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“Dude, Mariah stood you up.” Exer said, exiting the venue.
David heard the music come in and out as the doors behind him closed and Exer sat down next to him on the cement stairs. “I know,” He sighed. “I’m sulking. Can’t you see my sulking face?”
Exer chuckled as he leaned his elbow on his knee. David hid his face with his hands.
“I’m pretending she’ll be here soon.” he bit his lip.
“Come on,” Exer shoved David playfully. “It’s senior prom! Don’t let some girl under your skin.”
David giggled sheepishly. “The silly thing is, I’m not even upset about Mariah.” Exer raised an eyebrow. “I mean, I kinda figured she’d ghost me before school got out.” David looked away from the other boy. “I know she’s been cheating on me.” He frowned. “Hell, I knew she was with some college freshman, but I gave her my number anyway. It was only a matter of time until she ran off with him and his stupid fancy Vantage Volante.” David groaned as he pushed his hair back.
“Wait, you knew she was with someone, and you dated her anyway?” Exer shook his head.
“I thought they were just talking.” he bit his lip. “Moral of the story, I’m an idiot.” Exer blinked. “I never loved her anyway. I was just trying to prove myself to Ricky and Marty and all the others.”
“Prove what?” David felt his face heat up. “Nothing.” David looked ahead at the night sky. “It doesn’t matter, It didn’t work. I can’t prove something that isn’t true.”
Exer’s eyes grew softer, looking over at David. “I’m..” Exer stopped him. “Hey, it’s okay. It’s our senior year, let’s not worry so much.” David turned his head to look over at him. “We just got over that whole thing with Jackson and your sister. Can we just have fun tonight?”
David sighed with a smile. Exer got up, and David followed along. “Wait,” he said, biting his lip as he grabbed onto Exer’s hand. “Can we dance?” Exer shook his head, feeling the blood quickly rise to his cheeks.
“Huh?” He looked towards the doors of the Venue.
“O-Out here. You can still hear the music, can’t you?” Exer looked back at him. “Yeah..”
David laughed as he took Exer’s hand and spun him around, ignoring the beat of the music.
“Alright y’all,” The DJ spoke after the last song, and Exer and David listened in. “You better grab your special someone for this song.” David felt his face turn redder as Exer whipped his head from the door to David. He looked away from his gaze as the song started playing.
“Do you wanna go back insi–” before David could finish, he looked up to see Exer’s face lit up.
“This is my favorite song!” David lit up listening in.
I've gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
David’s eyes widened as he felt Exer push him closer from the waist and swing side to side, his smile beaming. David thought he may die right here outside of the school cafeteria.
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I'm older
David sheepishly lifted his arms up to wrap around Exer’s neck. Exer must have been too caught up in the music, because he didn’t seem to notice the envancment. Exer only smiled more.
Through the clouds, I see love shine
It keeps me warm as life grows colder
By now, Exer was singing along with the muffled music, and David slowly moved closer to lean into Exer and closed his eyes as he serenaded him.
In my life, there's been heartache and pain
I don't know if I can face it again
I can't stop now, I've traveled so far to change this lonely life
“You know, everytime i hear this song on my radio I.. think of you.” Exer softly said.
“What?” David blushed, and hoped he didn’t feel the heat from his cheeks on his shoulder. “But, why? it’s your favorite song?”
Exer laughed nervously, blush flowing to his cheeks. “No reason.”
I wanna know what love is, I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is, I know you can show me
David swallowed the lump in his throat as he began listening to the lyrics. “I guess I didn't realize why until now.” Exer whispered loud enough for David to hear.
“You mean like just now or…”
I've got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me
Exer stopped dancing. “I’m in love with you.”
David pushed away with a blush. “W-What?” Exer stepped back with him, realizing what he just said. “Come on man, don’t fuck with me that’s–that’s not even near funny.”
Exer felt his eyes swell with hot tears. “I-I’m not messing with you, Day.” Exer bit his lip. “I-I know this was a bad idea– please just–” he backed up into the wall, a sense of hopelessness hitting him as his back faced the wall. “Just forget it.” Exer finally said, walking down the steps.
“Wait!” David grabbed Exer. “I don’t want to forget about it.” Exer turned around. “I- I love you too.”
Exer looked away, biting his lip. “I’m sorry, David, this is to complicated–”
“Now for the last song of the night, a little bit of a throwback!”
Exer and David looked towards the doors again, as another song came on.
"Listen, Ex,” David shook his head. “We don’t have to think about any of that right now.” He held out his hand. “But will you give me just one more dance?” Exer smiled bashfully, sheepishly taking his hand.
To make those rainbows in my mind
When I think of you sometime
And I wanna spend some time with you
Exer laughed as David pulled him in, looking up at the taller boy.
Just the two of us
We can make it if we try
Just the two of us
Giggling, David let Exer spin him, despite the fact that he was too short to lift up his arms. David let go of Exer’s hand for comfort, spinning on his own. Almost Immediately, he grabs Exer’s hand again, causing him to flush.
We look for love, no time for tears
Wasted water's all that is
And it don't make no flowers grow
“Ah man, I love this song.” David beamed, pulling Exer in from the shoulders. When he heard no response, he looked down to Exer, who had his eyes closed and smiling, humming to the music. Exer slowly leaned into David’s chest. David hoped he couldn’t hear his heartbeat.
Just the two of us
David lifted his arm to rest his hand in Exer’s hair. Slowly twirling his fingers in his curly hair.
We can make it, just the two of us
Exer lifted his head up to face David. If Exer didn’t hear his heartbeat before, he definitely heard it now.
Let's get it together baby
David moved his hand to Exer’s cheek, caressing it softly.
We can make it, just the two of us
David felt himself leaning down as Exer leaned into David’s touch. Exer felt something press on his lips.
Just the two of us
David flung back. “I- I can’t believe I just did that.” Exer lifted his fingers to gaze upon his own lips. “I-I’m sorry–” Exer stood on his tippy toes, kissing David’s cheek.
They immediately heard the DJ announcing the end of the night and quietly moved away from each other to not be seen before anyone came out.
“I should..” Exer looked at the doors.
"Um– yeah, yeah.” David flushed, scratching the side of his arm.
As Exer began to leave, he stopped himself. “Hey um,” Exer turned around. “You can spend the night at my house, uh– if you want.”
David smiled. “I’ll see what i can do.”