Rodney snaked his way down the familiar dirt path of the conservation area, his breath forming little clouds in the cool morning air. He glanced at his phone again, the text from Hunter had told him to meet him in the clearing. He reread the part where Hunter told him he had something important to say to him, Rodney had spent most of the morning wondering what it could be.

  As he rounded the bend, Rodney spotted the familiar gap between two spruce trees, a portal to a hidden nook no one could see from the path. He ducked under the branches, but Hunter was nowhere in sight.

  "Hunter?" Rodney called wondering if he had somehow ended up in the wrong clearing, as he turned to leave something grabbed him from behind. Rodney almost jumped out of his skin, a small yelp escaping his lips.

  "Relax," came Hunter's voice from behind "It's just me," He spun Rodney around to face him. "Didn't mean to scare you," He was wearing that playful smile Rodney had come to love.

  "I wasn't scared, you just surprised me," Rodney tried to defend himself, his face turning bright red.

  "You're so cute when you try to lie," Hunter laughed before leaning in, his lips connecting with Rodney's. Rodney moved in closer, feeling the warmth from Hunter's embrace spread through his body.

  Time seemed to halt as they lost themselves in each other, the world beyond their hidden clearing forgotten. It wasn't until Hunter pulled away, chuckling as he buttoned up his shirt, that reality seeped back in.

  "Thanks for the workout," Hunter said with a wink, his hazel eyes sparkling.

  Rodney let out a laugh. "Anytime," he said, leaning in for another quick kiss.

  "Remember, we have a student council meeting after school tomorrow. The DJ for the spring formal dropped out so we have to brainstorm some ideas for a replacement," Hunter reminded him, his voice taking on a more serious note.

  "Wouldn't miss it," Rodney assured him, his smile fading as a thought crossed his mind. "Hey have broken up with Chelsea? I mean I know us being a thing was kind of sudden but I wasn't sure what happened with you two,"

  Hunter paused by the gap in the trees, "Oh, right. No, honestly I've been spending so much time with you, I kind of forgot." Hunter said as if he had almost forgotten they had been dating. "I'll shoot her a text later." He turned and started ducking under the branches.

  "Well, wait a minute. You can't dump her over text, you have to do it face to face." Rodney rolled his eyes as he followed Hunter out onto the path.

  "Ok, Ok. I'll talk to her in person tomorrow." Hunter shook his head and raised his hands in surrender. "Now let's get going, my dad has his co-workers coming over for dinner and if I am late he is going to kill me."

  Alright, get going," Rodney smiled, watching Hunter look back over his shoulder as he walked away.

  ---

  The chatter of the cafeteria filled Rodney's ears as he navigated through the maze of tables. The smell of fries and pizza wafted in the air. He found Derek at their usual table, he was flipping through a book.

  "What are you reading?" Rodney asked, sliding into the seat beside him.

  Derek looked up, seeming like he was caught off guard. "Just some uni stuff for next year," he said, trying to tuck the book away quickly. "Getting a head start."

  "Oh, which course has teen vampire romance as required reading?" Rodney asked, tilting his head to read the spine of the book.

  Derek's face turned bright red "Ok so maybe it isn't course-specific, but I will have to read in uni," Derek commented, nudging him playfully.

  "Ah yes. So you are getting some practice—"

  Rodney's words trailed off mid-sentence, his gaze latching onto a sight that knotted his stomach. Hunter weaved through the lunchroom crowd, unmistakably close to Chelsea, until they sat over with the Hunter's friends.

  "Is everything alright?" Derek asked, following Rodney's stare.

  "Yeah, just got distracted for a minute," Rodney muttered, his earlier joy dissolving into confusion.

  "Hey, don't sweat it. Some feelings are hard to overcome. But you can do so much better than Hunter," Derek said, giving Rodney a sympathetic look.

  "I know," Rodney allowed, his eyes locked on the way Hunter was letting Chelsea hold his hand while they ate.

  "Anyway, my folks are opening the pool soon. Come over for a swim this weekend, it will be freezing but ice baths are supposed to be good for you," Derek suggested, trying to pull Rodney's attention away from Hunter.

  "Sounds good," Rodney muttered turning back to Derek.

  "Great, I have to go meet Madison in the library do you want to come?"

  "Uh, no I'm all good," Rodney replied flashing Derek a smile. Derek nodded, throwing his backpack over his shoulder. He gave Rodney a pat on the shoulder as he walked by, feeling a little guilty about leaving him there.

  Derek pushed his way through the library doors searching for Madison. Madison, leaning over her laptop, flashed him a nervous grin. He couldn't help but feel like something was a little off as he approached.

  "So how can I be of service today? I'm beginning to think I should charge for my advice," Derek joked, sliding into the chair across from her.

  "Well, I have been meaning to tell you something," Madison replied, pulling on a loose thread on her jacket. "I got into McGill too, and I meant to tell you sooner but I didn't want to ruin your plans for rooming together and I didn't even know if I wanted to go to McGill. I'm sorry,"

  "Don't be sorry," Derek chuckled, "That is awesome that you got in, you need to do what's best for you. Marcy and I will survive," he offered her a genuine smile.

