(PAST) SIX MONTHS AFTER MEETING

The weekend was finally here. Six months ago, Cameron would have struggled to get out of bed; he still did some days. Not today, though. After grabbing a shower, he headed to the kitchen. He hummed while making pancakes.

Rosa, who was usually awake before him, shuffled out of her room on the final pancake. “Morning, Masterchef.”

“Mornin’.”

“What’s the occasion?” Rosa asked, watching him curiously.

“No occasion.” Cameron placed the stack on the table. Ready to eat. “Just wanted pancakes.”

They sat down, sprinkling sugar and squeezing lemon juice on top. Tradition by now.

Taking a big bite, Rose smiled. “Guess you finally took Fabian’s advice.”

“As much as I hate to admit it, the guy knows how to make good pancakes.” When he felt Rosa’s eyes on him, he looked up. “What?”

“You seem awfully happy today.”

“Do I?”

“You’re meeting up with Teo,” Rosa said knowingly, “aren’t you?”

Cameron cleared his throat. “So what if I am?”

“You guys are too cute,” Rosa chuckled.

“He’s my first real friend in a long time,” Cameron said, heart fluttering.

“I’m glad you found someone to hang out with. I was…” her expression shifted to concern, “...getting quite worried. You came home every day and just stayed in your room.”

Cameron shrugged. “There’s not much fun stuff to do around here alone.”

“True. If I didn’t have Yaz to drag places, I would probably stay home too.”

“Is she coming over today?” Cameron asked.

“If you guys are out, then I might invite her over.” When his eyes narrowed, she held up her hands. “What’s that look for?”

“So, you’re only inviting her around because nobody else is gonna be home,” Cameron summarised. “Doesn’t sound suspicious at all.”

“I mean, I’d probably still go hang with her otherwise. Just thought I’d take advantage of an empty house.” Eager to shift attention, Rosa tapped her fingers on the table. “When are you meeting Teo?”

“Subtle change of topic.”

Rosa sighed. “I promise I won’t mess with anything in your room while you’re gone, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Cameron wasn’t worried about that. He knew a little about Yaz, most he’d eavesdropped. When she and Rosa first met, Yaz had recently split up from her long term boyfriend. Ever since, they became increasingly inseparable.

“Whatever. I’m meeting him in,” Cameron checked his phone, eyes widening, “...fifteen minutes.”

“Get a move on, then.”

Cameron burst into his room. He tried on a few shirts, soon realising he didn’t have time for this. Picking the cleanest, he got dressed then went to the bathroom. Hair fluffed, face washed and teeth cleaned, he raced towards the door.

“See you later!”

Rosa waved. “Have fun!”

He sprinted to their designated meeting spot. The local store. When he got there, he couldn’t see Mateo. Maybe he was running late too- Someone came up behind him, hugging him. His feet left the floor for a couple of seconds. On landing, he grabbed a nearby lamp post for balance.

Only one person would do that.

“Teo…” Cameron put a hand on his chest, “you scared me. And almost dropped me.”

It was actually impressive; Mateo was much shorter than Cameron.

Mateo nudged him. “Payback for turning up late.”

“Sorry about that.”

“You’re here now,” Mateo grinned, “that’s all that matters.”

“You’re being too forgiving.” Cameron’s eyes narrowed. “What’s the catch?”

“No catch. Yet.” Mateo grabbed Cameron’s hand, pulling them towards the park. “Anyway, let’s go!”

Cameron stiffened as Mateo’s hand found his, but didn’t pull back. His cheeks felt warm, heart racing. Probably just from rushing over here. Yeah, that was it. It took them ten minutes to get to the park. Finally, Mateo let go of Cameron’s hand - he was both disappointed and relieved. If they walked like that much longer, Cameron would probably just evapourate.

“Hmm,” Mateo stroked his chin, looking around the park. “Where to sit?”

“Near the fountain?”

“It doesn’t work, though.” Mateo’s shoulders slumped. “Hasn’t in a long time.”

Cameron shrugged. “Still looks nice.”

Mateo clapped his hands, making Cameron jump. “Fountain bench it is.”

As they walked, Cameron half hoped Mateo would take his hand again. He didn’t. When they reached the bench, they sat down. Mateo held up a bag.

“Got some supplies while I was waiting.” He opened it, revealing a multitude of snacks and some bread.

“What’s the bread for?”

“To feed the birds.” Mateo pointed at the pigeons strutting around.

“Pretty sure we’re not supposed to encourage them.”

Mateo laughed. “Since when did you care about the rules, Cameron Doran?”

“Since when didn’t you?” Cameron countered.

“I’ll blame you for that one,” Mateo said.

Cameron took a slice of bread, ripping it into small pieces. “You’re making me sound like a bad influence.”

Mateo joined him, throwing bread onto the nearby grass. “Good influence, I think.” A swarm of birds descended, demolishing the food in seconds. “I feel a lot braver now. Something I definitely learned from you.”

Feeling the heat return, Cameron tore another piece of bread. Any distraction. “Just… don’t go around punching people. I think I’d make your mum’s shitlist.”

“Nah, she’d like you.” Mateo’s eyes shimmered. “Which reminds me, she wants to meet you.”

“Huh?” Cameron’s head swiveled to face Mateo. Surprised. “Why?”

“Well, I spend a lot of time with you,” Mateo cleared his throat, muttering, “and maybe tell her how amazing you are all the time.”

“Oh…” That made Cameron happier than he expected. Mateo talked about him. In a good way.

“So, she said you should stop by some time.” Mateo threw another piece of bread. “You don’t have to, but… I’d like it if you did. I met your sister already.”

“Okay.”

“Thought it’d take more convincing.”

Cameron raised an eyebrow. “I’m full of surprises.”

“Yes,” Mateo chuckled, “I've seen that.”

Cameron smiled, focusing on the broken water fountain. He heard a faint click. When he turned, he saw Mateo’s phone pointed at him.

“Hey!”

“Sorry, you just looked…” Mateo glanced away, “...I thought it’d make a nice picture.”

Curious, Cameron held out his hand. “Let me see it.”

Mateo handed his phone over. He was right, the picture turned out really well. Relaxed. A photo of Cameron smiling was like gold dust.

“Fine, you can keep it.”

“We should take one together, too.” Mateo shuffled closer, trying to get them both in shot. Cameron swallowed when their thighs nudged together. “You’ve got to move your head closer, Cam.”

Hesitantly, Cameron pressed his cheek against Mateo’s. Both too close and not close enough.

“And smile!” Mateo checked the screen, sending it to Cameron’s phone. “Aw, see how cute we look.”

It was a good picture. Better still, no obvious sign of embarrassment.

Cameron glanced up in time to see Mateo change his phone background. “Are you really making that your background?”

“Yeah. Unless…” Mateo met his gaze, uncertain, “you don’t want me to.”

“It’s fine, I guess.” Cameron’s voice faltered, cheeks heating up.

When he dared to look at Mateo again, there was a faint blush and a dazzling smile. Time froze. Cameron couldn’t look away; his brain short-circuited. Flapping wings brought him back to reality. He turned his head.

What the hell was wrong with him?

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Nice try Cam, but you know what’s up.