«What's Wrong With Me?»

CHAPTER THREE

"Okay," Jake agreed as he put his cigarette out. Johnnie puts his cigarette out too and the two men stand up.

"Let's go inside, it's freezing out here." Johnnie spoke up as he rubbed his goosebump covered tatted arms.

"Yeah," Jake nodded in agreement of this statement as the two head back inside. Once they were inside, Jake was heading to the stairs.

Johnnie stopped him by grabbing his arm lightly. "Hey Jake? what time is your appointment tomorrow?" He asked.

"Eleven o'clock." Jake responded with. "I'm gonna be so tired but I have to go there." As he walked upstairs with Johnnie.

"Alright, but try and bring up these feelings more to your therapist tomorrow. Maybe they can figure out what you're actually feeling. But you have to open up. Trust me, I know it is so hard to just be vulnerable and place yourself in that situation, – but that is the main source of therapy, to be vulnerable and be open about your issues and get possible treatment and/or diagnoses." Johnnie replied.

Jake nodded, "Thanks Johnnie, oh and I'm like– uh– sorry that I woke you up. I didn't mean too. I just was–"

"–Don't worry about it. Why do you think I came outside with you? I wanted to check on you. I've noticed for the past couple months you've been down more and I just wanted to be there for you. I care about you Jake. I truly do and I want you to figure this out just as much as you do." Johnnie smiled and he hugged Jake in the hallway.

It is rare for Johnnie to hug and for Jake to feel this embrace, really showed that Johnnie trusts him a lot.

Jake returned the hug and buried his face into Johnnie's shoulder. He felt tears sting on his eyes.

Johnnie sets a hand on the back of Jake's head and rubbed it comfortably. "How about you sleep in my room tonight? I don't want you to overthink about this anymore. I want to be there for you. Will that be okay?"

Jake pulled back from the hug and looked down at Johnnie. Johnnie looked up and genuinely smiled up at Jake.

Jake felt his heart skip a beat at the sight of Johnnie's smile. He couldn't help but return it back. "yeah, I can share it with you tonight."

"C'mon then," Johnnie held his tatted hand out and wiggled his fingers. Chuckling a bit. Jake smiled - all giddy - as he took Johnnie's hand.

The two walked towards Johnnie's room. Once they made it. They let go of hands and crawled into the bed together.

Backs facing each other. Johnnie looked over his shoulder and mumbled, "goodnight Jake."

But Jake didn't respond, he was already asleep. Soft snores escaping his lips since he was so exhausted from his overthinking mind.

Johnnie leaned in a bit and silently admired Jake's face. His best friend. His blue eyes scanning across Jake's face, taking in every detail. To the small freckles on Jake's nose and cheek, – to the snake bites studs on his lips.

He leaned in and pecked Jake's cheek and whispered,

"We'll figure it out."