Work Text:
"Imaginary numbers, also called complex numbers, consist of the square root of minus one to get the 'unit' of the imaginary number…"
C.J. sighs as his teacher lectures about imaginary numbers. Math was never his favorite subject, indicated by his attention being diverted to drawing doodles in the margins of his notebook alongside his actual notes. He glances over to his left, glimpsing the red chameleon who dutifully jots down the example problems on the board.
Having Flick in class was the only thing that made time go somewhat faster. Even if he wasn't paying attention to his clearly bored out of his mind boyfriend. The beaver can feel his eyes closing with just how much he cares about the subject matter. Staring at his notebook lackidasily, he hatches an idea.
C.J. tears a small scrap of paper out of the corner of his notebook and scribbles down something before folding it up. While the teacher has his back turned, he reaches over to place it on Flick's desk.
Quickly he looks back at his notebook, trying to make it seem like he totally wasn't the one who put a note on Flick's desk. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see the chameleon look up and glance at C.J. before smiling and opening the note.
' You're cute. Wanna go out sometime? ;)'
Flick's giggles quietly and C.J. can see him roll his eyes. He tears out a blank page from his own notebook and jots a message down as well. Expertly, he uses his finger to flick the piece of paper onto C.J.'s desk.
The beaver smiles, catching the chameleon's glance for a brief second before opening it up.
'We're already together, dummy. But I guess you're cute too. ;P'
The beaver breathlessly chuckles and scribbles another note, waiting for the teacher to turn around again before placing it on Flick's desk. The chameleon jots down another few notes before he reaches for the tiny slip of paper.
' That makes things easier then. Saturday at 7? Bowling? Movies? Dinner? Whatever you want to do, my treat. ;)'
Flick smiles wide, letting a few audible giggles slip out of him. C.J. was so smooth sometimes he was thrown off guard by just how charming he could be. His giddy feelings make C.J. smile and his grin only widens when Flick returns a message.
'A movie would be nice. I demand cuddles as well, please. <3'
C.J. chuckles and quickly writes back a response to which Flick sighs softly in happiness upon reading.
'Anything for my angel. I would still love to take you to dinner too, if you'd want. <3'
C.J. revels in the cute blush that appears on Flick's cheeks as he reads. The chameleon bites his lip and writes down his reply quickly as the teacher has now turned back around to ask some questions of his students. The beaver feels like it takes an eternity for the teacher to go back to writing on the board. With his back turned, Flick almost throws the paper onto C.J.'s desk with lightning fast reflexes, returning to his notes rather quickly.
C.J.'s confusion from Flick's actions melt away as soon as he reads the reply.
' You're too good to me, honeybee. Dinner sounds lovely. As for dessert..? ;)'
C.J.'s eyebrow raises and he feels his cheeks flush bright red. He looks over at his boyfriend, managing to catch a glimpse of his slowly darkening scales near his face even though his expression remains neutral on the outside. Still, he can catch the faintest hint of a sly smile…
He swallows, and sloppily writes a quick response back. He turns his attention towards his teacher who still has no idea about the notes being passed back and forth.
'Your place or mine? ;)'
Flick feels like he's about to be set aflame, the temperature in the classroom steadily rising as he tries to write a coherent sentence. It takes him a little longer to write a response, his original note taking way behind in favor of writing C.J. back.
When the beaver eventually does get the slip of paper back, he quickly unfurls it, nearly dropping it on the ground. Flick has to bite his lip so he doesn't alert the teacher of his laughter. C.J.'s eyes scan over the words and immediately he feels like the small fire in the pit of his stomach has been doused in gasoline.
'I don't know if we'll make it to either of our houses… ;)'
C.J. has to halt the growl that almost comes up from his throat. He swallows audibly this time, hands shaking as he writes his response. Flick nearly snatches the paper from him after the beaver places it on his desk.
'Minx. I'll gladly devour you for dessert, angel. ;) <3'
C.J. swears he can almost hear the soft exhale of breath from the chameleon that borders on the sound of his gorgeous moans. His eyes snap to the teacher and thankfully it seems like no one else but him heard it. Then again, it might just be in his imagination…
He's startled out of his thoughts by one more small piece of paper being placed in front of him.
'I very much look forward to it. ;) <3'
RIIIIIIIIIING!
Both the beaver and chameleon are startled out of their exchange by the bell signaling the end of class. The students around them scramble to collect their books and they can barely register their teacher announcing their assignments due tomorrow. The two of them collect their textbooks and shove the love notes in their pockets and bag, quickly retreating from the class together.
It's only when the two of them reach the sanctuary of their side by side lockers, that C.J. pulls his chameleon around the secluded corner into a steamy kiss. Flick practically melts against his boyfriend, moaning softly into the kiss as C.J.'s arms come to wrap tightly around his waist.
Time seems to slow at that point as the two kiss over and over again, getting more passionate with each meeting of their lips…
The ringing of a second bell forced them to pull away from each other reluctantly. Flick's voice is hoarse and he's panting heavily, his purple eyes unfocused.
