Chapter Text
With Gamma Jack gone, Simon had to somehow get rid of all the acrylic photos he carelessly left behind. So, throughout the course of the parade, Gazerbeam gave them out to anyone who would take them (which was quite literally everyone), so it did not take long for him to completely “sell” out of signed Handsome Jack posters.
However, not all photos were given away.
Gazerbeam held onto one.
—
The night was young, and the parade ended hours ago. That night, Jackson, Bob, and Lucius invited Simon to party and drink with them in celebration. What was supposed to be a fun night of drinking with friends turned into an… memorable night for Simon.
After a few shots and dares here and there, Simon drunkenly climbed his way up onto a billboard— hold on, a billboard? Why a billboard? Well, the group thought it was a big brain idea to tell the tequila-blooded Simon that he would get a good view of the fireworks if he climbed up to the tallest billboard in the city, which Simon happily obliged in giggles.
Though they weren't wrong, they watched in absolute shock as Simon successfully made it to the top, waving down at them.
“Holy shit… to be honest, I didn’t think he would actually do it,” Jackson admitted, speechless along with the others.
Lucius grew worried, “We should get him down from there— he's had too much to drink.” Bob nodded after Lucius, “Jackson, you should fly up and get him down.” He looked around, “There aren’t a lot of people right now, you won't be seen if you’re quick!”
The last thing his friends would want is to see him fall off, so Jackson agreed and stealthily flew up.
Simon sat at the ledge of the billboard, looking out at the colorful city lights. “So breathtaking…” shades of neon bloomed among the city like a garden of wildflowers. At this moment, Simon suddenly felt himself get warmer. Was it because of the alcohol or something else? He didn't care; a print of red lipstick faintly danced around his mind like love on the brain.
He looked below, ‘Jackson is still down there, right?’ Simon fumbled to take out a folded photo from his back pocket. With a crease in the middle, he laughed to himself, “He does not have a bad side, does he?” fingers brushed over the cherry red lipstick print.
Curious, did Jackson like him? The thought of this factor being true messed with his mind… unsure of what to do. If Simon were honest, he did have some type of feelings towards Jackson, but the chances of a relationship seemed all too remote.
“Thinking about someone?” A familiar voice was heard next to Simon. This photo in the drunk’s hands was just the cherry on top.
He turned slowly in shock, hiding the photo behind his back. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE???” Jackson’s sudden appearance made Simon immediately sober, utterly mortified.
“To get you down from here, silly,” Jackson sat down and leaned backward, “So you did keep it.”
“I, uhm…” Simon stammered, “Don’t get the wrong idea, Jackson. You gave this to me, so I cannot just throw it away.”
Jackson smiled. “How loyal of you, specs,”
They sat there in warm silence. Side by side, the moonlight favored the lovers; it became just them for a moment; their presence pure but playful. Simon liked this side of Jackson, no matter if he was Gamma Jack or himself for the day— Simon knew he loved him.
Under the stars, Simon turned to Jackson. He needed to know. “Jack… do you lo—”
Whizz….
“Hm?”
Pop! BOOM!
Before anything was said, fireworks decorated the night sky in fiery embers. Those down below cheered and danced as Blazestone flew around the city streets, setting off colorful fireworks with her hands. A wave of courage washed over Simon.
“Jackson, I love you.”
Flakes of ember fell from the sky like shooting stars, surrounding them in glitter and sparks. Faintly, a ballad was heard from a nearby restaurant, the melody affectionate like an emphatic expression of the feelings they shared.
Words flew through one ear and out the other.
“I don't mean platonically— I just… I just love you— and I don't know why you keep playing like this—” Simon took a deep breath, heart beating out of his chest. “But all I know is—” Words spilled out like a bleeding heart; vulnerability felt uncomfortable to Simon, but maybe he needed it all along.
Jackson touched his trembling hand, “All I know is that I wanted you,” he warmly smiled at Simon, leaning in. “I loved you longer than you think.”
It occurred to Simon that Jackson felt the same. His breath shook, and his mind rushed, ‘Is this a dream?’ He thought. It wasn't until Jackson placed his lips on Simons when he knew this was for real.
Hearts beating together, Simon melted into Jackson's kiss in love and full acceptance. His arms moved around Jackson’s neck, immersing himself in the colorful moment.
As fireworks slowly fade into the nightly sky, they knew this marked the end of Supers Appreciation Day.
—
“Oh, there y’all are!” Lucius watched Jackson set Simon onto the sidewalk below them.
“What took you so long? I ended up watching the fireworks with Bob.” He watched as Simon wobbled to stand upright, Bob helping him grab on to a metal railing. “Is uh– is Simon okay?”
Jackson coughed, face red. “Yeah! He's… fine. Just a little shaken up there, right?” He turned to Simon, who nodded.
The group laughed at him, deciding that they should call it a night and meet again in the morning. Following this, Jackson accompanied Simon as he went to his apartment, “just to make sure,” he told him. From then on, Simon swore to never drink so much tequila.
Supers Appreciation Day had always been Simon’s favorite day, and now it held a new meaning to him. The day wasn’t only for appreciation and fame, but also for love— That was the soul purpose. It gave him a night he could never forget.