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***Surprisingly enough, Jared’s dad eventually came through and actually did plan out the trip to Black Hills, and Jared only had to bug him a few times.Endlessly.
For three months.
Those months felt like torture to Jared, who had no means of communicating with Kyle since he didn’t have a phone. Jared considered sending letters, but he'd never written one before, and wasn't sure what to do with it or where to address it to. They’d talked once on Kyle’s kokum’s phone, a week after Jared’s dad had whisked him back home. He’d barely gotten to say goodbye before his dad dragged him off, and hearing Kyle’s voice on the other end of the line had made Jared feel like melting into the nearest couch. Or wall. Or floor. Didn’t matter, really, it just made him want to melt. He didn’t have any nightmares the whole week after that.
After begging Jared’s dad for months, the man finally let up and called Kyle’s kokum to discuss letting the boys go on a trip. Jared didn’t care if he’d miss school for it, but his mother was adamant about him having better attendance than he’d had the year before, and so the two of them opted to let the boys go on Jared’s Thanksgiving break. Jared spent the whole of October buzzing with suspense and excitement, unable to focus on his schoolwork at all—not that he’d ever been able to focus on it before. He went to a couple parties, though not as many as before and he didn’t drink nearly as much. It just wasn’t the same anymore. He spent every waking moment thinking about the trip, and when he wasn’t having nightmares, it invaded his dreams as well. He packed early, woke up early, downloaded songs and movies on his new phone (he opted to leave his iPod).Now, he was sitting on a private jet with Kyle. And they’d barely talked. Jared’s leg bounced up and down anxiously, a movement he couldn’t pause for long without feeling jumpy. Jared wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but it wasn’t this. He’d somehow fucked up the first time they’d seen each other in months, unsure how exactly to say hello. When he’d seen Kyle, he’d been hit with this overwhelming urge to hug him, but hesitated. They’d ended up awkwardly dapping each other up, Jared going for a fist bump while Kyle held his own hand out firmly for a handshake. And shit, if Kyle didn’t look good. When they were in the forest by themselves, reason #2 on the list of why they could never be friends was that Kyle didn’t know what dressing good looked like. Well, reason #2 was wrong. Completely and utterly wrong.
They were the only ones on the plane, besides the pilot. Kyle sat across from Jared (perks of the seating on a private jet), reading a book. Their knees occasionally bumped, the space in between the seats too small for Kyle’s long legs. Jared had one earbud in, fiddling with his fingers as he looked out the window at the sky. He glanced at Kyle, then looked away, then glanced at him again a minute later. He opened his mouth to say something, then closed it and looked away again. Kyle looked up at him with a quirked eyebrow. “What are you reading?” Asked Jared finally. Kyle folded the book slightly, showing Jared the front cover.
“‘Finding the Mother Tree,’” replied Kyle. “Kokum gave it to me, it’s about how trees and other plants are connected through their roots and the soil and stuff.”
Jared nodded. “That sounds cool. So, like, the trees talk to each other and shit?” Kyle shrugged.“Pretty much. What’re you listening to?” He asked, gesturing to Jared’s earbuds.“Oh, uh, just this artist I found last month. Jane Remover.” The nearly minute-long silence afterwards felt like an eternity, the awkwardness and anxiety Jared never knew he had rushing over him in waves. “I, er… wanna listen?” He asked, glancing at the seat beside him and holding out the left earbud to Kyle cautiously.
“Yeah, sure,” replied Kyle easily, glancing at the page number before closing his book and moving to sit beside Jared. “Let’s see what type of music you listen to, moniyaw,” he said teasingly. Jared rolled his eyes, suppressing a grin, and pressed play. Kyle made a face like he was thinking and judging it really hard, before nodding. Jared’s grin widened. Kyle reopened his book, leaving the earbud in. “You can read along if you want,” he said, holding the book slightly more in between them. Jared leaned in, pointedly ignoring that their knees and elbows were touching, and that they were sharing breaths, and that he could smell Kyle’s shampoo, his chin over Kyle’s shoulder.They were back to normal after that. Jared was relieved.They grabbed their luggage after landing, Kyle handing Jared’s earbud back as he stuffed his book into his backpack. Their arms brushed as they walked to the bus stop, talking about small, unimportant things, something they weren’t able to do in the forest. Since, you know, they spent the whole thing bickering and trying to survive.
“I’m hungry,” said Jared unexpectedly.The corner of Kyle’s mouth quirked up. “Of course you are,” he said.
“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?” Exclaimed Jared, slapping Kyle on the arm half-heartedly. The taller boy laughed, a magical sound that made Jared want to melt again.
“Let’s drop our bags off at the hotel and then find some food,” Kyle adjusted his hold on his backpack. “If we just had our backpacks, we wouldn’t need to, but someone brought a suitcase…” Jared narrowed his eyes as Kyle talked.“Hey, I brought a perfectly reasonable amount of stuff!”“Well, maybe if you’d brought a pack instead of that purse you’d only need one bag.” Jared’s eyes widened.“Excuse you, this is a messenger bag, not a purse!” Jared said with mock horror, staring at Kyle. Kyle snickered, which turned into a full-blown laugh as he covered his mouth half-heartedly with his hand. “You ass!” Exclaimed Jared, smacking Kyle on the arm again before he also started giggling.
