Chapter Text
Bobby Moch was an attractive guy. He knew this, and so did the other kids at this school. The ones he’s had a little fling with as well as the ones he hadn’t. Hell, even his team knew it, and Bobby Moch was nothing if not shameless.
Bobby was always open about his dating life, which only made him more appealing to the boys and girls at this school whom he found himself interested in.
It was a nice life, in Bobby’s opinion. He’s in college, he’s supposed to be “living it up” as his older brother put it. Well, Bobby should really be referring to his brother’s thoughts in the past tense.
David Moch’s changed since he met his fiance during his freshman year of college. He wasn't fun anymore, in Bobby's humble opinion, and his idea of college monogamy simply didn't do it for Bobby as it seemed to for David. For his brother, it seemed to work. David and Danielle were happy, so Bobby was happy, even if he couldn’t for the life of him understand why his brother could be content being with one person for the entirety of his college career.
But to each their own.
Now, if only David accepted what Bobby accepted a long time ago; he’s nothing like his brother.
”I’m just saying, it might be nice!”
Bobby rolled his eyes and he kept the phone to his ear. This was at least the 5th time David had not-so-subtly snuck into the conversation that he does not approve of Bobby's dating lifestyle. Of course, he wasn’t a dick about it, but as Boby’s older brother, he had the terrible habit of always thinking he was right. About everything.
”You sound like Mom,” Bobby replied, working his way up the hill and to the boat house. He looked at his watch, glad to see he was still on time for practice. David talking his ear off has thrown him off his schedule by five minutes.
Instead of groaning like Bobby expected when comparing him to their mother, David just chuckles. “Yeah, well, maybe marriage does that to you.”
“You’re not married yet.”
“I’m preparing. Besides, wouldn’t you prefer my hounding instead of Mom’s passive-aggressive comments about all the ‘kids at school you’re stringing along’?”
Bobby chuckled at the high-pitched imitation of Donna Moch. Bobby knew that she loved him, but she was very, very adamant about Bobby settling down with one person. It felt very old-school to him, but Bobby didn’t know what else he expected from a woman who met her husband also in college whom she had been annoyingly in love with for thirty years now.
But Bobby was so in love with his parents, he didn’t even mind it all that much.
”You know,” David continued in Bobby’s ear as he made his way into the boat house. ” For someone whose dating pool is literally everyone, I’m surprised you haven’t found someone to stick around yet.”
Bobby snorted, throwing his bag into his locker when he reached the entrance of the boat house. He gave Joe and Shorty a wave, finding his mic for the boat. He didn’t take David’s words to heart, even if it was slightly true. He knew he meant no harm. Just his brother being a dick. Bobby knew how to do that too.
“I’m not planning to be held down by the ol’ ball and chain like you anytime soon.”
”Danielle is the wind beneath my wings, bitch.”
Bobby laughed again, and he could hear David on the other line laughing too. Like their parents, David and Danielle were also disgustingly in love. Bobby typically didn’t like weddings, but David’s was one he was actually looking forward to. The no-kids rule and open bar had absolutely nothing to do with it.
“Alright David, I gotta go. This boat ain't gonna drive itself.”
“Alright, I’ll see you at the wedding. Bring a date!”
“No.”
Bobby hung up before David could retaliate with another quip that sounded a lot like their mother. Bobby knew David only wanted him to bring a date because if he did, it meant he was serious about someone. It’s almost obnoxious how obsessed his family is with him finding someone in college. He isn’t too surprised - it’s been a Moch family tradition since forever ago. Bobby’s parents, Uncle, both cousins, and now his brother are all married or are going to marry their college sweethearts.
He thinks it simply also has to do with the fact he dates, a lot. Hooks up, a lot. Something his mother was never happy with.
When his parents found out he also liked boys, they were far more accepting than most. Bobby knew he was lucky on that front. He’s been lucky on every front, ending up with a team who couldn’t give two shits when most college athletes probably would. They only cared that he led them to victory. His mother on the other hand, well, she just wants him married. She has this fear that he’ll end up alone, and god forbid Bobby doesn’t settle down by the time he’s 25.
