Chapter
Forty-Two: Nerves and Love:
Lenard got lost
in his gaze towards Tai. How could someone so perfect be real? Tai was always
there for him. Even towards the end of their high school days.
How did I get so
lucky?
Lenard didn’t get it. What did he do to get such a good man? He couldn’t help
but smile.
“I like you
vest,” someone said behind him. Lenard turned his head. Ryo stood behind him
with a drink in hand.
“Where did you
get it?” she asked.
“Oh,” Lenard
said. “Just bought it from a thrift shop.”
“You like
those?” she asked.
“Yeah,” Lenard
said. Usually, he’d try to run when he was along with girls. His eyes shifted
back and forth. Ryo gave him an odd look.
“Are you okay?”
he asked.
“Huh?” he asked.
She reached out to touch his forehead. He froze up.
“Can you please
not?” Lenard asked. “Just… don’t.” Ryo drew back her hand.
“I apologize,”
she said. He shivered. She raised her eyebrow.
“Is something
wrong?” Ryo asked. Lenard shook his head.
“It’s nothing,”
he said. The man grabbed his arm. He turned and walked away.
“Lenard?” Ryo
asked. He raced over to Tai. His roommate looked up.
“Lenny?” he
asked. The blonde man moved in closer.
“What’s the
matter?” Tai asked. Lenard looked down at his hand.
“What’s wrong?”
Tai asked.
“What happened?” His
roommate shook his head.
“Do you want to
leave now?” the Japanese man asked. Lenard shook his head.
“No?” Tai asked.
His roommate shook his head again. The other man looked confused.
“Okay… Do you
want to stay with me for a bit?” he asked. Lenard nodded once. His roommate put
his arm around his shoulders.
“Alright,” Tai
said. “You can stay by me.” Lenard bowed his head.
“Thank you,” he
whispered. He rested his head on Tai’s shoulder.
----------
-Six Years Ago-
Lenard kept to
himself during his school years. He never fit in. At the time, he hated himself.
He hated his body. He hated his name. He hated how guys tried to touch her. Yes,
“her”. Lenard used to be a girl named Shelby.
But Tai was
different.
He looked so
free. Tai drew people to him. He was comfortable with himself. Everything Lenard
wasn’t. Two paths that shouldn’t cross, right?
But they did.
-Present Day-
Lenard looked up
at Tai. Something about him always put him at ease. The American man couldn’t
help but smile.
“Better?” Tai
asked.
“Uh-huh,” Lenard
said. He looked at his empty cup.
“I think I might
need another drink,” he said.
“Do you want me
to go get it for you?” Tai asked. Lenard shook his head.
“Nah,” he said.
“I can go get it myself.” His roommate raised his eyebrow.
“You sure?” he
asked.
“Yes, I am fine
now,” Lenard said. “I can do this.” Tai shrugged.
“Okay,” he said.
“I’ll be right here.”
“Thanks,” his roommate said. He bowed and walked to
the kitchen. This would have to do for now. At least he had Tai at his side.