A/N: okay, first of all, yay you made it to the ending, good for you. And yeah, sorry for pulling y'all's heart strings but come on, all the good stories do that. It's what makes them memorable.

Also, thank you for reading this. Whether it was on tumblr first and then made your trip over here to rereading it or if you're new, thanks for giving my story a shot.

And because I like to give credit where its due, I'll like to say that my sister, cinnamon treats on tumblr, helped me in listening to me talk plot stuff from this story while I was still brainstorming and she came up with the last sentence of this story. So kudos to her.

Now without further ado, here is the finale to Forging Bonds.

PART EIGHT

Throughout the night Sock worried but some time later he must've dozed off because he suddenly woke up to the room flooded by light. Looking around he slowly untangled himself from Jonathan who was lightly snoring. Maybe it was the sound of Jonathan sleeping that woke him up.

Sock had a little trouble getting up with his left leg protesting, there was most likely a bruise there. That brought a sharp focus to his face. Gingerly touching it, Sock felt his skin tender and most likely sporting a bruise too. Sighing, he quietly made his way to the door listening for any activity outside. Hearing none Sock pushed the dresser aside, unlocked the door, and stepped out.

It was the eerily quiet that put Sock unease. Glancing back at the door he ventured further down the hall coming to the entrance of the living room. The room was a mess, probably from last night; Sock didn't hear much noise after they were inside Jonathan's room. He ventured around making sure Mr. Combs wasn't home and about to spring out any minute. After five minutes Sock discovered that they were all alone and took that to his advantage.

Rushing back into the room Sock made his way to the bed leaning carefully so not to hurt his leg he nudged the sleeping boy. "Jonathan, hey …wake up, come on …we have to go …wake up."

Jonathan didn't budge and Sock didn't want to shake him too hard because he was hurt too. Sitting on the edge of the bed Sock tried again pushing the bangs off Jonathan's face. If it had been any other time, Sock would've let him sleep. Jonathan looked so serene in sleep, and the older teen finally lost that frown he's always carried around. Leaning in he whispered to his ear while gently shaking his shoulder, "Wake up, come on… wake up Jonathan."

Jonathan must've heard him because his eyes squeezed shut like the light was bothering him. Squinting, he looking up at Sock's green worried eyes, "What?" he replied groggily.

"Get up, we have to go." Sock murmured leaning back to give Jonathan room. Sock had to remind himself that his revelation last night didn't mean anything to Jonathan. That he was asleep through it all. He was probably not too happy with Sock being here right now anyhow.

"Go away," Jonathan mumbled covering his eyes. Sock tried not to take it personally, he expected this reaction even, but it still stung. Straightening his shoulders he smacked Jonathan's forehead.

"Get up now," Sock ordered as he stood up and yanked the blanket off from Jonathan who narrowed his eyes at him. "Let's go, we need to get you to a hospital now before your dad comes back."

"Fuck off," Jonathan growled curling up to conserve heat. Narrowing his eyes on Sock, Jonathan was irritable at being woken up. He was having a pleasant dream too… something about finally getting out of here.

"You can tell me off after we get to the hospital, but until then you're stuck with me," Sock retorted smacking the other on the head again.

Jonathan grabbed his hand pulling him closer. "I'm not going there. So you can leave. Now."

Don't take it personally, don't take it personally, Sock told himself as his lips thinned to a straight line, "Well it's not up to you to decided if you want to go or not, you're going and that's final. Now get up you jerk."

"Make me," he rebutted.

Letting out a frustrated breath out Sock tried to pull him up though it was useless, Jonathan wouldn't budge. "Look, you either go with me right now or I'll call 911 so they can haul your ass out of bed."

Jonathan narrowed his eyes at the rebellious teen, "You wouldn't."

"You wanna bet," Sock said in defiance, "I'll go and call right now."

Storming off Sock made it to the living room before Jonathan grabbed him from behind. Sock tried to move while both of his arms were pinned to his sides because Jonathan's arms were wrapped firmly around preventing him. "I told you, I don't need to go."

"And I'm telling you too bad because you're going," Sock huffed struggling to get out of his grasp. "Don't make me hurt you just so I can escape." Sock didn't need to decide if he would. Jonathan let him go and ran, a little clumsy, to the bathroom and threw up. Slowly walking up, Sock stayed by the doorframe while Jonathan puked. "Are you okay?"

