Bi The Way

The dim glow of the television illuminated the cozy scene on the couch in Rodney's living room. Rodney and Parker were snuggled together under a warm blanket, Monster's Inc. playing on the screen. Rodney couldn't help but feel his heart swell with happiness as he reveled in this rare alone time with Parker, they had been together a month but it still didn't feel real to Rodney.

"Hey," Parker whispered, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he turned to face Rodney. The corners of his mouth curled up into a grin as he leaned in, capturing Rodney's lips with his own. Just as they began to lose themselves in the passion of the moment, the shrill sound of an incoming FaceTime call pierced through the air.

"Shit! I forgot I told Derek I would Facetime him tonight and play COD." Rodney muttered, disentangling himself from Parker's embrace. "I have to take this," he said apologetically, rushing out of the room to answer the call.

"Hey, Derek," he answered, trying to keep his voice steady as he lied. "I am so sorry, I'm watching a movie with mom tonight, you know to help us reconnect."

"Really?" Derek asked, raising an eyebrow. "But you told me Marcy and your mom were away at her dance competition this weekend."

"Uh, yeah," Rodney stammered, thinking quickly. "The competition got canceled last minute. They came back early."

"Ah, that's too bad," Derek replied, clearly believing Rodney's lie. "Well, hopefully we can hang out later then?"

"Definitely," Rodney agreed, relieved that Derek hadn't caught him in the lie. "Talk to you later, man." in his haste to get back to Parker, he hung up on Derek before Derek could say goodbye. A strange guilt filled his body, it was getting easier to lie to Derek and he wasn't sure if that was a good thing.

"Rodney! Come back!" Parker called from the living room, his voice carrying a playful tone. Rodney couldn't help but smile as he rejoined Parker on the couch, the guilt melting away as he snuggled up once more to enjoy the rest of their movie night.

-----

On Monday, Rodney sat down for lunch with Derek as usual. "Hey, so there's a new skate park that just got installed in Victoria Park. Wanna check it out later?" Derek asked, taking a bite of his sandwich.

"Uh," Rodney hesitated, mentally cursing himself for making plans with Parker later that day. He realised he was becoming just as flaky as Ally was, now that he had a secret boyfriend. "I can't today, man. I have to catch up on some chores I put off over the weekend."

"Really?" Derek frowned, clearly disappointed. "Man, I am beginning to feel like have a secret best friend I don't know about."

Overhearing their conversation, Madison slid into the seat next to them, her curiosity piqued. "Are you seeing someone in secret, Rodney?" she asked, her eyes narrowing playfully.

"What no Derek was just..." Rodney started.

"Whoever it is must be pretty special if you're lying to your best friend," Derek chimed in, feigning sadness.

"Guys, it's not like that," Rodney protested weakly, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks. Why was this happening now, he had worked so hard, and faked so many illnesses, if it came out like this what would Parker do? they would break up for sure Rodney thought

"Relax," Derek said, seeing Rodney's horrified expression. "We are just giving you a hard time. But if a mystery person is trying to get friendly with you, remind them the position of best friend has been taken,"

"No argument there," Rodney agreed, knowing full well he'd have to tell Derek eventually. As Madison rattled off guesses as to who Rodney's secret lover could be, all of which Rodney denied, he couldn't help but feel a mix of happiness and dread. He was thrilled to finally feel free with Parker, but he didn't feel fully free, maybe it was because he couldn't share this happiness with the other people he cared about.

-----

After school, Rodney found himself crossing paths with Ally in the hallway. She seemed to have been waiting for him, a calculating glint in her eyes.

"Hey, Rodney," she said, falling into step beside him. "I couldn't help but overhear your lunch conversation earlier. So, you're seeing someone?"

Rodney tensed up, feeling like a deer caught in headlights. He tried to play it cool, shrugging nonchalantly. "No, is just Derek being Derek, and you Madison, she is always trying to find some good gossip."

Ally studied him for a moment, taking in his flushed cheeks and the way he avoided her gaze. It was clear that Rodney was hiding something, and it stirred an unexpected pang of jealousy in her chest. She found herself questioning if their friendship had really been strained to the point where Rodney kept secrets from her.

"Right, well if you aren't too busy I am having a party next week, I would love to see you there," she said softly, offering him a smile before walking away before he could answer, her mind consumed by thoughts of what-ifs and uncertainties.

-----

Meanwhile, Parker was practically floating through the hallways, his happiness radiating off of him. His recent A+ on his math test only made him feel better, to him life was perfect.

"Alright, Parker, you can't keep this secret any longer," Steven declared during their afternoon hangout in the school courtyard. Luke nodded in agreement, his curiosity piqued by Parker's newfound joy.

"Why are you so happy all of a sudden? Who did this to you?" Luke asked, his eyes narrowing playfully.

Parker shook his head, a mischievous grin on his face. "What can I say, I am killing it recently, that's all."

"Ah, come on!" Steven feigned hurt, clutching at his heart dramatically. "We're supposed to be friends, man! Friends don't keep secrets from each other," he added with a wink.

Laughing, Parker glanced around to make sure no one was listening in. "I know, I know. But a true gentleman doesn't kiss and tell," he said.

Luke and Steven exchanged glances "What a tease," they said in unions, deciding to let the matter rest for now. They couldn't deny how happy Parker seemed, and that was good enough for now.

But as they joked and laughed, Parker's thoughts kept drifting back to Rodney. He felt a warmth in his chest that he hadn't experienced before, a happiness that seemed to grow with every stolen moment they shared. In his mind, everything was absolutely perfect.

-----

Friday night Parker stood outside the entrance of Silvercity, his heart fluttering with anticipation as he waited for Rodney to climb out of the back seat. A sudden gust of wind sent a shiver down his spine, causing him to pull his jacket tighter around himself.

