LOVE is DEAD [RARL]

14

"So you got off scot free, just like that?" Ron asked, sipping from his can of beer, heavy-lidded eyes searching Carl's face for any sign that he was lying.

"I mean, I'm sort of grounded from going out past 8:30, but yeah."

"Obviously, but what about me? Like, what about getting caught fucking in the middle of his kitchen?" Ron laughed half-heartedly, shaking his head in bewilderment, and Carl shrugged; he didn't have an answer for Ron. He was equally as clueless.

"He said he was proud of me, I think. I was half-conscious at the time, but I'm sure I heard him say it," Carl offered, but this seemed to make Ron even more confused, as he raised his blond eyebrows, eyes wide as saucers.

"Maybe he was afraid you were still a virgin," Ron joked, and Carl punched him on the shoulder, the sudden movement making their junky couch creak and groan in protest.

"Seriously, I'd be prepared for him to blow up, if I were you, and make sure he doesn't drag my family into it. The last thing I need is my Dad busting my door down, yelling about me being a fag."

Carl said nothing. That fear had been gnawing at him all day; he didn't want his being outed to effect Ron, especially with his dad's blatant homophobia. He was only brought back to earth by Ron kneeling by the coffee table, scraping together a line.

"No-" Carl began to protest, shaking his head. "No, Ron- Don't do that, not here, in front of me."

Ron looked up, eyes narrowing as he stared at Carl. "Look, just because your pop's making you stay clean doesn't mean I have to."

"That shit fries your brain, and you know it! Just give it a break!"

Ron flipped him off as he dipped his nose to the table.

...

" 'M droppin' out next year," Ron slurred, arm slung around Carl's shoulders as he dumped him at the picnic table. The park was only a block or so from their houses, so it was a nice rest stop.

"Like hell you are," Carl shot back, kicking off his right sneaker to get a rock out from under his sole.

" 'M serious, Carl. Fuck school," He said, before shouting loudly. "FUCK THE SYSTEM!" Nearby, a lady and her two kids rushed to leave a little faster, urged by the apparent crack-head.

"Be QUIET," Carl snapped, fishing the stone out finally.

"I don't give a fuck, I don't give a shit-" Ron continued, and Carl was slowly getting more and more fed up. He snatched the front of his shirt and shook him roughly, shoe laying abandoned in the mulch.

"Shut up!"

"Fuck you, ya fuckin' fuck," Ron managed before he puked, and Carl dropped him in disgust.