Stolen Moments

Maybe it had always been this way, and maybe he had always known, Tristan thought to himself where he was sat behind his drums after sound check.
James and Connor was already done, and Brad was finishing up at the moment. Tristan was done as well, but Brad had given him puppy dog eyes and asked for him to wait for him, and Tris couldn't say no to that face.
So here he was. Brad was in a right good mood this morning, jumping around on stage, dancing along to the music, and talking excitedly about tonight's show. His mood was infectious. In fact, everything about him was infectious to Tristan. Brad turned to Tris to send him a wicked grin, making Tristan's heart do a funny jump, and yeah, it had always been this way. And he had always known.

Tristan had known Brad for five years now. When they had first met, they had instantly made a special and close bond with one another, that neither James or Connor were a part of. They were all really, really close, of course, but there was just something about Brad and Tristan that was different. Connor had in fact mentioned it once or twice in the early days, saying something like you two are the most co dependent best friends I have ever met.
And he was right. Tris and Brad was nearly always together, like a package deal. They were known to be quite touchy with each other as well. Brad spent more time in Tris' lap than he did sitting in chairs or couches like normal people. Yet, no matter how close they were, Tristan had always felt that he could never get close enough.

Tristan was pulled out of his own thoughts by a certain boy who had slipped his arms around Tristan's neck from behind and was now resting his head on his shoulder. - Hey. Brad said, and squeezed his arms around Tris.
Hey, you. You finished? Tris tipped his head to look at Brad, who nodded. Tris went to stand up, but Brad didn't move from his position plastered to Tris' back.
I'm tired. Carry me.
There was that funny jump of his heart again that occurred every time Brad was this close to him. Or even just in close vicinity, really.
Tris held out his arms to wrap around Brad's legs as they were placed around his waist. Brad's lovely laugh rung around the empty arena as Tristan carried him towards the tour bus. Tristan sincerely hoped that he was only imagining the raging blush he could feel on his face.

Suppressing his feelings was becoming a daily struggle for Tris at this point. After five years of it, you'd think he had become good at it, but that was not the case.
Keeping it under wraps was essential. Tristan had thought this over time after time, and imagined every possible outcome if he was to give himself away, and it always ended with him loosing the deepest and best friendship he had ever had. So, it was out of the bloody question.
It was getting harder, though. The worst part wasn't the longing - it was the worrying. Tris worried a lot, about his family and about his friends, but he worried most about Brad. That's what you do when you really love someone. You want the best for them, you want them to be happy and healthy, and safe. Tris was already a really protective person, but when it came to Brad he could get a bit intense. The fact that the boy he was head over heals in love with was an international pop star in their award winning band, and therefore constantly at a high risk of pretty much anything didn't really help the situation. So yeah, he was a bit overprotective, sue him.

He was really feeling it right now, as he watched Brad hesitantly get into the seat beside him on the somewhat scary looking roller coaster. They were at a fun fair for the day, mostly for promo and for an interview on free-radio, but also for fun. Tristan knew that Brad had a fear of heights, and that this might not be his idea of fun, so naturally he kept a close eye on the boy's face. If Brad wanted to get off, Tristan would go with him in a heartbeat. Brad got seated, but didn't pull down the safety bar straight away. He turned to Tris with a hint of fear on his face.
Hey, you okay, B?
I'm not sure how I feel about this. Brad eyed the first drop of the roller coaster skeptically.
We don't have to go on it, we can still get off... if you want? Tris placed a calming hand on Brads shoulder and squeezed it for good measure. Brad let out a shaky breath.
Nah, I'm sure I'll be fine...we're strapped in and stuff...it's safe, right? Brad looked back at Tristan. He was probably trying to play it cool. Tris gave him a reassuring smile.
it's safe. Con and James already went on it once, and they said it was really fun. Trust me, I guarantee you you'll love it and want to go again. Brad chuckled beside him and visibly relaxed as Tris snaked his arm fully around his shoulders.
At least, if we die, we die together. He was obviously joking, from the tone of his voice, but Tris punched him lightly in the shoulder either way.
oh my god, you're a right charmer, aren't you. Let's do this, then. Ready?
Ready.
Tris pulled back and secured the safety-bar snugly around Brad's frame. When the ride started moving, Brad's hand shot out to grab Tristan's tightly.