"Dallon, are these your only shoes?"

Brendon stares at the worn out, overused shoes that the stoic man uses. It's been tattered with what Brendon would assume must be years of use. When was the last time Dallon bought something for himself?

The taller man looks embarrassed at the remark, his cheeks tinting with a rather rosy color as he stares at the old, very much used converse shoes that Brendon is holding in front of him.

He noticed how the only thing making the shoes intact was some strong glue and number of patches that Brendon would assume are holes on the shoes. The color of the shoes are fading due to years of use.

Why hasn't Dallon thrown the shoes away?

Dallon takes the shoes from him, patting the dust off from the tattered pair of Converse shoes. "This is the first thing I bought for myself." He explains, as he places the shoes just beside Brendon's new-looking rubber shoes.

"I guess, it's something that makes me proud whenever I see it. It reminds me of all the hard work I did." Dallon shrugs as if it was nothing. He still looks embarrassed as his eyes seem to avoid Brendon's gaze.

"Why don't you buy a new one?" He suggested, but it seems the older man made his mind of not buying a new one.

Dallon shook his head, his gaze turning back at his shoes. "I can't. Not yet. Maybe soon."

That's when it hits Brendon. He can't afford it now. Dallon can't afford it now especially since Brendon's been staying over, his expenses might have added because of him. It feels like a punch in the gut to know that he's been keeping Dallon from buying something he wants.

He felt a hand pat against his head. The taller man is looking at him with concern, and perhaps, he might have read what Brendon has been thinking.

"I can't afford it at the moment because Jordan needed help with his project in school. I had to give him my savings to help him." Dallon explains, giving him a reassuring smile as he runs his hand softly through Brendon's hair, fixing the strand of hair against his forehead. "You've been nothing but a big help to me Brendon. How can I forget that?"

A warm, gentle smile graces Dallon's lips as he said those words. Brendon thought about how that smile is worth falling for. It's unfair, really, when Dallon does something innocent such as a sweet smile or his warm gaze. It's unfair how the stoic man's voice is so soothing that he wants to wrap that voice around himself like a blanket and stay there forever.

Brendon has gaping holes within him, but Dallon keeps sewing him; he keeps fixing him. Dallon takes him in despite being broken and ruined.

Almost two months in this run down apartment, he felt more whole than he's ever been. Unexplainable, probably irrational. But he wants this. He wants this life. He wants Dallon.

But deep within his inner pessimistic thoughts, a voice would object and reason out that the more he wants, the more unattainable they become.

*****

Dallon knows infatuation when he sees one and it worries him.

When he wished for Brendon to find someone he likes, he didn't think to include himself on that list.

He had his fair share of people who he was infatuated with. During those ages, he would have spoken out and asked those people on a date. But Dallon never had the courage to. Also adding the fact that he has priorities to take care of. Specifically, his brothers, Nathan and Jordan.

Now Brendon, he's not sure what to feel about the boy's recent attachment to him. Matty told him he's good at reading people. Noticing the younger man's fondness directed towards him is just an example.

Dallon knows the lingering touches, or the bashful smiles that he receives from Brendon. He knows the younger man's piercing stare as he plays with his ukulele. Staying quiet is the only thing to go.

He cares for Brendon. Just the thought of the boy getting hurt scares him. Dallon fears he might also be the cause of it one day if Brendon gets too deep.

The younger man is attractive. While people may see him as standoffish at a first encounter, getting to know him makes it harder for you to dislike his boyish charms. Of course, Dallon noticed him. He just doesn't want to acknowledge it.

Despite being older than five years, he can't help but be more parental about Brendon's case. He's 18 years old. He's young. Brendon will eventually find someone better when the time comes. If he wants to find love at his current age, then he needs to think of the consequences of what he's going to leave behind.

"He's not Weston." Dallon thought grudgingly. "Brendon will be fine."

Brendon will be fine as long as he makes the right decision.

That right choice isn't him.

*****

"You're suppose to smile at the customers, Brendon. Not pout at them." Dan chimes in after a brunette college student left with her take out frappé and fresh pastry.

The grayish weather probably added to his current mood, and he can't help it. All he could think about is Dallon and he's not even sure why he's moping at the thought of the lanky man. Perhaps, it's that realization at the back of his head, saying: This won't last forever.

