𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 (𝘣𝘹𝘣)

twenty five

a/n: so sorry for the lack of updates. i'm just so unmotivated after having covid and i'm also still in school. i promise to get better soon and i totally understand if you don't wanna stick around. around nov-dec i should be back on a balanced schedule. love you guys :)

how do we feel about a double update today ;)

**
"So, wanna talk about what happened with your dad?"

Benjamin shrugs his shoulders as he picks up a carton of milk. "If I'm being honest, I don't really know how to feel."

Noah hops over, actually using his cane. "Really?"

Benjamin nods his head and looks up at Noah. "Yeah. It's kinda just like...I don't feel anything towards him anymore. But then it's like...He makes me feel like shit."

"When's the last time you've seen him? Since before the party?"

"Uh... Over a year, I think? He didn't go to my college graduation but he called. But, I came to Nessa's first birthday party."

"Oh...Well,  if feelings come up and you needa talk-."

Benjamin smiles at Noah. "Yeah, I know." Noah smiles back and kisses him once. "I promise I will."

"Hey! Benjamin, Noah!"

The two look over and see Katen with his boyfriend. Benjamin glances at Noah before looking back at him. "Hey."

Katen's boyfriend, Adrain raises his eyebrows. "Oh my god. Are you okay?"

Noah looks down at the cane in his hand and nods. "Oh, yeah. I uh, got surgery recently. This is just to help me for right now."

Katen nods his head before averting his attention to Benjamin. "You never responded to my text. I'd really like to finish our conversation."

Benjamin shrugs his shoulders. "Oh...Uhm, sorry. I've been busy with work and...I've been helping Noah with recovery."

"Well...How about tonight?

"Tonight?" Benjamin looks over at Noah, furrowing his brows.

Adrian smiles. "Please! We could cook dinner and you guys could come to our place."

Benjamin darts his eyes to Adrian before looking back at Noah who shrugs. "Uh sure."

"Cool. I'll text you our address."

Benjamin smiles softly. "Okay."

Katen smiles and grabs Adrian's hand. "We'll see you guys tonight." The couple walks away to a different aisle.

Benjamin clears his throat and looks up at Noah. "Do you think he knows what Katen has done? Like...All of it?"

Noah shakes his head. "Honestly, no. I think Adrian just thinks we're like...Old friends or something."

**
Benjamin had left Noah's apartment for a few hours so he could get ready for this sudden dinner at Katen's house. With his boyfriend.

Boyfriend.

Benjamin still couldn't believe it. At first, he thought it was all a big joke. But one night, he scrolled on Katen and Adrian's socials for hours.

Endless pictures of each other on vacation trips, with Adrain's family, love notes. He was appalled.

Benjamin walks into his and Gabi's apartment. He smiles when he sees Gabi in the kitchen. "Hey."

"Hey, Benny. Nice to finally see you."

Benjamin chuckles and sits down. "You sound like my mother."

Gabi laughs back and leans forward on the island. "Welcome back. Are you staying? Wanna watch movies together?"

Benjamin shakes his head. "I have plans already."

"Ugh. Alexis has work all night. I'm all alone." Gabi leans forward dramatically.

Benjamin smiles and reaches to run his fingers through Gabi's hair. "I'm...Having dinner with Katen and his boyfriend."

Gabi rushes to stand up. "What!? Katen? Boyfriend? Like Katen Vic, Katen?!"

"Yeah...Did I not tell you?"

"Uhm, no! Katen is gay? Since when? And why are you having dinner with him? What the fuck?" Gabi crosses her arms.

Benjamin shrugs his shoulders. "Okay. His boyfriend's name is Adrian. I met them a few weeks ago and we went out for coffee. Katen apologized, I guess. Noah was with."

"Oh my god. That's intense. What'd he say?"

"Uh. He said his dad is in prison for a long time so he was finally able to accept himself. He said he was jealous of me...Being proud and out confidently. Said he was just following after his dad."

"Really? What about Johnathan?"

"I'm not sure. I hope he's reached out and apologized to him."

"You forgive him?"

Benjamin slouches in his chair and crosses his arms. "I...I don't know. This sounds so shitty but...I wish he hadn't come out to me. I wish we could've stayed strangers."

"So why are you going to dinner?"

"I don't know. I guess I'm not really over what he did to me in high school and I need closure. I don't know."

Gabi shakes her head. "Wow...That's crazy. What does Adrian look like?"

Benjamin rummages through his bag to grab his phone. He pulls up Adrian's Instagram account. "This is him."

Gabi snatches the phone, aggressively scrolling. "Oh my god. He definitely had a crush on you in high school. This is literally you in a different font. How tall is he?"

"I'm not sure. He's taller than me though. Shorter than Katen. But Katen has definitely grown. Not taller than Noah, though."

"Wow. This is still shocking me."

"Yeah, tell me about it," Benjamin stands up and sighs, "Wish me luck?"

"Of course. I'm gonna need details afterward."

"Promise. Prepare a bottle of the best wine you have. I'll be home tonight."

**