Work Text:
Day 1
Study hall was Scott’s first class of the day. It gave him time to relax if he was stressed, nap if he’s tired, or converse with his best friend Martyn, if he was bored.
Today wasn’t quite like that. It was the week of the Fall Formal, which was held on Friday. It was a major deal. Because of Fall Break, it fell on the extra day they had off, which meant Scott had four exact days to figure out a plan.
A plan to confess and ask out his crush, Jimmy Solidarity.
Like I stated previously, Martyn Woods was in that class, who would hopefully be his wingman. He spotted him in his usual spot, flipping through a textbook.
“Martyn!” He greeted quietly, sitting down at the chair next to him. “Hey, Scott.” He welcomed with a smile.
“I need help with something.” Scott stated, rocking back in his chair. Martyn tilted his head, curiosity overloading him.
“With what, exactly?” Martyn closed the textbook. Scott leaned in closer to Martyn, close enough for them to gossip and talk freely without anyone else hearing.
“You know how the Fall Formal is like, four days from now?” He asked, and Martyn hesitantly nodded.
“ I wanna ask Jimmy out to it… Like, as a couple. ” Scott whispered, cheeks reddening even thinking about it. Martyn softly gasped to himself, eyes widening.
“Really?!” He whispered back, and Scott vigorously nodded. “Practically, I’m gonna put my flirt mode on the highest setting, so he gets the hint. We both know how dense he could be.” Scott chuckled, thinking back to all of the hints he’s basically thrown at his crush.
“And I want you to be my wingman.” He pressed his finger against Martyn’s chest, who smiled at the mention, before shrugging.
“I mean, I’d be willing to help… On one condition.” He gave Scott a shit eating grin, and Scott bunched his brows together.
“Hit me.” Scott replied. “You have to be my wingman too. You’re not the only one who has plans to ask someone out.” Martyn smugly smirked, and Scott gasped in a similar manner to Martyn’s, earlier.
“But I won’t tell you–” Scott cut him off. “It’s Ren, isn’t it.” He deadpanned. Martyn stared, before looking away.
“ How’d you know? ” He asked.
“Well, otherwise the fact it’s so painfully obvious, I just had to go with the whole nerd loving a jock trope.” Scott explained. Martyn and Ren were next door neighbors since they were little. They haven’t drifted apart, frequently talking every day. In fact, Martyn picked up Ren to drive him to school today. They also drive home together, but with his football practice or whatever, he usually has to wait for him.
Not like he minded.
“Anyway, I’ll wingman you if you do the same. Sounds good?” Scott held his hand out, and Martyn shook it with glee. “It’s a deal, my friend!” Martyn snickered.
Jimmy, on the other hand, was in the locker room. Today was another long swim meet, and he was exhausted. The football team shoved themselves into the already tight locker room while Jimmy tried to slip on a shirt, when Jimmy spotted Ren Doge.
Perfect.
Jimmy finished changing quickly before going to Ren, who was still taking off his gear.
“Hey, Ren!” Jimmy greeted. He turned around and faced Jimmy. They were about the same height, but Ren was much more built than Jimmy could ever dream.
“Yeah?” He responded. “Oh, it’s just me.” Jimmy assured as Ren slightly untensed. The locker room finally began to clear out, soon enough, they were the only two left inside.
“I was wondering if you’d like to help me with something?” Jimmy began, and Ren didn’t object, letting him continue.
“I… I have a tiny little crush on Scott. And I want to confess to him on Thursday, so we can go to the Fall Formal together.” He paused, feeling his cheeks heat up. “And I was wondering if you could… Possibly help me with it? I’d ask Martyn, but there’s no way he wouldn’t tell Scott.” He awkwardly continued, and Ren lit up.
“Sure, dude! I’d be up to wingman anytime! ” Ren smiled brightly, and Jimmy shuffled a bit. “Okay, but I was also thinking that since you’re helping me, I could help you. ” He paused, hoping that Ren would get what he was implying. Alas, Ren was as dense as Jimmy was.
“I wanna help you confess to Martyn too.” He deadpanned, and Ren yelped. “E– Excuse me?!” He screeched, and Jimmy almost laughed. “Sorry man, but we’re just friends.” He lied through his teeth, and Jimmy wasn’t believing a word.
“It’s fine, Ren. We know how you look at him, it’s pretty obvious…” Jimmy paused. “Well, not to him.” He shrugged.
“Erm– I’m not that good with romance, though.” Ren admitted. Now that Jimmy’s thought about it, he never remembered seeing Ren with a boyfriend or girlfriend, ever.
“Don’t worry, I’ll help you out, too! Like, two negatives equal a positive, right?” He chuckled, and Ren gave him a deadpan look through the shades. “Anyway, are you in?” Jimmy asked.
Ren hesitated, before nodding his head.
“Alright then!” He hummed.
“Should we… Exchange numbers? I can send you my address and we can head over and find out ways to subtly flirt or whatever tomorrow afterschool.” Ren suggested. “Oh, good idea!” Jimmy nodded, before taking out his own phone.
