Just Different

Chapter 33

Rob shuddered as Chester's hands massaged his shoulders. The blonde's thin fingers worked into the muscle trying to loosen the tight knots in Rob's stiff shoulders. "Relax. Don't think about it too much."

"I'm trying not to," Rob murmured as his eyes closed. He sighed and tried to relax just as Chester said, but the thought of finally admitting to Brad how he felt twisted his stomach into a messy knot. It was a hectic day in school too. Rob had been feeling extremely anxious the whole day. Today was his chance to say and he needed to take it. Chester treated it like a big deal too, going as far as to bring his clothes over to Rob's house to help him get ready.

Rob jumped when Chester's fingers worked over an especially tough knot. Chester grinned behind Rob. He was shirtless for the time being. Chester had promised to lend him some nicer clothing. Maybe only a shirt. Everything else wouldn't really fit Rob. Chester wanted to graze his hands all over the smooth expanse of Rob's back. It took him all his might not to do so. This was the last day he would have to wait. He knew it.

"It's almost time," Chester purred. Rob nodded and looked at the bins Chester brought into Rob's room. "I think some of my more baggy clothing might fit you." He pointed over at one of the bins.

Rob stood up and walked towards the bin of clothing Chester had pointed at. "This one?"

"Yeah," Chester said, grinning as he sat back on the bed. "I think one of those t-shirts and that grey flannel could go together perfectly."

Rob grabbed the dark grey and black flannel shirt, slinging it over his arm. "There's quite a lot of band shirts in here," Rob giggled as he pulled each shirt out to examine it.

"Can't have too many," Chester grinned before taking a sip from his energy drink. He licked his lips after taking a sip. He really would need the energy after this little "date". Rob would most likely be really hurt later on.

"Ooh, try on that Deftones one." Chester pointed at the white t-shirt Rob had picked up. Rob held it up to look at the design. It was the self-titled logo, the band name and an established date. Rob thought the shirt would look good. But he was actually mostly surprised to find a white shirt in Chester's clothing.

Rob slid the baggy shirt over him. It actually fit him perfectly. "I sometimes buy shirts a few sizes too big. I like that baggy look," Chester told him as he got dressed. Chester grinned at Rob. There was something about Rob wearing his clothing that made him feel nice and warm inside.

"I really like it." Rob smiled as he looked down at the t-shirt. He pulled the flannel on, leaving it open to show off the shirt. Chester continued to grin as he stood up from the bed. He grabbed his backpack that held a few more accessories, some of them being bracelets and collars Chester knew Rob wasn't going to wear, but it was worth a try to bring them. He dug through the bag and let out an "Ah ha!" as he grabbed the small container of hair gel.

"Let's do something about that hair," Chester grinned as he neared Rob.

Rob gulped. His hair looked fine, messy, but fine. He was surprised how fast it'd grown since he shaved it all off. "What are you gonna do?"

"Spike it. Just a little." Chester unscrewed the small jar and dipped his fingertips into the gel. He but the jar down on Rob's bed and rubbed his hands together. "All I'm gonna do is tame this mess."

Rob sighed as he sat on his bed and let Chester do as he pleased. "It's gonna look like I tried too hard, Ches," Rob groaned. Chester giggled and shook his head.

"No, it'll look like you just wanted to look nice today. I'm sure he won't think too much of it."

Rob sat still as Chester's fingers ruffled through his hair. Rob wanted to turn and look at the mirror hanging on his wall to see what exactly Chester was doing with his hair, but he stayed still either way. He'd mess Chester up if he turned.

"Brad's picking you up right?"

"Yeah. Your car's not in the driveway? It would look really suspicious if it was."

"I walked here. It'll be fine." Chester backed away from Rob, looking at his work. He smirked. Rob turned and looked at the mirror.

"Oh," he breathed. It didn't look bad at all. He actually liked the way his hair looked while spiked up. It was different. Chester continued to smirk at Rob.

"See. You look irresistible now," Chester said jokingly. Well, not so jokingly. The urge to pounce on Rob was very much there.

The doorbell random and Rob jumped a little. Brad was here.

***

Brad stared at the bathroom mirror, breathing strained. He looked beyond tired and in desperate need of sleep. Then a hand came up to his head. The usually short hair he had was growing out. Small curls of hair began growing out.

Brad had a set of clippers somewhere, but he couldn't be bothered to shave his head. He didn't have the motivation. Usually the thought of his hair growing out and becoming a big poof on his head made him scramble to find the clippers. There was no one to impress now, though. Brad knew Eliza wouldn't give two shits over how he looked.

He sighed and looked at his phone on the sink, pressing the power button to check the time. There was only about fifteen minutes until he had to go pick up Rob. Brad shook his head. He spent nearly an hour and a half in the bathroom. Brad drove back home from school, had a snack and then locked himself up. It was a good thing his parents weren't home. He couldn't have them pestering and asking what was wrong. They knew Eliza broke up with him, but they also knew it was something else bothering their son.

Brad stepped out of the bathroom, unzipping his sweater. He was sweating and his stomach felt tight. Maybe because he was hungry. He didn't have much of an appetite but his body was hugging him to eat.

'Maybe I'll change my t-shirt,' Brad thought as he tossed the sweater onto his bed. He opened one of the drawers to grab a clean shirt. After changing out of the shirt, Brad grabbed his keys and another sweater. One that wasn't all sweaty.

Humidity stuck onto Brad's skin as he exited the house. Looking up, he saw thick and heavy clouds tumbling over him. There were small blotches of purple within the dark clouds. There was a storm on it's way. Brad shrugged it off. Rain. Big deal.

Brad hoped seeing Rob and hanging out with him would get his mind off Elisa. He had hoped that the entire time he drove. The more he thought about Elisa and how harsh she acted, the worse Brad felt. It was a heavy weight being placed over him. And he was glad Ron's house wasn't far from his. Being alone in the car with his thoughts wasn't doing him good.

Brad got out of the car and marched up the empty driveway. 'Seems like his mom isn't home again.' He rang the stiff doorbell.

Inside, Rob was nearly hyperventilating. It was time.

"Hey, you'll be fine," Chester comforted Rob. He wrapped him in a tight hug. "It'll be fine. I promise." Chester smirked against Ron's shoulder. Hid expression changed quickly ad he pulled back to face Rob.

"I'll call you and tell you how it goes," Rob said with a quiet voice. Chester smiled and nodded.

"Good luck."

Rob returned a sheepish smile and left the room. Chester sat back on his bed so he could wait until Brad left. Rob walked down the hall, somewhat light headed. The living room seemed to spin as he neared the front door.

"Hey," Rob breathed. Brad gave him a small smile.

"Hey. Are you ready?" Brad asked. Rob had the urge to laugh. Brad didn't seem to notice how differently Rob dressed, how is hair was made up. He was more than ready.

"Just about," Rob grinned. He stepped out of the house and followed Brad towards his car.