Arya paced in front of me as the two of us stood in my apartment with our expressions firm. "Kenji's friends with Aarav. What do we do?"

        "I don't know." I bit my lip and grabbed my chin as I stared down at the carpet. "I don't fucking know, and how did this happen?"

         I was laying on my couch, playing video games when I receive a call from Arya that Kenji was BFFs with Aarav. It was a shock, and seeing them together blew my mind even more. I wish I got more punches in, even if Kenji seemed upset with me. We hadn't contacted each other since yesterday. It didn't reach the point of ignoring each other yet, but it was still strange.

        "Arya." I grabbed her arms and looked into her eyes. "This is your secret. I know and respect that, but Kenji had a point. How is he supposed to end his friendship with Aarav when he doesn't know why he's doing it? Kenji is stubborn. He needs more than what we're giving him." Her shoulders relaxed. "You telling me about what's been happening showed a lot of courage on your part, and I'm not trying to convince you to tell Kenji, but Aarav is a bad guy. Kenji doesn't know what he's getting himself into." She removed my hands off of her and took a step back. "Please, Arya. We can't keep going like this."

        "I know."

        I rubbed my forehead. "You do?"

        "Text the others to come over," she said. "Tell them it's urgent."

        "Others, meaning Clay, Alissa—"

        "The others," she cut in. "Go on."

        "Okay." That was exactly what I did. I sent a mass text for all of them to get their sorry asses to my place. A couple minutes later, Arya and I sat on my couch staring forward. "Arya..."

        "I know what I'm doing," she said. "It's something I should have done a long time ago."

        "You're not drinking," I said. "This is the first time in a while I've seen you without you drinking."

        She rolled her eyes. "I'm not an alcoholic, Darian. How many times do I have to tell you that?"

        "No one wants to admit they're an alcoholic," I pointed out. "All I'm saying is, I'm proud of you for not drinking right now. Whatever you're about to do, I'm sure it's better than drinking."

        She sighed. "I'm not so sure about that."

        Clay and Alissa were the first to arrive, and their eyes widened at the sight of Arya. Arya and I rose while Alissa frowned at her.

        "What's she doing here?" Alissa asked, and I put an arm out.

        "Take it easy now," I said. "No need to get feisty."

        Clay moved Alissa's attention to him. "'Lis, don't you know?" he said. "Darian's Arya's bodyguard."

        Arya crossed her arms while I deadpanned. "Ha, ha," I said. "Very funny."

        "Darian, why're we here?" Clay asked. "Arya's here, so it's definitely not a group hangout." Arya's hands dropped to her sides. "So what's up?"

        Right then, Honoka and Kenji walked in. Did I leave my door unlocked? How were all these people walking in?

        Kenji and Honoka stopped in their steps at the sight of Arya. Kenji chuckled, but it was forced. "Oh hell no," he said. "I should have known."

        "Kenji." I stepped forward, but he waved a hand for me to stop.

        "To think I was giving you the benefit of the doubt," he said. "I shouldn't be here, especially after that stunt you pulled yesterday."

        Honoka had already removed her shoes and stood next to Clay, who glanced between me and Kenji. "What stunt? Are you guys fighting again?" He sent us a disapproving look. "You guys need to get it together."

        "Shut up, Clay," Kenji and I said simultaneously.

        Honoka moved forward to me while Kenji removed his shoes. "Darian, what's going on? Why're we here?"

        "I told him to call you here." Arya stepped to the side to face all of us, and she had all of our attention, even Kenji's.

        "Why'll you do that?" Alissa asked. "I thought you didn't want anything to do with us?"

        "Let her speak," I said. "Please."

        Alissa raised her hands, and Clay shook his head. "I told you, 'Lis. Better watch out."

        I punched his arm, and he scooted away from me with a wince.

        "What did you want to say, Arya?" Honoka said, sounding surprisingly calm.

        "I wanted to say I'm sorry," Arya said, making all of our eyes widen. "I'm sorry to all of you for the way I've behaved lately. I'm sorry for acting like I'm the shit and as if you guys are below me. I'm sorry for being a complete bitch to all of you and for telling you I didn't want anything to do with you. I thought I didn't, but I do. I missed you guys." Her expression softened. "I miss my best friends who I could laugh with, joke around with, and confide in. I miss everything, even the little annoying quirks and phrases and all the drama that comes with our group."

