Not Us, Not Ever

9. Leak.

        A couple hours later, I heard my name being softly called. I opened my eyes and saw Riley. His sleeves were rolled up again and his arms were wet. I guess he washed the excess blood off himself. He looked better so I couldn't help but smile at him. I stood up and stretched and he got up with me. I must have dozed off not long after he did.

        "Sorry that I couldn't let you sleep like you let me," he said quietly. I know the feel. I hate waking people up.

        "No, it's cool. It's getting late anyway." I assured him. A sly smile started creeping on his face. "What?" I asked.

        "You said you loved me," he stated matter-of-factly.

        I pouted and looked elsewhere away from him, "Yeah, so what?" I felt my ears set themselves on fire when a kiss from him landed on my cheek.

        "Did you mean it or were you just trying to calm me down? Either way, I'm grateful you said it."

        "Would you be mad if I said both?" I asked quietly.

        He shook his head, "No. Now, I'm just twice as grateful," he smiled.

        I scoffed, "Kiss up." I held out my hand for him to hold. This time he took it and entwined or fingers instead of slapping it away, "Let's get home before it gets too dark and we can't see where we're going." He nodded and I began walking us home. On the way, I saw the sun set over the pond that almost killed us. I called Riley's attention to it and he could barely take his eyes off of it. It was gorgeous, but what caught my attention was him. He was so enthralled by the beauty of nature, he almost tripped a couple times from not watching his steps. He looked so content and at peace. His happiness was more appealing to me than the sunset. As we were headed home, we weren't talking as if we were best friends anymore. We were talking like we were lovers.

        "Hey, two rules on our next date," I said.

        "I can guess one is 'No pushing.' What's the other?" He chuckled, returning his attention forward.

        "No crying," I gently nudged him. "It hurts to see you cry."

        His head dropped, "I'm sorry."

        "Don't be sorry. Cry as much as you want. I'll be there for you," I assured. "But don't do it on a date. A date is for me to make you happy, not witness the death of me," I joked (but only slightly.)

        He smiled, "Deal."

        I saw the gate doors getting closer. Part of me doesn't want to go home. I want to stay and cuddle up to Riley, but that's not going to fly with either of our parents. I stopped walking with his hand still in mine. He hadn't realized I stopped walking until my grip on him pulled him back.

        "Hm? Olly what's wrong?" He asked.

        "Nothing, I just.. I don't want to go back."

        He walked back towards me, "Me neither, but we don't have much of a choice."

        He was just so close. I could just lean in. I bit my lip, "Promise me you won't cut again."

        "I promise," he said without hesitation. I trust him.

        It didn't feel right leaving a date without a kiss. I felt my face getting warm, "It's not a proper date until we.." I looked up at him. He was waiting for me to finish my sentence, but I felt so awkward that I couldn't. I slowly leaned in, sort of waiting for him to step back or push me away or anything that would stop me, but he didn't. he leaned in as well. The butterflies in my stomach just wouldn't rest. As a matter of fact, they were intensifying as I got closer, but then.. I felt like the happiest boy in the world when our lips connected. It didn't feel like the same kiss in the janitor's closest or equipment room. This kiss felt.. better. Maybe back then I was just being a whore. Now, I think I'm falling for him for real. After a moment, I parted the kiss fighting a smile and gazing into his eyes.