Jared opened his eyes to find Kyle looking at him with a weird look on his face, one that made Jared’s stomach twist. “What?” He asked.
Kyle blinked. “Nothing,” he replied. Kyle glanced to the road as the bus pulled up, and he looked back at Jared. “C’mon, bus is here,” he said with a grin.
The two boys walked onto the bus, and sat down in the very back. They conversed with each other as other people walked onto the bus. There weren’t very many people, but it wasn’t a big bus either. An older lady with white hair and a yellow sweater sat in front of them, adjusting her glasses as she pulled out a book.
“How long is the bus ride?” Jared asked.
“Shouldn’t you know that? Your dad is the one who planned the trip.” Jared stuck his tongue out. Kyle snorted. “It’s, like, an hour and a half. What, no snacks in your purse?”
Jared let out an exaggerated groan, swinging his head around to lay it on Kyle’s shoulder. “I’ll die of hunger before we get there!” Kyle rolled his eyes.“No you won’t, we survived on our own with barely any food for four days just fine.” Jared twisted to look up at Kyle, frowning.
“‘Just fine’” Jared mocked. “You want me to die,” he whined, placing the back of his hand on his forehead dramatically and moving his head off Kyle’s shoulder, leaning back on the back of his seat.
“You’ll be fine.” Kyle chuckled and reached out, ruffling Jared’s hair. Jared scoffed at him, a flush rising up his neck.
“My hair!” Exclaimed Jared. Kyle snickered. Jared rolled his eyes, swinging curses at Kyle as he reached up to fix his hair with one hand, his face still red.
***Jared woke up an hour later as the bus pulled to a screeching halt. He winced, bothered by the sound, turning his face into the warm space beside him. Then he froze, realizing he’d been sleeping on Kyle’s shoulder, and it was Kyle’s neck he was burrowing into.
“Finally awake, huh?” Asked Kyle, turning a page on his book. His own head was rested against the top of Jared’s. Jared flushed, again.Get a grip, man,
He thought to himself. “Sorry,” Jared went to move but was stopped by Kyle’s arm, flung over his shoulders.“You don’t have to move,” said Kyle. He glanced at Jared. “You’re not bothering me. In fact, it’s rather cold on this bus, figure you’d freeze to death if I let you go,” Kyle mused, turning another page.Jared slowly lowered his head back down, Kyle loosening his grip on Jared’s shoulders and putting his arm back over the seat. “I thought the bus was stopping?” Jared said.
“Nah.” Replied Kyle. “Well, yeah, but it’s not our stop yet. We’ve got maybe, twenty minutes.”
Jared let out a small ‘hmm’. “Alright then.”
They sat there for a bit longer, Jared’s eyes closed with his head on Kyle’s shoulder, before the bus started moving again, jolting forward in a way that made Jared practically fall off his seat and Kyle snicker. “Jesus christ, can this bus driver not drive?” He cursed, leaning down and reaching underneath his seat to pick up his phone, which had fallen out of his sweater pocket.
He sat up and pulled his earbuds out, pulling up the playlist he’d been listening to earlier. He leaned back, placing his head on the back of his seat. Kyle had moved his arm, which meant Jared had a pretty shit head rest. The bus seat backs were short and the top of it dug into the back of Jared’s head, but he ignored it.
About ten minutes later, Jared was woken up by Kyle shaking him softly, firm hand clamped on his shoulder. “Wake up, Jared, this is our stop.” Jared yawned, grabbing his bags. They got off the bus, Jared stretching his arms as Kyle paced a bit. “You’re real tired today, eh?” Said Kyle, glancing at Jared as they walked.
Jared shrugged. “OK? So? Driving makes me tired, alright?” It came off harsher than he’d meant it, but the nonchalant look on Kyle’s face told Jared the other boy didn’t mind.
It was true, yes, long drives made him sleepy, but it wasn’t just that. He’d been too anxious to sleep the majority of the week, couldn’t wait to see Kyle. And he’d maybe had a nightmare or two, but that wasn’t the point.They walked into the hotel, the lobby empty aside from a girl around their age with fiery red hair and a battered green sweater. “Hey there, checking in?” She asked when the two reached the desk. Jared nodded.“Yeah, reservation for Frederickson?” Jared said, adjusting the strap of his bag on his shoulder. Kyle glanced at him, a joke flashing across his eyes. Jared glared at him. It’s not a purse, dammit,
He thought.“Alright, so, ya’ll are a bit early, so your room isn’t ready. I have two other rooms available now, if you don’t want to wait.” The girl glanced at them.Jared looked at Kyle and shrugged, before turning back to look at the girl. “We’ll check in now, I guess,” he said. “Whatcha got?”