        Alissa and Honoka expressions relaxed as well. Kenji rolled his eyes, and I narrowed my eyes at him.

        "I'm sorry for almost jeopardizing your relationships. Clay and Alissa. Kenji and Darian." I honestly didn't think she almost jeopardized my and Kenji's relationship. "I'm sorry I disrespected you during your get-together, Honoka and Kenji." Honoka shrugged. "I'm sorry I was so rude to you that first meeting, Kenji and Alissa."

        "You were a bitch," Alissa said. "We wouldn't be having this conversation right now if you were a little nicer back then."

        "I know," Arya agreed. "And I'm sorry I was so rude to you that night you came to visit me, Kenji. I'm sorry for making things difficult for you, Darian." Arya zeroed in on me. "You've been there for me ever since I came back, and you kept my biggest secret. I had no right exposing something that you confided to me, even if it was to hurt Kenji." I smiled as her gaze shifted to Kenji. "And I'm especially sorry to you, Kenji. I was terrible to you, out of everyone. I never should have blamed you for what happened to Camila, and I never should have been so angry at you."

        He stared at her for a second with his lips pressed together. "You ruined our friendship," he said, "and you blamed me for it."

        "Well, I was wrong," she said. "All the shit that happens to me is my fault. It's my fault I lost my friends. It's my fault I feel so lonely and miserable and empty on the inside. It's my fault that the only time I feel a little alive is when there's a bottle against my lips."

        That was a problem. From the looks Honoka was sending me, she seemed to agree.

        "It's not your fault, Kenji," she went on. "Or Darian's or anyone else's. It's mine because I choose to be lonely and miserable."

        Alissa sent her a sympathetic look. "That's heartbreaking, Arya. You shouldn't choose that."

        "I know," she said. "Which is why I don't want to be that way anymore. I'm tired of being miserable and alone. I want my friends back." Her eyes moved up to meet ours with a pleading look. "I know I've done a lot of shit, and I'm not the easiest person to be around, but I really want your forgiveness. I'm not perfect, and I'll probably screw up some more, but I'll love to be your friend again."

        I was the first person to come forward, and I wrapped my arm around her. "I'm not perfect either, so I sure as hell don't expect you to be." She smiled at me as I squeezed her shoulder. "I've been here for you through everything, and I'm not going anywhere."

        "Thank you, Darian." Arya wrapped her arms around me for a side hug.

        "I forgive you," Honoka said. "I'm glad you've realized all these things, and I'm assuming you're sincerely sorry."

        "I am."

        Honoka nodded. "Then I definitely forgive you."

        "You pissed me off," Alissa said. "You hurt me, but that's only because you were once my girl." Arya chuckled. "You meant a lot to me, and losing you didn't feel good. If you're sorry, I accept your apology."

        Arya and I looked over to Clay, who raised his hands in surrender. "Hey, I'm good," he said. "If you say we're cool, Arya. We're cool."

        She grinned as she looked around at the others. Then she stopped on Kenji. "It's up to you, Kenji," she said. "I've apologized twice now. The ball is in your court."

        "I always have to forgive people, don't I?" Kenji said. "When they hurt me, they're not the bad guy, but I am if they apologize, and I don't accept it. My mother. You, Darian. Now, Arya?"

        "That's not fair." I let go of Arya and focused on Kenji. "Don't punish Arya because of what me and your mother did."

        "How much forgiving can I do?"

        "Is this really about the whole situation, Kenji?" I asked. "Or is it only a certain aspect of it?"

        "I don't know, Darian," he said. "I don't know what to think anymore."

        "Kenji, can I talk to you?" Arya intervened. "In Darian's room, please. There's something you need to know."

        I grabbed her and pulled her towards me. "Are you about—"

        "He needs to know the truth," Arya said. "There's no other way."

        "I hope you're not feeling pressured," I whispered.

        "This is for his own well-being," she said. "It goes beyond me."

