But When You're Near Me (I Feel Like I'm Standing With An Army) by Brioux
explicit
creator chose not to use archive warnings
30652 words
complete
william poindexter/derek nurse, william poindexter/omc
The best part about going to college for Dex is getting the opportunity to explore his sexuality without the judgement of his extremely conservative family hanging over his head. He gets the chance to explore with a whole lot of men, which gives him the courage to come out to his family. Unfortunately, his fears about how his homophobic parents would react are proven true. Dex struggles with confidence, depression, and stress in ways that are definitely not healthy. Fortunately he’s got a surprising friend in Nursey, who’s there when Dex needs him the most.