Chapter 6: After School

The final bell rang, and angel stepped into the hall. He dropped his books into his locker, and Mimi appeared at his side.

"I have detention," she laughed, rolling her eyes. He shrugged.

"I have to stay after to work on a project," he told her. She nodded, and ran fingers through her wild brown hair.

"So I'll catch you in a bit," Mimi promised, wandering off.

When Angel walked into the classroom, Mr. Keelson was sitting at his desk, grading papers. Collins sat in a seat with his text book open. He sat down in the chair next to his friend.

"I'm glad to see you guys working," their teacher told them, "and not waiting until the last minute."

"Me? Procrastinate?" Collins laughed.

After a few minutes of diligently gathering information and discussing, Mr. Keelson stood up. "I have to make some copies of a test for seventh hour," he told them, "you two ok here alone?" Collins nodded, and the teacher smiled. "You're moth good students," he mused, heading out the door and shutting it behind him.

"Alone at last," Angel laughed. Collins gave an uncomfortable smile. "I'm just kidding," the Hispanic said, grabbing his friend's knee jokingly (AN: People do this…think Napoleon Dynamite). They paused awkwardly, and Angel let go. "Sorry," he muttered, feeling embarrassed.

"Don't be," Collins told him quietly, "I should be. I'm the one whose been leading you on. I'm sorry."

"It's OK, you just—"

"Well, no," Collins said, cutting Angel off. "When I'm around you," he explained, "I don't want to care what anyone else thinks. But I do." Angel nodded, not knowing how to respond. But Collins continued. "I wish I didn't," he admitted in a whisper. Their faces were very close, and Angel took his opportunity.

"I'm going to kiss you," he whispered, "and I don't want you to pull away."

He leaned forward, pressing their lips together. Collins placed hit hand on the back of the boy's head, bringing the kiss even deeper. Angel shifted his jaw, taking Collins' lower lip between his. He slid his tongues along their lips, and Collins moaned slightly in pleasure.

After they parted, their foreheads pressed together, Collins smiled.

"Wow," he whispered joyfully. Angel grinned.

"Yeah," he agreed, "wow."

The door shook slightly, and the two pulled apart. Mr. Keelson walked in with a stack of papers.

"You get a lot done?" he asked.

"I think so," Angel laughed, grabbing Collins' knee under the table. They both blushed. But the teacher didn't notice.

"I have to go to practice," Collins said, gathering his books. Angel stood as well, and they walked together to the door. Out in the hall, Mimi ran towards them.

"See you tomorrow, Angel," Collins called over his shoulder.

Mimi saw the look on Angel's face, and smiled. "What was that?