The Rink

chapter nineteen: a secret

Tyler took his hand's off the back of George's neck for a brief moment, his lips separating from George's and his eyes opening.

George looked between both of Tyler's eyes, trying to predict what he was going to do next.

Tyler wanted to keep making out- George was sure of it. And even though George knew this was wrong- knew he'd regret it later, knew he'd have to face Dream eventually, knew this would royally fuck up his life- he kept going anyway.

Maybe George did have a thing for Tyler. Maybe when they were younger he didn't want to ruin their friendship by making a move. Maybe George had been waiting for this for awhile.

But George wasn't thinking about maybes in this moment. He was thinking about how good Tyler smelt- like vanilla whiskey and spearmint gum. He was focusing on Tyler's touches, gentle but with purpose up his arms, across his neck, down the side of his jaw.

George was enveloped in the rush and excitement that came along with doing something you weren't supposed to do. The heat rushing to his cheeks, the risk that anyone could see them from inside the house, the pure selfishness of needing to satisfy his cravings in this moment.

Tyler reluctantly pulled out of the kiss a second time, staring down at George's lips with a grin.

"If we don't stop now, I..." Tyler said breathlessly, not needing to finish his sentence, as George knew what he was saying.

Tyler didn't want to go too far in this- he knew he wouldn't let himself have sex with George unless George and Dream were broken up. Even though Tyler had never even met Dream, he had such a respect for George that he refused to push that boundary, because that would be something he'd never forgive himself for.

That's how Tyler justified it, at least. Making out was one thing- fucking was another. And in a weird way, George felt similarly. He knew kissing Tyler wasn't as bad as having sex with him- not by a long shot. But he still thought he'd feel some sort of guilt- fear, remorse, anxiety in the moment.

Yet as George drove away from Alex's house, watching as Tyler jogged back inside to join the party once again, all he felt was warmth and butterflies floating around in his chest.

And it was clear to George in that moment: he didn't give his friend a quick peck on the lips as a funny New Year's Eve joke. He wasn't drunk, he didn't just laugh it off and move on with his night.

No, even worse:

George had caught feelings for Tyler.

___

George walked downstairs, trying to get out the door on a coffee run without gaining the attention of his parents. As he walked past the kitchen he accidentally dropped his keys, causing both his mom and dad to look over at him.

"George!" George's mom said, turning down the stove so her eggs wouldn't overcook. "I thought you were staying at Alex's last night? You came home?"