Don't Close Your Eyes

He stayed with her there that night. They cuddled on the couch, taking comfort in the misery of one another. Sometimes it’s nice to know that you’re not the only one whose life is crashing down around your ears.

It was a tradition of theirs to watch The Wizard of Oz when they were feeling so down. Something about Judy Garland’s whimsical journey made them feel better deep down on the inside.

The screen flickered and glowed, casting light on their faces. Hayley looked at Ville lovingly for a moment before kissing him on the temple and pressing her forehead against the spot.

“I love you,”

“I love you too.” He gave her a squeeze.

“Even though you’re just a gay little figure skater.” She joked.

“Even though you’re just a nosy little fag hag.” He smirked. She laughed and they settled back down into one another.

**

Ville left her house early that morning. She was still sleeping, her hair spilling over her face. He tenderly brushed it away and kissed her on the cheek.

“I love you very much, Hayley Jillian.” He murmured as he tiptoed out of the house, closing the door behind him gently so he wouldn’t wake her up.

While he was walking, he saw a familiar form in the distance. He blinked and shook his head to clear the cobwebs from his brain. It couldn’t be who he thought it was. There was no way.

So Ville continued his leisurely pace in the gray sky morning. But the figure was rushing towards him, heedless of looking both ways before crossing the street. He stood, leaning against the streetlight.

“Ville! Ville, wait for me.” Bam was suddenly there, breathless. He was leaning over, his hands on his knees.

“What are you doing here?” Ville was shocked. The boy looked up at him, cheeks pink from exertion.

“I went to your house…Your mother said… You weren’t home.” He panted. “Said you went… To see Hayley… So I called… Rake. Got her…Address… Had… To find you.” He gasped out.

“Why?” the Finn hardened his expression. “What do you need?”

“I need to tell you something.” He’d gotten his breath back.

“You’ve told me everything I could possibly need to hear from you.” The green eyed boy turned to walk away. Bam reached out and caught his arm above the elbow.

“Wait! Please. Please hear me out, okay?”

“I don’t see why I should.”

“Because I deserve a second chance, don’t I? Doesn’t everybody deserve one more chance? Forgiveness?”

“Talk fast,” Ville scowled as he relented.

“I’m sorry, Ville. I’m really, really sorry. I just… This is all so new to me. I don’t know who I am anymore. For years and years, my identity was solid. And then I met you, and everything got turned upside down.

But I like it! I like it a lot. The only problem is that I know not everyone else is going to like it, and that scares me. I love who I am, and I’m going to have to learn how to fit this new part of me into the rest of my life.” Bam sighed.
“I know I’m not making a lot of sense right now. I guess what I’m really trying to say is that you’re worth it to me, Ville. You’re worth them not liking me. I would gladly lose them if it meant that I could have you in the end.”

“Really?” Ville breathed. His eyes stung. No one had ever said anything like that to him before.
“Are you sure, Bam? I won’t be a secret. Not for you or anyone. If you’re with me, then I really want you to be WITH me. And I have to tell you that this isn’t going to be easy. This is going to be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done.” He swallowed. He knew his words could change Bam’s mind, but he hoped—oh how he hoped—that they wouldn’t.

“I don’t care about any of that, Ville! I don’t deserve you, I admit that. But I’m going to do my best to start deserving you.”

“Bam,”

“So what do you say? Do you forgive me?” he bit his lip. The only response that Ville could think of was to reach out and cup his face in his hands, brush that lip with his thumbs.

Bam’s mouth opened, just a little bit, and Ville used that chance to kiss him. It wasn’t an innocent, exploring kiss like they had had before. This was a nasty; let’s head to my bedroom kiss. All tongue and teeth, and tiny moans.

Ville’s hand found its way to the back of Bam’s head. Long fingers tangled in his hair, tugging just a little bit. His mouth released its captive and headed down the column of throat the hockey player boasted.

“V-Ville,” Bam whimpered.

“Hush,” Ville whispered tenderly. He tugged the collar of the shirt out of the way and found the place where Bam’s neck and shoulder met. And right there, he pressed a searing, biting kiss. Bam winced, held onto Ville’s arms.

“Aaah,” he hissed as Ville pulled away, kissing the red mark that had blossomed.

“Now when you look in the mirror, you’re going to remember who has claimed you. Meet me tomorrow at the skating rink.” He whispered hotly in his ear, giving him one more kiss before turning and walking away, leaving Bam trembling there, in the middle of the sidewalk.