  "Thanks, Derek. Honestly, the choice has been wearing on me," Madison explained. "McGill is so far away and I don't know anyone there. Sometimes I wish I could just skip it all together, have someone else choose for me."

  "I know the feeling," Derek managed, his tone dropping.

  Madison's eyes narrowed. "Ok. So like, what's eating you?"

  He hesitated, his mind wandering back to the hurt look on Rodney's face when he saw Hunter and Chelsea together. With a sigh, Derek decided to tell Madison, something he hadn't told anyone else in their friend group.

  "You know how Rod tried to...you know, earlier this year. I guess it started then, uni doesn't feel as exciting as he did, I'm scared to leave before I'm sure he's going to be okay," he confessed, his gaze fixed on the lines running through the table.

  Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  "Have you talked to him about it?" Madison asked, her voice softening.

  "I can't do that to him. It will just make Rodney feel worse," Derek explained.

  "Derek, Rodney loves you. The two of you are best friends. Don't you think, like he deserves to know how you're feeling too?" she pointed out, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. "We all worry about him, but he is stronger than we give him credit for."

  Derek nodded. "I guess I could."

  ***

  After school, Madison's key turned in the lock, the click heralding her return to the quiet of her home. Dropping her bag by the door, she let out a deep breath, things had gone better than expected telling Derek about McGill. As she crossed into the kitchen she saw the acceptance letter sitting on the island. She found herself reading over it again, it was a unique opportunity.

  An email notification snagged her attention, sender: Marcy Thompson. Curiosity piqued, Madison clicked open the message, her eyes widening at the cascade of apartment photos that filled her screen. A two-bedroom within their limited budget.

  "Marcy, where did you find this place?" Madison asked, phone pressed to her ear moments later.

  "Friends are moving out, and guess who they thought of first?" Marcy's voice bubbled with excitement. "It's her mom's property, and they love the idea of us moving in. I am going to call Derek next,"

  "That is amazing," Madison stammered, for the first time being able to envision herself living somewhere other than her home. "This place is perfect!"

  "Isn't it? it's like fate. The right place at the right time," Marcy's smile could be felt through the phone. "I am so excited to make it officially ours."

  "Me too," Madison said softly before ending the call. Maybe the universe was listening to her after all because in that moment she had made up her mind on where she wanted to go.

  Madison leaned back in her chair, a contented smile blooming on her face. For the first time in weeks, she felt certain about something. Now all she had to do was text Derek.

  ---

  The next day at school, Matt dragged his feet into the art room, the room filled with students just looking for an easy A. A cluster of easels encircled a makeshift aquarium in the middle of the room, its glass walls filled with underwater plants and plastic fish. Matt tilted his head, surveying the scene before claiming a spot that offered the best angle in his opinion.

  "Really? An aquarium model?" Zoe's voice broke through his concentration as she slipped into the seat beside him. Her eyes took in the display under her tousled brown hair. "Do you think she hand-painted those fish?"

  "Ms. Lamb probably wanted to show off her glasswork again. After all, she took a class," Matt and Zoe finished in unison, smirking. "But, uh, filling it with water? That's just tempting fate."

  "Ten bucks says Jeremy knocks it over before class ends," Zoe whispered, nodding toward their classmate who had squeezed too hard opening his paint and was now coated in it.

  "I don't think he'll be cleaned up before class is over." Matt chuckled, shaking his head.

  "Then you have nothing to worry about," Zoe said offering him her hand.

  "Sure, it's a bet then," Matt shook her hand and watched Jeremy waddle out of the room as he tried not to drip everywhere.

  Luck was not on Matt's side though, halfway through the class Jeremy returned. He crossed the room to grab a new brush and tripped over his untied shoelaces, sending the aquarium crashing to the floor with a dramatic splash. Water cascaded across the tiles, fish figurines scattered like marbles. Matt caught Zoe's eye, both suppressing laughs at her accurate prediction.

  "Called it," Zoe mouthed, her grin wide and victorious.

  Post-class chaos ensued, students scrambled to clean up while Ms. Lamb fussed over the mess. Matt gathered his things, ready to escape, when he realized Zoe was trailing behind him instead of heading to her locker.

  "Uh, you're going the wrong way," Matt pointed out.

  Zoe bit her lip, hesitating. "I know, but I plan on collecting my money before I head to class."

  "Oh, uh... I don't actually have the money on me," Matt scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

  "Well, then we'll have to figure something else out." Zoe's cheeks tinged pink.

  "Ok, what?" Matt asked, not sure why Zoe was acting so weird all of a sudden.

  "How about you buy me dinner sometime." She said casually. "that should even it out."

  His heart skipped a beat, heat flooding his face. "Wait do you mean like a date?"

  "That's the idea," Zoe teased, leaning forward to plant a quick kiss on his cheek before sauntering away.

  "Hey! Wait up, where do you want to eat?" Matt stammered as he chased after her, still blushing furiously.

