Chapter Text
Anthony hadn’t really thought about the implications of this new friendship. Who would of thought he’d be laying with someone he used to torment? Regret still claws at his ribs as if a knife was lodged deeply into his soul. But, now, he can make up for his past mistakes by showering Kenny with affection.
Well, affection is a big word.
The two boys are currently laying on Anthony’s bed after finishing up a game of Dungeon Lord. As Anthony turns his head, he catches a glimpse of Kenny’s face. The sun shining through the window creates an angel’s halo directly on his cheek. His smile is full of teeth with his dimples on full display. God he was beautiful. Call him emotionally constipated or whatever, but saying it aloud would only make it feel even more real.
“What are you staring for?” Kenny said with a hearty laugh.
Anthony just smiled. Everything they did just felt so intimate and vulnerable. Sometimes, it made him wonder if he deserved this. Sure his apology was thought-out and genuine, but earning someone’s forgiveness is laborious. Kenny practically handed his on a silver platter. After making up, they had agreed to be cordial, nothing more. However, the two soon realized that their interests aligned, making them a natural pairing. Every hangout simply felt right. Kenny had become someone Anthony could trust and confide to. An urge to confess gnawed at his bones, yet the fear of rejection held him back.
“It’s kinda crazy isn’t it?” Kenny started. “Us becoming best friends.”
Best friends. Every time something was said along those lines, Anthony could physically feel his heart breaking. Another blade planted right in the chest. He was bleeding out, desperately trying to hold all the parts in place.
“You fight like a married couple.” Devon once said.
Crack
“You do look cute together.” Lia added jokingly.
Another crack
Every comment reminded him that Kenny would never reciprocate his ever-growing feelings.
“Hey, are you ok?”
Kenny could be quite the worrywart.
“Yea. Another game?” Anthony suggested.
“Just wait till I beat your ass!”
Anthony approached his face to Kenny’s whose ears immediately reddened.
“Nah, you say that but still haven’t won once. You look way better underneath me anyway”
The other boy’s ears grew impossibly more red.
Sure, Anthony can’t be vocal about how he feels, doesn’t mean he can’t flirt like his life
depends on it. Every provocation made Kenny stammer and flush which truly is an unforgettable sight. He must be like that with everyone. Anthony can’t be the only one…Right?
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Kenny loved a lot of things. Video games, basketball, and karate were the basic ones. But, if you took the time to dig deeper, his passion for reading was what truly mattered. He loved a good book on a rainy day. Hearing the pages ruffle, cutting through the drops falling steadily onto the ground. Though the best part wasn’t the reading on its own. The sunshine after the storm was. It gleamed through the windows, shining its radiant beams onto each word and bringing him inexplicable joy. That’s what Anthony felt like, pure warmth. Kenny doesn’t think he just woke up one day completely smitten. It was progressive and, next thing you know, he was deep into the enveloping fire that is love.
Today, they had played hours of Dungeon Lord, yet he could never get over spending time with Anthony. Despite his initial first impression, the curly haired boy was kind and attentive to Kenny’s every move. The second he felt off, the other would notice and comfort him with soft words and thoughtful advice. He had longed to feel so cared for especially considering his family’s unintentional absence. His mother worked endless hours to provide for them while his father was a valiant fighter in the US army. Shawn wasn’t a steady listener as his own battles in and out of juvie took up most of his time. Every day had felt so lonely for the longest he could remember. His home barely deserved that title as it was nothing but an empty shell to remind him of his isolation. The transfer to a new school was supposed to be a new beginning, a challenge, but it only perpetuated a cycle of hurt. Sure, he was very close to Anthony now—though he can’t stand Samantha’s overly righteous attitude—Kenny can’t help wondering if it’ll last. People always leave, even if they promise they won’t. There’s nothing wrong in hoping for an exception tho.
Taking him out of his surprisingly deep thoughts for a Thursday afternoon, Kenny realizes that 8pm is probably a good time to head back home before he starts intruding even more.
“Hey, I should get going. It’s getting pretty late.”
Anthony’s face morphs into a frown so adorable the other almost wants to pack his bags, move into a room of the house and promise to never leave him out of sight. But just as quick as that frown came, it left to make room for a more neutral expression. Why did he feel the need to be so nonchalant sometimes?
“See you tomorrow then?” Anthony replied.
“Where else would I go but school?”
“Ok fair, but still!”
At least, that little comment had made him laugh, because leaving on a bad note is the worst.
As Kenny walks to the bus stop, he lets his thoughts wander once again. What would happen if he let his feelings be known? He couldn’t risk ruining his new found friendship with Anthony just for a stupid crush. There wasn’t anyone in particular who would back up the relationship anyway. Sure, some friends would probably be accepting or just wouldn't care with the ongoing karate war. The problem mostly came from his dad. He had made it clearly known what he expected from his two sons: perfect behavior, a high paying job, a beautiful wife and numerous children. Shawn having already failed the first requirement, all the pressure was on Kenny’s shoulders. His departure for the military had only accentuated how he wanted Kenny to live.
And that’s all without considering queerness in the Black community. With the looming presence of Christianity, it’s a battle to be accepted for who you are. The ones who struggled through racism were still the ones pushing discriminatory statements against the LGBTQIA+ community. How hypocritical. No matter how many people Kenny saw on social media being queer and proud, how could he know his close family would accept him?