A/N: Sorry for the long wait, here's a longer chapter to make up for it :)

Warning: Homophobic slurs

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Axel's POV

"I'm so nervous, Jack" I say, grabbing onto Jack's arm.

"This is such an important day, what if I mess it up?" I exclaim, looking at myself in the mirror. I'm wearing a white dress shirt with a black blazer and black dress pants, accompanied with a black bow tie. My hair is straightened from it's usual wavy mess and slightly gelled.

"Why the hell are you so nervous? It's not like it's you who's getting married, you're not even engaged yet" Jack responds, and I look over at him.

"Exactly, it's not my marriage! If I embarrass myself, it's even worse since it's Pete's wedding! I can survive the embarrassment of messing up at my own wedding. But when it's someone else's, it becomes guilt and not just embarrassment" I whine, and Jack rolls his eyes. Jack is wearing the same thing I am, since all of the groomsmen wear the same thing.

"You're just worried since you have the title of 'best man', aren't you?" Jack asks.

I sigh, "You should've been the best man, you're so much calmer than me and would do a much better job than my freaked out ass"

Jack shrugs, "You were the one who won rock, paper, scissors"

I sigh again, "And I never win. It's not like I don't want to be Pete's best man, the title is just too heavy for me to carry"

Jack chuckles, "You'll be fine"

"Honestly, I'm shocked that you and Jay weren't the first ones to get married" Jack says, changing the subject. I shrug, not too surprised since Jay and I have been busy with our respective careers.

"We've both been busy" I answer vaguely.

"Yeah, I get that, but I honestly never expected that you would be the last one to be engaged. I was so sure Jay was going to propose right after we graduated from uni, before you guys got busy with your careers" Jack continues, and I glance at his ring.

Tyler popped the question a few months back, so they've been engaged for a while but haven't thought about when they're getting married.

It was stupid to use the excuse of being busy as to why Jay and I haven't gotten engaged yet, since Tyler and Jack are probably busier than us. We at least had off-season to relax, but Tyler and Jack were busy all year-round. Jack was managing his own business with the help of Tyler, so it was pretty stressful for them at the beginning when things weren't going as planned. But their business is really successful now, so it was worth the stress.

I shrug, about to respond when someone knocks on the door. Pete's head pops in, looking at us with a nervous smile.

He walks into the room, shutting the door behind him and walking over to us.

I look at the worried expression on his face and give him a soft smile, "Hey Pete, how you feeling?"

He laughs nervously, "I'm excited, but nervous. What if I trip while walking down the aisle? What if Franco has second thoughts? What if-"

Jack grabs his shoulders, making Pete look up at him and stop his rambling.

"Pete, relax. You're not going to trip and Franco would never have second thoughts. He's just as whipped for you as Jay is for Axe" Jack says, pausing a bit to look up at me.

"Okay, almost as whipped. Honestly, no one could be more whipped than Jay" Jack says, and that causes Pete to chuckle.

"It's really a mystery as to how he hasn't asked Axe to marry him yet" Pete adds, looking over at me.

Another knock on the door interrupted me from responding, as we turn to look at the person.

Pete's POV

A knock on the door interrupts our conversation, as we turn to look at the person at the door. Jay's head pops in, a smile appearing on his face when his eyes land on Axe. His eyes sweep around the room before they land on me.

"Oh Pete, there you are. I've been looking for you, we're all ready" Jay says with a nod, walking over and giving Axe a kiss on the forehead.

Axe smiles, looking over at me along with Jack. I let out a shaky breath, nodding. I was nervous and excited. Today was the day of my marriage with Franco, and I couldn't be happier. I was getting married to the love of my life. After so many obstacles thrown our way, we made it. I guess that's why I'm nervous, worried that something will pop up again on our special day.

We never had it easy, it was a rollercoaster of emotions since we met.

13 years ago...

"Watch out!"

The boy turns his head at the sound and his eyes widen. He holds out his arms and sticks a foot out, stopping my skateboard and catching me in his arms. My face lands in his chest as his arms wrap around my torso, securing me.

