Sorry for the delay. I've been drawing more than writing lately. I'm not sure what it is that's changed, but I seems like the passion I initially poured into the story is sapping away. I guess I wish I were a better writer.

Anyway. Sorry for any OOC-ness in my story. I'm trying.

So here's chapter four!

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Chapter Four: The Corner

As the library came into sight, Tory sighed.

The whole walk over had been virtually silent. They talked a little, but about nothing worth recording. Nothing worth bonding over.

It's not that he particularly minded the silence, because it was very comfortable. Not anxious, nor awkward.

No, what bothered him was that during all this silence, he had time to think.

At first, he thought about the dinner they were to be enjoying in a few hours. This led to him thinking about the upcoming evening and the careful planning which he recorded in his journal. This, inevitably, led to Colin.

Colin…

Why is it that every time he thought about the raven-haired boy, an involuntary smile sprung to his lips? Why is it that he's been concentrating less on the Gaia Project and more on getting to know Colin as a person?

He even stopped recording in his journal. Not only had he stopped collecting important data, but he also had stopped writing every day. Like he'd finally stepped out into the world. Like he's finally living for himself instead of in his journal.

All he knew was that it seemingly happened over night. Like he woke up one day and realized that he wanted to see Colin. He just wanted to be near him. Tory thought nothing of it at the time.

But things have changed. He wasn't sure how, why or even when but he sensed a change in himself. He felt it reverberating from his heart through his entire being.

What is this? Tory thought, fearing he might know.

Testing his theory on himself, he inwardly asked: "Do I really like Colin that way?"

In an almost immediate response, a warm rush shot from his heart and filled every crevice of his body. It was so forceful he felt himself shiver momentarily, goose bumps forming on his arms.

Not believing the involuntary jolt's implications right away, Tory stared hard at the sidewalk in front of him.

Shit, Tory's mind hissed, I think I—

"Tory? Hey, you all right?" Drawing himself back into reality, Tory looked at Colin. Feeling himself blush slightly, he nodded.

Yeah, Tory thought quietly, I do.

Upon entering the large white building, they were greeted by a librarian sitting behind a well-crafted wood desk.

Nodding their hellos, Tory and Colin walked to the center of the open sitting area. Randomly placed wooden tables and comfortable green chairs were strewn about the room. There were about four people sitting in the area.

The two friends looked at each other and Tory shrugged half-heartedly.

"Where'd you want to sit?" Tory whispered, not looking particularly thrilled about the seating arrangement. Colin smirked and gestured for Tory to follow him. Smiling to himself, he followed after Colin who headed down a fiction isle. Turning abruptly Colin led him to a small, hidden corner behind a large wall of non-fiction books.

"How's this?" Colin asked, an amused twinkle flickering in his eyes.

"Just fine," Tory said, with a smooth chuckle.

They proceeded to arrange themselves on the course blue carpeting in their new corner. It was only slightly smaller than the corner they'd adopted in the school library.

They sat down, side-by-side and slightly squished, leaning up against the cool whitewashed walls. Tory set his textbook in his lap and flipped to the appropriate page. They were to compare both the difference between light and sound waves and how each one can be created and perceived.

First things first, Tory thought, we're going to have to read this chapter and take notes. After that, we can buckle down and start looking for more information in the library.

Tory whipped out his folder and handed Colin a sheet of notebook paper and a pen.

He briefly smiled his thanks before grabbing a book off the nearby shelf to write on.

They both turned their eyes to the book resting on Tory's lap.

The chapter was ridiculously tedious and long, fifteen pages, and an hour later they still hadn't finished.

Tory yawned for about the ninth time in the past twenty minutes as he scribbled something about wavelengths into his notes.

"You know Tory," Colin said without lifting his eyes from the page, "This isn't a group project. I know I asked you to help me, but it's kind of like we're working on one project." Tory studied the profile of Colin's flawless face.

"Not to say I mind working," Colin paused and turned his face towards Tory's, their faces mere inches as a result of the close sitting quarters, "so closely with you." Tory's cheeks burned as he saw a touch of pink even grace Colin's face.

Suddenly, Colin looked away.

"But I don't want you to fail because I needed help."

Tory cocked his head.

"I'm not going to fail because of you! And so what anyway? I don't really care if I fail this project. I hate physics." Tory gave Colin a reassuring smirk, hoping Colin would catch on to the implications of what he'd just said.

I just want to be with you, Tory's mind spoke to Colin. Whatever the consequences.

Colin flashed a grateful, yet coy smile at Tory.

"Okay, but if you fail, I'm blaming myself." Tory chuckled, affection surging within him.

"Deal."

The hours passed and the two boys got all but one part of their project done. They needed to create a poster to use during their presentation.

Tory eyed the round clock hanging on the far wall. It was twenty to five.

We have to leave now if we want to make it home on time, Tory thought with an edge of frustration.

They were so close to finishing!

Tory glanced down a nearby isle, then behind him and to the right.

Crap. Where did Colin go?

He backtracked to their hidden corner behind the bookshelf.

Nothing.

He noted that Colin's notes were still there.

Well, Tory thought wryly, at least he didn't leave.

Heading towards the central sitting area, he glanced around.

Nope.

Next he went over to the computers.

Nothing.

What the heck?? Tory thought, starting to get a little frantic. We're going to be late!

Colin said he was going to go research the travel of light waves through spa—A hand latched onto his, gently pulling him into an isle.

He came face to face with a pair of familiar, deep eyes.

"Were you looking for me?" Blushing and feeling quite flustered, Tory merely nodded.

"We need to get going, huh?" Colin asked casually, still holding Tory's hand.

"Yeah, if we don't hurry, we're going to be late." Colin nodded and let go of Tory's hand as they made their way back to the corner.

Gathering their piles of printed articles and photocopied book pages, they headed out the door.

The walk home was a little more talkative but during the few silences that did occur, Tory's mind was calm.

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I hope you all liked it. Come back a little later for the next installment. Thanks for sticking with me! It really means a lot. :heart: