Exactly Opposite ~Chapter 3
Monday, March 17th, 2014 09:58 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
darknight307 posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
mindcrackloveI know it's late, extremely late in fact! I'm sorry! I had some IRL problems that I had to sort out before I could get around to finsihing this. I really am sorry. I'll get better. Hope you enjoy even if it was almost a week late!
They all sat around the lunch table they had claimed for the year, not really eating, just talking. The table was circular, so one boy wasn't directly across from another, making it easier to have an open conversation. Today was different though. It was at least five minutes into lunch and no one had said anything. Pause was usually the first to speak, so it was strange that even Pause hadn't said hello. Etho looked around the table at his friends. Kurt was messing with his glasses, the ones with two different colored lens. Beef was trying to wrote something but Pause kept pushing him which caused Beef to mess up and have to erase. Nebris was just starring at the ground.
"What's up guys?" Etho asked, kind of nervous about breaking the silence.
"There we go! I'm not the only one who can speak first!" Pause said jokingly.
"Hey! I did something that one time!" Beef said defensively. Pause rolled his eyes.
"That's because I was sick! Doesn't count!" Pause responded. Beef sighed. Etho watched the two and had to refrain from laughing. Sometimes you couldn't tell the two were dating, but other times.... it didn't matter.
"Pausie-poo, could you pass the salt?" Kurt asked jokingly, bringing up Beef's pet name for Pause. Pause tossed the salt over the table at Kurt.
"There's your damn salt," Pause growled. Pause didn't like being called that.
"Language!" Etho reminded Pause. He heard Pause mumble something, but he was unable to make it out. Looking over towards Nebris, Etho found him still starring at the ground. Kurt seemed to notice that Etho was looking at Nebris because he nudged Nebris and whispered something. Nebris looked up immediately.
"Looks like Nebs finally joined us," Pause said before turning to Etho, "Aren't you supposed to ask him something?" Pause asked with a smirk. Etho felt his cheeks getting warmer.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Etho said, although everyone at the table could tell he was lying.
"Oh it isn't that hard Etho! All you have to say is will you-" Beef started to say.
"Shut up!" Etho said, completely embarrassed.
"It's not like he's going to turn you down!" Pause remarked.
"I'm right here guys!" Nebris almost shouted, obviously annoyed by the entire situation.
"Calm down, Nebris. It's not like they haven't joked about this before," Kurt said calmly, he was the most mature of the group. Etho was more than a bit shocked when Nebris stood up and grabbed his bag, as if he were about to leave.
"I'll catch you guys later," Nebris said quickly before walking off, leaving everyone in silence. Beef sighed.
"What did you do this time Etho?" Beef asked.
"I-I didn't think I did anything," Etho stuttered.
"I bet he's just upset Etho hasn't asked him to prom yet," Pause said, but he didn't say it in a joking manner, this time he seemed serious. Kurt chuckled at this, causing everyone else to stare at him.
"I just find it funny you guys think Nebris cares about something as stupid as prom. If you were listening to him for once you would know his father and him have been having difficulties at home," Kurt said. Etho felt like he had just been punched in the stomach. Had he really not been listening? How come he didn't know that? He couldn't believe himself.
Thoughts being interrupted by a hand on his shoulder, Etho sighed.
"Come on dude! The bell rang a few minutes ago and your sitting here like you've just seen a ghost!" Pause said in his usual joking manor. Etho decided he would have to talk to Nebris after this class. What was this class? Chemistry? Was it? Yes, it was Chemistry. He groaned. Etho hated Chemistry.
-After a long and dreadful Chemistry class-
Etho was the first one out of the classroom, again. He started to run down the hallway, head too far barried in his thoughts to think about where he was going. He found out rather quickly when he ran into someone familiar.
"Hey, slow down there Etho!" Vechs said as he stopped in his tracks.
"Oh hey, Vechs. I have to go, I need to talk to someone," Etho said as tried to continue on his way, but Vechs stepped in front of him.
"What's the rush? Is this person so important that you can't even talk to me for a minute or two? Who is this person?" Vechs asked. Etho felt his cheeks go warm. Did he have to answer all these questions? Vechs smirked down at him.
"Never mind, I know who it is," Vechs said as he stepped to the side, allowing Etho the room to move, but he didn't.
"How?" Etho asked. This seemed to take Vechs by surprise.
"Only one person makes your cheeks go that color of red when you think about them, that one person is Nebris. Now, I think you should get a move on before you miss him," Vechs said smiling. Etho darted down the hallway towards Nebris' locker.
Once the locker was in sight, he smiled. Nebris was at his locker, but he seemed to be struggling with his lock. Walking up, Etho couldn't stop smiling.
"Need help there Nebris?" Etho asked.
"No, it's fine. I can do it myself," Nebris said. Etho chuckled.
"You'll be late to class if you don't let me help," Etho said. Nebris sighed and moved aside to watch as Etho work on his locker. Etho stepped towards the locker and quickly typed his name in the lock, which popped open as soon as he hit enter.
"You changed the password to my lock? You little-" Nebris said.
"It was just to stall you for a bit, plus I thought it would be funny to see your reaction," Etho cut Nebris off before he could call him anything. Nebris started to change the books out for his next class. Etho leaned against the locker next to Nebris.
"Can we not fight for a day?" Etho asked. Nebris stopped and looked at him.
"What do you mean?" Nebris asked.
"I mean we fight almost every single day. Can we just stop?" Etho asked again. Nebris sighed.
"We don't fight almost every single day," Nebris said as he looked back at his locker.
"Yes we do. You just don't want to realise it," Etho remarked.
"Okay, say we do fight a lot. How can we fix that?" Nebris asked.
"I don't know," Etho said. Nebris closed his locker. The hallways were still crowded, so in no way were they alone, but Etho couldn't stand this conversation anymore. He needed to change the topic. The first thing that came to mind was prom.
"I was wondering if you might want to go to prom? As friends of course," Etho blurted out. He wish he hadn't added the last part but it was too late to take it back.
"Well that was a quick change of topic," Nebris said.
"Yes it was," Etho agreed. Nebris seemed to be considering his question.
"Sure," Nebris said after a long silence.
"Okay, great! Good! Wonderful! I'll see after class," Etho said as he rushed off. He heard Nebris chuckle behind him but he didn't care to turn around.
-So now we're going to skip ahead to Friday, the day of the prom, at lunch time-
Etho and Nebris had agreed to keep their prom arrangement between them. Neither could stand the teasing from Pause now, if he found out they were going together, even if it was just as friends, it would never end.
"Is everyone going to prom tonight?" Beef asked.
"I'm not," Nebris said, earning stares from everyone except Etho, who was focused on his lunch.
"Why not Nebs?" Pause asked. Nebris shrugged.
"Nothing to wear," Nebris lied. Etho had to admit, Nebris was a very good liar. If he didn't know otherwise, he would have believed him too.
"Surely you have something," Beef whinned. Nebris shook his head and continued eating.
"Well, the rest of us are going, right?" Pause asked. Everyone else nodded. There was silence amongst the group until right before the bell.
"Wait a second. If Nebris isn't going then who is Etho going with?" Kurt questioned. Etho heard Nebris let out a small laugh.
"Not you too, Kurt!" Etho said.
"Well it's just common since! Who are you going with?" Kurt asked.
"Who are you going with?" Etho asked the same question. Kurt rolled his eyes.
"Zisteau, now answer the question!" Kurt said.
"I'm going by myself, alright?" Etho said. It had taken him a while to come up with a response, probably longer than it should have.
"You can't go alone Etho," Beef commented.
"Why not?"
"Because it isn't right!"
"How so?"
"Oh stop that! You know it isn't right! You can come with Pause and I if you want."
"Sorry, but no. I'd rather be alone than a third party."
"Fine, be that way."
"I'm not-"
"Oh stop fighting! It's rather annoying," Nebris cut in on Beef and Etho's argument. The bell rang.
"See you guys later!" Nebris said as he jumped up and ran from the table. Etho couldn't help but laugh as Nebris almost tripped over a chair. His amusement vanished when he remembered he had to go to Chemistry.
-We're skipping a lot of time, I know, but we must skip to Friday night-
His shaking hands finally slipped the button into the slot on his jacket. Etho lived near the school so Nebris had said it was fine if they walked. He felt guilty about agreeing but they were just going as friends, so no need to be impressive. Looking into the mirror he decided he looked alright. A black jacket over a light blue button up with slacks and dress shoes was alright, right? Not to dressed up, right? He picked up a rose from his bed side table. He wanted to give this to Nebris at the right time, and this seemed perfect. He slipped the rose in his inside jacket pocket.
Etho heard the door bell ring. A wave of nervousness washed over him as he opened the door. He held in a laugh as he saw Nebris standing there as stiff as a board. He seemed to relax when he saw Etho though.
"Impressive," Nebris said. Nebris was wearing a purple button up with black slacks and dress shoes.
