LUKE'S SWEATY HAND REACHED OUT FOR CARL'S, LACING THEIR WARM FINGERS TOGETHER. The action was calming for him, and even brought a small smile to his face. His heart was thumping so loudly in his chest he wondered if it could be heard by his friend. Tears fell down his soft cheeks, one after the other, until it was so normal he couldn't even feel them. He hardly noticed the cold paved road beneath him, as he was too distracted by the pale blue eyes staring before him. Luke tried his best to stay focused, but the stars seemed to be awfully beautiful that evening. Carl's eyes were fixed upon his friend, who's head rested against his leg. He wrapped his arm around Luke's neck, giving him a sort of comfort on the hard ground.

Luke overcame his numbness just enough to speak in a soft, tired voice. It was hardly a whisper, but he knew his friend heard him when he finally confessed his love. Carl closed his eyes for a second, giving Luke's hand a gentle squeeze. He felt his heart sink when he realized he could not return the comment, for he had never given the boy a chance to win him over.