Okay, so I'm experimenting with different writing styles, and so I whipped this one up real quick to try some present tense writing. It's still first person, but it's got a more poetic feel to it, in my opinion.

I sit there, near him. Does he see it there? He does. He knows as well as I do that it's hanging above us.

He's nervous. So very, very nervous. Like he's going to puke. He's blushing. His breathing is shallow and fast. He's probably sweating as he plays with the tails of his purple bandana.

I look at him. He doesn't make eye contact. Does he want this? I can't tell. Do I want this? Yes, very much.

He plays with his hands. His large, green, three fingered hands. He's left the bandana alone. Should I take his hands? Maybe. I don't. I let them be.

"Come on," I say. "We're just friends, right?" The words hurt. 'Just friends'. Oh, how I wish we were more.

He looks at me. I smile, though my heart aches. Something in his eyes says 'Just this once'. My heart soars and breaks. 'Just this once', he has said without a word. 'Just this once'.

I lean in. He hesitates. His face is a ferocious red, perhaps even as dark as Raph's tattered mask. No, not that dark. But fairly close.

Please, I think. Don't leave me hanging.

"April, I-" he begins, but I cut him off. His mask tassels are on either side of his neck now. He can't back out. I won't let him. I'm too close to the best moment of my life.

I lunge forward and grab the dangling pieces of fabric, yanking them towards me. This brings his forehead to mine. His nose to mine. His lips to mine.

This isn't the best moment of my life. It's far better. I must thank it. I must thank the thing above us. But not now. Now, I must enjoy this moment.

What do you think was hanging over them? Hint: It's Christmas time. Tell me in the comments please! Thanks for reading!

Sorry it's so short. Like I said, I'm experimenting.