Chapter One: All In The Hips

**********

Deryck stumbled through the door to the tour bus first, tripping immediately on a jacket that had been left on the floor. Shit! he cried, as he managed to snag it on his shoe and drag it across the room with him.

Cone followed him in, watching with amusement as he tried to shake it off. At least the jackets happy to see you.

Hey, Ill have you know that *my* fans werent out there because theyre probably plotting ways to sneak into my bedroom and steal all my underwear to sell on ebay! He said in defense, admitting defeat to the jacket and falling sideways onto the couch. He lifted his eyes with much difficulty and saw the tousled blond tips of Cones hair behind the refridgerator.

Uh huh. His friend replied in a tired, albeit disbelieving tone. Beer?

God, yes.

A moment of silence while Deryck contemplated how he was going to convince Cone to carry him to his bed because he was too tired to walk, and Cone struggled with the plastic holding the six-pack together.

It was broken when the door opened quickly and Steve and Dave burst in, laughing. Fucking amazing! Steve was saying.

What?

Hey Biz, Steve waved cheerily. Girls out there, man. Waiting for *us*! And they were pretty hot!

I know grumbled Deryck.

Cone appeared in the doorway of the mini-kitchen, his hips stuck out to one side as he leaned against the door. He smiled at the two energetic guys.Derycks bitter cause they werent there for him.

Aww poor Dee! Dave said, pinching one of the said boys cheeks. He half-heartedly beat his hand away.

Cone noticed from his vantage point in the door that Deryck looked seriously sad, like not just in a childish temper tantrum way. As the three guys talked and switched on the tv, Cone thought about it. Bizzy was sad cause those fans didnt like him as much as the other guys but what difference did it make if it was just for looks? He was just as nice as the other guys.

But Cone knew it was all about the looks. Deryck didnt like to admit it, but he was real insecure about that. Being short and all, he figured it was all he had going for him a pretty face and dimples that made the girls think twice about leaving. And he was right, Cone thought. He *did* have a pretty face, and it affected him a weird way that he hadnt quite figured out in the years theyd been friends. He thought it was kind of interesting. Different. He used to think maybe he thought Deryck was *hot* but that was impossible, cause Cone liked girls. He settled on innocent curiousity as a rationalisation whenever he caught himself looking over at his friend on stage or on the couch watching tv. It didnt bother him.

But he didnt know how to made Deryck understand that he *was* good- looking. Cone just didnt know how to describe it to him and knew if he tried hed sound either sappy or gay. And neither was a good thing.

JAY!

Cone realised hed been staring at his feet, his mouth hanging open, and hadnt heard someone calling him. He snapped his head up. Yah?

Can I have my beer or are you just warming it up for me?

Cone blushed when he realised Derycks beer was still tucked under his arm, against his chest. Fuck, he hadnt even noticed the coldness seeping into his skin. Now he brought his attention to it, it was rather uncomfortable. Sorry, man. He apologized, and Deryck just lifted his eyebrows expectantly at him before turning back to the tv and sticking his hand out blindly in his friends direction. Cone handed him the beer, his friends hand closing over his to take it from him. He looked up at Deryck, who was pursing his lips at the tv, dimples at full force. He realised he forgot to let go when Deryck turned and looked at him, and Cone pulled his hand away quickly, like hed been burnt. *What the hell was that?*

Shit, look at those pants! Steve said, referring to the tapered- ankle jeans sported by someone on the tv.

Long live the 80s. Dave mumbled, taking a swig of Derycks beer without asking.

Cone found himself standing with all his weight on one hip again. What was that, anyway? It was *way* too girly, and thank god no one had noticed that before he had a chance to change his stance. But how did you stand like a guy? He tried slouching but he didnt feel any less feminine. Come to think of it, he felt feminine a lot of the time. The other guys were a lot beefier and chiseled. Whyd he have to get the girly face?

Cone? You okay? Deryck said, noticing the odd movements his friend was making, in what he didnt know was an attempt to stand like a man.

Cone sighed. Yah, Im fine. He resigned himself to sitting on the empty spot on the couch, next to his friends head. He crossed his legs and then uncrossed them again almost as quickly. *Fuck, this is getting out of hand! If I do it this much when Im paying attention, how much do I do it when Im not?!*  

Chapter Two

***********

Cone stayed up late with Steve and Dave, trying to enjoy the tv show they were watching. It seemed to focus on couples shamelessly throwing themselves at each other in front of billions of people who sat at home eating their tv dinners. Steve was convinced hed dated one of the girls (one of the hot ones, of course) and Dave didnt believe him.

Cone wasnt paying attention. He found himself thinking about what had happened with Deryck earlier which was something he probably shouldnt be thinking about, but he couldnt help running his hand across the spot on the back of his head every now and then. He wasnt sure what he hoped to achieve from that. Maybe recreate the feeling of Derycks soft lips and wait, did he just think that? No way. Derycks lips were *not* soft.

*Whats wrong with me?* Cone thought miserably. *Either I really need some sleep, I really need to get laid, or Im getting a crush on Bizzy.* The thought of Bizzy and crush in the same sentence made him laugh to himself, earning a strange look from the other two guys in the room.

A crush on Bizzy? It wasnt even an option. All he needed was a good nights sleep and a hooker.

Except Cone always felt kinda bad about hookers, which of course he never told the other guys. He always wanted to talk to them and ask them how *they* were doing or what *they* liked to do best in bed, but last time he did that the girl asked what exactly he was trying to pull and left. So maybe that wasnt the best thing to do.

Bed it was, then. He stretched his long arms out, looking at how pale they were. Deryck was always way more tanned than him. How did that work? They spent all their time together, and they never spent it tanning or anything. Maybe Deryck snuck out at night to tanning salons to get the perfect bronze.

The thought of Deryck Whibley sneaking out at night to lie in a tanning booth with cucumbers on his eyes made Cone laugh out loud, and earn another look from Steve and Dave.

You okay, man?

Yah. Cone smiled, unfolding his long body from the couch and stepping gingerly around all the crap on the floor as he left the room. Going to bed.

A chorus of Night trailed after him and a woman on tv saying in a sultry voice, I bet you know how to make more than just pasta

Cone brushed his teeth and got changed in the bathroom as usual. There wasnt any room on his bed, and last time hed changed next to it, Deryck had stolen his clothes as he changed out of them, and hid them in his bunk. It took a lot of wrestling and eventually dumping his shorter friend on the floor to retrieve his clothes, and even then he still couldnt find his other sock. Deryck denied the accusations of stealing it, but Cone still had his suspicions.

