The Way You Are

Heart Warming

Roland watched Curt for a moment. He sounded so... sad.

"Really?" Roland asked quietly, still looking at Curt, waiting for the answer.

Curt looked up and smiled as they caught each others eyes. He reminded himself to be brave. This wasn't about him. This was about his best friend. "Yeah, I always support your decisions." He said back forcing a smile and offering his hand for support.

Roland smiled back and took it. He hadn't realized he was holding his breath until he felt Curt's hand in his. He breathed.

Ian was instantly reminded of earlier at the bar. After paying the bill he had come back to the table to find them holding hands. At the time he had been too busy to pay much attention to it. But now... It made more sense to him than anyone in the room. He cast a glance at Manny who was looking at the two holding hands, clearly thinking something similar. When he caught Manny's eye they smiled at each other and Manny nodded.

"Even when he decides to not say the name of the person he loves?" Ian prods.

Curt finally breaks eye contact with Roland to look at Ian. "Of course. That's his decision. He's just protecting someone he cares about."

"From where I'm sitting" Manny finally interjects. "It seems like he doesn't need to do any protecting." He catches Roland's eye and smiles encouragingly. "We would support you. Remember everything said stays in this room. We promise we wouldn't cause a scene right guys?"

"Yeah, you can trust us Mate." Ian says seriously. "We just want to know because we are happy for you. It's nice to see you distracted by something other than music."

Roland mumbles something under his breath and looks down at his hand still in Curt's. Curt squeezes it for support. "It is nice. I just want you to be happy." He says feeling hollow. He can see Roland struggling with it. This is a big deal for him.

"Besides," Manny says. "If you're distracted by this bloke, why don't you just go for it?"

"Are you kidding?" Roland exclaims looking at Manny in shock. "What am I supposed to do? Walk up to him and just tell him??" He blushes.

"Um... yeah, I think that's how that works mate." Ian says chuckling.

Roland looks over toward Ian and sighs, shaking his head. "I just cant do that."

"Do you think he wouldn't be interested?" Curt asks quietly. He is trying to guess who it could be. Who did they know who liked guys? Who had he been spending time with? Who would he have to distance himself from forever due to jealousy?

"Probably not." Roland mumbled. "I don't even know if he likes guys." Curt adds names to his list feeling dejected. He squeezes Roland's hand a little harder.

"Do you think he would react badly? Like, is he one of those closed off types?" Manny questions seriously. "I couldn't see you going for someone like that."

"No, no. He's not like that at all." Roland responds quickly, looking decidedly away from his friends. "I just... cant."

"But your not going to give him the chance to answer on his own then." Ian interjects. He waits until Roland's eyes meet his and smiles then looks down at his and Curt's hands still firmly together. "I think he'd want to know."

Roland thinks a moment, worrying his bottom lip. It's clear to him Ian has worked it out already. And he's OK with it? That gives Roland a little courage. Maybe?

"Well, if it was one of you. Would you want to know?" Roland asks seriously.

"Yes! I would" Manny said first. "I've always thought you were cute."