“Okay, well, the two rooms we have open are either a queen or two twins.” Jared thought for a moment, sneaking a peak at Kyle, who didn’t have any sort of telling expression on his face.
“We’ll take the twins,” Jared said, looking back at the girl. She looked between them, smirking slightly.
“You sure?” She asked, pulling out two room cards. Jared flushed.
“Y-yeah, sure.”“Alright, well, here ya go. Let me know if you need anything, ‘kay?” Jared nodded, taking the cards from her.“Thanks, er…” He glanced at the girl’s name tag. “...Mateo?”
The girl grinned, “Harper, actually. This uniform’s old, sorry.” She looked down at it, still smiling. “Well, you boys have a nice stay!”
Jared grinned back, handing one of the cards to Kyle, who murmured a small thanks. They walked side-by-side to the elevators, arms brushing. Jared pushed the button, tapping his foot as they waited for the elevator. He looked over at Kyle.“You’re being awfully quiet right now,” said Jared with a raised eyebrow. Kyle shrugged.
“Sorry, was just thinking.”“‘Bout what?” Asked Jared.“Nothing,” Kyle looked at the floor. Jared narrowed his eyes.
“Alright, don’t tell me. I’ll find out eventually though.” He grinned mischievously, and Kyle laughed.***Jared kicked off his shoes eagerly, collapsing on the bed with a sigh. Kyle chuckled, dropping his own backpack on the bed and rummaging through it.“Whatcha doing?” Jared turned his head to look at Kyle, who looked up at him and raised an eyebrow.
“Grabbing my wallet, thought you said you were hungry?”
Jared’s eyes lit up. “Ooh! Food! Yes! Starving,” he moaned, getting back up eagerly and shoving his feet into his converse. He’d left his other shoes at the house, opting for an old pair of converse he hadn’t worn in a year. He grinned giddily as he grabbed his own wallet, putting the room key in it before shoving it in his pocket.
Kyle shook his head at him, putting his own wallet in his zippered coat pocket. “Well, where are we heading?” He asked. Jared immediately pulled up the maps on his phone, searching for the nearest restaurant.***
Back downstairs, the two boys strode up to the front desk again. “Harper?” Asked Jared, “Know any good restaurants in walking distance?” She nodded.“Yeah, totally. What ya’ll feeling like?” Harper grinned, leaning forward. Jared looked at Kyle, then shrugged.“Anything good, I haven’t eaten all day.” Jared’s stomach rumbled in agreement, proving his point.
“Okay, well, there’s a restaurant right down the road, past the gas station. It’s within walking distance, and the sidewalk goes all the way down. They sell pretty much everything; pasta, burgers, steak, fish, veggies, you name it.” Jared’s eyes sparkled.“Sounds great,” said Kyle, grinning.
“Yeah, it is.” Harper nodded.
“Great! Let’s go, jerkface.” Jared grinned again, grabbing Kyle by the wrist and dragging him off. “Bye, Harper, thanks!”The two boys walked for a bit before Jared realized he was still holding Kyle’s wrist and he dropped it, putting his hands in his pockets. He glanced at Kyle, looking away when Kyle looked back with a quirked eyebrow. “What’s up?”
“Nothing,” replied Jared. “You’re just… so tall. Like, what the fuck man?” Kyle snickered.
“You’re just short.”
Jared scoffed, offended. “Nuh–uh! I’m average height!” He huffed, crossing his arms and looking away.“You’re cute when you’re mad,” Kyle chuckled. Jared whipped his head back around to look at him, mouth agape and cheeks flushed.
“I- what?!” Jared’s mouth opened and closed like a fish.“You heard me.” Kyle sounded smug, his hands in his pockets as he smirked at Jared.
“Bitch,” muttered Jared.
“Cute little dude,” hummed Kyle, walking slightly ahead of him. Jared froze, staring at Kyle’s back in a daze.
“Hey! You– Wait for me, asshole!”
“What, can’t walk as fast as me with your little legs?” Kyle’s laughter rang across the open air, and Jared scoffed loudly, multiple times. He huffed, catching up with Kyle, and didn’t say anything else to him the whole walk there.
***“Hi there, table for two?” Asked the hostess when they walked in. Kyle nodded.“Yes, please.”“Follow me,” she said, grabbing two menus from under the podium. Kyle followed her, Jared right behind, as she led them to a booth in the corner of the restaurant.
“Thank you,” said Kyle. The lady smiled and walked away, leaving the two of them. Kyle glanced at Jared with a bemused look on his face.
“What, you just gonna ignore me the whole time?” Jared eyed him with suspicion. “I’ll pay for the food, if that helps?”
Jared shook his head quickly. “No!” He coughed. “I mean, no, you don’t have to do that. I’ll pay for it.” Kyle snickered.
“Ah, so that’s what gets you to talk to me? Offering to pay for stuff?” Jared stuck his tongue out.“Well, if I let you pay for everything you’d be out of money by tomorrow,” Jared retorted.“Yeah, of course. Well, you’re the rich city boy anyway, all I gotta do this trip is kick back and relax.” He grinned and put his hands behind his head, kicking his feet up on Jared’s chair in between his legs. Jared flushed, and shoved Kyle’s feet down.