He stood in front of the mirror, and looked at himself. His normally spiky hair was lying flat on one side from lying on the arm of the couch, making him look a bit like a downtrodden puppy. His eyes were sort of a dull blue-grey, nothing like the sky blue they always were for photo shoots. He had bags under his eyes and his faded green t-shirt hung off of him like it was on a clothes hanger.

*Why would anyone want this?* He thought dejectedly. Deryck may be short but he filled out his clothes. Cone was always sort of drawn into watching Derycks back when he bent over, the length of his spine visible through the cotton with a faint outlining of muscle. *I watch him because I want to look like that.* Cone thought quickly. *Thats all*.

He rubbed one eye sleepily and flicked the light off, padding down the hallway in his t-shirt and boxers like an infant, feet dragging on the carpet. *Im so tired* He thought. *I just want to flop down on my bed and- *

He stopped as soon as he spotted the figure on his bunk. Oh man He grumbled. Evidently Deryck hadnt moved since he left him, except to roll onto his stomach. Angry but not having the heart to wake up his friend from the sleep he so obviously needed, Cone decided to sleep in Derycks bunk instead.

**********

He climbed up the ladder, shoved the cds, magazines, and clothes against the wall, and laid back on the bed.

Shit.

Cones legs hung awkwardly off the end, and it was by no means comfortable. Hed forgotten that Derycks bed was smaller than his. Why couldnt they have all got the same size bunks? There was no way he could sleep like this. Hanging his head over the edge of the bunk, he looked down at the peaceful lump sleeping on his bed. *Id feel too bad waking him up* Cone sighed, and drew his legs up against his chest and pulled the blanket over him.

After fifteen minutes, Cone realised that as long as he was on Derycks bunk he was not going to fall asleep. He wasnt even sure hed noticed how his friend smelt before, but now it was all around him; he was fucking *wrapped* in it. And for some odd reason that was distracting him. The worst part was, it wasnt even a bad smell. It was good. Way too good, and Cone rolled out of the bunk and climbed down the ladder the second that thought crossed his mind. *Maybe he just has a nice shampoo.*

Cone was contemplating how he was going to fall asleep curled up in the hallway when he noticed that Deryck was practically hanging off the edge of his bed, leaving a gaping spot on the other side. A Cone-shaped spot, in fact. The taller boy was too tired to think twice about carefully climbing over him to fill it. *Much better,* he thought when he wrapped himself in the familiar blanket. It didnt smell so much of Deryck.

Cone shifted around, his back to his sleeping friend and his face to the wall. Another agonizing fifteen minutes and he couldnt take his mind off of the warmth spreading through his back where it was touching Derycks left arm. Giving up, he turned onto his other side and settled into the pillow, his eyes on Derycks face. He looked relaxed, mouth slightly open and his eyes closed. He was facing the other way but the sharp curve of his jaw grabbed Cones attention more than it should.

This wasnt like when Cone usually stared at Deryck during practice or at an interview. It was just a habit, during those times. A fascination he couldnt understand and hed always figured that maybe hed find the answer by searching for it in the face he was so oddly drawn to. But now it was like an obsession, gnawing at something inside him and fuck, it was the same something that got gnawed at when he stared at that hot girl back in high school hed always had a thing for.

Cone was a little scared, as he started to piece stuff together. Maybe he did have a crush on him. Which was pathetic and wrong and *gay* and there was no way Cone was gay because he didnt find Steve or Daves faces fascinating in the slightest bit. He liked girls. *Maybe Im bi,* part of him thought before he could stop it. No way, he was *not* bisexual. Maybe Deryck was the only guy he liked. What was he, then? Deryck-sexual?

*This is too fucked up* Cone thought. *Im just tired and Derycks just too close to me right now and Im *not* tracing the smooth line of his throat to his shoulders with my eyes and watching his chest rise and fall and oh, god, maybe I do really have a thing for him.*

Cone squeezed his eyes shut and pulled the blanket over himself a bit more. He was going to go to sleep and maybe when he woke up it would be gone. As he drifted off, he couldnt help turning onto his stomach, a hesitant hand reaching out to rest on Derycks back. He fell asleep to the feel of his friends heartbeat.

***********

Deryck woke up uncomfortable.

He had a crick in his neck from sleeping on his stomach with his head twisted to the side. And he had woken up with a hard-on pressed into the mattress, just like a fucking teenager. He tried to remember his dream but all he could pull from his memory was the fact that he was getting some. Hence the hard-on. And so he would just lie here until it went away, thinking of baseball, cold showers, and Dave that day he stuffed three whole bags of all-dressed chips in his mouth and spat them everywhere when he laughed.

Working, working worked. With a smile to no one in particular, Deryck reached his right hand up to rub his eyes. He should probably get up. He was really hot, too. His shorts were sticking to him and so was the back of his t-shirt. His blanket seemed way warmer and heavier than usual. And bony?

Deryck looked at the hand lying motionless on the mattress next to his own. He hadnt even noticed it. It was sort of a creamy pale and he didnt even have to turn his head to know who was lying on top of him.

Cone? He asked, his voice rough with sleep. His friend didnt move, and to be honest, Deryck didnt want to either. Despite the weirdness of the situation (he and Cone hadnt shared a bed since the early days of touring when the band only got two single beds to sleep in when they stayed at hotels), he was kind of comfortable. Cone was warm and smooth and sprawled across his back like *Deryck* was the mattress.

He could feel Cones breath blowing across his neck; his head was on the pillow, then. Deryck was happy about that cause Cone was notorious for drooling a bit in his sleep, and he didnt want Cone-drool on his t-shirt. Convinced that having his friends lean frame flung across him posed no immediate threat, Deryck relaxed and let his gaze drift back to the hand lying in front of his face.

Hed always thought it was neat how pale Cone was. Like that 19th century shit, where people liked their women pale and ladies poisoned themselves by accident because they put white powder on their skin that was bad for them and stuff. Cone would have been the envy of all the ladies. Deryck smiled when he realised that hed just categorized his best friend with women, and knew if hed told him that, it would have earned him a punch in the arm or an unkind remark about his height.

Cone was sensitive about his girliness, although he seemed to think he had it under check. Deryck smiled. He didnt. Cone didnt realise how much he flung his hands around or rested all his weight on one hip or how he hugged people like he wanted to swallow them whole with his arms. Deryck liked it, though. It was endearing and kind of cute. Not in a gay way; he wasnt into that. But in the way that made him steal glances under his eyelashes at Cone when the taller boy didnt think anyone was looking and struggled to sit with the same aggressive maleness that Deryck and the others did. He always ended up looking a little ridiculous in a cute sort of way, and Deryck found himself with the strange urge to give him a hug.

