Kyle and Josh had put their plate on the coffee table, then went over to close the curtains. They hadn't thought about it before getting joined, but it had occurred to Josh, that anyone could look in, and see them together.
They went back and sat down on the couch. Kyle leaned forward for the remote, while Josh grabbed the plate. Neither one had eaten lunch, and after trudging around in the woods for hours, both boys were starving. They had an arrangement of food in front of them. They had taken the time to make two B.L.T's, cut up some cheddar, grabbed a few crackers with salami slices, and threw it all on a big plate. Josh dug right in, picking up one of the sandwiches in his hand and taking a big bite. Kyle stared down at the plate, but didn't move. Josh noticed, and gave Kyle's side a little nudge to get his attention. Kyle looked at Josh, then muted the T.V.
"Is something wrong?" Josh asked, finishing his mouthful. Kyle shook his head, but didn't respond, "Then why did you turn the sound off? And why aren't you eating? Our stomach hurts from skipping lunch!"
"Josh I..." Kyle held his breathe, and tried to think about what it was he wanted to say. "I-I... just... want to say... thank you." Josh had taken another bite, but stopped mid chew and gave Kyle a funny look. "That's all." Kyle promptly un-muted the t.v and started to eat.
Josh however, put his sandwich down, reached over Kyle's side, and muted the t.v again, "You're thanking me?" Kyle gave Josh a dirty look, but Josh stopped him before he could say anything, "No, I just... don't know what you're thanking me for."
"Everything. Helping me get clean for one..." Kyle looked back at the t.v. He spoke quietly, trying to make what he said next not sound so hurtful, "And when I twisted my ankle. I half expected you to leave me."
Josh sat for a moment, and slowly nodded his head, "I guess that's a fare assumption. But I didn't think you'd actually show up to help look for Dan." Josh looked at Kyle and gave a little smile, "So.. I guess... thank you too." Kyle turned to Josh, and an unspoken moment of connection passed. They both smiled and chuckled at how silly they both thought it was, then turned the volume back on. They quickly stuffed themselves and continued to watch t.v. At one point they got up to use the bathroom, and this time it wasn't weird for either of them. They were walking back to the living room when there was a knock at the door.