Rick's Perspective-

I'm not a party person. Far from one, actually.

But when I heard Martyn was going to be at my peer Dean's Christmas party...I mean, how could I say no?

I ended up debating whether or not to go. It was a constant, never-ending battle in my head as the date of the party drew closer.

If I went, maybe I could talk to Martyn and get to know him more, maybe even ask him out! But if I don't, I can save myself from the embarrassment of being that weird person at the parties.

Finally...I made my decision.

-

I walked up to Dean's house with Jimmy.

"I can't believe I'm doing this." I whispered and Jimmy chuckled.

"And you're here for Martyn." Jimmy mocked.

"Shut up!"

Jimmy laughed.

We both walked into the party, and I looked around.

It was fairly big, and I recognized most people as the popular kids from my school.

My eyes then landed on Martyn.

He was laughing and joking with his friends.

I felt my heart leap as I saw his smile.

Despite all the action, all the distractions, all the people, I only had my eyes on one person.

Martyn.

"Go talk to him!" Jimmy insisted, pushing me towards Martyn.

I snapped back and immediately panicked.

"What? NO!"

Jimmy sighed.

"Why not? You've liked him for months!"

"Yeah, but..." I sighed and looked over at Martyn, who was chatting with a popular girl.

"But?" Jimmy asked, raising an eyebrow.

"But...he probably doesn't like me- "

I cut myself off as Jimmy shoved me towards Martyn.

Martyn and the girl stopped talking as I stumbled towards them.

"O-oh, hi, sorry, I- "
I awkwardly coughed and smiled nervously.

"Hi." Martyn said, "Rick, right?"

"You know my name? I- I mean, yes. I- I'm Rick."

Martyn chuckled.

"Yes, I know your name. You're in band with me."

"Right! Yes...band."

The girl giggled, "I'm gonna go get something to eat, later." She patted Martyn's back before leaving."

"So...uh- are you and her...you know, dating?"

"Huh? Oh, no, I'm not dating anyone."

I nodded and Martyn's phone then rang.

"Oh, whoops." He took out his phone and I saw his phone charm had the colors of the pansexual flag.

I blushed, fidgeting as I thought I had a chance.

"S-so you're p-pan?" I stuttered.

Martyn ignored the call and nodded at me.

"Yeah, why? Are you also pan?"

"Uh- no, I'm gay."

Martyn smiled, "Cool."

I nodded and we fell into an awkward silence.

I rocked back and forth on my heels, desperately trying to come up with a way for me to ask Martyn out without sounding like a complete idiot.

I glanced up and flushed red as I saw a mistletoe.

Martyn noticed me glance up and he also looked up, blushing as he saw the Christmas decoration.

We exchanged a few shy smiles and he nodded his head up.

"You know what we could do." He said, and I laughed nervously.

"It- we don't have to, it's not like I really care or anything..." I said, looking away, scratching the back of my neck.

"I... you know, if you ever want to..." he was at a loss for words, I think he thought he would need to put some effort into the conversation.

"You don't have to if you don't want to." I cut in.

"I..." Martyn trailed off before taking a deep breath, "I think I do want to."

My eyes widened and I gasped a bit.

Martyn smiled sheepishly, blushing.

I felt my heart race.

"You do?" I asked, not believing that this was real.

"I...yeah, I do."

I smiled weakly and Martyn took a step closer.

We stared at each other for a long moment before his lips met mine.

They felt warm and soft...

I suddenly pulled back and smiled nervously.

"Hey, you alright?" Martyn asked.

"Yeah...just a bit nervous." I said, knowing that my parents would hate the fact that I had just kissed Martyn.

Martyn looked concerned and I put on a smile.

"Well...you can always talk to me." He said, smiling at me and I smiled, leaning my head on his shoulder.

"Thanks." I whispered.