Always A Step Behind: An EarnPete Fanfic

9. Kiss

Pete

That went well.

At least, Earn was laughing. He didn't go ballistic and walked out on me for the phone and for my love confession.

"Soooo...what now?" I asked him after a long time of holding each other's gaze.

"What what?"

"I just told you I'm in love with you. You don't expect me to just let you go after that, do you?!"

I didn't plan for things  to pan this way. I wasn't even planning on telling Earn what I felt this soon and this way. But like they say, some things were just meant to be. I hope that went with Earn and I, as well.

"Look, Pete, to say that I'm confused and shocked is an understatement. I'm bordering crazy with everything that you told me right now. You can't expect me to just take this in at one go."

No, I wasn't expecting Earn to take all of this instantly but I wasn't expecting no for an answer either. Earn felt something for me, I know that much at least. All I need now, was to get him to see it and finally acknowledge it.

"I know. But, do you like me too? And don't give me  that friend crap because you're not that stupid I believe."

"Hey! You just told me you're in love with me. You're not supposed to insult me that way."

Earn was smiling. I'm doomed. More than ever, the butterflies were on rampaged. And now that I knew what it felt like to have Earn's mouth with mine, I wanted more.

"Yeah, well, I just told you I love you. You should at least say something."

"What do you propose I say then?" Now, bastard Earn was flirting. Well, bring it on.

"How about saying we should finally date.."

Earn's smile faded.

He turned serious and said, "Don't you think it's still very early for that? I mean, I'm still not sure about this whole thing. After everything I went through, I just can't jump directly into a relationship with you. Specially because we're also risking our friendship here."

I get where Earn was coming from. I was also scared but not having him and losing him again without a fight scared me more.

"You may not be sure of me but I am so sure of you. At least tell me you'll give me a chance. That you'll give us a chance."

"Do you think it's a good idea---I mean us, dating?"

"That. And anything with you, Earn, is always a good idea."

Earn was stunned then smiled, slowly.

"If  you keep on smiling like that, I swear, I would kiss the living daylights out of you." I said, no humor on my tone, because yes, I was serious to do just that.

Earn chuckled.

"Don't make promises you can't keep, Pete."

And that was my cue. I stood from my chair, circled to where Earn was at. I took him by the collar and pressed my lips to his. The kiss was slow at first, calculating, then it became needy and fervent and Earn was just as responding. We we're both panting trying to catch our breath when we ended the kiss. Then we smiled at each other before laughing. If anyone could see us right now, they'll think we're crazy. In some ways, we were though. Me, specially, and this guy in front of me was responsible.

"Hey, Earn, just to point it out, in case you're still confused about us---friends don't kiss that way."