"You don't look have bad yourself," Etho said as he stepped out of the house.
"Ready?" Nebris asked. Etho nodded. The two set off towards the school.
Etho could see the school from two blocks away because of all the lights. He and Nebris had talked a little before then, but not much.
"I'm going to try to avoid the rest of our group," Nebris said.
"That's probably best, you avoid questions by avoiding them," Etho replied.
As they walked up to the school building and entered, Etho suddenly felt worried. Apparently he had shown it in some way because Nebris nudged him slightly.
"It'll be fine," Nebris said quietly. There weren't very many people yet, so they could still talk without having to shout. The two talked for a while and before the could realise it the place had filled up.
"I think we should stop "talking" before both of us strain our voices," Etho joked. He saw Nebris smile for just a second before he returned to his usual emotionless self.
"I'll be right back," Etho said as he made his way through the crowd towards the bathroom. He needed to step out of the music for a while to think. He was almost there until he ran into someone familiar, literally.
"Watch where your- Oh it's just you Etho!" Beef said smiling at him.
"Sorry! I tripped," Etho said. Beef chuckled.
"No need to apologise! Where are you going?" Beef asked.
"Bathroom, I need to step out of the music before I get a headache," Etho almost shouted, the music seemed to have risen in volume.
"I'll join you," Beef said. Etho shrugged and continued walking, Beef close behind him.
Once they reached the bathroom they both leaned on the wall. It was quiet here, except for their talking. Asking random questions, getting amusing answers, until one question popped up.
"Etho, have you ever kissed anyone?" Beef asked.
"Does family count?" Etho asked.
"No," Beef answered. Etho felt his cheeks grow warm, but he decided he would have a bit of fun with it.
"Well, there was this one boy..." Etho answered trailing off.
"Really?" Beef asked in a shocked tone.
"No, of course not. I've never done anything like that. Never held hands with anyone, never hugged anyone in that way. I've never even been on a date," Etho said.
"Well, I know how to-" Beef started.
"No. You won't set me up. No," Etho said, causing Beef to sigh. He wasn't going to let Beef be a match maker, he could do these things by himself at the right time.
"So, Nebris really didn't show up?" Beef asked after a long and awkward silence.
"No," Etho said quickly. He said it too quickly he realised as Beef smiled. He never was good at lying.
"So where is he?" Beef asked.
"Where's Pause?" Etho asked, trying to avoid Beef's question. Beef's smile widened.
"He was going to go get me something to drink, but then you ran into me so I decided why not annoy him by making him look for me," Beef answered. Silence followed, Etho was unsure of where to take the conversation next.
"I better go. I don't want Nebris to think I disappeared off the face of the Earth," Etho said as he started to leave. He was stopped by a hand on his shoulder.
"You came together, didn't you?" Beef asked.
"We came as friends, only friends," Etho answered. He felt the weight lift of his shoulder and he walked out of the bathroom. The music hit him as if he had just walked into a brick wall. Weaving in and out of people, he made his way back to where he thought Nebris could be. He stumbled a few times, but always regained his balance before he made a complete fool of himself.
When he got back to the spot where he and Nebris were before, much to his surprise, he found Nebris having a conversation with Kurt. He stood back for a bit, not wanting to interrupt their conversation. After what seemed like forever, it was really only five minutes, he walked up anyways.
"Hey, hope I'm not intruding on your conversation," Etho said. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Nebris tensed.
"Oh no, we're glad you showed up," Kurt said reassuringly. Nebris was now looking at the ground. Kurt smiled, but left rather quickly.
"Nebris, is everything alright?" Etho asked, trying to hide the massive amount of concern he felt. Something happened while he was gone.
"Yes, everything is fine," Nebris mumbled. Etho shook his head.
"Your lying, I know you are," Etho said. Nebris looked up from the ground and their eyes met for just a brief second before Nebris quickly looked away again.
"You can tell me," Etho said kindly. Nebris ran a hand through his hair.
"I can't really without you reacting to it," Nebris said.
"In a good way or a bad way?" Etho asked, curious to what he couldn't be told.
"It could be either, but most likely in a good way," Nebris answered.
"Then why can't you tell me?" Etho questioned.
"Because of the possibility you'll react in a bad way," Nebris said. Etho sighed.
"I won't react in a bad way, I promise!" Etho said, trying everything.
"I can't," Nebris insisted, but Etho wasn't going to give up.
"Why not?" Etho whinned.
"Because words are hard!" Nebris shouted to be heard over the music.
"Are actions better?" Etho asked.
