Temporary Bliss [boyxboy]

43: Genuinely Stupid

Finn

When I woke the next morning, the first thing I saw after I opened my eyes was Caleb.
And honestly, that just felt so good.
Just that was the root of my problem, that no matter how miserable all of his mood swings and angry outbursts made me sometimes, I just couldn't be without him.

I missed him so much already after just two days, and I hadn't even gone a whole day without seeing him!

But I wanted to be with him, see his smile, hear his laugh and just have him around.
It pained me to think that I had to compromise my values in order to have all that.
I just wished it was all easier, but I figured that nothing good ever came easy.

While all of these thoughts were chasing each other in my head, I had been staring at Caleb absentmindedly, who was now slowly waking up.

"Hey," he said groggily, rubbing his eyes.

"Hey," I replied, quickly averting my eyes and throwing the covers off me.
I went into the bathroom to take a shower, but also to keep myself from throwing myself right back into Caleb's arms, because - honestly - that's all I wanted to do.

It was all so conflicting. I really wanted to stand my ground and show him that I was serious.
Not to mention that it would be embarrassing to go back so quickly, wouldn't it?

Just what was this power he had over me?
Why could I never go through with anything whenever he looked at me or spoke to me? I'd probably help him hide a head body if he just asked and looked at me with those caramel eyes...

Why did he have to ruin my life like this?

The hot water ran over my face and I sighed as I made a stupid, stupid decision.
I reckoned there was no way around this now.

---

We were sitting at breakfast maybe an hour later, when I cleared my throat.

"Um..." I started intelligently.

Caleb stopped stirring his coffee and looked up at me.

"I just wanted to say that... I really appreciated what you said last night. You know, about me taking my time." I told him,"I never would have expected something like that from you..."

The brown haired boy gave me a small, rather fake smile, "Of course."

"And," I took a deep breath, "if you'll have me... I'd really like to come back home."

Caleb completely froze, probably searching my face for any trace of insincerity.
After a few seconds, his face split into the brightest grin and quietly, he asked: "Really?"

I looked down at my plate shyly, "Yeah..."
My heart was pounding away in my chest, not only because this had been the first time I'd seen Caleb smile in a while, but also because this was a huge risk.

Giving Caleb yet another chance?
It probably seemed genuinely stupid to anyone but me.

And they'd have a good point.

But whenever I second-guessed my decision, I had to think of the way Caleb had cried when I left, the way he'd really, really tried to show me how important I was to him.

It made me hopeful that this had really been a lesson for him, that he realized what was at stake when he didn't change the way he treated me.

It was still a little awkward now, so I asked, "How's Milo, by the way?"

"Matt and Danny are showering him with love and affection. He probably misses you, though."

I had to smile at the though of seeing my pup again, "Let's go then?" I proposed.

Caleb nodded and got up, accompanying me to the room to collect my things with a smile on his face.

---

The moment I set foot in the house, Milo jumped up at me excitedly, wagging his tail and trying to lick my face. He was still too small to reach it though, so I crouched down to give him a good cuddle.

I laughed as he knocked me to the floor in his excitement, dragging his pink tongue all over my face.

Not even a minute later, both Matt and Danny were there, faces surprised, but excited as well.

"Finn!" exclaimed Matt happily.

I got up to hug them both.

"Glad you're back," Danny said quietly and I smiled.

"Me too," I sighed, "Me too.

---

After Matt and Danny had gone to bed, Caleb and I stayed in the living room watching TV for a little while longer.

And while I was content just sitting next to Caleb silently, I still felt like some kind of conversation was in order to resolve everything one and for all.

"Hey," I said.

He turned his head to look at me and I just took a second to appreciate how handsome he looked in his simple t-shirt and shorts, face slightly illuminated by the TV.

"I think we still need to talk about... you know... what happened," I said.

"Yeah," he said, and his voice was a little shaky, which surprised me.

"So," I started, "I know I let you talk me into coming back rather quickly... but I need you to know that I really meant what I said. Something around here needs to change, or I'll leave again. For real and with Milo this time."

"I know," Caleb replied, a sheepish look on his face, "I promise you, I will try to never ever make you upset again. I just want you to be happy, Finn. Really. You're the only constant in my life and I... I really need that. You keep me grounded and I dont thank you enough. I'll try harder."

I was surprised at this rather heartfelt sentiment from my best friend. It was quite out of character for him, but I didn't exactly mind it.

"Thanks, Caleb," I said with a smile, happiness swelling in my chest as I looked at him, and the overwhelming desire to kiss him came over me once more.

"Stop staring at me, freak," he scoffed and looked away, trying to contain his smile.

"Hey! What was that about being nicer just now?"

Caleb rolled his eyes, "Sorry."

"Don't worry, I still love you," I joked to lighten the mood and leaned over to give him a hug.

"Ugh," he said weakly but I could feel him hugging me back.
It was good to have him back.

I smiled and just hoped, hoped that our future would be better.

(Note: woah, I bet you didnt think I'd ever update this story huh? Well, if you're still here, you're da real MVP. Anyway this was kind of short and shitty but I hope you enjoyed. More coming soon!)