But Bobby is happy. He doesn’t want to be with anyone. He’s fine fooling around in college like he’s supposed to, he supposes.
It’s what he wants.
He was pulled from his thoughts when Chuck threw an arm around his shoulder. Bobby looked up, realizing all the boys were in the locker room now. Joe was done getting dressed for practice already, talking to Shorty and Roger, the others all in various degrees of readiness. Don was the last person to walk in, giving Shorty a small smile in response to his greeting before going to his corner of the locker room to change, away from everyone’s view. Over the last year as their Coxswain, Bobby learned that their stroke liked his privacy. When Bobby first arrived, he’d been surprised how much they all respected that, always leaving Don to his corner to change in private.
Bobby watched for a moment before Chuck's voice in his ear once again pulled him from his thoughts.
“Jesus Christ, Chuck. Take a mint, fuck.”
“I literally just brushed,” he said, smelling his own breath.
“Do better,” Bobby replied.
“Anyway,” Chuck continued, ignoring the fact that Bobby was still working on getting his mic pack attached to his belt. “You’re still coming to Jonah’s party, right? Final party before midterms kick in. Then we’re all depressed AND exhausted without the drunk part.”
Bobby sighed, running his hand down his face. While a party sounded fun, he was not too fond of going to a sophomore party. He was a junior, and he couldn’t help but feel slightly above that, as asshole-y as that sounded. He simply lived that last year, and didn’t feel the need to do it again.
“I don’t know, Chuck,” Bobby said, unsure.
“Come on!” Chuck exclaimed. “The whole team is going.”
“Yeah,” Johnny piped up. “Even Don.”
Bobby looked over at Don. “Really?”
Bobby knew as well as anyone on the team that Don was not a huge party person. He went out with the team during bonding exercises, but he didn’t go to parties. If he did, he was usually on the couch, subject to being flirted with by some guy who thought he’d get lucky with one of the best athletes at Washington.
Bobby always felt some kind of camaraderie with Don given they both were queer athletes. It was a rough world out there in American Athletics. The thing about Don, though, is if he didn’t like the approach he often received. Don was not the kind of guy who dated.
It was no secret Don didn’t like when a guy flirted with him since the fact he was gay was pretty much campus knowledge. While most people didn’t care, it gave some pretty confident guys at school the idea to attempt to get Don interested.
Bobby didn’t like it. To Bobby, it felt like they wanted to try and hook up with Don just to say they could. He was popular like that, and gathered lots of attention he didn't like.
“That so?” Bobby said, directing his attention to Don who had changed into his shorts and old hoodie he always wore for practice. “Don’s going?”
Don looked up, a frown on his face when he realized everyone was looking at him.
“Um, yeah.” He said. “Jonah’s a friend, so…”
“See!” Chuck exclaimed. “Now you have to go if Don is. Who else will be his knight in shining armor.”
The boys all laughed, some shoving Bobby playfully as the winter break party incident came back to all their minds; it had been at some frat house where some drunk dude would not leave Don the fuck alone, which resulted in an equally drunk Bobby shoving him so hard he fell over a coach and threw up all over a girl's lap, which resulted in the girl slapping him so hard across the face he lost a tooth.
Now, technically, Bobby didn’t knock the tooth out, but he liked to think he was the butterfly flapping its wings that caused it.
“Well, if Don insists…”
They all looked at Don, who’d finished tying his shoe. He looked up and saw all eyes were on him, the boys all giving him hopeful looks, like kids asking their dad to take them to McDonald's.
Don caught Bobby’s eye-line for a moment, a small smile pulling at the side of his mouth.
“Bobby, I don’t know what I’d do without you at this party,” Don said dryly.
Still, the boys cheered, many clapping Don on the shoulders as Bobby’s Friday night plans were sealed. He grinned, walking out of the locker room with the boys. He passed by Don and smiled. Don returned it, before returning to his last shoe.
Practice went well. They were preparing for their first race against Cal right after spring break in a few weeks. That gave Bobby time to prepare for the wedding, which he was mentally preparing for; he was fully expecting his parents to hound him about a potential date and/or girlfriend/boyfriend. As well as the extended family. And now, it seems, his brother, whose new mission of adulthood seemed to be trying to get Bobby to do what was "good for him."