        I released her, and Arya led Kenji away to my room. I couldn't believe this was actually happening. Clay moved to stand beside me. "What the hell's happening?"

        "I don't know," I said. "And I don't know what's about to happen. Come on." I waved Honoka and Alissa over, and all four of us made it to the kitchen. "Let's get food."

        We got chips and drinks, and we gathered around the living room. Alissa grabbed a hold of the remote and channel surfed, but we mostly talked. I tried to contribute to the conversation, but most of my mind was on Kenji and Arya. I tried not to show it, but when Arya called my name, I jumped up.

        "Darian, come here," she said, and I didn't need to be told twice.

        I left the others and made my way to my bedroom. I spotted Kenji sitting on my bed with Arya standing in front of him, and his gaze was cast down.

        "This can't be true," he said, and I shut the door behind me. "Aarav is a lot of things, but he's not a rapist."

        "How long have you known this guy, Kenji?" I said, and his attention shifted to me. "Two months or so?"

         "What would I gain from lying about this?" Arya asked. "Do you think I wanna tell you this? I don't want to tell anyone this. My parents don't even know."

        Kenji shook his head. "It doesn't make sense. Why would Aarav do this? After everything his father did, I thought..." He sighed. "You guys so badly want me to stay away from him."

        "She's telling the truth, Kenji," I said, and he stood up. "You wanted to be let in. Now, we're letting you in."

        He looked me straight in the eye. "Aarav understands me." Arya covered her face with an inhale before releasing it. "You try to, Darian, but he actually understands. He's the only person who understands."

        Ouch.

        "Well, I'm sorry I don't understand enough, Kenji," I said. "But I'm trying my damn best, and you can be friends with someone else who understands. It doesn't have to be Aarav."

        "This is all so convenient." He watched us. "Arya apologizes. Then she reveals the big secret, and it's terrible. Terrible enough to make me stay away from Aarav. It's so convenient."

        "Kenji," I scolded.

        "Aarav's gotten to him," Arya said, and Kenji laughed.

        "Yes, because I don't have a mind of my own," he said. "I'm so simple-minded that I can't think for myself. I always need someone else influencing me in some way."

        "Are you serious right now?" I moved closer to him. "You and Arya were friends for nine years, but you're willing to vouch for Aarav, who you've been friends with for a couple months, especially when it's about something this serious?"

        "I'm not vouching for Aarav."

        "But you're not believing Arya either," I retorted.

        "I never said that."

        "What are you saying, Kenji?"

        He glanced between me and Arya before pushing past us. "I need to think."

        He headed for the door, and we turned around to face him. "Think about what?" I asked. "Don't you see how toxic this friendship is?"

        "I need to think!" He walked out the door and slammed it behind him.

        I exhaled. "That didn't go as expected."

        "What did you expect, Darian?" Arya turned to face me. "Kenji didn't fully believe me. How do you think Tejal is going to react? Or even my dad? Unlike Kenji, they've known Aarav for years. They've raised him. At least Kenji only has doubt. They won't believe me at all."

        "You don't know that."

        "Yeah, but the odds aren't really in my favor," she said. "Once you accuse someone of this, you can't take it back. There will be consequences, either against me or Aarav."

        "That's fucked up," I said. "It should be an obvious choice."

        "Welcome to the real world," she said as she went to the door. "This is why I'm not telling my parents."

        She walked out the door, and I followed behind her. The others were gathered around the living room, staring at us. One person was missing though.

        "Where's Kenji?" I asked as I peeked down at the entrance to only see Honoka's shoes.

        "He left," Alissa said. "He didn't say why. He just walked out."

        "He said he'll catch a bus," Clay added. "Okay, now, what's going on?"

        Arya looked away, so I stepped forward. "Don't worry about it."

       Clay perked a brow. "Still keeping secrets?"

        Honoka kept her gaze on me. "He looked really upset."

        "It'll work itself out," I said. "Just give it time."

        "Vague as fuck," Alissa said, and Clay agreed. "Let's keep watching this show."

       Honoka continued to sneak glimpses at me, but Arya and I sat down. The five of us stayed in my apartment for two more hours before Honoka left. Clay and Alissa followed.

