The Dreamer - 8. Chapter 8 - Countdown

Part 1 - Back to the City

The bus ride back to the city was long and uneventful. The landscape gradually shifted from the familiar countryside to the towering buildings and busy streets that Mason had come to associate with his new life. As the hours passed, Mason again found himself grateful for his mom’s thoughtful gesture of packing food. The sandwiches and fresh bread she had made were his last tangible connection to home, a comforting reminder of the warmth and care he was leaving behind.

As the bus drew closer to the city, Mason’s thoughts shifted to what awaited him. Cindy was now in her third year, deep into the complexities of her studies. These next few years would be demanding for all of them. He and Robby, starting their second year, would need to buckle down and take their academics more seriously. The carefree drifting of their first year was over, and now the real work would begin.

Mason felt excitement and nervousness as the bus pulled into the station. He gazed out the window, scanning the crowd for familiar faces, not sure who he was expecting. His heart skipped a beat when he spotted Robby. This was a surprise—he hadn’t expected anyone to meet him at the station. But there was Robby and Cindy, both waving enthusiastically. Mason felt butterflies in his stomach, a sensation he hadn’t experienced since his time with Tony. Is this what love feels like? he wondered. The thought of Tony lingered for a moment, but he quickly pushed it aside. Tony was part of his past, a chapter that had closed. His future was here, standing at the bus station, waiting for him with a smile.

As the bus came to a stop, Mason quickly waved back at Robby and Cindy, feeling a swell of happiness and anticipation. When the doors opened and passengers began to disembark, Mason grabbed his bags and made his way toward them.

“Mason, Mason!” he heard Robby calling out, his voice full of excitement.

Suddenly, Cindy leaned over and said something to Robby, and the next thing Mason heard was Robby shouting, “Manny—over here!”

Mason’s heart fluttered at the sound of the nickname. He hadn’t heard it much, but it felt right coming from Robby. It was as if the name marked a new chapter where he could be more of himself.

Robby started walking toward Manny, with Cindy following a few steps behind. As soon as Robby reached Manny, he wrapped him in a tight hug and kissed him without hesitation.

Manny froze, caught off guard by the public display of affection. He wasn’t used to this kind of openness, especially not in front of other people. But when he looked at Robby, he saw the huge, beaming smile on his face, so full of joy and sincerity that Manny couldn’t help but smile back.

Cindy broke the brief silence with a teasing tone. “Manny—well, what are you waiting for? Don’t tell me you’re shy? We’re all adults here, I won’t look if you’re feeling a bit shy.”

Robby, never one to miss an opportunity to lighten the mood, chimed in with a grin. “Yeah, Manny—what are you scared of? I don’t bite, I promise.”

Manny felt a rush of warmth at their playful banter. He returned Robby’s hug, though he couldn’t quite bring himself to kiss him back in front of Cindy. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to—it was just that he wasn’t used to this level of openness. Instead, he gave Robby a heartfelt smile, hoping it conveyed what he couldn’t say aloud.

“Hey, at least I got a hug out of him!” Robby laughed, trying to ease the tension with his usual humor.

Manny chuckled, feeling more at ease now. It was good to be back with his friends, even if things were still awkward.

Robby’s eyes lit up as he remembered something. “Oh, Manny—I got a surprise for you!” He grabbed Manny’s luggage, his excitement was noticeable. “Come on, let’s go check it out.”

Manny followed Robby and Cindy to the parking lot, where a car was parked. It was old, a little beat-up, but Manny could see the pride in Robby’s eyes as he pointed it out.

“Like it? I saved up for it. It’s probably pretty bad, but it works. Come on, hop in! We’ll go grab something different to eat, and now we don’t have to go to that boring pizza parlor anymore!”

Manny smiled at Robby’s enthusiasm. The car might not have been much, but it represented something bigger—independence, freedom, the ability to explore the city on their terms.

He placed his bags in the trunk and went to sit in the back seat. But Cindy quickly stopped him, playfully insisting, “No way, Manny—you sit in the front.”

Manny hesitated, feeling awkward, but he did as she suggested and slid into the passenger seat. It felt strange to be sitting there beside Robby as if they were a couple. But the thought wasn’t unwelcome. It was just new.

Once Robby was behind the wheel, he started the car and immediately turned on the radio. The sound of Wham filled the car, and Robby grinned. “They’ve been playing Wham almost non-stop! And I read in one of those magazines that their lead singer is gay—can you imagine that, Manny? There are more like us out there!”

Robby’s words hung in the air, a mixture of excitement and hope. Manny felt a strange sense of comfort at Robby’s openness. There had been times when Robby’s bluntness made him uncomfortable, but now, after everything they had been through, it felt like a relief to hear him speak so freely.