Really, it just annoyed Bobby.
After morning practice and before their classes, Bobby checked his phone. He left it in the locker during practice and when he got it open, he saw he had a missed call from his mother as well as a series of text messages, the last one made his heart drop.
For your brother's wedding you have a plus one.
Did you consider bringing a date? 👀
OH remember my neighbor's daughter? She’s newly single
Oh and I don’t know if David’s told you already, but Leo is going to be at the wedding. He’s Charlie’s plus one.
Fuck. is all Bobby could think when he read that last text. fuck, fuck, fuck FUCK.
Leo was Bobby’s only serious relationship since, well, ever. They met in high school, dated into college, and then broke up when Leo hooked up with some random guy at his college. When Bobby found out, he broke up with him then and there, but it really, really fucked with Bobby’s head for a while.
Leo was the first and only person, aside from family, whom Bobby had ever said "I love you" to. Bobby was truly in love with him, and when he cheated, it broke Bobby.
To make matters worse, he started dating their childhood friend, Charlie, since they went to the same school. He wasn't the person Leo cheated on him with, but it still fucking sucked.
Bobby wanted to crawl into a hole and die. It’s not like he could get out of the wedding; it’s his brother's wedding and he’s the best man for God’s sake. Nothing could make him miss this wedding, but Leo being there just made it one more reason for Bobby to find it ever so slightly painful. To make it worse, he’s sure his parents will mention something about them getting back together – He never told them WHY they broke up, only his siblings.
It took Bobby a while to realize it was because he’d been ashamed. Getting cheated on sucked, and Bobby knew he didn’t have anything to be ashamed about now, but bringing something up that happened nearly three years ago now felt immature. He’d thought he’d never have to deal with Leo in a close capacity, but the universe decided to fuck Bobby over on this one.
fuck.
“Bobby.”
Bobby looked up, and it was Joe. He looked concerned, and Bobby realized he’d been staring down at his phone with probably a very painful expression on his face.
“You good?”
Bobby slapped on a smile. “Yeah, just family stuff, but it’s all good.”
Joe seemed to accept this. It was the truth; it was just family stuff, but the smile Bobby put on was forced. He’s sure Joe, and intuitive as he was, saw it, but chose to ignore it. He knew he’d never get any information out of Bobby unless he gave it willingly.
“Cool,” Joe said, Bobby thankful once again Joe knew him well enough not to push. “By the way, Joyce and I are bringing Donny tonight. You planning on drinking?”
Bobby thought about it. Originally, no, but then he thought about the text message he just received from his mother.
“Absolutely.”
Joe chuckled a bit. “Okay, well Don’s DD so if you need a ride I got you.”
“Sounds good. Thanks, Poppa,” Bobby said in an atrocious southern accent.
Joe rolled his eyes, flipping Bobby the bird as he walked away. Bobby chuckled, his smile falling from his face when he looked back at his phone.
At the very least, he had a few weeks to settle his nerves, drink, and do his best to lead his team to victory. He had other things to worry about until then.
Bobby lay on his bed and he waited for a text message from Joe. He was staring up at his ceiling, tapping his finger on his chest. He was still thinking about the wedding, about Leo being there.
He guessed it was affecting him more than he thought it would. Leo had been lingering in the back of his mind for a long time, but the news made him feel like he was 18 again, just breaking up with someone he was in love with. Then he felt 19 again when he found his childhood friend Charlie was dating said ex, and then he got drunk and cried to the team about it.
Fuck, this was stupid.
He grabbed his phone, opening up Instagram. In his weakened state, he was about to search for Leo when a text message popped up from Joe.
here.
Bobby sat up quickly, ready to leave, drink a little, and maybe forget for a night about his troubles. Besides, Chuck was right; midterms were coming up, and Bobby needed some fun before the stress of practice and exams killed him.
Bobby quickly took a shot from the vodka bottle that lived in his room, the liquid going down warm. Bobby sighed, before gathering his jacket and keys. He left his small apartment he shared with some other Juniors and met the others downstairs.
