Ghost (Second Edition)

Chapter Seven--Unspoken Desires

Nathan

Green eyes were all he saw in his dreams, familiar, soft green eyes that were full of light and laughter, so different to the hurt and self-hate they had held before. Every time those eyes appeared, his heart sang and reached out for them.

He knew it meant he had a crush, he had known this for the past week or so, but he was scared to act on it. What if he ruined everything? He didn't want that, not at all. He wanted to help Luis, make his life better, not ruin it.

But he didn't know how long he could hold back these feelings. They were so strong, tugging at his heart and mind.

Green... they are the colour of your eyes... he would tell Luis that one day if he ever racked up the courage to do it.

His heart tugged at him, and he squirmed in his bed. I know... I know... I will tell him soon...

***

The little hollow had become their hang-out spot, and that's where Nathan found Luis, curled up in the grass sound asleep. Nathan couldn't help but stop and watch.

His face was smoothed of all emotion and looked so innocent in sleep. His black hair gently framed his face, the ends curling around his ears. His mouth was slightly open in sleep as he curled up on his side, his head pillowed on his arm.

The sight made Nathan's heart flutter and clench, but it also saddened him. What had happened last night for him to need a nap in the morning... all morning. He slowly went over and got down on his knees, gently shaking Luis's shoulder. "Luis..."

Luis squirmed and yawned, rubbing one eye before opening both of them. Nathan sat back so as not to scare him. Luis blinked up at him, then sat bolt upright as if he had been shocked.

"I missed class! I'm sorry!" He stood, scooped up his bag, and made to head back to the school, Nathan caught his arm.

"It's break time," he murmured, "sit, you looked exhausted," his eyes flicked to the shadows under Luis's eyes and the mess of grass and dirt in his black hair.

Luis looked at him and breathed a sigh of relief before sinking back to the ground. "Sorry. I had a long night," he mumbled.

"What happened?" Nathan asked, reluctantly letting go of Luis's arm.

"I'd rather not talk about it right now," Luis muttered, not meeting his gaze.

Nathan hesitated before gently placing his fingers on Luis's cheek and turning him to face him. "You can tell me anything, I won't judge you," he said gently, making sure the truth—and care—showed in his eyes.

Luis looked at him, then away, pulling his knees up. "It's ok."

Nathan frowned but didn't push him further. "Did you want anything to eat?" He asked instead.

Luis shook his head. "I'm not hungry."

There was a haunted look in his eyes, something Nathan didn't like seeing.

"Are you sure you're ok?" He asked gently, placing a hand on Luis's shoulder, feeling the hard lump of his collarbone.

Luis turned and smiled at him. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Nathan wasn't buying it, but he didn't want to force Luis to say anything. "Tell me when you want to," was all he said.

***

Nathan leaned back in his seat, listening to the math teacher drone on about the area of a square. He couldn't stop thinking about Luis, who was in the class down the hall learning English.

He couldn't help but wonder what his mother had done to him. Luis hadn't mentioned her, but he guessed she had played a part in this 'long night' of Luis's. It wasn't right, what she was doing. Who would hit their child? He understood that Luis was unplanned, but to hate him enough to hit him? How cruel could one be?

After the bell rang, he waited by Luis's locker, leaning against the ones next to it, feeling the cold of the metal seeping into his skin like melted ice.

When Luis appeared at the end of the hall, scurrying like a mouse, he straightened at once, his heart giving a nervous flutter as it always did when he saw the boy.

"Luis? Is everything alright?" Nathan asked as Luis reached him, digging his key out of his jumper pocket and shoving it into the locker. Nathan raised his eyebrows at his haste.

"I saw Andy! And I think he saw me!" Was all Luis said as he threw his books into the locker before shutting and locking it and rushing back down the hall towards the front doors. Nathan followed, his backpack bumping between his shoulders.

He pushed through the front doors and clattered down the cracked stone steps. Nathan skidded to a stop, nearly running Luis over as he had stopped to catch his breath at the foot of the stairs.

Luis squeaked and backed up as Nathan regained his balance.

"I'm sorry!" Luis cried, "I didn't know you were behind me!"

Nathan chuckled and ruffled his hair. "I should be the one apologising, I ran out without looking." Luis's hair was soft, if a little oily and gritty. Nathan found he liked the feel of it.

Luis smiled at him. "What are you doing to my hair?"

Nathan laughed and led him away from the school. "Just ruffling it... Like a friend would," he murmured.

He thought he saw Luis's shoulders slump slightly as some of the light died from his eyes. Had he said something wrong? If so, he couldn't think what.

"Can I walk you home?" He asked as they reached Luis's locker.

"I... I'd rather you didn't, if that is ok," Luis murmured, hitching his bag up.

"Are you sure? I have time," Nathan pressed, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"I'm sure, but thanks for the offer," Luis smiled up at him, one of his nervous smiles. The wonky warm kind.

Nathan felt a blush creep up against his will and looked away to hide. "See you later then," he murmured, ruffling Luis's hair once more.

Luis seemed to flush at the touch. "See you tomorrow," he murmured before pulling his hood up and heading for the main road.

Nathan looked after him, wishing he could follow, but instead turned to the parking lot where his mother was just pulling up. He couldn't get the worry or affection off his mind, and it seemed like it was there to stay.