He Left Sparkles in his Wake

Feelings Jam

As soon as PBG walked up, Jared pulled away from the hug.

"Feeling better?" He asked Richard, who was confused. "Poor guy couldn't handle the stress of being in the limelight." He went on to clarify to PBG. The bearded individual nodded.

"Lets go play some video games before our events!" He cheered and walked away with Jared. Richard scowled.

"Isn't this just a fine pile of turnips? Throwing me under the bus so you can maintain your perfect reputation. Whatever." He hissed under his breath and walked out of the arcade. If Jared was going to treat him like garbage, then Richard would give him the cold shoulder and the silent treatment. He walked around the mall until he found a book store. Happily, he walked in and found an encyclopedia of ocean creatures. "I love the ocean!" The small boy said to himself and purchased the book along with a coffee. Richard felt content and walked back to the arcade to see what everyone else was doing. PBG jumped up from the game he just lost and grabbed the drink from Richard's hand. He took a sip while his face contorted in disgust.

"What is that? It tastes like Satan in a cup." He stated and trusted the cup back onto the American's hand.

"A Cappuccino with two shots of expresso, so Satan must be delicious." Richard mused and took a swig of the bitter beverage. The taller boy rolled his eyes and filled Richard in on everything he had missed. He had got second in karaoke, Shane had left, and Jared should be finishing up with his segment soon. Richard scoffed in response. The glittery man was not in his good graces at the moment. Jon walked up and gently punched the smaller's shoulder.

"I'mma head back. Either of you want to come?" He asked. Richard nodded excessively.

"Yes please. I just want to read." He said hopefully.

"Well, someone has to stay. And I want a rematch with Jare on some games here." The peanut affiliated gamer stated proudly and walked of. Jon and Richard walked to the train station and waited for the next train to Asagao; they had just missed the other one. Neither really talked. Jaque sat silently on Jon's shoulder, simply observing things. The train arrived and the three shared a compartment. Richard pulled out the book and began reading about each creature. The pictures were astounding.

"Who's the angel in the centerfold?" Jon asked in a mocking tone. Richard flipped to the center of the book and turned it around to show Jon. "Ahh! Jesus!" Jon screamed seeing the three sharks on the pages. Richard turned the book back to himself and sighed dreamily.

"They're beauties aren't they?" He asked himself before flipping back to the page he was on. The three headed back to Jon and Jaque's room and played video games. That is, until PNG and Jared walked in. Richard put down the controller and walked to a corner of the room where his book was. He sat down on the floor and began reading while the other four were confused. Jared walked over and opened his mouth, but the smol gay stood up, grabbed his things, thanked Jon for letting him stay and play games, and walked out the door.

"Richard? Richard what's going on?" Jared called down the hall before attempting to follow the little guy. He paid no mind to the better looking individual and walked as calmly as he could towards his room. "Richie, please! Talk to me." Jared insisted while keeping pace with him. He stopped in front of his door and turned to look at Jared; his brown eyes were dull and conveyed a mixture of pain, anger, and disappointment.

"You say I mean so much to you, yet you will lie to your friend about why we were hugging? I realize that you have an image to up hold. And I would respect your choice if you had talked to me at all about it, but no! You can't be seen with the likes of me. Heaven and Hell forbid we start dating; it would ruin you reputation." He said sadly and slid down his door. "I-I feel betrayed, and hurt, and...I don't want love to feel like this. It didn't use to, then it did, and it still does now..." Richard talked quietly. He didn't feel like crying, but he felt exposed. He rarely talked about his thoughts on love. Jared crouched down in front of him and rubbed his small hands.

"I'm sorry. I'm not ready to tell anyone yet, and I've never been gay before." He stated honestly. Richard laughed slightly.

"You don't really choose to be gay. It just sort-of happens." He informed. Jared moved in closer. It was like a scene from a movie: hot boy slowly moves closer and closer to 'girl' for their first kiss. But the moment was ruined by the 'girl's' phone going off.

PBG- What's a soul mate?

The innocent two words made Richard want to cry.

Dick- I think it's a best friend who is also your romantic partner.

PBG- Oh my gosh! Sorry for bringing up your ex or whatever, but was he yours?

Richard- Yeah...he probably was.

He felt defeated in every way, shape, and form. Jared had moved to stand and pulled his little fan up. He let Jared lead him away from his room and book. As they neared the older one's room they both slipped in a puddle of water; Richard had landed on his knees and had a tight old on Jared's forearms, while said male was on his butt with his legs on either side of the smaller male. They stared at each other and their awkwardly provocative position without speaking before Richard began laughing. His head fell on Jared's shoulder and he continued laughing. Sparkles joined in and sat up straighter so he could hold onto Richard. They pulled away with pink cheeks and bright smiles.

"I love your laugh." Jared admitted and brushed some of his hair away from his face. The confirmed gay stood and helped the questionably gay on up.

"I love your face." He one-upped and 'booped' the taller boy's nose. "Heck! I love everything about you." He mumbled slightly as he became more bashful. Jared was melting in his shoes. Sure he had been complimented before, hundreds of times, but he felt honored to have received a compliment from the transfer student. He practically pulled Richard into his room and shoved him onto the couch to cuddle him.

"Hey Jared. Are you dating anyone?" He asked despite being nearly smothered by the affectionate man in question.

"Are you kidding? My love life is a mess!" Jared answered with a groan. Richard smiled and gently grabbed the other male's face.

"I'm a mess. Can I be your love life?" He asked hopefully. Jared sat looking at him in silence for twenty seconds while Richard became increasingly more nervous. What if he had received mixed signals? What if he was reading between lines that didn't need to be read between? He was freaking out.

"Shit. That was smooth..." Jared trailed off and began snuggling with Richard again.