Elliot enjoyed the party more than he had anticipated. For the first time, he felt completely comfortable wearing a dress, the soft fabric swirling around him as he moved. The sparkling details of his outfit reflected his mood, and he loved the feeling of being himself for once, free from the weight of expectations.

The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and chatter, filled with the friendly faces of students from the local university. People were scattered around the apartment, some gathered in small clusters sharing animated stories while others were dancing, their bodies swaying to the beat of the music pulsing through the speakers. The room was adorned with Halloween decorations: cobwebs draped from the corners, fake bats fluttered from the ceiling, and jack-o'-lanterns flickered warmly on tables, their glowing faces creating a cozy ambiance. Elliot found himself swept up in the lively energy, the sound of playful banter mixing with the rhythm of the music. As he danced, losing himself in the rhythm, a smile was permanently etched on his face. He indulged in the sweets Mia and Alec had provided, colorful pastries and candies that added a sugary spark to the night. Despite the fun, he made a conscious effort to stay away from the alcohol; he wanted to remain clear-headed, savoring the joy of the moment without the haze of intoxication. Instead, he focused on the delicious treats, allowing the flavors to fuel his spirits and add to his exhilaration.

Every so often, his eyes wandered across the room to where Nate stood. To his surprise, Nate was actually having a good time, moving to the music with a carefree vibe he hadn't seen before. His vampire costume was sharp, the dark fabric contrasting with his skin and accentuating his physique. Elliot felt a flutter in his chest at the sight of him laughing and dancing with Martin, the pirate. It was as if a weight had lifted from Nate's shoulders, and Elliot couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth watching him enjoy himself, free from the burden that had previously weighed him down.

Even in the midst of the festivities, Elliot couldn't shake off the nagging thoughts about Nate. It was complicated, to say the least. Watching Nate interact with someone else stirred something deep within him—a mix of longing and curiosity. Did Nate still think about him? Did he miss what they had? Even though it was just friendly banter, it had meant something to Elliot, and he missed it.

As the evening wore on, Elliot tried to focus on the fun around him. He danced with Aaron and his new friends, joined in on silly games, and laughed at the playful antics of their group. The sound of laughter and the clinking of glasses surrounded him, the atmosphere warm and inviting. Yet, no matter how much he tried to immerse himself in the party, a part of him remained tethered to Nate, wondering what he was thinking, what he was feeling. The shock of watching him and the pirate kiss had calmed down, but the urge to talk to him persisted.

Finally, unable to resist the pull any longer, Elliot made his way across the room, weaving through the crowd until he reached Nate and Martin. He caught the tail end of their conversation, Martin's laughter ringing out as Nate playfully rolled his eyes.

"Hey, you two!" Elliot called out, trying to keep his tone light as he approached them.

Nate turned, his expression shifting slightly as he met Elliot's gaze. "Elliot! You look amazing!" His words were genuine, though his voice was slightly slurred from the drinks he had consumed. Still, the compliment sent a rush of warmth through Elliot.

"Thanks! You're not looking too bad yourself, vampire," Elliot teased, gesturing to Nate's costume.

Martin chimed in, a cheeky grin on his face. "Yeah, he's been saying he's ready to bite someone all night. I'm Martin, by the way, old friend of the brothers."

"Nice to meet you. I'm the neighbor," Elliot replied, a friendly smile on his face as he extended his hand.

The three of them continued to chat, and for a moment, the tension between Elliot and Nate seemed to dissolve in the shared laughter. The lively atmosphere buzzed around them—music thumping, drinks flowing, and the sounds of friends enjoying the night—everything felt back to how it used to be. It was refreshing to feel this connection again, even if it was tinged with the complexities of their past.

As the music shifted to a slower song, Nate looked at Elliot, an invitation in his eyes. "Wanna dance?" he asked, his tone sincere, and Elliot felt a thrill run through him at the offer.

Elliot's heart raced. This was it—a chance to step into the moment, to see where this night might lead. "Sure," he replied, his smile widening.