“Kyle! Get down.”“Why should you tell me what to do?” But Kyle’s grin widened, and he allowed Jared to push his feet off the chair. He kept them in Jared’s space, though; long legs stretched out, feet knocking against Jared’s ankles.***Jared picked at his french fries. He’d eaten the rest of his food fast, then gotten self-conscious about whether he was eating too fast, then thought Fuck it, I can eat however I want, and now was back to being self-conscious again. He stuffed a fry in his mouth, thinking about the interaction earlier on the sidewalk and pointedly ignoring whenever Kyle’s legs brushed up against his own. Kyle was big, yeah, that was something he’d established the first day he’d met him. He was tall, and fit, two things Jared was not. But, somehow, Kyle had gotten even taller in the few months they’d been apart.
And… Jared wasn’t sure how to feel about it. He’d always been a bit on the shorter side, despite his protests of being average height, and normally he hated it when people joked about his height. But, it was different with Kyle. He shook his head, eating another fry. Kyle was tall, with firm hands and a straight back. Jared figured Kyle’s hands would look really big against his own if they did that stupid hand-comparing thing, but they wouldn’t do that. Because it was stupid. Jared’s mind wandered off. Surely, if the rest of his body was proportionate, then that meant–
Jared coughed, cutting off the rest of that thought. Nope, his cheeks burned. Not thinking about that, nuh–uh.“You alright?” Asked Kyle. Jared looked up.
“Yeah, just coughed on a fry.”“Careful,” said Kyle. “Can’t have you dying of a stale fry after all that.” Jared flinched at the mention of the forest.“Ah, yes, but I’m sure you’d just save me again, wouldn’t you Kyle?” Jared batted his eyelashes. “I’m sure you know the heimlich or whatever,” he waved a fry around casually. “That’s something stupid you’d know.”Kyle rolled his eyes. “The heimlich isn’t stupid, Jared. It’s important to know.”“Yeah, well, you know it, you could use it if I started choking.”“I’m sure you’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Kyle smirked.Jared got a vivid image of Kyle, arms around his waist from behind, or whatever the fuck people had to do when they do the heimlich. Jared scoffed. “If it meant not dying, then, yeah, I probably would.”
“Mm-hm,” hummed Kyle, taking a bite of food. Jared narrowed his eyes at him.They were silent for a bit longer, before Jared spoke. “You look good, by the way.” Kyle blinked.“Really?”“Yeah, whatever, don’t get too excited.” Jared flushed. “I just mean, when we were, y’know, I thought you were a fashion disaster, no idea what dressing good looks like. But, obviously I was wrong.”Kyle sounded quiet, embarrassed. “Well, glad you think so, but Kokum actually picked this out.”Jared choked, laughed. “Your kokum?” Kyle blushed, an angry red creeping throughout his cheeks. “Gosh, who knew your grandmother was the one with style! I take it back, you are a fashion disaster.”
“Oh, shut up!” Kyle huffed.
“It’s OK, Kyle, I’ll help you.” Jared sighed dramatically, reaching over to pat Kyle on the arm. “We can go to the mall and buy you some new clothes later, alright?”Kyle rolled his eyes for what seemed like the thousandth time that day. “Alright, Jared, whatever you say.” Kyle’s foot rubbed against Jared’s calf and he froze. Was that on purpose? He couldn’t tell. He shifted, and Kyle smirked.
“Stop that,” said Jared.“Stop what?” Kyle had an innocent expression on. Maybe it was accidental? Then Kyle snickered, and Jared narrowed his eyes for what seemed like the millionth time that day, because he knew Kyle knew exactly what he was doing.“Ass.” He said.“Shortie,” replied Kyle. Jared stuck his tongue out. “Put that away, or I might bite it.” Jared rolled his eyes.“You wouldn’t.”“Try me.”They stared at each other for a minute, before Jared coughed loudly. The waiter came by, refilled their waters. They ate the rest of their meal quietly, only a bit of bickering here and there.
***Jared felt weird on the walk back. They’d bickered in the forest, yeah, but that was… way more hostile than what was going on now. That was arguing and fighting. Now, they were… The hair on the back of his neck rose, and he felt a blush creeping up. If Jared didn’t know any better, he’d say they were flirting. But, of course not. They were both guys, just because Jared had some weird thoughts now and then didn’t mean he was gay, or anything. He’d had girlfriends before. Kinda. Did Elise count? And he’d had hook–ups during parties. But he’d never felt like this about anyone else before, this special flip in his stomach reserved for when Kyle touched him, or talked to him, or even just fucking looked at him. Jared made a mental note to search up some of those “am i gay’ quizzes later. Not because he thought he was, though.
Jared shook his head, and turned to Kyle. “Hey, want to grab some snacks from the gas station? We could watch a movie or something in the hotel.”
