Flowers from a lover [rewrite]

17.0

Daniel was Leo's closest friend. They had met in 1962 after school. Leo was sitting on a staircase and Daniel had just walked out of the gates stuffing papers into his backpack. A page of his math homework flew out, the wind blowing it to where Leo sat.Daniel ran quickly to the staircase to retrieve it when he spotted Leo right next to where it had landed, crying into his arms.

- - -

"Are you alright?" Daniel had asked the boy, who refused to look at him or show any indication that he had heard what he said. "I didn't come here to bother you, I just wanted my paper back." Leo revealed himself from his vulnerable position, avoiding eye contact with Daniel before picking up the piece of paper and handing it to him. "Here you go, sorry."

Daniel retrieved the paper from Leo, and was about to walk away when he decided he didn't want to leave the boy crying on the staircase without at least knowing if he'd be able to get home safe. "You don't look like you're doing too groovy." He stated the obvious, and Leo  just stared out in front of him, at a man clutching a bottle in his hand and yelling at a woman. Daniel followed his line of sight, and after realizing what Leo was staring at, he made a sound indicating he had understood, "Is that why you're sad? Who is that?" Leo stayed quiet for a moment, wondering why this boy had been so interested in his situation. He was cynical and was looking for a deeper reason as to why the boy had cared so much, but couldn't find any. "My dad." Leo finally spoke, shooting lasers at the drunk man in the parking lot. Daniel sat down next to him, "Is the woman your mom?"

"Yes." Leo responded, sniffling and wiping his eye with the rough sleeve of his jacket, "My dad is a right fleabag to her. He doesn't hurt her but he yells at her. And me." "Mine is too." Daniel put his legs up to his chest and wrapped his arm around them, "Mom says it's because he's still bugged out from the war." Leo's eyes widened, "My mom tells me that too." He looked happier knowing he wasn't the only one in his current situation, "Your dad fought in the war, then?" "Yeah," Daniel turned toward the boy, "he has a lot of medals and stuff, he doesn't let me touch them." "My Dad never got any awards," Leo gestured toward his father, who was leaning on his car while his mother was pinching her nose in annoyance, "it's okay though, he doesn't really deserve them."

Daniel caught sight of a white slug bug car and got up quickly, "Oh no, I have to go." He told Leo, who got up as well, "Maybe we can talk more at school?" "Definitely," Leo held out his hand, "I'm Sam. I'm in Class B." Daniel took the boys hand and shook it, "Dan." He introduced himself, "I have to book it, but meet me here tomorrow after school again." He shouted as he ran towards his car. Leo  agreed, and looked over darkly to his parents in the parking lot. He was still afraid to go over to them and encourage them to drive him home already, there was too much tension he felt but couldn't understand. He started walking over to them anyway, when he saw Dan running back toward him, "My mom said she can give you a ride to my place. You dig? You can stay over for a bit too." He offered. Leo's eyes widened and he nodded enthusiastically, "I'd love to, thank you so much Dan."

"No problem, I can show you my Dad's medals too." Daniel said excitedly as they walked to his car, "Do your parents mind?" "They don't really care if I go out, as long as I get back before it's dark." He looked over to them, still fighting and noticing him walking with Dan to another car, "I'd rather be somewhere else anyway." "Don't worry." Daniel patted him on the back, "Consider us friends now. You can visit anytime you want after this and we can read my new comics." Dan smiled as he opened the car door for Leo, who got in and smiled. It was his first time ever making a friend.

- - -

With their close friendship, it was impossible for Daniel not to notice his friend looking dark and dreary lately. He had offered visits to his house to talk about whatever it was, but Leo always waved him off, saying it was no big deal. "Jeepers Creepers, you're scaring me Sam. What's been bugging you?" Had it been a normal situation, Leo  would have told Daniel everything. He could trust him with his life, and he also knew he would give him the best advice, being the perfect balance of criticism, judgement, and comfort.