As he stepped closer to Nate, the world around them faded. The pulsating beat of the music softened, and the lights dimmed slightly, creating an intimate atmosphere as they found their rhythm together. With each gentle sway, he felt the rhythm of the music guide them, their bodies moving in sync. The energy was electric, and for that moment, it felt like nothing else mattered. The warmth of Nate's presence enveloped him, and as they danced, Elliot felt a sense of connection that had been missing for so long.
He could smell the faint hint of Nate's cologne mingling with the sweet scent of the party, grounding him in the moment. The chatter and laughter of their friends faded into the background, leaving just the two of them in their own little world.

Elliot's mind raced, torn between the thrill of the moment and the weight of unspoken feelings. Was this his chance to show Nate that he missed him? Or merely a fleeting moment of closeness before reality intruded again? He caught Nate's gaze, searching for answers, but all he found was a softness in Nate's eyes that mirrored his own longing. In that fleeting moment, everything felt even more complicated.

As they swayed to the music, Elliot's heart quickened, not just from the closeness to Nate but from the awareness of their surroundings. Aaron was watching them, his expression unreadable, arms crossed tightly over his chest. The tension in his stance suggested disapproval, perhaps a hint of jealousy, and it made Elliot's stomach twist uncomfortably. It was a stark contrast to Martin, who stood a few steps away, a bright smile on his face.

"You're quite the dancer Nate," Martin teased, leaning against the wall with an amused glint in his eyes. "Who would have known."

Elliot laughed, grateful for Martin's lightheartedness, but he couldn't shake the feeling of Aaron's gaze boring into him. Nate's fingers brushed against Elliot's waist, the touch sending a jolt of electricity through him, and he had to suppress a shiver. Was Nate feeling this too, or was it all just a game to distract from the unresolved tension between them?

"Do you want to get some air?" Nate leaned in closer, his breath warm against Elliot's ear, and the question sent a thrill down Elliot's spine. The idea of stepping outside, away from the crowd, was tempting. They could talk, maybe even clarify what this moment meant for them. But the shadow of Aaron loomed large in the back of his mind, threatening to spoil everything.

"Yeah, that sounds good," Elliot replied, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside him. He offered a quick glance at Aaron, hoping to gauge his reaction, but Aaron's face remained impassive, his lips pressed into a thin line.

As they made their way through the crowd of partygoers, Elliot felt a rush of excitement mingled with anxiety. The noise of laughter and music faded as they stepped onto the balcony, the cool night air wrapping around them like a refreshing embrace. Elliot took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp scent of autumn leaves and the distant sound of revelry from within the apartment.

"Wow, it's nice out here," Nate said, leaning against the railing, the moonlight casting a soft glow on his features. "I didn't realize how warm it was inside until we stepped out."

Elliot nodded, trying to steady his racing heart. "Yeah, it's refreshing." He glanced at Nate, the uncertainty creeping back in. "So... having fun?"

Nate shrugged, a casual smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "It's pretty good. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, and I've never seen Martin so excited." He chuckled, shaking his head. "But honestly, I'm glad you came. You really look incredible, by the way."

Elliot felt his cheeks flush at the compliment, the warmth spreading through him. "Thanks! I'm really enjoying myself. It's nice to be around friends and just... be myself."

Nate's gaze softened, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world. "I'm glad to hear that. You deserve to have fun and be yourself," he said sincerely, his tone dropping to something more intimate. "You're very brave you know." Elliot's heart swelled at Nate's words, and he took a step closer, feeling the magnetic pull between them.

"I've missed this," he admitted, the truth spilling from his lips before he could think to hold it back. "I've missed hanging out with you."

The atmosphere shifted, thickening with the weight of unspoken feelings. Nate's expression changed, a flicker of surprise mixed with something deeper, something that felt like longing. "Me too," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Soo.. who's Martin?"

Nate chuckled and rubbed the back of his head, "guess I could blame it on the booze, but really I just felt like having fun for once, and he knows it's just for tonight." He peered at Elliot from the corner of his eye. "My brother set me up with him once, we never really hit it off... just casual fun."

