Edits - Ch 5.1.1.1.1.1

Chapter 5.1.1.1.1.1 - They run.

<<Previous (5.1.1.1.1) / Outline

The boys were stunned silent. How should they reply?

“Come with me, you two,” the guard said, gesturing towards one exit from the cafeteria.

Feeling intimidated by the relative size of the guard, they stood up and began walking to the exit, side-by-side with the guard following close behind.

Tim whispered, “Let’s run for it.”

“What?” Steven replied.

Tim grabbed Steven by the hand and dragged him forward. After a second of confusion, Steven understood what was happening, and the pair ran out of the cafeteria at full speed.

“Wait!” cried the guard, who had fallen behind them, apparently having been caught off guard by their sudden escape attempt.

Hand in hand, the boys sprinted down a hallway and then quickly turned down another and kept going until they hit an exit door, which they shoved open. An alarm blared, but that only made them want to escape even more. As if by instinct, they hurried towards a forested area on the edge of the school grounds to where they could be concealed by leaves.

Out of breath but full of adrenaline, the pair entered the forest and pressed deep enough into it until the school was out of sight and they felt safely hidden.

“Do you think they’ll chase us?” Steven asked once he caught his breath.

Tim shook his head. “I think we’re safe.”

Steven nodded and looked down. “Uh,” he said. “You’re still holding my hand.”

Tim saw that Steven was correct. Their young hands were still gripping each other tightly. Despite experiencing some embarrassment at being caught showing affection in this way, Tim held on.

“I can let go… if you want,” Tim said, feeling his face getting warm despite the cool spring air.

“I… I don’t…” Steven stammered his response. “I don’t care. It’s fine with me.”

A faint smile grew on Tim’s face, which Steven mirrored on his own. Both of them were letting themselves believe that this was really happening, that they were really doing this, boys holding hands just like a couple would.

“C-come on,” Steven said, pulling Tim forward. “Let’s go hide out at my house. My parents are out at work until the evening.”

Tim let Steven lead. They stepped over the rapidly flowing creek that ran through the trees, where Tim noticed freshly-sprouted flowers in pastel purple and pink. He looked to Steven and thought that his friend’s lips were just as pink and delicate now, but he kept that observation to himself. Together, they hurried onwards, hand-in-hand, sneaking through the neighborhood like the naughty boys they were.

Steven only let go of Tim’s hand when he needed to unlock the front door to his house. Then, Steven swung the door open, waved Tim inside, and slammed the door shut after entering himself.

“We made it,” Steven said, pulling off his wet shoes, smiling. “We’re safe here.”

Tim smiled back as he took off his own shoes. Then, he sensed that his hand felt very empty all of a sudden. Taking a risk of sorts, he walked up to Steven and put his arms around him, pulling him into a hug. Steven tensed up for a moment, likely shocked by the sudden embrace. Then, his body relaxed, and he wrapped his arms around Tim, hugging him back.

“This feels…” Tim searched for the appropriate word. “Good” was the best he could think of. This moment just felt good and right.

“Yeah,” Steven replied. “Good.” He seemed to be at a loss for words as well.

Feeling wildly adventurous now, Tim asked, “Can I kiss you now?”

“Uh,” Steven said, stunned. “S-sure.”

Tim let Steven go and placed his little hands on Steven’s round cheeks. Then, he pulled his friend’s face to his own and pressed their flower-petal lips together. Like the hug, it felt good, really good. They felt exuberantly happy and thrilled by their mutual admiration, but their affection was surprisingly innocent. Neither of them could imagine doing anything more intimate than this. A kiss, to their young minds and bodies, was the most extreme way they had to express their feelings. There was no doubt now about how they felt about each other. This was love, pure and simple and unequivocal.

Their lips parted, and Tim took a step back. They smiled at each other, barely believing what they had just done. Then, they began to giggle. Tim began hopping up and down. Steven took off running and cheering, leaping up on furniture and down again like an overexcited dog. When Steven collapsed on the couch, having spent his excess energy at last, Tim sat down beside his friend. Not knowing what to say, they held hands again.

As they sat there, enjoying the warmth of the other’s hand, Tim’s other hand slipped into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He thought that he might like to use the app again as a way of celebrating their love.

What will they do now in Steven’s house?

Tim uses the app on Steven. (5.1.1.1.1.1.1)

They try to use the app to make themselves into adults. (5.1.1.1.1.1.2)

Tim lets Steven use the app.

They use the app to make themselves younger again.

Tim suggests another place they should go.