Two Player Game

~Chapter Twenty-Seven~

"I.....I don't know."

He's not gonna cry. "He doesn't want to talk." He's not gonna cry. "He never wants to see me again." He's not going to "He's trying to forget about me." Jared goes quiet. He can't say anything that isn't true.

"Promise me you won't do that when I leave." he looks at him. "Promise me you won't forget me that easy! Jared, I can't lose you too."

"I promise. Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't. And I don't."

"Thank you. Thank you -" he kisses all over his face, tears heavy in his eyes. Jared pulls him close. He buries his face in his shoulder.

"I love you so much."

"I love you too. So much."

"I wish I could stay, I wish I'd applied to Princeton, I wish I didn't have to leave you like the garbage I am."

"Hey, listen to me. You are NOT garbage."

"I AM, Jared, that's all I've ever been! Broken, anxious garbage that is so afraid of rejection that he can't do ANYTHING right! So afraid of being forgotten by ANYONE I care about that I call my ex three times just to hear his voice because if he forgets me, what's stopping me from forgetting him?" That's when Jared smells it on his breath. He's drunk.

"....Evan, have you been drinking??"

"Maybe. A little."

"Oh, Evan.." he hugs him a little tighter.

"It lets me say how I feel, Jared, it lets me be honest it makes it hurt less until I think about it and then it hurts so much worse."

"Please....." he can't get the rest out.

"....We don't have long like this. Just hold me. Please." He does. He shuts his mouth and holds him. The night is quiet after that until Evan says quietly

"I feel sick."

"Is it.. hangover sick? Or like fever sick?"

"Fever sick. My eyes are hot. My mouth is dry. My whole body aches."

"Then just rest." Jared gets up. "I'll go get you some cold water and a wet rag."

"Thank you." Jared soon comes back with water and a cold wet rag that he lays on Evans forehead.

Evan smiles a little. "Thank you, Jared."

"Anything for you."

"... I'm sorry. I probably made you feel bad earlier."

"It's alright."

"It's not, baby, I'm really sorry. And now you gotta take care of me, I... I appreciate you."

"I want to take care of you, Ev. I care about you a lot."

"....Thanks. I love you."

"I love you too."

The next morning is h e L L for Evan. All vomit and body aches and cold sweats. He's not looking good. Jared's already got him more water and Advil. Rubbing circles on his back like he likes.