Just as Elliot opened his mouth to respond, the sound of laughter and loud music from inside interrupted the moment. They both turned toward the door, and Elliot caught a glimpse of Aaron leaning against the wall, his expression still unreadable, but now with a hint of something darker lurking behind his eyes.

"Hey! You guys okay out there?" Aaron called, his tone casual, but Elliot could sense the underlying tension.

"Yeah, we're good!" Nate replied, forcing a smile. But as he turned back to Elliot, the moment had shifted again, the connection they had felt slipping away like sand through his fingers.

Elliot sighed, frustration bubbling just below the surface. He had come outside to escape the weight of expectations and confusion, but it seemed that the complications of their situation were too strong to ignore. He glanced at Nate, searching for a way to bridge the gap that had reappeared between them. "Do you want to go back inside?" he asked, feeling a mix of disappointment and determination.

Nate hesitated, his gaze flickering between Elliot and the door. "Yeah, let's head back," he said finally, the light in his eyes dimming just a bit. "We can't let Alec eat all the treats."

As they walked back inside, Elliot couldn't shake the feeling that this night was a turning point, a moment that could change everything if only they could navigate the obstacles in their way. He glanced at Nate, who seemed to be wrestling with his own thoughts, and then reached out, grabbing Aaron's arm and pulling him close.

"We were just talking, sorting things out," Elliot said, his voice steady, trying to convey the sincerity of the moment.

Aaron looked unimpressed, his brow slightly furrowed as he met Elliot's gaze. There was a hint of skepticism in his eyes, but he nodded nonetheless. "If you say so," he replied, his tone flat, as if he was unconvinced.

Elliot felt a pang of frustration. Why was he always making everything difficult? "Look, we were just—" he started, but Aaron interrupted him.

"Just talking, I get it," Aaron said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Just remember who's your boyfriend."

The word took Elliot with surprise. Sure, they had been hanging out a lot, kissing a few times. But they never made things official. Elliot pulled back slightly, releasing Aaron's arm and crossing his own as a defensive gesture.

Nate shifted awkwardly beside them, glancing between Elliot and Aaron, clearly sensing the tension. "How about we get some drinks?" he suggested, attempting to break the thick atmosphere. "Mia made some punch that's supposed to be really good."

Elliot nodded, grateful for Nate's attempt to steer the conversation away from the simmering conflict. "Yeah, let's do that," he said, forcing a smile. "I could use something sweet."

As they moved to the kitchen, the sounds of laughter and music surrounded them, wrapping around them like a warm blanket. Elliot tried to focus on the upbeat energy of the party, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Aaron's possessiveness.

Nate poured them each a cup of punch, the vibrant color brightening the table. "Here you go," he said, handing one to Elliot. Their fingers brushed briefly, and Elliot felt that familiar spark ignite between them.

"Thanks," Elliot replied, taking a sip of the punch. The sweetness danced on his tongue, momentarily distracting him from the whirlwind of emotions swirling in his chest.

As they leaned against the kitchen counter, the atmosphere felt lighter. Martin wandered over, his pirate costume looking as sharp as ever, and raised his cup. "Cheers to a fantastic Halloween party!" he announced, his grin infectious.

"Cheers!" they echoed, laughter bubbling up again as they clinked their cups together.

Elliot felt a surge of gratitude for moments like these—surrounded by friends, enjoying life, even if the complexities of his feelings for Nate lingered just beneath the surface. He watched as Nate chatted with Martin, the easy banter between them making Elliot's heart flutter with both hope and uncertainty. Would Nate ever see him as more than just a friend?

The music shifted again, and soon enough, the group began to dance in the kitchen, laughter echoing off the walls. Elliot found himself swept up in the joy of the moment, losing himself in the rhythm and the warmth of their friendship. Yet, in the back of his mind, the question lingered: how could he navigate his feelings for Nate without risking everything?
As he danced and laughed, he caught glimpses of Nate's smile, and despite the complications, Elliot felt a flicker of hope. Maybe tonight could be a turning point after all. He just had to end things with Aaron first.