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"Do you use rollers in your hair?"
Gareth stopped.
Shit.
You hadn't meant to ask that out loud.
Maybe you shouldn't have filled in for Lucas.
For context let's take this back 5 hours ago. Lunch was already overwhelming enough, having to leave the Hellfire club a two months prior due to falling behind in grades, (Junior year man.) Plus listening to one of the best dungeon masters you've ever had give one of his signature speeches a few tables over was just the cherry on top. Okay, "one of the best" may have been a little reach considering you were only part of the club in the beginning of the school year.
Mike and Dustin had convinced you to join and at first you weren't sure, would replacing Will really be okay? But afew guilty letters later you realized it would be fine. Admittedly, after the first club meeting the guilt turned into excitement. Getting to meet more people who like DnD? Absolutely.
So for the second time this year when Mike Wheeler, an unexpected friend, came to sit down at your table and ask you for the second time this year if you would like to (re)join Hellfire.
"It's just because Lucas has a practice game for championships in two weeks" he explained rather frustrated.
You couldn't fight off the twitch of a smile you had.
"Of course I'd join you guys."
That was five hours ago. Life was so peaceful five hours ago. The one person you didn't really think about in your two month break? Gareth. You forgot about your massive crush on Gareth Emerson. Who Lucas normally sits with during their campaigns.
Thankfully you survived until the end. Minus the awkward side glances and sweaty palms. Now it was just you and him, Eddie already packed up and left. Mike and the others getting a ride from Mrs. Wheeler.
You cleared your throat, "I didn't know you stayed after."
You were still seated against the far wall on one of the bean bags watching him look around for something underneath the table.
"Well-" he started, "I normally don't but I couldn't get a ride, I wanted to wait before I went out in the cold."
You nodded, considering what he said. But before you could offer him a ride though, a loud smack cut off your train of thought.
"Fuck!" He groaned.
"Uhh," you stammered standing up. "Are you okay?" You asked while moving to pull the low table towards you exposing him clutching the top of his head with his right hand. You walked around the table offering him a hand up, and he takes it in his left. You help him up, making sure to help keep him steady.
You pray your hands aren't clammy.
"I'm," he starts, "I'm okay, hit my head pretty fucking hard though." He grimaces putting down the hand touching his head.
You swallow, you guys were about seven inches apart, in a room alone together. Normally not one for crushes or getting flustered easily you thank whatever above or below for your poker face.
"Here, let me see?" You question motioning your hands towards yourself, he takes a breath, and before you can say never mind he gets closer to you and shows you where he hit his head. You run your hands through the area he pointed at, feeling for swelling or something, you're not sure honestly you asked to look before you thought to ask.
Not that you were complaining anyway, his hair was really, really soft. You looked down at his pins on his shirt. He wasn't all that dressed up today, just a band t-shirt and some baggy pants. You looked up at his face, your hand still holding his head. Somehow, somewhere Gareth had moved even closer to you, seemingly subconsciously because when you two made eye contact you noticed his ears turned red.
It gave you butterflies. Intense feelingsy butterflies and it was unsettling, suddenly your ears felt like they were burning too. You quickly removed your hand, crossing your arms.
"I-"
"Do you use rollers in your hair?" You blurted out.
Shit.
Gareth stopped.
That wasn't meant to be said aloud. You unthank whatever was above or below.
"I- I'm sorry that seems rude of me, I was only asking cause your hair is so curly, and like I never could really have curls in tact like that whether natural or not, and you just make me nervous-" you take a deep breath. Trying not to ramble when you're nervous is hard.
He grins. Suddenly, you're filled with dread.
"I make you nervous?"
If you were going to confess to him, you realize, now would be the time to do it. The sun starting to set through the windows of the club room, the dim warm lights on making the room seem more comfortable and less excitement filled then it usually is with all the clutter and band posters.
But that doesn't mean you couldn't tease him back first.
"Yeah, how could you not? You're Gareth the Great, but you're also Gareth the really hot drum player who I've had a crush on for months," you smile. Then, wow he actually goes red at that. Which makes some sparks fly, the butterflies in your stomach getting worse. And you're not entirely sure how that's possible.
Fidgeting with his own hands for a moment, you give him a chance to respond.
"Do you mean that?" He asks.
"Of course I do," you reach for his hand stopping him from picking at his thumb nail.
"I like you too," he mumbles.
You dont think you've ever saw this side of him before, less of a scowl on his face. You secretly 'forget' about your ride. Walking out of the club room and out of the school occasionally bumping shoulders or laughing at what the other one said you walk him home under the twilight sky.