Outside, the first thing he saw was Joyce leaning very far outside the backseat window. She was waving widely, Joe with his hands on her waist to prevent her from falling out. He had a grin on his face though, and he was a little flushed. In the driver's seat was Don, who waved as Bobby popped into the passenger seat when he saw it was open.
“You making Donny drive now, Joe?”
Joe didn’t have time to respond before Joyce jumped from her place in the back and hugged Bobby, sort of awkwardly from his position, but she was drunk enough not to notice.
“Bobby!” she exclaimed, backing up so he could see her. “Joe and I had a teensy bit to drink at my apartment.”
Joyce giggled again as she looked between Joe and Bobby, Joe shrugging as Bobby looked at them, amused.
“Joyce doesn’t trust frat party drinks,” Joe explained.
“For a good reason,” she pointed out, suddenly very ‘serious’. “But my best friend Donny here was kind enough to drive us.”
Don, who’s yet to say anything, shrugged. “It’s no big deal. I was gonna drive us back anyway.”
Joyce leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Don’s shoulder, giving him a kiss on the cheek that lasted a while. Don laughed when she pulled herself off, as did Bobby and Joe. Joyce was a delight when she was a bit drunk. She was just ever more slightly herself; fun and outgoing.
“Okay, let’s go!” she exclaimed, then screeched when Joe took her and flung her back in her seat, the couple very lovey-covey behind them.
If anyone from college was getting married, it was those two. Maybe Bobby’s mom should adopt Joe, then maybe she’d stop bugging Bobby about finding someone.
The car ride there was pleasant. Bobby took the aux and was playing “Girls just wanna have fun” for Joyce’s sake, who was singing it with Joe in the backseat to her heart's content. Bobby was singing along too, the small amount of alcohol he had earlier as well as Joye’s energy making him feel a bit tipsy. He turned to watch Don, who was bobbing his head along quietly, but Bobby saw him muttering the words under his breath.
It made Bobby smile. He liked it when Don was having a good time.
Don was so quiet and timid that Bobby was always worried he was upset or uncomfortable or simply not enjoying himself. Bobby worried about all the boys now and then, probably something to do with himself being a little older, but especially Don. He wasn’t the kind of guy to say no easily.
“Hey,” Bobby said. He got his attention as the song continued to play, Joe and Joyce enjoying themselves in the back. It was loud, so Bobby leaned in to speak to him as Don watched the road. “You do wanna go, right? I know the guys kinda pushed it a bit, so if you want to leave I can sober up and drive them home later.”
Don nodded his head, keeping his eyes on the road. “It’s fine. I want to go.”
Bobby watches him for a moment, deciding Don is telling the truth. He’s learned to tell when Don was lying for other people’s sake, which used to happen more often than not. He’s gotten better at not doing it, but Bobby always wanted to make sure.
“Alright, but if you change your mind, just let me know.”
Don nodded quietly, and Bobby dropped it. He decided he’d keep an eye on him tonight, just to make sure. He worried about his team, but especially this kid, who was too kind for his own good sometimes.
The rest of the way to the party Bobby was silent, content to enjoy the music and Joyce and Joe’s performance in the back. When they arrived at the party, the apartment was packed. Don stayed beside Bobby as Joyce and Joe were the first ones in. Joyce screeched when she saw some of her friends, pulling Joe along with her leaving Don and Bobby alone together. Bobby looked around, finding their team. The boys were surrounded by a couch, laughing and drinking, a couple of other rowers, including some from Varsity and the women’s team with them. Bobby got Don’s attention and the pair went over, walking through the crowd.
There were a lot of people, and Bobby looked up to see Don falling behind as he tried his best to avoid people brushing up against him. Without thinking Bobby grabbed Don’s hand and led him through the mass of people until they reached their friends.
When they got there, Bobby dropped his hand and allowed Gordy (already quite drunk) to pull him into a bear hug.
“Okay, big guy,” Bobby said as he slapped Gordy on his solid back. He was already sweating from the heat of the room.
“Bobby, settle a bet with us,” Jim started, slurring his words ever so slightly (also quite drunk). Bobby suddenly wondered how many drinks a guy like him had to drink to get that drunk. “As someone who is into dudes, who’s more attractive: me or Shorty.”
