Just Do It (TannerBraungardtxDylanMitchell)

12 : Only Them In the Universe

There was a strip of tan skin showing above the underwear waistband where the pink tank top had ridden up. Dylan, finding himself in an insomnia moment, stared across the space between the beds at Tanner's bare waist. His mind went blank. He was too busy imaging that soft skin under his fingertips. When his eyes would start to droop, he'd fight the sleep. He didn't want to look away. He was so exhausted he couldn't even be bothered by his slightly morbid thoughts. Usually, he'd make himself uncomfortable thinking like that. He discovered it was nice to just think without really thinking. Sleep deprivation oddly enough lead to a sense of peace.

Dylan shook his head, pressing the heels of his hands to his eyes. I'm going insane. He was suddenly aware of the last ten minutes or so and felt stupid, and finally understood why Tanner got upset earlier. Dylan is obviously so very attracted to him, yet he freaks out about it.

"Fuck." He mumbled to himself.

He felt guilty. Tanner doesn't deserve this. He deserves someone who will wholeheartedly be with him, affectionate and open, and decisive. Not Dylan.

The slightly sane boy threw the starchy blankets off and stood on his feet. He made his way to the kitchen and quietly opened a bottle of water. He sat at the table, sipping the water, and unfortunately contemplating life.

Muffled footsteps sounded from the main room, grabbing Dylan's attention. He decided he needed a distraction to prevent further insanity.

He found Tristan lounging on the living room couch. An idea came to Dylan's mind. He was walking towards him before he could stop himself. It became awkward when he sat down and neither of them said anything for the longest time.

"Tristan, can I ask you something?"

"Um, sure?"

"What's it like for you? Being gay?"

Tristan raised a surprised eyebrow.

"Like, was it weird when you first realized..."

"I've liked boys for as long as I can remember. It was never really a big deal for me."

It wasn't the answer Dylan was hoping to hear.

"Are you...questioning?"

"Yeah... It's like when I'm with him, I know I'm so happy and I like him so much, but it's just... I don't know. It's weird."

Tristan smirked to himself. It was obvious he was talking about his brother. He saw the way they looked at each other. He also may or may not have saw them kissing on the beach in California.

"Dude, get over yourself. If he makes you happy, just be with him."

Dylan sat back and thought about it. All he had to to was just get over it. It was so obvious now.

"You're right."

"I know."

They said goodnight, Dylan thanking him, and went their separate ways. When he saw that tan skin again, he thought, yeah, he makes me happy, and decided he needed to stop being so scared. So what if he thought his best friend was the hottest, most beautiful person in the universe? No big deal.

"Dude, what are you doing up?"

The brunette was startled by the voice coming from the dark. He'd turned off the lamp before getting into bed. He hadn't realized Tanner was now awake.

"Can't sleep. Wanna cuddle?"

The blonde was out of bed and in Dylan's arms in a matter of milliseconds. Dylan smiled as he kissed his boyfriend, not for a second questioning the action. Tanner sensed this. His blood rushed with endorphins, tinting his cheeks a happy pink in the dark.