"I have to… um… get to… chemistry…"
C.J. feels lightheaded and his voice is soft, blue eyes still staring at his boyfriend's lips.
"I… Y-yeah I got… uh… history…"
Flick seems to find control of his mouth, smiling softly against C.J.'s lips, "Dinner?"
C.J. smiles back and his hands come up to rub Flick's arms, his lips tracing the reptile's, "Seven. Saturday. I'll pick you up."
Flick pecks his lips delicately, "Can't wait."
The chameleon pulls away and C.J. slowly, sadly, lets his hands drop from his adorable boyfriend. "Text me later?"
Flick clutches the strap of his backpack closer to him and his sweet smile penetrates C.J.'s heart, "Of course, honeybee. I gotta go…"
"Have a good class, angelfish. Love you." C.J. smiles lopsidedly and Flick can feel that familiar blush grow in his cheeks.
"Love you too." Flick blows a kiss and quickly runs off in the opposite direction of C.J. towards his class, but not before looking back and giving the beaver another smile that takes C.J.'s breath away. The beaver stands in the hallway with a stupidly happy grin on his face as he watches Flick walk away.
The final bell rings and C.J. snaps to attention, making a mad dash to his history class.
Getting that detention slip for tardiness was so worth it.
---
"Flick you're so fucking in love with him, it's gross. Even when he isn't here, you talk about him like he is!"
Flick blushes and shoves his textbooks in his already stuffed locker. He huffs as he manages to push the toppling pile back into its tiny crevasse, shutting the metal door closed with a swift push.
"I don't talk about him that much…"
"You literally just told me about how you had sex in his car." The dog smirks and laughs at Flick's face glowing brightly in embarrassment.
" You asked for details!"
"I just asked about the date, dude. You got carried away with telling me everything."
Flick sighs, "I can't help it… He's just so fucking attractive…"
The two start their long trek to their last class of the day. Flick can't wait to just go home and pass out on his bed.
Cherry giggles, "You wouldn't be with him if you thought he was ugly right?"
"Well, no … I mean…"
The dog rolls her eyes, "I feel like ever since he started working out, you've gotten more hot for him than ever."
"I mean… He does have strong arms…" Flick mutters under his breath, feeling his scales begin to tinge with pink. Just thinking about them wrapped so tightly around him, pulling him closer into a strong torso, C.J.'s lips just inches away from his own …
"Earth to Flick!"
The chameleon jumps in his skin, "W-what!?"
"Man, you got it bad ." Cherry snorts laughing.
Flick grumbles, hugging his mountain of books closer to his chest, "So what if I do?"
Cherry just smiles, "Don't be embarrassed, Fly. It's really cute, I promise."
The dog smirks, "I just live to tease you, and I wouldn't be your best friend if I didn't push your buttons."
Flick sticks out his tongue, "Just wait til you get in a relationship. I'll make your life hell. "
Cherry just chuckles, adjusting her book bag over her shoulder, "That's not happening for a looong time so good fucking luck."
"It will happen! And when it does, I will be there to embarrass the fuck out of you."
"Uh huh, sure you will. Maybe I'll have moved out of town by the time that happens."
"You can't move away from me, I forbid it as your best friend."
"So I have to live with you and C.J. when you guys get married?" Cherry laughs.
"Yes. You will be our third roomie."
"If that happens, I'm making absolutely sure that I never get a partner then."
"Cherry, you can't escape fate and your partner will find you whether you want it to happen or not." Flick laughs.
"Guess I'm gonna become a hermit then, too. Thanks, Flick."
"You love me."
"Mmm I don't know anymore." Cherry laughs and Flick pushes her with his shoulder lightly.
"Bitch, don't lie to me."
Flick's so engrossed in his conversation with Cherry, that he doesn't notice the intimidating brown eagle walking in the opposite direction of him. He's startled when the eagle bumps his left shoulder hard , causing all of Flick's papers and books to fumble onto the floor.
"Heh… Out of the way, fag."
The brown eagle smirks and continues walking up to his other two friends, an orange rhino and a white Bengal tiger who snickers and high fives him down the hallway.
Flick just sighs sadly, ignoring the way the other students look towards his way but keep walking. Cherry leans down and helps the chameleon pick up his scattered books, a scowl implanted on her face.
"What a fucking tool. I swear, I'm gonna kill Buzz one of these days--"
"He isn't worth it…" Flick's voice is soft, but his exhaustion can definitely be heard. Cherry regards him with a hard look, before going back to gathering up Flick's things off the ground. Buzz and his friends always picked on Flick and anybody else they deemed to be easy targets. He'd been bullied by them since he entered high school as a scared little freshman.
He was a sophomore now, but that didn't seem to change anything. He was still seen as that weird, quiet kid who just so happened to be gay. Apparently, that was all the knowledge Buzz and his posse needed to continue their abusive behavior.
