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Outside the dorms, snow was falling, visible only through the streetlights nearby and the lighter in Tord's hand.
How did Matt end up outside with him in this weather? He could have gone back to his dorm, gone to sleep, and flunked tomorrow's test, but instead, he followed Tord outside. Curse him for wanting to be around Tord.
Matt couldn't remember why they were hanging out, either. He knew he was with Tord and didn't want to go to his dorm yet, but ending up outside completely slipped his mind. It was something about Tord studying and then needing a breather.
Matt clutched his coat like it was his life support. His teeth chattered when the wind barely blew against him, and an audible 'burr' murmured from his lips.
"A bit chilly to be out right now, don't you think?" Matt looked at Tord, trying to laugh, but it sounded like a desperate cry.
"You didn't have to come," Tord glanced at Matt from the corner of his eye as he responded.
Tord was unbothered by Matt's complaining, knowing why Matt was still hanging around him. It was painfully obvious.
Matt went silent, grumbling under his breath.
"You can go back inside if it's too cold," Tord adds, exhaling a gust of smoke from his nostrils.
Matt rolls his eyes. "I'm concerned about how you're not cold, wearing only a pair of drawers and that thin shirt."
Tord laughs, finally turning to look at Matt. "Why are you so worried about me?"
Matt frowned. He didn't respond, instead looking at the cigar perched between Tord's fingers.
Matt didn't smoke. He never had the urge to; he knew the dangers of smoking. And why would he risk tobacco when he was already perfect?
"Smoking those will make you die young." Matt spat matter-of-factly, sitting straight.
Tord watched him with an unamused expression. "Right."
"Aren't you a tad bit worried about your health, Tord?" Matt scoffed. "I mean, look at me. I've got beautiful skin and an amazing build from simply taking care of myself,"
Tord brought his cigar to his lips. He tuned Matt out, his ears ringing. He knew Matt was going on about himself now, flailing his arms as he dramatically displayed some sort of narcissistic 'I'm better than everybody' statement.
Tord couldn't get annoyed, though. He was just as selfish as Matt.
Tord offered Matt the cigar suddenly. "Wanna try?" He grinned, nudging his shoulder into him.
Matt instantly leaned away, shaking his head, his face full of disgust. "No! Have you lost your mind?"
Tord chuckled, taking the cigar away from Matt. "I figure I'd offer. You keep staring at it like you want it."
Matt scowled. "Staring judgingly is completely different than wanting,"
Tord hummed. "Then what kind of stare are you staring when you're watching me study?"
"Judging."
"Judging me for studying?"
"Judging you for being so careless and rebellious and annoying!" Matt sneered.
Tord stared out at the parking lot, filling his lungs and slowly exhaling. He found it easier to tune Matt out when he was ranting. He didn't mind having Matt around, but lately, Matt had been clinging to him like a leech.
Tord knew Matt had issues aside from his ego. He usually didn't find himself digging into his friend's problems (unless it was Tom). But, lately, he's been more curious about Matt.
After all, Matt has been purposely following him like a puppy. If that didn't ruin his reputation then what will a little jab into his 'perfect' life do?
Matt was unaware that Tord had returned his attention to him. He was going on about how he doesn't need anything to be as perfect as he is when Tord grabbed his coat.
Matt looked at Tord, his words falling to an end as he went silent, freezing the moment Tord leaned in.
Matt's cheeks were already pink from the chilly weather, but his face instantly warmed when Tord's nose brushed against his. His lips were still parted, his eyes falling to Tord's mouth.
It wasn't like he'd been waiting for this moment. Matt didn't like Tord like that. Or so, that's what he told himself. But now, in the moment, with Tord pulling him closer by his clothes and the warmth of Tords cigar breath against his face...
He hadn't realized he was leaning in, closing the space between them. His lips barely brushed against Tords when suddenly, a cloud of smoke was blown into his face.
Matt instantly recoiled back, gasping in shock, choking on the air he just inhaled.
Tord laughed, leaning back. Just as he expected. Matt just let it happen, even leaned in for it.
"What's wrong, princess?" Tord teased. "Can't handle a taste of 'shutting the fuck up'?"
Matt pushed to his feet, still gagging and choking, but now he was just holding his breath in hopes of quitting coughing. "Bastard! What was that?"
"I think you heard me the first time."
"Tord, this isn't funny, I don't smoke! Do you not understand how dangerous that was? I could have-"
Matt fell silent when Tord stood.
Tord wasn't nearly as tall as Matt, but he was on a few steps higher, leveling them perfectly.
Tord drew another puff of his cigar, his gaze locked with Matt. But this time, there was something. Matt could see the way Tord was looking at him. And it made Matt nervous.
Silently, Tord turned toward the dorm building entrance, walking up the steps to a nearby trash can. He placed his cigar on top of it, not putting it out; he just left it to burn there.
Out of the corner of his eye, he looked at Matt again, the last of his smoke slipping from his lips.
Then, he went inside.
Matt was left standing there silently in the cold air. His mind was still too fixated on the near kiss or, whatever that was, to be mad at Tord for walking away.
Matt sighed, steam clouding in front of him as he lifted his hands to his face and pressed his palms to his eyes.
He should have just gone to bed.