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Ted and Bill were practically inseparable. They did everything together, happy to be together. It's hard to say when or how they became so close, but some were even surprised to see Ted open up to someone, let alone string together more than three words. Ted was always a bit of an oddball, struggling with everyday conversations and large gatherings. He was more of a loner, content to keep to himself. Bill, on the other hand, was a lovable awkward person who enjoyed social interactions and loved making people laugh.
One night, Ted invited Bill out for a drink, wanting to unwind and get lost for a while. They met later at the bar to catch up over drinks. The conversation flowed naturally, as it always did when they were together. They started with a couple of rounds, but soon the table was littered with empty bottles (four, six, ten), and all that could be heard was their laughter and silly jokes.
As the night wore on, Ted started to get a little introspective. He'd had a few too many drinks and needed to talk to Bill about something that was bothering him. Ted began to open up to Bill, sharing his wildest thoughts and deepest feelings. Bill listened intently, looking totally shocked and like he truly understood, and Ted's openness with him made him feel on another level. Ted felt like a weight had been lifted, grateful to have someone to vent to.
They kept talking about deep stuff, and they were both totally comfortable and relaxed around each other. Ted looked Bill dead in the eye, and Bill did the same. Ted's gaze was super intense and real, and Bill felt like he was finally seeing the real Ted. The noise in the bar faded into the background, and the lights dimmed, creating an intimate vibe. The tension between them was palpable, and they locked eyes for what felt like an eternity.
Bill just wanted his best friend to feel good, to be happy. He leaned in and gave him a little peck on the cheek. It was a small kiss, soft and gentle. For Bill, it was no big deal, just trying to lift his buddy's spirits. But for Ted, it was like the whole world had stopped. He froze, his eyes locked on Bill, trying to process what had just gone down. He was all confused and surprised, unsure how to react. He wondered if Bill had even realized what he had just done, or if it was just a totally innocent move.
Bill leaned back in his chair and reached for his drink, lost in his own thoughts. After a few seconds, Bill caught on to Ted's confusion and felt kinda lost, wondering if he had messed up. He looked Ted dead in the eye, trying to apologize. But his apology came out all awkward and stuttery.
"Sorry, Ted... I didn't mean to... I don't know..." Bill confessed, sounding all confused and embarrassed.
His awkwardness was kinda adorable, and Ted couldn't help but feel a little touched.
"No need to apologize, man," Ted said, "it's just that I'm not really used to physical contact..."
Bill felt a little relieved hearing Ted's explanation. "Don't worry, Teddy, I just wanted you to know that you're important to me". Bill's always been a bit of a sap when it comes to words.
Ted smiled slightly, knowing that Bill was just a sensitive and affectionate guy, and it didn't bother him at all. "You're important to me too, Bill".
Bill looked at him with a bright smile, he was super happy to be sharing moments like this with the sniper.
"I'm glad we can talk about this stuff".
"Yeah, well, it's no big deal". Ted responded, sounding a little gruff. His voice was deep and rough, but he was clearly trying to be sincere.
Bill got up and ambled over to Ted. "You wanna get outta here and take a stroll?" he asked, smiling softly. Ted agreed.
They step out of the bar and walk onto the sand. The cool air and darkness let them chill and enjoy the silence. The only light comes from the security lights that light up the area, and the full moon shining down on them. Ted stops for a sec.
"What the hell are we gonna do now?", he asks. Bill frowns a little, he doesn't like it when his buddy gets too crude sometimes.
"I just wanted to get out for a bit," Bill says, his voice a little louder than before.
"You know what I like about this spot? The full moon is so gorgeous... and the security lights the captain put up are like some kinda decoration..." Bill's voice is all enthusiastic.
Ted just watches him in silence.
They keep walking until they hit the watchtower where Ted always hangs out. Bill stops and looks at him with a thoughtful expression.
"You know what?" he says in a low voice. "I think I like being with you."
His voice is like a whisper in the wind, and Ted feels like he's trying to figure him out.
"What do you mean?" Ted asks.
"I don't know, Ted, I just feel comfortable when I'm with you," Bill says. Then he suddenly smiles, his thoughtful expression fading away, and he becomes his goofy, outgoing self again.
"That was so much fun, we should do it again!" Bill's voice is like a joyful yell in the darkness. He rushes over and gives Ted a quick hug.
"Later, Ted! I'm gonna hit the sack," Bill says, starting to head away from the tower.
Ted's left standing there, feeling all confused and disconcerted, with a bunch of emotions swirling around in his head and no idea why. As he climbs the stairs to his tower, he thinks back to his afternoon with his buddy. Without realizing it, a goofy smile forms on his face.
That night, he rests with a comforting warmth in his body.