"Do butterflies have birthdays?" OXO MXM (OPEN)

I am majoring in early children development because I want to work with young children. I sit down at a table and concentrate on my book.

Tylan sits beside Charlie, reading his novel silently, he liked the company of sitting beside someone.

An hour later I get up and stretch, "I have to go to football practice? Do you wanna come with or should i drop you off at my dorm?"

"I-i'll come and watch… if that's ok…I… um.. n-nevermind" Tylan said slowly, putting his book away.

I kiss the top of his head and hold his hand as we walk to my car, "Thanks! I kinda wanted you to watch me."

"o-oh? why?" Tylan smiles softly to himself as they hold hands.

They get to the car and drive to the football practice field, "Well its what I do. Or at least that's what everyone wants me to do." Charlie sighs, "Can I tell you something? I do enjoy football and yes I got a full ride to here for it but what I really enjoy doing is painting. But can you imagine if I told everyone that. Some guys on the team can't stand the fact that I'm gay. Most of them are cool with it but they make fun of me because I'm studying to become a young development professional. But I've always loved teaching and helping little kids. I did it with all my little siblings."

Tylan nodded, "I… w-well…" He lowered his voice, "you shouldn't care what others think…. I mean… I … I don't have any friends…but…I think you should do what you love, not what your expected to do. I mean… I would keep playing football if I were you…but… paint in your free time…I would love to see your art." He glanced over at Charlie, that was probably the most he had talked without stuttering to the other.

We pull up to the football field and I smile, "I will. I have to go change but you can go sit in the bleachers."

10 minutes later I'm on the field for practice. I seem to fit in with most of the guys except a couple.

Tylan moves to the bleachers, a book in hand. He sits on the bottom row, not starting to read yet, instead watching the practice.

Charlie does well as linebacker. A couple hours pass and he finally goes up to Tylan in changed clothes, "Hey there, little one. You ready to go back to my dorm and then on a fun date?"

Charlie takes Tylan's hand and walks to the car when some football guys throw a ball at the back of Charlie's head. "Ouch!" He turns and glares, "Go away." They look like their about to take a swing when a friend of Charlie's named Leo walks up and drags them away.

Charlie gets into his car, "Sorry about that."

Tylan shakes his head at the apology, "I-its not your fault…is your head ok?" He asks as he buckles his seatbelt.

Charlie nods and starts driving to his dorm. He's quiet but when they pull up to the dorm he turns to Tylan, "That guy who dragged those other people away is named Leo. He's my best friend…..I just…..I wish I didn't have to deal with stuff. Ya know? I shouldn't have to worry about 1 or 2 football guys on the team that can't handle that even though I'm gay I start for the team."

"your personal life shouldn't affect the sport… that just sounds petty" Tylan stared out the window. "it's not fair"

Charlie got out of the car and they went into the dorm, "Your right…anyways you ready for our date?" Charlie smiled, "Anything you wanna do?"

Tylan nodded then shook his head, "Um…anything you want is fine…"

Charlie thinks about it before looking down at Tylan, "Do you like reading?"

"yeah…" tylan looked away, "why?"

Charlie smiled, "How about we go to dinner and then we go to this used bookstore?"

"really? Th-that sounds great" Tylan smiled softly.

Charlie smiled and nodded. "I know this great place."

Soon they arrived at a small resturant. "It looks unimpressive but I know the folks who own the place and the food is excellent."

"sometimes the smallest things are the best" Tylan said under his breath.

Charlie found them a booth and sat down. He grinned up at Tylan, "I'm so glad I met you."

(Sorry I was sick over the weekend)

"why?" Tylan asked, sitting at the booth.

(its fine)

Charlie smiles, "Because these last couple days have been really nice. I feel like you understand me." The waiter comes and takes our order

Tylan blushed slightly, looking at his hands in his lap. "th-thanks"

Charlie smiles and shakes his head, "One of these days I'm going to get you to speak up little one."

Tylan blushed more at the pet name and puffed out his cheeks.

Charlie smirks and grabs Tylan's hand, "I want you to be comfortable….will you communicate with me about that? Just tell me if there's anything you want or if I'm doing anything that upsets you."

Tylan nods, "o-ok" he smiles at their hands.