Cone-hugs were the best. He loved hugging his friend because he fit perfectly in his arms. It was sappy, yah, but he sure as hell wasnt going to let anyone know how he felt about it, so it was safe to think about. Deryck could wrap his arms around his small waist, bury his face in his friends chest, and Cones arms would fall to his back like a puzzle piece fitting into place. The best part was that Cone seemed to know how much Deryck loved hugging him, and always knew when he needed one.

Deryck just liked Cones lean frame in general. It was so *warm* - the boy was a fucking furnace, and it showed in the fact that he blushed on an average of 5 times a day. And Deryck thought he smelled really, really good. He knew Cone didnt wear cologne, and they used the same shampoo (although Cone didnt know, because Deryck stole his without asking), so it must have just been some weird scent he emitted. Deryck sort of liked being immersed in it, now. Kinda like a bath.

He moved his hand so it sat next to Cones. The contrast was obvious his own hand was smaller but thicker, and darker. Cones was too elegant to be called thin. The colour of his skin was a sort of milky-pale alabaster, like the old bathtub in Derycks house that he used to press his cheek to and imagine he was touching the surface of the moon, only it was smooth. He knew that Cone had rough fingertips from years of abuse on guitar strings, just like him. Maybe thats why he felt so comfortable with Cone; he was so familiar. Deryck knew what his hands and his hair felt like, and he knew what his skin would feel like under his own calloused fingertips. As he ran his fingers lightly across the back of Cones hand, he imagined his friend melting into him until they were one person, in an eternal comforting hug.

*Shit, my brain is weird in the morning.* Deryck thought, bringing himself back to reality. Sometimes his thoughts scared him a bit like that, running off until he sounded not only gay but like he had a thing for the skinny-assed bass player sprawled across his back. Which wasnt true.

More Of Chapter 3

Deryck considered this for a moment, though. What part of the train of thought he had just entertained *didnt* sound like someone raving about a person they had a thing for?

Before he had a moment to figure out exactly what that meant, Cone snored lightly and shifted in his sleep. His right leg was flung across the back of Derycks legs, bringing his hips off the mattress to rest against Derycks from behind.

And holy fuck, if that wasnt a hard-on he didnt know what it was. Deryck bit back an unsolicited moan as he felt blood rush to his own cock. This was *way* too wrong. Cone was probably having a dream about some girl and Deryck was getting off on it. And since when did he get off on *anything* related to Cone? *Well there was that one time when-* No! Deryck had convinced himself hed forgotten about the night a couple months ago: When Cone made a badly calculated attempt to sit on his lap (due to a lack of space on the couch) while they were watching some porn, wriggling around when he couldnt get comfortable, and Deryck had to use all the power he possessed to shove his friend off before he felt anything.

Remembering that night wasnt helping him, and Deryck didnt know what to do. He was freaked out because Cone was still very obviously pressed into his ass, his own cock was responding more than he could control with cold-shower-like visions of Dave spraying all-dressed chips, and he couldnt move for fear of getting into any more of a compromising position. And what the hell was going on? He was straight! He wasnt supposed to like the feeling of another guy getting friendly with his rear end!

Dream Cone must have chosen that moment to get frisky with his dream girl because real life Cone oh-so-slowly pulled his hips to the side and away from his friend and to the other side and fuck, fuck, fuck, Deryck was seeing fucking stars because Cone pressed his hips in hard, grinding down. Deryck bit the pillow and couldnt stop the low moan that rose in the base of his throat.

Cone stopped moving almost as quickly as he had started. After a minute of trying in vain to clear his head, Deryck figured it was better to risk a compromising position and move the fuck out of Cones way than to wait and see if Cone would do something worse. Or maybe even wake up, and then they would be so embarrassed hed never be able to look his taller friend in the eye again. Although he wasnt too sure about that even now. Deryck moved out from under his friend with a fair amount of difficulty, as Cones right leg was now hooked around his. His legs got caught as a result and Derycks ass hit the floor before his legs could untangle themselves.

Lying in a panting heap on the floor, propped up with his elbows, Deryck looked up incredulously at his friend, who was now frowning slightly in his sleep, his right arm sliding out across the empty spot that Deryck had just vacated. His lips were too red and his hair looked too soft and his skin was way too luminescent for Deryck to handle right now. He stood up, adjusted himself, and ran to the bathroom after grabbing some clothes from his own bunk.

*What the fuck just happened?* Deryck thought as the door closed behind him and he turned the shower on full blast at almost the same second. It was ridiculous now that he thought back to it Cone had fucking *humped* him in his sleep and in any other situation it would be perfect material for embarrassing him and harassing him in front of his friends. But now it wasnt so perfect because Deryck had been turned on a hell of a lot by it. And he couldnt trust himself relating the story to Steve and Dave without blushing or something.

Stepping into the shower, Deryck thought back to the half-awake, half- dream world hed been in before the whole thing started. Thinking about Cones skin and hugs and how maybe he was starting to like him a bit. And Deryck was sure what had just happened didnt do anything but validate the thought.

Shit.

Chapter Four

******

Orange juice! Cone yelled from the bathroom, in reply to Daves question. They were having french toast for breakfast and he wanted to know what the bassist wanted to drink.

Cone smiled at himself in the mirror. He was feeling excellent this morning. Hed had a really good sleep, basking in the smell and presence of Deryck next to him. He couldnt remember his dream but he woke up feeling happy - in more ways than one, but that was alright because Deryck was gone when he woke up, and Cone got rid of it quickly without any worry. The sun was shining through the windows of the bus and they had the day off. And now, to top it all off, Deryck was making breakfast.

The guys knew one thing about Deryck that they werent ever allowed to tell interviewers because he was embarrassed about it he was one hell of a cook. The majority of the time, Deryck didnt cook because he was too tired or too lazy. But every now and then he got inspired and made them a gourmet breakfast or a fancy dinner.

When Cone met him on his way out of the bathroom that morning, Deryck had informed him that they were going to have french toast. And Cone certainly wasnt complaining. He was happy just to see his friends face that morning anyway, because he had decided that he really *did* have a thing for him and was just going to deal with it instead of denying it. It felt nice to look at those dimples and twinkling chestnut-brown eyes and think *I like this* without any guilt.

Come to think of it, Deryck had been looking at him back. Cone pondered that for a moment. He met Cones eyes and froze like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. After a couple seconds, the grin slowly spreading across Cones face seemed to bring Deryck back to reality, but he couldnt shake off the feeling of those eyes on him. They hadnt been accusing or angry or anything, just curious. Like he was looking for an explanation to something in Cones face, and wait, isnt that what Cone used to do when he looked at Deryck?

