Crush

<div align=center>When Ettein finally locked his fingers with his, Jericho could feel that familiar rush of warmth from his empathy kicking in. This wasn't quite like that sort of first-day laid back flirting. That was a sort of reaction from seeing someone he considered both cute and interesting from first impressions only. But this was something more serious. He liked Ettein. So whatever he had done now was a result of expressing that desire to communicate how he felt and assure they were this mutually linked. This was the main test to prove that and he couldn't screw up. Everything could be ruined otherwise, or so he convinced himself.

Though seeing Ettein blush sort of comforted him with the fact that this was new to everyone. Sure Jericho had been with girls before but dating in his previous high school seemed superficial to him. The girls were and the reasons behind him doing so were. He was just alone back there, even if he had so many 'friends'. Nobody else knew, but he knew he was the outcast of sorts. So he didn't himself allow anyone to get close. But what he was feeling now as stated was new. And for once he could be what he truly was in the hand of another creature that was as different as him.

"And yours is really soft... Guess that's what shedding does, huh." He chuckled a bit, though was serious. He did have remarkably satin-like skin, something he didn't quite note earlier. On any case he felt... Nice to hold. His gentle interior seemed to match with his exterior, a thought that caused the corners of Jericho's mouth to turn up slightly. He was happy here holding his hand, though he thought that perhaps they could perform a little more.

"Well, c'mon then. There's a whole lotta beach here that we have just to ourselves." He remarked in an amused tone. Looking at the water he wanted to dive right in, however even he knew that was a bad idea. But perhaps walking along where the seafoam kissed the sand wasn't. That sort of decision remained up to Ettein however as Jericho didn't want to freeze or hurt the naga. He wasn't pressed for either either way, and merely enjoyed having the presence of his closest friend right here.

"Thanks by the way for settin this whole thing up. I mean, I've never been told to go on a date but I'm glad you did." It was still a bit amusing to think that the relatively quiet naga had instructed rather than asked to be taken to dinner. But it worked out fully, as both parties seemed to be having a great time. Jericho chuckled a bit before growing a bit more reserved in his emotions. He looked to the sky pin-pricked with stars, the curtain of nightfall only serving to make everything more flawless. With a partial shut of his eyes and a deep inhale, Jericho sighed before looking at Ettein. "This is all pretty new to me... It's been happening so fast I'm still not even sure what to make of it." He whispered out in admittance, squeezing Ettein's hand with an eased motion. "I mean, I'm just lucky to even be doing this... Dates n stuff like this only happen once in a blue moon and never have I felt this way about anyone." Now it was getting a bit harder to maintain eye contact. He gulped under his breath before relaxing his smile, though the feeling in his lungs as he drew in each breath was getting tighter. Walking with Ettein stopped, the tension within him being masked by a smooth sense of curiosity.

"Ettein there's been something I've been wanting to tell you..."</div>

<div align=center>"Nah, don't mention it." Jericho assured lackadaisically to Ettein's return of gratitude. He was happy to do this for him, and if anything Jericho was going to ask him out on one himself... If he gained the guts to do so that is. It was just another thing to add in their increasingly growing repertoire of interesting experiences- starting from sitting seventy or do feet from the ground in a tree, to an accidental crash-in in a cafe during inconvenient weather, to exploring a creepy movie theatre, to this. Honestly these few weeks of excitement outweighed the accomplishments he made in a year back home. And never before either did he have someone willing to go the distance in at least putting up with him like this. But then again, Ettein had a certain patience that Jericho quite admired. Combined with other aspects of his personality, he was more drawn into him than he had been with anyone else before.

A bit of pride welled up in him when it was made evident that Jericho was a first for Ettein. And by the sound of it, he had made the experience worthwhile for him. Which was a point for Jericho's personal record of not messing stuff up. Though with the comment on what he thought of dates Jericho laughed a little bit. "Well, they really can be. I mean, I've been on a couple before. But they were kinda... Meh." Though personally this may have been from his own lack of passion or his date's emotional frequency. But he hadn't found a time where he truly enjoyed himself and the company he was with until now. One major reason was because of the fact that at least he knew things that Ettein wouldn't tell anyone and vice versa. Honesty and trust were two very important things Jericho held close to his morals and what he desired in others. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself though. And, you know, that this isn't as sappy as you thought these sort of things were." And really? It wasn't. Though that was from how spontaneous everything had gone. None of that gushy stuff had occurred from pre conceived notions of what a 'date' should be. Yet.

