//yelling (towards the end)

Over the past hours Dallon has realized a few things.

One. Ryan was only answering with a nod or a shake of head, no in-between.

Two. Ryan wanted to be stubborn so the best bet was to let him be while also not letting anyone in his way.

Finally, three. Letting go of Ryan for even a second would result in a punch.

Dallon printed these notes in his head for the next time he decided to cuddle Ryan. Though, he wasn't sure if he could physically stop cuddling him. Ryan was so cute and Dallon really didn't want to let him go. Even after his arm fell asleep and cramped up, Dallon still wanted to hold him.

"You're so cute"

"Shut the fuck up"

So maybe he would answer him with words after all.

"What's got you in your bag?" (I haven't heard that phrase in so long)

"Nothing"

"So you wouldn't be mad if I-"

"Baby talk me again and my face will be the last thing you see"

"Exactly. What's wrong?"

Ryan shrugged. It was always hard to get an answer from him. That was just Ryan being Ryan.

Dallon now had to push the answer from him.

"Tell me"

Ryan could've jumped at the tone Dallon used. Dallon didn't want to sound mean but he had to know what was wrong.

Ryan very, very hesitantly took Dallon's hand, just holding it close to him.

"I have to tell you something"

Dallon nodded, showing he was all ears to what Ryan had to say.

"Hm?"

"I'm worried about my dad...he hasn't been home in weeks, this has happened before-a longer time than this-but I dunno"

The frown that displayed on Ryan's lips broke Dallon's heart in two. He could tell how upset Ryan was and all he wanted to do was make him feel better.

"Baby, listen"

Dallon went quiet again. They were engulfed in the silence, and Dallon could tell that Ryan was enjoying it.

"When's the last time you heard that? Silence?"

"I...can't remember"

"Exactly. I think that's what you need. Of course it's ok for you to be worried, but if it's happened before especially longer than this than I think he's ok. If anything, we can go looking for him. Plus, I think you need to let off some anger before you see him again-the healthy way"

"Whatever"

Dallon scoffed. He didn't know how Ryan could just brush his problems off like nothing and act like he was ok.

"It's not whatever Ry, you're hurting and I want to help you but the only way I can is if you let me"

Ryan laughed, sitting up as he spoke.

"I don't need anyone's help Dallon. Especially not yours. I'm fine. It pisses me off more that people try to help me be happy when I already am. Quite frankly it annoys me! I'm happy, I'm ok, ok?!"

Dallon jumped a little at Ryan's sudden outburst. Ryan had never yelled at him like this, and for it to happen now of all times made Dallon's stomach twist in sadness and even fear. Tears threatened to spill from Dallon's eyes as he tried to answer Ryan.

"Okay,"

Word count-538
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