Endless

Want To Come Home With Me?

ANGEL'S POV

Sage and I were in his room a few days later, studying for upcoming tests quietly. I had yet to inform him of what had happened with Paulie; it had seemed so insignificant at that point, I saw no reason for it.

"Angel?" Sage began quietly.

"Hm?" I kept my eyes on my textbook, scanning the pages.

"Do you want to come home with me?" I blinked in surprise, eyes rising to meet his nerve-racked green ones.

"What do you mean come home with you?"

"For spring break. I'm going home, and I think I'm going to tell my parents." That year's spring break had been extended to three weeks due to the construction occurring in quite a few dorm buildings. To even things out, they'd shortened winter break to two weeks instead of the usual four.

"Tell your parents... about you and me?" I asked slowly.

"You, me, everything." I nodded carefully, processing. "You don't have to, of course. I know it's kind of a lot. I just... I'd feel a lot better if you were there, with me." His voice was quiet and he lowered his head shyly.

"No, I just... I don't want you to feel like I have to be there for that. I mean, I know it's a big deal, and I wouldn't want to be getting in the way or causing a problem." His eyebrow quirked.

"There's already kind of a problem, Angel." I frowned.

"And what exactly would that be?" His eyes flickered to mine, realizing how his words came off.

"I didn't mean it like that."

"Okay, what did you mean it like?" He blinked at me as I waited for an answer. Too long went by of us simply staring at each other before I sighed heavily, rising to leave.

"Wait, don't go."

"If I'm such an issue, then why are you even with me?" His expression fell to a mixture of hurt and shock, guilt striking me in the chest.

"Angel, you... You don't mean that." No, I don't. But I was hurt by his words and I didn't like the feeling I had; like he was ashamed of me and our relationship.

He neared me but I stepped back, gripping the doorknob.

"I'm just going to go. I'll... I'll call you tomorrow." Before he could say another word, I was gone. Tears welled up in my eyes as I hurried back to my dorm and collapsed onto my bed. Carlos frowned from his desk, approaching my bed and sitting on the edge.

"Angel, what's wrong?" I looked at him through my blurred vision, sniffling softly.

"Sage and I got into an argument about going home to see his parents." Tears slipped down my cheeks as Carlos tried to give me a box of tissues, but I shook my head, wiping my cheeks with my sleeves.

"What happened?" He asked, scooting further onto the bed.

"He'd asked me to come home with him and when I said I didn't want to cause any problems he said there already was one." I shook my head softly. "Like he was ashamed of me."

"Angel... I know Terry usually does the advice part, but can I give it a shot?" I nodded slowly. "I really don't think he's ashamed of you. But he's still figuring all of this out and you know it can be confusing sometimes. And you know better than anyone how hard it is to come out to your parents. Especially parents who won't accept it. So just... be there for him. Like Terry and I were for you. Do whatever he needs. If he wants you to go home with him when he does it, I think you should go. It's up to you, but I would, if it were me." As he finished he handed me the box of tissues that I now accepted. I knew he was right. "Now, I have to go to work. You going to be alright?" I smiled softly and nodded.

"I'll be fine." He patted my shoulder and headed out, leaving me with my thoughts. After recomposing myself, I stood and headed for the door, prepared to apologize to Sage.

When I swung the door open, I was met with Sage himself, just about to knock, my eyes saddening at his red eyes, my heart contracting.

"Oh, babe," I deflated.

"Love, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way, I swear. I just meant that—" I pulled him in, wrapping my arms around his neck. Surprised, he nuzzled his face in the crook of my neck, sighing.

"I'm sorry. I was being selfish. I wouldn't let you explain, and I should've listened. I'm sorry," I apologized, squeezing him tighter. He pulled me in closer by my waist, exhaling in relief.

"It's okay, it's okay." He placed a soft kiss against my neck and I tugged him towards my bed. Slipping off his shoes and shrugging off his jacket, he crawled into my bed next to me. We faced each other as I traced the outline of his face with my fingers, wanting to memorize every single detail, his eyes fluttered shut at my touch.

"I adore you," I whispered. A small smile crept onto his lips, his eyes still closed.

"I adore you." I halted my movements, slowly padding my thumb on the apple of his cheek.

"I know this is hard for you." He met my gaze. "And I know you're scared. But you're doing so good." He bit his lip and shuffled closer, kissing my lips softly.

"Thank you." I ran a hand through his hair and curled into him, sighing softly.

As I rubbed small circles onto his shoulder, he squeezed me tighter and I smiled, in complete awe of him. And when he fell asleep, I gazed up at him, thanking the universe for the perfect boy in my arms.