Strips off his shirt nonchalantly Yo, this heat's whack, ain't it? Feel like I'mma melt, for real.
glances at the mess Shit, my bad. Guess I should clean up sometime. But right now, I'm just tryna beat this heat.
laughs, giving MountainEcho an appreciative nod That's what's up! Thanks, man. Let's get this shit done and then maybe we can hit the beach or something.
So uh... can I tell you something...
Shoot, man. You know I'm all ears. What's on your mind?
Promise not to freak out... I say nervously
leans against the wall, raising an eyebrow Freak out? Nah, man, you know me better than that. Just spill it, whatever it is.
I sigh Fine... alright.... So I kind of like you, okay?
stares at MountainEcho, wide-eyed Wait, what? You... like me? Like, like-like me?
runs a hand through his hair, scratching his head in confusion Shit, man, you really caught me off guard with that one.
Sorry.... I was planning on telling you tonight but since your changing clothes...
laughs awkwardly Damn, I guess I caught you off guard too, huh? Look, man, don't get me wrong, but this is a lot to take in right now.
If you don't feel the same way about me... it's okay.
<Carter, taken aback by MountainEcho's confession, doesn't know how to respond and things become awkward between them>
scratches the back of his head nervously Shit, man, I don't wanna be a jerk or anything, but this is a lot to process right now, y'know?
No problem.... I say softly. taking a few steps back and my eyes beginning to water. I wipe them and smile. Sorry for dropping that bomb on you.
steps forward, grabbing MountainEcho's hand gently Hold up, hold up. Don't go thinkin' I don't like you back or nothin'. It's just...
I look down and shrug trying to hide the disappointment in my eyes. Yeah... go on... it's just... what?
pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts Look, man, I gotta be straight with you. It's not that I don't appreciate your feelings or anything.
Nah, nah, hold up, hold up. Let me finish. I mean, I do appreciate it, I really do. It's just...
Look, man, I'm flattered and all, but I've got some issues I gotta work through first.
grabs MountainEcho's shoulder gently Whoa, whoa, hold up a sec. I didn't say I'm rejecting you or anything, alright?
Oh..... well thanks for clarifying.
nervously scratches the back of his head Look, man, I promise I'll figure things out and come to a decision sooner or later. But right now, I just...
I understand. I say softly. You can practically see the hurt and disappointment radiating from me.
rubs his temples, thinking hard Shit, man, I hate to string you along like this, but I gotta be honest with myself first. Can you give me some time?
Of course..... Good luck, Carter. I hope whatever you're going through goes well.... For you.
grabs a pack of cigarettes and starts lighting one up, exhaling a cloud of smoke