"What's up, man?" Aaron let me into his and Gavin's apartment, appearing happier than yesterday.

        "You cool now?" I patted his shoulder in greeting.

        "Don't worry about it." He brushed me off as I walked in.

        Okay. I guess we weren't talking about it.

        That very moment, Gavin walked out of the hallway in only his boxers and a t-shirt. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, but he halted in his steps once his gaze landed on me and Aaron.

        "What are you doing here?" he asked, the question directed at me. I hadn't heard from or seen him since that day with his parents.

        "Gavin." I took a step forward while Aaron stood back. "Can we talk?" I sounded like Kenji, man.

        But unlike him, I wasn't here to stomp, kick, stab and run over Gavin's heart—before covering it up in roses and sweets. 

         "About what?" Gavin crossed his arms.

         "That day with your parents." Gavin's facial features didn't relax. "I'm sorry, man. We," I said motioning between me and Aaron, "didn't mean to humiliate you."

         "We didn't, Gav," Aaron piped in, taking a step forward. "I swear, I completely forgot they were coming, and I'm sorry I didn't listen."

        Gavin uncrossed his arms. "If we would have remembered, we wouldn't have done that shit," I said. "You're our boy. Why would we purposely mess things up for you?"

         "Seriously, Gavin." Aaron pouted. "We wouldn't do that. We're so sorry. From the bottom of our toes."

         Gavin and I chuckled. Leave it to Aaron to lighten the mood.

         "We'll make it up to you," I said. "Invite your parents over again, and we'll be on our best behavior. Or better yet, we won't be there."

         "For real," Aaron agreed.

         Gavin's gaze flickered between us. "You're my best friends," he jumped in. "You two aren't perfect, far from it. But I love you guys." Aaron and I grinned. "High school is over, but we aren't. I'm not ashamed of you guys, even though I've probably been acting 'holier than thou' lately."

         "You were right," I said, catching both of their attention. "It isn't high school anymore. It's the real world. We need to grow up."

         Both Aaron and Gavin appeared taken aback, but Gavin recovered. "I was?"

          "We do?" Aaron added with his brows drawing together. I smacked his arm. "We do! We do."

          "We'll never want to hinder your process," I said. "We only want to support you, Gavin, not bring you down, so I'm sorry if I've been doing that lately. It was just difficult for me to wrap my head around it, but I accept it now. You're changing, and that's okay. You're still Gavin at the end of the day. You're still my boy."

         "Thanks." Gavin approached us. "Thank you both for understanding. That's all I wanted."

         Gavin pulled me and Aaron into a hug, and he patted our backs. I accepted it. We normally didn't do stuff like this, but I could use the hug—especially since Kenji was taken again. 

         When we pulled way, I watched Gavin and Aaron. I trusted them. Through all of my flaws, they stuck around and accepted me. Even Gavin stuck around when Aaron and I were dragging him down with our foolish ways. They were always there, and they more than proved themselves. 

         "Guys, sit," I said after a while. "I have to tell you something." Aaron and Gavin glanced at each other before taking a seat. I sat on the table in front of them, resting my hands on my knees.

          I was ready to tell them. I was ready to come out to Gavin and Aaron. They always accepted me and had my back, and it was about time I gave them credit for it. Give them credit by being completely honest with them.

         It was time to unleash another chain.

"What is it?" Gavin asked.

         I took in a deep breath before releasing it slowly. I looked up at my two best friends, and they watched me, confusion written on their faces. 

         "I'm gay," I confessed. Both their eyes went round, and they leaned forward, almost as if hearing wrong. "I'm gay," I repeated. "Not bisexual. Not curious. Certainly not straight. I'm gay." I chuckled—my face feeling hot all of a sudden. "I like men."

        Gavin looked away with his eyes squinted, in deep thought. "When did you figure this out?" His eyes returned to mine.

         "I've liked men since other boys started liking girls. But I was in denial until high school, when I started accepting that I was gay." They continued to stare at me, stunned.

         "You're gay?" Aaron asked, and I nodded. "How come we never knew?"

         "I never told you." I chuckled.

         Aaron wasn't amused. "Stop being a smartass."

         Gavin smacked his arm. "Dude."