Kyle grinned, and Jared’s stomach did the flip. “Yeah, sure. But you’re paying, city boy.”
“Obviously,” Jared rolled his eyes.They walked into the store, and the guy at the counter gave them a friendly look. He looked about their age, which surprised Jared. Between this guy and Harper at the hotel, there were a lot of teenagers working on Thanksgiving break here. Was that his richness showing through? Should Jared be working, too? Jared grabbed a bag of chips and some chocolate before heading up to the checkout.
“Hey,” said Jared, putting the stuff on the counter. Kyle came up and put two drinks down, before walking away again to go look at the book rack in the corner.
“Hey there,” the boy at the counter flashed him a grin. “Just this?” Jared nodded.
“Yep.”“That your boyfriend?” Asked the boy, tossing his head toward Kyle.
Jared flushed, and shook his head. Jeez, he was blushing a lot today. “Oh, no, he’s just a friend.” Jared hesitated, “We’re on Thanksgiving break, came here to see the Crazy Horse monument.”
The boy nodded, bagging the items. “That’s nice.” He placed the bag on the counter. “$14.72,” he said. Jared pulled out his wallet. “Would you like your receipt?”“Uh, yeah, sure.” Jared watched as the boy snatched it up once it'd printed, and flipped it over to scribble on the back. He handed it to Jared, who realized it was a number.“Well, I’m Tony. He seems stiff. If ya’ll ain’t together, give me a call.” He winked. “Even if you are, I can show you something a bit more fun than the monument, if you know what I mean."Jared’s stomach churned—a feeling very unlike the flips from earlier—but he said ‘thanks,’ taking the receipt and shoving it in his pocket.
“Time to go,” said a firm voice from behind Jared, the feel of a hand appearing on his back. He turned his head, realizing it was Kyle. He hadn’t noticed him walk up. How long had he been there? Jared felt his flush sneak back.
Jared nodded, “Alright, bye Tony.” He waved awkwardly as he followed Kyle out of the store, Tony winking back with a weird glint in his eye.
Jared was silent for a moment, before speaking. “He seemed nice,” Jared said as they walked.
Kyle scoffed, hands in his pockets. “Yeah, sure. Nice.” Jared frowned, and looked up at Kyle.
“What’s that about?” He asked, head cocked to the side.“You gonna call him?” Kyle asked, ignoring Jared’s question.“No. Maybe. Why?” Jared was confused, watching Kyle’s closed off reactions carefully. “What do you care?” He felt slightly hostile, his skin itching. Tony was a bit off, yeah, but Kyle’s reactions weren’t making any sense.
“I don’t,” said Kyle. “You can do whatever you want.”
Jared bristled. “What? Do you have a problem with it? Would you be acting like this if it was a girl??”“What? No! Of course not!” Kyle looked at him, brows furrowed. “I don’t care if you like guys. I– I’m gay, myself. And, for the record, yes, I would.”Jared raised an eyebrow. “What is it then?” Their voices were starting to raise.“Nothing! Forget about it!” Kyle looked away sheepishly, pushing his hands deeper into his jean pockets. Suddenly, something clicked in Jared’s brain.
“Oh. My. God.” Kyle looked at him, alarmed. “Are you jealous?” Jared scoffed unbelievably.
“No!” Kyle flushed.
“You are!” Jared laughed. “Kyle!” He wiped his eyes, laughter-induced tears filling them up as he looked at Kyle’s embarrassed face. “Awh, Kyle.” He batted his eyelashes. “Don’t worry, I won’t ditch you for some random guy we meet at a gas station. You’re my friend, and we’re hanging out on this trip.” Kyle huffed silently, looking away.
“Whatever, loser.” Kyle spoke roughly, not looking Jared in the face. Jared smiled fondly.
“Jerkface.” Jared shoved Kyle lightly with his shoulder.“Bitchass,” replied Kyle, shoving him back.“Wooahhh, Kyle can swear??”
“Shut up,” said Kyle. Jared giggled.***Harper smiled at them when they walked in, waving. The boys waved back, then headed over to the elevators. Jared tapped his foot as Kyle hummed along to the elevator music. Jared yawned.“How are you tired? You slept half the day.” Jared glared at Kyle.
“I just am, OK?”“Alright, alright, calm down, no need to get mad.” The elevator dinged! and they stepped out. Jared stared at the carpet as they walked down the hallway, giving Kyle a little smile when he held the room door open for him.
“I’m gonna take a shower,” said Kyle, dropping his keycard on the desk. Jared put the plastic bag from the gas station down, taking the pops out and putting them in the fridge. “How about we do the movie thing tomorrow?” Jared glanced up. “I don’t want you falling asleep midway through, eh?”
“Yeah, sure,” said Jared, going over to his backpack. “Sounds good.” He flashed a grin at Kyle, the tiredness from the day finally kicking in.
