Crying Out

Prologue

Ringing didn't fill Daniel's silence. It was something much more beautiful. The gentle hum of a piano, the whisper of a violin, and tickle of the flute.

It had never been there before, but he had grown to love it. The melody put him at ease, reassuring him that everything would be okay.

There was a sudden spike in volume as he walked out of school. Curious sapphire gems flicked around, landing on a small boy. The music reaching a new high.

" I'm Daniel," he looked up at the new voice. Frozen lakes meeting ocean waves. He bit his lip, shrinking away slightly, causing the music to dim. Daniel reached out carefully, gently taking his hand.

" It's okay," he promised, grabbing the other," what's your name?" The 8 year old studied their hands carefully. Watching Daniel entwine their fingers and seeing his feet near as he stepped closer.

" Corbyn," he whispered, barely glancing at the other.

" I didn't hear you," the taller brunette informed. Voice softening.

" I'm Corbyn," he repeated, speaking a little louder. Daniel smiled, his song had returned, but... there was new addition. The steady tisk of a cymbal. The music, it was coming from him.

" I really like you, Corbyn. Can we be friends?"

Pale orbs shot up, wide with shock," y-you... you like me?" The smallest of smiles curved the corners of his lips.

" Uh huh, I like you a lot," the young boy took another step toward him.

" Do you wanna be my friend?" He didn't wanna lose his song.

" Y-yeah. Yeah, I do," Corbyn followed his lead and stepped closer. Taking the time to admire his eyes.

They were gentle and sincere. The water reflecting a sky, a cloud of pale blue surrounded the pupil and extended, coming close to the darker rim, but never actually touching it. The gradient from dark blue to an almost blue-beige traveled from the upper right corner, to the lower left.

" You have pretty eyes," the small boy complimented quietly. The thump of a drum joining the symphony. Making his eardrums tingle.

Daniel giggled, causing his partner to blush. Casting his gaze away.

" Thank you. I'm sure you do, too. If you would ever let me look at them," he twisted his head, wanting to catch his eye, but Corbyn kept them well hidden by his lids.

He rubbed the back of Daniel's hand with his thumb, thankful for a distraction. There was another instrument, but it was too soft to hear. He took another step, he could almost hear it.

Corbyn could feel his hot, soft breaths against his forehead. The warm air smelled sweet, kinda like watermelon.

He finally looked up through his lashes, their faces less than an inch apart. He was sure Daniel heard him swallow as both leaned in. Almost there. The taller ducked his head, capturing virgin lips.

♤
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