【?Ｏｈ．】

Stuart furrowed his brows "Why didn't you come to sit next to me?" Murdoc reverted his gaze from the lights "Hm?" Stuart stuttered "A-at the train, this morning." Murdoc blinked, his smile fading. "I, couldn't find you." He excused. He looked back at the stores' signs as they walked. "You were staring." Stuart's voice became quieter as the conversation went on. Murdoc slowed his pace "I didn't have my contacts in, mate. That's why I was looking at the ground most of the time." He said more sternly. Stuart nodded in agreement, as he seemed truthful. "Oh, I'm sorry," Stuart said. Murdoc sighed "No worries, really." He reassured. They continued window shopping, walking slowly.

Murdoc felt, accomplished. Not only did he lie through something that he didn't want to be mentioned, or even noticed, but he assured Stuart of the lie. He felt only slightly guilty, but it wasn't a big deal. He purposely slowly stopped saying that certain actions were "just pretend" as most of the time it wasn't even when Paula was around. He just started doing them, and Stuart obliging the actions or gestures just made it easier. Murdoc felt like he was getting closer in some type of way, but he couldn't figure out what. It would be awkward to just ask his sexual orientation preferences, but sometimes Murdoc has felt desperate. Desperate in a way of just knowing the chances. He's thought about it for the past few weeks, and it's been hitting him in the chest like a rock.

Truly, he did just want to help him, it was a friendly gesture being done the Murdoc way. But the more time he actually spent with Stuart, and the fact that he was a very loving guy in general, was making it difficult. He was completely sure that Stuart didn't even notice, mostly out of just wanting to get away from her, --so he would do anything-- but he would hope that he would get some type of hint. Murdoc has flirted with him in the beginning as a joke, just because he loved the reaction out of people. He always laughed at it, but whenever Stuart reacted, it made him stare. He hated it, mostly because it reminded him of his past relationships and of course nobody wants to be reminded of such.

They were coming up to the end of the street, where they could keep walking and look at the stores, or they could go into one. Murdoc's feet were a little sore, and he guessed that Stuart's would be the same. "Do you want to go in there?" Murdoc suggested. It was a small bookstore, but from the outside there looked to be tables and chairs. "Sure." Stuart shrugged.

It was instantly warmer in there than outside, which was something Stuart was thinking about. He didn't want either of them getting too cold. They sat down by a nearby table, Stuart sighing tiredly. He put his head on the table, looking at Murdoc. "It kind of smells like cinnamon." He whispered. Murdoc stifled a chuckle. It was quiet, as there were little to no people in there. Murdoc looked out the window. It was dark, and the city lights were on, making the ground under them dim. He pictured a kissing scenario in his head, like in movies. He started to zone out. Stuart didn't say anything, as he just watched Murdoc. He looked out of the window as well for a moment, only to see nobody there. He questioned it, but then closed his eyes. Stu was tired, so finally being able to sit down was nice, but he didn't want to accidentally fall asleep in case Murdoc was trying to get his attention.

After a small moment of silence, Stuart opened his eyes. He realized that after this, he would have to go home. For some reason, he felt uneasy, weird. He wouldn't want to be alone. He felt like he had bothered Noodle enough, but he didn't want to ask anyone else. But, at the same time, he didn't want to have to deal with an anxiety attack. "Uhm, Murdoc?" Murdoc turned his head, humming in response. Stuart lifted his head up, pressing his fingers together aggressively. "This is super weird to ask...but would you mind coming over? You wouldn't have to stay, just for a little bit." He bit his tongue out of embarrassment. However, Murdoc smiled softly, nodding. "Of course, I wouldn't mind at all." Stuart sighed, mostly out of relief. "Thanks. I just get nervous at night sometimes, and I didn't want to bother my friend any more than I already have."