October

Nails on Skin

Soon enough, the school day passed. Corbin met up with Yleed at his locker and they walked out together. Thankfully, it had stopped raining. They both walked along hand in hand. Yleed looked up to Corbin.

"How was school for you?" He asked curiously. Corbin felt his grip tighten on his hand. He shrugged.

"It was okay, nothing too special. We got another boring assignment in English."

Yleed listened to him intently and nodded. He seemed interested.

"What's your assignment?" He asked.

"Poetry analysis. It sucks."

Yleed looked sympathetic. "That actually sounds kind of fun. Do you need help?"

Corbin cast a glance down at him. He seemed genuinely shocked. "You think that sounds fun?"

Yleed nodded eagerly. "Yes. I love reading. I wanna help."

Corbin smiled and pulled him a little bit closer. They walked up his driveway and into his house.

Surprisingly, it was quiet. Empty. Corbin looked around slightly confused as he entered. Yleed trailed in a step or so behind him.

"I wonder where everyone is?" Corbin said. He looked around the kitchen as he walked in. Yleed peeked into the living room.

"I don't know. Maybe they're working late?" He looked over his shoulder at Corbin, who had turned to look at the kitchen counter.

"Hold on," He said, "There's a note." He walked over to the counter and picked up the sticky note. It read, "Corbin- We might not be home for a few hours. Going to visit grandma." It was in his mother's handwriting. He just shrugged and tossed it in the trash. Yleed came into the room.

"What'd it say?" He asked.

"Eh, nothing much. They just went over to my grandma's house. Said they might not be back for a couple hours." He looked down to Yleed, who was sort of smiling up to him.

"Do you still want help?" There was something more than help hidden behind his grin. He looked mischievous, and his eyes caught Corbin in their netting. Corbin felt a small smile move across his own face.

"Yeah. I'm awful at poetry analysis."

Yleed took a step closer and gently took Corbin's hand.

"Then let's go." His voice was soft, low. Beckoning. It made Corbin draw a blank. Yleed blinked, his long, dark lashes catching the sunlight. His eyes were as mesmerizing as ever. Corbin felt like they were drawing him in. He felt like there was a string between their hearts, pulling them near each other. His whole mind was a buzz, but also blank. So many thoughts rushed through his mind, simultaneously, there were none. What had he wanted to do? Why was he worried?

The questions left his mind as he led Yleed up the stairs. His mind was still fuzzy. He wasn't even entirely sure what he was feeling, besides bliss. One thing that Corbin felt for sure was Yleed's hand in his. Small, cold, long nailed, and delicate. He felt one long nail move over the back of his hand in a slow, circular pattern. It felt odd, but right. Corbin opened the door to his room and shut it behind Yleed. He looked down into his eyes again and felt the beckoning and calling grow stronger. Yleed was all he wanted. All he needed. He was wrapped deeply in his web.

Yleed moved closer and rested his arms against Corbin's shoulders. His room was dim. Peaceful. They were still looking deep into each other's eyes. Corbin moved back towards his bed. Yleed stayed in step with him. He sat down and Yleed sat right next to him. What had he even wanted help with? Corbin sort of shook his head as to try and clear it, but he felt a cold hand against his cheek. He heard a low, gentle voice. A voice that was just a little more than a soft mumble, that carried the quality of cotton.