         "I'm not even joking," Aaron said, ignoring Gavin as his focus remained on me. "I never would have expected this. You slept with girls and talked about them like any regular, straight guy. You never showed interest in men, and you certainly don't look or act like the stereotypical, gay guy." Aaron gave me the once-over.

         "I was good at hiding it," I said, and they muttered an agreement. "All those girls I slept with were an act, and I have been with men." Their eyes widened. "You never knew about it because I kept it a secret. Even my family doesn't know I'm gay."

         "Are we the only ones who know?" Gavin asked.

         "Yes and no." They gaped at me, confused. "Camila was the first person I told, and until now, she was the only person who knew I was gay."

         "Is that why you continued being friends with her even after ditching the others?" Aaron asked.

         "Yes," I said. "That was part of the reason. She forced it out of me, but I'm glad she did. It felt good to finally be honest with someone and not hold it in anymore. I loved the support she provided that no one else could." My expression hardened. "Then she died, and I went back to that angry boy who didn't know how to deal with his shit and who opted to terrorize others instead. Especially the one boy who reminded me just how gay I was."

         Gavin and Aaron's mouths dropped to the floor. "You like Kenji?!" they yelled simultaneously.

"Danji is actually a thing?" Aaron added.

          I nodded. "I've liked Kenji since middle school. I've probably liked him longer than that, but I never realized it until then. I like Kenji, and Camila was the only one who knew about my feelings for him. Now, you two know as well."

         "Wow." Aaron rubbed his forehead, processing everything. "This is so unexpected." Gavin nodded in agreement.

         "It's time I told you guys," I said. "I'm tired of keeping this side of myself a secret from you two. You're my best friends, and it's time I showed you all of me. Honoka was right." Gavin tilted his head to the side. "I have been keeping the real me hidden from everyone. I've been afraid to show you guys the real Darian. The Darian who's gay and afraid of being rejected for something he can't control. I know I can't come out to the public yet, but I want to come out to you two. My best friends."

         They studied me silently, and every second that passed made my heart pound faster as I waited for their reaction.

          When both of their faces broke into grins, I relaxed.

         "You're still one of us!" Aaron pulled me to sit between them, and Gavin patted my back in reassurance. "You're still our boy, even if you suck dick."

          I punched his arm, chuckling. "You're a dumbass."

         "Seriously," Gavin said, "we're glad you told us." Aaron agreed. "We don't care that you're gay." Aaron nodded. "You're still Darian. Just like you're accepting me for my change, we'll accept you no matter what." Aaron nodded again.

          I smiled at them. "Thanks guys."

         They grinned before they both ruffled my hair, making us all laugh while I pretended to fight them off. Those gestures were all I needed to know they accepted me. I always thought Camila was the only one who could be there for me when it came to my sexuality, but I was wrong.

          I had a long way to go, but coming out to Gavin and Aaron relieved me of half of the hundred-pound weight on my shoulders. I could be the real, complete me with my boys. And it felt damn good.

         "Just don't fall in love with me." The corners of Aaron's mouth turned up.

         "If I haven't fallen in love with you all these years, what makes you think I'll fall in love with you now?" I said.

         "I don't know." Aaron shrugged, his eyes glinted with humor. "I'm that irresistible." Gavin and I rolled our eyes. "The attraction slowly builds in the shadows until one day it just hits you!" He slapped his hands in my face, making Gavin and I jump in our seats.

         "He doesn't have time to fall in love with you, Aaron," Gavin said in my defense. "Kenji already beat you to it." I smiled.                           

         "Just saying." Aaron raised his arms in surrender. "Also, know that I'm going to keep messing with you, even if that means using your sexuality."

         Of course. He wouldn't be Aaron if he didn't.

          I usually hated people messing with my sexuality, but I didn't mind with Gavin and Aaron. They were my boys, and I fucked with them, too, so it was all good.

         "I wouldn't want it any other way." I pounded Aaron's fist before giving Gavin dap.

         "Oh, and another thing." Gavin and I turned to Aaron. "Please tell me you top."

          I should have known he was going to ask that.

         "Aaron!" Gavin scrunched up his face. "The fuck? Why does that matter?"

         "I haven't taken it up the ass yet," I answered.

         Aaron's head jerked back. "Yet?"

         "Shut up." I slapped his head.

         "I don't judge," he replied.

