19.

I couldn't wait for the rapidly approaching dance. When I say rapidly approaching, I mean in a few days. It was frustrating to say that my crush on Tyler was beginning to become more prominent.

I would sneak glances at him, and be elated if he was already looking my way. I couldn't really understand my change in emotions, or why I was suddenly thinking this way. He had always been attractive, in an edgy way. It seemed the more people made him out to be unattainable, the more I wanted to prove them wrong.

We started hanging out more. Like today, when I had finally escaped the embarrassment that was my family. I was currently sitting in the living room of the Rhodes. I was lounging on the main couch, with Em sitting on the floor. Tyler was on an ottoman in front of they're t.v. Em, and I was chatting. We were also observing Tyler play a video game on his beat-up Ps3 player. Remarking every once in a while about his technique. Em had wanted to play, but he said the controller needed to be charged.

"Oh my god. You suck at- HE'S SNEAKING UP TO THE RIGHT!" Em burst out screaming, and I flinched in surprise. Tyler was so shocked by her outburst, he dropped the controller, and was shot down. The sound of a dying Luke Skywalker filled the room.

He turned and scowls at her. "Not helpful." He complained, and I giggled lightly. Amusement surging through me. It was really easy to find in this household.

Their father wasn't home, nor was their mother. I had asked where their parents were, they had gotten quite before responding with a simple not home. I hadn't pressed them, seeing how their mood had deflated almost instantly.

Tyler reached over, and unplugged one of the controllers and Ems eye's lit up.

"Wanna play?" Tyler asks, offering me a controller. I'm pretty sure he was doing it out of spite, but that didn't stop me from feeling an unusual amount of happiness. At the same time, I flushed, knowing I was about to embarrass myself.

"I wanna-" Em starts, reaching for the controller. He swats her hand away, and I gingerly take it. She sticks her tongue out at me.

"Whatever. You just don't wanna lose." She snaps at Tyler, although her tone holds little malice. He chuckles lightly.

I had never been very good at video games. It wasn't that I didn't have the means to play, it just had never really interested me. Sure, I'd team played with Archer occasionally. But he never let me win. So, he had crushed my hopes and dreams of ever enjoying video games before it even began.

Tyler set it to a mode, where we were on opposite teams. Smirking at me cockily. I small fire lit up inside me, and I quickly tried to get used to the controller.

What the buttons did, and how it worked. He made me be on the Republic side. I secretly was grateful. For a while, I just ran around murdering rebels. I could see my numbers slowly increasing, getting higher than his. During the final battle between me, and him, intense music started to play.

We faced off, and the whole time Em was either supporting me or screaming about how easy it would be to take him down. And then she got bored, so she switched the side on me, the traitor.

"Remove your tampon gently, god Tyler. Just kill her already. It would be so easy." Em complained.

"No girl jokes," I said quickly, disapproval coloring my tone. I'm pretty sure she flipped me off, but I was too distracted to tell.

I had gotten scared and started running away. My health bar was slowly returning to its normal level. It was becoming a game if chase, and I refused to get caught.

"Go away!" I let out a strangled yelp as he shot at me.

"Stop running away. This game has been going on for over a half hour. Let me just kill you." He complained. Em has gotten some popcorn and was munching on it. I had my fingers firmly pressed on the button, and I reach an over into her lap, taking a handful of popcorn. She scowls at me. I threw it in my mouth, munching through the hot buttered kernels.

I braced myself, turned around, and ran straight at Tyler's avatar. Jamming down the shooting button. Each shot hit its mark. I see a red 'X' on Tyler's potion of the screen. I had successfully murdered him, and I couldn't be happier.

I do this little victory dance on the couch, a movement of my hands, and head. Em chokes on her popcorn, and Tyler can't contain his laughter. It is beautiful and smooth, filling the whole room. I try not to turn into a tomato.

"I beat you, I beat you!" I sing a song, and he scowls at me, but that can't hide the amusement in his eyes. Em looks horrified.

"That was the most hideous dance I've ever seen." She comments, looking like she's seen a ghost.

"You're just jealous you don't have moves this fabulous," I say with a hair flip. We simultaneously burst out into laughter. Tyler looks at us like we're insane. I go to my camera and make a cute face. Quickly taking a picture of us.

Em was mid-laugh, and her facial expression was priceless. Tyler was in the back, a smile on his face. I open Instagram and post a picture of us. I then also make it the background of my phone. Tyler got up and made me move my feet, so he could sit on the couch.

I glance out the window and notice the darkening sky. It was already seven. I quickly text my mum to let her know I need a ride home. I also give her the address. Em got up and went into the kitchen.

I started to feel cold, so I looked over at Tyler. He had a blanket on him, and his body radiated heat. So, I scooted along with the couch, grabbing the blanket and pulling it towards myself. Snuggling up in it. It is very warm and cozy. He looks offended, and he tries to pull it back. I hold firm, and he frowns. He tugs it even further, and I was yanked towards him. I fell and was right next to him. He spreads the blanket over his lap, a triumphant smile on his face. I decided to use him as a human heater if I couldn't have the blanket.

I curled up next to him, tucking my feet. Resting my head on his shoulder. I slowly warmed up. He looked down mildly surprised but tucked his arm around me. I feel myself heat up slightly, enjoying the warmth he provides. My cheeks flush. I glance up at him. He smells like a cinnamon candle and rain. It's strange.

  He glances down and we're making direct eye contact. His beautiful green eyes studying mine. He has six flecks of gold in his right eye, and four in the other. My face heats up even more, and I probably look like a beet.

I start to feel self-conscious, about how messy my hair must look. And that one bright red zit on my nose. My face not covered in makeup. But I try to shake it away. He didn't care about that, we're just friends. There is no way he would like me back, no matter how much I hope there is a possibility. My train of thought is interrupted when Em walks into the room, holding her phone. A smile brightens her face.

"You guys are too adorable for your own good!" She squealed. We both frown, confusion drawing my eyebrows together. I was about to question what she meant.
I heard a knock on the door, and I sighed. She quickly ran to open it and let out a squeak.

"Come in." She says, and I try to quickly get up, but not before I'm in view. I fully expect to see my mum, and then receive her teasing throughout the car ride home. Only it isn't her. I become aware of how I'm still curled up next to Tyler. Right in front of my brother.

- - - - - - - - - -

A/N ~Roughly edited~

Hello Lovely people!

I really, really hope you guys continue to comment. It makes my day and encourages me to write more.

Question; What do you think of the story so far?

Until Friday,

~ Skye