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Ford was starting to regret coming here. Fiddleford had invited him to hang out with some of his buddies and he had reluctantly agreed, mostly because the idea made Fiddleford so happy.
The group had been playing party games— innocent things like uno or two truths and a lie —but now they had decided to play seven minutes in heaven. Ford had heard of the game but didn’t understand the appeal. Why would I want to be stuck in a closet with someone for seven minutes? That just seems socially awkward.
Ford began to get nervous as two names were drawn out of a hat.
“Fiddleford! And..” Fiddleford’s friend laughed and nudged him with her elbow. “Ford!” Ford tensed up.
“Ford and Ford!” A guy laughs. Fiddleford made eye contact and Ford fought the urge to walk out of the room. Fiddleford got up and he hesitantly followed, entering the cramped closet with his roommate. And the boy he has a crush on.
“We don’t actually have to do nothin’,” Fiddleford offered once the door was closed, “most people just pretend.” Ford just nodded helplessly. Both men stood against opposite walls, as far apart as the small space allowed (which wasn’t very far). Ford felt himself start to blush at the close proximity, but thankfully there was almost no light in the closet for Fiddleford to see him. He began rocking his weight from side to side.
“We can always leave early if it’s y’know.. too much for you.” Ford shook his head.
“No, I’m alright. Thank you though.” Fiddleford smiled at him.
This was his chance. If he was ever going to tell McGucket how he felt this was his best shot. But his nerves were starting to get the best of him.
“I-“ he began, “Fiddleford-“ his mouth went dry and his chest felt pained. Fuck.
“Yeah?” Ford couldn’t respond, he was trying so hard but the words just died on his tongue. He jerked his head frustratedly and his fist beat a rhythm into his upper thigh. “Hey, you’re gonna hurt yourself,” Fiddleford reached a hand towards him but didn’t touch him. He forced his hand to still and gripped the fabric of his pants. “It’s okay, Ford, find your words.”
He continued rocking himself back and forth, back and forth. Fiddleford offered his hands, palm up, and after a moment Ford took them with a smile, Fiddleford joining him in his rocking. Eventually, Ford found his voice again.
“Fiddleford, there’s something I’d like to tell you.”
“Yeah?”
“I.. I like you. I would like to kiss you. And do boyfriend things with you. I would like to be your boyfriend.” There were probably better ways to say that. Curse his lack of social skills.
Fiddleford’s eyes widened in surprise. Ford’s body tensed and he dropped the hands he was holding.
“I-“ A pause.
“I shouldn’t have said that, I apologize.” Ford turned from him.
“No, wait!” He turned back. Fiddleford was grinning. “I didn’t think you felt the same,” he said quietly. Now it’s Ford’s turn to be surprised.
“You.. feel the same?” Fiddleford nodded eagerly. Ford flapped both of his hands up and down in front of him. He stepped closer to Fiddleford. “May I kiss you?”
“Yes,” Ford cupped the other man’s cheek with his hand and gently kissed him. His mustache was scratchy, but he thinks he can get used to it. The kiss was brief, but very pleasant, both men broke away smiling.
“I would also like to be your boyfriend,” Ford’s grin grew even wider. He opened his arms in the universal sign for hug, and Fiddleford gladly accepted, applying pressure just like he likes. Ford started rocking the two of them back and forth again, humming happily.
When the pair leave the closet, their friends aren’t all that surprised to see them holding hands.