They drove for about 20 minutes to a new fast-food place that had just opened. It was far from the usual spots they frequented, and Robby was excited to try something different. They went through the drive-thru and ordered burgers, fries, and drinks, and Robby, as usual, insisted on paying for all of them.

Once they had their food, Robby parked the car, and they sat there eating, the scent of burgers and fries filling the car. Robby handed out the food to Cindy and Manny, his excitement infectious.

“Eat up! This place is bitchin'—it’s really growing, and the food is pretty good. It’s called McDonald’s.”

Manny took a bite of his burger, savoring the simple, satisfying taste. As they ate, they fell into an easy conversation, catching up on how their summers had gone.

Robby shared that he had gone back home, where he and his parents had some serious discussions. “They don’t really accept my sexuality, I don't think they ever will,” Robby said, his tone a mix of defiance and resignation. “But they said as long as I don’t flaunt it or make a spectacle of myself, I’m free to be who I am.”

He scoffed, shaking his head. “It’s not like a switch I can turn on or off. They just don’t get it. But Manny and I, we’re going to figure it out together.”

Manny and Cindy exchanged a look, understanding the weight of what Robby was saying. Navigating a world that didn’t always understand or accept who you were wasn't easy. But there was strength in knowing you weren’t alone.

As they finished their food and continued talking, Manny felt a sense of belonging that he hadn’t realized he had missed so much. Being with Robby and Cindy, and sharing these moments made him feel like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

The rest of the evening was filled with laughter, stories, and the comfort of being among friends who understood him. As they drove back to campus, the city lights glowing in the distance, Manny felt a surge of hope for the future. Academic and personal challenges were ahead, but he knew he wouldn’t be facing them alone.

Manny glanced at Robby, who was focused on the road, and then at Cindy, who was singing along softly to the radio. This was his life now, and it was a good one. He was ready for whatever came next, knowing that with friends like these, he could handle anything.

Part 2 - A New Direction

As they continued to drive back to campus, the city lights shimmering in the distance, the conversation shifted from their summer experiences to what lay ahead. The excitement of being back together and anticipating the new school year filled the car with buzzing energy. Manny glanced over at Robby, who seemed unusually contemplative as if he had something important on his mind.

Robby suddenly broke the comfortable silence, his voice tinged with excitement and uncertainty. “Hey, Manny—there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you. One good thing came out of this summer… I’ve decided to join you in IT.”

Manny turned to him, surprised. Robby had never shown much interest in technology before, and this sudden change of direction caught him off guard. “Really? What made you decide that?”

Robby grinned, his usual enthusiasm returning. “Well, my dad had a lot to do with it, actually. We had some serious talks while I was home. Not just about, you know - me but be knows this guy named Bill—don’t remember his last name, but apparently, he’s some big deal. He started a company that my dad thinks is going to be huge in the next five or ten years, maybe even bigger than IBM.”

Manny’s eyebrows shot up. “Bigger than IBM? That’s a pretty bold prediction.”

“I know, right?” Robby laughed, shaking his head. “But my dad’s pretty serious about it. He thinks this company is going to change everything, and he figures that if we get in on the ground floor, we could really make something of ourselves. He’s even talking about helping us get an internship there while we’re still in school, and maybe even a job once we graduate.”

Manny paused, wondering about Robby’s use of "us." Had Robby talked to his parents about the two of them? No, their relationship hadn’t reached that point yet. Manny shook off the thought and continued, "I told my dad that my dorm mate was also in IT and he was willing to put in a good word for the both of us. Don't worry, I didn't tell him about us."

Manny felt a mix of excitement and disbelief. The idea of working in IT had always intrigued him, but he hadn’t imagined that Robby would join him on this path. It was a pleasant surprise, one that made him feel even more connected to his friend–is he still a friend? It didn’t sound right. He is more than a friend. Boyfriend? “That sounds amazing, Robby. Do you really think we could get in there?”

Robby shrugged, but there was a determined look in his eyes. “Why not? My dad’s got some connections, and from what I hear, this guy Bill is looking for young talent—people who can think outside the box. It could be a huge opportunity for us. And honestly, I figured, why not do this together? We’re a good team, and besides, I like the idea of us working on something that’s going to be the future.”

Manny smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him. The thought of sharing this journey with Robby and tackling challenges together filled him with a sense of camaraderie and purpose. “Looks like I’m going to be stuck with you for a long time, huh?”

Robby nudged him playfully. “Damn right! You’re not getting rid of me that easily, Manny.”