A loud slam can be heard behind Flick and Buzz shouts out in pain.
"Don't think I didn't see that, Buzz."
Venom drips from the familiar voice and Flick immediately turns around. Cherry's head picks up at the sound, her blue eyes catching wind of the scene unfolding.
C.J. has his fist clenched and Buzz is slumped against the metal locker, holding his arm. The beaver glares daggers at the eagle, the latter's other two cronies drawing back in shock. Buzz growls and gets to his feet quickly, squaring up against C.J.
"You want me to kill you, bucktooth?"
C.J.'s fur is standing on end, his blue eyes filled with rage . Flick stands up, stunned and watching the exchange with scared purple eyes.
Buzz will hurt C.J.
He can't let that happen.
But he also can't bring himself to move.
"I'd like to see you try."
A harsh punch to C.J.'s face makes everyone gasp. Everything happens in a blur. Almost immediately the two animals start to throw punches and kicks in the middle of the hallway. Crowds of students start to surround the fight on both sides, onlookers egging the beaver and eagle on.
"No!" Flick finds his voice and his body bolts forward into the crowd, pushing and shoving people away to try to get to C.J.
"Flick!" Cherry tries to follow him, but she loses the chameleon in the crowd. She can only think of one other thing to do and runs down the hallway in the opposite direction of the ensuing fight.
Flick can only manage to get through the partial crowd of animals, the taller figures still blocking the view. From what he can see currently, Buzz has got C.J. in a chokehold, the beaver struggling to escape. Flick feels like he's going to die, his anxiety bubbling into his throat at the mere thought that Buzz could definitely kill C.J.
But what could he do?!
He's not strong enough to get Buzz to let go. All he can do is stand there and watch C.J. struggle. He feels so helpless, useless seeing his boyfriend struggle for help--
An extremely loud whistle halts all the commotion and a figure makes his way through the throng of people. Most of the students immediately start to scatter, the intimidating presence of the gorilla a clear sign of authority. Cherry's right behind the animal, and soon as she catches sight of Flick, she's by his side, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"C-Cherry?"
"See if C's okay. I'll let Ms. Celia know what's going on." She gives a small smile, and Flick can't help but smile back softly.
"Thanks Cher."
"What's going on here?! Buzz let him go, right now!" The gorilla, the Vice Principal towers over C.J. and Buzz menacingly.
The eagle releases his grip on the beaver's throat and C.J. starts coughing harshly, crumpling to the ground on his knees. The gorilla starts to reprimand Buzz first, giving Flick the opportunity to get to C.J.
Flick runs over to C.J. and starts crying, taking his face in his hands and inspecting the damage. "You idiot! You could've gotten killed!"
C.J.'s still gulping in lungfuls of air, his voice hoarse. Somehow, he still manages to crack a smile between the bruising and the clear swelling of a black eye that he's bound to get.
"I couldn't let him do that to you anymore…"
Flick's tears are freely flowing now, gripping tightly onto C.J.'s shirt, "God, you're so dumb… That was the stupidest shit you've ever pulled--"
C.J. tilts Flick's face up before locking lips with the chameleon. It's sweet and soft and it only makes Flick cry harder. C.J. risked his safety for him. That just made his heart ache even more. C.J. got hurt because of him…
"Ahem."
A coughing can be heard behind the two and the two quickly pull apart. Flick stays by C.J.'s side though as the gorilla glares down at him. C.J.'s smile is still there and he laughs breathlessly.
"Heh… Guess I'm in trouble, huh?"
---
"Ow! Take it easy with that…"
"I'm trying to help you!"
"My cuts aren't gonna heal any faster if you keep pressing alcohol on them! "
"Well, you know what? You deserve that…"
" Why?! I was trying to defend you!"
"I can take care of myself, C…"
"Then why did you let Buzz do that to you?"
"..."
"...Sorry… He just-- That was the last straw for me."
"...It's okay… I'm just glad you didn't get expelled…"
"Suspension's just as bad. My Mom screamed her head off at me when I came home."
"I know. I'm sorry but at the same time, that was really stupid of you to pick a fight with the biggest bully in our school."
"...I just couldn't see you so upset again…"
"C…"
"It hurts me every time I see you get pushed around by him… I know you like to fight your own way, but that shit doesn't slide for me."
"..."
"I was just trying to help you, Flick. I love you and I'm just sorry I didn't do this sooner."
"C.J…"
"You can be mad at me all you want. I'll gladly do that again if it means he'll leave you alone."
"...I mean… he's the one who got expelled so he can't really bother me anymore anyway…"
"I guess…"
"...Thank you, C. It meant a lot. I was more upset at the fact that you were getting hurt because of me…"
"Flick…"
"You have no idea how fucking scared I was. When he choked you I couldn't--"
"I'm sorry for making you worry, angel."
"It's okay… Just please, don't scare me like that again."
"I promise I won't. I swear."
