The starting question had been put out there, and it hung in the room, making your hands shake a little. Where was all your confidence then? Why wasn't this easy?

Aran nodded, sitting on one of the beds. "Yeah, we can talk."

One big question down. Two to go.

You tried to swallow your fear down, forcing it into your lungs with a deep inhale.

"I've...been thinking," you admitted, "and I..."

Yeah, you had to force this out better.

1...2...3.

"I like you, and I don't want that to mess with our friendship," you finally confessed.

Their eyes widened. "Dude, that is exactly how I feel."

"Dude!"

"DUDE!"

"So wait," you stopped, trying to calm yourself down, "would you like to...go out with me?"

Okay. Two questions down. One to go.

They nodded with a smile. "Oh my gods my heart just skipped a beat. Yes. I would love to."

You kinda screeched and rolled onto your back. "WOW THAT WAS BETTER THAN I EXPECTED."

"SAME," they agreed. "THIS IS AWESOME."

"THE AWESOMEST."

"HELL YEAH."

"So...wait," you interrupted again, "is there anybody you don't want to tell?"

Alright. I've asked all three big questions. It's gonna be okay now. All downhill from here.

They shrugged. "I dunno. I mean...I don't think anyone would take it badly."

You nodded. "You're right." Then, a huge smile broke out on both of your faces, and you two hugged in another burst of joy. That hug flopped over sideways to another snuggle session, and instantly, all your worry had washed away. They were yours now. They were yours to snuggle and hug and hold hands with and maybe even kiss someday. You certainly hoped so.

There was nothing in the world that you could've wanted more.