The chipped away paint on the walls, the small cracks on the tile, the dusty old couch, and the rather scenic view from their small window overlooking the neighborhood of their apartment... The little things that deemed to be the things he adored will never really last at all. The very thought sinks Brendon's heart.

A hand snaps it's finger in front of his face, waking him from his deep thoughts. Dan's bluish-greens look at him with worry as their eyes meet. His boss smiles in understanding, giving him a pat on a shoulder. "I'll take it over from here, mate."

"N-No! I can still--"

"Take a rest, Brendon. Think of it as early lunch break." Dan suggested with a wink, gently pushing past him to take over the cash register and greet his next customer with a charming smile.

He smiles at his boss' gesture of concern. That's also another thing to value, actually. His job and the people he meet make it more harder to leave the life that he ran into.

Brendon takes a coffee mug from the back room and makes his own coffee. He also snatches a warm croissant that Dan so graciously offers to his employees during break time.

He really does need time to calm down and think about it.

The door chimes, signalling the entrance of a customer in the café. He was a fairly tall man with brownish hair. Brendon wouldn't bother taking a second look if only the man didn't look very familiar.

That's when his eyes widen as the other man locks gaze with him. 'Shit'.

They stare at each other for a moment before the familiar man speaks up. "...Brendon?"

Holy shit, it's Spencer.

*****

"Hey, Dal. Thanks for sending some money for the project. It really helped a lot."

"As long as it's for school, Jordan."

Dallon rolls his eyes at his brother's claim that he's devoted to his studies. He knows his brother is a slacker, but he does his task when he needs to.

"So, how are you doing Dallon? Found yourself a special someone yet?" Jordan inquires with a glint of cheekiness from the other line. He rolls his eyes again at his brother's attempt meddle with his life. Specifically, his love life.

"You should ask Nathan that question. I'll gladly watch you be punched for it." Dallon retorts with hint of smile that made his brother laugh from the other line.

"That kid is a dork. We all know he idolizes you too much to the point where he almost acts like you. It drives me insane. It's like you never left." His brother jokes, and Dallon just chuckles at that. Jordan and Nathan are two different people. While Jordan is quite the prankster, Nathan is the quiet one. Honestly, he's more like...

"He's more like Weston." Dallon adds with a sad smile at the memory of his older brother.

The other line turns silent before Jordan spoke again in a solemn, honest tone: "You're better than Weston, Dal."

"Jordan, don't--"

"Don't deny it, Dallon. You gave up half of your life just to help us. Where is he, huh? Where is that goddamn older brother who's suppose to be the one to watch over us? He's a selfish asshole who didn't even think of us!" Jordan exclaims with frustration.

Dallon knows that Jordan has been harboring such feelings for Weston. He couldn't blame him. But still...

"He's still your brother, J. No matter what." Dallon says to him, but from hearing the scoff from the other line, he's pretty sure nothing could faze his younger brother's mind set.

"You were more of a brother than he ever will, Dal."

Jordan has always been the emotional one out of all of them. It's a weakness, but Dallon knows it's also his greatest strength.

His brother sighs. "Treat yourself, Dally. I know we need some help from time to time, but we're doing fine. You don't have to always help us. If you need help, don't hesitate to call us, okay? Aunt Grace is having gray hair just worrying about you." Jordan chuckles at that, and Dallon's chest flutters with warmth just knowing that his brothers are doing okay.

"Take care, J. And tell Nathan I said 'Hi'. Love you guys."

"Love you too, bro. Aunt Grace says you should visit us during the holidays. You definitely should, you workaholic jerk. Bring a special someone, 'kay?"

Dallon laughs as he ends the call. It's just like his younger brother to keep on teasing him about looking for someone. He wouldn't be surprised if Jordan decides to set him up in a blind date with someone. He should be scared about that one day.

"You're too good for your own good, Dallon."

He clearly remembers those words from Jordan's lips before he left for the city to work for both of his siblings. Sometimes his younger brother has to remind him when he's being too hard on himself. He focused too much on being the older brother that he forgets that someone needs to look out for him too.

Matty already claimed the job without him realizing, and then there's Mrs. Truman who treats him like family--like a son. With Brendon in addition, he thinks about how all his hard work all pay off just by having these people around him.

He wouldn't trade them for the world.

*****

"What the hell are you doing here, Spencer?!" He hisses at the taller brunette staring at him with shock.

"Brendon, your father's been looking for you--"

"I don't wanna go back, okay!?" He says, sending a heated glare to his best friend.

