soft boy

♡34♡

It was a silent twenty minute drive, though it felt much longer. His own insecurities of being a horrible person, as well as a despicable friend, ate away at him. It crawled through his skin, disappointment seeping into his bloodstream like poison through veins.

He pulled up beside Will's car, but stayed seated for a few minutes. Will and George were busy talking to Alex's parents, most likely explaining the situation, and Stephen was stood beside Alex's brother, softly rubbing Alex's back.

Alex's brother had a tight hold on him, similar to the one Stephen had. He cradled Alex close, his head resting on top of Alex's, and James could make out small movements of his mouth, so there was no doubt he was trying to reassure his brother that he would be okay.

Within a few minutes, Alex's parents had retreated back inside, and James felt horrible after seeing the clear tear tracks down his mother's cheeks. Will and George stayed outside, and for some reason James decided it was the perfect time to go join them, and the perfect time to attempt at a proper apology.

He watched their heads snap towards him as he opened his car door. George glared at him, Stephen shook his head, Will sighed in disapproval and Alex's brother rolled his eyes.

"Haven't you got somewhere else to be, Marriott?" He spat.

"I came to apologise." James started. "I understand that you-"

"James just fuck off." George spat. James held his hands up defensively as he began walking closer.

"Come any closer and I'll fucking hit you myself." Alex's brother threatened, finally looking James in the eyes.

"Can I just apologise?" James asked rejectedly.

"None of us want to hear it James!" He shouted.

"Will leave it." He heard Alex whisper, grabbing a hold of his brothers hand as he moved out of their hug. He pulled his brother back inside, completely ignoring James' pleas to apologise. He closed the door with a slam, causing the boys to all flinch.

"You shouldn't have come, mate." Stephen muttered. "Something's clearly happened, and they didn't want you here-"

"He's the one who told Alex to fucking drown himself Ste!" George shouted in frustration. "Of course none of us want to see him!"

"Y' did what?!" Will shouted incredulously. "Are y' a fuckin' idiot?!"

"I was upset!" James quickly tried to explain.

"That doesn't excuse it." Stephen calmly said. "You can apologise when things have died down."

"Ste-"

"No." Stephen said harshly, pushing James aside. "Go home, and see if he'll talk in the morning. That's enough for today."

"I'm sorry." James whispered.

"It's not me that needs the apology."