

The already compact car began to feel smaller. Brendon couldn't breathe. He could barely open the door and fell into a puddle beside his car, sluggishly scrambling to his feet from the sudden coldness that enveloped his body. How did Ryan find him? He was in the middle of nowhere.

Brendon stood by his car, letting the heavy rain soak him further and wash away the mud while he tried to catch his breath. Lucky, he didn't have his leather jacket on, but that was honestly the last of his worries. He had two options; keep going until he reached Florida, but Ryan would find him there too. No matter how much distance he put between them, Ryan would find him. The second option was standing his ground, making something of this small town, and file a restraining order against Ryan. There were a few bruises left as proof of the abuse, and he could use that against Ryan if it meant he could finally get away from him permanently. Brendon knew what he had to do.

Brendon sat in his leather seat despite being soaked from the rain and took a left from the parking lot of May's diner. He was going to take Dallon's offer and figure out how to repay the cute giraffe man when he had the first opportunity.

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Dallon wasn't behind the counter when Brendon walked into the shop still soaked and muddy from the rain and he frows, thinking the man had gone home and of course he didn't know where Dallon lived.

His hair was flat and sticking to his forehead. He could only imagine that he looked like a mess, but he didn't care about his appearance. He didn't need to anymore.

"Hi, My name is Awsten, how can I help you?" A cheerful voice echoes through the seemingly empty shop. Brendon was the only 'customer.' The voice came from a boy that couldn't be much older than Brendon, Maybe twenty-one. His hair was a bright green and his eyes were blue, a blue that mirrored the owners. Does Dallon have a family?