Everyone is Shining

The two of them are lying down, staring into the sky. It’s litter with thousand upon thousands of stars and constellations. It’s very quiet, and the only light in the field is the stars, the moon, and the occasional firefly. The youngest of the pair has his head the older, who has his arms draped over him affectionately.

“I wish I was up there,” says the older one, face shadowed by a hoodie. The younger one looks up at his lover, confused at the statement.

“What do you mean, Pete?” Pete looks back down at his beloved whose green eyes reflect the moonlight.

“What I mean, Patrick, is…is -” Pete trails off and even covered by the shadows Patrick can still see his face. He’s concentrating - finding the right words – by the look on his face. “-that I want to be noticed, but I want to be the same as everyone else, ya know? Up there, I bet the stars don’t get harassed or called a fag or get turned down. You don’t have people say, ‘Oh, look at that star’. No, people say stars because they all shine brightly, they all are equal -” he pauses “-and I bet our world would be much better if we were all stars.

“That’s why I wish I was up there.” And now it’s quiet again, but it’s not a comfortable quiet like before. It’s an awkward silence, which is odd when you’re around Pete. Patrick speaks up.

“But if you go up there, then you won’t be as special. If you go into the city, you fade away as a star, right? Because people have their lights on, better things to do than look up at stars and realize how amazing they are. Too much sleaze and dirt in the air blocking your way. The only place they can see you is in the country, where people appreciate the small things -” Patrick looks up to see Pete looking up at the sky, but listening “-If I had to be anywhere, that’s where I would be. Out in the country.”

Pete smiles and him and hugs him tighter, Patrick snuggling into the gesture.

“Hey Patrick, do you know I love you?” Patrick freezes. Sure, Pete and Patrick have this…relationship, but sometimes…sometimes Patrick thinks Pete loves other things more than him; his clothing design, his dog, his house, even the stars. Now is one of those times. Pete seems lost in these stars again.

“I -” know, but I don’t think I love you the same way. “-know, and I love you too.” Pete leans down and kisses Patrick on the lips. He breaks away after a few seconds and whispers in Patrick’s ear;

“You’re my star, ‘Trick. And only mine.” He squeezes Patrick tighter. Patrick nods, almost scared at Pete’s statement. He’s already fallen head over heels for someone else in the label, and he doesn’t think Pete will be able to take who it is.

“Pete, no matter what, would you still love me? Or be friends with me, for that matter?” Pete looks at him quizzically, before his face lights up in a smile.

“Always and forever, ‘Trick, always and forever.

“And who knows, maybe once this whole band shit blows over, we could buy a house in the country for ya.” Patrick smiles half-heartedly, because right now he wishes that other person would make that promise.

Pete and Patrick fall asleep under the stars.

---

Pete stares at him. Patrick can see the tears forming in his eyes; a look of disbelief on his face, distorted by rage and sorrow.

“So, you love someone else, huh?” Pete chokes out, eyes downcast. Patrick knows it’s to keep him from seeing Pete cry. Patrick looks at him pitifully. He doesn’t want to do this - he doesn’t want to break Pete’s heart – but Patrick doesn’t love him anymore. It’s hard for Patrick, after all, it’s only the guy he’s had a crush on since he first met. Patrick slowly nods and copies Pete’s stance. Pete sighs.

“Well, then, I guess…I guess this is for the best, huh?” Patrick looks up to see Pete’s eyes, red and puffy, and tear stains already inked into his cheeks. He has a sad smile on his face, trying to be Pete - the happy-go-lucky, energetic Pete, that could win you over in seconds (which of course it did for Patrick) but sadly losing the fight. Patrick can only nod again. He gets up from the chair across Pete, walking down the hall of Pete’s house.

Pete had already known of Patrick’s love of Travis somehow, he said “that he could see it in Patrick’s eyes”. But still, even though he knew, he just lost the love of his life to his label mate. Even through that, Pete promised he would still be friends with Travis. Patrick gives him props for that.

Patrick’s…ex-boyfriend bores holes into Patrick’s back as he opens the door and steps in between the doorframe. Patrick looks at Pete.

“Hey, Pete?” Pete only cocks his head to the side, a signal that he’s listening. “Do you still love me?” Pete straightens up, and Patrick knows it’s not the best question in the world. “Or even like me?” Pete stares at Patrick for a little before answering.