We're Just Friends

Chapter 9- "So... You're Forgiving Me?"

James' POV (Same day as previous chapter)

I haven't talked to Thomas much, unless it's to borrow a pen or something. I can't forget what he did. He betrayed me. But I'm tired of cutting myself off from him.

"James..." he mumbles. He's still half-asleep. I keep silent. "Oh, yeah." He lifts up his head and looks at me. "I'm still sorry. Your know that, right?"

"I know that, Thomas-" I see him bite his lip and hold his breath. I haven't talked to him in a week, you see, so that's no surprise- "but I can't forget what you did."

"Yeah, that's natural... I understand."

"But I want to try again."

"What?"

"I want to be your boyfriend again. Let's agree; we won't cheat on each other," I say with a small smile.

Thomas nods, dumbfounded. He gets up.

"I promise I won't."

"And you'll keep to that?"

"Absolutely."

"Then so will I."

"So.... You're forgiving me?" I suppress a laugh.

"Yes, Tommy, I am." We hug quickly before pulling away as we notice Aaron looking at us.

"So you both finally made up?" He asks, smirking.

"Yes, A-A-Ron."

"Don't call me that, Thomas."

"You're no fun."

"Aaron, why don't you go back to kissing Alexander?" I growl. Wow. I never thought I'd do that. Aaron turns a dark shade of red.

"I-Uh-I-"

"Just keep your business to yourself," Thomas says, turning his back on Aaron and taking me to a coffee shop nearby.

It's a small, calm little place, called the "Coffee Spoon." I'm a regular customer. It's just a little shop on the edge of the street, surrounded by clothing stores. I never go into those unless I'm bored to death.

"What will it be, James?" The person behind the counter asks as soon as I walk in. "And who's this with you?"

"Oh, Mat, this is my boyfriend, Thomas." Mat looks at Thomas. "And I'll have the usual, thanks."

"Treat James well from now on, Thomas. He's a good person." Thomas gulps and nods. Mat smiles at us.

"Calm down, I'm not going to kill you. So, what will you have?"

I like Mat. He's dating this guy called Mark. Mark actually comes into the store sometimes to help out. I maybe-sorta-perhaps told them about what was happening, because Mat has had experience with this kind of stuff.

"I'll have a large coffee, two sugars and some milk, please," Thomas says after a few seconds of scanning the very large menu.

"Coming up!" Mat says, turning around and beginning to prepare our drinks. What's my regular? Large hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate flakes. It changes every so often; last year it was a too-large black coffee that threatened to kill me every time I drank it.

After a few minutes, Mat was done, and he gave us our drinks as we sat down on a large couch.

"So, should we ask for the squad to meet up?" Thomas asked, taking a sip of his (extremely hot) beverage.

"I don't think that's a good idea," I said. I was still wary of what could happen. "Maybe give it a bit more time."

He nodded in understanding, clearly remembering what had occurred the last time we met up.

"Do you want to study together a bit? I have a history paper that I need help with," Thomas began, "and you're better at this learning stuff than I am."

He fumbled with the spoon he got to stir his drink.

I laughed at that.

"I'm happy to help you, Tommy." He brightened up at what I said. I smiled.
I'm ready to put this behind us.

We finished our drinks in comfortable silence; silence where the walls aren't closing in on you.

"Thanks, Mat!" I say as we walk out. The guy behind the counter waves to us as we stroll back to campus, Thomas ties up his hair because he suddenly feels the heat of the coffee affecting his neck. I'm used to that; he's not lying, I know. That's happened since we were kids.

We make our way back into the building, before Thomas slaps his head.

"Dammit, I forgot my history book in class. You stay in the room, I need to run and get it," he says.

"That's fine. I'll wait for you!" I trust him enough to let him get a book. Beside, I can always question him if it takes longer than 10 minutes. He's a quick runner, y'know.

"Okay, thanks!" He dashes off, as I unlock our dorm room.

Thomas' POV

I make my way to the history room- H1- and grab my book. It didn't take me long (I sprinted because I don't want to keep James waiting) and I began heading back. I walked, because it wasn't too far away, before I saw Hercules.

I wasn't sure if he and Laf were back together yet, so I'm sure you can understand how nervous I was to be seeing this guy.

"Hey!" Hercules said as he saw me. "I've been meaning to talk to you!"
Oh god.

"Uhh, um," I stumble with my words, before he hugs me. Oh jesus, fuck no.
"Laf, I forgive you." He tilts my head down and I shove him away.

"JESUS HERCULES, ITS ME, THOMAS," I yell, taking out the hair band and let my hair cover my shoulders. At least my neck isn't hot anymore. He freezes.

"Do you know where Laf is?" He asks.

"No clue, sorry."

"Okay, thanks."

"No problem. Oh, and Hercules," I say. I put a hand on his shoulder as he turns away. "I'm sorry for ruining your relationship with Lafayette."

"Eh, it's okay. I forgive you." We shake hands on it, and walk in opposite directions.

Well that could have been real awkward. Thank god it didn't escalate.

I make my way back to the dorm and see Aaron sitting on the floor, talking to a girl. James is with them.

"Oh, hey Thomas!" James greets me, sending Aaron and the girl's attention to me. "This is Theodosia, Aaron's friend."

"Nice to meet you." I sit on the floor, tossing my history book on my desk.
I bet you're wondering something- who's our fourth dorm member? Well, we don't have one. After James Reynolds was expelled by Washington for throwing a printer at a teacher before school began and bullying kids, we never got another dorm member. That's okay though. I'm happy with it being just James, Aaron and I.

"Hi! Do you like reading?" Theodosia questions.

"Ehhhhhhh. I prefer listening to trashy emo music if I'm honest."

"Oh! Do you like TØP?" I internally die as James and I burst into song.

"I-I-I I'VE GOT A MIGRAINE AND MY PAIN WILL RANGE FROM UP DOWN AND SIDEWAYS THANK GOD-" Theodosia joined in before Aaron cut us all off.

"Please don't sing. You'll burst my eardrums," he jokes. His new friend rolls her eyes.

"Aaron, a bit of emo music won't kill you."

"But it killed MCR-" Theodosia, James and I yell at him.

"SHUT-UP, AARON, WE'LL JOIN THE BLACK PARADE WHENEVER WE HECKING WANT," I screech.

What a wonderful evening we had, making references to music and crying over MCR.