"Good. Now hold still. This is gonna sting."
" Fuck! You did that on purpose!"
"...Maybe."
---
"Flick, c'mon!"
C.J.'s hushed voice is hurried, beckoning Flick over with a wave of his hand. The chameleon looks around cautiously before running up to C.J.'s side. He's careful to not make any sounds as his sneakers hit the pavement. They stop right outside of the empty pool club's locked gate, the streetlights casting faint glows on their silhouettes. "C, we really shouldn't do this…"
"Where's your sense of adventure? This is the first time we've gone swimming all summer !"
"Did we have to sneak into the public pool!?"
C.J. kneels down, forming his hands into a cupped position, "We wouldn't have to if we had money to swim when it's open."
Flick bites his lip, hesitating before stepping into C.J.'s cupped hands. The beaver uses his strength, hoisting Flick up and helping him climb the iron fencing around the pool. The reptile really hopes there aren't any hidden surveillance cameras around…
"I still think this is dangerous…"
C.J. jumps over after Flick, looking around once again before taking Flick's hand and leading him towards a few strewn out sun chairs.
"I'm sure we'll be fine, angelfish. We wouldn't be doing this if our family vacation plans didn't get ruined…"
Flick sighs, sitting down on the chair and taking off his shoes, "Boats break down. Not like we can do anything about it now."
C.J. pulls his shirt over his head and ruffles his hair. Flick tries not to peer too closely at the slightly defined muscles he can make out under C.J.'s fur. "Still, it really sucks and I wanna make it up to you…"
"Aw, C…" Flick smiles, also removing his shirt, "It's really sweet that you want to do this for me, but I would've been fine with waiting til we had enough money to do this legally." He giggles, catching C.J. not so subtlety checking him out in his black swim trunks.
The beaver smirks, toeing off his own socks and shoes before stalking closer to his boyfriend. His eyes are full of mischief as his arms encircle the chameleon's lithe waist, making the chameleon flush.
"True… but where's the fun in that?"
His hands quickly reach down to give a swift squeeze to Flick's derriere, quickly retreating into the pool and chuckling at the sound of indignation Flick makes.
"C.J.!"
The beaver's laughter only increases as Flick jumps into the water after him. Flick's able to dive in right under C.J., pulling him down into the chlorinated water.
The noisy cacophony of cicadas and crickets chirping are the only sounds of the night, besides the gentle lapping of the water off the sides of the pool liner. The moon is shining brightly, illuminating the pool from above. The lights are also on near the bottom of the pool, giving the illusion of a crystalline blue lagoon.
The two have long since given up their play fight, opting to float on their backs between the vastness of the sky and the depth of the water below. C.J. looks over to see Flick's content smile and closed eyes, "Still scared about being caught?"
Flick peeks an eye open and turns his head to face C.J., "Not so much anymore. I haven't heard any alarms or sirens going off yet, so I think we're in the clear for now."
The beaver chuckles, getting off of his back and wading closer to Flick's side, "I told you we didn't have anything to worry about."
Flick rolls his eyes and scoffs, "I said yet . Just because we haven't heard anything doesn't mean we can't get caught still."
His smile is still on his face though and C.J. plants a kiss to his cheek. "Well, if we do end up getting caught, I'll take the blame. It was my idea after all."
Flick giggles, "I can't let you do that. You won't survive in the big house alone."
C.J. feigns a hurt expression, making Flick giggle more, "Hey! I think I'd do just fine in jail, thank you very much."
"Uh huh, sure you would ."
“I’d survive better than you would, mister.” C.J. crosses his arms and snickers at Flick’s pout. Then the chameleon smirks devilishly.
“At least I wouldn’t drop the soap…”
C.J. stares in disbelief at his boyfriend, making Flick burst out into a fit of laughter, clutching his sides and causing the water to splash around him, “I’m joking! I’m joking! Oh God, your face !”
“Yeah, you fucking better be joking, you brat.”
Flick sputters when C.J. splashes him with water, making the beaver laugh. His laughter gets cut off in his throat as his eyes catch sight of a few lone droplets running down the expanse of Flick's scales to try and make it back into the pool. The luminescence from the pool is reflecting off the chameleon's shiny scales, making them glimmer and sparkle like stars. C.J. can feel his heart beat faster and his face start to flush. Flick seems to catch wind of C.J.'s change in demeanor, a confused smile on his face.
"C?"
"I…" The beaver swallows, his azure eyes locking with Flick's lavender ones. His eyes are made all the more alluring from the light of the pool reflecting from below. Almost as if he's staring into some galaxy of space, dark and yet bright from the flecks of purple that kindle the light just so …
"C.J..?"
It takes a few more seconds for C.J. to find his voice. "You're… enthralling."
The way C.J. practically whispers the gentle words and how he looks at him with such wonder causes the chameleon's scales to turn a rosy pink, "C…"
"Ah… That was corny wasn't it..? Heh..." C.J. scratches his cheek, embarrassment seeping into his voice and posture.