"Yes..." Nebris answered nervously.
"Then show me!" Etho shouted.
"I can't!" Nebris shouted back.
"Why not?" Etho asked, again. Nebris turned and walked towards the door, waving for Etho to follow him. Etho ran to catch up with Nebris. He assumed Nebris wanted to go outside so they could talk without having to shout. When they reached the door, Etho ran forward and held the door for Nebris. It was what a gentleman would do, right? Why did he care so much when Nebris laughed slightly at him?
"Thank you good sir! Did you see where my friend might have gone? We really need to talk," Nebris joked. Etho rolled his eyes, but followed after Nebris. Nebris led them off the side walk, but then stopped and turned to Etho.
"I know you like me as more than a friend and it's annoying as hell when you try to convince me otherwise," Nebris said with a smile. Etho's heart dropped. He had a feeling that Nebris knew, but why was Nebris so calm about it? Why did he have to confront him now?
"I-" Etho started but he stopped himself. He watched as Nebris' eyes lit up. They were extremely close, he realised. Nebris leaned in slightly and their lips met. Heart pounding in his chest, Etho quickly melted into the kiss.
It seemed like they would stay like that forever until he heard a familiar giggle behind him. He broke the kiss, which seemed to make Nebris slightly upset. Etho spun around and saw exactly what he didn't want to see. Pause and Beef standing there smirking at him.
"We came as friends, just friends," Beef mimicked what Etho had said earlier. Pause was just giggling like an idiot. Etho felt his cheeks fill with a completely new type of warmth. He wasn't blushing, his cheeks were red because he was down right angry. Rage bubbling over, he walked up rather quickly to the couple, pointing an accusing finger at the two.
"You two should be thrown off a bridge into a lake of lava and attacked by angry zombie pigman!" He shouted. He heard laughter from behind him and turned to find Nebris absolutely hysterical. He ran up to him and pushed him.
"Shut up! I can't stand this! I'm going home!" Etho shouted as he turned to walk off. He heard Nebris burst out in laughter again.
"I-I guess I should return t-this then," Nebris said as he struggled to speak. Etho turned around and immediately forgot about leaving when he saw what Nebris was holding out for him. The single rose he had picked up for Nebris that he had forgotten all about. He blinked, not wanting to believe what he saw.
"How did you-" Etho started.
"All I did was pick it up when it fell out of your jacket," Nebris said with a smirk. He reached in his jacket and dug around desperately, but he didn't find the rose.
"Go on. Take it and leave if you wish," Nebris said. Etho looked at the rose, confused on what to do.
"No," Etho said as he finally decided. Nebris twirled the rose in between his fingers.
"Why?" Nebris asked.
"Because it was for you in the first place, no matter how you got it. I see no reason to take it," Etho said with a smile. Nebris returned the smile.
"Let's go. It's getting late," Nebris said, walking past Etho. Etho turned to Beef and Pause
"I'll kill you guys later," Etho said, then ran to catch up with Nebris. The two walked to Etho's house in silence except for when Nebris laughed under his breath every once and a while. It had an awkward feeling in the atmosphere.
"Hey Nebs?" Etho finally spoke up. Nebris looked up.
"Yes?"
"Why exactly did you kiss me earlier?"
"Would you believe me if I said it was for the greater good?"
"No."
"Good, because it isn't the truth."
"Then what is the truth?"
"I just felt like it."
"I don't believe you."
"That's the truth."
"Fine."
"Or maybe it's all a lie and I really did it for the greater good," Nebris teased. Etho was about to respond when he realised they were in front of his house. Nebris gave him a devilish grin.
"Don't you-" Etho started but Nebris stopped him with a kiss. Nebris pulled back ever so slightly, which was far enough to break the kiss but close enough for his breath to tickle Etho's skin still.
"Now I'm your first and second kiss," Nebris said triumphantly. Etho just smiled as he walked towards his front door.
"See you around, Nebsy," Etho said, still smiling. He heard Nebris groan behind him.
"Don't call me that unless we're alone," Nebris said. Etho turned around one last time so he could make eye contact with Nebris.
"I can't make that promise," Etho said and quickly went into the house. He didn't even bother going to his room, instead he went to lay down on the couch. He fell asleep almost instantly.
They all sat around the lunch table they had claimed for the year, not really eating, just talking. The table was circular, so one boy wasn't directly across from another, making it easier to have an open conversation. Today was different though. It was at least five minutes into lunch and no one had said anything. Pause was usually the first to speak, so it was strange that even Pause hadn't said hello. Etho looked around the table at his friends. Kurt was messing with his glasses, the ones with two different colored lens. Beef was trying to wrote something but Pause kept pushing him which caused Beef to mess up and have to erase. Nebris was just starring at the ground.
