Trapped (egobang trans)

Chapter 18 - Spoonerism

< Danny's POV >

By the time they reached Arin's house, Danny still hadn't had any luck in getting him to talk. Though Arin did seem a bit less on edge now. His little freak out had surprised Danny, but he was glad Arin had got it out of his system. It seemed to have been building, and from the sounds of it Arin hadn't had anyone to vent to. Danny was glad to take it.

Arin's house was nothing special, not like Havve's. It was a normal size, small garden out front with a few flowers. Danny saw something move in the window, and a second later the front door opened as they were just walking up the drive. An older woman with a bright smile stood there, presumably Arin's mother.

"I was starting to worry, Arin," she commented, though her expression was anything but worried.

"Y-Yeah, sorry... I was with, um..." Arin started to reply.

He trailed off, looking back at Danny who was a few steps behind. Arin's mum's eyes landed on him and Danny gave a polite smile.

"Oh, is this the girl you saw at the weekend? Suzy, right?"

Danny frowned, both in confusion and sudden frustration. Who was Suzy? Arin was a bright red now, looking incredibly uncomfortable, though Danny couldn't guess why. His mouth opened but words failed him in his nervous squirming.

"No, I'm Danny," Danny jumped in, catching a grateful smile from Arin.

"Ah, sorry. Nice to meet you dear, are you staying?"

Danny opened his mouth to refuse, but a look from Arin convinced him otherwise. He looked horribly anxious again, like another panic attack was looming. Though Danny knew it wasn't really his place, he wanted to try again to get the answers he wanted. For Arin's sake more than anything.

"Uh yeah, I can stay for a bit I guess."

Arin stared incredulous at him, but Danny was glad he didn't try to shut him down. Even if he did, Arin's mother was so quick to invite them inside that Danny had the thought that it probably would have done little.

Instantly Danny got a wave of comfort stepping inside. The front hall itself was extremely inviting, walls lined with decorations and a mantelpiece with a collection of photos of what Danny could only assume was young Arin. Intrigued, he went to have a closer look. Arin's mum started to say something, but Danny tuned out the friendly parent-ramble as he looked at the photos. Arin had been a cute kid, but Danny could clearly see a discomfort behind his carefree smiles. It made him think of his own early childhood - he'd known he was different even back then and was sure that his old photos probably looked similar. Though he couldn't guess what problems Arin's childhood had.

Turning away from them finally Danny saw Arin's mum staring at him expectantly. He blushed, realising he'd been asked a question.

"Sorry, could you say that again?" he apologized, hoping she wouldn't be too offended.

"I was just wondering how long you'll be staying. Well, more specifically are you staying for dinner, sweetheart?" Her smile was unfaltering and she didn't seem the least bothered that he hadn't been listening.

Danny bit his tongue at the word "sweetheart", trying to convince himself that it was just pleasantries. But, as always, it just had to be more than that.

"No, I don't want to outstay my welcome," he replied, struggling to tone down the bitterness in his voice.

Once again she didn't seem to notice.

"Oh, don't worry about that! Any friend of Arin's is always welcome here, just let me know when you're leaving and I can give you a lift home," she chirped, "But I'll leave you two alone now! Look at me, the annoying mum cramping your kids' style."

She winked at that last part, walking from the hall and leaving Arin and Danny alone..

"S-Sorry, she gets very... excited when I have friends round," Arin muttered.

"I think it's sweet. It's more than my parents would do," Danny said without thinking, his frustration giving way to that jab at his parents.

Arin blinked at him, clearly taken aback.

"I-I'm sorry that's the case," he said simply, true sympathy in his soft brown eyes, "Uh, d-do you want to go to my room?"

It was more of a statement than a question, and a second later Arin was hurrying up the stairs. Danny followed more slowly, internally kicking himself for letting that slip.

Danny followed Arin into his room, both of them awkwardly silent. Arin closed the door behind them, then walking over to his bed and sitting down.

"I-It's a mess, I-I know," he stuttered.

"Dude, you haven't seen my room," Danny chuckled, trying to break the ice, "I've forgotten what my floor looks like at this point.

He saw a shadow of a smile on Arin's still red face. Even though it was a risky move, Danny went to sit next to him on the bed. Arin flinched as he came closer.

"Is this okay?" Danny asked warily as he lowered himself down.

Arin nodded, though his eyes said that he was only agreeing to be polite. That it wasn't actually okay. Danny backtracked, standing up again and instead sitting down cross-legged on the floor. Arin frowned at him.

"B-But, I just-"

"I can tell it was making you uncomfortable. Just say next time, dude," Danny explained, but smiled to show their were no hard feelings.

Arin gave a short giggle, and Danny tilted his head. What was so funny?

"I-I always keep to myself... I don't t-talk to people... But, somehow, after maybe th-three conversations, y-you've figured me out perfectly," the shy boy said slowly, and Danny watched as his eyes started to fill with tears.

He opened his mouth to ask what was wrong, but at that moment Arin turned towards him, a smile on his trembling lips. His eyes glinted with the tears, but oddly he looked happy.

"A-And yet you're still here. W-Why? Why, when you know how much of a mess I am, are you still here?" he finished.

He shook his head as if in disbelief, letting the truth of his own words sink in. Danny didn't know how to answer that question, though. Why was he here?

"Jesus, Arin. That's... I mean, how do I answer that?" he breathed.

Arin shrugged, wiping his eyes.

"Dunno. J-Just, forget I said anything. It was stupid, anyway."

"I wouldn't say stupid is the word. I'd go with unexpected, but whatever boats your float."

Arin giggled again.

"Was that intentional, or...?"

"Open to interpretation, man," Danny grinned, leaning back on his hands.

Once again Danny felt the tension in the air lift. He gave himself a mental pat on the back; this day was proving to be very sentimental, so he was glad to lighten the mood again. No doubt Arin would find another way to slip some heartfelt shit into their conversation again, but for now Danny's spoonerism had proved an effective topic shifter.

A/N: even Danny's getting sick of the mushy crap, so next chapter will be different lol gotta keep that variety