Flick doesn't speak, but instead turns off of his back and wades closer to C.J. so their foreheads are nearly touching. The chameleon's smile is warm and C.J. welcomes that heat and nearness of his partner, instinctively wrapping his arms around Flick's waist under the water.
"You're too sweet to me. How did I manage to get so lucky?"
Flick's hands extend out of the water, holding C.J.'s cheeks and stroking the mopped fur with his thumbs gently. The beaver exhales softly, feeling his nerves flutter as they usually did when Flick managed to get this close to him.
"I should be the one asking that question… A literal angel on earth and out of everyone you could have, you chose me …"
C.J.'s forehead leans down to rest against Flick's, closing his eyes and allowing a smile to grace his lips in his trance. Flick's heart is hammering inside his ribcage, his ears drinking up every honeyed word that C.J. utters.
"What could I have possibly done to deserve such a perfect love like yours?"
"Oh, C…" Flick's eyes are lowered, full of happiness and love drunk on the beaver's sentiments. His nose rubs against C.J.'s, his lips just barely tickling the other's, "I never took you for such a romantic."
C.J. chuckles breathlessly, aching to close the distance between their lips, "You just have that effect on me, angel. Guess I'm taking a page out of your book."
The beaver's eyes start to close once again, his voice lowering to a husky whisper, "Is it working..?"
"You tell me…" Flick eagerly whispers back before allowing their lips to touch. Everything else fades away in that moment; The pool, the messy symphony of cicadas and crickets, the entire world…
C.J. is left with Flick, surrounded in blissful warmth and elation and love . Each press of their lips is like pure oxygen, refreshing and desperately needed. The chameleon doesn't even realize that they're near the edge of the pool until his brain registers the edge of concrete pushing against his upper back. He's too engrossed in C.J. to care.
Soft exhales and pants escape their ever joining lips, Flick clinging tightly to C.J. like a lifeline, permitting himself to drown in the beaver's embrace. He could stay like this all night…
The chill of the summer air on his wet scales causes him to shiver, breaking the kiss. C.J. smiles lovingly, and Flick almost immediately feels warmer.
"Cold?"
Flick nods sheepishly, his own goofy smile permanently etched on his face. C.J. regretfully unwinds his arms from Flick's waist, already missing the fuzzy haze of their makeout. He leads the chameleon out of the water, shielding Flick's sensitive body from the now cold wind chill. He reaches for the two towels strewn on the chair and drapes one over Flick's shoulders before aggressively scrubbing his fur dry. He doesn't want his parents asking any suspicious questions, even if they might be able to smell the chlorine on him.
Flick makes quick work of drying his scales off, the once cold air now warm again now that he's pretty much dry. His swim shorts are still damp, but he can live with it for the short walk home. The two boys make sure that they take everything back with them and make sure no trace of their excursion is left to be discovered in the morning.
Quickly, they jump the fence once again and book it to their respective houses. Flick's is first and C.J.'s is around the corner so they quickly say their goodbyes.
"Thank you for bringing me, C. It was a lot of fun." Flick smiles softly and C.J. wants nothing more than to follow him inside and curl up together. He knows he can't though, so he settles for pulling Flick into another sweet kiss that the chameleon happily accepts. The meeting leaves his lips tingling, wanting for more of C.J.'s touch.
"I'm glad. I'll text you later, yeah?" C.J. smiles, reluctantly breaking the kiss.
Flick nods, "Please. I love you."
"I love you too, angel. Goodnight." C.J. takes a step backwards, smiling wide.
"Night…" Flick inches up the stairs, smile affixed.
"G'night…" C.J. takes a few steps towards his house, his eyes still trained on Flick.
"Bye…" Flick giggles, his hand on the doorknob and attention still on C.J.
"Bye…" C.J. sighs breathlessly, finally sprinting off towards his own house.
Flick sighs blithely, his heart light in his chest.
That airy feeling comes crashing back down however when he opens the front door to see his father waiting for him.
---
Flick detested being grounded.
Honestly it wouldn't have been that bad if he had to just stay in the house for the rest of the weekend. The agonizing part was that Nat took his cellphone away, too.
Staring at the ceiling fan spinning in circles was a great way to get rid of his boredom. That's what he'd hope at least. He definitely wasn't in a mood to draw or sculpt today.
Flick sighs dejectedly, his arm coming up to cover his eyes. Not having his phone was pure torture. Not just for entertainment, but for C.J.'s sake. There wasn't any way he could get in contact with C.J. for the rest of the weekend. That was the worst punishment of all.
Maybe Flick's dad knew that somewhere in his mind. The two were basically inseparable. Even more so when they got together, but Nat didn't know that little tidbit of information.
At this point of the day, the sun had already begun to set low in the sky, casting evening shadows in Flick's room.
' C.J. must be in a panic by now… I never take this long to text him back…'
Getting up, he decides to sit at his desk near the window. Maybe if he forced himself to work, he could get something done? Hopefully he could make time go faster in the process.
