Turn to Me: Chapter 18
As if feeling Rhett’s gaze, Link turned his head and looked up at him. His eyes were deep pools, dilated wide in the darkness. The flickering light now caressed the curve of his lips, drawing Rhett’s eye to their fullness. The confusion Rhett had felt moments ago returned, more insistent this time. He tried to cover it up by smiling down at his friend.Link’s eyes traveled over Rhett’s face, seeming to linger on his lips as well, before he returned the smile. A number of different emotions seemed to pass over Link’s face in rapid succession. Rhett recognized the expression as one of deep inner conflict. He quirked a brow at his friend. “What is it?” he asked.
Link hesitated, then said, “I’m sorry about earlier. I was a brat.”
Rhett shook his head. “It’s okay, man. I don’t blame you for being annoyed about being stuck here. I said some stupid things and I’m sorry.”
Link’s arm tightened around his waist. “I don’t really mind being stuck here with you. If it weren’t New Year’s, it might be fun. I just feel bad missing the traditions… you know how I like to do things the same every time.”
Rhett felt relaxed and slightly drunk, a combination of sleepiness and warmth from the fire and the strangely comfortable sensation of Link’s body pressed to his side. Before he could consider the implications too far, he said, “What… traditions do you do for New Year’s? Anything we can re-create here?Link thought for a while. Rhett turned back to the fire, but he could feel Link’s gaze on him. Finally Link said in a strange voice, “Would you like to dance with me?”
Rhett turned to look at him. Link’s expression was nervous, but he was also grinning, as if he were hedging his bets. If Rhett laughed at him, he’d be able to play it off as a joke. But the question on its surface sounded sincere. Rhett shrugged. If it would make Link happy, why not? “Okay, if I can lead.”
Link’s grin took on an edge of relief. “Oh, I guess so.”
Rhett put his hand on Link’s waist and held out his arm. Link clasped his outstretched hand lightly with his bandaged one, and rested his other hand on the top of Rhett’s shoulder. They kept as much distance between their bodies as possible, as if they were at a middle school dance. It was nearly as awkward as the mythical wheel ending where Rhett taught Link to dance, and that time they had emphasized their awkwardness for comedic effect.
Additionally, Rhett felt the loss of Link’s warm body next to his now that they were standing this way. It didn’t feel right at all. Link made the occasional self-conscious laugh as they attempted to get into position, and Rhett joined in. “This is probably not satisfying your need for tradition, Link.”
Link shook his head. “Not really.” Then an idea dawned on his expression. “Wait a second.”
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