“Also, feel free to sit at our table from now on instead of with those boring jocks! You’ll have to get closer to Martyn in some way, right?” Jimmy chuckled, and Ren felt himself redden for what felt like the tenth time today.
Scott could see Jimmy’s still slightly damp hair from a mile away, especially in a small class like the AP Science room.
“Hey Jimmy!” Scott greets as he slides into the seat next to him. They had a worksheet to work on, which meant they had free reign, as long as they completed the work. Luckily, Scott and Jimmy often teamed up and did half a page each, before switching papers to copy off the other, which meant they were done way earlier than usual.
Scott leaned back in his chair as small chatter filled the classroom, bouncing off the ways.
“Did you just get back from swimming?” Scott asked curiously, and Jimmy nodded softly, energy likely drained from all the swimming.
“Yeah, we have a meet tomorrow that I need to prepare for.” He gave a verbal answer this time, clicking a pen with his extra hand.
“Are you gonna watch it?” Jimmy then asked. “I mean, if you want me to, I won’t mind. What time is it tomorrow?” Scott agreed, warmed by the fact that Jimmy wanted him there.
“Right after school.” He replied. Scott looked to the side, smirking to himself.
He inched closer to Jimmy, before their forearms pressed together. “I’d love to see you get all wet and competitive. ” He flirted as Jimmy’s face turned bright red with a blink of an eye. Jimmy rolled his eyes. “Scott, dude!” He muttered, covering his face.
“What? I’m just stating the facts!” Scott chuckled, and Jimmy groaned.
Martyn sat on the empty bench, watching Ren practice. He had no clue what was happening on the field, it looked more like the army instead of a football team. What he did know, is that Ren looked hot when he didn’t have his helmet on… And in general.
He fidgeted with the strings on his hoodie as another student sat down next to him. He was wearing black, squarish glasses and a red sweater, brownish blonde hair covering some of his face. “Hot chocolate?” He asked, a fellow British accent. Martyn gladly accepted it, taking the styrofoam cup from his hands. It was getting colder outside, which meant the winds were getting stronger, and the breeze could turn boiling hot water cool.
“I’m Grian. Grian Xelqua.” The teen introduces himself formally. “Martyn Woods, nice to meet you.” Martyn replied as he pried the lid off of the cup. The wind would likely make it more than cold enough to drink. Grian hummed.
“You’re here for Ren Doge then, right?” He tilted his head. Martyn paused, looking at the teen. “How do you know?” He squinted at them. Grian snickered, like it was a joke. “The crush is really obvious, what can I say?” He commented, and Martyn’s face reddened.
“Who are you here for? No way you’re here to watch a bunch of jocks train.” Martyn scoffed. “Tymes, the one right there.” He pointed to one of the jocks, who indeed had Tymes on the back of his gear. He was in the group doing jumping jacks, while the group Ren was in were doing pushups.
“His name is Scar, and he’s a dumbass. Gotta make sure he doesn’t hurt himself on accident during practices, y’know?” Grian snickered as he watched Scar falter a bit during his jumping jacks, before being reprimanded by the coach.
As practice began to wind down, Grian stood up, probably to visit his own person. “You should ask out Ren, y’know.” Was the last thing he said, before leaving.
What the fuck.
Day 2
When Scott woke up, he stared at the clock. 7:17, it read. School started at 7:25.
He shot up, realizing that there was no way that Xornoth was home, who he usually got rides from, nor could he walk/run to the school in time Scott picked up his phone– which he also forgot to charge– and called Martyn.
“ Hello? ”
“Martyn, I just freaking woke up!”
“Oh, that’s no good, isn’t it? ”
“I was wondering if you could possibly pick me up?”
A chuckle came from the other side of the line.
“ Sure dude, no problem. Just so you know, I also have to pick up Ren. ”
“Yes, I know! Thanks!”
Martyn hummed.
“Just get changed now before you go to school looking like shit. ”
Martyn hung up, and Scott quickly threw on a pair of jeans and slipped on a shirt with an ombre design on the front, before realizing he had a bit of time to spare.
He went to the bathroom, not even attempting to comb out his hair. He picked up a container of liquid blush, and a makeup blush.
Then he got to work.
Scott was strangely good at makeup. He learned most of his skills from Xornoth’s (ex?)boyfriend, Joey, who also did makeup.
A horn honked outside as Scott put on lip balm. He headed outside with his backpack on, seeing Martyn staring back at him. “Get in, quick!” He yelled. Scott smiled and climbed into the passenger seat, settling into familiar surroundings. Martyn’s car smelled like the ocean, probably because of the air freshener hung on the rearview mirror, but it still comforted Scott.
They began moving, and soon enough, they were back at Martyn’s neighborhood, where Ren was waiting for him. “Ren! Sorry, Scott here overslept and I had to pick him up too.” Martyn explained, and Ren settled in the backseat.
“No problem, dude. I don’t care where I sit.” He insisted. With that, the conversation between Scott and Martyn continued.
