Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The sun hung high in the sky as Riley Griffin stared at his phone with narrowed eyes, a skeptical frown tugging at his lips. He leaned back against the couch in their shared apartment, idly tapping his fingers against the screen.

"Chase," he began, his voice dripping with disbelief, "do you really think it's a good idea to spend this much money on tickets to Disneyland? I mean, this is insane."

Chase Randall, sitting on the opposite side of the room, looked over the top of a worn-out comic book, a mischievous grin stretching across his face. "I don’t know, man. Seems like a fair price for a trip to the happiest place on Earth."

Riley scrolled through the page again, as if hoping the numbers would change if he stared hard enough. "$400 for two tickets? You could buy a whole new set of tools for that. Or—better yet—use that money for something useful, like... I don’t know, fixing your skateboard?"

Chase chuckled, tossing the comic aside. "Riley, we’ve talked about this. It’s not about the price. It's about the experience. Plus, you can’t put a price on memories."

Riley's eyes narrowed as he glared over at his roommate, but there was a warmth in his gaze that Chase caught before Riley quickly masked it with another sigh. "You’re impossible, you know that? Disneyland isn’t going to make us any more ‘memorable,’ it’s just a bunch of overpriced churros and a really long line for a roller coaster."

Chase stood, walking over to where Riley was sitting, his hand hovering above Riley's shoulder before he gently ruffled the top of his hair. "Trust me. You’ll have fun. And the lines won’t be that bad. Plus, I already bought the tickets."

Riley blinked in surprise, his frown slowly melting into a mix of exasperation and fondness. "Wait, you—what?"

"I told you it was a surprise," Chase said with a smug grin, already pulling out the two physical tickets from his back pocket, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "We’re going. Pack your bags."

Riley stared at the tickets, his mind trying to wrap itself around the fact that his usually carefree, impulsive friend had planned an entire trip to Disneyland for them. The skepticism still lingered, but so did a strange flutter in his chest.

"Chase," Riley muttered, shaking his head, "you really didn’t have to do this. I mean, I guess it’ll be fun. But if I get stuck standing in line with screaming kids, don’t say I didn’t warn you."

Chase chuckled, throwing a casual arm around his best friend’s shoulders, pulling him into a one-armed hug. "I promise, there’ll be no screaming kids. You can even pick the first ride."

Riley blinked up at him, and for a second, his usually sharp gaze softened. "Okay, fine. But I’m picking the ride. No roller coasters."

"Deal."

The airport was bustling with travelers as Riley and Chase walked through the terminals, their carry-ons slung over their shoulders. Riley still seemed a little disgruntled, checking the time for the tenth time, tapping his foot against the floor.

"I still can’t believe we're doing this," Riley muttered, shaking his head. "Disneyland... You realize I’m going to end up spending half the time talking about how much everything costs, right?"

Chase laughed, nudging him with his elbow. "Only half the time? I’m impressed. I thought it’d be constant commentary." He glanced over at Riley, catching the sharp, focused look on his face, a little smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You know, I bet you’ll end up loving it."

Riley didn’t respond right away. Instead, he absently pulled out a magazine from his bag, flipping through the pages while clearly distracted by something on his mind.

"Chase," Riley finally spoke, lowering the magazine to glance up at him, "Do you really think we’re going to have a good time? I mean... it’s Disneyland. I always thought it was just... for kids."

Chase met his gaze, his expression softening. "It’s for everyone, Riley. People go there for all sorts of reasons. To make memories, to have fun, to feel like a kid again. It doesn’t matter if you’re five or fifty-five."

Riley’s gaze shifted back to the magazine, but there was a noticeable change in his posture—less stiff, more relaxed. He gave a nonchalant shrug. "I guess... Maybe I’ll give it a shot. It’s not like I have anything better to do."

Chase smiled to himself, watching Riley for a moment longer. He could tell that underneath the stubborn exterior, Riley was quietly excited—maybe even more than he wanted to admit.

"Alright," Chase said, grinning, "let’s make a story."

Riley raised an eyebrow, glancing over at him. "What?"

"We’ve got a couple hours before our flight. Let’s make up a story. You know, just something to pass the time."

Riley snorted. "And what, you expect me to sit here and pretend we’re not just killing time at an airport?"

Chase just winked. "Come on, it’ll be fun. We’ll be in Disneyland soon enough. Might as well practice using our imaginations."