"What's up guys?" Etho asked, kind of nervous about breaking the silence.
"There we go! I'm not the only one who can speak first!" Pause said jokingly.
"Hey! I did something that one time!" Beef said defensively. Pause rolled his eyes.
"That's because I was sick! Doesn't count!" Pause responded. Beef sighed. Etho watched the two and had to refrain from laughing. Sometimes you couldn't tell the two were dating, but other times.... it didn't matter.
"Pausie-poo, could you pass the salt?" Kurt asked jokingly, bringing up Beef's pet name for Pause. Pause tossed the salt over the table at Kurt.
"There's your damn salt," Pause growled. Pause didn't like being called that.
"Language!" Etho reminded Pause. He heard Pause mumble something, but he was unable to make it out. Looking over towards Nebris, Etho found him still starring at the ground. Kurt seemed to notice that Etho was looking at Nebris because he nudged Nebris and whispered something. Nebris looked up immediately.
"Looks like Nebs finally joined us," Pause said before turning to Etho, "Aren't you supposed to ask him something?" Pause asked with a smirk. Etho felt his cheeks getting warmer.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Etho said, although everyone at the table could tell he was lying.
"Oh it isn't that hard Etho! All you have to say is will you-" Beef started to say.
"Shut up!" Etho said, completely embarrassed.
"It's not like he's going to turn you down!" Pause remarked.
"I'm right here guys!" Nebris almost shouted, obviously annoyed by the entire situation.
"Calm down, Nebris. It's not like they haven't joked about this before," Kurt said calmly, he was the most mature of the group. Etho was more than a bit shocked when Nebris stood up and grabbed his bag, as if he were about to leave.
"I'll catch you guys later," Nebris said quickly before walking off, leaving everyone in silence. Beef sighed.
"What did you do this time Etho?" Beef asked.
"I-I didn't think I did anything," Etho stuttered.
"I bet he's just upset Etho hasn't asked him to prom yet," Pause said, but he didn't say it in a joking manner, this time he seemed serious. Kurt chuckled at this, causing everyone else to stare at him.
"I just find it funny you guys think Nebris cares about something as stupid as prom. If you were listening to him for once you would know his father and him have been having difficulties at home," Kurt said. Etho felt like he had just been punched in the stomach. Had he really not been listening? How come he didn't know that? He couldn't believe himself.
Thoughts being interrupted by a hand on his shoulder, Etho sighed.
"Come on dude! The bell rang a few minutes ago and your sitting here like you've just seen a ghost!" Pause said in his usual joking manor. Etho decided he would have to talk to Nebris after this class. What was this class? Chemistry? Was it? Yes, it was Chemistry. He groaned. Etho hated Chemistry.
-After a long and dreadful Chemistry class-
Etho was the first one out of the classroom, again. He started to run down the hallway, head too far barried in his thoughts to think about where he was going. He found out rather quickly when he ran into someone familiar.
"Hey, slow down there Etho!" Vechs said as he stopped in his tracks.
"Oh hey, Vechs. I have to go, I need to talk to someone," Etho said as tried to continue on his way, but Vechs stepped in front of him.
"What's the rush? Is this person so important that you can't even talk to me for a minute or two? Who is this person?" Vechs asked. Etho felt his cheeks go warm. Did he have to answer all these questions? Vechs smirked down at him.
"Never mind, I know who it is," Vechs said as he stepped to the side, allowing Etho the room to move, but he didn't.
"How?" Etho asked. This seemed to take Vechs by surprise.
"Only one person makes your cheeks go that color of red when you think about them, that one person is Nebris. Now, I think you should get a move on before you miss him," Vechs said smiling. Etho darted down the hallway towards Nebris' locker.
Once the locker was in sight, he smiled. Nebris was at his locker, but he seemed to be struggling with his lock. Walking up, Etho couldn't stop smiling.
"Need help there Nebris?" Etho asked.
"No, it's fine. I can do it myself," Nebris said. Etho chuckled.
"You'll be late to class if you don't let me help," Etho said. Nebris sighed and moved aside to watch as Etho work on his locker. Etho stepped towards the locker and quickly typed his name in the lock, which popped open as soon as he hit enter.
"You changed the password to my lock? You little-" Nebris said.