Spencer sighs, urging Brendon that they should have a seat and talk about it. He grudgingly agrees, despite already stating that he doesn't want to return back home.

"Did father order you to find me? If yes, then fuck off."

"Brendon--"

"Spencer. You know why I ran away."

The other man slumps his shoulders in defeat. "I know." He mumbles, his eyes gazing at the window of the café. "I was so worried about you. I know you didn't want to get married but I was so shocked that you left your wedding. I never heard from you for days, and then it became months, until Sarah told me the whole thing."

Spencer rubs a hand over his face, his expression looks stricken. "Like, shit. Couldn't you have at least told me where you were? You're parents are getting desperate to find you and I was so scared you might have died somewhere. Couldn't you at least tell me where you were? Don't you trust me?"

At those words, Brendon felt a heavy guilt on his chest. Spencer is right. He should have at least told him his whereabouts. His best friend has always been good at keeping his secrets. He should trust Spencer that he'll understand what he wanted with this life too.

"I'm sorry." Brendon mumbles an apology which makes Spencer smile.

"You're such an asshole for pulling off this stunt, Bren." Spencer scolds him, but then turns into a relieved smile. "But I'm glad you're safe."

And so, he tells everything. Starting from the days he ran off and the day he started living with Dallon. Spencer just listens intently, nodding and humming at some parts of the story.

"Wait, what's the guy's name again?"

"Uh, Dallon."

Spencer hums in thought, then asked: "Is he a tall guy? Brownish hair, bluish eyes and certainly your type?"

"Uh, yeah--wait, what do you mean 'certainly your type?'" He squints at the other man's description, but the said man just smiles innocently, as if he never said anything wrong. 'Devious jerk' he mutters under his breath.

"I met him the other day. More like, bumped into him. Seems like a nice, quiet guy." Spencer mentions, giving Brendon an all-too-knowing-smirk. "Uh huh. Definitely your type."

"Shut up." He says, blushing furiously at his best friend's remark that made Spencer laugh.

It's nice seeing Spencer again after some months. He feels guilty of not telling him what's happening with his life. Brendon is then reminded of the important people he left behind. Do they miss him like Spencer has?

"Uh, Bren?"

Brendon turns to the baritone, curious tone of his boss who called him from the doorway. "Yeah?"

"I need a little help back there with the customers." He said as he points a thumb behind him.

"Oh, yeah. I'll follow in a bit, Dan."

"Thanks, mate." He says with a smile as he went back to attend with the customers.

Spencer stood up from his seat, going around to engulf Brendon into a tight hug. He returns the grip with equal measure. God, he missed his best friend.

"You got my number, buddy. Call me when you need me, okay?" Spencer says, which made Brendon nod in response.

Brendon leads him out by the café door. They wave at each other, giving out their goodbyes but then he remembered something and made Spencer stop in his tracks.

"Are you gonna tell Dad?"

He told Spencer everything he needed to know. But would that be enough to show his best friend how much he trusts him with such details?

Spencer turns around to face him, giving him a little smile that says everything that Brendon needed to know. "I was told that I'm rather good at keeping secrets."

He smiles, watching his best friend's retreating back. Brendon couldn't help but wonder what did he ever do to deserve such a friend.

*****

"Is he safe?"

"Yes, he is. He's safe, and he's happier than I've ever seen him, Mr. Urie. Can't that suffice?"

The older man sighs from the other line, and Spencer is sure it's the man's way of conceding defeat.

"Just make sure he's safe, Spencer. If he decides to come back, call me as soon as possible, okay?"

"Yes sir."

He drops the call after a 'goodbye' with a smile, putting his phone back into his pocket. Spencer whistles a little tune as he steps on the pavement of the city streets.

Brendon's safe and happy, so Spencer will do his best to keep it that way.

*****

[A/N: Kinda, sorta looooong filler again but I'm just filling a few gaps. Honestly, I enjoyed writing about the Weekes siblings. I'm sure we all had that sibling fight and it's relatable for me to write cuz honestly, I don't get along well with my eldest sibling but we try, I guess.

Now, to explain a bit about Dallon's reaction to Brendon's infatuation. Here, Dallon is the type to believe that love has a right time (+ his depreciating self). Brendon believes in quite the opposite.

How would that work hahaha you'll find out soon.

Sorry for the mistakes, and thanks for reading!]