We made it to Jimmy’s in half an hour, knocking on the door it opened on the 3rd knock revealing a dishevelled looking Jimmy. His hair sticking up and random angles, his boxers hanging down slightly on his hip, he yawned, looking at his phone he yelped.

“Why are you here at this time of morning?!” he asked, looking at the both of us before stepping aside to allow us to come in. He shut the door behind us, holding a finger to his lips he led us to his room. I was shocked to see the sight before me, Johnny was in his bed. I looked over to Jimmy with my eyebrow cocked, so was Zee. Jimmy shrugged, “We’re dating now.” was his answer. He took a seat on the bed, Zee took the beanbag and I took the floor.

“Well that’s cute.” Zee cooed. Jimmy rolled his eyes.

“So what are you too fucktards doing roaming the streets?” Jim asked, making me roll my eyes.

“Well, something happened to me last night so I went to Bri’s anyways I’m now staying at his. Permanently.” Zee said, swallowing the lump in his throat. Jimmy looked curious and concerned.

“What’s been happening Zack?” he asked, going over to Zack taking his hand.

“Ahh, well. Ever since mom died my dad’s been abusing me. Hitting, punching, raping and cutting me. Last night he hit me several times before carving fag into my back and then he threw salt on the open wounds” Zee chocked out, Jimmy wrapped him in a hug, being careful of his back.

“Why haven’t you told me this before?” Jimmy asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“Never crossed my mind” he whispered, “I’m sorry Jim” Jimmy only shook his head.

“It’s not your fault, no need to apologize bud. But thanks for telling me” he smiled, his crystal blue eyes were filled with sadness. Kissing the top of Zee’s head, he made his way back to the bed.

We decided to stay the night at Jimmy’s, well to be more accurate Jim forced us to stay. Not taking no for an answer he set up a couple of mattresses, blankets and pillows on the ground there was only one choice to take and that was a yes. I’d moved my bed over to be next to Zee’s. Zee ended up falling asleep in my arms, I woke up with a smile on my face. Jimmy was awake, looking at me with a knowing expression.

“You like him” Jimmy said, I checked to see if Zee was still sleeping to which I was greeted with a light snore.

“How did you know?” I asked him, Jimmy rolled his eyes as if the answer was obvious to anyone.

“I’ve known for years” was his reply.

“Years? I’ve only just figured out that I like him, only yesterday”
“Bri, even if it wasn’t obvious to you. It was to others around you. Johnny was actually the one to pick up on it.” I reached up to scratch the back of my head, a goofy smile playing on my lips. Jimmy giggled and leaned over to shake Johnny awake, I did the same to Zee, fighting back the urge to peck those plump, snake-bitten lips.

Zee woke up groggily, groaning his eyes searching before landing on me. He smiled and sat up, Jimmy tapped his head, an expression that didn’t go unnoticed as both Johnny and Zee gave Jimmy confused looks. Jimmy only shrugged his shoulders, winking at me before getting up out of bed.

I rolled my eyes, following him downstairs. We sat down at the table as Zee decides to make us all breakfast, I loved Zee’s cooking, it was the most delicious stuff that I’d ever tasted. And I’m not over-exaggerating either. By the time he was finished, I was almost drooling.

“Uh, Bri you’ve got a bit of something on the corner of your mouth.” Zee said to me, as he put my plate in front of me. I wiped the side of my mouth in an effort to get whatever it was off. He only shook his head, “Here let me.” he reached out. His thumb wiping the side of my mouth, we made eye contact and I swear his thumb lingered for a second longer than it needed to.

Not that I minded, but it took all my strength not to kiss him. I wasn’t even quite sure that he liked me. Hell, I’m not that good looking like Jimmy or Matt even. Jimmy coughed, promptly breaking us apart. I looked over to Zee; there was something hidden in those emerald eyes. I wasn’t all too sure as to what it was.

We all decided to swing by Matt’s house. I think that he has some idea as to what’s been going on but not the whole gist. Jimmy just walked in as he usually does. We all said help to his parents then bounded upstairs to Matt’s room. Without knocking Jimmy barged in on a sleeping Matty, it was adorable but Jimmy began to jump on his bed.

Lifting a hand, Matt hit him. Sitting up groggily he looked over to Jimmy who was lying on the ground. “What the hell Jim?” he asked, rubbing his eyes. Jimmy hopped up onto the bed, pulling Johnny onto his lap, Matty’s eyes softened, “When did this happen?” he asked, gesturing to Johnny.

“Last night” Johnny replied, smiling brilliantly.

“That’s cute.” Matt smiled, ruffling Johnny’s hair. “Now I know that you all didn’t come here just to tell me that, now spill” Matt said crossing his arms over his chest. Zee sighed, nodding.

“Fine, I’ll tell you. Ever since mom died my dad’s been abusing me. Hitting, punching, raping and cutting me. Last night he hit me several times before carving fag into my back and then he threw salt on the open wounds” Zee said, Matt swallowed back the bile that tried to make its way up and out of his throat.

“I had only a vague idea of what was going on. I knew you were getting hit, just not quite to this extent” he whispered, enveloping Zee in a hug. I looked at Zee, he hid his emotions very well. I knew that he’d much rather break down in tears, but he held it together as he usually does.