The Ebb & The Flow (Boy x Boy)

Chapter 7: Orpheus

A/N: This book is honestly a representation of a lot of things I like. A collection of sorts. So I've written books where characters reflect me. But this is the first that reflects my likes objectively. This is honestly been a good break from my largest project. Something brighter and sweeter to creatively recharge!

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Wyatt:

       I came to a stop in our driveway, seeing Sherri wasn't home. I'd had a pretty busy day today. And I wasn't even close to done as I had ballet practice a bit later. Despite the busy tone of today it was pretty good; dare I say enjoyable. I stepped out of my dad's car, feeling my voice want to stay trapped in my throat. I trust him. I told myself that over and over until I could speak.

"I'm going to drop this stuff in the house. And then we can walk across to yours." I said, my voice trembling as it wanted to shut down mid sentence.

"O-okay. Should I?" He returned as I turned to him when I stepped around to the trunk.

"Its whatever." I said simply, leaving the choice to him if he chose to be my shadow.

      I grabbed my bags before closing up the car after River had gotten his things. Unlocking the door had been something i'd done so many times to where I could do so really quickly. River had awkwardly waited outside on the porch. I'd kind of expected it. He'd been seemingly walking on eggshells the entire time. It was cute in a dorky way though. I quickly sprinted upstairs to my room, placing Sherri's gifts in my closet. She'd sometimes borrow books I'd gotten over the years. Or sometimes liked being in my room because it smelled good and she liked the aesthetic according to her. So to keep things a surprise they needed to be hidden.

       I made my way back down, finding River crouched down before the flower bed studying some of the flowers I'd planted at the start of this summer. Gardening was something new to me. It was something my mother enjoyed. And I remembered long summer days where i'd help her tend to her pride and joy. I couldn't help but crack the smallest of smiles. He truly was a gentle giant. Someone like him could easily be a jerk. He was the sheriff's son so he could potentially get away with things that others couldn't. Yet he seemed so timid and soft spoken.

"Oh. Sorry. The flowers are pretty." He smiled as he stood up.

      I hadn't noticed until now just how tall he was. With me standing on the porch and him on the sidewalk leading up to our house he was still taller than me by a bit. Brushing this useless thought aside I'd just brushed passed him, wanting to work on calming myself down. I liked River. Even with me trying to talk to him more verbally he didn't make me feel pressured into talking. Was it the best behavior to enable? Probably not. But it left me feeling calmer. It was something I'd have to overcome some day. But for such a large task I think a step at a time would be the best approach. River walked in comfortable silence beside me as we made the short trip to his house. I heard a friendly bark as we'd made it to the door. It was Marley, his elderly golden retriever. She'd taken a liking to me in the short time i'd known her. And honestly I'd gotten excited to see her again.

       The moment he opened the door the usually tepid dog became an excited mess that pawed at me for attention. Entering the house I crouched down giving her some well deserved rubs while she tried to shower me in dog kisses.

"No kisses." I chuckled as River didn't seem to know what to do with my company.

       After she'd gotten her fill she wandered off into the house. Standing up i'd dusted myself off. I'd always wanted a dog. But both my sister and father were allergic. I was too; though less severely. I just loved dogs much more than the discomfort they gave me.