The Sound Of Madness

Part Four

Zach didn't go to sleep all night, all he could do is think about what Brent said.
'Is he right? Was I too hard on him?' He thought to himself.
It was four in the morning, and the whole apartment complex was silent, except for the muffled sobs coming from Brent's room.
Zach's heart broke a little more each time he heard it. He loved and cared about his friend. He couldn't stand him being so hurt.

Zach eventually got to his feet and rushed over to his door, hesitating as he opened it slowly.
He could hear Brent's cries more clearly now, and they sounded like pure grief and Zach couldn't stand it.
He walked over to the empty side of the bed and climbed in next to his friend, who had his face in his soaking wet pillow.
Neither of them said anything, and Zach put his arm around around Brent's waist, pulling him closer to him.
Brent rolled over and nuzzled into Zach's chest.
His long, dark hair was in Zach's face, but he didn't mind. As long as he was okay.
Brent sniffled once in a while and Zach rested his chin on top of his head.
Zach began to realize something that he hadn't before, that he had feelings for Brent. That he loved him.
Holding him so close had given him a sort of comfort that he hadn't felt before.
"Zach..?" Brent's voice was soft and shaky.

Zach closed his eyes and exhaled before answering, "Yes, Brent?"

"I'm sorry...about everything. You shouldn't be put through something like that...you're so young." Brent said, holding back more tears.
Zach had never seen Brent so vulnerable, it was...weird. But it made him human, and it reminded Zach that behind that mask Brent wore constantly, there was just a man who has struggles, just like everyone else.
"It's okay...we all make mistakes. You're still my best friend." Zach said with ease and Brent grabbed a fist full of his t-shirt, pulling him even closer, so that both boys were pressed up against the other.
And eventually, they both fell asleep.