[They weren't meant to be subtle, Leo wanted to say. He had written that story so that Elliot could read his feelings off a page and it wasn't meant to be in the mystery genre. Leo partially succeeds in breaking the hug and knows he should look up. They should make eye contact one last time, as equals and friends, so it would be best if Leo tried to smile. That empty expression doesn't last long as Elliot's words wipe any trace of a (fake) smile from Leo's face.
Leo goes silent. He can hear his own heart racing too. He doesn't feel empty anymore either. But rather than smile and accept the confession like a normal human being, Leo feels his eyes tearing up and his lips tugging into a stubborn frown. There's heat rising in his chest and he's sure it's about to reach his face and turn him pink. Even his ears are beginning to burn an ugly shade of red.
It's horrible! Leo reaches out and softly grips Elliot's shirt to hold him in place, even though it's Leo who is most at risk of running.]
no subject
Leo goes silent. He can hear his own heart racing too. He doesn't feel empty anymore either. But rather than smile and accept the confession like a normal human being, Leo feels his eyes tearing up and his lips tugging into a stubborn frown. There's heat rising in his chest and he's sure it's about to reach his face and turn him pink. Even his ears are beginning to burn an ugly shade of red.
It's horrible! Leo reaches out and softly grips Elliot's shirt to hold him in place, even though it's Leo who is most at risk of running.]
Well. The feeling's mutual. Now what?