But with this reminder grew that he had to be extra cautious in what he wanted to say. He wanted to tell Ettein the truth but... Would he believe it? Or would he feel uncomfortable? He didn't want to rush anything or ruin the moment for him, however; it seemed he had to carry through with it at this point. Without sounding dumb.

But it didn't seem like his statement was going to be too out of the blue.

With Ettein's return of the squeeze with his soft hand relief flowed through Jericho and have him courage to continue. They were alone and nobody could hear them. So whatever happened next was going to occur between the two boys only. And Jericho wanted it to mean something to the only other here.

"Well..." He began, running his free hand through his hair. "Earlier today, remember when I said I didn't think I deserved you? I said that because you're unlike anyone I've liked before. Your patience and understanding is something I haven't seen in anybody. Like, you've got a better head on your shoulders than I've seen with people twice your age. You've put up with everything I've done, and I know you like me now but I..." Just then, Jericho turned towards him cautiously and took his other hand, holding both as he looked directly at his face. He swallowed hard at just how nerve wracking pouring his heart out to Ettein really was. "I've only known you for a few weeks and I didn't want to rush anything but from the moment I saw you I've felt... Something. I mean, sure, I thought you were kinda cute when I took my first glance at you. And I kinda got a bit carried away with flirting with you that first time. But now that I know you like me, I've felt things have been... Different. Only because I've been scared that I'd ruin whatever we have." He then smiled a tender smile, as he genuinely whispered "Ettein, you're absolutely beautiful. And because of that, I didn't think I deserved you."

His eyes then looked at the ground as he let out a scoff of an inward chuckle, embarrassed at what he just admitted like a enamored fool. "And you thought dates were cheesy."

But he meant every word. He truly, honestly did. </div>

<div align=center>He must've screwed up. That voice of doubt began to take over the back of his mind, filling the nephilim with worry that his admittance had made the situation awkward and demonstrated just how much of a softie he was. His outgoing nature and natural sense of self assurance guised a gentle young man who had, for once, found someone that made him truly happy. He felt... Fluffy, and it was an odd feeling yet one that was truly welcome. But all of that could be shattered with his daring statement to Ettein, whispered in words that came genuinely from his belief in the young naga.

Though as he waited for denial or rejection, none of the sort came to be.

His grey-green eyes flicked back towards him when he reached up to cusp his face, a flush of warm coursing his system. In response Jericho gingerly laid his hand against one of them, a small smile in place on his conflicted face. His gut reactions of paranoia were thrown into abandon as he let what he did flow into motion, not thinking but feeling what was right. He listened carefully to Ettein's words, seeing however that he was flustered from him. That meant-

He kissed him.

Before Jericho could try to decipher what he was trying to say, Ettein had locked his lips with his. Roles then reversed as Jericho found himself blushing. Dumbfounded for half a second, Jericho then did what he saw fit in the heat of the moment. Like thawed ice he melted in Ettein's grasp as he allowed his hands to embrace the nagas face, gently cradling his cheeks as he let the passion he held override his rationale. Almost as if he had perfected the art Jericho had returned the favor, closing his eyes as he too glided his lips over his. But then... It grew quiet. For once the Nephilim had nothing to say; no jokes to crack, no comments to make, no hesitance to talk him out of accepting how he felt for the boy in front of him. But now it was clear- they had each other, and there was no longer much of a boundary to keep them from expressing that bond they now held. The cologne infused, short yet infinitely allusive kiss had come to an end not too long after it began. Its impact, however, was clear on the demeanor of the fallen angel.

He let go of his mouth as he drew back a few inches, analyzing the naga's face as he still nestled it in his own own tender grip. Jericho blinked suddenly as he was taken out of this trance of sorts, now gazing at the young man who had started it all. A stifled little laugh came from his closed mouth as he dropped his hands, his expression a mixture of astonishment and mellow bliss. Now this is sort of thing certainly was new to him. After all, true care like that only happened as a rarity.

