It Will Be Alright -- Treebros

Seventeen -- Returned Feelings ~ Evan

Zoe pulled me aside from the group.   I felt Connor's eyes on us as she asked me some brief questions about Connor.  I simply answered each question with a small nod or shake of the head, yet one caught me off-guard.

"Are you in love with Connor?"

My eyes widened as I lost my balance, nearly falling backwards.  I threw my arms up in defense, making a cross.  "No, no, no," I frantically shook my head, face burning.  She smirked a bit, "Are you sure?"  I froze, thinking for a bit.  What do I think of Connor?  This was a common question I asked myself.  Almost everyday, this question reappeared.

Can I see a future with Connor?  Do I really like him?  Do I like him, or do I love him?  Dear god, I sound neurotic.  I take a deep breath.  "I-I think I like him," I looked down, closing my eyes in defeat.  In a war against my feelings, I always lose.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, "You should tell him."  I opened my eyes, looking up at Zoe, "B-But he will r-reject me-" "You're not sure of that.  There's always a chance that he will like you back," Zoe assured.  I took a deep breath, "I don't th-think he does-" "And you didn't think you weren't straight," she interrupted, laughing a bit.

I peeked behind Zoe to see Connor pacing a bit.  Zoe turned around, seeing Connor.  "You go confess.  I'll be right behind you," Zoe smiled, walking behind me and pushing me toward Connor.  I took a deep breath once again, gaining my confidence.

I fiddled with the hem of my polo shirt.  Connor looked at me expectantly, as I was staring at the ground.  I inhaled, lifting my head to look him straight in the eye.  I gathered all the confidence I had and let the words slip, "Connor, I really like you.  As more than a friend.  I really love you more than you could ever know.  I've never felt this way about anyone, to be honest.  You bring out the better side of me.  I love you.  I love you, Connor Murphy.  I love you so much." 

Connor stood there, eyes wide.  It seemed as if he were in a trance.  He was frozen in his position.  Did I do something wrong?  I'm so confused.  I really, really love him, but was this too much?  I probably shouldn't have confessed- "I-I... Damn, E-Evan," he spoke up, smiling like an idiot as he started shifting his weight.  

I grabbed his face, pulling him down and connecting our lips.  I shut my eyes tight, taking him in.  After a few seconds, I felt him kiss back, his hands resting on my waist.  We stayed in that position for a few seconds before breaking for air.  We both panted, trying to catch our breath.  "Y-You're a good kisser," Connor chuckled.  I chuckled nervously, "Y-You too,"

I glanced around, averting my eyes to look at Zoe.  She was holding her phone, pointing the camera at us.  I panicked, "Did y-you record that?!"  She chuckled, "Yeah.  Relax, Ev.  I'm only sending it to the Treebros Shipping Fanclub."  I sighed in relief, then realizing, "Wait, t-the what?!  What's T-Treebros?!"

Zoe smirked a bit, "The ship name for you and Connor.  The fanclub is only Jared, Sab, Al, and I.  Calm down, bro."  I sighed, feeling Connor's arms wrap around my waist from behind.  He kissed my cheek and I felt my face burn.  It wasn't like before, it stung, but it was a good sting.  I felt a sizzle in my chest as well.

Is this what being in love feels like?  It's.... weird.  Just weird.  Everyone told me that it would feel magical, but it just feels weird.  Like seriously, it's really weird.  Connor sat down on the curb, taking a breath.  I sat next to him, awkwardly looking away.

I felt a tap on my shoulder, catching my attention.  As I faced her, Zoe whispered to me, "Ask him to be your boyfriend."  I nodded, inhaling deeply.  I returned to my previous position, facing Connor.  "C-Connor, do you think me and you- You and I could be a.... a thing?"  Connor looked a bit taken aback, "I-I mean, I was gonna ask you,"

I laughed, "I guess I beat you to it."  He nodded.  I heard Zoe talking on the phone from behind me.  It was silent for a bit until I heard three voices scream through the phone all at the same time, "WHAT?!!"  Zoe winced, "Ah, my ear." 

I felt Connor grab my hand, "Could I come over to your place?"  I nodded, flashing a smile.  He stood up, holding his hand out to me for me to take.  I gladly accepted his offer, allowing him to pull me up.  I led Connor to my house, hand in hand as I heard Zoe's giggles and squeals fade into the faint sound of shoe soles on concrete and rustling of the autumn leaves.

As we walked up the sidewalk to my home, I noticed my mom's car wasn't there.  Of course, she was at work.  I sighed, approaching the porch and unlocking the front door.  I stepped in, hearing Connor say from behind me, "Do I need to take my shoes off or somethin'?"  I hummed a "Mm-mm", meaning no. 

I had a small, one story house, as we didn't have enough money to buy anything very fancy.  I walked to my room, hearing Connor walk behind me.  I glanced at my college applications, frowning.  Connor must've noticed my dismay, as he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, just like before. 

I relaxed a bit, leaning back into the touch.  Connor combed a hand through my hair, kissing the top of my head to help me take my mind off of things.  He released me and I immediately missed the contact.  He went over to sit on my bed, and I did as well.

I bit my lip and hugged Connor, melting into his embrace as he held me.  "I love you, Evan.  I really do.  I find it.... a little unnerving how I feel about you.  You're the only person..... I think I've felt this comfortable around," he whispered.  I chuckled, "W-Well, same with you.  I-I mean, I've had relationships in the past, like Zo- Actually, it's not important."

"I love you, Ev"

"Love you too,"