Just Do It (TannerBraungardtxDylanMitchell)

21: Halloween & A Late Night

"I feel like an asshole. Because everything's been fucked up, and I don't even know how long I'd buried my feelings for the sake of our friendship, but I fucking love you, and that just makes me an asshole."

"Well, then I'm an asshole, too. You know I feel the same."

"Then why are?"

"Because you're a drama queen and I'm stupid."

Tanner laughed through the unshed tears and he had to admit, Dylan was right.

He glanced, fascinated, at the sky full of stars, and took Dylan's hands in his for warmth. The air was chilly and Dylan's white and pink unicorn onsie was much morr suited for the crisp autumn weather than his own black ninja costume. Candy wrappers lay across the bed of the truck. Quentin's discarded Spiderman suit sat crumpled up in a corner.

Dylan leaned against the cab of the pick up and hugged Tanner closer.

"You are an asshole, but so am I. It's whatever."

Tanner smiled, but only for a split second.

"Then why won't you say it?"

Dylan bit his lip. He really didn't want to fight again. He chose his words carefully, tiptoeing around dangerous territory.

"I've never been in love before. Baby, I hardly ever had a girlfriend before you. And you know, my family isn't like yours. We never said we love each other. I never knew what love felt like and when we kissed that first time, it scared me. Still does and I just...I dunno. I'm not ready to face that fear."

Tanner felt guilty. Of course Dylan didn't know. Tanner grew up saying he loved his parents and siblings and he always felt loved. Dylan had never experienced anything like that before. Being a middle child, he was neglected and overseen. Tanner felt stupid.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

Tanner danced his fingertips across the backs of Dylan's hands and he realized he really fucking loved Dylan's hands. He had long fingers and his tendons stuck out oddly because he was so skinny and Tanner thought it was cute. His mind wandered as they sat in silence, Dylan's body keeping him warm.

"Are we happy?"

"We are, aren't we? When we aren't being petty and fighting over stupid shit. It's just... It's hard work. We're always gonna have to fight for us. It's okay and honestly, are fought all the time when we were just friends. It's just who we are."

The blonde turned to look at his cheeky boyfriend and sighed fondly.

"When did you get so smart, baby?"

Dylan shrugged.

"Let's get home. It's gettingvfucking cold out here."

The drive home was long. After trick or treating, they had driven down a dirt road until they came to an abandonded farm house. They parked in the overgrown lawn for some idle chatter and star gazing.

Lights were, shockingly, still on when they arrived home. Tanner took Dylan's hand and lead him quietly to the descending staircase that lead to the basement when a voice called -

"Hey, boys. I need to talk to you."

Tanner swore under his breath and begrudgingly made his way to the kitchen where Kim sat, looking tired.

"What's up, mom?"

"This is awkward, but I have to set some rules for you, now that you are dating."

"Seriously, mom?"

"Yes, you are both kids yet and as long as you are under my roof, you will follow these rules."