With Ears to See

“Austin? Are you awake?”

My eyes slowly opened, revealing Kellin trying to search for where I was.
I sat up and smiled.

“I’m over here.”
He turned towards my direction and smiled as well.

“Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas.”

I stood up from the couch and stretched before I walked over to him.
His hands were hiding behind his back.

I smirked.

“What are you hiding, Kellin?”
He blushed a little and rocked back and forth on his heels.

“H-Here.”

He handed me a decently wrapped box with a stick-on bow on top.

“Sorry if the wrapping sucks…”
“It’s fine! Really.”

I led him to the couch and sat down next to him.
I quickly unwrapped the box and opened it.

Two beanies: a teal one and a red one, and a shark tooth necklace.

“Aw. How did you know these were my favorite colors?”
“Honestly. I didn’t. It just felt right to get them.”

I placed the gift down and pulled him into a tight hug.

“Thank you, Kellin. It’s very thoughtful of you.”

I stood up from the couch and walked over to the miniature Christmas tree, grabbing the small box that was placed under it.

“Alright, now it’s your turn. I really hope that you’ll like it…”
I handed it to him and sat back down next to him.

He felt the box for a moment until he was able to rip the paper and unwrap it.
He opened the box and took out his gift, feeling for what it was.

“What is it…?”

His fingers continued to prod until he moved the handle, sounding a music note.

“A music box.”
“I know it’s not much, but—”

“It’s perfect.”

I looked at him in shock.

“R-Really?”
He nodded and turned the handle, playing the melody it was created to play.

There was a genuine smile on his face as he listened to it.

However, a small tear rolled down his cheek as well.

“Kellin?”
He stopped and placed the box on the arm of the couch.

“You said it doesn’t seem like much. But, it really means a lot to me. I’ve always loved those things, even as a little kid. They always bring back good memories.”

He rested his head on my shoulder.

“Thank you so much, Austin.”

I wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him a little closer.

“I’m just glad that you like it.”

x x x

“A thought just occurred to me. I hope you don’t mind me asking.”
“What is it?”

We were both on the couch, wrapped up in blankets with hot chocolate in our hands.

Kellin insisted that we’d have a movie night and I wasn’t going to argue against him.

“How did you know about the colors of the beanies?”
“I didn’t completely lose my sight until I was thirteen, so I do know what most colors, letters, shapes, and other forms are. I kind of just went by memory.”

That makes sense.

“Okay…So…What’s your favorite color?”
He giggled.

“You ask such common questions at the most random times.”
“Maybe I’m still trying to get to know you a little more.”

I stuck my tongue out at him, even though he couldn’t see me.

“Blue.”
“Hm?”
“My favorite color is blue.”

I smiled.

“It’s a nice color.”
“Even nicer than red?”
“Hmm, nope. Red’s nicer.”

He gave me an expression of mock hurt and tried to nudge me in the shoulder.
He missed, however, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

He tried to pout, but ended up laughing along with me.

“Come on, Aus. We’re supposed to be watching the movie!”
“Right, right. I’m sorry.”

x x x

“Hey…Aus…?”
“Hm…?”

We were both on the floor, lights off, blankets pulled over us and heads resting on pillows so we could sleep.

I was trying to. Kellin, however, wasn’t.

“I can’t sleep.”
“What’s wrong…?”

“I don’t know. I just can’t.”
I sighed.

“Come here…”
He scooted closer towards me and I wrapped an arm around him.

I felt him relax a little.

Then I thought of doing the impossible.

I’m not the best singer, but I hummed a small lullaby for him anyway.
And soon, he was out like a light.

I carefully moved my arm away from him.

Why do I torture myself like this?

He’s not…He’s…

He’s just a friend.