Sock asked him again followed by another round of vomiting. "I'm going to go call now…"

"Don't… you dare." Jonathan rasped before groaning and puking some more. He really wasn't in any position to argue. He was vomiting until there was nothing left to spit out but that didn't stop his body from dry heaving. That's it, heroin was definitely the worst, Jonathan didn't care if it left him with the best bliss he's ever come into contact with, this was pure hell.

Flushing the toilet Jonathan managed to stand up and splash some water on his face. "You should drink some water." Sock suggested.

"Don't tell me what to do." he snapped back in a more irritable mood after the puke-fest. Nothing cheers a person up more than puking.

Sock flinched back at his animosity before relaxing his body to shrug nonchalant, "Well if you don't want to get dehydrated…" Pausing by the door a few moments Sock left him alone to get a phone around this place. It was already ten in the morning. Sock moved things around trying to find the phone when he heard more retching in the bathroom. Looking down the hall he decided to give Jonathan some space and searched for the phone more urgently, it was not looking well for Jonathan if he was puking this badly.

"I'm not taking your advice again, you hear me!" Jonathan moaned still in the bathroom after he flushed the toilet. Washing his mouth twice Jonathan stumbled out to the hallway and made it to the couch without falling to his face. "What are you looking for?"

"The phone," Sock answered lifting more things off the floor trying to find the blasted phone.

"Well keep looking if you want," Jonathan said lying down, "because you're not going to find it."

"Why," Sock asked looking at a paler version of Jonathan.

He laughed humorlessly, "Because we don't have one."

Sock stayed quiet wondering what he was going to do. If he went outside to find one, he knew Jonathan would take that time to run off or stop him. Sock knew he couldn't physically drag him to go though he could try. He stood there trying to figure out what to do. "Aren't you worried he'll show up?"

"No," Jonathan sighed closing his eyes not able to handle the lost look Sock had on. If he did, he might just cave and go with him which he couldn't. He just had a little less than two weeks until his birthday, he could hold off until then. "He's usually gone all day. Probably working so he has the money to pay for his habit."

"…What was it he was looking for yesterday?" Sock asked quietly relaxing a bit knowing that Jonathan's father wasn't going to burst through the door at any second.

"Heroin, the stuff I had hidden on me." Jonathan laughed, his eyes looking up to the ceiling, "I managed to swipe it from him before he could shoot up. …Though I didn't think I'll be the one using it."

Kneeling down Sock tried to put as little pressure on his left leg as he watched Jonathan. "You should eat something." He suggested.

"I'll pass," Jonathan answered, "I don't want to go to the bathroom anytime soon." There was a long pause while both teens stayed quiet before Jonathan moved from his spot and looked at Sock. "Don't you have school today?"

"Don't you," Sock quipped back. But Sock remembered he did and was probably getting in trouble for ditching again after his last stunt. "I'm not leaving you—I mean—I'm not going until I know you're okay."

Jonathan stared straight back his eyes clouding in thought. "Fine, stay; just don't bother me about the hospital thing because I'm not going."

Reluctant to agree because he was worried for him, Sock nodded sitting with Jonathan as they shared the afternoon together. The most Sock could do was keep an eye on Jonathan if things went south.

"Napoleon Sowachowski wasn't at school today? Hmm, interesting… no, no, thank you for informing me… you have a nice day too. Goodbye." The phone clicked as it was place back on its crate. Pausing, the phone was picked up again to call someone who might have information.

"Angel face, I wanted to ask you something, how's your boy behaving, do you know if he went to school today? …no, I'll wait…" sighing at the end of his line Mephistopheles waited drumming his fingers on his desk, "So he didn't go either… no, no, it's just a theory. …Really, you're not going to—. … Alright, where do you want to meet? …Yeah, yeah, I know where that's at. See you there."

Slamming the phone in frustration Mephistopheles got up from his chair pulling his keys from the hook and left his office.

Sock had slipped up again.

Walking outside Sock stumbled for a second as he had one of Jonathan's arms wrapped over his shoulder as he dragged him out of the house. Something about Jonathan's dad showing up or something along those lines, Jonathan was becoming somewhat baffling about what he was trying to say. Glancing to his left, Sock nudged him. Maybe it was a bad idea not to have called for help; he didn't seem to be doing any better. He threw up one more time and refused any food and it was starting to worry Sock.