"It was just to stall you for a bit, plus I thought it would be funny to see your reaction," Etho cut Nebris off before he could call him anything. Nebris started to change the books out for his next class. Etho leaned against the locker next to Nebris.
"Can we not fight for a day?" Etho asked. Nebris stopped and looked at him.
"What do you mean?" Nebris asked.
"I mean we fight almost every single day. Can we just stop?" Etho asked again. Nebris sighed.
"We don't fight almost every single day," Nebris said as he looked back at his locker.
"Yes we do. You just don't want to realise it," Etho remarked.
"Okay, say we do fight a lot. How can we fix that?" Nebris asked.
"I don't know," Etho said. Nebris closed his locker. The hallways were still crowded, so in no way were they alone, but Etho couldn't stand this conversation anymore. He needed to change the topic. The first thing that came to mind was prom.
"I was wondering if you might want to go to prom? As friends of course," Etho blurted out. He wish he hadn't added the last part but it was too late to take it back.
"Well that was a quick change of topic," Nebris said.
"Yes it was," Etho agreed. Nebris seemed to be considering his question.
"Sure," Nebris said after a long silence.
"Okay, great! Good! Wonderful! I'll see after class," Etho said as he rushed off. He heard Nebris chuckle behind him but he didn't care to turn around.
-So now we're going to skip ahead to Friday, the day of the prom, at lunch time-
Etho and Nebris had agreed to keep their prom arrangement between them. Neither could stand the teasing from Pause now, if he found out they were going together, even if it was just as friends, it would never end.
"Is everyone going to prom tonight?" Beef asked.
"I'm not," Nebris said, earning stares from everyone except Etho, who was focused on his lunch.
"Why not Nebs?" Pause asked. Nebris shrugged.
"Nothing to wear," Nebris lied. Etho had to admit, Nebris was a very good liar. If he didn't know otherwise, he would have believed him too.
"Surely you have something," Beef whinned. Nebris shook his head and continued eating.
"Well, the rest of us are going, right?" Pause asked. Everyone else nodded. There was silence amongst the group until right before the bell.
"Wait a second. If Nebris isn't going then who is Etho going with?" Kurt questioned. Etho heard Nebris let out a small laugh.
"Not you too, Kurt!" Etho said.
"Well it's just common since! Who are you going with?" Kurt asked.
"Who are you going with?" Etho asked the same question. Kurt rolled his eyes.
"Zisteau, now answer the question!" Kurt said.
"I'm going by myself, alright?" Etho said. It had taken him a while to come up with a response, probably longer than it should have.
"You can't go alone Etho," Beef commented.
"Why not?"
"Because it isn't right!"
"How so?"
"Oh stop that! You know it isn't right! You can come with Pause and I if you want."
"Sorry, but no. I'd rather be alone than a third party."
"Fine, be that way."
"I'm not-"
"Oh stop fighting! It's rather annoying," Nebris cut in on Beef and Etho's argument. The bell rang.
"See you guys later!" Nebris said as he jumped up and ran from the table. Etho couldn't help but laugh as Nebris almost tripped over a chair. His amusement vanished when he remembered he had to go to Chemistry.
-We're skipping a lot of time, I know, but we must skip to Friday night-
His shaking hands finally slipped the button into the slot on his jacket. Etho lived near the school so Nebris had said it was fine if they walked. He felt guilty about agreeing but they were just going as friends, so no need to be impressive. Looking into the mirror he decided he looked alright. A black jacket over a light blue button up with slacks and dress shoes was alright, right? Not to dressed up, right? He picked up a rose from his bed side table. He wanted to give this to Nebris at the right time, and this seemed perfect. He slipped the rose in his inside jacket pocket.
Etho heard the door bell ring. A wave of nervousness washed over him as he opened the door. He held in a laugh as he saw Nebris standing there as stiff as a board. He seemed to relax when he saw Etho though.
"Impressive," Nebris said. Nebris was wearing a purple button up with black slacks and dress shoes.
"You don't look have bad yourself," Etho said as he stepped out of the house.
"Ready?" Nebris asked. Etho nodded. The two set off towards the school.
Etho could see the school from two blocks away because of all the lights. He and Nebris had talked a little before then, but not much.
"I'm going to try to avoid the rest of our group," Nebris said.
"That's probably best, you avoid questions by avoiding them," Etho replied.
As they walked up to the school building and entered, Etho suddenly felt worried. Apparently he had shown it in some way because Nebris nudged him slightly.
"It'll be fine," Nebris said quietly. There weren't very many people yet, so they could still talk without having to shout. The two talked for a while and before the could realise it the place had filled up.
