Christian

This time the apartment was messier. A jacket flung on the floor in the hall, someone's backpack leaned drunkenly against the wall and a clear bag half full of cans and bottles sat open in the hall. Tyler was in a stained t-shirt and holy sweatpants that barely stayed up on his hips. His hair had not been brushed, not unless you counted the finger raking he gave it as he opened the door for me. Mornings did not appear to be his forte.

"Sorry, is it too early for you?" I suppose it was moot since I was already there. He yawned at me before reaching for the counter around the corner to try and grab his mug. After feeling around a few seconds he grasped the handle and carefully brought it around to his lips.

"It's fine." He mumbled a little sleepily. His bare feet padded into the small living room stuffed with furniture. The drapes were still closed so I had to watch that I didn't crack my shins on the coffee table as I sat down with him. I pushed the new bag over to him and he grabbed it with one hand, unwilling to let go of his beverage. "Thanks." He downed it in one final big gulp and I watched his adam's apple as he tilted his head back, fascinated.

"It's just a company cast-off, nothing special, but it should have everything you need." Ok, I might be underplaying that a little but since he wasn't familiar with electronics I was sure he would have no idea. It was an older model, a top of the line older model from one of my executives who looked after a graphics division. Close enough. At least he wouldn't have to worry about getting a new one for quite some time.

"I really appreciate you looking after this for me last minute like this. I'm stuck without it. My mum already called to bitch that I forgot to email her this week." He was pretty adorable for a big guy as he tried to wake up. I couldn't help but stare as his long lashes fluttered with the effort to stay open. He swiped his forearm across his forehead, effectively messing his bangs up further. It was like watching a toddler and I couldn't help the grin on my face.

He blinked at me and growled a bit under his breath. That just made it worse. I chuckled and then dodged as an empty beer can came flying in my direction. He got up and shuffled down the hall muttering something about mornings and being cheerful. My laugh must have followed him down the corridor because he slammed the door. I heard water running and the flush of the toilet as I sat and waited patiently for his morning ritual.

This was dangerous, I knew it and I couldn't stop myself. It had become a need, to see his face and hear his voice. It was like getting a power-up each time I saw him. My body no longer listened to me, my caution was going out the window, and despite everything I wanted him. Yeah, me, who could pretty much pick and choose, wanted the one person on this planet who was most likely to reject me. Figured. I was up for the challenge though. I lived for a challenge.

I had gotten his friendship, I think. He spoke more easily with me, and he let me into his home. Other than a few awkward silences now and then we seemed to be pretty comfortable together. I couldn't read his mind, so I wasn't sure if the tension between us was the same for him as it was for me. With me, it was when my mind would just go blank and I wanted to grab ahold of him but was doing everything in my power not to.

"Uh, the TV isn't on." He spoke uncertainly from the hall. He was now in a pair of jeans and clean white shirt, his hair damp and combed. Still no socks.

"I was just lost in thought." I replied, realising how strange it must look the way I was staring intently where the TV sat.

"Do you want something to eat? I mean, if you haven't had any breakfast. I have some cereal, or I think I might have some eggs?" He scratched at the back of his neck and went into the kitchen as he spoke. I heard the fridge door open and some rummaging around.

"I haven't, but don't go to any trouble on my account." I replied. I got up and went to watch from the doorway. I could just see the waist band of his underwear before he straightened triumphantly with a large carton of eggs. Hmm, black ones. I took him for a classic white kind of guy.

"It's no trouble. I'm gonna make myself some anyways." He pulled a bowl from the cupboard and started cracking them as he hummed the beat of a song I didn't recognize. "Hey you wanna turn that radio on next to you?" I leaned in and flicked the switch. Classic rock came through the small speakers and I smiled in relief. He sang along to the radio, badly, as he whipped up a quick meal of scrambled eggs and toast.

"Alright. Welcome to chez Tyler monsieur. The special today is poor student breakfast. Don't forget to tip your waiter." He placed two plates at the tiny four seat bar table pushed up against the wall and scraped out a chair for me with flourish. It was ridiculous how comfortable I was in this miniscule apartment, squashed into the corner with my knees brushing up against his, eating the largest plate of eggs I had seen since leaving home in my teens.

This was it. This was what I was missing. I had the life, but I was missing the laughter. I had the money, but not the riches. This kid had it. We almost took it from him, but I was going to damn well do my best to make sure he kept it, and more. That moment decided it for me. My head was in the now, the easy flow of conversation between us just solidifying my choice. What did it matter what everyone expected of me? I tried that and it wasn't just a sunk ship, it was down in flames. Time for something new, and unexpected.