Kyle went into the bathroom, and soon after the water was running. Jared lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling and listening to the rush of the shower. There was something wrong with him, he knew it. He shouldn’t be thinking about Kyle this way. But, he liked talking with him, and he liked it when Kyle brushed against him. He always seemed to be touching Jared in some way or another; hand on the small of his back as came up behind Jared in the gas station, arms brushing as they walked, or their feet touching when they sat across from each other. Jared groaned and turned, stuffing his face into his pillow. Was he queer? Or was it just that he wasn’t used to having a friend like this? Someone he shared trauma with, but was able to banter with so easily. He stood up suddenly, undressing and changing into shorts and a thinner t-shirt. He didn’t normally sleep with a shirt on, but he didn’t think he wanted to be shirtless around a fit, muscular Kyle.When Kyle came out of the bathroom—towel slung around his waist and wet hair dripping onto his shoulders—Jared was sitting up on the bed, a gay quiz open on his phone. He dropped it immediately, turning his phone off as he glanced up at Kyle. Which he instantly regretted.Kyle was on the other side of the room, rummaging in his bag for clothes and bent over slightly with a hand on his hip keeping the towel in place. Jared stared unblinkingly as he watched beads of water drip from Kyle’s hair and run down his back. Ok, shit, Jared was gay. Definitely, horrendously, stupidly gay. Jared licked his lips, his mouth dry. Kyle started to turn around and Jared averted his eyes quickly, but not before he caught sight of Kyle’s chest and abdomen. Jared glanced up for just a moment, to find Kyle smirking as he walked past Jared back into the bathroom, pajamas in hand. Jared stared at the duvet on his bed, his knuckles white from gripping it so hard. His stomach flipped again and he groaned, smacking his forehead and falling back onto the bed.
“I’m fucked,” he said quietly.
When Kyle came back out, shirtless and only in shorts, Jared rushed into the bathroom. He brushed his teeth and splashed cold water on his face. It took all of his willpower to not bang his head against the wall. Kyle gave him a weird look when he came back out, but Jared ignored it, flicking the light off on his way to bed.“You good?” Asked Kyle. Gorgeous, wet-haired Kyle.“Yup, just peachy.” Kyle raised an eyebrow.“Alright, then.”There was silence for a moment.
“Thanks for dinner, by the way.”“What?” Jared blinked for a moment, still dazed. “Oh, yeah. No problem.”“Goodnight, Jared.”“G’night, Kyle.”
It took Jared awhile to fall asleep, listening to Kyle’s soft snores. Jared laughed quietly, remembering how easily Kyle would pass out when they’d settled down to rest in the forest. Gosh, he was such a quick sleeper, Jared had no idea how he did it.
Cold, Jared burrowed further under his duvet, hugging his pillow as he closed his eyes.***Kyle woke up to the sound of crying. Or screaming, maybe? He wasn’t sure. It might’ve been both. He jolted up and looked around groggily, before realizing the whimpers were coming from the bed beside him. Was Jared having nightmares?“Jared?” He called out softly. No answer. He got up, bare feet padding along the rough carpet, and sat on the edge of Jared’s bed. He put a hand out slowly, cautiously, and tugged the blanket off Jared. He was still asleep, but making soft sounds of distress, tears running down his face. Kyle’s brow furrowed and he reached his hand out to brush the fringe out of Jared’s face. His cheeks were flushed, despite Jared being extremely cold. Kyle scooted closer, pulling Jared’s head into his lap. “Shh,” he said softly, running his hands through Jared’s hair.
“Don’t leave,” whimpered Jared, gasping softly. “N-no… don’t… not by myself…” He turned, his already quiet voice becoming muffled by the blanket.
“Kyle…” Kyle stilled. Jared shivered, tears overflowing. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, please come back.” Kyle felt like his insides were shattering. He hooked his hands underneath Jared’s armpits, hauling him up to hug him firmly.
“Shh, shh, it’s okay. It’s okay. I’m here.” He clutched Jared’s head to his chest, fingers tangled in his hair and rocking back and forth slowly as he rubbed Jared’s back. He murmured quietly to the sleeping boy until he calmed down, Jared’s breaths evening out as Kyle’s heart rate slowed. “Shit, Jared, what do you dream about?” He said breathlessly, running his hand through his own hair. His chest was sticky with Jared’s tears, but he couldn’t care less. He adjusted, putting one hand underneath Jared’s knees and the other by his shoulders, and lifted him up. He carried him over to his own bed, which was warmer and not as close to the AC. He tucked them under the blankets, pillow behind his back as he hugged the smaller boy to his chest tightly.
***Jared woke up in strong, warm arms. His head was tucked underneath another person’s, resting against their chest, and his arms were wrapped around them. He could hear the person’s heartbeat and he felt safe, and happy, though his eyes felt puffy. He opened them slowly, staring groggily at the dark skin he was pressed against. He brought his hand up, placing it flat on the person’s chest. The person hummed tiredly. It was such a stark difference, Jared’s white skin against Kyle’s tan. Wait, the person he was laying on was Kyle. Jared’s eyes widened and he jerked up. Or, well, attempted to. Kyle’s left arm was tight around Jared’s shoulders, as was the other hand knotted in Jared’s messy bedhead.
