They walked along the railroad tracks, their shoulders touching every once and a while. The older one was 14, while the others birthday was in a few days. They were out for no reason, just exploring like the use to do back when they were twelve.

"This brings back memories, don't it?" Gordie mentioned; remembering their adventure they had while trying to find a dead body.

Chris nodded, "Yeah…"

Silence filled the air again, as the just kept walking; neither of them saying a word. It would have been different if Teddy or Vern was there, but ever since they started going to junior high, the never spoke to them.

After a few miles Gordie stopped and turned around, "I think we ought a start heading back."

"Yeah, we should."

And with that they started walking back.

After a while, Gordie starting to grow tired. He sighed, "Can we stop? I wanna lay down for a sec."

"You pussy…" Chris teased, but he stopped and walked off the tracks. They both lay down in the soft grass.

Gordie stretched out. As he did so he lightly touched Chris's side. Chris ignored the touch though, because he was deep in his own thoughts.

"Looks like it might rain tonight." Gordie said, pointing at far away dark clouds.

"We should start walkin' again." Chris suggested.

Gordie frowned and rolled over on his side; facing the other boy.

"What's your problem?"

Gordie shrugged.

Chris rolled his eyes, "Man, somethin' is up with you."

Gordie stood up, "It ain't nothin'."

They then started to walk home.

When they got to the point where they would go their separate ways to their homes, the both stopped. For a while the just stood there; neither liked their homes.

"Well…bye." Chris sighed.

Gordie waved, "Bye." And he watched as Chris started walking away. "Oh wait! Chris!"

"What?"

"Do you wanna sleep over tomorrow night, in the tree house?" Gordie asked.

"Uh…sure."

Gordie wasn't satisfied by his tone. He left it alone though. "It's my birthday the next day, I just wanna spend it with someone who actually gives a shit."

Chris turned around and faced him, "I know it's your birthday. I already got you somethin'."

Gordie smiled, "Meet me in the tree house after eight."

"Okay." Chris turned back around and started walking again.

As Gordie guessed, it did rain. As he lay in bed the rain poured onto the roof. He tossed and turned; not being able to fall asleep. It wasn't because of the rain; it was because he was too excited for tomorrow night. It was weird for him because all he ever thought about was Chris. Chris was his only friend now. I guess he was scared of losing him, just like Teddy and Vern. Although, he was always closer to Chris, he knew Chris would never just leave him.

The next day seemed like forever. Gordie sat around after he did all of his chores. There was nothing to do in that town. As he read some comics in his room, his dad barged it, "So Chris is sleeping over tonight?"

"Yeah." Gordie said, not looking up from his comic.

"Don't cause any trouble." His dad demanded.

"We won't."

"Okay…" His dad stood there before talking again, "Well, you can take any of the food up there. It is your birthday tomorrow; you can do whatever you want." His dad left. It was only once a year when he would act nice. Ever since Gordie's brother died, the family had been silent. His mom family came around to talking every once and while; making sure Gordie was doing well in school or was feeling okay. He guessed it was better than nothing.

When the time became closer to eight, he ran downstairs to the kitchen. He went straight to the fridge and grabbed four Cokes. He then opened the pantry and grabbed the package of Oreos. His eyes wandered around; wondering what else to grab. He spotted some M&Ms and threw them on top of the Oreos. Without dropping anything, he ran to the tree house.

Gordie lay his head down on a pillow. He sighed as he waited for Chris to arrive. After fifteen minutes he began to grow annoyed. Chris was always late. Fuck him, Gordie thought.

…Gordie waited and waited and eventually thought to just leave, but before he did he heard footsteps outside. Finally! He sat up and waited for the figure to arrive. Chris smiled as he saw Gordie; who looked angry. "You're late asshole!"

"Calm down."

Gordie crossed his arms, "Whatever, you fucker."

Chris sat across from Gordie, "Just because it's your birthday doesn't mean you can bitch at me."

"Oh fuck off!"

"Gordie…man." He was serious now, "I'm sorry, really."

The boy nodded, "Fine."

"Skin it?"

Gordie laughed, "Aren't we a bit too old for that?"

"Gordie." Chris demanded, putting his hand out.

Gordie did as he was told. He couldn't say no to an old tradition.

After many hours of playing cards, eating Oreos, and drinking coke, the two boys laid down next to each other. "I'm so tired." Gordie said.

"It's only like 11:15. How can you be tired?"

Gordie shrugged.

"You excited for tomorrow?" Chris asked.

Gordie shrugged again.

"What's up with you?"

He shrugged; yet again.

Chris just rolled his eyes; giving up.

Before he knew it, Chris looked over at Gordie who was fast asleep. Chris sighed, what the fuck is up with him? He looked over at the younger boy again. They had been friends for so long, and Chris had this feeling that he wanted more from Gordie. Chris then sat up; still staring at Gordie. He scanned the innocent face; his brown hair; his beautiful eyes; his soft cheeks; his small nose; his plump lips. Chris shook himself away as his heart starting beating faster. Stop it, he told himself. But, as soon as he looked away, he looked back. His heart pounded as he scanned the boy's face again, and his eyes went lower; scanning his whole frame. He's so beautiful. Chris shook himself again, FUCK! He then looked at the clock; it was passed midnight. It was Gordie's birthday. Before Chris could stop himself, he leaned over Gordie's body. He stopped, staring at the boy's face closely. He leaned closer, light planting his lips on the boy, "Happy Birthday."

Gordie's eyes fluttered open. Chris flew over to his side; eyes wide. Fucking Christ!

"Thanks." That is all Gordie said as he sat up.

Chris stared at him; confused more than ever. "W-what?"

Gordie shrugged, "Thanks for the birthday gift."

"But I haven't-"

"The kiss god dammit." Gordie laughed.

"But I didn't k-"

Gordie threw his hand over Chris's mouth, "Don't you fucking lie to me Chambers."

"I-I'm sorry." Chris stood up, "Maybe I should go."

"Sit the fuck down." Gordie demanded, "It's my birthday."

Chris sat down.

"Don't be sorry Chris."

Chris nodded.

"Just…don't do it again."

Chris's jaw dropped; a long with his heart.

"…until I kiss you back."