7 Minutes • Jachary

Three • Daniel Seavey

NOTE: Daniel's parents are obviously amazing, but in this story it's just for the plot! And uh do I smell #Zaniel? :p

•

I won't lie. Zach Herron really gets on my nerves, it's like he knows the right ways to push my buttons.

I'm incredibly irked that he wants to tag along, probably keeping an eye out that I'm not after his little boyfriend.

Sure, Jack Avery is nice, having the whole boy-next-door appeal, but he is so not my type.

To be honest, I never even dated and I guess that makes me some sad wreck, but I'm never that guy that has a lot going for him.

The drive is awkward as hell, I almost regret asking Jack but my options are limited. Since I explained to him my situation, he's willingly agreed and didn't pry for information which is okay in my book.

When we get into view of a nice two-story home, it's classic white and grey in the suburbs. The interior is more cozier, almost reminding me of my parents'.

The entrance goes right to the living room, where there's pictures hanging on the walls, a rug to add rustic charm, and a couch with throw pillows.

I feel awkward stepping into other people's houses, like I need to be extra careful and not use their bathroom. I guess I am weird.

"So there's the couch, and someone has to share a bed with me," Jack says sheepishly.

"No problem," Zach says. "I'm Jack's best friend. Bed."

Ordinarily I won't argue, but the couch looks uncomfortable, and I'm already tall. "I think the shorter person should go on the couch," I say. "My legs won't even fit." I tower over Zach to prove a point.

"Too bad 'cause Jack is my friend and he's letting you sleep over. Be more grateful," he says.

My hands curl into fists. "What is your problem, dude? I get that rich kids are snobby but I never did anything to you. Can't stand having something wrong going on in your perfect little life?"

Jack whispers loudly, "Shush it! My parents are freaking asleep! And I'll take the couch, now go to sleep."

Zach looks down at his feet. "Daniel's right," he admits. "I'll just take the couch."

I'm taken back by his words, because Zach, agreeing? I thought he'd never see reason.

"It's okay," Jack quickly says. "I need some alone time and I think you guys need to learn to get along."

Zach lingers his gaze on Jack before slowly heading up the stairs. I have no choice but to follow along, clueless on where any room is.

Zach turns to me as we make it down the dim hallway. "How long have you and Jack known each other?"

I resist the urge to use sarcasm, with something like, We're long lost boyfriends that met in Venice! "At the party."

"Why can't you go home?"

"My parents." I don't want to explain anymore, especially since I don't trust him.

"Yeah? What did they do?"

"None of your business."

Zach huffs, and slips into a room on the left.

I take in the sight of NBA posters hanging on the walls. There's a guitar case lying on the ground, and a bed with a blue blanket.

Zach rolls onto the bed, right in the middle, and I scowl, pushing him.  "Stop hogging."

"Well, you're skinny so it doesn't matter."