*Nah, it couldnt have meant the same thing*. Cone dipped his hand in the gel and applied it liberally to his hair, tousling it with his fingers. He could come to terms with his feelings for Deryck, but he wasnt going to lie to himself about the possibility of Deryck liking him back. It was slim to none, because his friend was not only straight but hadnt ever shown any interest in him. He was fine with it, though. He was in too good of a mood to let it bother him.

Cone pulled on a pair of socks and left the bathroom. He skipped down the hallway and out into the living room, throwing his hands in the air and proclaiming Goooood morning! to everyone present.

My entrance wasnt half as good as that. Steve said, hunched over a newspaper on the table.

I dont think you walking into the back of the couch counts as an entrance. Deryck said from the stove, his back to the rest of them.

Cone smiled at Steve and sat down across from him at the table, tapping his fingers on the place mat to an unidentifiable beat. Howd everyone sleep? He asked the room, his gaze settling on Derycks back. The shorter boy was wearing a red and black baseball t-shirt that was a bit too small for him, stretching across the back and revealing a strip of tanned skin at the base of his spine. His plaid boxers were visible just above the dark green shorts held up by one of his striped ties threaded through his belt loops. Cone bit his lip, a little overwhelmed at the desire that had suddenly welled up inside of him to touch that skin. *This whole liking a guy thing is going to take a bit of getting used to.*

Well Steve woke me up at fucking *seven thirty* because he was watching tv! Dave complained from the couch.

Hey, its not my fault they dont run Trading Spaces later in the day. Steve defended himself. Cone had never understood his fascination with the show about redecorating your friends homes. Hed watched it once with Steve, and the people on the show never seemed to like the new looks of their houses; but who would? They were hideous, with commo themes like sponges or grass influencing the colour of drapes and bedspreads and bedside tables.

Biz? Cone asked his friend, who was currently darting back and forth between a frying pan full of french toast and a bowl of eggs he was whipping.

Deryck looked over his shoulder at the taller boy sitting at the table. His breath caught in his throat. Cone looked positively angelic, the sunlight shining through the window behind him lighting up his blond-tipped hair. Deryck thought it looked like gold. *I cant believe I just thought that.* He groaned softly. Cones full lips were drawn up into a small smile as he looked at the shorter boy. Deryck felt a shiver go up his spine, remembering the feel of that slim body against his own earlier that morning, warm and lithe. He turned back to his french toast quickly, not wanting to think about what that meant.

I slept okay, I guess. He said in response to Cones question. *I woke up better, though.* Deryck mentally kicked himself for that thought and busied himself with the egg he was beating.

Cone watched him work for a little while more before taking a sip of his orange juice and stealing the comic section from Steves newspaper. So what are we up to today? he asked the room as he scanned the cartoons.

Were in Vancouver today. Dave said from the couch. So we snowboard or we cruise around and hit the beach.

Beach. Deryck said quickly, causing his bandmates to turn their heads and look at him. He shrugged what he hoped was indifferently. He had blurted it out at the thought of seeing Cones hair all lit up and golden for the whole day, and now felt a little embarrassed about it. I mean, if thats what you guys want.

Fine with me. Cone agreed, and Steve nodded.

Well Ill call up Jeff and see if we can borrow his truck. Dave said, referring to his older brother who lived in Vancouver and was always willing to lend them his unused and beat-up Ford whenever they visited.

Sounds good! Cone said, excited. He loved driving around Vancouver there were always tons of people on the streets downtown that they could spray with water guns or shout things at. Plus, it was really easy to pick people up for a party or find one to go to. The beach parties were always the best. Girls, beer, bonfires, and music.

Breakfast is served! Deryck said with a grand sweep of his egg flipper. He laid out the plates of french toast and filled the table with various jams and syrups and butter.

You know what we should do with this kid? Dave said as he sat down at the table, nodding his head at Deryck.

Whats that? Cone asked, although he had his own ideas.

Lock him inside the tour bus and get him to make us all of our meals while we party!

Steve laughed. Yah, he can wear one of those frilly aprons!

Cone was laughing too hard to make his own comment. Deryck fumed. It would take a *lot* to make me stay inside this bus cooking for you guys. He took a violent bite out of his french toast.

Aw,  Dee, dont get upset. You can wear the apron to the beach instead. Dave laughed, digging into his own meal.

The laughing died away as they ate, turning into murmurs of Damn, Bizzy, this is good! and You can cook *me* a steak, woman!. Deryck smiled in appreciation. He loved it when people enjoyed his cooking.

Cone watched Deryck eat from under his eyelashes, enjoying the thrill of his newfound attraction. Every glance at the shorter boy was like feeding an addiction. It was almost intoxicating.

Im gonna call Jeff. Dave said, polishing off his french toast in record time and bolting from the room. In a couple more minutes, the rest of the guys were finished and Deryck cleared away the table. He smiled at himself when he noticed the way Cone sat - his legs crossed with this hands tucked between his thighs, and his shoulders hunched over. He looked like a gangly teenager; all long limbs and awkwardness. And why did Deryck find that so appealing?

Bathing suits, guys! And dont forget your jackets cause were gonna be out *late*! Steve said enthusiastically, getting up from the table with energy he didnt have when he sat down there earlier.

Yes, *mom*. Cone and Deryck said at the same time, laughing at the coincidence. Steve gave them the finger and retired to his bunk.

Cone followed him down the hallway and started rooting around in his bunk for his shorts. He saw Deryck climb up the ladder and into his own bunk, but he was too busy looking for his bathing suit to pay attention to him. Which was why he didnt notice when his friend swiped the shorts he was looking for from the foot of his bed.

Lookin for something, Mr. McCaslin? Deryck teased him, dangling the shorts from his bunk and hitting Cone in the head with them.

Hey! Cone grinned despite himself and grabbed at them, but Deryck pulled them away from his grasp.

Cone tried in vain to leap up and grab them, but it wasnt working. Whos too short now, eh? his friend laughed, enjoying the sight of *Cone* for once having to jump up to reach something.

Cone got an idea and the next time he jumped, he didnt reach for the shorts. Instead he reached for Derycks stomach and tickled him hard. His friend yelped and tried to scramble away from Cones hands but he backed into the wall. He was laughing so hard it hurt and Cone was enjoying himself, as the too-tight shirt Deryck was wearing rode up above his tanned stomach and Cones fingers danced across his soft skin. His friends face was screwed up in laughter, dimples at full force, and for a moment Cone forgot completely why he was tickling him and got lost in the shorter boys face.