I look up and he grins, helping me step off of the skateboard.

"I take it you're not a professional skater" he says teasingly, as I laugh awkwardly.

"Yeah, it was my first time. My friends were supposed to teach me how to ride" I say, glancing over at my two friends who had their hand over their mouth, their shoulders shaking from holding back their laughter.

"But they just told me to step on and pushed me down the hill" I finish with a huff as the boy in front of me chuckles.

"Sounds like fun. I won't bother you anymore, you head back over to your friends. Just don't go crashing into any other guy's chest or I might get jealous" he teases, throwing a wink my way as he walks away.

I blush, watching the boy's back as he walks away. I pout, I wish I could've gotten his number or something. I should treat him to something for saving me from crashing into a tree. He also seemed nice, we could've been friends.

"Pete, you alright?" Calvin calls out as he and Martin run over to me.

"Who was that?" Martin asks, looking at the direction that boy went in.

I shrug, "He saved me from possibly running into an elderly or a kid" I say, smacking the two on the head.

"I am never trusting you guys again, I swear" I say with a glare, as they both laugh.

"At least you didn't get hurt" Calvin says, and I smack him on the shoulder.

"Yeah, it was because that boy caught me before I could!" I exclaim as they laugh. I yelled at them a bit more so they decided to treat me to some ice cream as an apology, and I gladly accepted.

The next day at school, I was standing with Calvin outside of the classroom. We were chatting as we waited for either of our teachers to come in. As we hear her footsteps approaching, Calvin goes back over to his classroom and I go into mine and sit down at my desk. Ms Martine enters the room with a familiar blonde behind her.

My eyes widen, it's him!

"Class, we have a new student joining us today. Would you like to introduce yourself?" Ms Martine asks, looking over at the boy.

He shrugs, "Name's Franco" he says curtly, and I hear a few girls whisper around me, saying how he's cute and all. I look at him, understanding what they mean. Franco is good-looking, his dirty blonde hair styled messily but still somehow looked good. He's wearing a grey hoodie with black leggings, his hand stuffed into his hoodie pocket.

His eyes scan the room with a bored look, before his eyes land on me at the back of the class. His face lights up with a smile, "Skater boy!" he calls, earning confused looks from our classmates and teacher.

Franco points to me, and Ms Martine nods in realization. "Oh, you know Pete? That's great! He can help you settle in then, why don't you take the seat beside him, Franco?" Ms Martine says kindly as Franco nods, walking over to me with a goofy grin on his face.

He sits down beside me, "So we meet again, Skater Boy. Or should I say, Pete? Crashed into anyone else after we parted ways?" Franco teases, and I roll my eyes as heat rose to my cheeks.

"Shut up, class is starting" I mutter which causes Franco to chuckle as he turns his attention to the teacher standing at the front of the class.

After class, I get up to go to lunch but a hand on my wrist stops me.

Franco calls, "Wait, um"

"Pete" I remind.

"Pete. You're the only one I know, can I stay with you?" he asks with puppy eyes, causing me to smile and nod.

We leave the room, Franco walking beside me as we walk to find my friends.

"So" he starts, and I glance over at him.

"Not much of a talker?" he asks, and I shrug.

"I talk, just not to you" I say and he places a hand on his chest.

"You wound me" he says jokingly and I chuckle.

He gasps, "You laughed!"

I roll my eyes, "I'm not some emotionless robot"

He shrugs, "Could've fooled me"

I turn my head to look at him, "You've barely known me for a day"

He smirks, "Well I look forward to getting to know you"

I turn my head away from him, hiding my blush. I see Martin and Calvin sitting under a tree, so I go over with Franco.

"Hey guys" I greet and they look up, eyebrows furrowing when their eyes land on Franco.

"Hey Pete, and um?" Martin says, looking at Franco.

"Franco" he introduces with a grin.

"Nice to meet you, Franco. You look familiar..." Calvin says, looking around as if trying to remember.

