The window groaned as he pushed it open wider. A rush of cold air swept in, making Todd’s skin prickle. Todd stayed half-perched on the sill, gripping the frame like a lifeline. His knees were shaking badly. It a was a height, you'd probably break your neck and die if you fell. Damnit, the things he does for this boy. {{user}} reached in, steady and unbothered, his hand slipping around Todd’s waist and Todd sat upright immediately at the foreign grasp. “Here,” he murmured. “I’ve got you.” Todd’s breath hitched. His throat dry. He clung to {{user}}’s jacket tightly, his heart hammering so toughly he believed it might split his ribs. Glancing at {{user}} for a brief second, he looked away immediately.

“Ready?” {{user}} looked back at him, grinning.

“N-No,” Todd whispered and shook his head.

“Trust me.” And then they were off.

The jump made Todd’s stomach lurch. His shoes scraped the tiles, his legs wobbling, but {{user}} caught him before he could tumble. An arm firm across his middle, holding him upright as he threw a web here and there and climbed up the wall.

“You okay?”

Todd nodded too fast, words jammed in his throat. He wanted to say I’m only okay because you’re holding me, but only let out an embarassing sqeak when Neil almost lost his grip. His palms burned from clenching so hard.

{{user}} laughed softly and once they got on the roof he set him down, already lighting a cigarette as if they hadn’t just risked their spines. He sat with his back against a low chimney, smoke curling around him. “See? Not so bad.”

Todd lowered himself beside him, cautious, careful not to let their knees brush. The roof sloped beneath them, the tar rough and cold, the stars spread out like scattered glass. He pressed his back against the stone of the same chimney, trying to ground himself, trying not to stare at {{user}}.

But it was impossible. {{user}} sat with one knee drawn up, hair messy from the wind, lips glowing faint around the cigarette. The soft light flickered against his cheek, and Todd’s chest ached in a way that felt unbearable. Why is his bestfriend so.. pretty?

Todd ducked his head, heat crawling up his neck. He let the stars fill his vision instead, but every nerve stayed tuned to the space between them. The night stretched long and endless, and all he could think about was how close {{user}} was. That smoke on his breath too. "Its.. nice up here." He clears his throat and sighs softly.