University Life (A Troyler AU)

Chapter 3

~ Troye's POV ~

The next day I didn't see Tilly at all, otherwise our first class, to my dismay and growing disappointment. I was the weird loner and quiet recluse with no one to text or whisper to during lectures. I daydreamed the entire day. But good and bad things came from my daydreams. Good news: I figured out my feelings. I'm crushing hardcore on my roommate. Bad news: Trying and hiding it and avoiding being an awkward mess around him. I was fairly certain I could attempt to do the first but the second was a no-brainer. Tyler would catch on to my weirdness in no time press the issue until I cracked. I'd just have to a) brush it off and avoid it or b) make up something.

Tyler wasn't in the room when I returned so I went on a witch-hunt for his TV remote so I could occupy myself until he showed up. I figured we could do something cool and exciting since I haven't been in town but for two days. Once I found his remote, I switched on the telly, settling on some Arrow reruns. Two episodes and a granola bar or two later, Tyler finally came in, sweating and red in the face. "Woah, are you okay?" I asked, muting the TV so I could actually hear him. "Me? Fine. I just had to do something for one of my professors. I, uh, rushed back here to make you...were okay.." He admitted, his lips twisting adorably, his face darkening further. I didn't know someone's face could be so red. It was cute.

"I'm fine. Just waiting for you." I said, offering him a rare smile. I really.../really/...liked Tyler. "Do you wanna show me around East Langsing?" I inquire, hoping he'll say yes. I've never been to Michigan before and he finally admitted, yesterday, to living here all his life. I think he was embarrassed for some reason because I was from a different country.

"Um, duh, though it's honestly nothing special. Come on, come on, come on!" He cheered, obviously excited, rushing from the room. I giggle and jump up, racing after him, his broad laughter dancing up the hallway to me. He puts the ass in sass.

- - -

First, Tyler took me to the W. J. Beal Botanical Garden, where we pretended to be interested in plants and chased squirrels.

Then we snuck into the Munn Ice Arena through the basement alleyways, and tried to get on the ice but couldn't due to it being blocked off and locked. We probably would've set off some alarms if we set foot on it anyway. But really all we did was scream at the top of our lungs and laugh at our echoes.

Then we snuck into the Spartan Stadium the same way as the arena, and due to the setting sun, just lied in the field, side by side, holding our breaths as we watched the sun sink low in the sky. It was a truly beautiful moment with an unbreakable silence that I felt bonded Tyler and I.

Then Tyler said we should head back to campus, hit up the Wharton Center, then head back to our dorms to get swim trunks and a change of clothes. He wouldn't tell me why.

So in the gorgeous Wharton Center for Performing Arts we danced and fooled around on stage, singing Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj. "Give me that thing that I love!" Tyler belted out, his sound carrying across the room, and though I was more of a Nicki Fan I followed up with, "Put your hands up, make them touch, touch!" To which Tyler gasped. "Girl can sing!" He yelled, causing me to blush. Which caused him to laugh at my blush, causing me to laugh at his laugh. Which all resulted in someone stomping on stage and being a real hard-ass: "Its almost seven, the theater is closed!" Needless to say: Tyler and I left, heading back to our dorm.

So where was the magical place that required swim trunks and an extra pair of clothes? The absolute gorgeous Red Cedar River; That gifted us with the reflection of the extremely bright stars. We changed in Tyler's car, me trying very hard not to sneak a peek at his naked body, To which I successfully avoided, disappointingly.

While Tyler stared out over the water, I stared at him, the river and the stars colliding in his blue eyes, creating such a beauty I felt I could cry. I was going to fall hard for Tyler and it was going to be my downfall. I looked away just as he dared a glance at me and it was that simple. It was that simple to hide my infatuation. Maybe this would be easier than I thought...but maybe I didn't want to hide it...but it was for the best, at least, for now.

"Race you to the water!" Ty shouted suddenly and I giggled, feet slapping on dirt and crunching on leaves as we broke the stillness of the water in unison. Swimming to the surface for air, my feet just barely skimming the bottom of the river, my blue hues meet Tyler's and our faces split into grins. This has been the best day.

- - -

"So how you like East Lansing?" Tyler questioned, leaning back on his elbows. We were both sitting on a rock on the bank of the river, gazing the stars while allowing our suits to dry so they don't soak Tyler's seat when we change. "I love it." I said, my eyes not leaving the sky.

"Thank you, Troye." Tyler said and I looked at him inquisitively. What is /he/ thanking /me/ for? "I'd forgotten what it was like to have a friend in this college full of homophobes constantly trying to put me down." He elaborated and I smiled, though slightly disappointed. /Friend./ That word stung. I didn't want to be just friends.

"I'm so glad we're more than just roommates," I admitted, my voice quiet. "I'm glad we're friends."

"So am I." Tyler said, but his voice was off. He didn't sound quite right.

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Sorry for the wait guys! Here's chapter three c: