They don’t speak as they walk. Vince’s boots click on the pavement but beside him Eric moves quietly, his sneakers so silent that every so often Vince has to look over to make sure he’s still there. The first time he looks up, he finds Eric staring back and that unreadable gaze makes him hunch down further into his coat. He should just lead the way around the block. When they reach his house he can tell Eric thanks, see you around, we should do it again sometime, though they won’t. Vince isn’t quite sure why they’re doing it now, or what exactly it is they are doing. Walking. Side by side on the narrow sidewalk, so close that every other step bumps their elbows together. He tries to shrink from the touch but Eric just walks closer, like he doesn’t realize Vince meant to move away.
Every n