“Awake?” Asked Kyle, looking down at Jared. Jared was blushing wildly now, surprised by how close he was to Kyle’s face. To his lips. To his eyes. Why was Kyle looking at him like that? Holy shit, his eyes were beautiful. He opened his mouth to tell him so.
“What the fuck?” He said instead, confused and surprised. Kyle’s brow furrowed. It was cute when he did that. He used to do it during their time in the forest, when he was focused on something. Kyle shifted, moving up, and Jared moved with him. “Why am I…?” Jared looked side to side, his blush deepening as he absorbed the fact that he was, in fact, in Kyle’s bed. And that Kyle was shirtless. Oh, fuck, don’t look at his chest. Jared looked at his chest. His cheeks burned, and he looked back up at Kyle’s eyes. That might’ve been worse.“You had a nightmare, I think.” Kyle started. Jared grimaced. Of course he had. “You were crying, and making noises, and you were talking a bit.” Kyle looked off to the side. “You said my name.” Jared blinked, the dream coming back to him. He grimaced again. He had been back in the forest by himself, after he’d pissed Kyle off, making him walk away, by saying something privileged and stupid.
“I didn’t… say anything weird, did I?” Kyle looked back at him, and Jared’s breath hitched.
“Like what?”
“I… I dunno.” Jared’s eyes flicked down to Kyle's lips and back up. He wet his own lips, his mouth dry again. Kyle’s eyes followed the movement, and suddenly Jared was very aware of the fact that not only was he in Kyle’s bed, he was sitting in his lap. Like, sitting in his lap. Jared’s body also was becoming aware of this fact, and Jared hurriedly got off. “I’m gonna, uh, take a shower. Yeah. Shower.”
Jared could feel Kyle’s eyes on him as he ran off, but he didn’t look at him. He kept his eyes glued to the ugly-ass carpet, ignoring the way it scratched his bare feet as he crossed over it.
***As luck would have it, Jared had been in such a rush to get out of there… He’d left his change of clothes in the room. He cursed himself as he wrapped the towel around his waist. He took a deep breath, then opened the door. He walked over to his bed, staring determinedly at the floor as he dug through his suitcase. He didn’t want to see the look on Kyle’s face. It would be of pity, Jared just knew it. Kyle thought he was pathetic. Having nightmares? After nearly four months? He was sixteen, he shouldn’t be getting nightmares that bad at this age.Or, maybe it would be disgust. Disgust with Jared, and the way he’d reacted to waking up in Kyle’s arms. The way his body had reacted. Jared sucked in another breath through clenched teeth, struggling to zip up the suitcase with one hand. He turned, and cursed under his breath as he dropped a piece of clothing. He bent over to pick it up, and accidentally made eye contact with Kyle as he stood back up. Jared’s breath hitched, and the hair on the back of his neck prickled.
Kyle wasn’t looking at him with pity or disgust. It was an entirely different thing, something that made Jared’s stomach flip even worse than anything else. It was like it was doing a whole entire gymnastics routine, joined by Jared’s quickening heart. Kyle’s eyes were dark, and it looked almost as if he was looking at Jared with a sort of… hunger. Kyle’s eyes flickered down to Jared’s bare torso, and his insides somersaulted. Jared retreated to the bathroom, shivering.
Kyle was back to normal when Jared came back out of the bathroom, dressed in an old band tee with a low-hanging neckline and a pair of faded jeans. “Hungry?” Asked Kyle. “There’s free breakfast downstairs until eleven.”Jared nodded. “Yeah, sure.”In the elevator, Kyle’s hand ghosted over the small of Jared’s back, right underneath his shoulder blades. “Are you alright?” He asked softly. Jared didn’t look at him.“Yeah. I get them a lot. The nightmares, I mean.” He glanced up and over at Kyle. “Sorry for waking you up last night.”“It’s okay,” replied Kyle. He squeezed Jared’s shoulder and leaned forward, his face in Jared’s hair as he closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. Jared stood completely still for a moment, before relaxing into the touch. “Stupid moniyaw,” muttered Kyle against Jared’s hair. Jared scoffed.“Jerk-off.” Kyle laughed fondly.“Tell me next time you have sleeping trouble, okay?” Kyle pulled away as the elevator doors opened, and Jared nodded softly.“...OK, Kyle.”
The two of them walked into the breakfast area, and Kyle left Jared by the bread to go take a look at the eggs.
“You should tell him,” said a slightly feminine voice beside him. Jared jumped, nearly dropping the slice of bread he was about to put in the toaster.
“Harper!” He exclaimed. Harper snickered. “You scared the shit out of me, man.”“You need to pay better attention to your surroundings, dude.”“I do!’ Jared blushed, embarrassed. “I was just… thinking about something.” Jared looked away.“Like what, about how you’re gonna ask your mega hot friend to be your boyfriend?’ Harper waggled her eyebrows.
