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Dee hasn’t spoken a single word to Ches since he dropped by the store and asked him to take him to their spot. Ches gave him a concerned look as Dee just stared out the window ignoring the older man. Ches knew better to press him but he so badly wanted to know what was up with him. Ches was happy Dee came to him with anything but it also hurt him to know that he didn’t have a relationship like that with his parents and brother to open up and be himself. Reminded him too much of himself and his mother's relationship.
Ches pulled to the side of the country road next to a rather large hill. Before Ches could fully put the old van in park Dee was already out the door. Ches sighed just happy he didn’t fall as he opened his door and followed a still silent Dee up the hill to the top. Dee plopped in the grass and stared out to the distant park and industrial buildings.
Ches stayed silent as he stood behind Dee waiting for him to open up which took a couple minutes of staring before Dee pulled out his sketchbook. It was something he only did when he was super upset as he began sketching the horizon.
“It’s dad, it’s always him I know but still. He….he’s just being a bigger asshole than usual even to Heavy.”
Ches pulled a packet of cigarettes and a lighter out of his jacket and sighed. He hated how Glam treated his kids but he rarely spoke out about it. Maybe he should say something someone has to go up to bat for the kids. Glam might listen to someone who was in a similar situation as him pointing out the flaws he had as a parent. He lit his cigarette up as he sat by Dee who continued to talk, not making eye contact with him as he drew. Ches was always amazed how fast Dee could draw.
“He keeps pestering Heavy about lessons and even threatens to ground him or take away video games if he doesn’t “focus” on his future. It’s so fucking dumb Ches, Heavy is still a kid he has plenty of time to think about his plans past high school.”
Ches nodded in agreement as he took a drag of his cigarette.
“He does, plus Heavy isn’t too interested in a music career anyways right? Last I knew he wanted to be a youtuber or some twitch dude. It’s not fair Glam is forcing this music shit down his throat. We both know why he does.”
“Self projection, yeah it’s annoying to say the least.”
Ches knew there was more to this talk than just Heavy. He just had to wait till Dee revealed the true reason why he wanted to come up to their spot. Dee went silent for a bit before talking again.
“He hasn’t asked me about my future or pestered me about it. It’s always all about Heavy and his future. I don’t remember the last time he asked me what I was going to do.”
Ches rubbed his back as Dee slouched letting his body show just how upset he was.
“He acts like he doesn’t care anymore. I feel so invisible at home Ches and it fucking sucks! I feel like….I feel like shit all the time.”
Ches noticed the tear drops on the paper moving his hand up to rub his head.
“I care Dee and I see you all the time. What do you want to do Dee?”
Dee sat there, wiping his tears away and scooted closer to Ches for comfort who wrapped an arm around him holding him tight.
“I want to do art but I know my father will be pissed. Plus, I don’t have much confidence that I'll find a good job that pays me the same wage as being a brain surgeon. Maybe I'll just be the basic smart kid and go be a lawyer or some shit. Maybe dad will be proud then if I get a big enough check.”
Ches gave him a kiss on the temple as he held his cigarette lazily in his other hand.
“You know what I'm going to say kiddo. Go follow your heart! I think you’re really talented Dee with the art stuff. Fuck what Glam thinks fuck parents in general you know? Go become a sick ass tattoo artist, people will love your style. Maybe an animator for Rick and Morty ? That shit has to pay good.”
Dee rolled his eyes but Ches caught the tiniest of smiles on his lips and couldn’t help but grin proud he managed to lift his mood even a little.
“Rick and Morty really? That’s just the adult version of spongebob.”
Ches laughed and shook his head at Dee’s joke.
“Oh come on, you know it’s not.”
Dee reached into his pocket and pulled out his packet of cigarettes. He raised his eyebrow as he took a lighter out and Ches recognized it immediately.
“Hey that’s mine you little shit.”
Ches put his cigarette back in his mouth and took another drag as he watched Dee fiddle with the lighter. Ches grinned seeing how it wasn’t working that what he gets for stealing his lucky lighter. Dee grumbled and went to go reach into Ches jacket for his but Ches stopped his hand and pulled him close. Dee stared at him for a moment with big eyes surprised at how close Ches pulled him in suddenly.
Ches leaned closer and touched their cigarettes together making eye contact with Dee who blushed slightly as Ches lit his cigarette with his. It was so intimate in Dee’s eyes everytime Ches did it he just looked so deep in his eyes. Dee always felt butterflies in his stomach as he realized how much Ches is actually there for him. How lucky he was that his shitty dad managed to run into Ches. The only good thing he did was befriend Ches in Dee’s eyes. Ches leaned back with a sly grin and watched how a flustered Dee took a deep inhale of his cigarette.
“Thought you were going to quit kiddo what happened to that.”
Dee immediately went back to his normal expression and rolled his eyes at Ches.
“I said I was thinking about doing it less and I have been doing that. My last cigarette was two weeks ago.”
“I dunno kiddo it’s bad for you I think you should stop or they might have to put that thing in your throat like commercials.”
Ches was only teasing he didn’t really care that Dee smoked it wasn’t like he was smoking a pack a day.
“Oh shut up as if three cigarettes a month will do that.”
Dee ruffled his hair and went back to smoking as Dee flipped to a picture in his notebook.
“I made some new stuff since I last showed you….want to see them?”
“Of course I do kiddo.”
Dee used one hand to flip through the book laughing and chatting with Ches looking through the doodles. It seemed that for now he was happy. He felt seen and loved by someone for the first time in weeks. The bond that they have may be taboo for others but for Dee it was a god send. He couldn’t love someone more than he loved Ches.