“Okay, I NEVER said I was,” Shorty explained, raising his hand in surrender. Bobby chuckled, finding Don’s eye-line. He suddenly had a beer in his hand and had taken a seat next to Juno, one of the girls on the rowing team.
“I’m going to be honest, Jim, I’m surprised it took you this long to ask me that question.”
“We asked Juno but she refused to answer.”
Juno raised a glass. “It’s neither of you, I’ll tell you that.”
The guys all groaned, Bobby, laughing. Don looked down at his hands and chuckled. Bobby was watching him closely and he seemed comfortable. Bobby relaxed for now.
“Okay, but seriously.” Jim raised his arms, pointing at himself. “It’s me, right?”
“If I say yes will you stop asking?”
“Yes.”
“Jim,” Bobby said, placing a hand on Jim's shoulder. “You’re the most attractive man I’ve ever laid my eyes on.”
“That doesn’t count!” Roger exclaimed, pointing at the pair with a beer in his hand. “He was bribed!”
“Yeah,” Joe said, walking up to them with Joyce under his arm. She snuck away and sat in Don’s lap, hanging onto his neck. Don accepted it, letting her also steal his beer.
“Besides,” Joe continued. “We all know it’s Don.”
The guys all hollered, some wolf-whistling as Don ducked his head, embarrassed, but with a small grin on his face. Joyce pinched his cheek, making kissy faces at him. He didn’t seem to mind when the attention was on him with these people. Bobby chuckled, honestly unable to disagree.
Don was a very attractive person, they all knew this, but he walked around like he wasn’t. There's a reason every dude at this school tried to flirt with him. Don just never returned the energy.
“Oh, heartbreaker Donny,” Joyce cooed, leaning her head on his shoulder.
“I don’t break hearts,” Don replied a small smile on his face so Bobby knew it was all in good fun.
Joyce perked up. “But you do! Like Jason.”
“Or Todd,” Roger supplied.
“Or Manuel,” Shorty added.
Don’s face twitched, subtly, but Bobby noticed. “I didn’t date any of them.”
It’s true, Don never DID date them. They just hit on him, and Bobby thinks Don may have seen a movie with maybe one, but nothing crazy. Don didn’t owe them anything.
“But you broke their hearts,” Joyce added with a frown, poking Don’s shoulder. She was drunk, and not aware, but one of if not Don's closest friends outside the boat. That’s why Bobby thinks Don smiled in response rather than going quiet like he usually would.
Suddenly, the smiles on the boys' faces fell. They were all looking at someone behind Bobby. Bobby was about to turn around to see what changed, but his questions were answered when he heard the voice that caused the atmosphere to shift.
“Hey, everyone.”
Bobby closed his eyes at the voice, recognizing it immediately. He sighed and turned around with a fake smile plastered on his face.
“Hi, Ben.”
Ben was Bobby’s least favorite person on campus. Bobby is the kind of guy who flirts and gives almost anyone a chance, but Ben is a rare exception. He was a dick, full of himself, and fancies himself deserving of almost anything he sets his sights on. Not to mention he's also a suck-up and constantly at odds with Bobby in class. Bobby doesn’t try too hard in class, but when Ben’s there, well, he tries a little harder.
Ben grinned, and Bobby wanted to punch him. Something about it was so pretentious. Ben glanced at Don. Bobby followed his eye-line, noticing Don tense ever so slightly. Joyce, still in his lap, seemed to sober up slightly, her grip on Don’s shoulder tightening.
Ben glanced at the team, gesturing towards Don. “Just wondering if I could talk to Don for a sec.”
Ben grinned at Don, then looked over the boys. Bobby noticed all their faces were suddenly very stern. Roger had his eyebrows raised at him, Chuck just looked pissed.
“We’re not his keepers,” Chuck replied curtly.
The music in the room was still booming, with people enjoying themselves, but their little corner on the couch was suddenly quiet.
Bobby watched as Don’s gaze shifted from Chuck to Ben, looking very uncomfortable. Bobby was then thankful for Joyce and her lack of spatial awareness when drunk.