A white car pulled up beside them just as Providence stepped out of her car. Assessing the situation she lifted Jonathan's face examining it. "What happened?"

"He hasn't eaten all day," Sock replied worried over Jonathan as another car pulled behind Providence's and Sock recognized it at once, it was Mephistopheles'.

He glanced at all of them before ordering everyone around. "I'll take him. Angel face, take Sock for me will you. We'll meet at the hospital." Agreeing, Sock got ushered into her car while Jonathan took the other as they got driven to where Sock's been hoping they'd go all day.

###

At the hospital, Jonathan was admitted as Sock sat at the corner of the waiting room. The left side of him was facing the wall wrapping his arms around his leg. Sock didn't say much in the car ride there. When everything was handled both, Ms. Goodwin and Mr. Hellman pulled Sock aside to explain what happened.

"…"

Sock stayed quiet not wanting to expose any of Jonathan's secrets. That was the main reason why he had pushed off going to the hospital. He didn't want to explain how there was heroin in his system. His father got out of jail a few months ago and he was just trying to keep quiet about the whole drug problem until he turned eighteen and left. His father could do whatever he wanted after that. "How's Jonathan?"

"He'll be a lot better if you'd tell us what happened?" Mephistopheles answered his arms crossed staring at Sock seriously, the most he's seen him in all the time Sock's known him.

"Has Jonathan said anything?" Sock asked Providence avoiding the question.

"For the time being no, that's why we're asking you honey, what happened?" Providence used a softer approach.

Sock watched both adults keeping his mouth shut. He couldn't tell them. "Whatever Jonathan says happened. I'm not saying anything unless he says something." Not what they expected to hear. They kept questioning Sock about what happened. Both case workers wanted to know more when they found out what was wrong with Jonathan.

He was suffering from moderate dehydration, probably due to all the vomiting and lack of fluids. When they screen him for any other problems they found heroin in his system. Providence and Mephistopheles turned their heads to Sock who wanted to shrink back from the intensity.

Even with their aggressive questioning Sock wouldn't budge. He just kept saying over and over that whatever Jonathan said he was going to agree with. When they ask about the bruise on his face Sock answered that he ran into a streetlamp. Sock wasn't willing to cooperate giving them the same answers. They had to wait until Providence could see Jonathan.

"You're not helping your case here kid." Mephistopheles said after she left. "With drugs involved you could be facing jail time," Mephistopheles told Sock who was back to sitting by the corner of the waiting room. "Just tell me the truth so I can help you out."

"I told you, whatever Jonathan says happen, happened," Sock said looking down at his hands. Sure he knew what kind of trouble he could get into if he didn't talk, but he wasn't willing to betray Jonathan to save himself. He got involved the minute he stepped inside that place and he refuse to leave Jonathan alone with this.

"You've said that, I know, but I can't help you if he says you had something to do with the drugs Sock. Give me something so I can keep you out." Mephistopheles tried to reason with the stubborn teen. He could tell Sock was reluctant to talk and for whatever reason kept silent.

"If he says I gave him the drugs… that I injected them into him…" Sock whispered sniffing as teardrops landing on his hands he looked up at his case worker, "Then I guess I did what he said. I'm not… I'm not going to rat him out, okay."

Mephistopheles sighed; he had to give the teen props for loyalty. Even though he thought it was stupid that Sock was willing to put the noose over his head. He pulled the teen over toward him letting him cry while he comforted the weeping teen.

Sock couldn't do it, he couldn't betray Jonathan and he just wanted to cry especially when Mephistopheles wrapped his arm over his shoulder trying to comfort him. He was acting like the father Sock never had. Burying himself toward the older male Sock wrapped his arms around him unable to control the tears. It's like the lack of sleep was really screwing with Sock's mind. Or he just realized someone else finally cared about him.

"What did Combs say?" Mephistopheles asked Providence a while later without his suit's jacket on. He glanced to where Sock was sleeping using his own coat as a pillow and his case worker's suit jacket as a blanket.

"He won't say much," she said in frustration. "Neither of them will or did he…?"

"No, Sowachowski won't say much either." He sighed leaning on the wall with some resignation, "I don't know what happened but he won't budge. He's even willing to take the blame."

"Is he now?" Providence asked looking at the sleeping boy before looking at the hall where the other one rested. "That's very interesting… I… I think I know what's happening now, or at least I have an idea."

