Chapter Text
Another completely normal day. Same old time, route, street, same old morning. A bit too normal for Billy Showalter’s taste, if you were to ask him. Attempting to imagine something less boring to occupy his mind, he just about threw a wrapped up paper onto the lawn nearest to him. The paper boy looked to the house on his left and realized it to be Griffin Stagg’s. The copy of The Denver Journal stayed in his grip as he slowed his bike.
Griffin Stagg was an interesting kid, to say the least. He was quiet, reserved, and had few friends besides Billy. Once you got to know him, though, the boy was far more outgoing and had quite the attitude. Griffin also happened to be Billy’s long-time crush. Billy could’ve gone on for hours about how much Griffin meant to him, and how perfect he was. From his adorable freckles, to his chestnut blonde locks, to his piercing steel blue eyes, Billy thought it was impossible not to like Griffin.
Unfortunately, the majority of the Cedar Lake Magnet Middle School population did not agree. Barely anyone knew of Griffin’s existence, let alone were friends with him. Although, the teachers loved him, and recognized him as one of the best students in his grade.
All the thinking Billy had done about Griffin’s social situation made him eager to talk to him. Billy reserved the paper in his hand for the next house down, and efficiently rounded the block before coming to a stop in front of the Stagg residence once again.
He dismounted his bike, and wheeled it over to the small orange-leafed sugar maple in Griffin’s yard. After locking it up properly, Billy grabbed his last paper and excitedly walked up the pathway to the Staggs’ maroon front door. He tentatively grabbed the intricate brass lion knocker and rapped on the door a couple times. The paperboy waited outside in the cool autumn air for someone to answer.
Upstairs, inside of the Staggs’ split-story house, Griffin Stagg awoke groggily to the sharp sound of the door knocker. He slowly got out of bed, combing his fingers through his messy hair and wondering who the hell was up this early. “Coming!” He yelled down the stairs. The older boy wandered in his baggy shirt and sweatpants to the front door. The cool air hit him as soon as the door opened, sending a slight chill through his body. Standing on his front porch was none other than Billy Showalter, smiling brightly, A copy of The Denver Journal in his hand. He handed the paper to Griffin. Griffin took it and placed it gingerly on the table beside him.
“Is your watch broken, or something?” He asked, rubbing his eyes.
“No…” Billy said sheepishly as he averted the shorter boy’s gaze. “It’s in perfect condition, actually.”
“Have you checked it, then?” Griffin looked at him incredulously.
“I know what time it is,” Billy stated. “I don’t think wanting to check on my best friend is a crime.”
“It is, at five AM.” Griffin deadpanned.
Billy rolled his eyes and chucked.
Even if he was annoyed out of his mind, Griffin felt a sense of comfort in Billy’s laughter. It always made him feel happier.
“So, can I come in? Or are you going to let me freeze to death in this windbreaker.” Billy
remarked.
“Fine, Mr. Early Bird.” Griffin teased as he stepped aside to let Billy in.
Billy entered through the front door, closing it behind him. Their hands brushed briefly, causing them both boys to avert the other’s eyes. What Billy wasn’t aware of, was Griffin’s returned feelings.
Griffin had admired Billy since their meeting in Elementary school, though he couldn’t place his emotions back then. His sweet braced smile, his void-like brown eyes that were so easy to get lost in, his interest in nature, everything about him was just so unique and beautiful. Billy was the polar opposite of Griffin. He was popular, and everyone knew who he was, but he was a lot less confident and outgoing than one would assume. He tried to be a social butterfly, but all he really wanted was to curl up a corner with some hot ginger tea and a good book.
“You’re bike going to be fine out there?” Griffin inquired.
“Yeah, I locked it up.” Billy assured him. “It should be fine.”
With that, the pair walked up the stairs to Griffin’s room. Griffin dramatically flopped onto his bed with a load groan.
“I’m still pissed at you for waking me up.” He glared at Billy.
Billy chuckled, sitting down beside Griffin. He stared at the older boy for a moment, simply admiring him.
“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” The blond remarked, grinning at his friend.
“What..?” Billy asked. “Oh! Sorry, I spaced out for a minute there.”
“ Ugh, nice going, idiot ” Billy cringed.
“Oh, speaking of pictures,” Griffin stood from the bed. “I don’t exactly look picture perfect right now. Hang tight.” He said, walking out of the room.
Leaving Billy alone with his thoughts normally wasn’t the brightest idea, but he just sat and stared at the wall. Griffin soon returned, now with combed hair and proper clothes. He wore faded and ripped flare jeans with a black polyester shirt that read “R.E.M” in bold lettering.
“Hey, I know that band!” Billy exclaimed.
“Name one song, then.” Griffin challenged him.
“Love Bites..?” The younger boy questioned.
“No!” Griffin laughed. “That’s by Def Leopard!”
“Ugh, Same difference.” The brunette rolled his eyes.
“You did not.” The older boy gasped mellow dramatically.
Both of the middle schoolers dissolved into laughter, finally stopping when Griffin joined Billy where he sat. The boys chatted for a while, cracking up at the occasional remark, and generally enjoying each other’s company. Griffin had caught on to Billy’s staring and smiled to himself. It felt nice to be seen, to be regarded endearingly. The blond felt some comfort in his friend’s loving stares, and he could tell that his feelings were at least somewhat returned.
“Hey,” Griffin put his hand on Billy’s shoulder as they both stood up. “This was nice, we should do this more often.”
“Preferably at a later time?” Billy raised an eyebrow.
Griffin chuckled. “Yes, preferably at a later time.”
The pair walked down the stairs and out of the Stagg residence before Billy unlocked his bike and turned back to Griffin, offering him a smile and waving. Griffin waved as he watched Billy ride back to his house. The older boy thought to himself, and decided that Billy really was the prettiest boy in the whole world.