Only friends and nothing more.

Standing there, right in front of the school's exit, completely swoon by Sebastian's warm embrace, the tears had long stopped bulging out. Now Brian was indeed in a flabbergasting bliss.

The sun was almost setting, and all the other students were walking by, giving them weird, unsettling looks. However, neither of them moved nor seemed to actually care. It was as if no one else existed in this... their world.

Moments later, Bash was the first to break the spell, his voice as soothing and calming as always, but this time with a glimpse of something else, something more...

Bri, are you better now?

Do you want to perhaps sit down?

You've been standing for a while now!

If you stand for long periods of time like this, your veins can get an inflammation, or your knees can temporarily get immobilized.

You must know, Bash was a soccer player, so this information was common knowledge, pretty basic stuff really.

.

Looking at Sebastian's worried expression, Brian could only feel warmth and happiness going through him. A feeling he had never felt before. Brian was also completely touched by Bash's kind and thoughtful demeanor.

After taking a sit on the bench by the corner, he swallowed hard and took a big, deep breath of air to better calm his nerves than he nervously responded.

Umm, yes, I'm... way better now.

Thank you for being here with me like this.

Earlier I thought my heart might explode!

Brian's sincerity made Bash's whole face to abruptly lighted up with pure content.

Dude, don't be silly, there is no need to thank me, what are friends for?

However, deep inside, Bash knew that what he did for Brian today was more then what he had ever donned for any friend, EVER!

Even the ones he had known since childhood, like Pete.

Trying not to think about those bizarre things any longer, Bash kept on talking.

I know we've only known each other for a short period of time, not even a week, but I already consider you a "friend". So if you ever and I mean EVER, need me. I will always be here.

Brian's heart leaped, his cheeks flashing into all shades of red, and a soothing warmth bloomed right inside his chest.

However, that only lasted for a fraction of a second, a word entered his mind, pouching out any and every other thought away.

"FRIEND"

Is that what he called me?

"Yup, that's what I heard too."

'Seriously, After all of...

"All of what? He would've done this for anyone in your situation."

'I... I see.

"Oh boy, your such a doofus! Do you really think a straight guy would have done something like that?"

'I don't know.

"Sight... I give.

"Anyway, you just met.

"So Yes, that is indeed an accurate word.... "friend".

'I guess...

.

However, hearing that word coming out of Sebastian's mouth, felt like the ground was opening up under him and swallowing him whole.

Fighting back the tears, Brian told himself.

'Don't cry. Don't YOU DARE CRY, demit!'

"I mean, it's not like you hadn't just cried a moment ago."

'That's different.'

"Sure, whatever."

'I should still kip it together; being friends is not that bad...NOT..THAT..BAD at all.'

'What else could we be?'

'We only just met, and he's probably straight anyway.'

'He was only nice and kind. Earlier it meant nothing.'

'IT MEANT NOTHING'!!!

.

Brian had to say it twice to convince himself.

'I expected too much too soon.'

"That's for sure, DOOFUS!"

'I am, aren't I?'

"Please don't agree with me; it gives me the creeps."

'Shut up!!'

"Yeah, that's more like it."

'Sight...

Brian took in another big breath.

Thanks for being so nice and caring, but I'm better now. It was just a little panic attack...ok maybe not little, but I'm okay now.

You don't have to be worried about me anymore.

"Cold."

The words came out colder then he meant them to, but whatever.

Bash cringed and looked at him skeptically.

Confuse by the sudden change in attitude and the cold, harsh words.

He wondered if maybe he had said something wrong, something that might have offended him.

Taking a deep breath and looking right into Brian's perky eyes, he asked.

Are you sure? Earlier, you were....

Yes! Don't worry. It's not the first time.

Sebastian swallow hard and nervously asked.

Do you.... want to talk about it?

Maybe next time I..I think I've already embarrassed myself enough for one day.

"Oh-oh trouble in paradise, already."

'Idiot!

"Name-calling, that's new hehehe."

.

Giving up, Bash finally said.

Okay if your sure, then I won't press you any further....when you're ready then.

Brian smiled and nodded his yes. The mood wasn't as friendly nor as emotional as before. None the less he could still feel those warm arms around him, so tender and protective of him. Brian could also still smell Bash's strong, manly, and musky scent.

God.. how he wished he could turn back time and go bury himself into those amazing arms again.

Umm, if you're really better now, do you think you could still make it to the tryouts or....

Bash spoke, snapping Brian out of his sexy dreams.

OMG!

The tryouts!

I completely forgot I'm so sorry you're the captain, so you mustn't be late, right?

"Well, you finally realized."

'You remembered and didn't say anything."

"Why would I? It's more fun like this, for me hehehhe."

"Anyway, you were busy, remember."

'Jerk!

.

Now you're going to be late because of me!

The guilt was coming in fast. If Bash got reprimanded because of his stupid nervous meltdown... how would he face him again?

Sebastian could clearly see Brian's guilty face. He felt a bit touched. For some weird unknown reason, this guy always made him feel so...

'So what?'

'What the hell am I thinking?'

Bash tossed those strange thoughts away.

Then he tried to put Brian at ease.

Hey! Hey!

Don't worry, okay.

It's still early, and even if I'm a bit late, I'm sure coach Adams will understand. So don't worry, it's going to be fine

Brian frowned a little. He couldn't help but think, Bash was just saying this so he wouldn't worry about him.

So he asked.

Are... you sure?

Positive!

Brian looked into Sebastian's bright, beautiful eyes to try and find out the truth.

When he was absolutely certain of Bash's sincerity, Brian gave him a big smile and said.

Lead the way.