The topic shifted to all the new gossip about the new straight “power” couple of the school (although just about everybody knew that they would last a few months at hest. ), then to the Robotics Competition coming up, since Martyn’s friend Etho was a part of the team, and it ended with them placing bets on how far they’d make it.
Scott glanced at the backseat through the mirror, seeing Ren simply on his phone, probably texting someone. He shrugged it off as they all piled out of the car, Ren’s phone slipping away too.
Scott and Martyn’s banter seemed a little too natural, in Ren’s eyes.
Or maybe he’s just jealous as fuck.
It’s probably the latter. Still, he decides to text Jimmy about it, telling him to be at his locker before they had to go to their separate sports. Luckily, when Ren opened the door to the locker room, Jimmy was waiting for him.
“Oh, Ren! What did you need to talk to me about?” Jimmy asked as Ren ran a hand through his hair. “I think Scott and Martyn are getting way too close.” Ren admitted.
Jimmy paused… And then started laughing.
“Y– Y’know, jealousy is not a good look for you!” Jimmy snickered to himself. “Y– You do realize that they’ve been friends since they were children, since before you moved here, right? Of course they’re gonna be close!” He explained, and Ren suddenly felt very embarrassed.
“Look, if you’re really worried about it, we’ll talk about it after school. We’re still meeting at your place, right?” Jimmy asked, and Ren hesitantly nodded.
“If they do happen to have feelings for each other, we’ll take their hearts before they can!” Jimmy chirped in a dark tone. Ren stared for a second, before taking a deep breath.
“Right.” He mumbled.
The conversation with Ren still stuck with Jimmy, even if it was hours ago. He listened to the coach, who blew the whistle when the race began. All of the divers, Jimmy included, dove into the water, barely listening to the cheers and yells that came with the start of the race. Even if he wanted to, his ears would be filled with water.
Simple strokes was all he had to do to make it to the end the fastest. He was always the best at holding his breath, and with a bit more training, he was probably the best swimmer in the school.
He reached the end and touched the edge, as more cheers erupted. The chlorine didn’t bother him as he looked around. Not surprisingly, he was the first person to finish. His name was already on the board, 6.17 as a time. That was quick, wasn’t it.
Once all of the other divers reached the end, he dragged himself out of the pool and to one of the towels to partially dry off, when he saw familiar blue hair heading down the bleachers, towards Jimmy.
Obviously, it was Scott. He was holding a styrofoam cup as he approached Jimmy.
“Jimmy, you did awesome!” Scott gave him a quick hug, which Jimmy accepted because of how warm the sweater he had on was. “I also got you some tea, I dunno if you’d like it though…” Scott looked to the side.
“I love tea, thanks Scott.” He gave Scott a signature goofy grin, and Scott smiled back, before holding out the drink to him.
“If they do happen to have feelings for each other, we’ll take their hearts before they can!” Jimmy chirped in a dark tone.
Jimmy took the cup, “accidentally” brushing his fingers against Scott. While he could act like he didn’t notice, Scott couldn’t hide how red his cheeks were.
How Jimmy would love to kiss him right now.
But no, he has to wait. But at least it’d be worth it in the end!
Ren tapped his foot on the carpeted floor as he waited for Jimmy to knock on his door. They were supposed to meet today, and although he knew Jimmy had a swim meet, he had some patience. It was around 5:40, and he was getting less patient every minute that passed.
Finally, there was a set of knocking. Ren rushed to the door and slid the locks off, and he opened the door. Jimmy was on the other side, a bright smile apparent on his face. Cold blasted into the heated house, and he ushered Jimmy inside to retain some of the heat.
“So, how do we start?” Ren asked his friend. “We can just start googling stuff. I doubt the 30 year old self made millionaire guys on TikTok would be helpful, right?” Ren snorted at Jimmy’s joke, and he took out his phone.
“Oh, let me show you my room.” He dragged Jimmy up the stairs, down the hall, to the left, before opening the door. “Wow, your room is so… You. ” Jimmy chuckled as he sat down on Ren’s unmade bed.
“Is that a compliment or an insult?” Ren asked as he took out his laptop from underneath his bed, then settled on his bed next to Jimmy.
“So,” Ren began as he typed in the password. “What should we Google first?” He asked. Jimmy thought for a bit, tapping his finger on his chin.
“What about… How to flirt with someone? Because we both clearly suck at it.” Jimmy said, no harm intended in his words. Ren chuckled and typed it into the engine.
“Ask thoughtful questions is one. What does that entail exactly?” Ren mumbled as he read off the results. “I dunno, like what’s the meaning of life or whatever.” Jimmy shrugged as they continued reading down.
“Smile and say hi when you see them. Isn’t that just common courtesy?” Jimmy asked, pointing at another result. “Okay, this isn’t working. Let’s think of something else.” Ren closed the tab and pulled up a new one, while Jimmy watched.
“How to hint at someone that you like them?” Ren suggested, and Jimmy nodded, so Ren entered the prompt.
“Get them a drink from their favorite place and put a note on it, one special, just for them.” Jimmy deadpanned as he read out more vague results.