Riley rolled his eyes, but the playful challenge in Chase’s voice was enough to tempt him. "Fine. But this is your idea, not mine."

Chase grinned, leaning back in his seat. "Okay, you start. The story is about two guys—kind of like us—who are going on a crazy adventure in Disneyland. But the catch? The whole park is secretly haunted by the ghosts of old rides."

Riley chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Seriously? Haunted?"

"Yeah!" Chase’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Like, the old animatronic figures come to life at night and try to scare off the visitors. But the two guys—let’s call them... Chase and Riley—are the only ones brave enough to stop it."

Riley’s expression softened into an amused smile, and he leaned back in his seat, arms crossed. "Okay, okay. I see how it is. I’m obviously the smart one, right? You’re the one who’s always going to get us into trouble."

Chase grinned mischievously. "Exactly. But don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe, Mr. Smart Guy."

The playful banter continued as they began to create an increasingly ridiculous story about haunted roller coasters and ghostly Mickey Mouses, and for the first time, Riley felt a sense of anticipation building in his chest. Not for Disneyland, exactly, but for what lay ahead of them: the unexpected adventure they’d share together.

Chapter Text

As they finally boarded the plane to California, the weight of the world seemed just a little lighter, their minds filled with stories and the quiet promise of something more between them, something neither of them would quite acknowledge, but both felt nonetheless.

The magic of Disneyland was only part of it. The real adventure was in the moments they shared along the way.

And maybe, just maybe, Riley was starting to look forward to that, too.

The plane ride was uneventful, save for the occasional laughter between Riley and Chase as they continued their impromptu ghost story. Riley couldn’t help but admit, despite himself, that it was a bit fun. A little silly, sure, but the thought of them battling haunted animatronics in Disneyland... there was something about it that made him grin, even if he tried to hide it behind his usual aloof expression.

As the plane began its descent into California, the excitement in the air shifted. Riley’s gaze turned toward the window, staring at the sprawling city below, and then toward Chase, who was practically bouncing in his seat, his eyes gleaming with childlike wonder.

“You good?” Chase asked, noticing the quiet shift in Riley.

Riley nodded slowly, the corners of his mouth pulling into something resembling a smile. “Yeah. Just... weird to be going to Disneyland at my age. Doesn’t exactly scream ‘responsible adult,’ you know?”

Chase snorted, his grin widening. “Are you kidding? It screams best day ever. Besides, being an adult doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. If anything, it means you can get into all the cool stuff, eat whatever you want, and maybe even skip a line or two.” He waggled his eyebrows.

Riley rolled his eyes, but the flicker of amusement in his gaze betrayed him. “I’m sure I’ll find a way to complain about the prices of everything the entire time.”

Chase leaned in a little, nudging Riley’s shoulder with his. “You’ll complain, but I know you’ll secretly love it. You’re not fooling anyone, man.”

Riley shifted uncomfortably, but his heart was lighter than before. He wasn’t used to being around someone who made him feel so... at ease. Like, maybe he didn’t need to be so serious all the time. Maybe he could have fun, even if it was a bit ridiculous.

As they finally touched down at LAX and made their way through the terminal, Chase couldn’t help but let out an excited breath. “We’re here,” he said with almost childlike wonder, his hand reaching out as if to touch the very air of California.

Riley raised an eyebrow, but there was a softness in his gaze that betrayed how much he liked seeing Chase so unrestrained. “Yeah, I see that. Let’s just get to the hotel so I can at least try to pretend I’m not going to die from this ‘magical’ overload.”

Chase grinned and playfully bumped his shoulder. “C’mon, Riley. Let’s at least get through the first few hours without the grumpy routine.”

Riley’s lips twitched. “I make no promises.”

Later that afternoon, they found themselves at the gates of Disneyland, standing beneath the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. The park was bustling with energy, laughter echoing in the distance, the smell of popcorn wafting through the air. Despite Riley’s earlier resistance, there was a spark of excitement in his eyes as he took in the sights—something he hadn’t expected to feel.

“This is actually kinda... incredible,” Riley admitted, not bothering to hide the awe in his voice.
Chase glanced over at him, a playful smirk on his lips. “Told you.”

“I’m still not entirely convinced I’m not going to get sick after all the sugar,” Riley muttered, adjusting his sunglasses.