Cone- Deryck gasped desperately, dropping the shorts and trying to push the hands off of him. Only he was half lying down, so pushing them away meant he pushed them further down his stomach and Cone drew his hands back quickly as they both realised where they were. Derycks eyebrows climbed up his forehead and he sat up quickly, drawing his knees to his chest in hopes of hiding his arousal.

Cone blushed and stuck his hands in his pockets, taking a step back from his startled-looking friend. He hoped to god Deryck hadnt thought he meant anything by that he had, of course, but he just didnt want his friend to know.

Deryck grabbed the shorts and stuck them out to Cone. Here. He willed his face (and other parts) to relax, and he smiled at his friend. Cone looked absolutely adorable, his blue eyes wide and way too innocent for a 20-year-old man.

Thanks, man. Cone smiled back at him and ducked into his bunk, away from sight.

Deryck tried his hardest to forget the feel of Cones fingers on his skin. It wasnt working.

**************

Chapter Five

******

HELLO VANCOUVER!

Cone laughed at Deryck, who was shouting at all the people on Robson Street. Jeff was driving, and the four guys were piled into the back of the truck. Deryck was standing up and leaning against the back window, banging on the roof with the palm of his hand. Cone tore his eyes from the shorter boys backside and looked out at the tree-lined streets, leaning back against the edge of the truck. He spread his arms out on either side of him, his elbows hanging off the edge, and stretched out his long legs. *This is the life*

The sun was shining down on them, the sky was a clear cobalt blue with no trace of any clouds, and Cone let his head fall back against the edge of the truck. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the feeling of the sun on his face and the light breeze rustling his hair.

Deryck looked down at Cone from where he was standing, and felt his stomach tighten. He looked positively *wanton*, all his limbs strewn out and his head back like that. Deryck found himself with a disturbing urge to run his tongue up the long expanse of his throat. *Definitely disturbing,* he thought as he sat back down across from his friend.

Steve and Dave were talking to some girls on the sidewalk, because they werent moving in the traffic. Anything happening at the beach tonight, girls? Dave asked, flashing them a smile.

Yah. A skinny blond said, resting all her weight on one hip. Deryck found himself oddly reminded of Cone. *It looks better when he does it, though.* Oh shit, not again.

We know some girls from UBC who are having a party at Kits. A brunette wearing nothing on top but a string bikini said.

Well well be there, then. Steve said. And whatre your names? Just so we can find you there and maybe you can show us around. We dont know the city very well. *Bullshit*, Cone thought. He hadnt even opened his eyes to see what the girls looked like when they started talking, but he knew the type. He didnt even have the smallest desire to see them.

After getting their names, Dave promised them hed get them a signed t-shirt that night and then the traffic moved and the truck pulled away.

Shit, Cone! You shoulda seen those girls! Steve said, pushing at his foot. The taller boy cracked his eyes open and looked across at him. Derycks eyes darted away from their fixation on Cones throat the minute his eyes opened, but Cone caught him averting his gaze and raised an eyebrow.

I just wanna get to the beach. He said to Steve, leaning his head back again. He could see the tops of all the oak trees, and they looked funny upside down. Like they were hanging off of the end of the earth, bushy roots of much bigger trees on the other side of the planet.

Within minutes, the oak trees gave way to unreadable parking signs and the upside-down heads of people walking around the car. Cone lifted himself up and looked around at the busy parking lot. Hundreds of people in bathing suits and shorts, carrying towels and frisbees and six-packs, were walking by in flip-flops and untied running shoes. He smiled as he saw the huge stretch of sparkling ocean through the trees. He loved it here.

Deryck hopped out of the truck and, pulling his shorts up (they had fallen down a bit when he jumped), grabbed their towels. You guys coming? He asked his friends. Cone was staring out at the ocean and Deryck and Steve were staring at some girls sun tanning on the hood of their car.

Oh yah. The three boys said and soon they were picking their way through the crowd to the beach. The nicest part about a place like this was that hardly anyone recognized them. Not that no one knew who they were, they just didnt expect Sum 41 to hang out at Kits beach in the summer so they didnt look twice. It was kinda nice.

Guys! Dave called from further down the beach. He stood on a log and waved to get their attention. I found a spot!

Sure enough, there was a fair sized spot in the sand, including a log that wasnt being used. There was no one in front of them, just the wet sand flats and Burrard Inlet. This is sweet! Cone said, excited. He dumped his stuff on the sand and stepped out of his shoes. Pulling off his socks in record time, he shouted Race you guys! and tore across the sand to the water, pulling his t-shirt off and tossing it behind him.

Steve, Dave, and Deryck wasted no time in shedding their own clothes and running after him. He still had the head start, though, and was in the water before the rest of them. Laughing, he filled his mouth with water and sprayed Dave right between the eyes. Dave splashed him back and they started a full-fledged battle. Deryck found some seaweed and stole Cones attention away from Dave by dumping it in his still-spiky hair.

Hey, shorty! Watch it! Cone laughed, reaching to tickle him. Deryck tried to run away but running in water was rather hard, so he ducked under his friends arm and hid behind Steve. Cone couldnt stop his smile at Derycks face peeking around Steves arm. Steve was trying to beat him off, and so Deryck hid behind Dave instead. Cone hurled the seaweed at him but missed.

Get on! Dave said to the shorter boy, and Deryck willingly leapt onto his shoulders.

Chicken fight! They all shouted, as it was one of their favourite past times. Steve would have gotten on Cones back, only Cone weighed considerably less, so the skinnier boy climbed onto his shoulders. It took him a while to get on, though, because Steve kept losing his balance.

Deryck watched in fascination, enjoying the moment he had to simply *look* at his friend. His pale chest looked much more inviting then he ever remembered it looking. Kind of creamy-white, and then when Steve stumbled and turned away from them, the length of Cones spine presented Deryck with a view of his long torso. He remembered having Cone draped across his back that morning; and before he could stop himself, he thought he wouldnt mind being draped across Cones back either.

********************

Steve turned back around and Cones brilliant blue eyes met Derycks and they both grinned. Dave threw the seaweed on Derycks behalf and it hit Cone in the chest. Youre going down! he smiled, snapping back into reality.

Deryck stuck his tongue out. Just try.

They spent an hour or so splashing about in the water, having fun. Cone spent his time enjoying every brush of Derycks arm against his own, and Deryck spent his time trying wrap his mind around what exactly his reaction to that same thing meant.