“Wait, that’s actually good.” Ren paused, looking back at the suggestion Jimmy read out.
“I know Scott hasn’t been getting much sleep over the past couple of days, so maybe you can get him a coffee? I remember that Martyn’s been wanting a drink from Starbucks too.” Ren explained, and Jimmy nodded. “Yeah, I have his usual order memorized. ” Jimmy admitted.
“Anyway, what about I pick you up from here and then we’ll go to Starbucks to get their order, and we can stick a note on it or something.” He suggested.
“Now that, is a great idea, dude.” Ren nodded with approval. “I guess I'll pick you up at like… 6:50 tomorrow?” Jimmy cringed at how early both of them had to wake up. Clearly, Ren felt the same way, groaning.
“I dunno if I can wake up that early, man.” He deadpanned, and Jimmy shrugged. “Meh, I can wait.” He waved his hand, and Ren sighed. “Fine, I’ll try. Only for Martyn, though.” Ren was more of a night owl, staying up to ungodly hours either watching Youtube or doing schoolwork.
“Look at you, trying to be a better person just for Martyn!” Jimmy cooed endearingly as Ren rolled his eyes. “Yeah yeah, whatever.” He then tried to not let his blush show.
Day 3
Jimmy wasn’t surprised to see himself waiting outside of Ren’s house. It had been 10 minutes since arrived, and Ren still wasn’t awake.
Suddenly, the door flung open, revealing a disheveled looking Ren, who stumbled out of the house.
“You’re a mess.” Jimmy said as he pulled down the window. Ren climbed into the passenger seat and he continued to drive.
“I feel like crap, dunno why.” He replied, looking out the window. “How much sleep did you get last night?” Jimmy asked. He paused.
“Like, four hours at best. ” Ren shrugged. “Well no wonder, you dummy!” Jimmy rolled his eyes, no ill intent behind his words.
They eventually pulled up to a small Starbucks, going through the drive through. A woman with blonde hair opened the window.
“Yo, welcome to Starbucks, what can I get for you?” she asked. Ren leaned over to say, “ One Strawberry Acai Refresher please.”
“And also one venti white chocolate mocha, hot, with extra whip?” Jimmy added, the order much more complicated. “Kay, is that all?” The cashier asked, tapping buttons on the screen in front of her. “Yeah, can I pay with credit?” Jimmy then asked.
The cashier nodded and held out the card scanner. He swiped the card slowly, and she pulled the card scanner away. “Okay, wait by the window please!” She hummed, before disappearing.
“That was easy.” Ren mumbled. “What do you mean? Like– Ordering a drink at Starbucks?” Jimmy chuckled as he put his card back into one of the pockets of his wallet.
“Yeah, tried going there with Martyn once. He was an expert at ordering teas, and I stuttered so many times, dude. It’s embarrassing just thinking about it, especially since I did it in front of Martyn!” Ren blushed.
“Honestly, it’s sort of reversed for me and Scott. Despite what most people think, Scott’s really not that good at ordering junk, which is why I drive and he doesn’t, so I can tell the drive thru worker our order instead of him.” Jimmy chuckled, thinking back on it.
Soon, the window opened once more. “One Strawberry Acai Refresher,” She held out the cup to Jimmy, who gave it to Ren. It was surprisingly cold in his palms.
“And one venti white chocolate mocha, with extra whip!” She chuckled, giving the hotter cup to Jimmy, who slotted it into the cup holder, Ren following. “Have a great day!” The worker hummed.
“You too!” Jimmy replied as he pulled out of the drive thru. They parked in a nearby empty lot as Jimmy took out two sharpies, then handing one to Ren.
“You can write something on it with the sharpie.” He explained, uncapping his own Sharpie with his teeth. Ren nodded and began writing what seemed like a paragraph. Jimmy stared at it for a second, before beginning to write.
He settled with a simple message and Ren finished writing his. “Hey Jim, should you be the one to deliver the drinks to them? You’re closer to Scott and Martyn together than I am.” Ren explained.
“Sure, I don’t really mind. I’ll make sure to tell Martyn that the refreshers from you, though.” Jimmy chuckled as Ren set his cup back in the cup holder.
Then they went to drive to school.
Ren <3 - hey i have something to handle before school so u can go without me
Ren <3 - i should be there by the time school starts tho so u wont miss me :D
Martyn stared at the thread of messages for a second, before groaning, chucking his phone onto his bed. The best part of his day was when he picked up Ren. Mostly because he was usually pretty delusional first thing in the morning, and it was funny ( and a bit endearing ) to watch him stumble around his words.
Martyn tied the headband around his forehead, ends flaring off to the side before he combed his hands through his hair. “ You’ve got this, it’s fine. ” Martyn forced himself to say, before another notification popped up on his phone. Martin picked up his phone and checked the message. The message was from Scott instead of Ren.
Scott :D - hey can u possibly pick me up today?
Scott :D - i overslept AGAIN
Martyn almost snorted, shooting back a quick text.
