Mean What You Say (Emblem3 Fanfiction)

Part 3

Okay! This is the last part! Sorry for the long wait, I've been unwell and a little bit reluctant to finally finish this story, if I'm honest. Shout out to Amber who is the light of my life! I love MJ and NupurParikh!

Notes at the end about the next story in the Say What You Mean series!

PART 3

 OoO

"Keaton, I'm not sure I'm up for this," Wesley said shakily, tugging at his shirt. It was a scorching hot day outside for one, and Keaton had bundled him up in a pair of tight fitting jeans and a t-shirt and ignored his protests. Wesley didn't like the way the shirt showed his arms, didn't like seeing the outlines of his thighs in the jeans. 

"Wesley," Keaton grabbed his shoulder, firm, and gave him a bright smile. "You're up for this, trust me. Besides, Kenny and Kyle have been really looking forward to this and its such a big step."

Wesley chewed his lip for a moment, frowning. It was mid September and he'd managed to battle his demons enough that Keaton and his doctor were satisfied with his weight. He was finally considered to be in a healthy weight range, and although all he could see was imperfection when he looked in the mirror, his mental health was slowly getting better as well. He'd reconnected with Kenny and Kyle a few weeks ago and things were still strained but it felt good to talk to them again. 

"I look stupid," he finally said, tugging at his shirt again.

"Are you fucking kidding me," Keaton said in a deadpan voice, which soon raised a little. "Are you fucking kidding me! Wesley, you look awesome! Seriously, you've never looked better. And before you say anything no you do not look fat because you aren't, okay?"

Wesley scowled and crossed his arms over his stomach, hating the way it bulged under the too thin shirt. "Whatever. I still don't want to go to the mall."

"Look, Wesley, you've made so much progress," Keaton coaxed. "You're finally healthy, you're talking to your friends again and you haven't skipped a meal in over two weeks. You can do this, I know you can."

Wesley glanced out the window, taking in the bright sunlight and the way everything just seemed so beautiful outside. He wanted to go out, he did. But he didn't want everyone staring at him, see how much weight he'd put on. It didn't help that his clothes were so form fitting, leaving nothing to the imagination. But he supposed that was the point. Hiding wouldn't be progress for him. And no matter how much he hated himself, he loved Keaton and Keaton wanted him better. Besides, he was fucking sick of being scared. He just wanted to be normal for once.

"Okay, whatever, lets go."

Keaton smiled widely and took his arm, leading him out the door. He felt like he should be annoyed by being led, but he was actually somewhat grateful. He could just let himself be pulled instead of having to make the conscious decision to step outside himself. 

Kenny and Kyle were waiting in Kyle's car in the driveway, and Wesley flushed when they both turned in their seats to look at him when he and Keaton got in the back. 

"Hey guys," Kenny broke the silence first, sounding hesitant but happy. 

"Hey," Keaton returned with a smile. Wesley stared down at his lap but made some kind of noise that could somewhat be considered a greeting.

"Looking good, Wesley," Kyle commented, voice purposely gentle. Both of them had learned the hard way that the nickname 'Wes' was out of the question. Neither of them called him that anymore. And both of them were usually quick to try and put him at ease with these kind of compliments, so Wesley guessed Keaton had lectured them on how to deal with him. Even after a few weeks of compliments casually thrown into conversation, Wesley still reacted the same.