"Jonathan told me everything," Those where the first words Sock heard as he was awoken. Groggy he sat up rubbing his eyes blinking back at Ms. Goodwin, did he hear right? She must've seen the confusion on his face because she said it again.

"He…he did?" Sock's voice squeaked. He cleared his throat to get his voice back to normal. "I… can I see him?"

"Sorry that won't be possible." She said patting his shoulder, "He's about to be release to his father's custody."

"What?" Sock eyes got wide before relaxing his face. "Can I see him before…?"

"That won't be possible." Providence said getting up. "He specifically asked not to see you."

He sat still trying to absorb it in. Jonathan didn't tell the truth because there was no way he'll be release to his dad. But to know he wasn't wanted stung... a lot. Though what did Sock expect, he should've known better than to think Jonathan wanted to see him. When would he learn that Jonathan wanted him out of his life?

"Oh…" Sock said suddenly feeling like the third wheel. "I should probably head home then."

"Not quite yet, I still have a few questions to ask you." Providence said ushering Sock back into his seat. "Can you explain to be how you got your hands on the heroin? How long have you been using it?"

If his eyes could get any bigger, they'll pop out of his head. Sock couldn't believe this. Was this what he told them? Part of him felt offended but the rest of him felt hurt. He told her this. "I don't use… I-uh got it from someone—I don't remember who—but I got it and I brought it over. I know I shouldn't have and I'm sorry for that…"

The figurative noose was around his neck constricted fitting snuggly but Sock was prepare to metaphorically hang himself if that's what Jonathan wanted.

"So you're willing to admit to me that you got the drugs?"

"If that's what Jonathan said—."

"—I don't want to hear what Jonathan said, I want to hear what you have to say. Tell me what happened?"

He looked her straight in the eyes, took a deep breath, and lied. "I took the drugs from someone, I don't remember who or what they look liked, then I went around and found his house. I went in and Jonathan took the drug. Satisfied?"

Providence looked very serious, "Did Jonathan take them willingly or did you force him?"

"Neither," Sock admitted. "He stabbed himself with it. Purely accidental."

"That's not what he said." She replied.

"Well you told me to tell you what I know. It was accidental." Sock felt he could tell the truth on this one. Everything else, he'll take the blame. "Can I go now?"

She stared him down watching intently to see if he lied but he stared right back. He was willing to lie if that's what it took. "I don't believe it."

"Well believe it." Sock replied sternly.

She shook her head before standing up and staring at him strangely. "Augustus wasn't lying when he said you'll take the blame for everything if that's what it took. I told him you wouldn't, that you would try to keep yourself out of trouble, out of jail. You really would cover for Jonathan wouldn't you?"

What just happened? Sock didn't know how to respond to that. "What…?"

"I did as you asked Angel face, he didn't crack either." Mephistopheles said as he walked back from the hall watching the two. "I can see you didn't get Sock to talk either? I told you, you wouldn't."

All levels of confusion passed through Sock. Did Providence just lie to me… about everything? Getting up quietly he took his jacket and walked into the men's restroom trying to clear his head. So everything he said didn't matter. Jonathan hadn't talk. That made Sock really happy but also bad that he fell for it. He needed to talk to Jonathan before they tricked him again.

Sneaking out of the bathroom he made his way down the hall and looked into some of the rooms until he found Jonathan, four doors down to the left. "Sock, what are you doing here?"

He grinned, "Snuck in to see you of course." Sitting down on the chair on the left side of the bed he asked, "I heard they tried to talk to you."

"Yeah, your case worker said you told them what happened." Jonathan looked tired but still managed to narrow his eyes.

"I didn't tell him anything. Providence told me you told them I got the drugs." Sock informed him.

"–I didn't say that." Jonathan curled his hands around the bed's handrail. Sock place his hand on Jonathan's left trying to soothe him. Those blue eyes glanced at their hands and Sock moved his hand away placing it on the bed instead. "Why would they do that?"

"To get us to talk," Sock answered his shoulders drooping. He was still tired, the short nap helped a little bit but the stress of today was asking for more sleep. "How are you?"

"I've been better," Jonathan smiled a little, "How about you?"

"I've been worse." Sock answered, "I don't think we have much time, they're bound to know I snuck over here. I wanted to ask what I should tell them."

"Are you sure you didn't tell them that my father… you know?"

