“This is for you,” Carlos says and he hands James a bright pink piece of paper, his name on the front accented with a small heart. James is curious at first, but as he reads the note, his smile widens as the words on it say things that the boy clearly can’t articulate, at least not at the moment. Carlos is shifting his gaze uncomfortably, not wanting to see James’ reaction, just in case it’s negative.

“Me too,” is all James says, and as he reaches down to take the smaller boy’s hand, Carlos looks around to make sure no one is looking and when he’s made sure the coast is clear, he takes James’ hand. 

Almost immediately, the two begin scanning the lot of the Palm Woods, making sure none of their friends are around. It’s not ideally romantic, but the shared warmth between their palms pressed together is enough for them.