“Hm,” Ben said, a smile on his face. “Okay, well, wanna do a shot?” His question was directed toward Don. “I’ll pour you something special.”
Ben winked, which made Bobby roll his eyes. He’s sure Ben saw it, and a part of him hoped he did.
Don coughed, looking Ben in the eye, although his face was casted away. “No thanks, Ben.”
Ben laughed, but it was more of a scoff. He shuffled his feet before looking back at Don. “Come on, Don. You still playing hard to get?”
Bobby was then reminded this wasn’t the first time Ben’s approached Don at a party. In fact, everyone’s disdain for Ben seemed to stem from his incessant approaches to Don. That, and he was just, well, a dick. He knows that Shorty hated him because his marks were ever so slightly better than his, and Ben made a point of making that known.
“He’s not playing if he’s not interested,” Joe said coldly, stepping ever so slightly closer to Don and Joyce.
Ben laughed. “Thought you weren’t his keepers?”
God, Bobby hated him. He rolled his eyes again, approaching Ben. He had to look up at him, but that never stopped Bobby from being any less intimidating. He bossed around boys who were all over 6 feet tall, after all.
“Hey, Ben,” Bobby said, putting on his own “i’m-an-asshole-smile” as well. “Respectfully, fuck off.”
Ben sighed but his smile never wavered. Neither did Bobby’s. He maintained eye contact, refusing to look away first. Finally, when Ben realized he wasn’t backing down, he looked away.
“Fine, whatever,” he scoffed. His eyes trailed across the coach until they landed on Don. “I’ll see you at the next party, Don.”
Ben walked off, and like that, it seemed the air returned to their little corner in the coach.
“God, he’s fucking gross,” Joyce said, finally working herself off of Don and back to Joe.
“That’s like, the 4th time he’s asked you out at a party?”
Don shrugged, picking at the logo on his beer bottle.“He didn’t really ask me out…”
“You know what I mean, Don,” Joyce said. “It’s gross. Boy can’t take no for an answer.”
Joe nodded, clearly also a little intoxicated. “Men are gross. Wanna dance?”
“Did you bad-mouth men just to dance with me?”
Joe looked at her, thinking about it. “Yes.”
“Okay.”
Joyce pulled Joe by the hand. Juno laughed, pulling Gordy with her. It left Shorty, Chuck, Jim, and Don sitting. Bobby was glad Chuck stuck around – he didn't think he was sober enough to dance without falling on top of another person.
Bobby watched Don, who was still looking down at his beer bottle. He was about to say something when Bobby got another text message. Against his better judgment, he looked down and read. This time, it was from his father.
Talked to your mother. She thinks you’re ignoring her. I told her you aren’t even though you are. Would it really be so bad to say yes to the date she’s suggesting? She’s a nice girl (:
Bobby groaned very loudly. She got through to his dad. Only time could tell how Bobby fared now.
“What is it?” Shorty asked. Bobby looked up, shrugging as he prepared a response.
“It’s nothing…Just my mom.” He looked up, feeling all their eyes on him. When he realized his response was not going to be satisfactory for them, he explained more. “On my ass about bringing a date to my brother's wedding.”
“Why don’t you?” Chuck asked, but at this point, he started resting his head on Shorty’s shoulder, eyes closed.
“Cause I don’t want to date anyone,” Bobby said plainly. It was the truth, he just…didn’t. Bringing a date meant his parents and now apparently brother would be asking about the said date, and begging to find out more. He just didn’t want to deal with that, especially with someone he didn’t expect to stick around very long.
“Okay, but it’ll get your mom off your ass…”
Bobby knew what Shorty was implying, but he just didn’t have it in himself to ask some random person to do him a favor, only for them to inevitably break up. Plus, Leo was a whole other thing.
“True, but it’s not just that,” Bobby paused, wondering if this was information he wanted to share with them. He decided it couldn’t hurt. “Leo’s gonna be there.”
Immediately, Chuck sat up, sobriety finding him. “Oh FUCK that guy.”
“That dick-head?”
“Who the fuck invited that scrotum.”
Bobby laughed, feeling his heart warm ever so slightly at the angry outburst of his friends. He mentioned Leo to them drunkenly and what he did before, and immediately they’d taken up metaphorical arms against his ex.
