Barry's POV
Dan had just walked out of the recording space, but I quickly realized that Arin was nowhere in sight. He usually left with Dan, but apparently not this time.
"Hey Dan, where's Arin?" I asked patiently; I knew Arin was probably fine.
"He's just shutting all the software down. Why?"
"Oh, just curious, thanks!"
"Anytime!" Dan walked out the door, though I still had some editing to wrap up.
I decided to help Arin, I needed a break, anyways. I quietly knock on the door, not trying to surprise him. It doesn't open. Maybe he didn't hear me. I open the door to see Arin sitting on the couch, crying a bit. He looks at me, acknowledging that I was here, then looks away again. I hear him choke back a cry. He wasn't particularly loud, but he was still hurt nonetheless.
"Arin?" I attempt to get him attention.
"B-Barry... what do you want?" His voice sounded weak.
"Arin, what's wrong?"
"N-nothing. It's just- yea, nothing."
"Arin, please," I sat down beside him and put a hand on his shoulder, "You can tell me, right?"
"I've just been... Uhm... Thinking. A lot," he paused, and hesitated to continue.
"It's okay..." I whisper, "Take as much time as you need."
"It's stupid, okay?"
"Arin..." I give him a hug, which he quickly accepted.
"A-and... I just don't want our friendships to end!" He blurted out.
"Where is this coming from?" I ask curiously.
"I- I dunno, I'm glad I could talk to you about it, though..."
"If you ever need to tell me anything at all, just don't hesitate to, okay?" I hug him a bit tighter.
"O-okay... Uhm... Hehe." Arin laughed awkwardly.
"You okay now?"
"Yea, but I still want you to stay," Arin looked up at me, pleading for me to stay.
"Alright, of course," I start to move over to shut off the recording equipment, but I'm stopped by Arin.
"Can we- can we just stay like this for a little while?" He requested.
"Yea, if that'll make you happy," I muttered, not really minding having to sit here.
Arin was very warm, especially considering the weather outside. It was wintertime, and being cuddled up to someone felt nice. He somehow managed to shift our positions to where he was letting me snuggle up into him. Arin tucked a blanket over us. I almost fell asleep there and then.
"Uhm, Barry? You awake?" Arin asked, nudging me slightly.
"Hmm? Yea, what is it?" I realized how tired I sounded.
"Oh, i-if you're sleepy, you should sleep..." He seemed a bit sad to have to wait to tell me what he was going to tell me.
"No, you can tell me now," I tried to be more attentive, but to little avail.
"Okay, so you see..." He hesitated, but spoke again, "I think I might possibly- no. No, no, it's nothing!" I looked up to see him blushing.
"Please tell me."
"Might possibly have a crush. On you." He held me closer.
"I never really thought about us like... Uhm, like that! But I think we can work it out!" I wasn't just saying that to be nice; I really think we had a chance.
"Thank you so much!" Arin held me so tightly that I couldn't breathe.
"Y-you're welcome..."
"Sorry, sorry!" He loosened his tight grip.
"It's fine, now can we stay like this for a while?"
"I'd love to."
