Both had an unhappy disposition. They felt lonely, though they were not alone. Surrounded by all kinds of girls, they successfully hid their true feelings by laughing, flirting, and seeming to have a genuinely good time. But as their eyes shyly met across the room, each recognized the longing in the other. One boy--tall, thin, blonde--longed at the counter, passing drinks with the girls around him. The other boy--not as tall, shorter by only a few inches, overly skinny, dark headed--sat on the couch learning guitar chords from another boy. People continued to fill the room as the minutes ticked by.
Soon, the dark headed boy stood, plugging his guitar into an amp. Three other boys joined him--one on bass, another on guitar, and the final set up a set of drums. As the music started, everyone gathered around the four boys. Rabid punk ballads came from the instruments while James, our dark headed boy, belted out strong lyrics backed by saved up emotions and adrenaline. All the kids bounced and weaved, loving the group’s fun sound.
But through all the excitement of the party, two boys’ eyes stayed locked on one another. Neither understood why this aligning linked them together, but both knew that it was there and that it would not go away.
The music slowed, moving into a beautiful love song, fueled by James’ longing.
I know we can't change the past
We can change the future so
Soon we'll be free
To do what we want in my car
And stare at the stars.
The moment the final chord was played, James immediately put down his guitar, stumbling out the door to the lonely front yard, hindered by emotion.
Momentarily, Matt, the blonde boy, appeared beside him. They did not look at one another, eyes focused on the empty street.
After a short silence, Matt spoke.
“I love your music. That last song was great.”
“Matt...” he murmured, finally turning to face him.
“Yes,” he replied, full of confidence.
In a flash, James’ hands went around his neck, Matt’s to his waist, and the two came together, embracing in their first kiss.
When it was over, they lied down in the grass, James in Matt’s arms.
“The night is so beautiful,” he remarked, as they pointed out groups of stars to one another.
“Not half as beautiful as you,” was the reply, and again they shared a kiss.

Late that night, Matt pulled his little white car into the driveway of James’ duplex. Turning off the engine, he looked over at his sleeping friend.
“Jamesy, wake up, you’re home...”
James groaned and shifted, not waking up.
“Jaaaames...” He shook him lightly, but still he did not wake up.
Matt sighed, getting out of the car and walking to the passenger side.
“C’mere honey,” he murmured, picking up the scrawny boy sleeping there. Immediately he snuggled up against his chest. He carried him inside, through the kitchen, and laid him down on his double bed.
Matt gently, lovingly, took off the sleeping boy’s shoes, covering him with the blanket. He stood at the foot of the bed, pondering driving home at 4 am.
He decided against it, shedding his own shoes and his uncomfortable jeans, crawling into the bed, snuggling against his new favorite boy.

The next morning Matt woke up, blinking confusedly, unsure of where he was or how he had gotten there. Suddenly it hit him, everything at once... the kiss, the drive, the boy. He felt himself smiling, but then he looked around, confused more by his newfound loneliness.
He rose slowly, still feeling tired, and wandered into the kitchen. On the counter sat three boxes of cereal, a bowl, a spoon, and a note. “Milk is in the fridge. Be back at 1. Love.” He smiled, choosing Froot Loops over Cheerios and Captain Crunch.
He wasn’t just in love with James because he was cute or because he could sing, but also because he was sweet, thoughtful, and playful too. And he knew he felt the same way about him.
As he finished with his bowl of sugary cereal, he drifted to the couch, turning on James’ medium sized TV and immediately fell back to sleep.

Next thing he knew, he was being buried underneath a giggling James.
“Morning sweetie,” his attacker said, sitting lightly on his stomach.
Matt sat up, moving James into his lap. “Hey babe. What’ve you been up to?”
Snuggled against his chest, James smiled.
“I brought you flowers.”
“Aw.”
“They’re in the kitchen. Now get up, sleepy head! We’re going for a bike ride!”