Pyro's POV

I'm not exactly sure when it happened.

Every time you enter the room, I know you're there. Every time you smile that goofy grin of yours, a different kind of fire burns within me. Every time our eyes meet, I never want to look away.

There were times when I didn't look away, even when you did. Well, I watched you out of the corner of my eye. I'm talking about the times when I saw you undress for bed, sometimes with your boxers, sometimes without them. What about the times when I used to lie awake all night just so I could feign waking up when you did, so we could shower together before the other guys ambled in?

It's funny -- none of them do anything for me, just you; it's always been you.

Then there were the times when I saw you with her. Why are you with her? She drives you crazy . . . I should know; you talked to me about it when you couldn't get to sleep. But, in those times, I envied her the time she got to spend with you; I pretended to be your confidante; I was the ear for your troubles and sexual frustration.

Sexual frustration. Yeah, that's what it was. The exasperated sighs when you came into the room really early or really late. The desperation I felt, as I only wanted to take away your frustrations.

I guess you didn't know that I was getting frustrated as well; you wouldn't know. I never told you about those feelings. I never whispered one word about them to you. Your friendship was what kept me there, year after year.

When I was weak and wanted to leave the school forever, you held me back. Your words assured me that, in time, I would see why it was important to be a part of the group. Remember the last time? You caught me sneaking out of the window -- literally. I relished the time you spent holding me, your hand soothing my nerves as it stroked my hair gently. All I could think about at that time was how much I wanted it to be stroking another part of me.

Remember when I pushed you away? The hurt and confusion in your eyes struck a deep chord in me, but I knew it was necessary to break away. I couldn't have my secret out in the open. Then, it wouldn't have been a secret anymore, wouldn't it have?

It's hard for me, hiding these feelings I have for you. That's the only word I have for them -- feelings. I don't know what kind of feelings they are. They could be love, interest, or just hormones fucking with my libido.

Fucking. Yeah, I used to, and still do, imagine it with us. I could never make out exactly who was top or bottom, but I knew it was you and me. It was always you and me.

That will never change, will it? Of course not, you're my friend -- my closest friend, my only friend, my first friend. We'll always hang out together, no matter what. We'll always forgive each other everything because it's what you and I are all about.

Remember when I left the group for good. I thought for sure you would have stopped me, but you never did. You let me go. Why? All I wanted was for you to hold me again like you did that night.

I don't know what would happen if you held me now. I might take advantage of the fact that we're alone . . . We're alone . . . There's no one around, not even her. I guess there are still some things you don't share with her. Like me, and, for that, I am grateful. Because I think I might tell you something right now.

Right now, as you sit beside me, not knowing what to say, biting the inside of your bottom lip as you always do when you're thinking.

I guess this is when it happened.

When what happened?

When I fell in love with you.