Chapter Text
Tango knocked on the front door of Scott’s home, tapping his foot frantically against the floor. He couldn’t be more excited for today. After all, it was Jimmy’s birthday!
Tango held a Tupperware container filled with food and a birthday bag slung over his shoulder. He tried to choose food that Jimmy would like. He didn’t care if the others didn’t like it, he just hoped Jimmy would like it.
He daydreamed about how Jimmy would react when eating the food Tango brought. Maybe Jimmy would even thank him for being so thoughtful!
The front door opened, snapping Tango out of his thoughts. Scott beckoned Tango to come in.
Tango took in the sight of decorations all over the house. Scott was really talented in decorating and it impressed Tango greatly. It honestly made him feel a bit jealous.
“Welcome! We’re eating at the moment, so you can find an empty seat to sit in.” Scott said, nodding towards the dining room as Tango handed his things over to Scott.
Scott truly was thoughtful. If he and Jimmy really were roommates, it’d make sense Jimmy would choose Scott as a roommate! Being roommates didn’t mean they were in a relationship! It just meant that living together was the most convenient option.
They headed to the mostly empty table. Tango had come a bit earlier compared to the others since most people hadn’t come yet.
Tango saw an empty seat next to Jimmy. Maybe he could sit next to him and they could talk!
His dreams were soon shattered as Scott sat down next to Jimmy. Tango internally screamed as he went to sit by Skizz instead. Skizz waved at Tango, smiling.
Tango nodded as Skizz tried to make small talk, but his eyes kept drifting towards Jimmy’s direction. You can’t blame Tango. If you were in his place, I’m sure you’d do the same thing!…or maybe he’s just crazy, I don’t know.
It was almost impossible for Tango to keep his eyes off Jimmy. The way the light hit Jimmy’s hair just right, the way he smiled, the way he laughed—
“Tango!” Skizz said, causing Tango to blink in surprise. “You okay?” Skizz asked in a confused tone. He hadn’t seen the way Tango had looked at Jimmy. He had only seen the way Tango hadn’t been listening.
“Yeah—! Yeah…” Tango trailed off, trying to give Skizz a reassuring smile, though it came out as more strained than reassuring.
Skizz gave one last concerned look to Tango before looking away and eating his food. “You gonna eat or not?” He asked with his mouth stuffed.
Tango then realized he hadn’t put anything on his plate. “Yeah, I will.” He said before scooping some mashed potatoes onto his plate.
Skizz didn’t try to start conversation again since Tango seemed to be busy thinking about other things.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door as Scott stood to open it. Tango looked up to see who it was.
As the door opened, Tango saw out of the corner of his eye, Grian trying to cover his face with the hoodie he was wearing. Seeing that made Tango curious as to what would cause that before looking back at the door.
As Scar wheeled into the house, next to Scott, Tango noticed Grian seeming anxious.
“Hey, Skizz. Why does Grian look so…stressed?” Tango whispered to Skizz, not wanting anyone else to hear.
Skizz leaned closer to answer. “You didn’t hear? Grian and Scar broke up last month.” He answered, glancing towards Grian.
“Hey guys!” Scar greeted everyone at the table. He seemed to be less anxious than Grian. In fact, he didn’t even acknowledge Grian in the slightest. It was odd seeing those two like that, especially since when they were together, Scar was always all over Grian.
Scar sat on the other side of Tango—or any more sitting as he can be, considering he’s in a wheelchair—on the opposite side of the table as Grian.
“Hey, Tango, Skizz!” Scar greeted enthusiastically, ignoring Grian completely. Grian sunk into his chair, seemingly wanting to disappear.
“Hey Scar! Thanks for helping me with that project last week!” Tango thanked Scar. Aside from the project he was working on for Jimmy’s birthday, he was also working on a project for work that he needed to decorate.
Scar smiled his signature smile. “It was my pleasure!” He answered, in that always overly enthusiastic tone.
“Scar, buddy! How’re you doing?” Skizz asked. “You hungry? I made banana bread!” He said proudly.
Scar looked at the food on the table and took a minute to decide what to eat. Of course, the banana bread was the first thing he put on his plate since Skizz had made it. Afterwards, he put more food on his plate.
“Thanks, Skizz!” Scar smiled, already taking a bite out of his food.
Tango continued to wonder why Scar and Grian may have separated, but he soon deemed it unimportant and focused his attention back to Jimmy.
He watched as Scott and Jimmy talked, noticing the slight blush on both their faces. He tried to brush it off as the room being hot, even though it wasn’t summer yet. He really wanted to believe he had a chance with Jimmy, even though it was starting to feel increasingly more unlikely.
Tango tried to reassure himself that not every interaction Jimmy has with others is romantic. Though, the way Jimmy acted around Scott was much different to how he acts with his other friends.
Tango quickly shook that thought away. If he was going to try to make Jimmy fall for him, then he’d have to believe in himself to do so. Did anyone ever accomplish anything by not believing in themselves? No, of course not!
He decided that today wasn’t the best day to try to grab Jimmy’s attention and to try another day. After all, Jimmy should be able to enjoy his birthday without having to worry about relationships.
The party was surprisingly fun when Tango wasn’t focusing all his energy all on Jimmy and instead spending his time with his friends.
After a few hours went by, the party was over and it was time for everyone to go home. Tango was one of the last people there, helping to clean up the house.
“You can go home now, Tango. I’ll handle the decorations, okay?” Scott told Tango.
Tango nodded before turning to leave. As he opened the door, the night breeze blew against his face.
Before he could take a breath in, he heard two voices behind him. He looked back to see Scar and Grian in the hall, seemingly talking. He decided to ignore it and leave as their whispers started to get louder.
He sighed as he closed the door and started to walk home. He could still hear the yelling from outside.
The door slammed shut loudly as Scar and Grian were kicked out.
“See?! You got us kicked out!” Grian yelled at Scar.
Scar gasped. “I did?! You’re the one who started it!” He countered. For the first time, Scar wasn’t smiling. It was a shock to Tango, seeing Scar not looking as carefree as he usually did.
“…Hi?” Tango said to the two behind him awkwardly. Both Grian and Scar stopped talking and instead looked at Tango blankly.
“You’re coming with us, okay?” Scar said, pointing towards Tango. “Come on.” He pulled Grian’s arm and ushered Tango to follow him.