"No, all I did was said you stab yourself with the needle. And I sorta said I gave you them…"

"What?" Jonathan look stunned.

Sock looked sheepish, "Well, I sort of took the blame for it. Providence told me what you supposedly said happened. I told them whatever you said happen, happened."

Jonathan looked at him questionably. His left hand gripped the bed pole trying to control his impulse. "I don't know why you would do something so stupid." Sock looked offended by that. "But you shouldn't have to take the blame."

"If you want me too, I will." Sock said squeezing his hands into fist before relaxing them. "I don't want to get you in trouble—that is—not with your birthday coming up so soon…"

Jonathan sigh feeling exhausted. He should've slept yesterday but he was too high off his ass to do that. He finally managed after dawn an hour after Sock passed out exhausted. But he kept himself awake for Sock; he didn't know how long it would be before he saw him again, if ever. "I'll tell Providence the truth. You don't have to worry about it okay."

Sock yawned, "Are you sure?"

Jonathan nodded, "Go home and sleep."

Sock looked at him wanting to ask him something but closed his eyes shaking his head to himself. "Take care of yourself, I'll see you later." Getting up he paused before risking a touch and patted Jonathan's hand that still gripped the bed. Sock made his way to the door and waved before exiting.

"Maybe…" Jonathan replied long after Sock had left. He didn't think he'd be here when Sock returned. June Goodwin would probably move him somewhere else trying to keep him safe.

Jonathan was awake when Providence showed up some time later. He'd been waiting up so he could tell her the truth. She sighed, brushing part of his bangs out of his face. "I wanted to tell you what happened."

"I know," she answered.

"Sock didn't do—."

"—I know Jonathan." She smiled sadly brushing her fingers through his hair. "I know it was your father who had the drugs. You don't have to say anything more. I know."

Jonathan stayed silent, understanding. He didn't need to explain more, Providence figured it out. This wasn't the first time he's lied to keep his father out of trouble. "So, what's going to happen?"

Her answer was not what he expected to hear. He could choose to stay with his father until his eighteenth birthday or go into the foster care system again and run the risk that he might lose his chance to graduate this semester.

Sock studied for his finals never hearing a word from Jonathan besides that he was alright now. He went the next day to the hospital to see him but was told he'd already checked out. Not feeling up to going to Jonathan's place because there was the off chance he'll run into Mr. Combs, Sock had to wait for Jonathan to contact him which he knew was unlikely but he still waited until his birthday when Jonathan would most likely be long gone.

###

Jonathan walked into his old school glancing left and right trying to avoid any teachers until he did what he had to do. Walking down the hallways until he found the right locker he reached locker 426A. Turning the dial, pulled the handle, and the locker opened.

Though he knew the combo he was still surprised that it opened. Sock really did need to find another way to know his combination than what he currently had. He still remembered in his haggard state he asked what was on Sock's left wrist.

"Oh it's my locker number so I don't forget." Sock smiled then wince the bruise on his face more noticeable in that moment. Jonathan didn't believe Sock would write it down but at least was glad that Sock wasn't dumb enough to write his combo down too and voiced it. "Oh but I did, see."

Pulling his sleeve down Jonathan saw three numbers lower down. And the idiot had the brilliance to write his combo in order. 25-6-11.

But he guessed it had its advantage, like how he was able to open it right now while Sock was in class. Jonathan managed to take the last one earlier so he could be here right now before Sock's last final. Looking around he saw a bunch of papers crumpled up on the floor. Rolling his eyes Jonathan grabbed one and unwrinkled it thinking it was some of Sock's old class notes.

Heard your parents died. Guess no one wants to be with you.

The paper was instantly ripped, Jonathan fuming. They were still picking on Sock? Grabbing another note it said the same thing, he kept ripping them after he read them.

Loser.

Kill yourself.

No one wants you here.

What's with the fucking skirt?

Faggot.

Freak.

More and more words—insults—from the notes go through his mind as he continued to read them. This must've been going on for months. Sock never told me about these.

But why would he, Jonathan thought, I left him too.

Writing his note again on a fresh piece of paper he taped it on the inside of the locker and closed it making his way out of the school and throwing the ripped papers in the trash. Jonathan left before the bell rang.