“Oh, you’re definitely going to get sick,” Chase said with a mischievous grin. “But it’s part of the experience. Come on, let’s go find something to eat. You need a churro.”

Riley groaned. “God, you and your churros…”

“I can feel you softening already,” Chase teased, looping his arm around Riley’s as they made their way into the park. “By the end of this trip, I’ll have you singing Disney songs and buying Mickey ears.”

Riley smirked, but there was a hint of warmth in his eyes as they passed through the crowd. “We’ll see about that.”

As they wandered through the park, it quickly became clear that Riley’s earlier resistance was fading. He allowed himself to enjoy the sights, the sounds, and the atmosphere around them. There were moments when their hands brushed, or when Chase would excitedly pull him in the direction of the next ride or attraction, and Riley—surprisingly—didn’t mind.

They stood in line for the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and even though Riley grumbled about the wait time, he couldn’t suppress the small grin that tugged at his lips as he listened to Chase’s animated chatter about the best parts of the ride. The laughter that bubbled up between them felt... easy, in a way Riley wasn’t used to.

It wasn’t long before they found themselves on the ride, cruising through the dimly lit, pirate-infested waters of the Caribbean, the music and atmosphere sweeping them into the world of adventure. Riley sat back, arms folded across his chest, but the slight smile on his face told a different story. He was enjoying himself—probably more than he was willing to admit, even to himself.

As the boat glided past a row of animatronic pirates singing “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” Riley turned his head toward Chase.

“Alright,” Riley said, his voice still tinged with his usual sarcasm, but his eyes held a warmth that made it impossible to miss. “I’ll admit it. This isn’t so bad.”

Chase looked over at him, the faintest blush coloring his cheeks, though he tried to hide it with a smirk. “See? Told you.”

But for the first time, Riley didn’t argue. Instead, he leaned back against the boat’s edge and let himself enjoy the ride. Something about being here, in this ridiculous, magical place with Chase, made him feel... lighter. Like maybe there was more to life than just work, responsibilities, and grumbling about the price of churros.

As they stepped off the ride, the sun was starting to dip below the horizon, casting the park in a soft, golden light. Riley glanced over at Chase, who was practically glowing with excitement.

“You’re impossible,” Riley muttered, though the fondness in his voice was undeniable.

Chase raised an eyebrow. “Me? You’re the one who said you’d never have fun. How many rides are we going on before the day’s over?”

Riley tilted his head, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “One more.”

Chase’s grin widened. “I’ll take it. But you owe me a churro later.”

Riley rolled his eyes, but this time, there was no real irritation behind it. Just a quiet understanding that maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t entirely immune to the magic of this place. And maybe, just maybe, the real magic was the time spent here with Chase—slowly, quietly, drawing closer in ways that neither of them fully understood yet.

As they exited the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Chase’s eyes twinkled with a mischievous excitement. He bounced on his heels, already scouting the next ride.

"Alright, Riley," he said with a wide grin. "Space Mountain. Let’s do it!"

Riley hesitated, his eyes following Chase’s enthusiastic gaze toward the towering, darkened ride ahead. The familiar knots of unease tightened in his stomach. He wasn’t a fan of roller coasters, and the idea of a fast, dark, and twisty space adventure wasn’t exactly filling him with confidence.
"Uh… I’m good," Riley said quickly, holding up a hand. "I’m not really in the mood for something… that intense right now."

Chase turned to him, the excitement still gleaming in his eyes, but there was something softer in his expression too—a hint of understanding, mixed with that ever-present warmth Riley had come to associate with him.

"Come on," Chase begged, stepping closer. "It’s Space Mountain. It’s the best ride in the park. You don’t want to miss it."

Riley crossed his arms, clearly not convinced. "I’m pretty sure I’d rather keep my stomach where it is, thanks."

Chase chuckled, a low, teasing sound, as he reached out and gently nudged Riley’s shoulder. "Alright, alright, I get it. But hey, you don’t have to be scared. I’ll be right there with you. I’ll protect you."

Riley shot him a skeptical look. "Protect me from what? It’s just a ride."

Chase shrugged playfully, but there was a sincerity in his voice. "It’s not just the ride, though. It’s the experience. And I know it’s a little intense, but it’s a lot more fun when you have someone by your side, right? I’ll be with you the whole time. Promise."

