The Lake | BxB

-27- Under The Willow Tree

"W-what happened yesterday, are- are you ready to tell me?" Gabriel asked Romeo softly, they'd woken up that morning, had breakfast and were now sat on the wall of the flower bed in the Summer families garden.

"A lot" Romeo answered his tone melancholy and hollow. He felt so lost at that moment, like nothing made sense.

"Why don't you- you try saying it" Gabriel suggested shyly, his touch soft and gentle as he moved a hand soothingly along Romeo's leg.

Romeo took a deep breath, this was going to be hard for him. He was about to put himself on full display, his vulnerabilities visible to Gabriel's caring gaze.

"My parents told me if I didn't break up with you, they'd kill me. I got beaten with a rolling pin a bunch, then just by my dad. He found me cutting and beat me senseless. I was going to kill myself Gabe, I had the sleeping pills in my hands. I was ready to do it" Romeo confessed his words tumbling out like a dam exploding.

"Romeo... I'm- I'm so sorry" Gabriel whispered his eyes filling with tears as he held Romeo close.

"You know I don't like apologies" Romeo muttered with a small smile. "I was passed out, then I woke up and decided, fuck it. I'll leave it all behind. Come here. So I... I ran away, hitchhiked here. The guy who took me then tried to murder me, tied me up. Drove me towards the woods. The cops pulled him over. Then brought me here" He finished taking a massive breath.

Instead of saying anything right away Gabriel just pulled Romeo into a tight hug. Romeo began to softly cry not even fighting it anymore. He allowed the tears to free fall down his cheeks staining his face with salty water as he hugged Gabriel for dear life.

"You're- you're safe here. N-never again. I promise, never" Gabriel promised quietly as he held Romeo tight.

"Thank you" Romeo choked back shutting his watery eyes as he wetted Gabriel's soft hoodie.

"M-my dad. He's a therapist, he- he works with p-people all the time who want to die, who- who hurt themselves, normally it's adults he helps but, I- I could ask him too- too see if he can help you. I don't know I-" Gabriel suggested before going quiet.

Romeo turned to him planting a small kiss on the back of his hand. "I don't know Gabe, that's really sweet of you. But I don't know, I'll think about it" Romeo replied gratefully, he then wiped his eyes gazing up at the sun which was baring down on them.

"When- when I feel sad, going for a walk always makes me feel better" Gabriel whispered.

Romeo turned to him with a smile. "Show me your favourite route. Let's bring the dog" Romeo said standing up. He needed this distraction. He wanted to think about anything other than what had happened right now. Going on a dog walk to a scenic spot with his boyfriend sounded like the perfect distraction for him.

The pair were soon in some hilly terrain holding hands as Bubbles the dog trotted eagerly beside them.

"You woke her up from her nap" Romeo commented in amusement glancing at the dog who had now found a stick amongst the tall grass and was holding it happily.

"She's been napping none stop recently. S-she needs the exercise" Gabriel replied indignantly watching Bubbles with a fond smile plastered onto his features.

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds forming a soothing backdrop to their stroll. Bubbles trotted happily beside them, occasionally pausing to sniff at something intriguing before bounding ahead again.

Gabriel led them up a gentle slope, the path winding through fields of wildflowers and tall grass. Romeo found himself relaxing more with each step, the tension slowly ebbing away as the serene landscape worked its magic. Gabriel's hand in his felt warm and reassuring, a silent promise of support and love.

As they reached the top of a hill, a breathtaking view unfolded before them. Rolling hills stretched out in every direction, the vibrant greens and yellows of summer creating a picturesque scene. At the center of the hill stood a grand willow tree, its long, sweeping branches creating a natural canopy of shade.

"This is my favorite spot" Gabriel said softly, looking up at the tree with a gentle smile. "I come here to think, or just to be alone when I need it"

Romeo squeezed his hand, feeling a swell of gratitude for this peaceful moment. "It's beautiful" he replied simply.

They sat down beneath the willow tree, soft grass cushioning them as they settled in. Bubbles flopped down next to them, panting happily with her stick still clutched in her mouth. Gabriel leaned his head on Romeo's shoulder, and Romeo wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close.

"I'm glad you brought me here" Romeo murmured, pressing a kiss to Gabriel's temple. "I needed this"

"Me too" Gabriel whispered back, his eyes half closed in contentment.

They sat in companionable silence for a while, the gentle sway of the willow branches casting dappled shadows over them. The world seemed to slow down, the worries and fears of the past few days melting away in the warmth of the afternoon sun.

After a while, Gabriel shifted slightly, looking up at Romeo with a soft, tender expression. "I love you, you- you know that?" he whispered softly, his voice filled with sincerity.

Romeo's heart swelled with emotion, and he cupped Gabriel's face in his hands, gazing into his eyes. "I love you too, Gabriel" he replied, his voice steady and sure. "More than anything" he added quietly. Emotion like this felt strange to romeo, but also so very right at the same time.

They shared a lingering kiss, a silent affirmation of their bond and their promise to face whatever came their way together.

Bubbles barked playfully, breaking the moment as she dropped her stick at their feet, tail wagging eagerly. Gabriel giggled, the sound light and carefree, and picked up the stick, tossing it for her to chase. Romeo watched them with a smile, feeling a sense of peace he hadn't known in a long time.

As the afternoon wore on, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Gabriel lay down, resting his head in Romeo's lap, and soon his breathing evened out as he drifted off to sleep. Romeo stroked his hair gently, his heart full of love and gratitude for this boy who had given him a reason to keep going. He had been so close to ending it all.

He looked out over the hills, the beauty of the moment etched into his memory. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt a glimmer of hope. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew that with Gabriel by his side, he could face anything.

Eventually, the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. Gabriel stirred, blinking sleepily as he looked up at Romeo. "We should probably head back" he murmured, stretching lazily.

Romeo nodded, helping him to his feet. They made their way back down the hill, Bubbles trotting happily behind them at a slightly slower pace. Hand in hand, they walked back towards the Summer family's home, the promise of a new beginning shining brightly before them.

As they reached the garden, the last rays of sunlight casting long shadows across the lawn, Romeo felt a sense of contentment he hadn't felt in years. He knew there would be challenges ahead, but for now, he was exactly where he needed to be.

Together, they stepped inside, ready to face whatever tomorrow would bring. Little did they know, a storm was brewing in the air.