Wounds of Regret

~Austin's POV~

I lay in bed with with my eyes closed, still caught in the awkward stage between sleeping and waking up. I was only semi-aware of my surroundings when I thought I felt something hard poke my face.

I let out an involuntary groan, willing my body back to sleep. My attempts were to no avail, this time feeling not only poking, but something shaking me awake. I was pulled completely out of sleep, realizing this this something was not only a person, but by the looks of it, Alan. I smiled at the thought of the younger man, somehow happy to be opening my eyes.

"What time is it?" I groaned even louder, catching a glimpse of Alan's face.

I sucked in air, silently admiring his handsome body. His face was breathtaking, and his nose ring certainly didn't help my undeniable attraction to him. I couldn't help but wonder how it was possible to make someone so devastatingly beautiful.

I could probably go on for hours about what I loved about Alan, if given the time. I was pulled out of my thoughts when he started to speak.

"Dude it's noon. We need to go do something. Take me somewhere, Austinnnn I'm so bored!" He whined, staring at me expectantly.

I sighed, knowing I couldn't say no to him. I pulled myself out of bed, looking through the pile of clothes on my floor for something decent. I really needed to learn how to organize.

Once I'd found some seemingly clean enough clothes, Alan practically dragged me to the car. He seemed so hyper and happy today, I wondered what came over him.

At this point I didn't really care what brought it on, he was acting like my Alan again and nothing could've made me happier.

"So, where are we going?" He asked expectantly, bobbing up and down in his seat.

The man couldn't seem to keep still. I laughed to myself, entertaining myself by watching him fidget in his seat.

"Wherever we want." I replied. I figured we could just go anywhere we spotted that was interesting.

Alan raised his eyebrows slightly, but seemed to go with the flow.

After driving for a few good minutes Alan's face suddenly pulled into a smile.

"Let's get Ramen!" He squealed, pointing frantically at one of the many Ramen places located in LA.

I was surprised to say the least, usually Alan cringed at the mention of food. But Alan actually asking himself to go to a restaurant? This was huge progress. I followed suit, a giant grin appearing on my face.

Alan and I quickly ordered our food and went to sit down. I started making stupid jokes, earning a laugh from Alan. I grinned back in admiration.

After what seemed like hours though I knew it was merely minutes, the waiter finally served us our food. To my surprise, Alan immediately dug in, it looked almost as if he was inhaling the Ramen. I watched him eat, beaming with admiration and pride. I almost didn't even want to move myself, fearing it would somehow spoil this wonderful sudden change in him.

Once it was clear he would finish the bowl, I tore my gaze from Alan and began to eat my food. I almost moaned at the taste. No wonder Alan couldn't stop eating.

We both ate in a comfortable silence, occasionally catching the gaze of the other. Once I'd finished, I snuck a look at Alan, realizing he was finished. He looked me in the eyes, shooting me a shy smile. I smiled back, reaching to grab his bony hands from under the table.

"I'm so proud of you." I said softly, looking the beautiful boy straight in the eyes.

He blushed lightly, looking down at his plate. I let out a low laugh, admiring how cute he was. We continued like that for several minutes until we both decided it was time to go.

As we were about to exit the door, I noticed a familiar face out of the corner of my eye.

"Alicia?!" I practically yelled.

I ran over to the table my old friend was sitting, enveloping her in a tight hug. Alicia and I had been friends since high school, but I hadn't seen her in over a year.

"Austin! Oh my god it's been forever." She laughed, hugging me back.

I stood by her table, getting lost in conversation before I finally noticed Alan standing near me awkwardly. I'd forgotten all about him.

"Oh yeah. This is Alan." I smiled, pulling him closer to the table.

"Oh, he's in your band right?" She asked curiously.

I nodded.

All three of us stood around talking, or should I say Alicia and I. Alan just stood there awkwardly, shuffling and staring at his feet. I hoped I hadn't embarrassed him.

We talked for about ten minutes before I told her we had to go, but not before exchanging numbers and promising to meet up soon.

As we exited the restaurant, I was beaming with happiness.

"Oh my god, I can't believe I saw Alicia after all this time! Isn't it great, babe? I can't wait to hang out with her!" I gushed.

Alan merely nodded, heading towards the car. I shrugged it off and followed suit.

Notes