Breathing a sigh of relief, Miles stepped across the threshold, hearing Tristan close the door behind him. Miles looked around, taking in his surroundings. This was the first time that he had actually been inside his house, having only ever come to Tristan's house to pick him up. The house was nicely furnished but looked somewhat neglected, old newspapers and dirty clothes scattered everywhere. Nonetheless, it was a far better alternative to his house.

Miles followed Tristan down the hallway and into the living room. Tristan stopped abruptly and turned on his heels, crossing his arms across his chest and looking at Miles expectantly.

Miles looked down, playing with the edge of his jacket as he began to speak.

"Look I never liked Maya, I only let you think that because I thought-no I know- that I don't deserve you. I am always pushing people away, I don't want to, I don't want to be alone, but I couldn't drag you down with me."

Miles paused, looking up at Tristan, hoping to find comfort, but was instead met with a cold, harsh glare.

"Well what changed?" He asked, unrelenting in his stony demeanor.

Miles swallowed, steeling himself for what he was going to say next.

"My dad, he hits me. He didn't used to but after that article came out about him being homophobic things changed. He had tried to save his campaign by manipulating me, again, and when I didn't play into his game, he slammed me against a picture frame. Things were pretty bad for a while but Frankie and Hunter finally opened their eyes and saw him for the bully that he really is- they finally stood up to him, and I'm not alone anymore."

His words hung in the air, filling the space between them, exaggerating the silence. And then suddenly there was no space between them.

Tristan wrapped his arms around Miles. Miles faltered for a moment, surprised at this sudden change in attitude, but then quickly wrapped his arms around Tristan's waist.

The two boys stood there for what had felt like an eternity, or perhaps it was just a few minutes, clinging on to one another, not wanting to be the first to let go.

"You were never alone, Miles," Tristan whispered, his voice barely audible, yet Miles could hear the pain in it.

Tristan finally pulled away, and Miles could see the anguish that had replaced the anger splayed across his face.

"You should have told me, I could have helped, I could have been there for you. Why didn't you trust me Miles?" Tristan wasn't trying to hide his hurt anymore, and Miles' heart ached as he watched a tear make its way down his face.

Miles stepped forward, taking Tristan's hand into his own, ignoring Tristan's flinch at the unexpected touch.

"I was wrong and I'm so sorry Tris, is there anything I can do to make you forgive me?"

Now it was Tristan's turn to look down. Slowly he shook his head, and Miles' heart dropped.

"I want to forgive you," Tristan said in a small voice, looking back up at Miles to see that his eyes were glistening with tears as well.

The hurt and pain and desire permeated the already thick air. Miles took another tentative step forward, closing the little space that the two boys had maintained between each other. Miles could feel Tristan's hot breath on his face, and before the other boy had a chance to react, he leaned in and kissed him.

The kiss was slow and gentle, full of uncertainty and doubt. However, instead of pulling away, Tristan kissed Miles back, fiercely. The kiss full of hurt and anger and all the things that he should have said but couldn't. They pressed their bodies together, their tears mixing with one another's. Miles let go of Tristan's hand to pull him even closer by the waist, as Tristan tangled his hand in Miles' wet hair. Miles began moving forward, pushing Tristan up against the wall.

Tristan broke the kiss.

"I, we- can't do this."

"But-", Miles started but then stopped himself. He had no right to do this, not after everything that he had done to Tristan.

Miles nodded, heading towards the door.

Just as he was about to open the door he heard a soft sigh behind him.

"I just need some time, ok?"

For the first time that night, Tristan saw a smile ghost Miles' lips.

"I'll wait as long as it takes."

Miles stepped out into the night, closing the door behind him.

Tristan leaned his back against the door, sliding down until he was on the ground and let his tears fall freely.