I know they're short, but you still love them.

Chapter 7: The Talk

Collins walked up the cement steps and knocked on the large, wooden door. Angel came right away, and let him inside.

He hadn't spoken to his new friend since the kiss the day before. It bothered him that he seemed to ignore Angel, but before anything happened, they never spoke. Why should this be any different? It wasn't. They weren't together.

"We need to talk," Collins told Angel, once they were in his room. He breathed deeply, thinking about how to word his thoughts. "I think that we should stop for a while," he fumbled, "With us, I mean. This weekend was one thing, but now that's I'm thrown back in with all my friends…I still need to figure things out, and I don't think I'm ready for a physical relationship just yet."

Angel sat quietly, listening to Collins' words. He knew what he was going through. It was tough figuring out your sexuality when it may not be the 'norm.' However, he was hurt that it mattered more to Collins about what his friends thought.

No. That's what matters to everyone. Mimi was his most important influence, and he felt selfish for wanting Collins to feel otherwise.

"I understand," he said, and the other man knew that he did, "And I want you to know that I'm here. Seriously. Not just as a friend, but as one homosexual to a closet homosexual." Collins nodded, smirking at the 'closet' comment.

"I appreciate it," he said.

They began working on their project, getting much more done than the day before. Collins was very grateful that Angel understood his situation. Angel, surprisingly, was enjoying just being chums with Collins, having never really experience being "cool" before. Their friendly working lasted a while, and soon the light outside began to dim.

"I gotta go," Collins realized, looking at his watch.

Angel walked him to the door, and they paused in the frame.

"You know," the young anarchist began, as he stepped outside. The heard the television volume increase greatly, and Angel stepped out to join him, shutting the door behind. "You know," he tried again, "I really appreciate you." Angel smiled, and opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off. "No, I mean, I really do. I've been a jerk, and I know it, but you're still just…Angel."

The small man nodded, smiling slightly. Collins lifted his fist, and they 'pounded.'

"Straight boys are so weird!" Angel laughed.