Our Little Secret

Chapter Three: A Secret

I can't wait to see what they do with season two.
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Clay knew that Tony keeping a secret from him shouldn't bother him this much, but he just couldn't get all of the thoughts out of his head as to what Tony could be hiding. He sighed looking over at the box of tapes that rested under his computer desk almost out of sight. Ever since he had gotten the tapes he's become paranoid imagining everyone is after him including Tony. He just wanted to know if Tony had something to do with Hannah's suicide, actually he needed to know because he couldn't stand the thought of Tony actually doing something to hurt Hannah on purpose or otherwise.

He stood up from his spot on the bed and decided he wouldn't take no for an answer. Not from Tony at least. He grabbed his helmet and quickly yet quietly made his way downstairs careful not to attract any attention to himself. The last thing he needed was his mother questioning his whereabouts for a second time. Clay slipped out of the front door quietly shutting it behind himself. He rushed down his front steps and hopped onto his bike clipping on his helmet at the same time. He knew if he made his escape now he wouldn't be questioned later seeing how by the time he got back his parents would probably be asleep.

He biked down long roads weaving away from the small amount of traffic that littered the streets. Clay pushed his legs hard not wanting to show up to Tony's house too late in fear that other boy would be asleep by the time Clay arrived. The street lights were now lit and Clay found himself becoming a bit more fearful of the night and the people that usually dwell in it. Luckily for Clay, Tony's home came into view a few lights still on from the inside. Clay sighed in relief and stopped beside Tony's car that rested in the drive way.

Clay grabbed his phone and dialed Tony's number praying the other boy would answer. The receiver rang three times before it went to voicemail and Clay gave Tony's house a pointed look before dialing his number once again. The receiver rang twice before Clay heard a heavy sigh on the other end.

"Hello?" Tony's tired voice rang from the other line.

"Hey, come outside i'm here." Clay could hear his voice shake and he winced hoping that Tony didn't hear it.

"Clay-" Tony started.

"Please, I just-" Clay started, "I-I can't stop thinking about it and it's gnawing at me, Ton."

"Fine give me a minute." Tony murmured hanging up the call.

Clay stood nervously beside his bike and stuffed his hands in his sweater pockets hoping he didn't look too suspicious. Tony emerged from his home with a sweater and joggers on looking just as tired as he sounded on the phone. Clay suddenly felt guilty feeling as if he had interrupted Tony's sleep. Tony trudged towards Clay his hair messier than usual and his face was twisted into something of annoyance. Clay regretted his decision the moment he realized that maybe just maybe Tony was too tired to function.

"What's up, Clay?" Tony yawned and Clay gave him a small smile.

"I'm sorry-" Clay started.

"It's okay." Tony gave him a weary smile.

"I just-i need to know." Clay's voice became soft, "please."

Tony's eyes became unreadable and Clay felt his heart skip a beat, "Clay, this could ruin our friendship."

"It already is." Clay was practically pleading with his eyes, "I don't even know if I can trust you anymore."

"What?" Tony looked at Clay with wide eyes, "why?"

"Because what if you did something that you think could ruin our trust." Clay whispered, "what if you're one of the reasons why Hannah did what she did."

Tony was at a lost for words before he shook his head, "Clay, do you really think I-"

"Of course not!" Clay gaped at him, "but what if?"

The night's breeze passed through them and for a split second Tony thought maybe he didn't have to do this, but once he glanced back up at Clay's eyes he knew. He sighed taking a step towards Clay not exactly invading his personal space, but he was close enough to break a boundary if he wanted to. Clay waited hoping that Tony could at the very least clarify the nature of the secret. Tony stuffed his hands in his jogger pockets mimicking Clay's body language without even thinking about it.

"Clay, I'm-" Tony took a deep breath discouraged, "I'm in love with you."

Clay grew silent causing Tony's heart to skip multiple beats. Clay looked away trying to think of the words to say but coming up empty. Tony sighed knowing he shouldn't have answered Clay's phone call. He stepped back and turned back towards his house.

"Goodnight, Clay." Was all Tony murmured before walking towards his front door.

Clay blinked a couple of times before regaining his ability to process what was happening. He caught up with Tony and grabbed his arm stopping him from walking in. Tony looked up at Clay his eyebrows etched together and his jaw clenched. Tony had stopped him, but still couldn't form proper thoughts.

"I-Tony-I just need-"

"Time." Tony nodded, "trust me I know."

Tony shook his arm gently out of Clay's grasp and the taller teen nodded. Tony sighed looking down at his feet.

"Just-I'll see you tomorrow." Clay breathed still in shock.

"Yeah, maybe." Tony shrugged walking back into his house without another word or look at Clay.

Clay stood outside in the dark by himself unable to move. He still couldn't believe what he had heard. He didn't know how to feel or why he wasn't disgusted. In fact he was intrigued and he didn't know why. He sighed running a hand through his hair moving away from the door.

"I just need to sleep on it." Clay murmured to himself, "yeah."

He jumped back onto his bike making his way back home, but how could he even get home without his mind wandering back to Tony. Somehow he'd have to find away. Somehow.