"Sorry about the wait, my shoe got caught on the middle thing," Rodney explained, standing next to Parker with a smile that seemed to light up the gloomy evening.

"No worries, I don't know how many times I have gotten caught on that thing," Parker replied, returning the smile. He could sense the nervous energy radiating off Rodney, and it only served to amplify his own feelings. As they approached the theater's entrance, Parker's father rolled down the window with a stern look on his face.

"Make sure you boys see something manly, alright?" he said, eyeing them suspiciously. "Don't want people getting the wrong idea about you two."

"Of course, Dad," Parker assured him, cringing internally at the comment. "We're going to watch the Mission Impossible. It's action-packed and everything."

"Alright then," Parker's father said, nodding in approval, "Text me when you need a ride home." With that, he drove off into the night, leaving the two boys to navigate the crowded lobby.

"Let's get our tickets before it gets too packed," Rodney suggested, pulling Parker towards the ticket booth. They exchanged a knowing glance as they purchased their tickets for The Greatest Showman instead of the Mission Impossible they had promised.

"Are you ready for this?" Parker asked, squeezing Rodney's hand as they slipped into the dimly lit theater. The atmosphere inside was electric, with excited theater-goers chattering and finding their seats.

"More than ready," Rodney whispered back, a thrill running down his spine as they settled into their seats, fingers intertwined. As the lights dimmed and the musical began, Parker couldn't help but sing along to each song, his voice soft and surprisingly melodic.

"Through the dark, through the door," he sang under his breath, his eyes fixed on the stage. Rodney watched him with a growing sense of wonder, realizing that he found Parker's enthusiasm absolutely adorable. Parker had always been smart and kind but for Rodney, he just seemed to get smarted and kinder with every passing moment.

As the final notes of the show rang out and the audience erupted into applause, Rodney impulsively leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss to Parker's lips. It was simple, pure but it took Parker by surprise, he pulled away but only for a moment before returning the kiss.

"Wow," Parker whispered as they pulled away, his cheeks flushed with delight. "What was that for?"

"Because you're incredible," Rodney replied, his heart pounding in his ears. "I think I lo....." Rodney started to say but his fear and the realization that he wouldn't be able to share this moment with Derek or Marcy stopped the L word cold.

The words hung in the air between them, heavy how close Rodney had been saying they both wanted to hear. Parker's eyes widened, and for a moment, he felt a fear of letting Rodney get too close. But as he looked into Rodney's earnest gaze, Parker knew the one thing he never wanted to do was hurt him.

"Rodney," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I think... I think we should head so my dad doesn't get too suspicious." the two boys left the theater in an awkward silence.

The night air was cool on their flushed cheeks as they stepped out of the theater, both of them chastising themselves for messing up the night.

"Thanks for the amazing date," Rodney said, casting a sideways glance at Parker, trying to revive the joy he had felt earlier in the night.

"Anytime, it's one of my favorites," Parker replied, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I'm glad you enjoyed it too."

As Parker's dad pulled up to the curb, he rolled down the window and gave them a scrutinizing look. "You boys have a good time?"

"Absolutely, sir," Rodney responded, trying his best to sound convincing. Parker's dad nodded, and they climbed into the backseat, their fingertips grazing each other but never connecting.

It wasn't a long drive back to Parker's house, but it felt like an eternity as they sat in silence, unable to discuss the night's events. When the car finally pulled up to the front of Parker's house, Parker offered to walk Rodney home.

"Really, it's no trouble," Parker insisted, brushing off Rodney's protests. "Besides, I could use the fresh air."

Under the starlit sky, they walked side by side, enjoying the quiet intimacy of their shared secret. "So, My family is going away to my grandma's next weekend. I am sure I can get out of it if I fake sick. Would you want to come over and keep me company?"

"Sounds perfect," Rodney whispered, excitement bubbling at this chance for redemption.

When they reached Rodney's front door, Parker hesitated for a moment before leaning in and pressing a tender kiss to Rodney's lips. "Goodnight, Rodney," he murmured, his breath warm against Rodney's cheek.

"Goodnight, Parker," Rodney replied, his heart swelling with affection. He watched Parker walk away, and Rodney wondered why the L word was so hard for him to say when he wanted to say it so badly.

Rodney turned the doorknob and entered his house, only to find Derek waiting for him in the living room. Surprise washed over Rodney's face as his brain scrambled to come up with an explanation.

"Hey, I came by to see if you wanted to catch a movie," Derek said, raising an eyebrow. "But your mom told me they were already at the movies. And I didn't mean to see your private moment but I kind of did, we don't have to talk about it though."

Rodney could feel the heat creeping up his neck, but he managed a sheepish smile. "Yeah, about that... I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away. I wanted to tell, I have wanted to tell you for weeks now but I just couldn't, I promised Parker I wouldn't."

Derek leaned back, curiosity piqued. "I get it, not everyone would be cool with it, the last thing you need are idiots making a big deal out of it."

Taking a deep breath, Rodney confessed, "You should probably know I think I'm in love with Parker. I've never felt this way before, so I don't know for sure, but when I am with him, it is like nothing else in the world exists."

A warm smile spread across Derek's face. "Sounds like love to me, man. Have you told him any of this?"

"I want to," Rodney agreed, "but every time I try I freeze up."

"Why do you think that is?" Derek suggested, grinning. "Maybe you just need a romantic night to confess your love?"

Rodney's eyes lit up. "You think so?"

"Of course, It is all about setting the right mood," Derek said, clapping Rodney on the shoulder. "I am sure we can figure out a perfect way to get you and Parker alone and in the mood to confess those feelings." Rodney nodded, hoping that with Derek's help, he would finally be able to say what he wanted to.