         We laughed and kept teasing one another like normal. It only made me not regret coming out to them even more.

         I was still their boy, even if I sucked dick.

         When I got home that day, I called Arya. "Hello?" she picked up on the fifth ring.

         "Hey, Arya."

         "What do you want?"

         "Arya, come on," I sighed. "I'm sorry I offended you. I wasn't trying to be an ass."

         "Well, you did, and you're always an ass."

         "I know, I know. I'm working on it." She scoffed. "I'm being legit. I shouldn't have been defensive. I'm just so tired of people looking down on me and not expecting anything from me."

         "You haven't given us a reason to have faith in you, so why should we?"

         That was harsh, but she was right. That was one thing I loved and hated about Arya. She was bluntly honest. She spoke her mind, no matter how hurtful it was.

         "I know," I agreed, "and I shouldn't have gotten mad at you for trying to help me. That's why I'm calling now actually. I want the job."

         "What?" she asked. "I didn't catch that." There was playfulness in her tone.

          I glared at the table in front of me but played her little game anyway. "I want the job," I said louder. "The one at the gas station your uncle owns. I need a job."

         "Not good enough."

         Was this chick serious? "Arya, come on."

         "Darian," she started, "remember what I told you after you decided to be an ass-hat to me when I was, for once in my life, being nice?"

         Oh, fuck. "Arya..."

         "I told you that when you came crawling to me for a job I was going to make you beg." Shit. "Now, beg, Darian." 

         What the fuck?

         She was really going to make me beg for this? 

          I remained silent for a while, wanting to keep my dignity a little longer. Arya was too much. She was being the Devil's spawn right now.

        "I'm waiting," she cooed.

         "Arya," I began, clearing my throat, "can I please get the job at the gas station. Please."

          I cringed. I couldn't believe I was begging like a bitch. I was practically chopping my balls off and handing them to her.

          I had to do this though. I was desperate. I was unemployed and without Daddy's resources. My rent was late, and if I kept this up, eviction wouldn't be a joke anymore. I wasn't starving, thanks to Kenji, but I was broke, late on bills and struggling to buy gas and other necessities.

          I felt like the Prodigal Son.

         "I need more than that," Arya said.

         Really? I should have known better. No one messed with Arya Gupta without consequences. I made a mental note to not fuck with her again.

         "Arya, please," I added for good measures. "I need your help. Please."

         Yup. I lost my balls to her. I didn't really need them at the moment anyway. Kenji wasn't going to play with them anymore, so that was that.

         "Okay," Arya finally said. "I got your back." Even though she just emasculated me, I smiled at her words. "I'll get you the job."

         "Thank you!" I punched the air in triumph. I'd never been so happy at the chance to work until now. "Thank you so much, Arya." For the first time in my life, I realized that a job was a privilege.

         A privilege I just begged for.

        Arya laughed. "It's not that bad getting help now, is it?"

         "No. It's not." It hit my ego a little, but I would live.

         "Arya, get off the fucking phone!" a voice hollered from the background. "I need to talk to you."

         "Who the hell is that?" I asked. I wish a fool would try that mess on me while I was on the phone.

         Arya sighed. "It's Aarav."

         Of course, it was.

         "Arya!" he shouted louder.

         "Who does this fucker think he is?" The nerve of this guy.

        He called out to her again. "I'm coming," she said in a muted voice, probably covering the phone. "Hey," she returned.

          I grinned. "Let's stay on the phone longer to piss him off." That would be fun.

         "I don't have time for games, Darian," she said. That was odd because Arya loved messing with people. "I have to go."

         "Since when do you give in to Aarav? You always gave him shit right back in middle school."

         She ignored me. "I'll talk to you later." Aarav called her name again. "Bye."

         "Arya!"

         She hung up.

        What the fuck was that about?

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* What do you guys think about Darian coming out to the goons? Making things right with Arya to get the job? Arya and her obnoxious step-brother?

* I really love the goons friendship. They're so much fun to write, and there's just something hilarious about a group of guys together without any girls around to inhibit them.

* Song is "Insomnia" by IAMX

* Also, this chapter is dedicated to the victims and their families of the Orlando gay nightclub shooting that took place on June 12, 2016. My heart goes out to them because this was an act of terror and hate, and it sickens me how someone could hate people based on their identity. #POC #LGBT