"What a fucking bitch!"

Zacky’s body was numb as he downed another shot. He winced, welcoming the pain as the liquor burned his throat. Brian was right: He was a pathetic bitch.

He had absolutely no backbone when it came to dealing with Brian. Zacky constantly took his bullshit and for what? The hope that one day Brian would realize the intensity of his feelings? The nagging hope that Brian would feel the same way? It was a bullshit excuse, but it was the only one he had.

Zacky sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. He took another shot as the bartender handed it to him. He downed it, the burning sensation the only thing he could feel.

“I hope you’re not driving tonight Baker.”

Zacky turned as he heard Matt’s voice. He absently wondered how Matt had found him, but he couldn’t be bothered. “Why the fuck do you care?”

“Because you’re my friend, fat-ass. Why wouldn’t I care?” Matt asked, sliding onto the stool next to Zacky.

“Besides Jimmy told me you were with Brian last night.”

Zacky flinched at the mention of Brian’s name. He sighed, hoping Matt didn’t notice. “Nothing happened,” he growled, waving to the bartender for another shot.

“I never said anything did. You wanna talk?” Matt asked, leaning against the bar. He shook his head as the bartender offered him a beer. He’d need to be sober to deal with an upset, hurt Zacky.

“No,” Zack said bluntly. He downed another shot, eyes glassy and unfocused. He knew he’d end up telling Matt either way. He wanted to see how long it would last.

Matt nodded, rubbing his face slightly. He knew Zacky would tell him everything eventually. It all depended on when the pain became too much.

“It was a stupid fucking idea, anyway,” Zacky muttered. He sighed and rested his chin on the bar. He couldn’t bring himself to look Matt in the eye. Every time he tried, he saw Brian’s laughing face. “He was right. I’m a fucking bitch. I shouldn’t have stayed.”

“You’re not a bitch, Zack. You did what you thought was right,” Matt said quietly. He hated seeing Zacky like this. The hurt was so obvious in his friend's emerald eyes. It tore at Matt’s heart, making him want to hate Brian.

“Yes, I am. I’m a stupid bitch. I shouldn’t have stayed. God, why won’t I get it through my fucking head?”

Matt sighed. “I can keep saying you’re not a bitch and you can keep disagreeing with me or you can tell me what happened.”

“He asked me to stay with him last night and I did. He tore me down when I left this morning.”

“I’m assuming Michelle wasn’t there,” Matt said quietly. Michelle had been almost absent from Brian’s side and it was no doubt starting to affect him.

Zacky shook his head. “Nope. She would’ve been there instead of me, I’m sure,” he answered with a sigh. “I don’t know why I keep trying.”

“Because whether you know it or not you’re determined. You never know with Brian. He’s….a bit dense and kind of an asshole.”

“What if I said that’s why I like him?” Zacky said quietly. “What if the fact that he’s kinda stupid and a bit of a dickwad is the reason I’m so in love with him?”

“I’d say you have interesting taste in men.” Matt answered with a smile. “Keep your chin up, Baker. You never know.”

Zacky nodded and downed a final shot. “Let’s get the fuck out of here,” he said with a grin.

Matt laughed and put his arm around Zacky’s shoulder. “You’re a tough kid. You’ll make it, Baker.”

Zacky nodded and rubbed his temples. “Let’s fucking hope so.”

Notes

Here it is, kiddies!
Emo Zacky for the win.
Enjoy!
Syn is next.

Zacky x.