“He’s dating a childhood friend,” Bobby shrugged. “It sucks, but it’s whatever. Truthfully, I wouldn’t bring anyone unless I was like, WITH them.”
“Damn,” Chuck said, looking at nothing in particular. He closed his eyes again and leaned back on Shorty. “You should just date Don.”
Don coughed very loudly at that moment, hitting his chest as he choked on his beer. “What?!”
“Hey, you know all the jokes about the Cox and Stroke dating each other,” Chuck said, waving his hand dismissively.
Shorty laughed, patting Chuck on the shoulder as his drunkenness won and remained slouched against Shorty. “I mean, he has a point.”
Bobby glared at Shorty as Don coughed a little more, this time mostly out of awkwardness. Bobby noticed he wasn't looking him in the eye.
“Besides,” Shorty continued. “It would solve Don’s “I’m too hot for this world” problem and yours too. Besides, I think you two are made for each other. It’s like if a chihuahua and a golden retriever started dating.”
Bobbly glared at Shorty, almost like a challenge. Then Shorty grinned widely.
“…You’re fucking with us.”
Jim burst out laughing, Shorty reaching over and clapping Don on the shoulder as he rolled his eyes, face turning red.
“Yes, I’m fucking with you two.”
“Not funny.” Bobby pointed at Shorty. “And I’m not a fucking Chihuahua.”
“Sounds like something a Chihuahua would say.”
“Fuck you.”
Shorty blew a kiss, when suddenly Chuck leaned up, eyes wide as he stared into the abyss. Bobby recognized that look immediately.
“Alright, bathroom, now.”
The boys laughed as they led Chuck to the bathroom, Shorty and Jim taking over as they closed and locked the door. Chuck was living up to his name tonight. When Bobby looked back at the couch, the whole group had dispersed, and Don was nowhere to be seen. He looked around, but the mass of people was ruining his view and chance of finding him. He didn’t bother looking for heights; half these kids were student-athletes, and they were all gigantic in Bobby’s eyes.
He grabbed an unopened Truly off a table and joined in.
At the end of the day, Chuck was right; he should enjoy himself the way Chuck was. At least, the way he was around an hour ago.
They all left the party around 2:30 AM. Bobby drank more, but just enough to feel light and carefree. He danced with this girl at the party and kissed her, and it was nice enough to take his mind off his worries. That’s all he did though, and eventually, he’d retired and hung out with Joyce and Joe by a corner. They’d watched as some of the boys from the boat played beer pong, and of course, Don pretty much owned the table.
Donny was on a team with Shorty, going up against Roger and Gordy. Of course, Don for some goddamn reason was a great shot. Bobby also thought his sobriety had a bit to do with that, but either way, their team had won. It helped that every time Gordy and Roger got a ping-pong in, Shorty would drink the cup so Don didn’t have to.
Most people would be mad about that, but the entire team had an understanding that Don didn’t always drink. Anyone who comments on it was shut down quickly.
The game had ended and everyone was heading out. Don drove Joyce and Joe home and agreed to drive Joe’s car back to Bobby’s and then return. It was made easier now that Don lived with Joe, and Joyce practically lived there too. The boys joked that Don was like their child, the way he was always following them around. Bobby once asked if he ever felt like a third wheel. Don had said no, and with friends like Joe and Joyce, he believed him.
The ride back was mostly quiet, both elected not to listen to music; Bobby could still hear the pounding in his ears from the party’s music, like a phantom feeling. He thinks Don just liked the quiet.
Bobby glanced over at Don, whose finger was tapping the steering wheel as he watched the road. The open window made his hair blow slightly with the wind that could be felt in the car. It was spring, so not too cold for Washington.
Bobby watched his face and found it unreadable. Don almost always was; people didn’t know how he felt until he said it out loud. Bobby’s been working on reading those expressions. However, most of the time, Bobby learned all it took was to ask.
“You have a good time?”
Don didn’t take his eyes off the road but nodded his head.
“I did,” he said after a moment of thought.
Bobby nodded too. “Good.”
