Sweater Weather - [boyxboy]

∥Epilogue∥

The summer heat was almost unbearable, but Alan didn't care. He was just happy that it was summer and he was officially eighteen along with being graduated. He was so excited that he was finally out of school and could now decide where he wanted his life to go, that is if it did go anywhere. Austin and him ended up breaking things off over something so stupid that made Alan regret ever answering the Skype call. The brunette was drunk, of course, and kept slurring terrible things to Alan, saying things that never even happened to Alan and the boy had had enough. He told Austin that it was over and he hung up, only to cry himself to sleep and ignore the repeated texts and calls from the desperate brunette. Ever since then, as much as it bothered Alan, he tried to move on, but he just couldn't do it. He either went along with guys who were too similar to Austin or far from it. But one night, Alan was desperate and called Austin up. He didn't know why, but he did and he was thankful when the brunette picked up and began to spill out apologies and begging Alan to forgive him which the ginger did all too easily, but he missed Austin so much.

Alan and Austin had hardly talked after that. The brunette claimed that he was becoming super busy due to his job he had gotten, of course Alan understood but he just wanted to be with the boy again.

The ginger was currently on his way to meet Kellin and Aaron at the mall for some birthday shopping for Kellin's mom. His hands were stuffed in his pocket as the sun reflected off his bright, white sweater that blinded people he walked past. His ginger hair was pulled back up in a bun- something Kellin had gotten him addicted to doing considering it was becoming long, his sunglasses perched up on his nose and his shoes slapping against the concrete as he walked. Suddenly Alan stopped, watching as the person who was walking opposite stopped too and removed their sunglasses, staring directly at Alan.

"You know, seven months is far too long." Alan said, looking up at the tall brunette.

"But seven months has made you look even better than before kitten," he said, Alan smiled but rolled his eyes, shaking his head.

"What makes you think you can just not talk to me for three months and then show up randomly back in town?" Alan asked, crossing his arms. Austin bit his lip and smiled sheepishly.

"I told you, I got a job," he said.

"And that job required you to stop talking to me?"

"Well, sort of, because I was always too tired when I got home. I worked more hours and to get more money just so that I could earn enough to buy a ticket and get back here. I-I actually wanted to come back and see you graduate but...my dad was being stubborn and," Austin sighed and shook his head. "I'm glad I'm back here though, I finally get to see you again."

Alan felt his cheeks warm and a smile form on his lips. He was finally seeing Austin again and it felt so good. The butterflies in his stomach formed again and he couldn't stop feeling how he did back when he first talked to the brunette.

"I'm glad you're back too," he said softly, his stomach doing flips when the older boy sighed in relief and visibly relaxed with a smile. "So, um, would you like to come with me to the mall? I'm meeting with Kellin and Aaron to shop around for a gift." Truth be told that Alan was really nervous and Austin was just happy that the boy hadn't run away, screaming to leave him alone and never speak to him again after everything that's happened.

"Sure, I've got nothing better to do." Austin said, Alan grinned and began to walk, the brunette quickly falling into step beside him. The two walked and chatted majority of the walk, recalling over the past months that they haven't talked.

"Where are you even staying? I know for a fact that your dad just wouldn't up and leave again with you, he seems to really enjoy his job in California." Alan said, Austin gave a shrug, stuffing his hands in his jeans.