Martini - Sure, Ren’s not gonna be with us tho
Martyn stuffed his phone into his pocket before leaving his room, going to the kitchen. He took the keys out of his bowl and exited to the garage, opening it, where his car laid on his driveway.
The drive to Scott’s house was short, and by the time he got there, Scott was sitting on the steps leading up to the front door, waiting for him. Scott rushed to get inside the heated car.
“Hey Scott,” He greeted. “Martyn, thank gods you’re here! I dunno how I managed to oversleep again!” Scott groaned dramatically, and Martyn rolled his eyes light heartedly.
“Yeah, I can tell. ” He added candidly. “Anyway, why can’t Ren be here? Doesn’t he usually ride with you like– every day?” Scott chuckled.
“Meh, he had some business or whatever to take care of before school.” Martyn gripped the wheel just thinking about it. He’s usually very lenient on who Ren hangs out with, but he couldn’t help but get extremely jealous.
“Ooh, someone’s jealous~!” Scott teased, and Martyn felt himself redden. “Am not!” He declared as they pulled up to the school. They both piled out of the car and walked inside.
“Great, and now I have to take a second period test while half awake!” Scott groaned, leaving on Martyn’s shoulder dramatically. “If you asked, we could’ve gone to Starbucks. Too late now.” He replied as Scott eventually left his shoulder.
“Oh, there you are!” A familiar voice chirped. They both turned to see Jimmy, with two drinks from Starbucks, ironically. He gave the white cup to Scott, and the clear one, which was covered in writing, to Martyn.
“Me and Ren got you drinks from Starbucks! I had a feeling you’d be sleepy.” Jimmy chuckled, and Scott stared at the coffee like it was holy water.
“Aw, thanks Jimmy!” Scott collapsed Jimmy in a hug, and Martyn watched with glee as Jimmy’s cheeks lit up, turning bright red way too quickly.
Martyn looked at his own drink. It was a refresher, one he’s wanted to try for a long while now. Now that he thinks about it, he remembers telling exactly that to Ren maybe months ago.
Did he really remember it?
“E-Erm– I’ve gotta go to class, but I’ll see you lads later!” Jimmy said as Scott eventually got off of him.
“Why is yours filled with writing?” Scott then asked, looking at his drink, while they walked to study hall. “No clue.” Martyn shrugged.
“Well, at least we know why Ren couldn’t go ride with us. Cuz’ he was getting us drinks with Jimmy!” Scott hummed, and Martyn sipped the drink, after staring at the floating strawberry slices. It was delicious. And cold, and Martyn liked cold.
Or maybe Martyn likes it because it was Ren who got it for him. Despite it being cold, it warmed his heart.
“Oh, mine has writing too.” He said as they settled down. “What does it say?” Martyn asked, leaning over to see it.
He turned the cup over so he could see the writing.
“ get more sleep idiot! glad i could get you a gift at least :D” It read in scribbly handwriting. “How endearing.” Martyn released a chuckle as Scott sipped his drink.
“Aw, I think he memorized my order, too! How sweet of him!” Scott cooed while his cheeks brushed a bright red, and Martyn looked at his own cup. “Look what mine says.” Martyn showed Scott his.
“ Sorry for not being able to ride with you today, but I got you coffee! I’m lazy though so Jimmy’s delivering it, hope you don’t mind! I also remember you wanted to try this? I hope it tastes alright and we didn’t just waste 5 dollars, lol -Ren!” his read. No wonder it was covered in writing, he wrote a whole paragraph.
Martyn stared at the message for a bit longer. Just a bit.
“Obsessed much?” Scott teased, leaning to his side of the table. Martyn didn’t reply.
“Gods, and I thought I was down bad!” Scott chuckled.
Scott’s very lucky to see Jimmy so early in the day, just his third period. While he had to take an exam the period before, the coffee Jimmy got for him helped a lot with staying awake through the test.
When he got to Business Foundations, he found Jimmy already in his seat, clicking a red pen repeatedly. He didn’t hesitate to sit next to Jimmy.
“Oh, Scott!” Jimmy hummed. “Hey, Jimmy. Thanks for the coffee, it kept me awake most of last class.” Scott smiled, and Jimmy gave him an average goofy grin of his. “No problem, figured you needed it!” Jimmy smiled, leaning his cheek on his palm.
The teacher announced some project about presenting their own ideas for their own business, and naturally, Jimmy and Scott ended up pairing up with each other.
The class was average, it went by fairly quickly with Jimmy by his side.
But it felt like their hands were brushing way too much. And whenever they did, and Scott would turn bright red, he could see Jimmy smirk in the corner of his vision, like he was relishing his reaction?
What the fuck was happening?
Scott reached for the black marker, he was making the logo. Jimmy also reached for the marker. Their hands brushed, once more.
“Oh shit–”
“Sorry-”
“You can–”
“Go ahe–”
“ I’ll just get it! ” Scott blurted, swiping the marker. All he needed was one fucking border, but look what he had to do to get it!
