Dear Starboy (REWRITTEN)

Lifeguard

"Dear Tom,

          Reasons 4-6:

          4. The dimples in your cheeks that curve when you smirk after you make a terrible pun.

          5. Your terrible puns you crack at the worst times and how you never take life seriously.

          6. Your vintage rock fashion sense. Nobody can ride a flannel on their hips like you.

Ever admiringly,

S.B."

Tom formed his lips into a small 'o'. This time the paper was peach and the envelope was magenta. The writing was still cursive and the I's were dotted with hearts. Tom was clueless and couldn't help but wind himself deeper into the spiderweb of questions.

He sat on the cliff with Tord, legs dangling freely off the silvery rock edge, small splashes of water landing on the patented surface of his scuffed combat boots. The basin of water forming at the base of the waterfall reflected a distorted copy of the round shimmering moon and all the stars in sight.

Tord was wearing floral jeans and a white tank top underneath a pale lemon yellow cardigan. He was tangling his fingers in tom's headphones cord, whistling to the tune of an old, dated song. "So, should I change your nickname to lover boy now?" Tord asked teasingly.

Tom felt warmth prickle at his cheeks as he folded his arms and turned his back on Tord. "Why do you make fun of everything?"

"Cause I don't take life seriously. It's not like I'm getting out alive." Tord answered Tom's question. Tom sank back, pulling his legs up to his chest and staggering unsteadily to his feet. Tord mimicked the action and rose from his spot.

Once off the cliff, Tom leaned himself up against the rocks as Tord outstretched his arms, teetering along the edge of the waterfall pool. Tom scoffed, for having an extensive knowledge of almost everything.

Tord was still such a child. His tongue was poking out his mouth in concentration. He was now only a couple steps away from Tom. Tom noted the look of concentration on his neighbour's face and couldn't stop himself. He made a small circle with his fingers and brought it to his lips. He pressed his tongue to the roof of his mouth and blew hard. tord snapped out his trance and lunged forward out of instinct and utter fear.

Tord gripped the closest thing to him, Tom, and toppled into the freezing water body. Bubbles formed and mercilessly bustled past the two boys, letting them sink deeper into the bath of icy water. Tom's survival instinct kicked in and jump started his legs into a propelling kicking motion. He reached the surface with fire tickling his throat, a stone weight crushing his heavy lungs. His eyes were blurred and stinging excruciatingly. He was alone in the silent forest. Alone.

Tord. Tom took a harsh breath before pushing his head back under the surface. His hands desperately searched before brushing the grasp of knitted fabric. He clutched it tightly and hoisted the weak body into his arms. Tord was hauled onto the dry land.

Tord's vision would come and go in waves unexpectedly. Tom was hovering over him, gently slapping his cheek. Tord reached his hand up and swatted away the other teens hand. He spluttered and coughed before rolling onto his side to spill the water flooding his mouth.

"You can't swim?!" Tom asked, shocked about the fact that his neighbor couldn't swim and about the previous events that had just happened to them.

"Nope, never learned." Tord said after he caught his breath. Tom shook his head. Whether it was anger or shock, Tord would never know.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Tom asked another question. Tord looked down at his lap. He felt a little ashamed but he thought it off before Tom would notice anything weird.

"I never really thought I'd be lucky enough to swim with you." Tord said as he gave a wink. Tom registered the situation. Tom glanced at himself, his black shirt was soaked through, hugging his chest, and clinging to his shoulders. His jeans were soggy and admittedly uncomfortable whilst his combat boots became heavy around his ankles.

Tord's golden brown hair was slicked down with the weight of the rushing water, small droplets falling from the loose strands. His white tank top became almost transparent, outlining the shape of his stomach.

Tom heaved a wheezy breath. His mismatched shallow pants were synced with tord's. The panting soon faded into a fit of quiet laughter. Tord coughed, tears brimming his heterochromatic eyes.

"I nearly drowned."

"You can't swim? You nerd."

"You saved me. I guess i'm eternally indebted to you."

"How did it feel nearly dying?"

"I may have been on the verge of death, but it was the most alive i've ever felt." The two teens continued their shaky giggling.

"You could be a lifeguard, Tom."

"A lifeguard?"

"Yes. Guard my life for me Tom."

"Okay, I'll guard your life."

"Thanks. We've had quite the adventure tonight."

"We should make a bucket list."

"That's one of the smartest things to ever leave your lips, kittyboy."

"No, let's do it."

"We can write it back home. A bunch of things to do before the end."

"Let's make a bucket list then." Tom said before he hoisted Tord onto his back who in return hugged him like a baby koala. He hummed softly into the gap of Tom's shoulder blades. He was slowly but surely falling asleep.