"I think we should stop "talking" before both of us strain our voices," Etho joked. He saw Nebris smile for just a second before he returned to his usual emotionless self.
"I'll be right back," Etho said as he made his way through the crowd towards the bathroom. He needed to step out of the music for a while to think. He was almost there until he ran into someone familiar, literally.
"Watch where your- Oh it's just you Etho!" Beef said smiling at him.
"Sorry! I tripped," Etho said. Beef chuckled.
"No need to apologise! Where are you going?" Beef asked.
"Bathroom, I need to step out of the music before I get a headache," Etho almost shouted, the music seemed to have risen in volume.
"I'll join you," Beef said. Etho shrugged and continued walking, Beef close behind him.
Once they reached the bathroom they both leaned on the wall. It was quiet here, except for their talking. Asking random questions, getting amusing answers, until one question popped up.
"Etho, have you ever kissed anyone?" Beef asked.
"Does family count?" Etho asked.
"No," Beef answered. Etho felt his cheeks grow warm, but he decided he would have a bit of fun with it.
"Well, there was this one boy..." Etho answered trailing off.
"Really?" Beef asked in a shocked tone.
"No, of course not. I've never done anything like that. Never held hands with anyone, never hugged anyone in that way. I've never even been on a date," Etho said.
"Well, I know how to-" Beef started.
"No. You won't set me up. No," Etho said, causing Beef to sigh. He wasn't going to let Beef be a match maker, he could do these things by himself at the right time.
"So, Nebris really didn't show up?" Beef asked after a long and awkward silence.
"No," Etho said quickly. He said it too quickly he realised as Beef smiled. He never was good at lying.
"So where is he?" Beef asked.
"Where's Pause?" Etho asked, trying to avoid Beef's question. Beef's smile widened.
"He was going to go get me something to drink, but then you ran into me so I decided why not annoy him by making him look for me," Beef answered. Silence followed, Etho was unsure of where to take the conversation next.
"I better go. I don't want Nebris to think I disappeared off the face of the Earth," Etho said as he started to leave. He was stopped by a hand on his shoulder.
"You came together, didn't you?" Beef asked.
"We came as friends, only friends," Etho answered. He felt the weight lift of his shoulder and he walked out of the bathroom. The music hit him as if he had just walked into a brick wall. Weaving in and out of people, he made his way back to where he thought Nebris could be. He stumbled a few times, but always regained his balance before he made a complete fool of himself.
When he got back to the spot where he and Nebris were before, much to his surprise, he found Nebris having a conversation with Kurt. He stood back for a bit, not wanting to interrupt their conversation. After what seemed like forever, it was really only five minutes, he walked up anyways.
"Hey, hope I'm not intruding on your conversation," Etho said. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Nebris tensed.
"Oh no, we're glad you showed up," Kurt said reassuringly. Nebris was now looking at the ground. Kurt smiled, but left rather quickly.
"Nebris, is everything alright?" Etho asked, trying to hide the massive amount of concern he felt. Something happened while he was gone.
"Yes, everything is fine," Nebris mumbled. Etho shook his head.
"Your lying, I know you are," Etho said. Nebris looked up from the ground and their eyes met for just a brief second before Nebris quickly looked away again.
"You can tell me," Etho said kindly. Nebris ran a hand through his hair.
"I can't really without you reacting to it," Nebris said.
"In a good way or a bad way?" Etho asked, curious to what he couldn't be told.
"It could be either, but most likely in a good way," Nebris answered.
"Then why can't you tell me?" Etho questioned.
"Because of the possibility you'll react in a bad way," Nebris said. Etho sighed.
"I won't react in a bad way, I promise!" Etho said, trying everything.
"I can't," Nebris insisted, but Etho wasn't going to give up.
"Why not?" Etho whinned.
"Because words are hard!" Nebris shouted to be heard over the music.
"Are actions better?" Etho asked.
"Yes..." Nebris answered nervously.
"Then show me!" Etho shouted.
"I can't!" Nebris shouted back.
"Why not?" Etho asked, again. Nebris turned and walked towards the door, waving for Etho to follow him. Etho ran to catch up with Nebris. He assumed Nebris wanted to go outside so they could talk without having to shout. When they reached the door, Etho ran forward and held the door for Nebris. It was what a gentleman would do, right? Why did he care so much when Nebris laughed slightly at him?
"Thank you good sir! Did you see where my friend might have gone? We really need to talk," Nebris joked. Etho rolled his eyes, but followed after Nebris. Nebris led them off the side walk, but then stopped and turned to Etho.