The nickname, spoken with such affection, made Manny’s heart beam. This was the kind of friendship, no, it was something else. It was a relationship. He had always wanted a relationship that is built on trust, mutual respect, and shared dreams. The fact that Robby wanted to join him in IT, to forge a future together in a field that was still emerging, felt like a validation of everything Manny had been working toward.

“You know,” Manny said thoughtfully, “this could be really big for us. If your dad’s right about this Bill guy and his company… we could be part of something that changes the world.”

Robby nodded, his expression serious for a moment. “Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking too. I want to be part of something that matters, something that’s going to make a difference. And if we can do it together, even better.”

They drove silently for a few minutes, each lost in their thoughts. The possibilities stretched out before them, a future that was both exciting and uncertain. Manny felt a deep sense of confidence, knowing that whatever came next, he wouldn’t be facing it alone.

As they pulled into the campus parking lot, the familiar sights of the dorms and student buildings came into view. Manny looked over at Robby with a renewed sense of determination. “Alright, Robby. Let’s do this. Let’s see where this IT thing takes us.”

Robby grinned, his eyes shining with excitement. “Hell yeah, Manny. It’s going to be one hell of a ride.”

They both knew that the road ahead wouldn’t be easy—there would be challenges, there could be setbacks, and there will be a lot of hard work. But in that moment, as they sat in the car with the future spread out before them, Manny felt more ready than ever to face whatever came next. With Robby by his side, anything seemed possible.

Part 3 - Growing Together & Settling Into Routine

The second year of college brought Manny a sense of familiarity and routine, but it was far from monotonous. After the initial excitement of returning to school had settled, Manny and Robby found themselves slipping into a comfortable rhythm. Classes, work, and social activities filled their days, each punctuated by moments that quietly deepened their connection.

Manny’s part-time job at the record store became a regular haunt for Robby. Robby would stroll in every few days, his presence like a burst of energy that livened up the quiet store. He’d weave through the aisles, flipping through vinyl records, sometimes humming along to whatever was playing over the store’s speakers. Manny would watch him from behind the counter, a smile tugging at his lips as Robby occasionally pulled out a record to show him, launching into a passionate explanation of why they needed to listen to it together.

The record store itself was a small, cozy place that seemed like it had been plucked from a different era. The walls were lined with rows of vinyl, and the air carried the comforting scent of old records and musty paper sleeves. It was the perfect escape from the demands of school—a place where time slowed down, and the outside world seemed to fade away.

Sometimes Cindy would join them, her laugh brightening the dimly lit store as she playfully teased Robby about his eclectic taste in music. Other times, it would be just the two of them, their conversations flowing easily as they discussed their classes, shared their thoughts on life, or simply enjoyed each other’s company in silence.

As the weeks passed, Robby’s visits to the store became less about browsing and more about being close to Manny. He’d lean against the counter, recounting funny stories from class or offering to help reorganize the shelves. Manny could feel their unspoken bond growing stronger with each passing day. The easy banter and shared jokes gradually gave way to deeper conversations. Robby’s outgoing nature softened in these moments, revealing a quieter, more reflective side that only Manny seemed to bring out.

In the evenings, their routine shifted to study sessions in the library or one of the quiet cafes on campus. While Robby had always been more carefree when it came to his studies, Manny’s dedication to his coursework started to rub off on him. They’d sit across each other, textbooks open, pen and paper ready as they worked through assignments and prepared for exams. Manny noticed Robby’s focus had sharpened, and his once casual approach to schoolwork was now tinged with a sense of purpose.

Despite the seriousness of their studies, Robby’s playful nature never faded completely. He’d often lean over to whisper a joke or make a silly comment, earning an amused smile from Manny. Occasionally, Robby would reach across the table to steal a pen or ruffle Manny’s hair, his touch light but lingering just long enough to make Manny’s heart skip a beat.

The routine they developed wasn’t just about getting through the day—it was about building something together. Each small moment, whether it was Robby’s daily visits to the record store or their late-night study sessions, was a thread that wove them closer. What had started as a friendship was slowly transforming into something deeper, though neither had fully acknowledged it.

As the semester progressed, the quiet moments became more frequent. They’d walk back to their dorms after a long day, shoulders brushing as they navigated the busy campus. Sometimes, Robby would casually reach for Manny’s hand, their hands folding together without a second thought. At first, Manny felt anxious at these public displays of affection, but over time, he began to relax into them, appreciating the warmth and comfort of being close to Robby.

Robby was never far from Manny’s thoughts, even when they weren't together. He’d find himself looking forward to Robby’s messages, and he left them in their dorm room. Small cards that brightened his day, or a note on the inside of a text book. Their conversations ranged from the mundane to the profound, and through them, Manny realized just how much Robby had come to mean to him.

