First love

'I can't believe you went through with it. Though, I'll admit it, when I heard the news, my first thought was you, so...'

'Well, it would've been a bit too much of a coincidence for it not to be. But as far as the authorities are concerned, it was a random act of nature, and I'm off the hook.'

'Random act of nature... That'd be proof of God existing, wouldn't it?'

'Absolutely. If nature really did intervene and do something like that to him, I'd immediately be converted.'

'I can't say I'm sorry. He deserves to die. I'm more freaked out that it was you doing it. I'm never crossing you again, that's for sure.'

'Oh, you've got nothing to worry about! Believe me, that's where my life of crime ends. I'm not cut out for it. I've gone bald from the stress.'

'Bullshit, you've never had a single hair grow on your body.'

'Seriously though, it's been pretty nerve-wracking. I underestimated just how serious it was. I just wanted to solve everyone's problems.'

'That's understandable. I feel sorry for you lot back home, still having to deal with his shit.'

'Well, all I have to do now is get through the exams, enjoy the summer break and then I'm out of there.'

'That's true.'

'Are you still joining us at Pleasantview? I hope you are.'

'That's the plan... I'm a little nervous about these exams, to be honest. My education this past year's been... interrupted, shall we say, for a few different reasons we both know and don't need to repeat.'

'Relax. You'll smash it. I can't wait to see you at uni. I've missed you!'

'We all miss you too. I'll do my best. Anyway, I'd better get going. Jinx is starting to harrass me.'

'Heh, okay. See you later.'

'He's okay, then?'

'Yeah, mostly. He's stressing over exams, though. Which I understand, but he'll do fine. I wish exams were all I had to worry about.'

'You don't worry about them though. You always do well.'

'I know, but... well, you know it's not about the exams at all.'

'It's about Tate, right?'

'He's always wanted me dead. This whole thing'll just give him an excuse to do it. It's not like he has an issue killing people, even though I do.'

'Your family's gonna protect you. He can't do anything if he can't get to you. Try not to worry. I know that's not easy, but you'll make yourself ill by sitting around and worrying.'

'...I know. At least you're not too freaked out by the whole thing, I guess. I wasn't sure if you'd think I was a psycho.'

'No. I'm not gonna lie, it's a bit fucked up. But I understand why you did it. Besides, considering what I've done, I can't really judge.'

'Beating the shit out of a scumbag doesn't really compare to trying to kill someone.'

'Yeah, but you tried to kill another scumbag, who's been going out of his way to destroy your lives. I'm not holding it against you. People do bad things when they're put under that kind of strain. I know none of that is really you. And after the way you've supported me, how could I turn my back on you without hearing your side?'

'I guess you're right. Thanks... I love you, Jude.'

'I love you too. You're gonna be fine. And hey, I'm moving into my own place soon... You'll like that.'

'True! That's gonna be good.'

'I know! I can't wait. Poor Seth probably wants me gone too. He's been great about the whole thing, but he's gotta want his own privacy back.'

'It's good that he turned out to be a nice guy, even though he is in a gang. I think Edward needs a bit more convincing, though.'

'Understandable. Still, you can't always judge someone's morality based on what they do, especially in this town. We've got a mayor who murders people and criminals who are actually good people, deep down. That's how it is...'

'Hey, didn't you say a while back you'd draw me?'

'Yeah, I did, actually... Never got round to that one.'

'Well, I'm still game. You can even draw me nude if you need some anatomy practice.'

'...I don't know about that part...'

'Oh? It's not like you to suddenly be prudish about nudity!'

'Hey, you know I'm not! It's just slightly different if it's you, that's all.'

'You've seen me naked before, though.'

'But I've never had to, like, stare directly at it for a prolonged period of time...'

'I'm still not seeing the problem.'

'You're too... distracting.'

'I'll try not to windmill or anything.'

'...Stop deliberately missing the point.'

'I'm not. Doing it deliberately, I mean. Is it too uncomfortable if it's a friend? Is that it?'

'You know, this isn't something friends generally tend to do. Especially not male friends. I'm really not used to having a friend like you. Not that it's a bad thing, I mean, you being so open is really refreshing.'

'It is? Oh, good. I thought the same about you.'

'It's just... the lines between friendship and... something... something more are becoming quite blurred. And that's why I'm embarrassed.'

'Ah, now you get it.'

'You've been flirting with me the whole time, Amos. I've always got it. I never stopped you, did I?'

'And why didn't you stop me?'

'...Because I've been enjoying it.'

'Great. That's exactly what I've wanted to hear. Man, I should've made a move sooner...'

'I'll be honest. It's been a bit weird for me. I'm embarrassed because I've never been in this situation before. With anyone. And you being another guy just adds another layer of discomfort.'

'Oh, right.'

'I meant, discomfort with myself, not you. When you grow up with a homophobic dad, it's only inevitable it'll rub off on you a little bit.'

'Oh, I see. That's really shitty. I'm sorry he's made you feel that way.'

'But I'm not going to let him rule my life. He doesn't dictate what I do. If I wanna be with another guy, I'm gonna do it, and I'm gonna do it with pride.'

'That's the spirit!'

'Though, since I'm so inexperienced, I'd rather take things slow for now. Slow-ish. I know we don't have much time left together.'

'...We'll talk about that later, yeah? Let's work out our future plans later, and just focus on the now. And I won't take it too far, too soon.'

'Thanks... I appreciate you understanding.'

'Course I do. We all have to start somewhere.'

'I think a kiss is as good a place as any to start, no?'

'I think so too.'