“Do you still need the marker?” Scott asked, holding out the marker to Jimmy. “Erm– Yeah, actually.” He reached for the marker, and Scott leaned his face closer to Jimmy’s, close enough to see the darker freckles on his nose.
He pressed the marker into Jimmy’s hand and smirked as Jimmy’s own face lit up bright red, Scott probably was too, but he took pleasure in seeing Jimmy get a bit of his own medicine.
Sure, he’d get a lecture from his Business Foundations teacher about PDA in the classroom, but at least she isn’t mad that he was gay.
—
Ren barely has Martyn in any of his classes, unfortunately. It made him yearn for him… Well, more than usual, at least.
They’ve known each other since forever, ever since Ren moved in when they were children.
“My dear king, please let me protect you!” Martyn would once bow to him. Ren would smile proudly at his knight and hand. It was a silly idea at the time, that Ren would be a king, while Martyn would be his protector.
“Of course, my knight. Protect me from any and all dangers that we may face on our way to the princess!” Ren hummed, reading the line from a book he once read. Martyn gave him a goofy grin, tooth missing still, since not all his teeth had grown in yet.
“There aren’t any princesses here, but anything for you, my red king!” Martyn approached Ren, twirling the red strand of hair around his finger. His father let him dye only a strand of his hair one color, and while Ren originally decided on green, he figured it didn’t suit him as much as he wished. Then he tried yellow, but Martyn rejected that idea quickly, instead suggesting red, like his eyes.
Turns out, red suited him the most.
Class was wrapping up by the time Ren exited his own flashback, and he packed up rather quickly, the bell ringing moments after. He saw Ren just a period or two ago during lunch, but he can’t help but miss him.
I’m so down bad. He realized as he waited for everyone to exit the class, then following near the end.
Then Ren spotted a familiar teen looking at him.
“Oh, Martyn!” Ren greeted, as Martyn tenses, looking to the side. He approaches his friend.
“What’s up, dude?” He asked. “I just… Wanted to say thanks for the drink, it’s pretty good. Also, it’s fine if you weren’t riding with me, Scott woke up late so I had someone to talk to.” Martyn explained with a small chuckle following.
“Oh, well, I’m glad that I’m forgiven!” Ren hummed, not knowing what else to say. “Hold out your hand.” Martyn commanded.
Ren did as he was told. He couldn’t exactly not go along with the order of his hand, couldn’t he? Martyn digs into his pocket, taking out a bracelet, red and green string looped around each other intricately.
“It’s a friendship bracelet.” Ren assumed. Martyn nodded and Ren couldn’t help but redden when their hands brushed as Martyn tied the ends off, making it officially a bracelet.
“That’s so cool!” Ren marvels as he stares at the pattern he managed to make with the strange. “I– It’s nothing much!” Martyn insisted, and Ren brings Martyn in for a hug, hoping that he doesn’t crush him ( the love of his life ) in the process.
Was Martyn pulling too hard on the string? Was it going to collapse as soon as Ren would get it, and he’d give him a look of disappointment–
Stop it. He told himself. Martyn continued to braid through the strings, concentrating more on it more than the lesson.
“Hey, you good?” Someone tapped his shoulder. Martyn looked over to see Bdubs tilting his head. “Erm, yeah? Why wouldn’t I be?” He straightened up, continuing to braid absentmindedly.
“Are you feeling sick? You’re looking really really red. Like– A concerning amount of red.” Bdubs explained, pressing the back of his hand against Martyn’s forehead. Martyn did the same, before noticing how hot he suddenly felt.
“Yeah, it’s just– I’m making this.” he held out the half made bracelet, “for my crush, and I guess I get really flustered when I think about them.” Martyn explained, continuing to braid. Bdubs chuckled.
“Aw, that’s sweet!” Bdubs chirped, and Martyn paid his full attention back to his bracelet.
Ren had plans with his jock friends afterschool, so he left Martyn to drop Scott home, which he didn’t mind. They were currently in a gas station, stocking up on snacks, while Scott led him through his day.
“And during Business Foundations, something really weird happened,” Scott looked to the side as Martyn picked up a bag of funyuns, stuffing them into the basket. “It’s like, Jimmy was being really flirty that class. Like– my level of flirty, y’know?” Scott mumbled, rubbing his temples. Martyn nodded, as if to say that he was still listening.
“And our hands, gods, they kept brushing! A– And whenever I’d get flustered, it’s like he expected it!” Scott picked up some twizzlers. “Maybe he’s not as dense as you think.” Martyn shrugged as Scott put the twizzlers in his bag. “Maybe…” Scott mumbled.
“Do you think this is enough?” Martyn asked as Scott put two bottles of blue gatorades in the basket too. “Sure, good enough for me!” Scott hummed, before the duo made their way to the counter.
The burnt out cashier scanned all of their stuff, before bagging it.
“Have a good day!” Scott chirped as they went back to Martyn’s car, opening all of their snacks while inside.
“Y’know, this isn’t really how we planned, isn’t it?” Scott chuckled. “What do you mean?” Martyn asked.
