Reid was by now completely freaking out in about four different directions at the same time, the latest addition being that if they did hook up, and Pogue needed... somebody, about the whole situation with Caleb, that would make things more complicated. And what he tried to say was that he would still go and be with Pogue. Just ... he could behave, it didn't have to get to cross boyfriend lines, but but but--

-- and then Tyler's lips were on his, hand warm on his cheek; both so soft and, again, tingling, and while by all rights it should have made things even worse, panicky and, they didn't kiss, that was for dating - instead, it calmed him down a notch. Or four.

He whimpered slightly in surprise at that. Relief. Confusion, but relief, and he didn't pull back, actually kissing back a little, eyes fluttering in hesitation between staying fixed on Tyler and closing in fully for the kiss.

"Ty..." But it wasn't a protest. Maybe a little bit question. Maybe a little bit just sighing out his name, almost a yes on its own. Then he turned his face a bit, into the warm palm on his cheek, without looking away.

... catch breath? What was that? With all the butterflies beating inside his chest, breathing was something else entirely.