Monochrome Stories

I look around, and I can't see anything. It's dark again. I walk around and try to feel for anything, but there's just nothing. Not even walls. Where am I? Why do I feel like this isn't my first time here?

In the distance, I see a familiar cool color. I run towards it, but it seems like it's getting farther and farther from me. 

"Wait!" I exclaim. "Don't go! Please-"

"Wake up Black." I hear a voice say as I feel somebody shaking me. I open my eyes and see Crimson. I kinda forgot he was staying for the night. "Hey? You up?" He asks.

I sit up and rub my eyes. "I am now." I reply. "So what is it?"

"Your aunt told me to wake you up for dinner."

"Ughhh what time is it anyw-" I stop. 'Wait! Did you say dinner?!" I ask.

He looks at me confused. "Yeah. Dinner. You've been asleep for the whole day man." He replies.

"Shit... Why didn't you wake me up??"

"I did. Well, we did. You're just a really heavy sleeper. Your aunt even tried blowing an airhorn."

"Wait, you met my aunt?? What time did you even wake up?"

"Woah. I'm not mad that you're still here. Neither am I telling you to leave. Now come on. My aunt must be so pissed."

We head downstairs and the scent of something being burnt is the first thing I smell.

"What the hell is that smell?!" I ask while trying to cover up my nose.

"What smell?" Crimson replies. "Oh, you mean the burning smell... Yeah... I think that's some of our dinner..."

We finally get downstairs and I see my aunt fanning some smoke. She looks at me and does her usual bright smile. "Black!" She exclaims while heading towards me to give me a hug.

"Hey Aunt Autumn. How was work?" I ask.

"Just the same old stuff, but enough about me. Who's this boy you brought home?? How long have you been together?"

"Aunt Autumn!"

"Oh dear! Where are my manners?!" She asks as she turns to face Crimson. "Come here. I'd love to speak to the both of you during dinner. Now sit down!" She says as she gestures both of us to take a seat.

"Oh I almost forgot!" Aunt Autumn exclaims. "I was making a pie, but I forgot to take it out of the oven so now it's all burnt. I wanted the both of you to have a nice meal, but I guess that's a tad bit ruined now..."

"I know how to whip up a quick dessert." Crimson replies. "May I?"

"Sure sweetheart. Use whatever you want." She looks at me as Crimson stands up and heads to the pantry. "He's a keeper." She says as she winks at me.

I sigh. "We're not like that Aunt Autumn." I explain. "He's just a friend at my school who came over last night. Plus, we're both guys."

"Oh honey, it doesn't matter if you're both guys. What matters is the love that you two have for each other."

"But it's not like thaaaaaaaat. We're really just friends."

"Fine fine. If you say so." She says as she gently holds my hand. "But I'm really glad you're adjusting nicely."

"Yeah..." I reply. "I am too."

Crimson suddenly places a plate full of chocolate chip cookies on the table. The smell of the warm cookies spread throughout the dining room. It's amazing how he could make it in such a short time.

"Oh, it's fine dear. Come sit down. Let's eat." Aunt Autumn replies.

He sits down and I pass him some of the pasta my aunt made. "Try some of this. It's one of my favorites." I tell him as I take a bite of my serving.

"Thanks." He replies. "Thanks for also having me for lunch and dinner Ms Autumn."

"It's really no worries." Aunt Autumn ȧssures him. "You can come here anytime you want to. I'm often out for work so it'd be nice if Black were to have some company here."

He laughs. "I'll take you up on that offer."

"Do you have a girlfriend, dear?" Aunt Autumn asks.

I cough. "Aunt Autumn!" I exclaim.

Crimson looks at confused at first, but laughs. "It's okay Black." He replies. "And I'm single Ms Autumn."

"That's a shame. You have such a handsome face on you. I thought you might know some pretty girls that you could introduce my nephew to somebody."

Just seeing him smile like that is worth all the shame I'm going through right now. Everytime I've seen him smile at school, there's always this small bit of sorrow in it. But now... He's really just smiling. His happiness is radiating throughout the whole dining room. It's nice to see the house become this lively too. It's been a while. I appreciate Aunt Autumn and all, but it's always so quiet when it's just the two of us. Plus, she's not always home so I eat alone lots of times too. If this small change is all it takes to make me feel less miserable about myself, then I'm probably willing to make more small changes.

And dinner went on just like that. Crimson and I help wash the dishes and then we both head upstairs.

"You got all your stuff?" I ask.

"Yeah." He replies. "But are you sure you wanna come with me to the intersection? It's really late."

"We already went out past 12 last night. What do you think is more dangerous?"

"Fair point." He laughs.

"Are you sure you don't wanna stay the night again?" I ask. "Aunt Autumn said she didn't mind."

"Well yeah, but I already feel like I've troubled you guys enough."

"Fine."

"The stars are beautiful tonight." Crimson comments.

I look up and see millions, no... Billions of stars on the sky. It's funny how they just look like somebody splattered silver glitters onto a dark canvas.

"Yeah, they are." I reply.

"Hey, this might be weird to ask, but..." He says.

"What is it?" I ask.

"When you guys stopped the fight before, I noticed another girl was with you. I don't think I've seen you hanging out with her. Do you know who she is?"

"Oh. She's Lilac's friend. I think her name's Chartreuse? I'm not really sure. We only met that day too."

"I see..." He says as he tilts his head down.

"Why?" I ask. "Is there something about her?"

"Yeah." I reply. "Take care of yourself."

As soon as I got home, I headed straight to my room to lie down on my bed. 

I feel so tired. I never thpught having friends could be so draining... But it was fun. I'm really happy that someone I could call my friend actually slept over. I've always wondered what sleepovers with friends would be like. I've always dreamed of being able to be in one and just do what normal friends would do. I told myself it would be impossible for someone like me... But here I am. I'm happy. I'm really really happy...