"Because you're being such a bitch about everything" Tom snapped back, grabbing his beer and taking defensive sip, using it as a barrier between the two of them.

But there it was.

"It wouldn't be an issue if you'd just chill the fuck out. You've got some bug up your ass like I belong to you, but I don't."

Harsher words than he'd meant.

They both knew they had something special. That they did, in fact, belong to each other in a certain manner of speaking. More than they were willing to articulate. I love you had never been a phrase between them but it was understood.

Now that they were older, though, it had taken on so much more meaning. Now that they knew what love was.

Truth be told, Tom was scared. He needed space.

"What do you want me to do, blank her? Are you threatened by her?"