Meet me at Mayfield Park at 11:30pm a week after you get this letter. I'll be waiting.
–Jonathan

Sock reread it again. The note wrinkled from all the times he'd unfolded and refolded the paper. He didn't expect much after finals and opened his locker, glad there wasn't the courtesy note taped to his locker he's come to expect and was surprise to find one inside his locker. Thinking it was going to be another one of those letters he was surprised when he found out it was from Jonathan.

He was keen to see what it was all about. So for the last seven days Sock's been fretting about it. Using his work as the only distraction, it had to be something important… maybe Jonathan was saying goodbye since tomorrow was his birthday. But even with that depressing thought Sock wanted to see Jonathan one more time.

Sneaking out of the house Sock made his journey to the park making sure he gave himself enough time to get there on time. It was cold and he finally fixed and washed his hat and was currently adorn on his head. He also wore his traditional purple skirt over all of his layers to keep warm. Shoving his gloved hands into his black puffy jacket Sock walked fast to make it on time all the while trying to keep warm.

Right around the corner he turned in and made the last bit of walking needed to reach the park. The playground was deserted and he made his way over to the swing set to wait for Jonathan.

Swinging lightly on the swings he waited and waited. Time crawled by slowly but it did move, close to twenty minutes later Sock was about to give up, Jonathan wasn't going to show up. Coincidentally, he saw someone running from the side and making their way over to him. Not entirely sure who it was Sock gripped the chains bracing himself.

"I'm… sorry…" Jonathan puffed leaning on his knees trying to catch his breath, "Had… trouble… sneaking out."

"It's okay," Sock said calmly.

"I really hate it when you say that." Jonathan said a minute later finally catching his breath and stood up. "Just like I hate it when you say you're fine when you're clearly not."

Sock kept silent looking up at Jonathan waiting for him to speak why they were here. When the blue eyed teen stretched out his hand Sock took it without question and was pulled up from his seat. Sock expected to have his hand back but Jonathan kept his grip on it as they walked further into the park where anyone walking by on the street wouldn't easily see them.

When they finally reached a spot by a light post Jonathan let his hand go. "Happy birthday," Sock said.

"Thank you," Jonathan smiled his face warming up. He was dressed in his gray hoodie but it looked like he had other layers underneath with his gloved hands shoved into his pocket. "I'm glad you made it."

"Is there something you wanted to tell me?" Sock asked not wanting to ask a too personal question. He still didn't know where he stood with Jonathan.

"I actually wanted to ask you a question."

"Really, what about?" the green eyed boy questioned not sure where this was headed.

He paused looking at Sock in question trying to decide what to say. "When I was high you said something, I wanted to know what you meant."

Sock eyed him with apprehension. He didn't think Jonathan heard him that night. That might not have been the case apparently. "What exactly are you referring to?"

Jonathan kept it cryptic not giving Sock a straight answer, "You know what. I may have been high but I was not asleep. …I-I'm sorry about your parents."

Sock inhaled sharply because he now knew that Jonathan heard his confession. He thought he didn't, that was mostly why Sock said it. His green eyes looked anxiously to his blue eyes trying to get a reading, but he got nothing, no clue whatsoever. "Oh…"

Jonathan didn't need to ask any further he got his answer from Sock's reaction. So he went for his next question. "What do you want me to do?"

"W-w-what?" Sock had no clue what he meant. What did he want him to do? The only obvious answer to that question was love him back but that seemed ridiculous to say out loud.

"For my birthday, I'm eighteen, free to leave if I felt like it." Jonathan's blue eyes shimmer with a something Sock can't quite grasp. "Tell me what I should do. What do you want me to do?"

"I-uh…"

"Do you want me to leave?"

"…No?" Sock answered timidly.

"Okay, then, I won't," Sock looked surprised that he had that much influence on him. It was usually the other way around. "When do you turn eighteen?"

"Less than two weeks," he replied.

"After that what do you want to do?" Jonathan asked coming closer so the light showed more of his face. He was honestly trying to grant Sock's wish, whatever that may be. He already said he was going to postpone his trip to leave this city. Which was a huge gesture.

"Wait for me," Sock said looking up at him, wishing it to be true. Sock was really going out on a limb. "Just wait until I turn eighteen and… I'll go with you…" He added, "If you want."

A slow smile spread out on Jonathan's face which wreaked havoc to Sock's heart. "Okay, done. I'll wait until your birthday." Is he serious? Did he just agree to wait two weeks until he leaves this city? Even after he's been dying to leave for most of his life?