        Before Arya left, she said, "Don't worry about my problems too much, Darian. You have your own to worry about."

        I escorted her out the door, and I knew she was right. My father and I hadn't spoken since our confrontation. I was steering clear of the Shirley Heights newspaper and social media.I couldn't face what they were saying. I was even getting calls and emails from different reporters. I thought I didn't care about the public, but that was before they got me into their sights.

        Before I could face the public, I had to face my father. Again.

"Come in," my father said, and I entered the dimly lit office once more. His eyes gradually moved up from his papers to me. "Darian." He seemed taken aback. "What brings you here?"

        His tone was flat and uninterested. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought I was a burden.

        I closed the door behind me. "We need to talk."

        "We already talked." His focus returned to his stack of papers. "You said a lot. I said a lot. What else is there to say?"

        "Dad." I stopped in front of his desk. "We can't leave things the way we did."

        "Are you still with Kenji?" He looked up, and I nodded. "Are you still interested in men?"

        "Dad..."

        "Answer the question," he said, and I nodded. "Then not much has changed, so why are you here?"

        "All the progress we made. Was it for nothing?"

        He rubbed his forehead with a sigh. "What do you want me to say, Darian? You want me to say I'm okay with you being with another man? You want me to say I'm okay with being one of the last people to find out? You said you and Kenji were close again. I get it now, but how could I back then? What father automatically assumes his son is gay when he says something like that?"

        "I wanted to tell you that day," I said, "but I couldn't."

        "This conversation isn't going anywhere."

        "Dad," I shouted, "can we please talk? We can't keep avoiding each other."

        "Why should we talk?" he asked. "Why should we talk when nothing good would come from it. Everything I have to say will end up offending you, and everything you have to say will probably end up disappointing me."

        Wow.

        "That's what you think?"

        "That's what I know," he said. "It's too soon right now, Darian. Everything is too soon. We can't just talk like normal, as if something isn't wrong. For the moment, I think it's best if we give each other space. I'm still your father, and you're still my son, but right now, we can't talk to each other."

        I studied him, hoping this was a joke. His expression didn't waver, and my shoulders dropped slightly.

        I turned to leave. "Family values my ass."

        "Darian," he said in frustration, but I slammed the door behind me.

        He didn't want to talk to me. He didn't want to see me. We were making progress, and I thought I could have what Kenji and his father had. I was delusional.

        My father and I could never be Kenji and Ichiro.

        "Darian." My mother grabbed my arm, stopping me, and we faced each other. "I'm sorry, son. Just give your father time. Give him time, and he'll come around. He's not rejecting you."

        "He's not accepting me either."

        "Time." She cupped her hands around my face. "I'm sorry for the way I've acted, too. Keeping my distance. Not calling you as frequently. I'm sorry for not acting like your mother."

        "Mom." I grabbed one of her hands in mine and leaned into her touch.

        "You father may not have accepted you yet, but I am," she said. "You're my son, and I love you. I accept you." She pulled me into a hug, and I held her for dear life. "I'm sorry."

        "I love you, Mom," I mumbled into her shoulder, and she rubbed my back. "This means a lot to me."

        "Family comes first." We pulled away to look at each other. "This is a difficult time. We need each other. You can't go through this without your family."

        I had to go through it without my father, but at least my mother and sisters would be there. I couldn't forget my friends. My boys. The group. Kenji.

        They were all the family I needed.

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* What do you guys think about Arya apologizing to the group? Her telling Kenji and his reaction? Darian talking to his father? Making up with his mother?

* I know some people may be angered or upset by Kenji's reaction, but it was the most realistic for his character and the situation. Kenji has a weird bond with Aarav, and he and Arya aren't in the best of terms. A lot of people say they're for survivors and they're against sexual assault and abuse, but there've been so many times these same people have taken the side of the assailant instead of the survivor. Just because the assailant is their child, friend, roommate etc. I've seen a lot of people I know take the side of an abuser, and I've been one of the few people to take the side of a survivor before. That doesn't mean they're bad people. They're just misguided and blinded by their relationship to the abuser. It's sad, but it's reality.