The Two Months

Chapter 1: Passing The Time

Archie hadn't been feeling himself lately. He didn't know what was wrong, not really. Everything was fine at college - he was getting straight A's as usual; the gang was all back together, and he'd finally come out to everyone. But there was something nagging at the back of his mind. It was like he still he had his little secret. It was like there was something he didn't want everyone to find out.

Bumping into Chop was perfect. It gave him a distraction. And Chop's solution to anyone feeling slightly down was to drink. And today, Archie didn't care about how bad it was for you or how he was slowly running out of money. Especially after quitting his job at the leisure centre (which was mainly to do with this random stress and panic attacks Archie was experiencing).

Archie left his house at a quarter to; he fancied a walk - maybe it would help him calm down a little and collect his thoughts. He knew he couldn't be acting like this in front of Chop. Archie loved Chop, but it wasn't like it was with Finn. He and Finn had been friends since primary school. It was like they had a special bond, something that no one else could touch. Chop, on the other hand, crashed into their lives during secondary. He'd always been this chilled out, cool, easy-going lad who loved to party. That was what made him so great, you could just forget all of your worries and have a laugh with him. You never had to be serious. But he'd always be there for you if you did.

As Archie approached the Black Swan, he realised some of the lads from college were standing outside the back entrance - not particularly friendly ones either. He noticed that after coming-out, people did act differently towards him. Some of it was actually really positive, people seemed to think he was brave and that it was cool he could be himself. It gave others another chance to take the piss. But Archie wasn't in the mood for that right now. Once the lads standing outside the pub doors noticed him, they started to smile but Archie just pushed passed them. The first thing he saw was Chop's brilliant, goofy smile, so he headed over.

Chop had been living the high life. Unlike the rest of the gang, he didn't go to college meaning he could be living it up. That was only when he was off work, mind. But that didn't seem to bother him, he was always up for a laugh and a pint. Recently they'd been so much shit and drama with everyone (which made him glad he left college at the start), that he just wanted things to go back to normal. Like they were during the summer last year. When he bumped into Archie, looking pretty down in the dumps actually, he knew it was a great time to grab a beer with his mate. Chop had a lot of mates. He was what you'd call a people pleaser. Those dickhead lads from college, the ones giving Archie a hard time, well, Chop didn't wanna muck it all up. He had a pretty good set up, but he knew what they were saying and doing was wrong. Archie was one of his best mates and he should never have let it get so far. He'd been a right tosser, to be frank. This drink would be perfect to make sure everything was alright between the two. He was sure it would be; Chop doesn't go around kissing all of his mates.

Chop walked towards the pub, taking in the sunshine. His tan was slowly coming back and he couldn't wait for the summer. The summer with the gang was always great. Heading out to the pubs, house parties, more sexy parties - the lot! He walked through the doors, greeted the lad behind the bar with his cheeky smile and got two pints in. He found the usual spot the gang located and sat down. He kept checking his watch and straightening out his tracksuit bottoms like he was trying to impress someone. Archie may seem like a bit of a toff at times, but he was alright. Chop didn't get why he was acting so nervous suddenly. Chop couldn't be more relieved when Archie walked through the door, even if he was looking rather flustered. He smiled and signalled him over, pointing out he'd got the first round it.

"'ere he is!" Chop patted Archie on the back as his friend slipped into his seat. "I've missed you lad", he pointed his finger towards Archie and smiled. He just wanted everything to be normal and the best way to do that was to put on his cheeky, chappy front. "It feels like I haven't seen you properly, in ages! What 'ya been up ta?"