Breaking Down the Wall

Intentions

Forth's POV

I saw Pha standing in the restaurant, picking up some breakfast. He looked like he hadn't slept much last night. I hoped he hadn't been up all night terrorizing my Yo. It was interesting though, the last couple of days Pha has spent more time staring at Yo with what looked like longing in his eyes. There was no more of the anger and unkindness I'd seen before. I didn't know what had caused the transformation, but I wanted to get it cleared up with Pha. I was interested in Yo, really interested, but I didn't want to fight with my friend over him.

"Hey, Ai'Pha," I said, walking up and slapping him lightly on the back. "Where's N'Yo? Shouldn't he be getting ready for the pictures now?"

"He was getting a shower," Pha said. "He slept late, so I told him I would get his breakfast while he got ready."

"Okay, I'll go back to your room with you," I said. "N'Ming fell asleep on my couch last night, and I found his phone after he left to go back to shower. I need to return it to him."

I followed Pha back to his room, where he set out Yo's breakfast and sat down on the couch. It looked like someone had slept on the couch, there was a blanket and a pillow folded on one side and someone else had slept alone on the bed. Ming was sitting on the couch next to Pha, a towel over his shoulder, wearing the same clothes he had on last night. I joined them and handed Ming his phone.

A moment later, Yo came out of the bathroom with a towel slung around his hips. He was using another towel to dry his hair, but stopped short when he saw us all staring at him.

I could feel my mouth hanging open and I was almost sure I was drooling. The creamy white expanse of Yo's smooth, bare chest and his small pink nipples stood in front of me, drawing all my focus. His perfect face was frozen in surprise as he stood there looking back at us. I couldn't take my eyes off him.

Ming stood up and whispered something to Yo before walking into the bathroom, but still all I could do was stare. He's gorgeous. Pha cleared his throat, but I couldn't spare him a glance. All I could think about was Yo and how much I was hoping he would be mine.

"P'Forth," Yo said, breaking through my fantasies. "Do you still have a hangover?"

"What?" I said, still staring shamelessly. "Oh, no. I didn't really drink that much."

I kept looking at Yo's firm body, unable to blink, barely able to form coherent thoughts. Wow.

"N'Yo, get dressed, your breakfast is on the table," Pha said, ruining my moment. "Ai'Forth, let's go help them set up."

Pha practically pushed me from the room, but I fought him. I didn't fight hard, I knew I needed to go before I could do anything that would make Yo feel uncomfortable. I didn't want Yo to ever feel embarrassed around me. I wanted him to feel safe, loved, wanted, desired. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I tried to concentrate on Pha. This seemed like a good time to talk.

"Ai'Pha, I need to ask you about something," I said. I liked to be honest and direct, it just wasn't in my nature to prevaricate. "Do you have feelings for N'Yo?"

"Why do you want to know?" Pha hedged. Really?

"I like him. To tell the truth, I like him a lot," I said honestly, putting my cards on the table. "You're my friend. I'd like to court N'Yo, but if you have feelings for him too, I think you should tell me. I don't want to ruin our friendship."

"Ai'Forth, I ... ," Pha said, looking at his feet. "I'm going to go find Ai'Kit and Ai'Beam. I'll see you later."

What the hell? Pha wasn't known for being a coward, so why would he walk away like that without even answering my question? Maybe I was wrong. Maybe he really doesn't have feelings for Yo and I've misunderstood. I smiled to myself, relieved. I could court Yo and keep my friendship with Pha. Perfect.