"...Oh." He muttered, as if his breath was stolen from what had just occurred. So... This was how Ettein felt. He declared previously that he wanted to show him, and... This was it. "You must really like me then, huh."</div>

<div align=center>After what had just happened, Jericho felt arguably more free. It was a big difference between stating that you like someone and bringing that fact into a physicality, and this segment of their date proved that distinction. Were they now boyfriends? Maybe so. But he wanted for the naga to decide on his own as well, though it was clear in Jericho's being that he himself really cared for the naga and wanted to do anything for him. And he hoped the same of his newfound partner.

"Guess you did... Maybe I just needed that physical reminder." He stated with a chuckle, though knew it was the truth. The kiss itself wasn't the only thing that invoked a sense of pride with him. Ettein was a shy person he had noted which was perfectly alright. Increasingly however he was taking more of an initiative, actively showing how he felt than having him figure it out himself. He was happy to see Ettein comfortable and more outgoing with him, and proud that he had the honor of breaking him out of his shell for a lot of firsts. For this the wanted to treat him right and show him how much he was appreciated. Which exactly what was going to happen. Jericho again held his hand, intertwining his fingers with more assurance and a purposeful pulsing of the feeling of the faint warmth he held from picking up on both of their emotions. He laid another kiss on the top of his head, chuckling a little bit. "Y'know, for never being in a relationship before, you're an awfully good kisser. Like, damn." He added in teasingly, though soon grew serious. He looked to him with a more sincere expression, hoping that he'd consider what he said next honest.

"Ettein, thanks for... You know... Thanks for thinking I'm someone special. When you kissed me... God, that's the happiest I've been in years" He whispered, looking down. He hadn't had a poor life at all, but as far as he could remember he had grown with a sense of doubt in both who he was and just what he wanted in life. But here he had a chance. "Honestly, this island's the best thing that's ever happened to me. I feel like I belong somewhere for once and I can be my own person. And you've made that better by accepting who I am and being a wonderful friend. I like you a lot Ettein... I..." Truthfully, besides cracking jokes and gushing out known information he didn't know what to say. He couldn't tell if it was time or proper to express that he loved him, though at this point the feeling was coming close. Jericho wanted to show him everything, to rely on him with his secrets and be able to hold him close whenever he needed the company. He just wanted to be there for it was a rarity in the first place for him to just feel so naturally close to someone. Which begged the question...

"I... Can I have the honor of calling you my boyfriend?"
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<div align=center>"...You would?" Those moments of baited breath were released when it was confirmed that Ettein wanted to have that sort of bond Jericho desired with him. The warm yet astonished half-smile on his face soon spread into a grin, the feeling of pure bliss overtaking him as he realized that the boy he found absolutely beautiful was now his. Not for anything lustful, or so for the time being. He just had him now as an affectionate companion, one he knew he could hold and trust. The sparks that flew from the moment he saw him, as cliche as it is and was, became something as serious as this. And Jericho liked it. He liked it a lot. "Thank you... You have no idea how much I've wanted you to say that." He laughed a bit, nudging his shoulder once as he held his hand playfully. "Besides, it's a lot easier to say than more-than-friend, right?" Well, it was the truth.

It was official now. He had a boyfriend, and this one knew the real him. His fears of having to eventually show his partner his wings or completely holding away the truth weren't in place here which was all he needed. He looked at him, the sweetness of the moment clear in the almost coy expression he held. "Wellllll, now that you're my boyfriend..." The sweet smile grew daring once more, as even he knew that he could be himself around him. Which of course meant he was gonna take risks and do dumb stuff. This time however he wasn't alone and had someone he could show the world to. "I hope you won't object to taking you out for a spin in the sky, would you?" His wings opened a bit, the feathered appendages itching to shoot for the moon. "And this time I don't have to hold back in holding you close." Holding onto his newly found confidant on a ride over the picturesque city skyline on a star-studded night? He couldn't think of anything better, that is if he agreed. "So, whadya say to that?"

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