Suddenly Jonathan's eyebrows furrowed as he looked at Sock. I don't understand it, Jonathan debated in his mind.

Sock looked up at him and Jonathan had to look away frustrated. Sock watched his formal roommate as he started warring inwardly. Staring at Sock's big green eyes Jonathan turned away annoyed. "I'm not gay…"

"…"

"I like girls."

"…"

"I'm physically attracted to girls." He said trying to convince Sock… or maybe he was trying to convince himself.

"Okay." Sock said.

Jonathan turned back around facing Sock who seemed completely unfazed by this. Jonathan didn't know if that annoyed him more. Jonathan couldn't wrap his mind around it. He wasn't gay; he could look at other guys and not find them attractive and the opposite with girls. Yet here he was staring at the green eyed boy and his heart started beating faster in his chest.

"Damn it," he cursed as he cupped his gloved hands on either side of Sock's face. "Then why do I want you?"

Sock, with his face held in place by the blond, smiled joyously and shrugged. "I don't know."

Jonathan groaned in resignation their breath clouding between the two from the cold. He looked at Sock and pulled their faces together in a soft, gentle kiss.

Sock did not put any resistance instead melted into it. He wanted to kiss Jonathan for a long time now. Since the first attempt ended badly.

Packing everything he'd need Sock exited from his late parents' house. What he didn't need or what the new owners didn't want he gave away to charity. He put the last of his boxes into the old black truck his Great-Uncle Maxwell gave him for his inheritance when he turned eighteen. It was very surprising and very welcoming that he got it along with a substantial amount of money he could use as a safety cushion until he found a place to live and a job. Sock still wore the same outfit even if it was still cold in February.

Sock said goodbye yesterday to his case worker and thank him for all he's done and said he'll write him a letter once he was settled down somewhere so as not to worry him. Opening the old car door that groaned he sat in the passenger's side while Jonathan took the wheel. "Ready?"

"Ready," Sock agreed his green eyes twinkling up at him. He turned on the radio that was already station to the oldies and Sock smiled when he noticed his favorite old song coming on. Humming to it he looked out the window his left hand leaning in the middle seat while the other was by the window.

Jonathan smiled a little as he pulled out from the curb finally putting some distance to the city he grew up in. Would he miss it? He didn't think so. Even though part of him might actually miss Providence he wasn't entirely going to miss the smothering hugs she gave him. He did say goodbye to her, after Sock pushed him into it of course, and she tearfully smiled hugging him again. She said she would miss him and that she hoped he had a wonderful life, smiling shyly as she looked at Sock down the hall staring at some of the pictures posted on the walls.

He tried not to blush but it seemed irreverent. Providence knew about what he felt for Sock even if he didn't mention it to her and he was glad she didn't judge him for it. Patting his head she gave him a packet of sugar bears much like the ones he got all those years ago and he felt touched that he actually hugged her.

As he past the city limits and onto the next town over Jonathan relaxed. He glanced to the passenger's side where Sock sat and placed his hand over where Sock's was resting. Looking back over those green eyes twinkled as Sock smiled up at him. Sock turned his hand over so their fingers were intertwine and turned his attention back to the window smiling and humming happily.

Tightening his hold on Sock's hand Jonathan turn his attention back onto the road. Holding hands, Jonathan's thumb rubbed Sock's palm unconsciously as he continued to drive while he thought.

I was right that I would leave this town after I graduated high school, yet I was wrong that I would leave everything behind. Jonathan glanced back at Sock who was humming the next song that came on the radio. Those big eyes shifting back toward his as they crinkled at the corners when Sock smiled back at him.

Taking a quick check on the road Jonathan brought their laced hands toward his mouth lightly pressing his lips on Sock's knuckles. Sock blushed furiously his heartbeat skipping a beat. Flushed, Sock turned his face away hiding the silly grin from the boy he loves.

Jonathan held back his smile turning his attention to the road for a few seconds. Glancing back he smiled slowly at the teen who changed his life. Jonathan planned to leave his past behind but looking at Sock. He's the only past I want.

A/N: there you go. The End.

Remember this story is also on my wattpad as well as all my other stories on here plus an extra one since I didn't want to put the smut one on here for fear I'll violate the site's rules. My pen name on tumblr/wattpad/ao3 is readaholicgirl.

Farewell, take care now.