Leap of Faith
I'm extremely happy to finally be releasing this. You have no idea! I actually finished this story back in April. This is hands down my favourite story that I've ever written, and even though it's just a flash fiction, I really, really loved the characters. I hope they touch you guys as much as they've touched me. I just had a wonderful time writing this. :)
It's about a Border Collie trying to overcome his fears and paranoia while trying to muster up the courage toward asking his best friend if they can take their friendship to... an entirely new level.
***
Ian stood at the front door of Jamie's apartment. He found himself constantly taking deep breaths, preparing for the ensuing night. There was no denying how nervous the Border Collie felt, doing this. His tail stood stiff as he mulled over everything in his head, trying to memorize what he would say.
Truth be told, he actually felt like this was the hardest thing he'd ever done. He didn't imagine himself at the Golden Retriever's door, in the middle of the night, standing in the cold. Actually, he felt like an idiot. He was thankful for his close circle of friends; Jamie, Sam--a Doberman--and Rally--the Dalmatian. They were all comic book nerds, all going to the same college, and all taking the same art class. In fact, that's how they all met; in art class. In addition, Ian's dad owned Red Circle Comics, the biggest comic shop at the Ravine Mall. This made it the ideal spot for the four of them to hang out all the time, and talk about movies, video games, and especially comics and graphic novels.
It was funny how Jamie's taste in comics was almost identical to his own. But he liked like that, since he often felt like his opinions were in the minority, especially in the Comic Book Club on campus. He adored Jamie's personality; his clever, wit, sense of humour and carefree attitude all vastly appealed to him. And now, here he was, with the intent of finally asking him to be his boyfriend.
That was the problem, though. He wasn't particular fond about the idea of dating friends. He'd heard horror stories of best friends dating and eventually hating each other because of some break up or another. The thought frightened him. Among the four of them, Jamie was the one who seem to appeal to him the most. Sam was hilarious, but very stubborn, with high standards. Rally was overly silly and flamboyant, but Jamie... Jamie was almost perfect. He was so affectionate and could say the right thing at any given time. He probably would have made the ideal boyfriend, and Ian knew that, but again... there was always that risk of losing a best friend if things didn't work out. What then? Would their friendship be broken? Would their foursome be diminished?
He sighed and recalled how the main character in his favourite graphic novel went through the same thing. Fortunately, he brought it with him to help his cause, but somehow that made him feel even more idiotic. Or, at least, cheesy.
"I guess it's now or never," Ian said, knocking on the door, to the sight of a surprised Jamie.
"Whoa, surprise. What are you doing out so late, Ian?"
The Collie scratched his neck. "Can I come in?"
"Of course." He ushered Ian inside.
He was surprised that Jamie was even awake, at this hour. The Retriever handed him a soda, opening one of his own, as they both sat down on the couch.
"You know we've got class, tomorrow, right?" Jamie giggled.
"Yeah. Why are you even awake?"
Jamie held up an unfinished sketch. "Homework." He shook his head.
"And why are you awake? Even nerds have to sleep. Fuckin' nerd." He grinned.
Ian tried to chuckle, failing somewhat and he set his book onto the coffee table.
"Dimension?"
"What's Dimension about?"
"...You're asking me what your favourite graphic novel is about?"
"Just... what is it about?"
"It's about a wolf who travels back in time and takes a leap a faith to be in a relationship with his best friend, even though he's afraid of that whole dating-your-friends-thing. Kinda makes me wonder why it's called 'Dimension', in the first place."
Ian's eyes locked onto the book, unable to look at Jamie and say what he wanted to say. "It might be because... being together with your best friend... adds a new layer or dimension to your relationship."
"Thaaaaat could be." The Retriever smiled. "It's a pretty clever title, if that's true."
Ian tried to laugh, but failed again, feeling stupid. He kept his eyes on the book, unsure of what to say, next.
"Ian?"
"...How do you feel about that?" He finally blurted out.
"About Dimension? You know I like it as much as you do, silly."
"No, I mean... about friends dating each other."
"Mm. I don't see anything wrong with it."
"You don't?" Ian looked up at him, suddenly wagging.
"Nah. I think the whole fear of dating your friend is kinda... silly. Friends already have a good, established relationship. Sounds like the perfect jumping off point for boyfriends, to me."
Ian leaned back, uttering a genuine chuckle of relief.
"So what are you waiting for?" Jamie scooted closer to him.
"Huh?"
"You come here in the middle of the night, with Dimension, asking me this... you're far too obvious, Ian." Jamie snickered while Ian blushed.
"So... I guess you knew, eh?"
"Nah, but when you asked me how I felt, you gave yourself away."
Ian giggled, wagging again. Jamie then laid across the Collie's lap, looking up at him, with the cutest smile only that he could give. "So..."
"Will you... "
"Will I..." The Retriever egged him on.
"Will you be my boyfriend?"
"I'll be the best boyfriend, best friend, ever." Jamie grinned and Ian laughed.
"What does that even mean?"
"It means 'yes', idiot." Jamie giggled. "Now, give me a kiss."
Ian happily obliged, kissing the other canine with built up fervor and affection.
"So, when are you heading home? It's pretty late."
"I think... I'm staying here, tonight." Ian wagged. "...And staying up for a few more hours, too."
"Ooooh." Was all Jamie said, wagging and pulling Ian into another kiss.