'Maybe C got grounded too… Wouldn't put it past his asshole father…'
He really didn't hate Chip, but sometimes the guy was just… very hard to get along with. Especially when he'd make those homophobic remarks and C.J. would have to grin and bear it, much to his displeasure and Flick's chagrin. It's not like he could make any remarks back, lest he got C.J. in trouble or allowed Chip to suspect something amiss.
Again, he sighs in defeat, not able to even begin to think of anything to sketch. Being grounded truly sucked.
He's startled when a light tink hits the window. He doesn't think anything of it at first, picking up his pencil once again to try and draw something . It was probably a bird that hit the window or--
Tink…
Tink...
Flick, curiously, pulls back the curtain to see C.J. and Kicks throwing stones at his window from the side of his house. Quickly he unlocks the latch and lifts open the panel to slide the window up and open.
"What're you guys doing here?"
He tries to keep his voice down just in case his parents can hear him from down the hall. C.J. picks up on the way Flick has his voice lowered, opting to do the same thing.
C.J. worries his lip, "You didn't answer my texts all day, so I got worried…"
The chameleon's face falls, "I'm sorry… Dad caught me coming home last night. I'm grounded and he took my phone for the weekend."
C.J. face immediately changes to a guilty expression, "Shit… I'm so sorry, angel. It's my fault…"
Flick leans his elbow on the window sill, his cheek squished against his open palm, "It's not all your fault. I wanted to go last night. Also, why is Kicks here?"
The skunk tips his hat to the chameleon, "Don' mind me, chums. Didn't mean to get in the middle of a lovers' quarrel."
Flick chuckles, "It's not a quarrel, Kicks, you're good."
C.J. brightens, "So you aren't mad at me?"
"No, of course not, dummy. I thought you were mad at me for not responding… I didn't actually think you'd show up here."
Flick straightens up, "Actually, I thought you would've been grounded too."
C.J. shakes his head, "By the time I got home, both my parents were asleep. I got really lucky."
Flick scoffs, "Yeah, really fucking lucky. Chip would've skinned you alive."
"Don't remind me." C.J. groans.
"That still doesn't explain why you dragged Kicks all the way here."
The skunk and the beaver look at each other, mischievously before Kicks responds, "I'm here to reunite Rapunzel with 'is prince."
"What do you--"
At that moment, Kicks leans against the side of the house, leaning down on his knees. C.J. steps onto his shoulder and once he has his balance and knows that Kicks can support him, he lifts the other foot onto Kicks' other shoulder. Flick's window isn't too far off the ground, but it's far enough that either boy can't reach the window by himself. The skunk's hands wrap around the beaver's ankle and he stands up, leaning most of the weight onto the wall behind him. Even with the added height of Kicks below him, C.J.'s head is still only able to make it to the bottom of the sill.
Flick, laughing, leans his head out of the window to meet C.J. halfway, "You're such a goofball."
"I'm your goofball. Besides, you're worth every punishment I might get for doing this from your parents or Kicks." C.J. grins and Flick giggles, leaning down to brush his nose against C.J.'s, who responds enthusiastically.
"You are my goofball, that's true. You're also incredibly sweet sneaking around like this for me."
"You're the only one I'd sneak around for." C.J. chuckles, lifting his arms to hoist himself up on the window sill, taking some of the weight off of Kicks' shoulders.
Flick hums and his eyes lower, those amethyst eyes sparkling with adoration and C.J. can't recall ever witnessing something so enchanting before. Wait, scratch that.
Last night pops into his head and C.J.'s heart flutters. Flick is definitely the most ethereal being in the entire world, his literal angel. C.J. can't help but to inch closer, his voice as soft as the wind.
"How is it you look more beautiful every time I see you?"
Flick's scales develop into a baby pink hue and a lovesick sigh escapes him, "C…"
The chameleon inches closer to the beaver, his lips just barely brushing against C.J.'s, tantalizingly close and yet so far. Flick's voice is tender, full of emotion and C.J.'s brain melts, eyes closing in anticipation.
"How is it I fall more in love with you every time I see you..?"
The question goes unanswered as their lips meet, a soft moan emitting from Flick's throat. The enticing sound swirls in C.J.'s ears and stays in his melted mind, and in response, C.J. deepens the passionate kiss. One of Flick's hands leave the window sill to caress the beaver's cheek, trying so desperately to seek any more contact between him and the beaver--
" Flick! Dinner!"
He can hear his mother's voice from down the hall and reluctantly he pulls away from the pleasant haze of C.J.'s kiss to respond.
"O-okay, Mom!"
Sadly, he looks back to C.J. who looks just as disappointed by the intrusion. "I should go…"
"As much as I don't want you to leave…" Flick smiles, but it's bittersweet.
"I never want to leave…" C.J. remarks with a small smile of his own and Flick's heart bursts with those wonderful butterflies.