"I know you like me as more than a friend and it's annoying as hell when you try to convince me otherwise," Nebris said with a smile. Etho's heart dropped. He had a feeling that Nebris knew, but why was Nebris so calm about it? Why did he have to confront him now?
"I-" Etho started but he stopped himself. He watched as Nebris' eyes lit up. They were extremely close, he realised. Nebris leaned in slightly and their lips met. Heart pounding in his chest, Etho quickly melted into the kiss.
It seemed like they would stay like that forever until he heard a familiar giggle behind him. He broke the kiss, which seemed to make Nebris slightly upset. Etho spun around and saw exactly what he didn't want to see. Pause and Beef standing there smirking at him.
"We came as friends, just friends," Beef mimicked what Etho had said earlier. Pause was just giggling like an idiot. Etho felt his cheeks fill with a completely new type of warmth. He wasn't blushing, his cheeks were red because he was down right angry. Rage bubbling over, he walked up rather quickly to the couple, pointing an accusing finger at the two.
"You two should be thrown off a bridge into a lake of lava and attacked by angry zombie pigman!" He shouted. He heard laughter from behind him and turned to find Nebris absolutely hysterical. He ran up to him and pushed him.
"Shut up! I can't stand this! I'm going home!" Etho shouted as he turned to walk off. He heard Nebris burst out in laughter again.
"I-I guess I should return t-this then," Nebris said as he struggled to speak. Etho turned around and immediately forgot about leaving when he saw what Nebris was holding out for him. The single rose he had picked up for Nebris that he had forgotten all about. He blinked, not wanting to believe what he saw.
"How did you-" Etho started.
"All I did was pick it up when it fell out of your jacket," Nebris said with a smirk. He reached in his jacket and dug around desperately, but he didn't find the rose.
"Go on. Take it and leave if you wish," Nebris said. Etho looked at the rose, confused on what to do.
"No," Etho said as he finally decided. Nebris twirled the rose in between his fingers.
"Why?" Nebris asked.
"Because it was for you in the first place, no matter how you got it. I see no reason to take it," Etho said with a smile. Nebris returned the smile.
"Let's go. It's getting late," Nebris said, walking past Etho. Etho turned to Beef and Pause
"I'll kill you guys later," Etho said, then ran to catch up with Nebris. The two walked to Etho's house in silence except for when Nebris laughed under his breath every once and a while. It had an awkward feeling in the atmosphere.
"Hey Nebs?" Etho finally spoke up. Nebris looked up.
"Yes?"
"Why exactly did you kiss me earlier?"
"Would you believe me if I said it was for the greater good?"
"No."
"Good, because it isn't the truth."
"Then what is the truth?"
"I just felt like it."
"I don't believe you."
"That's the truth."
"Fine."
"Or maybe it's all a lie and I really did it for the greater good," Nebris teased. Etho was about to respond when he realised they were in front of his house. Nebris gave him a devilish grin.
"Don't you-" Etho started but Nebris stopped him with a kiss. Nebris pulled back ever so slightly, which was far enough to break the kiss but close enough for his breath to tickle Etho's skin still.
"Now I'm your first and second kiss," Nebris said triumphantly. Etho just smiled as he walked towards his front door.
"See you around, Nebsy," Etho said, still smiling. He heard Nebris groan behind him.
"Don't call me that unless we're alone," Nebris said. Etho turned around one last time so he could make eye contact with Nebris.
"I can't make that promise," Etho said and quickly went into the house. He didn't even bother going to his room, instead he went to lay down on the couch. He fell asleep almost instantly.
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Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 03:28 am (UTC)Anyway, great chapter! And SHUT UP PAUSE!
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Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 11:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 09:49 am (UTC)no subject
Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 11:59 am (UTC)no subject
Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 10:23 am (UTC)So yeah, I'm rambling, but this is the best way I know to really make you realise how much I loved it, so thank you!
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Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 12:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: Wednesday, March 19th, 2014 04:54 am (UTC)no subject
Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 11:06 am (UTC)no subject
Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 12:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 03:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 09:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 04:16 pm (UTC)POOR ETHO MAN. WHY DO THEY ALL MAKE FUN OF HIM?! :c
Good story either way. Nebtho is always a favorite of mine. <3
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Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 09:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 08:26 pm (UTC)Also this chapter really relates to some IRL stuff I have to go through as well, it kinda got to me in places. <3
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Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 08:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 08:52 pm (UTC)Google time!
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Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 08:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 09:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: Thursday, March 20th, 2014 01:29 am (UTC)