Will walked alongside the beaming, bright, once-Candor girl as she babbled on. Christina babbled on while he interjected when necessary, content with listening to the sound of her voice. Their route took them outside and he felt odd out in the sun having spent so much time in the shell of darkness the Dauntless compound provided him; but Christina soaked up the sunlight with her tanned skin and endearing smile.
Being lost in thought was so easy for him that it was a struggle to not delve too deeply, her fast-paced way of speaking captured his attention as he leaned in to catch each word eagerly. Will found himself intently listening, understanding and replying. Engaging with her was something of a sport for him. Yet he still couldn't resist studying her, memorizing her- not in the way one might study a textbook with disinterest and a slipping train of thought, but with an inexplicable interest and joy. The only thing that could withdraw him from her was the thought of advancing past an afar interest. In other words, fear.

You shouldn't be afraid, he scolded himself internally. Christina looked at him curiously, fixated by his apparent distress. Will hardly took notice. She's just a friend. Nothing more, he lied to himself, forcing his scowl into an easy smile.

"Well if you don't like the idea of Al asking Tris out that much-" she smirked, though the gesture was halfhearted. Empty.

"No-No it's not that." He mumbled, watching her move forward with an impossible grace. His heart was beating against his ribcage, fluttering like a bird. Heat rushed to his cheeks, turning them a deep scarlet. Emotions, he chided, so strange and impossible. He hated them.

She threw her arm out suddenly, stopping him in his tracks. Her eyes were wide, her expression bewildered as she exclaimed in complete and utter exasperation, "Wait, you like her? You like Tris?"

Will swore she sounded hurt. Wounded.

All he could do was laugh, the outburst atypical for him. Christina's features twisted into an unearthly scowl. "What's so funny?" she demanded in a harsh tone. His laughter cut off and he shook his head, refusing to meet her eyes. "God-dammit Will! Tell me ri-"

He couldn't stop himself. Will leaned over and kissed her square on the mouth. When she tensed beneath his touch, his stomach dropped. It was as if he had plunged into a bucket of ice water and he was now drowning in it, helpless.

She's so going to kill me, He thought, his throat coated with fear and constricting so he could offer up no words. He pulled away and kept walking, keeping his head down. It was as if pretending the moment hadn't passed and everything was back to normal; but it wasn't. The awkward tension still lingered and he cursed under his breath. Christina kept pace with him, starting a whole new conversation like nothing had happened.

So much for being friends. Will sighed.

Hands shoved in his pockets, he listened to her rant, savoring her voice from afar once more- the way she spoke and the gestures she made and the little lines etching her face- in fear of never talking to her like this again. They were heading back inside, the sunlight abandoning them and the dark walls confining them once more. Christina looped around, stopped Will in his tracks and pressed her mouth to his. Overwhelmed by shock, Will did nothing and she stepped back with flushed cheeks.

This time there was no pretending.

"Sorry," she whispered.

He cleared his throat, trying to settle himself. His quirky nature was returning to him, coming easier now that the tension had dissipated with that one kiss.

"That's quite all right, young lady," he smirked. Will kissed her again, gathering her in his arms, making sure this kiss was long and sweet.