[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/HqAuns2.png[/img][/center][@Crimson Flame]

Night was falling, staining the clouds dusky purple and bringing in the tide. Kieran usually liked the night - he'd never been a morning person, and the subdued atmosphere of the dark hours brought a sense of peace. Now, however, it was with a heaviness in his heart that he helped set up the tent, knowing that the evening signalled the end of the last day he and his friends might spend togther. Sure, they'd be able to keep in touch online, but it wouldn't be the same as days out like this. Which meant they'd have to make the most of it.

[color=BB1CFF]"Seeya!"[/color] He waved to Niles, Ciel and Deuel as they headed off along the darkening beach in search of driftwood. Putting his Cruxshadows T-shirt back on and traipsing around the tent to make sure it was secure, [s]while totally not searching for Niles' stash of energy drinks in the process,[/s] he gave Conner an impish grin. [color=BB1CFF]"You know, according to some folk stories, shooting stars are the souls of the deceased, returning to Earth to cause all sorts of chaos."[/color] He leaned in, his Cheshire cat smile growing, and lowered his voice for dramatic effect. [color=BB1CFF]"So we'll want to watch our backs tonight. Who knows when and where they'll strike."[/color] Oh, he was going to have a field day with pranks later, annoying the hell out of everyone else and blaming it on imaginary spooks.

Conner at least would find it funny, that much was guaranteed. He'd miss all the other five, but especially Conner, the one who'd given him the confidence to be who he was today. He'd miss the weekends spent bonding over comic books and video games. The terrible movies they sometimes watched just to make fun of. The summer days Conner had tried to teach him how to surf, failing spectacularly - athletics were far from Kieran's forte. Of course, seeing Conner in beach wear made it all worthwhile. Looking at him now, Kieran felt his cheeks warm, hoping Conner wouldn't notice in the dark, stomach fluttering as he wondered whether to say what had been nagging at his mind for a good while. They were alone. It was the perfect opportunity. The only opportunity.

If he did, would it end this last day on a sour note, and put a damper on it for everyone else? While Conner made no secret of being that way inclined, that didn't guarantee he'd return his affections. But if he said nothing, would he spend the rest of his life regretting it?

He pushed away the thought. A friendship like theirs wasn't one to jeopardise. [color=BB1CFF]"By the way,"[/color] he said instead, [color=BB1CFF]"You didn't happen to see where Niles hid the Red Bull, did you?"[/color]