Their routine, though seemingly ordinary, was the foundation upon which their relationship was built. The day-to-day interactions, the shared meals, the quiet walks around campus—each one was a step forward in their journey together. Manny knew what they had was special, and as the semester wore on, he found himself wanting more. More time with Robby, more of those quiet moments where the rest of the world faded away, leaving just the two of them.

But with that desire came a quiet fear. Manny wasn’t sure where this path would lead or if he was ready for what came next. All he knew was that he felt truly connected to someone for the first time in his life, and he wasn't willing to let go of that connection, that growing bond with Robby.

As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Manny and Robby’s routine became less about getting through the day and more about being together. They were becoming partners in every sense of the word, and though the future was uncertain, they were facing it together—one day at a time.

The semester was well underway, and Manny and Robby's lives had settled into a steady rhythm. The initial rush of returning to school faded, replaced by the daily grind of classes, assignments, and the occasional social gathering. But amid the busyness, there were moments that stood out—moments when the world seemed to slow down, leaving just the two of them.

Part 4 - Robby’s Reflections

As their relationship deepened, Robby couldn’t help but marvel at how much Manny had changed. The shy, reserved guy he had first met was slowly giving way to someone more open, more willing to share his thoughts and dreams. Manny had always been cautious, especially when it came to showing affection in public. Robby understood that; growing up in a small town where being different was risky left its mark. But now, there was a quiet confidence in Manny that hadn’t been there before.

Robby noticed it in the little things. The way Manny would talk about their future together, about the life they were building, with a certainty that filled Robby with warmth. Manny was still shy when it came to public displays of affection, but he never pulled away when Robby took his hand or leaned in for a kiss. It was like Manny had finally allowed himself to embrace who he was, who they were together, without fear or hesitation.

It wasn’t just about being more open; it was about trust. Manny trusted Robby with his heart, with his dreams, and Robby could feel that trust growing stronger every day. They had gone through so much together, and every challenge had only brought them closer. Robby felt an overwhelming sense of pride for the man Manny was becoming—someone who wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable, who wasn’t afraid to love openly and fully, even if it wasn’t always easy.

Robby knew there were still things Manny struggled with, moments when his small-town upbringing made him pause, but those moments were becoming fewer. Manny was no longer just a boy from a small town trying to navigate a world that didn’t always make sense; he was becoming a man who knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it. And Robby loved him all the more for it.

Part 5 - Hard Days and Nights

One evening, after a particularly long day, Robby suggested they take a walk around campus. The air had a crisp edge to it, signaling the arrival of autumn. Once vibrant shades of green, the leaves had turned to gold, red, and orange hues, carpeting the ground with their soft rustle. Manny hesitated for a moment, glancing at the pile of books on his desk, but the prospect of fresh air and time alone with Robby and away from the books was too tempting to resist.

“Yeah, let’s do it,” Manny agreed, grabbing his jacket. He was wearing the same jacket Robby had given him, and it meant a lot to him—he took great care of it. Robby flashed him a quick smile, one that made Manny’s heart skip a beat, and together they headed out into the evening.

The campus was quieter than usual, with most students either studying in their dorms or hanging out at the student center. The pathways were nearly empty, giving Manny and Robby a rare moment of privacy as they strolled through the dimly lit streets. The streetlights cast long shadows on the ground, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere as the cool breeze carried the scent of autumn leaves.

They walked side by side, their footsteps synchronized as they navigated the winding paths. Robby, always the more talkative of the two, started recounting a funny story from one of his classes, his voice light and full of humor. Manny listened with a smile, enjoying the sound of Robby’s laughter echoing through the night. But even as Robby spoke, there was a sense of something deeper brewing beneath the surface—something neither of them had fully addressed yet.

As they walked past the old library, with its ivy-covered walls and towering stone arches, Robby fell silent for a moment. He seemed lost in thought, his usual exuberance tempered by a quiet introspection that Manny rarely saw in him.

Without warning, Robby reached out and took Manny’s hand, threading their fingers together with a casual ease. The warmth of Robby’s hand in his own sent a shiver of emotion through Manny, who instinctively glanced around to see if anyone was watching. But the campus was deserted, and no one was there to see them—no one to judge or question the simple act of affection.

Still, Manny felt a familiar pang of anxiety rise in his chest. Holding hands with Robby in public, even on an empty campus, was something that still made him uneasy. It wasn’t that he was ashamed—he had grown past that—but the fear of being judged, of attracting unwanted attention, lingered in the back of his mind.

