The day had unfolded gently between them, unspoken and tender, as if both were learning the delicate rhythm of being together without needing words. After breakfast, Skyler had driven them to university, and Ocean had felt a peculiar warmth bloom inside him, seeing Skyler wearing one of his school uniforms. It had been an unexpected, endearing sight—so much so that Ocean had blushed and avoided meeting his eyes for a while.
Class had passed by in a daze for Ocean, his thoughts often straying to the man sitting beside him. Skyler's quiet presence seemed to fill every corner of his mind. Every now and then, Skyler would glance at him, offering a subtle smile that sent small sparks of warmth through him.
As the soft evening breeze began to sweep across the campus, Ocean found himself drawn to the oak tree. It stood a bit farther from the basketball court, tall and steady, its branches swaying gently in the wind. Ocean had always loved this spot; it was peaceful, tucked away from the bustling crowd, a place where he could retreat and gather his thoughts.
Skyler followed him without a word, his footsteps light and unhurried, matching Ocean's pace. There were no questions in his eyes—just patience, as though he already knew where Ocean was leading them. His quiet understanding, his willingness to just be with him, made Ocean's chest feel tight with something he couldn't quite name.
When they reached the oak tree, Ocean lowered himself onto the ground and leaned against the sturdy trunk, gazing up at the branches swaying in the soft evening breeze. The air was cool, the colors of dusk slowly painting the sky in hues of pink and violet. He gestured silently for Skyler to sit beside him.
Skyler settled down, his shoulder lightly brushing Ocean's. The contact sent a flicker of warmth through Ocean's skin, but it wasn't uncomfortable—it was grounding. They sat in silence for a while, the sounds of the distant campus fading into the background, as if the world had quieted just for them.
The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow across the campus. The warm light danced between the leaves, painting the ground in dappled patterns of amber and green. Ocean tilted his head back, gazing up at the sky as the clouds slowly drifted by. His mind felt clearer than it had in days, as if the weight of his fears had lifted, even if just for a little while.
Skyler's presence was comforting, like a steady anchor amidst the turmoil that often stirred within Ocean. He glanced at Skyler from the corner of his eye, noticing how relaxed he seemed, leaning back against the tree with his arms resting on his knees. His face was calm, eyes slightly closed as if he, too, was savoring the peaceful moment.
Ocean's voice broke the quiet first, soft and contemplative. "I used to come here when I needed space... to think. It's been my spot for as long as I can remember."
Skyler's gaze followed the line of Ocean's eyes to the tree's canopy. "It's a good place. Feels calm," he said, his voice low, almost reverent. "It suits you."
Ocean's lips twitched into a small smile. "Suits me, huh?"
Skyler nodded, turning his head slightly to look at Ocean. "Yeah. There's a quiet strength here... like you."
Ocean blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Skyler's words. His chest tightened with emotion he wasn't sure how to process, so he looked away, his eyes falling to his hands as he fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. "I don't feel that strong most of the time."
Skyler's hand gently found Ocean's arm, his touch soft but firm. "That doesn't make it any less true."
Ocean bit his lip, his heart stuttering at the warmth of Skyler's touch. He wasn't used to someone being this close, not in the way Skyler was. It wasn't just physical—it was as if Skyler was always there, a steady presence, not demanding anything from him but still offering more than anyone else ever had.
"I don't know why you're so patient with me," Ocean murmured after a moment, his voice barely above a whisper.
Skyler's eyes softened, and he leaned back against the tree, his arm brushing lightly against Ocean's. "Because you're worth it," he said, his tone so simple, so sincere that it made Ocean's heart clench.
Ocean let out a shaky breath. "It doesn't feel like it sometimes."
Skyler didn't respond immediately, but Ocean could feel the weight of his gaze, gentle but unyielding. "You don't have to prove anything to me, Ocean," Skyler said quietly. "You just have to be... you."
Ocean turned his head, his eyes searching Skyler's face for any hint of hesitation or doubt. But there was none. Skyler's expression was open, patient, filled with that quiet understanding that made Ocean feel like he didn't have to hide.
"You make it sound so easy," Ocean whispered, his voice laced with uncertainty.
Skyler tilted his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "It doesn't have to be complicated," he said softly. "I'm not asking for more than you're ready to give."
Ocean's heart gave a strange flutter at Skyler's words. He glanced down at their hands—close, but not touching. Part of him wanted to close the distance, to reach out and hold onto the steadiness that Skyler offered. But another part of him—the part that had been hurt, the part that was scared—held him back.
"I've never had anyone stick around this long," Ocean admitted quietly, his voice almost lost in the breeze. "Most people leave when things get tough."
Skyler's expression didn't change, but his eyes held a deeper emotion now—something fierce, protective. "I'm not 'most people,' Ocean," he said, his voice firm but gentle.
Ocean swallowed, his throat tight with emotion. "Why?"
Skyler looked at him, his gaze unwavering. "Because I care about you. And I'm not going anywhere, no matter how long it takes."
The words hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning. Ocean felt the familiar sting of tears at the back of his eyes, but he blinked them away, refusing to let himself break down here, in front of Skyler. He wasn't ready for that—not yet.
But something inside him shifted, something that had been locked away for so long. It wasn't much—just a small crack in the walls he'd built around himself—but it was enough. Enough to let a little bit of light in.
They sat in silence for a while longer, the weight of their conversation settling between them like a comforting blanket. The sun had dipped below the horizon now, leaving the sky a deep indigo, dotted with the first stars of the night.
Ocean leaned his head back against the tree, his body unconsciously leaning closer to Skyler's warmth. For once, he didn't feel the need to pull away. He didn't feel the urge to run.
And for the first time in a long while, Ocean felt... safe.
Skyler glanced over at him, his eyes soft as he watched Ocean relax beside him. He didn't say anything, but his hand moved closer, brushing against Ocean's lightly. This time, Ocean didn't pull away.
"Thank you," Ocean whispered after a long moment, his voice barely audible.
Skyler smiled, his gaze warm. "Anytime."
And in that quiet, beneath the sheltering branches of the oak tree, Ocean realized that maybe—just maybe—he didn't have to face everything alone anymore.
TBC. 🩵
