~Baby blue~ [Larry x Sally]

The Hidden Crush

I stare at Larry partly confused and partly shocked, I could tell by his face he didn't care about keeping it a secret. I just didn't understand why he didn't tell me, me Sal Fisher, his best friend, about his crush, I take a second to look around the circle, everyone looking at Larry with the same level of shock and confusion as if they also had no idea about it.
"A-anyway.. next question.." Everyone's heads snapped back to Todd, who broke the awkward silence, awaiting the next question.

~le time skip~

After the game we all agreed that a trip to the lake was needed to take everyone's mind off what other embarrassing and awkward moments happened during never have I ever... this was a good time to pull Larry to the side and ask him about his crush.. or I could stick to the plan and tell him how I feel.. then again if I ask him first I'll save myself the embarrassment of getting turned down but not the heartbreak...

Once we got to our destination Neil didn't hesitate and stripped down to his boxers and cannonballed into the water with Ash not far behind him.. Jeez those two are hyper today.. I couldn't help letting out a little laugh when seeing Todd's look of concern when seeing Neil dive into the cold lake. Chug and Maple sat by some nearby rocks carrying on whatever conversation they started when we left and Larry was already stripped and sitting with Todd, with only his socks, shoes and pants rolled up, sitting by the edge of the lake with their feet in the water watching, laughing with and talking to the two children who were swimming around and splashing them at any chance they got.
"L-Lar? Can I talk to you for a moment..?"
"Sure Sal"
I watch as my taller friend gets up on his feet and walks towards me, my heart feels like it's beating outside my chest from how nervous I am.. I grab him by the wrist and pull him along with me to behind the tree that stood by the lake, I stood in front of him with his back to the tree, he looked down at me while I looked up at him trying to find the right words to say.
I take a deep breath and decide to go with the safe option and ask him about the crush..
"Y-y'know when we were playing never have I ever earlier and Neil asked if we had a crush on anyone in the group... I know this is kinda a weird question but.. who did you have a crush on..? Y-you don't have to tell me if you don't want to! I was just surprised that you didn't tell me about it."
I anxiously waited for his answer, fiddling around with the sleeves of my hoodie, my eyes fixed on the floor now unwilling to look back up at him.
"Well Sal.. you see the thing is, it's kinda hard to answer that right now but it'll all make sense soon"
Before I could answer back, Ash rudely interrupted us saying how we were about to have a cannonball contest with whoever could make the biggest splash wins.. I saw Larry's face light up and his usual adorable dorky smile was printed across his face, I let him leave with Ash as I stayed by the tree with my back now against the hard bark.. I slid down onto the soft grass and hugged my knees thinking about what Larry meant by "it'll all make sense soon"

A few minutes pass and I finally bring myself to get up off the grass and once again join the group by the lake. Everything looks how I left it with Maple and Chug in their own little world and Neil talking to Todd who's still trying not to get too wet but... Larry and Ash.. I knew it.. that embrace says it all. I knew Ash would beat me to him but I should be happy, Ash really likes him and Larry seems to be happy, I don't want to make things weird with my feelings so I'm going to head back to the apartments before everyone else and just say Gizmo needs feeding or my dad is home early from work..