Fireworks

The boys loved spending time together, finding themselves talking about such similar things and doing things that makes the other happy.

Tyler brings Cole tons of plushies while Cole gives Tyler his jacket. Its such a constant reminder that they care deeply about each other. 

'...but not love- no! Never! Just friends!' They insisted, too scared to admit...
Tyler really did love Cole but he knew he'd never share the feelings.. Not when Cole seemed so straight? He'd never love a guy. 

..while Cole was dreading Tyler wouldn't want to be with him. Cole has never felt feelings towards girls, only ever guys- he had no idea why and couldn't reason with himself. Everyone else he met was at least okay with either gender. But him? Only guys were valid to be with in his head

Tyler was always so flustered around Cole, embarrased to the point he could barely talk. "..dude, I have things to talk to you about." he muttered to Cole while they were in the cave with the rest of the crew. 

Malachi was listening, but felt bad that he was practically eavesdropping. He couldn't help it though, he cared for the boys and wanted them to be happy!!  

"Whats that, Ty?"  "..lets go talk outside"

Tyler tugged on Coles shirt, his face red as a cherry. "It's personal"  Cole chuckled. "What? You got some new girlfriend?" Tyler tensed, brushing ti off. But his eyes just trailed to the side, a smirk pulling up onto his face. "Nah"  that confused Cole.

The two slid out of the cave and sat behind a few bushes, oblivious the the fact Malachi had layed himself onto the wall behind them and was listening to their conversation. 

When he heard what they said, a smile crept up onto his face. 

"..Cole, I have to admit something honest" Tyler said firmly, graspinf his hands together close to his chest. The birds around seemed to go quiet at hearing him start his confession. "We've known each other our whole lives. I've felt I've been in control so long, like i was on top of the world.. But after uniting with this group I realised my ego was overpowering my compassion for others. I've bullied and you've been there right beside me as my right hand man. You have been so invaluable to me, to the point youre indispensable. I need you here, and I genuinely hope you feel the same about me.." He whispers, seeing Coles happy smile fade. 

'oh god what have I done. Look at him, he's clearly going to yell at me- he looks so mad I'm sorry b-' He paused, falling onto his back as Cole embraces him, planting a kiss on his cheek. "D-dude. Why didn't you tell me before?!" Cole yelped, his chest shakey and unsteadily rising with each breath he took. "..I feel the exact same about you..." he purred softly, hugging him loosely. 

Malachi sighed gently, happy to hear them so pleased together. This was somewhat his doing as well. If he hadn't forced the two to spend more time and learn about life more maybe they wouldn't be here..? 

Malachi relaxed, shutting his eyes and leaning against the caves cold rocky walls. "..bless these boys.." he chuckles. "They're too sweet.." 

Cole was so much more vibrant ever since he joined the Forest Crew and it loostened the weight his depression had on his life. So many friends made him content and he had nothing he could do to thank them further. Tyler confessing today, though, had made his whole year. He never wanted to be alone again.  He only wanted to be with his new partner. He's the only thing on Cole's mind and he's relieved that the thoughts aren't so stinging and won't cause him to suffer any more. 

"So, how should we spend the rest of the day together..?" Cole asks with hope in his eyes, gazing up at him. ".......not sure, lets just get icecream." Tyler suggests with a shrug, returning to his cool and down to earth self again. "I- how are you so calm..?" Cole asks in shock, getting hardly no responce before smirking. "..Because that's just another thing that I love that about you..~"