After not giving Bo a straight answer about who the stranger was, Sol finally got Bo to concede to him about going to Sol’s house. 

Both of them collapsed onto Sol’s bed. It was plush and comforting, almost resulting in Sol falling asleep. But, as he came back to himself, he looked over and saw Bo sporting a nervous face and wringing his fingers. Knowing there was something wrong, he sat up, parallel to Bo. 

“Carter came up to me today. He said something about you guys fighting. What was that about?” Bo softly stuttered out. 

“Well, it was because you said that he told you to break up with me.” Sol was going to be honest with Bo. He couldn’t just lie about it, could he? Not like Bo had at least.

“I… did not mean to say that.” Bo caved into himself and looked down.

“Why not?” Sol wasn’t particularly angry at Bo, just confused.

“I figured that it was something that should be kept between Carter and I,” Bo said.

“Why did you not think to tell me?” Even if he thought it should be kept secret, Sol disagreed. It included both of them. Sol thought to himself that Bo would be upset if Sol didn’t tell him if a situation like that happened to him. 

“Carter and I have had this fight before. I mean I know Carter has his reasons, it’s just hard when he doesn’t tell me them so I can only assume.” Finally looking into Sol’s eyes, Bo made to grab Sol’s hand.

Pulling his hand away, Sol went into interrogation mode. 

“What are these supposed reasons he has? Are you sure that he has good intentions?” Sol didn’t want to expose what he said to Carter just yet. While it would give some clarity to Bo, it would probably cause a fight in doing so. Though, it seemed that a fight was already going to happen. 

“He does. I know him. At least, I think so. It’s just that he’s been taught to think that way. He has pretty crappy parents, and yeah while he tries not to associate with them, he can’t help but be somewhat influenced by them, you know?” Bo failed to hide his hurt at having Sol pull away.

“He may have his own issues, but that doesn’t mean he can go and bulldoze over other people’s lives.” Sol was baffled at Bo trying to protect Carter. Bo had obviously been hurt by him, and yet he still put in the effort to try and explain his reasoning. As if that would make Sol magically make up with him.

“Well, it’s not like I know if that’s his reasoning. I’m kind of just assuming here,” Bo clarified.

“It sounds to me like you’re trying to defend him. He doesn’t need to be defended, as he is his own person. He should do it himself. Besides, he tried to make us break up. Are you seriously picking his side?” Now, Sol found himself angry.

“I’ve just known him for so long. I know he’s not a bad person and I know he cares about my well-being.” Bo took a pause. “I guess he’s just worried about the consequences of us being together. He’s even expressed to me how much he wants to be friends with you. I’m sure he’s not trying to be malicious.”

“I’m sure you know that’s not true,” Sol stared at Bo, but receiving only genuine sentiment, was stunned silent.

Bo only peered at him, still certain in his convictions. 

Sol didn’t know what to do. How was he supposed to be boyfriends with someone who wouldn’t even defend him in a fight? It should be simple. Apparently, for Bo it was not.

Giving up, Sol fell back against the bed and thought to himself. He honestly didn’t know what to do. 

Bo lay down beside him and stared. 

“What are you thinking?”

“I’m hurt.” Not able to bring himself to look at Bo’s face, he resigned to stare at the wall. 

“I’m sorry. You just have to understand where I’m coming from. I love you, but I also love Carter. You’re both important to me. I would rather you two didn’t have to fight at all.” Bo grabbed Sol’s face and brought it close, making sure he looked at him. 

“Fine.” Sol was tired of the constant fighting. He would much rather be sleeping in Bo’s arms at the moment, so, pulling Bo closer to him, he tucked his arms around him and closed his eyes. 

Hearing giggles, he hadn’t realized that he had been rubbing his face into Bo’s neck, tickling him. Beginning to smile from the beautiful laughter, as clear as a bell, he finally began to relax. He would deal with his frustration later. 

As they continued to hug and become more intimate, Sol realized he himself had something to ask Bo. A lighter topic, thankfully.

“What do you want to do for your birthday?”

“I don’t know. To spend time with you? And Carter if we hopefully all make up by then,” Bo replied optimistically.

“Sounds realistic,” Sol joked. 

“Yep, I’m a very realistic person. What with my anxiety and all.” Bo couldn’t stop himself from giggling again.

Sol rolled his eyes and smiled back at Bo. At least he was ending his day on a good note.