There was silence in the yard.
Then Geoff heard a quiet sob.
"Why?"
Geoff didn't even need to think to answer Awsten. "Because you're the most beautiful boy in the world."
There was more silence, and a few more quiet sobs. "I-I'm not. I'm so ugly. I'm so fucking disgusting. You could do so much better than me." Awsten stuttered.
"Come here," Geoff called out. "Come down here. I need to show you something."
Awsten nodded shakily. "Okay." He said. He left his room, bumping into Gracie on the way down the stairs.
"Awsie, why are you crying?" Gracie asked. She looked concerned.
"I don't know." Awsten pushed past her, already knowing that she'd probably follow him outside. He flung open the door and ran out to Geoff, wrapping his arms around him tightly.
Geoff held Awsten back, letting the tiny boy cry. "It's okay. I'm here. I.. I love you." The words felt so unfamiliar in his mouth. It was weird to him because he'd only ever said it to Awsten in letters, and Awsten didn't even know that it was him.
"Why, Geoff?" Awsten pulled away. "Why? Just why?"
"Because you're so beautiful," Geoff whispered. He cupped Awstens face with his hands. "Everything about you is beautiful."
"But I'm fucking disgusting! Don't lie to me, I can't take it, please don't lie to me," he nuzzled his cheek into Geoff's hand. "Please."
"Why would I lie to you? I can't lie to you." Geoff whispered.
Awsten shook his head, unable to form words anymore. He grabbed onto Geoff's collar and pulled him down against his lips.
To say it was a cliche kiss was an understatement. The two were under the stars, lit up by the moonlight. Geoff's hands were tangled in Awstens shirt, pulling the boy as close as he could. He couldn't bear the small space between them.
Geoff pulled away from their kiss, pressing his forehead against Awstens. "You're beautiful. Please don't say you're not, because you are to me. I don't care if you don't look like other guys. I'm glad you don't. I'm attracted to your body, I'm attracted to your mind and I'm attracted to your soul." Geoff whispered. He ran his hands up and down Awstens sides, a smile on his face.
"Okay." Awsten whispered. He wanted to say it back.
"You don't have to say it back," Geoff whispered. "It's okay. I understand if- If you don't.. Uh.. reciprocate." Geoff's heart broke a little. He just wanted Awsten to love him.
Awsten nodded silently. "I-it's very sudden," he whispered. "I-I.. I'll think, okay?" Just fucking say it, Awsten! "I'm not sure if I'm ready."
"Ready for what?" Geoff asked.
"Love. A-a proper relationship. Uh-" Word vomit. It was coming up. Awsten couldn't stop it. Why did he say it?! "I think we should take some space."
It was Geoff's turn to start crying. "W-What?" He blubbered.
"It's for the best."
