You're Real After All....

Admitting

Ryan bit his lip nervously and looked down at the floor for a moment before he turned back to his friend. Lewis was waiting for him to answer, and the suspension was killing them both.

"Lewis... I know this isn't a good time to tell you, but I need to get it off my chest." Ryan took a deep breath and climbed off the tired gamer. The look in his eyes was something Lewis had never seen before: Guilt. Painful guilt. Like what ever he was about to say was something he shouldn't even bring up.

"Ryan, what's wrong? You look like you got caught with your hand in the cookie jar or something." Lewis laughed to tried and relieve the tension in the room. It didn't work, but it still made Ryan chuckle under his breath.

"When I came here, I wanted to make sure you were okay and then leave. I didn't expect to be here this long—much less bandage your wounds, but I'm glad I did. I'm happy to be here with you."

Lewis smiled and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Aw Ryan, that's very sweet of you to say. Thank you for that. I'm glad you're here too—"

"No. Fuck, please don't thank me. I don't deserve it."

Lewis raised an eyebrow and looked at his friend with a confused expression, but didn't know how to respond to him. All he could do was listen.

"I know you needed me, but along the way.... I found out that I also needed you. Like I can't live without you by my side."

The blond's fingers were suddenly intertwining with Lewis's and the feeling of safety washed over him again.

"Ryan...."

"I love you, Lewis."