“Harper! Are you even, like, allowed to say stuff like that?” Jared said, shushing her. “Also, don’t be so loud. He might hear you!”“I’m off the clock, I can say whatever I want.” Harper grinned mischievously. “Also, dude, he ain’t gonna hear me. He’s too busy piling eggs and potatoes onto that plate, which is probably for you.”“No it’s not,” Jared rolled his eyes.“Yeah, sure buddy. Anyway, I’m being serious!” Harper nudged Jared with her shoulder. “He likes you, and I know for a fact you like him too. I could tell by the way you were staring at that piece of bread.” Jared scoffed.
“Yeah, sure he does.”“He does!” Harper sighed. “Look, dude, you just need to tell him. I could smell the mutual pining from the minute ya’ll were in a mile radius of the hotel.”Jared contemplated for a moment. “Do you think it’s worth it?” He said softly, watching Kyle fill up the second plate he had with him.
“I know it’s worth it.” Harper nodded. “Go get ‘em, tiger.” She winked.“Ew, Harper.” The girl snickered.Jared took his toast and his muffin, and made his way over to Kyle. He smiled at him hopefully, sitting across from him.
“Hey, Jare, this is for you, I’m gonna go grab some coffee.” Jared opened his mouth to protest, to tell Kyle to stay there, that he needed to talk to him. But Kyle was on a mission, and was acting extremely jumpy. He was gone before Jared could even say thanks. Jared blinked, and a flush climbed up his chest, as he realized Kyle had called him ‘Jare’. That was new. Jared kinda liked it.
Jared accepted the drink from Kyle when he came back, taking a sip and then fidgeting. “Can we take this back upstairs?” Asked Jared, gesturing to the food.
Kyle nodded. “Yeah, of course. C’mon.”
They went back to the elevator, then to the room, Jared holding the door open for Kyle this time. Jared walked in after Kyle slowly, tapping his finger on the side of the coffee cup.“You alright?” Asked Kyle, brow furrowed.“I like you,” blurted Jared, gripping onto his coffee for dear life. Fuck, this wasn’t how it was supposed to go. But he panicked, and blurted. He blurted a lot when he was panicked.“...What?” Kyle looked surprised, his eyebrow shot halfway up his forehead and his eyes wide.”What did you just say?”“You heard me,” replied Jared grudgingly, looking away. “I like you.” He articulated the words better that time, not letting it all fall out in a rush of slurred syllables. There was a long silence, before Jared was suddenly pulled into a strong embrace. He shivered, then melted into it, wrapping his arms around Kyle
tightly.“I like you too.” Said Kyle softly.
“Really?” Jared looked up at Kyle.“Yes, idiot.”
“Jerkface.”“Shortie.”
Jared stuck his tongue out at Kyle, and suddenly there was another mouth on his own, Kyle’s lips warm and hungry and soft and gentle and rough all at once. Jared let out a surprised moan, melting further into Kyle’s arms. He made a mental note to thank Harper later, maybe bring her some sweets or something. Because damn, if she didn’t deserve it.
Kyle pulled back quickly, brow furrowed again.
“Shit, sorry, should’ve asked. Been wanting to do that since I saw you at the jet. But, you know, I did say if you stuck your tongue out at me again I’d bite it, but that wasn’t necessarily a bit–” Kyle’s rambling was cut off by Jared pressing his own lips to Kyle’s.
Kyle leaned forward, one hand pressing into the arch of Jared’s back, pushing him closer to him, and the other in Jared’s hair. He deepened the kiss, and Jared let out another sound of appreciation, his own hands tangled in Kyle’s dark hair. Kyle moved the hand in Jared’s hair down to his waist. Jared’s heart thrummed against his chest, his skin overheating everywhere Kyle touched him. He pulled away, panting.
“Jesus christ, Kyle, that was–” His voice trailed off as Kyle’s mouth was suddenly on his neck, peppering kisses along the underside of Jared’s jaw. Jared’s stomach did the flip again. “Woah,” he breathed, head tilted back to give Kyle more access. Jared let out a whimper as Kyle sucked especially hard on the crook of his neck and shoulder, Jared’s grip on Kyle’s hair tightening. Kyle made a low noise, which went straight into Jared’s blood. Fucking christ, this was going to be the death of him.
He caught hold of his senses just long enough to peel Kyle off him, holding him by the shoulders. “Wait,” he panted.
“Hmm? Need a break?” Said Kyle patiently, even though his eyes were filled with that hunger again, the one Jared had seen earlier.“Want to watch that movie, now?” Jared asked, hopping up onto the bed and grabbing the tv remote. He felt too hot, too overwhelmed. He wanted to go a bit slower with Kyle; they had the whole trip to do whatever they wanted. Kyle grinned, jumping up beside him and pulling Jared close to him.“Only if I get to hold you the whole time.” Kyle replied. Jared chuckled, snuggling into Kyle’s side and leaning into his touch.
“‘Course,” he said, pecking Kyle on the cheek. Kyle pulled him closer.They didn’t end up finishing the movie, but uh, who’s to blame them?***