"Nor do I." Flick whispers and C.J.'s smile increases. Quickly, he digs into his pocket and puts a small piece of paper on Flick's windowsill; It's an adorable origami butterfly.
"Read that when you can. I think you'll like it." C.J. winks, "I'll come by again tomorrow."
Flick nods and his smile turns back to a happy one, "Yes, please do."
The chameleon leans back down to kiss C.J., this time with more fervor and the beaver eagerly reciprocates.
" Flick!"
"C'mon, C! We gotta get out of 'here afore we're spotted!" Kicks hurriedly whispers to the beaver.
The two pull apart once again as if it pains them both and Kicks lowers C.J. back down to the ground.
"I'm coming!" Flick yells back to the closed door, and turns back to C.J. outside. The beaver smiles goofily, "Goodnight, angel. I love you…"
Flick can't help but smile back, just as lovesick as before, "I love you too, honeybee. So much…"
He blows a kiss and is delighted when C.J. catches it and holds his closed fist to his heart. The beaver does the same and Flick catches C.J.'s kiss as well, holding it close to him.
"C'mon, mate." Kicks urges him and the two run back off towards C.J.'s house, disappearing down the road and leaving Flick with a hole in his heart.
As quickly as he can, he places the origami butterfly delicately on his desk and shuts the window, practically running out of his room and down the hall where his parents are waiting.
When he comes back up from dinner, it's much later in the evening. He closes his door, still feeling pretty tired from talking to his parents. Especially since they're still technically mad at him for sneaking out so late.
The first thing his eyes land on is the pretty blue origami butterfly that sits on his desk. It's almost as though it greets him kindly, a warm reminder of C.J., and he instantly feels better just looking at the little creature.
Gently, he unfolds the carefully creased edges until a flat piece of paper remains. He sits down on the edge of his bed, curious lilac eyes scanning the words scribbled down.
'My love for you is like the raging sea,
So powerful and deep it will forever be,
Through storm, wind and heavy rain,
It will withstand every pain,
Our souls are entwined, never to part,
I love you, angelfish, with all of my heart.'
Your honeybee,
C.J. <3
Those beautiful words that C.J. expresses on the page leaves him feeling lighter than he has all day. He can't help but read and reread the lines over and over again, his heart fluttering in his chest as he lies back on his bed. The dopey smile that etches itself onto Flick's face is indicative of that fact as he holds the paper close to his chest.
C.J. is definitely the one. Flick is sure as hell he isn't letting him go.
---
A typical night in C.J.'s bedroom usually consists of one of three things: Playing video games and eating snacks, studying for tests and working on assignments if it's during the week, or making out on C.J.'s bed. If it's a weekend, it's usually the former and the latter. Though every so often when they end up studying, they'll get carried away in some form or another, jumping apart when they hear a knock at the door from C.J.'s parents.
Much like tonight, where at the odd hours of the morning, definitely past the time most animals should be asleep, C.J. is curled up in bed with his best friend. The soft light of C.J.'s desk lamp is on, giving the room a romantic golden glow that's easy on their tired eyes. Currently, the two are occupied in only thoughts of each other, lips pressing together over and over again softly.
The thick duvet is covering their still naked bodies from the waist down, shielding the lovers from the harsh cold draft of the autumn weather that creeps into C.J.'s room. Flick's bare chest is pressed against C.J.'s, the chameleon letting soft sighs escape his lips during their makeout. C.J. is ecstatic about the fact that his parents can sleep like the dead and that his room is far down the hall from theirs. He can't deny that Flick's sounds during their coupling has massive effects on him.
As the two break apart once more, Flick emits an adorable giggle that makes his boyfriend smile. His voice is a whisper, not wanting to break the atmosphere of their moment together.
"What's got you all giggly?"
Flick's beautiful smile reflects in his eyes as he stares at his best friend, "Just… thinking about us."
C.J. arms wrap tighter around the chameleon's middle, Flick's body partially laying on top of his own, "Oh?"
Flick hums and closes his eyes, letting his nose rub against C.J.'s tenderly. He loves when C.J. gets those possessive tendencies. It makes him feel wanted, safe. "Mhmm…"
C.J. returns the gesture in kind, chuckling softly. Flick was just so cute. "What about us?"
"Just… our future… together…" Flick's scales have long since calmed from their darkened burgundy color of earlier activities now flushing to a subtle pink from embarrassment.
C.J.'s smile becomes more lopsided, "Yeah?"
"I was thinking that… I love you so much and I just…"
"...What is it, angel?" C.J.'s voice is soothing, deep. It makes Flick's worries melt away.
"...I realized… I don't want to live without you…" Flick looks away, his scales turning a brighter pink shade. "I know I must sound nuts but--"
"Flick. Look at me." C.J.'s hand comes up to caress the side of Flick's face and his purple eyes lock onto those bright blue ocean eyes he loves so much.
