Disclaimer: I do not own the works of T. Pierce, nor do I make money by writing these stories.
"I know what you're not telling us, Alan." Her breathe caught in fear—how did he—had he?-as her gaze snapped up to meet his. His eyes burned like molten silver, boring into hers. They were filled with something strange and dark—like a hunger. She swallowed and looked away, heart hammering inside her chest.
"What makes you think I'm keeping a secret?" She tried to keep her voice level and calm.
Alex was sitting uncomfortably close to her, his thigh nearly touching hers. She didn't want to look in his eyes; that strange, burning intensity had not left them.
He looked at her, frustrated. "Come on, Alan. Don't deny what we both already know. I can guess why you're too embarrassed to swim with the other pages." Her eyes wide, she looked back up at him, petrified. Could he have guessed?
"Why you're so touchy about your size, so desperate to prove your strength. Alan, they may not see it, but I do. Why you're still "too young" to think about girls!" He chuckled, as she tucked her hands in her lap and tried to hide her trembling. "None of the other boys are too young."
"But don't worry. You don't have to lie anymore—not to me. It will be our secret." Leaning in, he brushed one of her red curls away from her eyes. Something was off... his knowing demeanor, his gentle voice and passionate eyes. If her knew her secret, why wasn't he angry with her for lying? He put a hand on her knee, and his thumb made small circles on the fabric. Her breathe was coming shallow and quick, her stomach tied in knots.
"What... I don't understand what you—"
"It's alright, I know what it's like." Alex of Tirregon closed the distance and pressed his lips gently to hers, and an unexpected passion sparked between them at the touch.
Alanna was afraid.
She pulled away. "No, Alex! I—I mean, I'm not..."
"Come on, Alan, don't deny what we both already know! I've caught you looking at me. I knew you'd be too shy to risk your reputation, but it's alright. I feel the same way. And nobody else has to know, I swear I won't tell anyone!"
He caught at the side of her face, touching her gently, making her more confused. She felt relieved, because he hadn't guessed her secret after all. A strange heat was rushing through her body, leaving her mind unfocused... and everything could go so horribly wrong if she made a mistake right now!
Suddenly her confused feelings found their home in anger, and strength came back to her limbs as her temper flared. She stood up abruptly, pulling away from him and balling her hands up into fists.
"Alex of Tirregon, I am not gay! And you'd better remember that, next time you get a gods-cursed idea like it in your head! And if you tell anyone what we talked about tonight, I'll tell them who it was that started that kiss!" She turned on her heel and left before he could say anything more.
Later she reflected that she'd much rather people think she preferred men, if they had to think something. Ironically, Alex would now be certain that he was right, even though she'd actually told him the truth. He acted as though nothing had happened between them, and of course he never breathed a word to the other boys. But their friendship was never the same after that.