Family Friends (Kleinsen One-Shots)

Movie Night

6 YEARS AGO

"Ev! Open up!" Jared whined, knocking impatiently on the front door. The said boy rushed over, quickly unlocking the door to meet his best and only friend of over 7 years with an awkward smile.

Jared gave the blonde his signature wave, wiggling his fingers. He then grabbed the boy's wrist as he pulled him to the kitchen. Evan was thankfully able to shut the door, slamming it shut with his foot before almost falling as he tried to keep up with Jared.

Jared stuck his tongue out as he rifled through the kitchen cabinets, searching for the Lucky Charms that he hid in the back. He exclaimed in success, holding up the bright red box in victory. Wasting no time at all, he poured the sugary cereal into a mug. He stuffed the cereal into his bag, and dragged Evan to his bedroom.

It was movie night. Every other Friday, for an entire year, the boys met up and watched movies while bingeing on junk food.

The two twelve-year-olds snuggled together on the bed, wrapped in fluffy blankets as they watched "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Jared had secretly enjoyed the romance element of the movie, while Evan enjoyed the plot.

Halfway through the movie, Evan noticed Jared's soft breathing against his neck. He had fallen asleep. His arm was wrapped around his waist, resting his head on his chest. A slight smile had appeared, his glasses lying crooked on his face. Evan gently took them off, so as not to wake him, and placed them on his nightstand. Soon, with Evan holding Jared in a hug, he joined him in sleep.

PRESENT DAY

"Evan?" Jared said softly as he gently rapped the wood. Evan whipped around, eyes widening as he heard the familiar voice. He recognized the sorrow in his voice, though a hint of hope shone through.

The blonde hesitantly made his way, pausing at the front door. Ever so slowly, he cracked the door open. Evan met his eyes, and he could tell that Jared was taken aback. He never made eye contact. Well, now he did.

"Hi," He whispered, not sure that if he was too loud Jared would disappear. He opened the door, his eyes tearing up as he heard Jared's pitiful sobs. His heart wrenched as he took in Jared's puffy eyes and tears-stained face. "Are you okay?" He wanted to wrap the boy in a hug, but with how the two left off, he wasn't sure if even talking to him was okay.

"No," He laughed dryly, though his glare melted as he looked back at Evan. He simply stood in the doorway, tears streaming down his face as he broke eye contact again.

"Wanna talk about it?" He stepped aside to let Jared in, and soon he cautiously entered. He only shook his head, not trusting his voice. He sniffed, taking off his glasses and wiping them on his sweater sleeve. Putting them back on, he followed as Evan led them to his room. It looked similar to the past, still the same nightstand, the same pale walls. He led Jared to his bed, both sitting on the edge.

"I'm so sorry, Ev. I really messed up, okay? I was a little brat who didn't know how to deal with emotions. I didn't realize how perfect you were. I took advantage of your kindness, your just- general goodness. You made friends with the pathetic boy who didn't deserve anyone and-"

Evan cut him off, grabbing his cheeks. He pulled him closer, his arms wrapping Jared in a hug. The boy was breathless, tears running down onto Evan's shoulders as the two hugged. He let out a quiet sob, burying himself deeper into the embrace. They stayed like that for what seemed like hours, their breathing in sync. Jared squeezed his eyes shut, letting his weight fall onto Evan.

"It's okay." He murmured into his ear over and over again, rubbing circles into his back. "It's okay." His voice was just above a whisper, hugging him tighter until they could feel each other's heartbeats.

"Can we just... go back to before? Before... everything?" Jared looked up at Evan, slightly frowning. He nodded, turning on his tv to play one of the last movies they had watched together. Both exhausted and cold, Jared laid on him. Evan smiled sadly, reminiscing on the days where they hadn't a care in the world.

Limbs intertwined, hearts beating together, both boys fell asleep. It was still the same, it was just like before.