Silence stretches as slowly, Tanner pulls Kyle closer to them. His hands shake slightly, his body tense and sweating with the weight of what he's trying to do.
His heart races, uncertain, afraid of what reaction might come.
He draws Kyle in, coaxing gently, almost pleading without words, guiding the two of them, Jess and Kyle closer together. Jess blinks, momentarily stunned, realizing what Tanner's trying to do: he wants him to kiss Kyle.
Tanner's hand slides to the backs of their necks, warm and trembling, nudging them closer, coaxing gentle movements.
Jess can feel his resolve, his conflicted state, weakening, splintering bit by bit.
And when his eyes finally meet Kyle's, his heart skips, the pain in them is shattering. Kyle's gaze drowns him, sweeping him into memories he thought he'd buried.