“Well, aren’t we supposed to be the flirty ones, the ones who gave gifts, the one who initiated everything? But it’s like– lately, Ren and Jimmy have stepped up their game. Getting us drinks and flirting, y’know.” Scott explained as Martyn started the engine to the car.
“...I guess you’re not wrong.” He replied, biting into a twizzler. “Oh, here, by the way!” He slid two tickets over to Martyn. Two tickets to the Fall Formal.
“One for me… And one for Ren. ” he sighed out, and Scott nodded. “Exactly!” Scott hummed. “Anyway, are we heading over to my house or not?” Scott asked. “Sure, I just need to stop by at mine real quick, to pick up some clothes.” It was almost the final day. They both had planned to ask Jimmy and Ren out at the end of the day, that way, if they were rejected, they had an entire fall break to get over it.
This was the final stretch.
The final day.
Day 4
Ren decided to not oversleep today, he really needed to stay awake today. Yesterday, Ren went to the store and got a surprisingly well made crown, and while Martyn deserved so much more, it’d be dramatic enough to catch anyones eye.
Hopefully, it’d catch his hand’s eye too.
Ren also got a beautiful necklace with a lime green gem engraved in it from his mom, which he planned to give to Martyn, too. He put both in his bag, and hoped the crown didn’t make his bag look more bulky. A ding came from his phone, and Ren rushed to check.
Timmy - are u ready for today?
Renster - very very ready
Renster - wbu?
Timmy - uhm yea totally
Renster - hah good luck
Timmy - thanks im prolly gonna need it :(
Ren chuckled, stuffing his phone in his pocket. Ren ran a hand through his hair, then adjusting his shades, before exiting his house. Martyn’s car was outside waiting for him, like usual. He piled into the car.
“Hey Ren! Glad to see you’re actually awake today.” Martyn snickered, and Ren chuckled with him. “Yeah yeah, tease me all you like.” He deadpanned. It was strange to think that the jewelry and crown in his bag was made for him.
Ren couldn’t stare, he couldn’t. He instead settled for looking at him through the side of his eye. His smile was bright, like usual, as were his eyes. His hair was still as blonde as usual, but it felt more like a gold to Ren.
Martyn was much more valuable than gold. He’d end wars for Martyn, he’d go through hell and back for him.
“ Down bad, my dude. ” A voice told him in his head. Ren hummed, not bothering to reject the thought.
Scott was luckily, dropped off by Xornoth today. He clicked and unclicked his pen, writing down random thoughts in the notebook that he brought. Also, he was in the bathroom. Sue him! The bathroom was barely visited because of their questionable conditions, which meant it was the perfect place for him to hide out while he skipped class.
Scott clicked the pen again.
He was supposed to be writing a speech on what to say to Jimmy when he asked him out, but Scott was having zero luck. During Scott and Martyn’s sleepover, he asked him to go get a flower for him to give Jimmy. Martyn was apart of the gardening club (well, in technical terms, even if he never showed up) which meant he had the keys to the green house.
Soon enough, knock came from the other side of the stall door. “Come in.” Scott mumbled, and the door creaked open, Martyn stepping inside with a tulip flower in his hand.
“How’s the speech going?” Martyn chuckled, sliding onto the floor next to him.
“I can’t think of anything.” Scott deadpanned, drawing a little ghost on the page.
“Well, maybe that’s good,” Martyn began. “I mean, I think it’d be less romantic if you just read off of a card the whole time, right?” He tilted his head.
“I guess you’re right. Still really nervous though.” Scott mumbled. “It’ll be alright! I don’t think he’ll reject you, but in case he does, I’ll be right here. ” Martyn pat Scott’s back comfortingly.
“What about you? How are you planning to ask out Ren?” Scott asked. “I’m just gonna wing it.” Martyn chuckled. That was an extremely Martyn thing to do.
“Of course you are.” He snickered. “Hey, is that supposed to be an insult?!” Martyn accused dramatically. Scott rolled his eyes. “No, it’s just so… You. ” Scott explained, but he wasn’t really helping his case.
“Ugh, let’s just go to class before we get in trouble for skipping.” Martyn stood up, helping Scott up too.
Is it just Martyn’s paranoia, or has Ren been avoiding him today? That’s all he could think about nowadays, Ren.
It was the end of the day. Would Ren avoid him until Martyn didn’t have any time to ask him out?
Did he ask someone else out already? Who could he have asked out? Big B?
He hoped that Ren didn’t ask anyone else out yet. The bell finally rang, and everyone piled out of the room, Martyn trailing out behind the class. By the time he was out, barely anyone was left in the halls, mostly just loiterers who didn’t want to go home.
He saw Ren’s shades, and Martyn instinctively walked over. “Ren!” He hummed, while Ren’s cheeks looked as red as his eyes were. “Are you driving home with me today, or do you have other plans?” Martyn queried.
Ren didn’t answer, instead sliding his bag off of his shoulders.
“Martyn,” He began. The teen himself tilted his head. “Uhm, yes?” He replied. Ren unzipped the bag but didn’t reveal what was inside the bag.
