Chapter Text
My eyes followed the basketball captain as he ran back and forth the court. I knew I came here to watch Buffy for the most part, as well as her boyfriend Marty who both played on the team but something about the basketball captain seemed to distract me every time.
“You’re staring again Cy” Andi nudged me, startling me as I had completely zoned out wondering what it was that drew me to him. I mean sure he was a relatively attractive person, and we had talked a couple times in the past but that was in middle school, we are in tenth grade now and TJ had made no efforts to talk to me since they finished eighth grade. We didn’t even get that close still it kinda hurts that we never became friends, I couldn’t help but wonder why.
“I most certainly was not thank you very much..” I paused looking away from the game briefly to make eye contact with my pixie haired best friend. “I was just- trying to remember how long each thingy was.”
She laughed putting her hand on my shoulder, “Cyrus why don’t you just talk to him? Ask Buffy if you could tag along to a couple group hang outs and then see if he wants to hang out alone.” She had taken her focus back to the game and I sighed, between her and Buffy I had heard that plan a billion times. It was still easier said than done. Before I could reply the timer had gone off signalling the end of the game. Our school had won by a lot and cheering rose from our schools side of the bleachers. I wasn’t sure why the game was important I just knew it was so I went along with the hype of the crowd and started cheering as well.
Andi quickly grabbed my hand and led my to the hall outside the locker rooms so we could get there before the crowd of people made their way into the hall creating more than enough traffic towards the exits. Andi had become persistent on getting me to ask TJ to hang out, she and Buffy had both become more pushy towards the idea. I had absolutely no idea why and I didn’t want to ask again. When I had they both looked at each other and laughed. I much preferred to not feel like the punchline to a joke I didn’t get. Buffy joined us and started to join Andi’s quest at getting me to talk to TJ but was quickly interrupted when TJ came up to me, well us I mean.
“What do you want Kippen we’re trying to get Cyrus to talk to- TJ! What are you doing here?” Buffy started interrupting herself from bickering as she realized TJ had walked up to the group while they encouraged Cyrus to approach him and I wondered about his intentions, I assumed he wanted something from Buffy. He laughed softly and I felt my knees go weak, he had such a beautiful laugh. I shook my head willing myself away from the thought. I don't know if he is also gay but there was no way someone like him wanted someone like me.
“Nice to see you too Driscoll. I’m actually here to see Cyrus” He responded turning to me. A soft smile that seemed to make the world melt away, bright green eyes that glistened perfectly from every angle, hair that seemed to still fall perfectly despite the obviously had just washed it in the locker rooms. I shook myself out of the day dream as I realized he had said he was here for me. He was here for me?
“Cyrus!” Both girls squealed in unison pulling me out of my thoughts
“Huh? What? Sorry..” Apparently I had zoned out for a bit longer than I thought and completely missed what TJ had said. He didn’t seem as upset as the girls, he didn’t seem upset at all actually. I smiled sheepishly as he repeated himself.
“The guys on the team were going out some place and I don’t really feel like going and wondered if you want to go hang out with me” I looked at him wide eyed.
“ You want to hang out with me ??” I exclaimed trying to not die from shock
“Well I mean yeah, I missed you, freshman year we didn’t talk as much because of our schedules.” I stared at him for a moment, did TJ Kippen just say he missed me?
“I - I mean if you don’t want to hang out we don’t have to or we could some other time” He stammered, he sounded nervous. Why would he be nervous? I paid no mind to it and chuckled.
“I’d love to hang out TJ, you gals okay if I skip out on the spoon today?”
“Yes!” the girls responded a little too excitedly
“Well I guess it’s just you and me Teej..” I paused as I unintentionally used his old nickname. He seemed unphased and I smiled following close behind him.
“You okay with walking to my place? It’s not far but my mom is at work and can’t get us”
“Oh we- we’re going to your house? I- yeah that’s fine let me just text my mom.” I smiled trying to shake off all the anxieties in me. I haven’t spoken to him in a year and was going to his house. What dimension have I entered?