Franco chuckles, "I was the one who caught Pete last time"

"When you guys decided it was a good idea to push a first time skater down a hill" I elaborate, as their eyes widen in realization.

"Oh" Martin says stupidly, and I roll my eyes.

We talk for a bit before the bell goes, so we walk our separate ways to class.

"Your friends are cool" Franco comments and I nod.

"I wouldn't hang out with them if they weren't" I answer.

"Oh? You're hanging out with me, does that mean I'm cool?" Franco teases.

"No" I say, and walk a little faster.

Franco catches up to me easily, jutting his lip out in a pout. "That's not very nice"

We walk into the classroom, sitting in our respective seats as class starts.

Franco and I hung out quite a bit throughout the month, him sitting with us at lunch from time to time. He joined the soccer team so he usually sits with them, but he comes to sit with us at least once a week.

We went out a few times after school and on weekends, just us. It was always so much fun hanging out with Franco, whether we were eating or just taking a walk.

Franco would always make time for me, no matter what. He'd even cancel plans with his soccer friends just to hang out with me, which I'd feel bad about but he'd always assure me that he'd rather be with me. I guess that's why I started to develop a crush on Franco. He's always kind to me and seems to always want to spend time with me. It's flattering, feeling like you're important to someone.

I've always known I was attracted to guys, I just wouldn't label myself as gay because I sometimes find girls attractive too. Bisexual maybe, I never put much thought into labels.

Franco and I would text a bunch when we don't hang out. It's almost like Franco and I are dating, since he spends most of his time texting me even when he's out with friends. I know not to get my hopes on though, since I don't know if Franco even swings that way.

I refuse to let my feelings ruin our friendship.

***

That's why elephants are the greatest animals to ever exist.

I chuckle at Franco's text, quickly typing out a reply.

Bullshit, giraffes are way better.

Three dots appear on the screen, a text appearing a few seconds after.

What?? You're crazy, elephants are so much cooler! Have you seen what their trunks can do? Insane! I wish I had a trunk.

Would it be on your face? Then you'd just look like a deformed Pinocchio.

What's wrong with Pinocchio? I'll have you know he is my favourite disney character.

I snort at how dorky he is.

Sure.

You know what? I'm going to take you to the zoo and show you elephants are better. Then we're coming to my house and watching Pinocchio 😤

I smile at the text and blush, thinking of how it'll be like a date. I move my fingers across my screen, typing out a reply.

"Fucking faggots, disgusting I swear"

I freeze, looking up from my phone and seeing my dad look out the window with a disgusted face.

I follow his line of vision, seeing two men outside. They were hugging, smiling at each other and sharing some kisses from time to time.

"Can't believe they can still smile like that while they commit such a sin" my mom adds, shaking her head.

My dad looks at Pat and I, "If you two decide to go against God and commit such a sin, don't ever come back and call yourselves my kid, you hear?"

My mom nods in agreement as they wait for Pat and I's response.

"Of course" Pat replies, and our parent's attention shift over to me.

"Pete, dear?" my mom calls softly, waiting for my answer.

"Yes, father" I reply, looking down at my plate. I put my phone back in my pocket, forgetting about Franco's text.

My parents don't seem to notice my discomfort, but Pat glances at me before looking back down at her plate and continuing to eat. From the look on her face, I can't help but think that she knows.

***

"Hey Pete!"

My heart skips a beat at the voice, and I turn around with a smile on my face. Franco walks over, a grin on his face as he clasps a hand on my shoulder.

"You didn't text me back last night, I was worried" Franco says, looking at me with concern.

I give him a weak smile, remembering the events from last night. "Yeah, everything's fine. Sorry, my parents called me down for some help and I completely forgot to respond" I lie, but Franco doesn't seem to catch on as he nods.

"It's all good" Franco replies with a smile.

He opens his mouth to say something else, but someone calls his name so he turns around. His soccer friends were calling him over, so he nods at them.

He turns back to me with a small frown, "I got to go. I'll see you in class, Pete" he says and ruffles my hair, walking away.

I watch him go, frowning slightly at our conversation being interrupted.