Riley felt a small, unexpected warmth spread through his chest at Chase’s words. There was something about the way he spoke, the way he always made Riley feel like he didn’t have to face things alone, that made it harder to refuse. And, if he was being honest with himself—if he allowed himself to be a little vulnerable—maybe this was the moment to lean into that trust.

Riley swallowed his doubts, his gaze dropping to the ground for a moment as he gathered his thoughts. He wasn’t sure what it was—maybe it was the sincerity in Chase’s voice, or the quiet confidence he always seemed to radiate—but something inside him shifted. For the first time in a long while, Riley didn’t want to back away.

"...Fine," he said, the words coming out a little more quietly than he intended. "I’ll do it. But if I pass out from fear, I’m blaming you."

Chase grinned widely, clearly pleased by the change in Riley’s tone. "Deal. Just stick close to me. And if you get scared, you can hold my hand."

Riley’s heart skipped at the casual suggestion, but he shoved the feeling aside. It was probably just the way Chase said it—comforting, easy, like it was no big deal. But Riley’s chest tightened a little as he followed Chase toward the entrance of Space Mountain.

The line for the ride moved quickly, and before Riley knew it, they were strapping into their seats. The roller coaster’s ominous, dark tunnels loomed before them, and Riley couldn’t help but feel a little anxiety creep back in. The lack of visibility, the intense turns and drops—he hated not knowing what was coming.

Chase leaned over, his voice low and reassuring. "Hey, you’re doing great. I’m right here, remember? I’ve got you."

Riley glanced over, meeting Chase’s eyes for just a second, and then immediately looked away, feeling heat rush to his cheeks. “Yeah, yeah. I know.”

As the ride started moving, Riley couldn’t suppress the little hitch in his breath when the coaster zoomed into the darkness, the sudden speed catching him off guard. The only sound was the rush of wind, and the darkness around them felt almost suffocating. His hands instinctively gripped the bar in front of him, his heart hammering in his chest.

Chase’s voice broke through the rush of wind and his mounting anxiety. "You alright?" he asked, his tone just loud enough to be heard over the noise.

Riley didn’t trust himself to answer with words, but his hand reached over, grasping the side of Chase’s seat for something to hold onto. It was meant to be an instinctive, quick grab—just to steady himself. But when his hand brushed against Chase’s, he hesitated for a moment. The pulse of warmth that radiated from the touch surprised him, and before he could pull back, Chase’s hand wrapped around his.

For a split second, Riley’s mind went completely blank, overwhelmed by the simple act of Chase holding his hand. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had offered such unspoken comfort, and it felt… good.

And then the ride took a sharp turn, throwing him back against the seat, and he couldn’t think about anything else except the wild drops and twists that seemed to come at him from all directions.
His hand remained tightly gripped around Chase’s the entire time.

When the ride finally slowed to a stop, Riley was slightly dizzy, but the exhilaration still buzzed through his veins. The lights came back on, and the ride operator guided them out of the seats, but Riley remained motionless for a moment longer. He was still holding onto Chase’s hand.

The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. His grip on Chase’s hand hadn’t been just out of fear—it had felt natural. His heart was still racing, but not from the ride anymore. He was suddenly very aware of how his hand was intertwined with Chase’s, the warmth of his skin, the gentle pressure of his fingers.

He let go of Chase’s hand almost immediately, his face turning crimson as he scrambled to regain some composure. “Uh… sorry,” Riley muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn’t mean to… you know. Grab you like that.”

Chase didn’t seem to mind in the least. He just chuckled, his usual grin stretching across his face. "Hey, no worries. You’re a good grip partner."

But there was something different in the way he was looking at Riley now—something softer, warmer. And it made Riley’s stomach flutter in an entirely new way.

They made their way over to the ride’s photo booth, where they paused to look at the picture taken during the ride. Riley winced, seeing himself with his eyes wide and mouth slightly open in surprise. But what made him freeze was the image of their hands, clearly visible in the picture, still clasped tightly together.

Riley’s heart rate spiked, the image burning into his mind. He’d been holding Chase’s hand the entire ride. And now, seeing the picture—seeing their hands, side by side—made something deep inside him stir.

Chase, oblivious to Riley’s growing fluster, grinned widely at the photo. “Not bad, huh? We look like we survived.”

