Summary: Patty and Awsten talk. Awsten has feelings for someone... 

(Title from Telephone by Waterparks).

(Awsten) 

"Hey," I knock on the red-wood door. "Patty, are you in there?" I speak. I hear a soft breath on the other side of the door. "Patty, come on, let me in, what happened?"

"Go away, Awsten," he mumbles. "I want to be alone. Please," he says, the desperation in his voice, very apparent. 

I roll my eyes and knock on the door again. He hates it when people ring because it's too loud. He doesn't that sudden loud noises. "C'mon, I can't leave my best friend hanging. Besides, you're already at the door. Just unlock it." 

I hear sniffling and that's when I'm about to kick down the door. It's one thing for him to be sad, but if he's crying? I might as well kill everyone I see- well everyone except Patty. I won't kill him. Duh. 

I hear a soft click and turn the doorknob. I poke my head in only to see the blond sitting on the floor with his back against the wall. His knees brought up to his chest. He doesn't look up. He just stays like that. 

I gently shut the door and kneel next to him. "Patty, are you okay?" I ask as soft as possible. This makes my voice go lower than I thought. He nods with his face against his knees. Lie. 

We were Facetiming. I was talking about something that happened at my part-time job and suddenly his face went blank. He looked away before glancing at the camera. Then he went to mute. I tried talking to him, but after a few seconds, he just hung up. 

That's usually what happens when he's about to break down. He'll be smiling, talking and then he'll go silent. Go blank. And then leave. 

This is why I try to keep him smiling. Maybe one day the smile will be enough to get rid of that blank stare. 

"I know you're not okay. Do you want to talk about it, or would you rather be alone?" I ask slowly, sitting next to him. 

He mumbles something and leans against me. I suck in a breath and carefully wrap my arm around him- for balance. 

Now is the question I've been asking myself since... Forever. Do I like him? Well, as a friend, yes- for sure. 100%. But as like a crush or love interest... I'm not sure. I've never been in a situation where I liked someone like this. I mean, yeah, I tend to get lost in those blue eyes of his. And yeah, I love the way his voice sounds to the point where I might listen to his voice messages whenever I miss him. And yeah, I love it when we share any kind of connection, even if it's just hands brushing against each other or making eye contact. 

He looks up with his beautiful blue eyes, reminding me of clear skies. "I'm sorry," he whispers. "I didn't mean to scare you like that, I just-"

"It's okay Patty. It happens. Just know that you always have your blue cotton candy boy to come to your rescue." I wink. He glances up at my dyed blue hair and manages a watery smile. 

"Thank you Aws," he mumbles. My heart pounds when he says that nickname. He's the only one that calls me that. Every. Single. Goddamn. Time. My heart just erupts into a little song, and I just feel my cheeks going hot like fire. 

I feel him press his head against my shoulder. At that same time, I bite my lower lip and stare at him. "Patty... I need to tell you something, and I don't want you to hate me for it or anything."

He sits up and wipes his tears with his sleeve. "Awsten, is something wrong?" he asks, raising an eyebrow. Oh, he looks so cute- I mean, what?

"You know how I told you I'm bi?" I ask slowly. He nods. He's been so supportive. Granted, he's the only one that knows, but he's been giving me more than enough support. I can't lose him. What the hell am I doing?! 

"Well, what if I'm developing feelings for someone?" I ask. The second I say that something about him changes. His shoulders drop and his eyes seem to go sad. That usually doesn't happen... 

"Well," he starts slowly. "Who are you talking about? Do I know this person?" He asks. I nod. He lets out a breath. "Okay... You could just say it. I'm sure that would be better than holding on and growing feelings for someone who might not feel the same."

Is he hinting that he doesn't like me? What's happening? Oh God. 

"How would you do that though? Do I just go, hey, by the way, I like you?" I ask, starting to feel panicky. Almost like his answer will solve cancer or something. 

"You can do that. Or you can do a romantic gesture. Bring them somewhere and tell them. Or you can just start a conversation like that," he says, shrugging. "But I really wouldn't know, I guess." 

I nod and let out a long sigh. "I think I know what I'm going to do," I say. He nods and wraps his arms around me, holding me tightly. 

"Whoever this is, is going to be the luckiest person in this world," he mumbles against my shirt. I smile and gently run my fingers through his soft hair. 

"Maybe," I answer. "Maybe..." 

~~~~

Planning wasn't difficult. I got Geoff and Otto (they're my friends too. More like coworkers, but we hang out sometimes), to help out with everything. 

After everything is done, I pull out my phone. 

Awsten: Hey... Can you come over?

I wait and see the three little dot things blinking. 

Patty: Sure... Are you okay?

Awsten: Yeah... Just, meet me outside my house, okay?

Patty: Okay... Only slightly scaring me Aws. 

I smile and pocket the phone. Geoff and Otto smile at me. Geoff walks to me while Otto cleans up some packages and tape. 

"Good luck, man. That kid's going to be lucky as hell. I hope it goes well for you," he pats my back. Otto nods and both of them walk out of the house. 

Now, the hardest part is actually going through with the plan. I find myself pacing back and forth until I see headlights. I run out of the house and see Patty run over to me. 

"Awsten, what's wrong?" He says, sounding worried. "Did something happen? Why- Wait, why are you in a suit?" He asks, staring at my clothes. 

"You know how I said I could do a romantic gesture?" I ask. He nods. "Well, I'm doing it," I smile. He returns a slightly confused smile. I open the door and he walks in. 

He stares at the candles and the roses. I'll be honest, it took us four hours, but it looks perfect. I really have to give Geoff and Otto and huge thanks. 

"Well, Patty," I clear my throat. He turns to face me, a smile radiating off his lips. "Patty Walters, I really like you, and I hope-"

He cuts me off by pressing his lips to mine. Okay... I did not expect that. Not complaining though-

I kiss back and he wraps his arms around me. 

When we pull away, I stare into his eyes. "I like you too," he whispers.