But as Robby squeezed his hand gently, Manny forced himself to relax. He took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill his lungs, and focused on the feeling of Robby’s hand in his. It was warm, comforting, and, above all, genuine. This wasn’t just a casual gesture—this was Robby’s way of saying, I’m here, and I care about you.

After a few moments of silence, Robby’s voice broke through the quiet. “Do you ever think about what’s next for us, Manny? Not just school, but… you know, us?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with significance. Manny turned to look at Robby, seeing the seriousness in his eyes. It was rare for Robby to be so direct and vulnerable, and Manny felt his heart tighten at the sight. This wasn’t just a casual walk—they were on the verge of something important, something that could define the future of their relationship.

“Yeah, I think about it,” Manny admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I think about it a lot.”

Robby nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Me too. I mean, I know we haven’t really talked about what we are… or what we want to be. But I like what we have, Manny. And I want more of it. I want us to be more, you know? Not just friends. I mean, it feels like we are more than friends now, but I don’t know. What do you want, Manny?”

Manny’s heart fluttered at the words. He had been feeling the same way for a while but hadn’t known how to bring it up. There was a part of him that was scared of what it would mean to take that next step and what it would mean for them if things didn’t work out. But as he looked into Robby’s eyes, he saw nothing but sincerity and hope.

“I want that too, Robby,” Manny said, his voice steadier now. “I want us to be more than friends.”

A slow smile spread across Robby’s face, reaching his eyes and making them shine in the soft glow of the streetlights. “I was hoping you’d say that,” he said quietly, his thumb brushing gently over the back of Manny’s hand.

Manny’s heart raced, and for a moment, he thought about everything they had been through, all the unspoken words and missed chances. They’d never taken that first step together, he thought. But maybe now was the time.

Robby hesitated, then his voice dropped to a quieter, more earnest tone. “Manny, I told you once that I loved you. I do love you. But I need to know... do you love me? Do you want to be with me?”

Manny looked down at their joined hands, feeling a rush of emotion. He’d never said it out loud, never voiced the feelings that had been bubbling up inside him. The fear of the future, of what might happen if things didn’t work out, had always held him back. But he realized, right here, with Robby looking at him like that, he couldn’t hold back anymore.

“I’m scared too,” Manny admitted, his voice barely a whisper. “But I do love you, Robby. And I want to be with you. I’m just... I’m just not sure where this will go. But I know, right now, that I want this. I want us.”

Robby’s eyes softened, and he gave Manny’s hand a reassuring squeeze, as if to say they’d figure it out together.

They continued walking, their conversation flowing easily now that the unspoken tension had been released. Robby talked about his hopes for the future—how he wanted to travel and see the world and how he hoped Manny would be by his side for all of it. Manny listened, his heart swelling with affection as he realized just how much Robby had come to mean to him.

As they rounded the corner near the student center, Robby stopped suddenly, pulling Manny to a halt beside him. The student center was bathed in light, its large windows glowing against the darkening sky. Inside, a few students lingered, their laughter spilling into the night.

Robby turned to Manny, his expression serious once again. “I don’t know where this is going, Manny. I don’t have everything figured out. But I know I want to be with you—no matter what. I just… I need you to know that.”

Manny took a deep breath, feeling the weight of Robby’s words. He had always been the one to need control, to have a plan. But right now, none of that seemed as important. Maybe it wasn’t about having all the answers—it was about taking the next step together.

“I know,” Manny said quietly, his voice steady now. “And I’m willing to figure it out, too. We don’t have to have it all figured out, Robby. I just want to be with you, wherever this takes us.”

Robby smiled, a look of relief and happiness crossing his face. He leaned in and kissed Manny softly, the gesture full of promise and affection. Manny kissed him back, the world around them fading away as they shared that quiet moment under the stars.

When they finally pulled away, they resumed their walk, their hands still clasped together. The campus was peaceful, the night air cool against their skin, and Manny felt a sense of contentment settle over him as they strolled through the familiar paths. This was where he wanted to be—beside Robby, facing whatever came next together.

The walk that night became a turning point for them. It wasn’t just about holding hands or sharing a kiss—it was about acknowledging what they meant to each other and committing to seeing where their relationship could go. It was the beginning of something new, something more profound, and as they made their way back to their dorm, Manny knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

As they reached the entrance to their dorm building, Robby paused, turning to Manny with a grin. “So, about that whole ‘figuring it out’ thing… how about we start with pizza and a movie tomorrow night? Just the two of us.”

Manny laughed, and the sound light was full of happiness. “Sounds like a plan,” he agreed. “Let’s start there.”

And as they walked inside, side by side, Manny couldn’t help but feel that they were on the right path—one that would lead them to wherever they were meant to be together.