(Matt) 

We sat in silence, neither of us daring to utter a word, afraid of the result.

I was dangerously close to spilling my own secrets, just to fill the empty void that was growing hungry for words.

I knew what would happen if he knew, and I couldn't risk anything, so I held my tongue.

But, I felt a strange burning desire to tell him everything, and another feeling that he wouldn't tell a soul. I felt like I could trust him.

I heard him exhale sharply beside me, shoulders tensing so much it looked like it hurt.

"Okay, I know what you're going to say," He said, looking up at me with emerald and stormy blue eyes.

"And what is that?" I inquired, cocking my head slightly.

"I'm a freak," Alistair breathed shakily, and I could see his hands tremble in his lap.

"No you're not," I said almost instantly." You're unique in a way that makes you special, more than everyone else," Especially to me.

He seemed taken aback by that, his eyes wide with surprise.

I gave him a small smile.

"It makes you different," I said simply.

He averted his eyes, his raven-black bangs falling, obscuring his face. I could see the red of his skin through his hair.

"T-thank you," He whispered, barely audible.

I tilted my head so I could see his face, a hand reaching up to brush his bangs out of his eyes. 

His cheeks were red and his eyes were watery and full of swirling emotion.

The corners of his mouth slowly quirked upwards, into a crooked smile.

"Thank you," He said again, more firm.

The expression on his face could have made me melt.

My fingertips brushed his temple before I realized what I was doing.

"Sorry," I mumbled, pulling back sharply.

"It's okay, I don't mind," I looked up and he had the biggest smile on his face, not one of his greasy smirks or side-eye glances, but a real, genuine smile. My heart practically choked me from the inside, deciding suddenly to try to murder me.

I could feel the heat rush to my cheeks. 

We sat in comfortable silence before he spoke up.

"Do you.....wanna go to Cody's party with me?" Alistair asked slowly, carefully plotting out his words. 

I have to admit I was kinda shocked.

"But as friends, y'know,"

Aaaaaand you killed the mood.

But I still said yes.

-----------

(Alistair)

It was the first time someone had said those words to me.

I had no idea how to react.

Before I could stop them, my eyes watered, dangerously close to spilling over, along with my emotions.

But, I had to learn to be tough.

I looked away, and my long bangs fell into my face.

It was quiet for a moment before I could feel his fingertips brush my skin ever so gently, lifting my hair away from my eyes.

Neither of us said anything for a moment.

His tan skin dappled with light (from the holes in the walls), tracing his features perfectly, had my heart racing. 

Especially the way his dark brown eyes shone like warm pools of melted honey or a whiskey bottle through sunlight, that I could swim in forever.

His fingers brushed my temple, ever so gently, his fingertips tracing the small scar half-hidden by my hair.

My breath quickened, my heart climbing its way out of my throat.

He pulled back suddenly, and I instantly missed the way his touch felt on my skin.

"Sorry," He mumbled quietly.

I smiled.

"It's okay, I don't mind," My smile widened. 

I gazed into his eyes.

This boy had been hidden in the selfishness, buried deep under the judgemental stares and whispers. Lost to the hurt and suffering, just like me. No had cared at first, that he was lost. But I sure did.

This was the boy that had my heart racing at even the smallest touches and looks. 

An idea suddenly popped into my head.

"Do you....wanna go to Cody's party with me?" I asked slowly, making sure I didn't stutter, 

He didn't say anything, and I worried that I had said something wrong.

"As friends you know," I said quickly.

Dammit, Alistair you idiot.

"Yes,"