Due to their waking up pretty late, the sun started to creep down towards the horizon after only a few hours at the beach. Cone laid in the sun, drying off until dusk brought a slight chill to the air. He got up and pulled on his black sweatshirt. Deryck was playing frisbee with Dave and Steve, casting glances at Cone every now and then. *Why do I keep doing this?* He asked himself as he deftly caught the frisbee and tossed it back to Steve. *There is absolutely no way I have a thing for Cone. I dont like guys. I just find him really interesting to watch.* But, Deryck reminded himself, hed already gotten hard twice that day thanks to his taller friend. And that was the kind of thing you couldnt really interpret any other way.

As the sun set, the four guys got themselves hot dogs, hamburgers, and chips from the concession stand and started to wander the beach in search of the girls Steve and Dave had talked to earlier.

They didnt find the girls, but they did find some fans who invited them to what they assumed was the same party. It was just down the beach from the spot theyd been in all day, and Steve and Dave went off to look for the girls right away. Deryck went off to look for the beer. Cone sat down next to the bonfire someone had built and stared into the flames.

He felt sandy and damp, but good. He always enjoyed the feel of the beach at night; sand under his toes and the stars above him. His mind drifted back to Deryck. The afternoon had been *heaven*, filled with Derycks infectious laugh and squinched-up eyes. Cone still found it strange looking at his best friend in such an entirely different manner, and realised as he watched the flames leap and dance that he had hardly had any time to sit and think about what it all *meant*. Did he expect it to go anywhere? Because as much as he was content staring at Deryck, he certainly wanted to do more. His tongue ached to trace the lines of his lightly defined muscle. He wanted to wrap his arms around his waist from behind and bury his face in his hair. He wanted to wake up next to him.

And if he did any of those things, Deryck would get really freaked out. And chances are hed lose their friendship. Cone didnt want to risk it. *So*, he realised for the first time since hed come to terms with his feelings for the shorter boy, *Im stuck like this. An unrequited look-but- dont-touch crush. For god only knows how long.*

The thought of touring and performing and sleeping and hanging out and generally living 24/7 with Deryck now seemed a lot more difficult. Cone drew his eyebrows together in a frown. *I wish I didnt feel this way.* He thought miserably. *I wish he had never stuck his stupid lips in my stupid hair and made me lose anything I had that resembled sanity.*

At that moment, a hand that he immediately knew belonged to Deryck ran through his hair from behind. Cones eyes fell shut and he leaned back into the touch almost automatically. *Who am I kidding. This is perfect.*

The hand withdrew almost as fast and Deryck appeared at his side, sitting down next to him on the sand. He smiled and handed him a beer. Thanks, Biz. Cone said warmly and looked into the fire again. All he saw was Derycks face.

*******

Deryck shifted his legs out from under him and drew his knees up to his chest. He stuck his beer in the sand next to him, digging the bottle in until it didnt look like it would be likely to tip over on its own. Resting his chin on his knees, he wrapped his arms around the strip of his legs that wasnt covered by his long shorts or his socks and gazed into the fire. He watched the flames dance and lick up the edges of the logs.

*Wonder what Cones thinking about.*

He glanced over at his friend, who was sitting cross-legged in the sand, his chin resting on his hand and his elbow propped up on one leg. His eyebrows were drawn together in a slight frown and his eyes had the faraway look of someone lost in thought as he looked at the fire. His pale skin glowed orange as the light danced across his soft features, and his full lips were slightly parted, dry from not yet touching the bottle of beer he clasped in his left hand. He looked sad and lost and Deryck couldnt stop the words that fell into his head, one after the other, small but weighed down with meaning he looked *beautiful*.

He bit his lip and looked away from Cone quickly. He knew he shouldnt have thought that. It had just appeared in his head; he couldnt help it. It was such a simple thing to think but it meant so much more. And Deryck didnt want to have to consider what it meant. But then why had he spent the whole day staring at his friend? He hadnt meant to, hed just found himself looking at him way more than usual, and he wasnt sure exactly what he was looking *for*.

Deryck wasnt stupid. He knew what it could be. The events of that morning and his reaction to Cones tickle attack made it clear enough. He just didnt want to accept that possibility. Liking Cone meant so much more than simply having a crush on his best friend.

It meant *losing* his best friend. Losing the other guys. The band. The fans. His family. His life and everything he loved so much about it would be gone completely. Liking a guy was bad enough Deryck didnt even want to think about what that made him. But liking *Cone*, of all people. The one person hed probably come to talk to about this if it had been anyone else.

*Maybe I just need to get laid.* Deryck thought. *And Cones the closest thing to a female Ive got around.* He smiled into his knees, because he knew a comment like that would earn him a lot of tickling the painful kind and insults from his friend.

*So I watch him just because were never around any girls long enough to get any action.*

But as soon as Deryck thought that, he knew it wasnt true. *Right now Im surrounded by hot girls willing to give it up so they can tell their friends they got with someone famous. I could be looking at so many girls right now, but Im not. Im looking at Cone.*

Deryck buried his face in his knees. *Its official. Im fucked.*

Cone, meanwhile, was lost. Not literally, but he was lost in the flames. Hed always loved to watch fire. Back in high school, that time they set that abandoned car on fire, the guys ran around blowing parts of it up and throwing things at it. Cone just sat and watched the flames lick up the sides of the vehicle, the paint peeling and melting in the heat. It was enchanting, to say the least.

He started thinking of his friendship with Deryck. Of everything theyd done together; from helping each other sneak out of detention to carrying each other home when one of them passed out at a party. From the smiles they shared from opposite ends of the stage during shows to the various sticky substances they whipped up together to hide in Steves clothes or bed. Theyd done so much together it was hard to tell when one of his memories ended and one of Derycks began.

Theyd always been really close, too. They didnt achieve closeness by talking about their problems on a regular basis or buying each other flowers or anything, but they had some strange bond that let them know just what the other was thinking. It was what kept them sane after a long show where security was being a bitch and they couldnt get any beer because the drinking age was higher in the States. Cone would just pull Deryck into a hug and despite his friends constant claims of Cone, that is *so* gay or Im not a kid! he knew it was what the shorter boy had been waiting for since he put his guitar down and stumbled off the stage. Deryck thanked him by burying his face into his chest and wrapping his arms around his waist. And Cone would rest his chin on Derycks head and close his eyes and stand there in perfect harmony with his friend until the smaller boy felt his dignity wouldnt hold out much longer if he kept hugging him.

It was in those hugs and in Derycks hand that absentmindedly rested on the small of his back when they walked down a hallway or onto the tour bus that Cone knew their friendship wasnt just about pulling pranks on each other and the people around them. It went deeper than that; so deep that he felt like there was some part of his friend that had come to permanently residing in him. Everything he did, he always thought about what Deryck might do or say in the same situation. And he always knew.