"I don't think I can live without you either." His eyes are shining and his words never falter. Flick's heart is rapidly beating and he can feel C.J.'s pounding away in its ribcage.
"You're my best friend, my soulmate… I…" C.J.'s face colors and he swallows to get the next words out. Flick patiently awaits, his warm smile giving C.J. the courage he needs to continue.
"If I could, I… I'd give you anything in the world. All you'd have to do is ask, and it'd be yours."
"Oh, C…" Flick smile turns lovestricken and he wonders if it's even possible to fall more in love than he already has. As gently as he can, he takes the beaver's face in his hands, "I don't need anything in the world, as long as I have you."
"You're my everything."
God, if C.J.'s heart didn't just explode... C.J. pulls Flick closer to him, locking their lips together once more. The sparks that fly behind his eyes make him feel like he's meant to be with Flick. The chameleon happily allows it to happen, C.J. pulling away just so he's a hair's breath away from Flick's lips, "I love you so fucking much."
Flick giggles against his lips, sighing happily, "Let's run away together. Just you and me."
C.J. grins, "Get a place of our own together somewhere far away…"
"Somewhere out in the woods, near trees and a big lake…" Flick leans his head on C.J.'s shoulder, looking up at him.
The beaver hums, "That sounds perfect. Nice and secluded…" C.J. smirks and Flick slaps him with the back of his hand lightly, "C!"
"I can't help it!" The beaver pulls up his boyfriend to plant a kiss to his neck, "You're just so damn attractive~"
Flick rolls his eyes, indulging in the shivers that run down his spine from each kiss to his sensitive neck, "You can barely keep your hands off me as it is!"
"Excuse you. We can't keep our hands off each other ." Each word is punctuated by a soft kiss to Flick's neck. C.J. revels in the sweet sighs being drawn out from his ministrations.
"Heh… It'll feel like a honeymoon or something…" Flick giggles.
C.J. chuckles, gifting another chaste kiss, "You wanna elope?"
The chameleon can't deny that the prospect is very tempting. That, and the fact that C.J. is even mentioning marriage… Flick pulls back to stare into C.J.'s face. "You'd… You'd want to..?"
The beaver dares to think he heard a note of hope somewhere in that beautiful voice. He flushes, stammering, "I-I mean… If you want to--"
"With you?" Flick's voice softens and he sounds more like an angel with each passing minute, "I do."
C.J. laughs breathlessly, his heart soaring, "I do too. Though, I'd need to get a ring first."
Flick feels giddy, probably high off of his feelings for the beaver in front of him, "What about our parents? Do you think they'd be upset?"
C.J. sighs, "Well… You know how my Dad is… Plus the fact that we haven't told either pair about us yet…"
"Yeah, true…" Flick sighs dejectedly. He wants to tell his parents. They already know he's gay. C.J., for lack of a better term, is still in the closet to his family. If Flick's parents knew, they might let something slip to Chip and Claire and that wouldn't be good for either of them.
Flick leans on his side again, his hands absently playing with C.J.'s tousled hair, "It'll just be the two of us, then. Maybe Mabel, Kicks and Cherry there with us, too."
C.J. smiles, closing his eyes and allowing Flick to run his fingers along his scalp, "Hmm, that sounds nice… Maybe in a tiny chapel somewhere, or courthouse. Nothing fancy."
Flick smiles, seeing C.J. so relaxed, "Maybe I'd rent a tux or just wear a suit…"
"Oh you'd look fantastic in a tux, angel." C.J. cracks an eye open and Flick chuckles, rolling his eyes.
"You wouldn't look so bad yourself, honeybee." He winks and C.J.'s smile softens.
"Just know, no matter what happens, if we end up eloping or not... I love you, Flick. I..."
C.J. blushes brightly, "Before you… I didn't know what the word 'home' meant…"
Flick is hanging off every word the beaver utters, and when C.J. stares into his eyes he feels like his soul is drowning with the intensity those gorgeous blue eyes are projecting.
"...You're home to me."
Flick softly gasps, his scales turning that pretty shade of bright pink again. He swears his heart is going to burst out of his chest. The amount of love that swells inside of him for this beaver just keeps growing stronger. The chameleon sighs happily, once again leaning down to nuzzle his nose to C.J.'s, "Oh, C… You're home to me too. How can you be so perfect?"
"I'm not perfect, but you definitely are." C.J.'s expression is so full of adoration and Flick can't help but kiss him again.
More sweet kisses are shared between the two before Flick yawns and leans his head back down on C.J.'s shoulder. The beaver smiles and plants a kiss to Flick's temple.
"Bedtime?"
Flick only nods sleepily and C.J. reaches over to pull the lamp's cord. Now shrouded in darkness, C.J. leans back down and holds Flick close to him.
He permits sleep to take over his tired body, his eyes drifting closed. That night he dreams of a chapel, a remote cottage in the woods and an image of Flick in a pristine white tuxedo.
He wonders if Flick has the same dream.