“You know, how when we were younger, we’d play kingdom, or whatever? I’d be the king, and you’d be my hand.” Ren asked, and Martyn quickly nodded. He remembered it like it was yesterday, bowing with loyalty at a 7 year old Ren who wrapped a piece of construction paper around his back like a cape.
“I’d like to ask you if…” Ren crouched down, taking out a crown. Gemstones were engraved in it, green and red ones. Martyn held the air in his lungs as Ren placed the crown gently on top of his head. “Instead of being my hand, you’d be my queen, instead.” Ren took out another small box, and when he lifted the lid, a small necklace laid.
The weight of the crown made Martyn stay in place as Ren placed the necklace around Martyn’s neck, letting it lay on his chest. Martyn could barely speak.
Everything in his body told him to run up and kiss his king, but instead, he smiled.
“You blockhead, Ren!” He blurted. Ren seemed to crack a bit, tensing at his words. Martyn quickly grabbed his shoulders, making sure the crown wouldn’t fall off.
“I was gonna ask you out, idiot!” He released a chuckle, while Ren calmed down. Martyn wrapped his arms around Ren’s neck and pulled him into a hug.
“ My idiot. ” Martyn whispered under his breath.
They stayed like that for a bit. “Is Scott gonna be on the ride home this time?” Ren suddenly asked, and Martyn managed to pull himself away from Ren. “No, why?” He replied.
“Well, I was thinking that maybe… We could go to my house? I wanna cook you dinner, or something.” Ren chuckled awkwardly, and Martyn beamed. “Sure! Hold on, just a second!” Martyn took a small note out of his own bag, slipping it in between the slot of a nearby locker.
“Okay, let’s go!” Martyn hummed.
“Wait, isn’t that Jimmy’s locker? What did you put in there?” Ren asked.
“Oh, just a meet up note.”
“Are you planning to ditch him?”
“No, I’m not the one meeting with him, Ren.”
“Then who is?”
“Scott.”
Then it clicked.
“Ah.”
“So are we going, or not?” Martyn asked, grabbing Ren’s hand. Their fingers intertwined, and Ren blushed red. “S-Sure.” He simply replied, before Martyn dragged him away.
Jimmy was planning to completely wing his confession to Scott when the swim meet was over.
But when he exited the locker rooms, Scott wasn’t waiting for him, like he usually was. Jimmy frowned in disappointment. Did he finally realize that Jimmy wasn’t worth his time? Well to be fair, nobody was worth his time.
With sore limbs, Jimmy stumbled to his locker to get his backpack. When he unlocked it, a small note slipped out, almost falling onto the floor, luckily Jimmy caught it.
“ What the– ” Jimmy mumbled as he opened the folded note.
“Meet me behind the school, on top of the hill, ;D” It read. It didn’t look like any handwriting that he recognized. He decided to go do as the note instructed, because why not!
Not like he has anything better to do.
Jimmy exited the school throug the back door, passing by the dumpsters, before seeing the large hill that the noter was probably talking about, a cherry tree on the top.
He tries to see any sort of figure on the top of the hill, but it’s too far away for him to see. Jimmy groaned loudly before beginning his descent up the hill.
“Oh, you’re here!” A familiar scottish voice greeted when he reached the top.
Scott Smajor looked at Jimmy with pure joy, holding out a red tulip to him.
“Were you the one who put the note in my locker?” Jimmy asked.
“Yep, that was surely me.” He nodded.
“Look, Jimmy,” Scott began hesitantly. Jimmy noticed that Scott’s face was completely red, cherry petals falling all around them, one even in Scott’s hair.
Oh.
Oh.
His eyes widened with realization.
“I just wanted to tell you that– I’ve honestly liked you ever since freshman year, when we both got stuck outside the school when it was snowing. Do you remember that?” He chuckled, thinking back to that faithful day.
All Jimmy could do was nod.
“ Gods, I don’t even know if you’re gay. I just, needed to get this out since the fall formal is tomorrow.” Scott chuckled, and he put his hands over Jimmy’s.
“I just want you to know that if you are gay, and if you feel the same, I swear on my life that I’ll cherish you to the ends of the earth. You deserve the best, Jimmy. I know you have self-depricating issues, but I swear that you deserve the world. More than that. ” He manages to take his hands off of Jimmy’s, then holding out the flower to Jimmy, like an offering, and he noticed a ticket to the fall formal placed in between two of the tulip petals.
“So… Do you want to go to the Fall Formal together..?” He gave the other a dopey grin, and Jimmy took the flower.
“Wow, that was… Romantic. ” Jimmy chuckled.
“I’d love to go to the Fall Formal with you, Scott.” He smiles.
Scott stepped towards the swimmer, wrapping his arms around his neck, their foreheads pressing together.
“Jimmy?”
“Yeah?”
“Can… Can I kiss you?”
Jimmy didn’t answer, pressing their lips together for Scott.
For once, everything was perfect. Nobody could ruin this. Nothing mattered right now. All that existed in the world was Jimmy and Scott.