No Matter What (Synacky)

Chapter Seven: Brian

I couldn't keep from laughing as I shivered in the deep water. Zacky stood before me, soaking wet and up to his neck in the ocean. He was unable to keep in his laughter as well. I hoped that he wouldn't notice how red my cheeks were.

Zacky was adorable. Utterly perfect. Even when he was upset with me for what I had done. I couldn't hold back anymore. As we stood in the icy water, I leaned towards the younger boy and finally kissed him.

What the fuck did I just do? Did I just ruin everything between us? What if he hates me now?

Millions of questions were running through my head, mixed with fear of his reaction. I was terrified that he would react horribly to my actions. But he just simply wrapped his arms around my neck and savored the kiss as I did. It was even more incredible than I had expected.

Zacky's lips were soft, and so was his skin, which my arms were now around. I pulled him closer towards myself, and he willingly stepped forward. The sun was beginning to set, and we pulled away from the kiss. Though we stayed in each other's arms. Zacky lowered his hands, placing them on my chest, where he also laid his head. He turned, looking towards the setting sun, but not lifting his head off of my chest.

We stood there for a bit, watching the sunset, him in my arms. I looked down at Zacky, softly kissing his temple. He tilted his head up towards me and smiled.

God, he is incredible.

I never knew I could have such strong feelings for someone in such a small amount of time.

I finally decided to break the peaceful silence. "It's getting dark, do you want to head back to my place?" I asked, as Zacky lifted his head and stepped back slightly. I dropped my hands from his waist as he nodded.

"Sure," he said, looking back for a final glance at the sunset before turning towards the sand. We chased each other, on the way back to our shirts and shoes in the cool sand, laughing the entire time.

I was so relieved that Zacky hadn't taken the kiss the opposite way. That he hadn't rejected me. Or hadn't hated me for trying. Instead he accepted it, and I like to believe that he enjoyed it as much as I did.

After we collected our things, we began our short trip back to my house. Once we reached the sidewalk, I felt Zacky's hand reach for my own. I looked down at him, and he was already watching me. I took his hand and held it, smiling at the younger boy. His cheeks were becoming a dark red, and mine most likely were as well. But it didn't matter anymore. Because now I knew that he liked me, and he knew that I liked him. And I was thankful for that.

Not much happened throughout the rest of the walk. We just kept at a pace, hands intertwined, ignoring some of the criticizing glances from others walking through the streets. When we reached our own block, there weren't as many people. Only several sitting out on their porches, and a man with his wife, walking their dog.

I was glad for more privacy. It's not that I cared about the disapproving glares from the others. Though they just disgusted me. The way they treat people like Zacky and I. Are we suddenly not humans?

I managed not to get too upset with them and kept my mouth shut. At least Zacky wouldn't have to go through the hatred alone anymore. He shouldn't have to go through it at all, though.

I'd do anything to keep Zacky safe. Even if that meant being bullied or torturously named. I thought about Jimmy and Matt. What would they think about us? Would we no longer be friends? Would they think differently about us like everyone else? Except they're not like them. We've known them longer. They're friends.

Zacky followed me up the steps onto my porch, entering the front door after me. I closed it softly behind him.
When I turned back towards Zacky, his cheeks were once more bright pink with blush.

I was about to ask him what was wrong when he kissed me again, gently pushing me backwards, until I was against the front door.