Our second world- book one: Past beginnings

Chapter 23: Haren

Once in his room he took his coat off and threw it on the desk by the door. Unlike Graces' room, his had a desk, a chair, and two single beds pushed up against opposite walls. Thomas was asleep in a tangle of sheets in one bed, and August was in the other. Unlike Thomas, however, August was awake. He looked up when Haren walked in, and waved him over.

"Hey," August said quietly." You don't mind sharing a bed tonight, do you?"

Haren shook his head," It's fine. I don't mind if you don't."

August smiled and leaned his head on Harens' shoulder," Good. I would feel bad if one of us had to sleep on the floor."

"...Say, August? Can I ask you something?" August sat up and looked at Haren with a confused expression.

"Sure, what about?"

"Well... I've been wondering for a while, but I've been a little nervous to actually ask," he said, looking down at his lap. He could feel his cheeks growing warm and knew August could see it. There was no going back now.

"What is it?"

"...Well...I want to know if..."Haren paused and took a deep breath." Um...well...do you think of us as a couple? That is--are we...dating?"

August stared at him in silence and Haren felt his chest tighten.

He's not mad, is he?

"I--"

"Well yeah, I thought that was what was happening now. Why else would I be so openly flirty with you all the time?"

Haren blinked," wait...you were flirting?"

August was visibly trying to hold in a laugh," what did you think I was doing?"

"Gods, I thought you were straight this whole time an you were just being really nice to me!" Haren buried his face in his pillow, knowing his raging blush was plain for all to see.

August laughed," wow, I owe Grace money. You really are denser than a rock when it comes to anything romantic."

"It's not funny!" Haren whined, butting his forehead against Augusts' chest.

"Sorry, you're just so cute when you're embarrassed," August teased." So, now that we've got that all cleared up, can I ask you to do something for me?"

"Sure."

August slid closer so he was pressed against Harens' side. He rested his head on Harens' shoulder and laced their fingers together,"...Hold my hand. Just until I fall asleep at least?"

"Are you scared?" Haren asked, moving so that the two of them were laying down.

August shook his head," Nah, I just want you to be the first one I see tomorrow."

"Then I'll be here, ok?"

August didn't answer. He was already fast asleep. Haren smiled to himself and settled down for sleep; For a long while, he couldn't. Laying on his back staring up at the ceiling, he watched shadows dance across the dark surface. The longer he lay still, the more restless he felt. Being able to stand it no longer, he sat up. August stirred beside him and grabbed his arm.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"I can't sleep." Haren answered.

"Do you want to take a walk?"

"...sure."

The two of them quietly climbed out of the bed and slipped their shoes on before making their way out to the hall. The lights were off and barely a thread of moonlight leaked through the windows. Still, Haren could see, a gray hue. Creeping down the hall to the stairs, he quietly padded down them with August close behind. Now in the bar, they slunk across the floor by the dim light of the moon and stars. It pooled on the ground and illuminated tiny dust particles in the air.

Once outside, they wandered down the street. Void of people, only drunks and small animals scurried through the dark. An hour later, the two of them arrived at the edge of the city and the beginning of the forest nestled up against the outer wall. They sat down in the grass and watched the stars for a while.