They sat in a comfortable silence again. Bobby looked out the window, and found they were driving past Lake Washington. It was very beautiful at night, the lights of the shellhouse still on illuminating the water.
“You don’t have to do that, you know.”
Bobby tore his gaze from the lake, looking at Don. Don was still looking at the road; a perfect excuse for him not to make eye contact with Bobby. That’s fine though, Bobby always knew when Don wanted to talk to someone. It was something about the way he spoke, like the two of you were the only people in the world.
“Do what?” Bobby asked, genuinely confused.
Don shuffled as well as he could while driving. “Tell people to fuck off. I can handle it. I’m used to it”
That sentence made Bobby sad. In reality, he knew Don was perfectly capable of getting people to leave him alone. Hell, he’s a 6 foot 2 college athlete, he’s more capable than most. Still…
“You shouldn’t have to,” Bobby replied, hoping he was listening, truly listening. Don shouldn’t have to put up with people like Ben.
“Thanks though,” Don finished, which gave Bobby some peace of mind.
“Yeah,” Bobby replied. “We’re a team.”
They went back to a comfortable silence. Bobby could see they would be at his apartment in a few minutes anyway.
“How about you, are you good?” Bobby gave him a look, so Don elaborated. “I remember what you said about Leo. I’m sorry.”
“Oh,” Bobby replied.
In all honesty, Bobby almost forgot about that whole situation; he had fun and now his tired brain was too wiped to think about anything else. He isn’t upset with Don for reminding him though; he’s sure at some point during the night his mind would have wandered back to it.
“It’s fine,” he replied, it being a half-truth. “It’s just a bit stressful. Maybe I should fold and say yes to my mom’s date she found me.”
Don nodded his head adamantly. “Don’t subject yourself to that if you don’t want to.”
Bobby looked over at him, wondering if he understood the irony of what he said. He almost let the subject go, but suddenly he also wanted to change the subject from Leo and the wedding. “I could say the same thing, you know?”
Don huffed out a laugh, shrugging. He knew Bobby was right.
“I’m seriously okay with it,” Don replied, which Bobby almost believed. “Ben will get the hint.”
Bobby listened but didn’t see that happening at all. Ben was intent if anything, and although the guy was mostly harmless, Bobby and the boys still didn’t like him or the whole situation.
“Will he though?” Bobby began. “He gives me the creeps.”
“Me too, but what can I do about it when he’s never done anything.”
“I guess.” Bobby didn’t like it, but he dropped it. He thought of something, and maybe it was the slight tipsiness that made him say it, but maybe sober Bobby would have said it too. “Hey, if he tries anything I’ll just make out with you so he’ll fuck off.”
Don laughed, loudly, and Bobby hadn’t heard him laugh like that in a while. He wasn’t expecting it, but the grin on his face was one Bobby was happy to see.
“Thanks, Bobby,” Don said through a smile. An air of lightheartedness suddenly filled the car.
“I mean, me, getting to kiss the Don Hume, best stroke Washington’s seen in thirty years.”
Bobby wolf-whistled for added effect, which made Don laugh even more.
“Okay, you can shut up now,” Don said, turning red. Bobby had fun making him embarrassed.
“Make me, Hume,” Bobby replied, lowering his voice ever so slightly to try and sound seductive.
“Oh my god, please stop,” Don said, turning beet red now and failing to hide it. “Get out of my car.”
Bobby realized he was now at his apartment and decided not to comment on the fact that he was driving Joe’s car. He smiled, throwing open the passenger seat and stepping out. Before fully exiting the vehicle, he turned around.
“Thanks for the ride. I’ll see you soon.”
Don nodded, his skin turning its normal color again.
“Yeah, of course. I’ll see you soon.”
Bobby smiled and closed the car door. He unlocked his door, made his way upstairs, and collapsed on his bed.
He lay there a moment and noticed that there were still lights coming from outside. He peeked out of his curtain and saw Don only just left the front of his building. Bobby watched as he drove off, memories of Don playing beer pong coming back to him. He grinned, falling back on his bed and kicking off his shoes. He’d regret the morning breath, but he was so tired and content with life at the moment, he couldn't care less.
That night as he fell asleep, he didn’t think once about Leo.