Rylan knew what velociraptors were, and he knew the basics, of course-what they looked like, that they were carnivores. However, he’d never been as deep into dinosaurs as Shelldon-deep, but not as deep. So it was likely Asa knew some things about them that Rylan didn’t. Actually, it was likely Asa knew a lot more than Rylan about everything. “If you want,” Rylan said, trying not to sound too interested, though he did make eye contact with Asa. Shelldon leaned in excitedly, “Spill.” He demanded. He knew lots of cool things about the Kunbarrasaurus, and wanted to hear more. He shrugged, “Maybe, since they’re my fav. But what’s so bad about hearing them again?” He flashed Asa a smuggish smile. “All dinosaurs are cool regardless.” Both of the brothers nodded, there were a few others Rylan found especially cool, and Shelldon really liked all dinosaurs. Specifically the Kunbarrasaurus, though, since it reminded him of a tortoise the most.“Oh, for sure. Have you heard of the Pegomastax? It’s like this weird -ss mix between a parrot and a porcupine.” Shelldon asked Asa. Rylan stared at him, looking both intrigued and weirded out- he could’ve sworn he had heard this before-which was even weirder.
Shelldon was glad this new friend was someone he could banter sarcastically with-he chuckled at Asa’s response, shaking his head lightly. “Oh wow, is that a wolf constellation?” Shelldon asked, trying to replicate the drawing on his other hand. Somehow, this drawing was even worse, with sticklike legs that were much too long for the jagged body. Is that plagiarism? Rylan thought, watching silently. Asa’s looked much better, he also thought, though it was slightly hard to see. “No problem,” Shelldon tried to sound casual, but there was emotion in his voice. He wondered if it would really be okay if he took Asa’s box-that was a part of his father, would it make him sad to know two strangers had it? Or did he not want to look at it anymore if it was too painful? Oh well, Shelldon would take good care of it, and if Asa ever wanted it back, he would give it back to him. That sounded like a good solution, Shelldon thought to himself. Rylan jerked when he felt a hand on his shoulder, though he looked calmer when he realized who it was. “I…no, it doesn’t.” He said quickly, glaring suspiciously at Shelldon-what had he told Asa? He didn’t want Asa to know he got upset about racing stuff so easily. He mustered a fake smile, cheeks pink at Asa’s touch, “It didn’t… was just thinking about something else.” He lied.
Asa’s smile seemed genuinely positive, though Rylan still felt bad. He rubbed the back of his neck, not knowing what to say-he didn’t want to feel better, just wanted to keep kicking himself over this, if he was being honest. “He sounds amazing.” He said instead, trying to be positive for a change. Asa’s giggle made his heart flutter, he was happier than ever to hear the sound. Rylan nodded lightly, he didn’t want to brush off Asa’s pain but he wanted him to feel better, hopefully switching topics would help. Shelldon gave him one last sympathetic look before nodding also, agreeing they should change the topic.
Shelldon nodded dryly again. He would be able to live without classes with a friend, but it still felt lousy, like a rock in his shoe. Too bad someone Rylan didn’t actually seem to hate was only in one of his classes-it seemed the world was always taking a dump on his brother. He couldn’t even have a few more classes with this guy? Maybe Shelldon should see if he could change around his classes, at least the morning ones, but Rylan might be embarrassed if he did that. Rylan made a strange grumbling noise, nodding in annoyed agreement. “…Yeah, I guess,” Rylan said, sounding upset. He didn’t like to study very much, but studying with Asa sounded fun-they’d probably have more opportunity to talk during a study session than class anyways…? “And we still have lunch,” Shelldon added, since they’d decided to sit together. Rylan felt excited at Asa’s excitement, swiftly taking the napkin. “Thanks…” He began to fold it into as small a piece as he could… he wanted to put it in his phone but he didn’t want Asa to see how ancient his phone was. His dads had bought him one so they could keep in touch easier, especially during Rylan’s races. However, that “phone” was a bronze flip phone that was probably as old as a Kunbarrasaurus. “I…I’ll be sure to text you too. Just so you have my number.” He would have to try not to text too often and be annoying, though. Maybe Rylan wouldn’t be so nervous over text, He blushed furiously, turning away and about to tuck the napkin in his pocket. “Hey, that’s for both of us,” Shelldon interrupted, snatching the napkin and whipping out his slightly newer phone with no problem. Rylan froze, staring at the napkin and thinking about how to get it back.
Shelldon dashed over to look at Asa’s screen, “Oooh, nice. You got Rylan’s good side-and mine, which is all of my sides.” Shelldon joked-it was a really awesome photo, he knew his dads would love it. Ah, it all made sense now, Rylan looked like a furry tomato. Was Rylan crushing? It had been so long since Rylan had had any sort of a crush that Shelldon had sorta decided he just didn’t get them anymore-he wasn’t capable of it. Shelldon felt a smirk creeping onto his lips as he casually turned to his food. “Stop it, you are not a grouch.” put a very non-grouchy smile on Rylan’s stern face. He felt like he was going to explode when Asa said, “But there are more where that came from.” He began to stammer, arms still around Asa, red face buried in his hair. “R-Really?.. I did. And I am. But I’m glad I still made your day.” Rylan felt blank-what was he supposed to say!! This guy was too cute and his flirting skills were rustier than ever!! Maybe Rylan didn’t HATE hugs.
@bpalmer - asa : YOUR POST OMGJSJDKDKFKFK