Let's Be Friends

Pretty Boy

Stephen opened his eyes for the second time that day. Drowsily his glanced at the clock, 11:49. Its nearly lunch time.

He sighed and extended a hand to touch the empty space on the other side of him, What did I expect, of course he's left, its been hours. Even so, perhaps a small part of him wanted Gray to still be sitting there, holding his hand, and playing with his hair. 

Just at the thought, warmth returned to his face, not a feverish warmth this time, embarrassed blushing. 

I do feel better, I think the fever's subsided and I only have a mild headache.
Benadryl, I'll remember that next time. 

Stephen stood up, all his lightheadedness had ceased. I guess a...four? Hour nap is what I needed.

He soon found himself having Deja-vu, as he walked to kitchen once again. Nearing the edge of the hall, almost to the kitchen, Stephen could hear soft humming. It was a tune he recognized. One he quite liked that, upon hearing it for the first time again after meeting Gray, made him think of the boy. I suppose he likes it too!

He flushed again at the thought, it was really corny.

He used to listen to Pretty Boy by The Neighbourhood, without thinking much. Perhaps it was just for white noise in the background. But ever since the party, every time it played he thought about Gray. If he was honest, he wasn't even sure the song was about the boy. Nevertheless, it made him think of the boy he'd known for less than two months, that had already stolen his heart.

Gray sat at the barstool, textbook open. Reading, and writing. Can't get away from school for even a day he can he?  Stephen smiled.

Stephen took a seat across from Gray at the table.

"Are you a 'The Neighbourhood' fan?" he asked.

"Nope. It's just a nice song." Gray giggled, he closed his book and met Stephen's eyes. The emotion there was different, is he trying to be secretive?

Stephen raised an eyebrow, "You're awfully suspicious you know..."

"Am I?" He brought his hand up to cover his mouth, his long white sleeves aided him in this. Only Gray's bright eyes were left visible, Something's going on.

"Mm-hmm," He noticed that Gray put his textbook down, giving Stephen his full attention, something ever desired, "I quite like that song too."

Gray had a different sort of look, a bit more smug, his next words will probably be sarcastic.

"I know."

Now Stephen was confused, "How?"

"You told me," He admitted, his cheeks turning a sort of pink, "You told me to listen to it because it reminded you of me..."

Stephen completely flushed, vague memories of the encounter were remembered. 

He was nearly asleep, and trying to stay awake after the Benadryl had kicked in, and he told Gray that to spark a conversation of sorts. Though, unknown to him, most of what he did was just fluster the boy.

Stephen acted like he might say something, then lost his words. On a second attempt he managed to get out a question, "You listened to it?"

Gray nodded.

"I think it's sweet." Gray patted Stephen's head. He did that oddly often, Stephen's embarrassment lessened, and somewhat melted away. He liked the boy's soft touch. Is touch his love language?  Hand holding, head patting, laying on my shoulder, he seems to like touch... Wait is that weird to think about..? No, friends use their love language too. It's not a weird thing to wonder.

"You also mentioned something about a project you hadn't done yet. One due Friday?" Gray added, perhaps trying to make Stephen less embarrassed.

"Oh," Stephen remembered, "Yea, another picture project. I would've asked for your help but the prompt is something colorful and bright."

Gray sat and thought for a minute.

Then he spoke, "Do you feel better Stephen?"

Stephen, He didn't use my last name as well. He really has warmed up.

"Yea, I think so."

Gray took his hand and placed it on Stephen's forehead. Butterflies. Every time Gray touched him, he was simply a mess of butterflies. If he hadn't been incredibly sick the first time, he probably would've freaked out more than he was now. And he sure as hell! Wouldn't have put his hand over Gray's. God, he missed the courage sickness brought within him.

Or perhaps he missed acting before thinking.

"You've sure cooled down, I don't think you're real hot like you were earlier." He flipped his hand, just to be sure.

"I think you're real hot." He said, without missing a beat. God, why did I say that! Think before you speak! For Christ's sake Stephen!

Gray laughed, bubbly and light, just a tad more than a giggle, "You're so stupid." He managed to say in a loving and jokingly manner.

"Well I-" Stephen's next statement was cut short by the sound of Gray's phone ringing.

Gray picked it up and Stephen read the caller ID, 'Ben', as Gray turned the screen towards himself. Just a first name, Stephen noted, not a first and last.

"Shit, it's my friend."

Stephen was slightly disappointed, but refused to let it show, "You should take it."

First Ring,

Second Ring,

"I have to answer, but I need you to be super quiet."

Stephen made the motion of zipping his mouth shut, and Gray smiled.

Third Ring,

Click. Gray answers.

"Hey Ben-"

"OMG DUDE WHERE ARE YOU!?" Ben yelled from the other side of the call, "YOU'RE MISSING SCHOOL, AKA YOUR FAVORITE THING!!"

Gray put the call on speaker, to quiet him a bit.

"I am, yes."

"BUT WHY??!!!"

Stephen couldn't help but wonder what Gray would say. He wanted him to be quiet, so obviously he was going to lie and say he was elsewhere with someone else. Or maybe it'd be more believable if he said he was alone.

"Ben, you're being very loud."

"My bad, I'm just in complete shock, along with the other guys. But no, really, where are you?"

He could say something came up and he had to leave town, or that he got sick, or that-

"My friend wasn't feeling very good today, so I stayed to make sure he was alright."

What?

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Look who's back,

Back again.

Kekw, anyway, had time, stole a computer, the usual.

Love y'all, have a wonderful whenever guys! <3