Charlie

Morning. Today, I woke to something unexpected. Arms, wrapped around my waist, adjusting to hold me closer to the sleeping body behind me.

I had slept in someone's arms, and it was a male, no less.

See, something you may not know about me that could be helpful to know is that I, Charlie, am gay. Not openly, absolutely no one knows, not even my best friend, Henry.

Now, considering this fact, I should have been overjoyed at the fact that I was being spooned by another male. But, alas, I knew it was probably just Henry, holding me close so that I didn’t fall out of the tiny bed that we had to share last night. This threw a damp towel on my warm mood.

Despite all of this, I had moved my hands to lay atop his as I cuddled back into him. Despite the smile that spread across my face as I relaxed in his hold, and despite the fact that I loved each and every second, I knew that it wouldn’t last. He’s straight, he’s just being a good friend, nothing more. There will never be anything more. Sadly.

Now, we’re sitting in the cafeteria across from my room, with people sitting beside us to test our food for poison. I know nothing will happen between myself and Henry, I’ve known this for years, but a man can hope, right? So, every now and then, when I don’t think he’s looking, I’ll sneak a glance at him.

Yesterday, when we were talking, he asked me what my type was. I described him. He thought I meant a female with the same description, but I truly meant him. I’ve had feelings for him since I was ten, and, somehow, he’s never once caught on. I doubt he will until I come out, which I doubt I ever will. Maybe I could tell him when one of us is about to die.

Now, I know, falling for your best friend is dumb. You could ruin the friendship, you could go to far too soon, I know all of it because it’s all gone through my head countless times. It’s why I don’t plan on telling him. Besides, he’s the most straight guy I know. He could never have feelings for me.

I sneak another glance at him. My gaze lingers on him for longer than I would’ve liked, and my mind decides to show me false images of myself kissing him. I blushed, right at the wrong time.

Henry lifts his head, turning his own gaze to meet mine, with his golden brown eyes eyes. He smiles that beautiful, bright smile, a smile that could bring me to my knees any day. My blush deepens.

“What’s wrong, Charlie? Is it too hot? I could go get the elementals to cool the room more if you like.” Henry offered. Of course he did, he’s always thinking about me, wanting to make me feel as good as possible.

“N-No thanks.” I stuttered. My blush began to burn, it must be plenty dark on my pale skin.

He smiled once more.

“So long as you’re sure. I don’t want my best friend to overheat.” He chuckled.

I nodded, thankful that my blush immediately began to die down when he only called me his best friend. It’s good, I thought, he calls me his best friend, which I am, and it calms me down, because I know that’s all I’ll ever be.

Let’s hope he doesn’t get tired later. He looks too good when he’s asleep.