Which was why Cone was confused right now. He knew Deryck well enough to figure out that the not-so-sneaky looks and the brighter-than-usual smiles meant something was going on. And he couldnt help thinking that maybe the new - yet in some way entirely too familiar - feeling of being attracted to your best friend was something Deryck might be dealing with too.

Cone pulled himself from his reverie and turned his head to look at his friend, hoping to see the answer etched in his face. All he saw was Deryck blinking in surprise as he had very obviously been caught staring at the taller boy. And then, because it was pointless trying to cover up what he had been doing, Deryck smiled at him, a real genuine Bizzy D smile complete with squinched-up eyes and dimples and button nose.

And Cone saw it. Something in there looked different and unexplored and vulnerable and new. Turning back to the flames, he smiled into the hand his chin was still resting on. He only hoped he knew Deryck enough to be sure he was right.

Cone looked down at his untied shoe that was partly filled with sand and his skinny legs mostly hidden by tattered shorts. He looked at his big black hoodie with the band logo on it he didnt even know because he got it from Bizzy as a present and hed bought it at a second hand store for him. Cone shifted his gaze to his friend.

The striped tie pulled through his belt loops, the shoelaces frayed and untied, the thrift store t-shirt and the hair messy and uneven from years of being cut with kitchen scissors all proved the fact that there was something about the two of them that set them apart from everyone else. There was nothing he didnt like about Deryck and there was nothing saying he shouldnt try to show his friend that.

Biz? He asked, his voice a bit hoarse from not being used in a while.

Deryck looked up quickly. He really did look like a little kid, all curled up in himself. Yah?

Cone stood up slowly, pushing himself off the sand with the beer he was holding, and he loomed over his friend like a giant. He stuck out his hand, long and pale and reminding Deryck of the half hour or so he had spent that morning staring at it. I wanna go for a walk.

Want me to come? Deryck asked, even though he knew the answer. Cone only nodded, and so Deryck took his hand and let himself be pulled up. He stumbled slightly and held onto his friends hand for balance as he righted himself. He caught his eye and they both froze in each others gaze, the light from the fire flitting across their faces. Deryck came back to his senses after a moment and looked away, pulling his hand back and shoving it in his pocket. *Shit* he thought *He knows. He totally fucking knows.*

Cone didnt say anything, he just started walking out of the crowd of people and down the beach. Deryck took one last look at the fire before running off to catch up with him

******

Cone, slow down! Deryck called out to his friend, who was striding down the beach much too fast for him to catch up.

Cone smiled into the darkness, automatically slowing his pace and letting his friend fall into step. Not my fault youre too short to catch up. He said softly, looking over at Deryck. They both grinned at the familiarity of the situation. They sort of needed it then, because everything felt so different and unexplored. They needed something to remind them that they werent new acquaintances; they knew each other better than anyone else.

Deryck didnt reply, just playfully shoved at Cones right arm. He didnt really want to hurt him, though. Deryck thought he looked like a little child, sunken into his oversized black hoodie like a security blanket.

They walked in silence for a little while, the sounds of music and peoples shouting and talking floating down the beach and mingling with the barely audible sound of the waves creeping slowly up the sand and retreating again. The tide had come up as the sun had gone down, and the distance between the dry sand and the water had been reduced considerably.

Deryck didnt know where they were going or what they were doing; all he felt was a fluttery feeling in the his stomach. *I havent had this feeling since our first big show.* He thought. *What am I so nervous about?*

After a while, Cone decided theyd gone far enough and stopped walking. Deryck stopped as well, turning on his heel to look out at the water. Cone walked down into the wet sand and then back-pedalled quickly when a wave came in. As it slid back down the beach, he followed it. He kept doing it for a little while, laughing a bit when he misjudged his distance and got his shoe wet. Deryck laughed a bit, too. I may be short but at least I can avoid a wave thats moving at about two kilometres an hour.

I can be fast when I choose to! Cone defended himself, and he backed away from the water, shaking the wet shoe so vigorously it flew off his foot and landed in the water, a bit farther out. Shit! He yelled in dismay, hopping on one foot down to the edge of the water to get it. Deryck, meanwhile, was doubled over laughing at the sight of Cone hopping close to his shoe and then having to quickly hop back again when another wave came.

Stop laughing! Cone said, even though he was too. I cant get my fucking shoe!

Deryck sighed and walked straight into the oncoming wave, picking the stranded shoe up and splashing his way back to Cone, who was grinning because Deryck obviously didnt mind getting *his* shoes wet. Thank you, brave knight! Youve saved a damsel in distress! He said in a high voice, feigning a curtsy. Deryck was already laughing at his comment, but laughed even harder because Cone was still standing on one leg, and he fell over sideways while trying to curtsy on it thankfully into the sand, not the water.

Anything for a damsel as graceful and sure-footed as you. Deryck said, sitting down next to him in the sand.

Cone looked up from his shoe, and his eyes sparkled a bit in the reflection of the full moon that was hovering over the beach. Sure- footed?

I can make up words. Im a brave knight, remember? Do you think lancelot was a real world before those old British knights made it up?

Lancelot isnt a word, D. Cone said, trying to suppress his laughter because Deryck had been trying to sound like he knew what he was talking about and he didnt want to offend him. He was a knight of the round table.

See, this is why you got no girls in high school. Deryck said, waving an arm in the air for effect. You read about lancelots and shit. See, I thought it was a long pokey thing they used to fight with.

Cone grinned. Thats called a *lance*, not a never mind. He trailed off at the look Deryck was giving him. After a minute he noticed the log sitting in the sand about a foot behind them, and scooted backwards to rest his back on it, stretching his legs out in the sand. His wet shoe already had a bunch of sand in it and it wasstuck all over his wet sock, but he didnt really mind.

Deryck had been leaning back in the sand, resting on his elbows. He hung his head upside down to look at his friend. Cone smiled at him; he even looked good upside down. Deryck grinned back, and Cone wanted to trail his tongue up his law line and around each dimple so badly.

Come ere, Biz. He said softly. Deryck flipped around onto his knees and half-crawled up to the log Cone was resting against. The taller boy looked out at the ocean and saw the shimmer of the moons reflection in it. It was so calm it was surreal; the water was an inky black and so was the sky, which was full of stars. Not as many as hed seen in their part of Ontario, because Vancouver was a big city and had too many lights on at night, but there were quite a few there. It made him remember something; a memory that came with a feeling hed forgotten, and it tingled up his spine and pooled in his chest, warm and good. He wanted to see if Deryck remembered, too.

