noun

       • alluding; an implied or indirect reference.

There's not much to be said, after. Troye leans back with an introspective but open expression on his face and a warm feeling cascading through his veins. There's a waterfall in his heart, waves of the indefinable crashing intangibly into his stomach, and the breaths he breathes between them feel almost like a promise. He's not sure what he's swearing to, but for the first time he isn't scared of breaking it.

Connor's eyes are not wide and he does not reach a hand up to touch at his lips. There is no moment where they stare before rushing in again, this time more heated, and there is no sudden pressed apology or desperate confession of anything. There's not a single spark, let alone fireworks, and Troye doesn't really feel like anything's even remotely changed.

There's just the hot air breathed between them and Connor's usual smile, Troye's returned just as routinely. He digs his fingers into the coat he borrowed from Connor, not for the first time, and casts a final glance out at the water flowing idly before them.

They make their way back to Connor's apartment in companionable silence. Troye's fingers shift from his pocket to Connor's hand, seeking warmth as they freeze with the snow tumbling down around them.

If anything has changed, its that he doesn't think Connor's as afraid to touch him, anymore.