Franco arrives at the group, one of his friends throwing an arm around his shoulder. They talk for a bit and one of them says something funny as they all burst out into laughter, including Franco. I smile, seeing him laughing so happily and freely.

"So that's the boy you like"

I jump, my eyes widening as I see Pat standing beside me, looking in the direction of Franco and his group.

"W-What?" I stammer, hearing my heart beat pick up.

"That boy, Franco. He's the one you like, right?" Pat says, turning to look me with a blank look.

I feel my stomach churn, the words my father spoke last night echoing through my head.

"Pat! Please don't tell Mom and Dad!" I beg, as my sister's face remains blank.

"I won't" she says, turning back to look at Franco and smirking.

"There's something else I will do though" she says, turning around and leaving. I watch her retreating figure, my eyebrows furrowing.

Something else she'll do?

"Mom, Dad, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend!"

I was helping Mom prepare dinner, and upon hearing the voice of my sister, I slowly turn around to see her standing at the door with a boy.

My eyes widen as I see who exactly was standing beside Pat, feeling my heart drop to my stomach.

Franco stood there, a blank look on his face as his eyes swept around the room.

His eyes land on me, and a ghost of a smile appeared on his face.

"Oh, it's nice to meet you! You can call me Vivian, and you are?" my mom greets, walking over to Franco and Pat.

"My name's Franco" Franco responds curtly, shocking me since he's normally really friendly and polite around adults.

His lack of mannerisms seem to shock my mom as well, but she doesn't comment on it but puts on a smile.

"It's nice to meet you, Franco. Terrence is out running some errands, but he'll be back soon" she informs, and seems to finally remember I was there too.

She turns to me, "Oh, Pete, don't be so rude! Come over and greet your sister and her boyfriend"

My eyes were trained on Franco the whole time, not looking away once. But at the sound of my mother's voice calling name, my eyes left Franco's to look at her.

I nod reluctantly, walking over to them. "Um, hey Pat, Franco" I greet awkwardly.

Pat hugs Franco's arm and Franco stiffens but doesn't make any move to pull away. "Hey bro, you've met Franco before, right?" she asks innocently, and I nod.

"Um, yeah. We're in the same class" I inform, and Pat smiles.

"That's great! You guys get along then, right Franky?" Pat says, looking up at Franco. Franco's eyes were on me, but I don't make eye contact.

"Yeah, we get along really well" Franco answers, and I feel my chest tighten.

"Are you staying for dinner?" Mom asks, and I look up as Pat nudges Franco. Franco sighs, and nods.

"Alright, I'll go finish getting dinner ready" Mom says, going back to the kitchen and leaving the three of us alone.

I look up at Pat who has an indifferent look on her face, as if she didn't just make my crush her boyfriend. It would've been fine if she didn't know I liked him, but the fact that she literally asked me earlier today if I liked Franco then made him her boyfriend just... hurts. It's not like I can say anything though, not if I want to remain an Evan.

"Pete-"

"I'm going to help Mom finish dinner" I say, cutting off Franco and running off to the kitchen.

My mom looks at me strangely when I run into the kitchen, but she doesn't comment as she goes back to chopping up some cucumbers. I go to help her, taking over for her as she sends me a grateful smile and goes to do something else.

The dinner wasn't as awkward as I thought it'd be. Dad and Mom just asked Franco questions about school and his life so I didn't really have to speak to him. After dinner, I immediately went up to my room before anyone could speak to me and lock the door. I sigh, laying on the bed and thinking that maybe this was for the better.

The next day at school, I avoided Franco like the plague, which was hard since he was my seat mate. He couldn't do anything in class, and I would leave the room before he got to say anything during the breaks.

I was doing so well in my mission to avoid Franco, but he managed to catch me at my locker at the end of school. He dragged me into an empty classroom, standing in front of the door so that I had no hope in escaping.

"Pete, stop avoiding me" Franco starts, and I look at everything but his eyes.

"I'm not avoiding you" I refute weakly, knowing how stupid it sounded right when the words