Cone wrapped his right arm around Derycks shoulders, and at his questioning look said Come here, lie down. in a reassuring tone. Deryck didnt hesitate, just manoeuvred himself until he was lying between Cones slightly bent legs, and laid back against his friends long torso, his head falling into the middle of his chest. When it was clear hed gotten comfortable, Cone let his arms fall lightly around Derycks sides, and clasped his hands over his stomach, not so tight as to make it feel like an embrace, but enough to let Deryck know he was there.

It was almost summer, and they had gone to a skate park one night because Deryck wanted to get this girls number and the only thing he knew about her (aside of the fact that she was a killer babe, as he would have said at the time) was that she went to that skate park a lot.

Cone sucked at skating enough to just watch his friend, and talked to some guy next to him about the new Rancid cd while Deryck did his stuff. They hadnt seen the girl all night, and when Deryck finally spotted her, he was busy taking this other guy on in a competition to see who fell off their board first (one of Derycks favourite games). The girl was just turning to leave and Cone figured his friend must have felt it was his last chance, so Deryck asked for her number. And forgot to look where he was going.

He twisted his ankle falling. It wasnt fatal, but it hurt like a motherfucker and the girl left pretty fast. Cone did his best to comfort Deryck. He was a tough kid though, he stood up with only a small wince and said he was fine, it was just his pride that was hurt a little.

Not wanting to see the other guys compete but not wanting to go home any earlier than necessary, theyd headed off to the grass and sat down. And thats when they had their first-ever serious discussion. It had started from talking about girls in general and had transformed into one of those do you ever get the feeling that life is so much more than just what we do every day? conversations. Until then, Cone hadnt known what a deep person Deryck was. He overcompensated a bit for his height with a tough attitude and an I dont give a fuck about anything style. But that night Cone found out that he was just as scared and alone as the rest of them, if not even more so. And the kid really, really liked stars. He loved trying to wrap his mind around the concept of the universe and how insignificant they really were.

That night, Cone had been letting him lean on him for support while they talking and stared at the endless night sky. And Deryck had just sort of slid into his lap, fitting easily against him like Cone had been built for the purpose of letting Deryck lie on him. Theyd lapsed from comfortable silence to discussion and back again, and it had been really nice. Both of them felt something change in their relationship, that night. They werent just going be friends until they graduated and parted ways. It was gonna last.

*And here we are,* Cone thought as he looked down at the boy who was now three years older, but looked no different. *Bizzy and Cone. Same as always. In it for the chicks and the kicks.*

He rubbed the fabric covering Derycks stomach lightly, and saw a smile appear on the smaller boys face in response. *Only its changed a little. The rules are different, now.*

Deryck? Cone asked, still rubbing. The detached mm? he got in response let him know his friend was enjoying it.

Can I ask you something?

Always. Deryck replied, resting his hand on Cones wrist and patting it lightly. *Jay*. He felt like he could die like this and be happy.

Have you *Shit*, Cone thought, panicking. *How am I gonna say this?*

Deryck must have sensed something, because he bent his neck back so he could look up at his friend, even though he was upside down. Yah?

Cone couldnt say it, not with Deryck looking at him like that. Eventually he got the hint and let his chin fall back onto his chest. Cone didnt like looking people in the eye when he said important things, Deryck knew that. *Wonder what it is?* He thought idly.

Have you noticed anything?

Silence. Deryck wasnt sure if he was supposed to respond or if Cone was going to elaborate. He was hoping he would, because he didnt understand yet.

With us?

*Oh fuck,* Deryck tensed. *Hes noticed. Hes noticed me watching him and he knows I want him and now hes gonna call me on it and Im going to be so embarrassed and-*

Relax. Cone broke into his thoughts and whispered, noticing how his friend had frozen up. He drew up the hem of Derycks t-shirt a bit and watched his own fingers trace light circles on the soft skin there. Deryck watched too, and he felt his cock grow hard but he didnt care cause his pants were baggy and Cone wouldnt notice.

Cone smiled, knowing it had relaxed his friend a bit more. He would have been just as happy to sit here drawing lazy patterns on Derycks stomach for eternity, but he had to do it.

So, have you? He whispered after a moment, his breath warm on Derycks ear and the smaller boy shivered, and they both knew it wasnt because he was cold.

Noticed anything? Deryck repeated, because he didnt want to answer.

Yah.

He stared at Cones fingers a bit more, and started rubbing his thumb ever-so-slightly over Cones wrist, where his hand already sat. Maybe. Why?

Cause I wanna know how you *This is so much harder than I thought it would be,* Cone thought. How you feel about it.

Deryck drew in a deep, shaky breath, and let it out slowly. He couldnt remember ever being so nervous in his life. His response would mean so much. If he said the wrong thing oh, god. It would be horrible. *But whats the wrong thing?* He thought, trying to reason with himself. *Telling my best friend a comfortable lie or the truth?*

Cone, I.. Im He stammered, wrapping his hand around his friends wrist. Im scared. He finally said, his voice reduced to a whisper.

So am I. Cone replied, gazing at the lights of the North Shore across the Inlet, all twinkling orange streetlights spread across the slope of the mountains.

I like you, Cone. Deryck said, almost not recognizing his own voice. It took so much to simply say those words that he felt limp and shaky after letting them fall off his tongue. Cone was holding him tighter. Deryck felt his friends mouth in his hair, and his breath on his scalp sent warmth spreading through his limbs.

Cone wanted to tell Deryck how he felt, too, but he thought it would be oddly appropriate to tell it to him in the same way Deryck had started this whole thing the night before. He pressed his lips to his friends head and said softly, into his skin, I like you too. Cone let the oo draw out, and he knew it affected Deryck the same way it had affected him, because Derycks head rolled back and his eyes closed.

They both lay there for a moment, Cones fingers tracing patterns on his stomach, Derycks hand on his arm, and Cones mouth in his hair. They were both overwhelmed with the feelings they had, now that theyd both said it out loud. It was like theyd been staring at a painting of a lake their whole lives and now theyd just realised they had an ocean all around them.

Is this gonna be weird? Because- Deryck started to ask.

Cone interrupted him softly with a No.

Deryck smiled into the darkness and realised that since theyd confessed how they felt he hadnt even seen Cones face. Lightly removing his friends arms from his waist, he sat up and turned to face the taller boy, now sitting cross-legged in the V of his legs.

Cone smiled at him, and Deryck felt something in him melt. Maybe it was his heart. Maybe it was his brain. He didnt know. All he knew was he was staring at the most beautiful person in the entire world and that person was giving him a smile back, a smile that let him know he was thinking the same thing. His sky-blue eyes were warm and soft like the rest of his face. His blond hair was matted and flopped over a bit, the soft curve of his jaw seeming to glow in the faint light of the moon.

And damn, those lips looked inviting.