  ---

  Rodney strolled through Victoria Park that night, lost in thought, when Hunter appeared by his side. His hazel eyes locked onto Rodney, who wished he could just dissolve into the autumn leaves.

  "Rod, is your phone off or something?" Hunter's tone held a hint of accusation.

  "Look, I saw you with Chelsea," Rodney muttered, feeling a knot tighten in his stomach. "You were holding hands, I thought you were going to end things with her."

  "It's complicated, okay?" Hunter ran a hand through his tousled hair. "My parents my parents love her and they've been off my back since I started dating her. They don't need to know about us."

  "Hunter! That's messed up," Rodney scoffed. "So I really am just your second choice,"

  "No, it's not like that." Hunter closed the distance between them, his voice earnest. "You are my number one, Rod. But I can't go back to the way things were before."

  "Well, what about Chelsea? She'll be crushed when she finds out," Rodney said, his eyes tracing the ground.

  "We have an open relationship, man. We can see whoever we want." Hunter sounded very convincing.

  "Ok..." Rodney felt a tangle of unease but still found himself leaning in as Hunter moved closer, their lips meeting in a brief, conflicted kiss.

  "So we're all good now," Hunter murmured against Rodney's mouth. "Right?"

  "I guess so," Rodney pulled away, unsure about anything that was happening here.

  "Great, so why don't I buy you dinner and we can hang for a bit," Hunter's smile instantly grew as Rodney trailed behind him toward town

  ---

  Jordan pushed open the squeaky door of Roy's, the familiar aroma of fries and burgers wafting through the air. Friday nights had become unusually quiet since they broke up with Steven, leaving a void that no amount of comfort food could fill. They shuffled to the counter, ordering a vanilla milkshake and sweet potato fries.

  "Will that be all?" the waitress asked, her pen still pressed to her notepad.

  "Yep, that's it," Jordan replied absently, offering a tired smile.

  The bells at the front door rang, alerting the diner to the presence of a new customer. Jordan turned at the sound and there he was, slouched in the doorway, Steven. Alone.

  "Hey," Jordan said before he could think it through, Steven looked over at him.

  Steven's face brightened with a genuine smile. "Hey... mind if I join you?" he asked, making his way over.

  "Not at all" Jordan moved over in their booth, "how have you been?"

  "Same old, same old. Nothing exciting," Steven shrugged, taking a seat next to him. "You?"

  "Just working on the DJ problem, the one for the dance dropped out," Jordan admitted, as the waitress returned to the table. "Other than that, it's been pretty uneventful."

  Silence settled over them, and the waitress used that moment to take Steven's order. As she left the table, Steven turned to Jordan, his eyes softening.

  "I've missed this... hanging out with you," he confessed.

  "Me too," Jordan murmured, looking into his eyes.

  "Think maybe we could... be friends again?" Steven gave them a hopeful look, his hand hovering mid-air.

  "Absolutely," Jordan smiled, taking his hand and giving it a shake. "In fact, I need a buddy for the new Drag Race season."

  "I'll bring my wig," Steven said, both of them bursting into laughter. The tension seemed to resolve slightly as they caught up with each other, two friends who missed each other more than they realized.

  ---

  The morning sun filtered into Rodney's kitchen as he poured himself a bowl of cereal. The tranquillity of his lazy morning was interrupted by a sharp knock at the door. With a sigh, he padded over and swung it open, revealing Derek on the doorstep.

  "Hey, can we talk?" Derek's voice wavered slightly while he shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

  "Sure," Rodney replied, stepping aside. He was already worried about what Derek had to say.

  Derek hesitated before speaking, he sat down in front of Rodney's bowl of cereal. His eyes avoided Rodney's until he found his words, "Rod, first off you know I love you, man. You're my best friend."

  Rodney braced himself for the inevitable 'but.'

  "But I'm scared." Derek's eyes fell to the floor again. "What happened earlier this year scared me, I thought I lost you. And now I'm afraid that if I go, if I leave you. That you could go back to that place and I won't be able to help you." Tears began to well in Derek's eyes.

  Rodney raced over and pulled Derek into a tight hug. He had never seen Derek this way before, but he knew what it was like to feel scared and he hated the fact he made Derek feel that way, "I love you too, Derek. And I'm sorry for scaring you."

  Pulling back, Rodney held Derek at arm's length, earnestness etched into his features. "But listen, you don't need to worry about me. I won't be alone, I'll have Matt and Jordan, not to mention the crazy amount of therapy I do. I never want to be the one holding you back, you're my friend, I'm supposed to be the one pushing you forward."

  "Rodney, I don't think I would be the person I am today if I hadn't met you in that garden," Derek half laughed, a tear escaping down his cheek. "You've done nothing but push me forward,"

  Rodney nodded, the corners of his mouth lifting in a half-smile as he started to tear up too. "You've done the same for me. We're in this together, Derek. Nothing is going to change that."

  They pulled each other back in for another hug, over Rodney's soggy chocolate puffs. After the tears, they both decided a quick game of Cup Heads was the best way to lift the mood.