Riley cleared his throat, trying to force the nervousness out of his voice. "Yeah, sure. Great photo."
But inside, Riley’s mind was a storm of emotions—confusion, exhilaration, and an unmistakable feeling he hadn’t been able to name until now. He liked being with Chase. More than just a friendship. More than just being the guy who always had a sarcastic comment ready. Riley had been holding his hand out of fear at first, sure. But somewhere along the way, it had stopped being about the ride.
It had become about Chase.

Riley’s hand still tingled from where he had held Chase’s, and it wasn’t helping that the photo in front of him seemed to magnify the awkwardness. There it was—clear as day—his hand tightly clasped in Chase’s, both of them looking like they were bracing for an explosion of adrenaline. Riley could feel the heat creep up to his face as he shifted uncomfortably. This is ridiculous, he told himself. It was just a ride. A dumb, fast, spinning ride. Why was this so hard?

Before he could shake it off, Chase pulled out his phone, an impish grin curling onto his lips. “Alright, smile, Riley,” he said, holding the camera up to take a photo of the screen showing their picture.

“No!” Riley blurted, snapping his hands out in front of him. “Don’t—don’t take a picture of that!”

Chase chuckled, completely unfazed by Riley’s protests. “Oh, come on, it’s a great picture. We look like we survived the wildest ride at Disneyland. Survivor couple goals, right?”

Riley’s heart skipped a beat. The words hit him harder than he expected, and for a moment, he could only stare at Chase with wide, incredulous eyes. “Couple? We’re not a—” His words faltered, and he quickly looked away, his face turning even redder.

Chase didn’t miss it. He snapped the photo anyway, and his voice took on a teasing tone. “Look at that,” he said, holding the phone up to show Riley. “It looks like we’re totally a couple. Holding hands, surviving Space Mountain, looking like total pros. We should totally frame it.”

Riley’s stomach churned. He felt his throat tighten, and the weight of what Chase had said settled like a heavy stone in his chest. A couple. God, no. That was not what this was. He wasn’t even sure what this was. But somehow, Chase—sitting there, grinning like that—made Riley feel like something was shifting. Something he didn’t quite know how to handle.

“Stop it,” Riley muttered, turning his face away so quickly that his sunglasses almost slipped off. “This is so dumb.”

Chase blinked, the teasing look in his eyes faltering just slightly as he registered the sudden tension in Riley. "Hey, no need to get all defensive," he said, his voice dropping a little, softer now. “It’s just a joke, Riley. I’m not trying to make things weird."

But Riley couldn’t bear to meet his gaze. His mind was racing, heart pounding so loudly in his ears that he could barely hear anything else. Why was he so embarrassed? Why did it feel like everything was becoming too… real? The more Chase teased, the more Riley realized just how much it affected him. He didn’t know what this was between them—whether it was just the excitement of the day or something else entirely—but the thought of being mistaken for a couple with Chase made his stomach flip in a way he didn’t want to acknowledge.

“You really think we look like a couple?” Riley finally muttered, unable to stop the question from slipping out. It sounded so much more vulnerable than he intended, and it made him instantly regret asking it.

Chase, who had been busy admiring the photo on his phone, paused. For a long moment, there was only the soft hum of Disneyland in the background, but Riley could feel the shift. He could feel the weight of Chase’s attention, and he braced himself for the inevitable teasing response.

Instead, Chase’s voice was quieter than before, his usual confidence a little more subdued. “Riley,” he said carefully, leaning a bit closer, “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I was just joking around, but I didn’t mean to… I dunno, make things weird.”

Riley didn’t respond immediately. His chest was tight, and the air between them seemed to thicken with unspoken things. Why did his words mean so much? Why did he feel that odd tightness in his chest when Chase apologized like that?

Finally, Riley forced himself to speak, though his voice came out quieter than he would’ve liked. “It’s not… I’m not uncomfortable because of that.” He cleared his throat awkwardly, still not meeting Chase’s eyes. “I just… don’t know what I’m supposed to think about any of this.”

Chase’s expression softened as he studied Riley, his earlier teasing replaced by a mix of concern and confusion. “What do you mean? About us?”

Riley’s breath caught in his throat. The question felt too heavy, and Riley found himself caught in a storm of emotions he wasn’t sure how to handle. He hesitated, biting his lip, and finally looked up at Chase. “I don’t know. I just—" He broke off, unsure how to articulate what had been swirling around in his chest ever since they’d gotten on the ride. He wasn’t even sure what to call it. Feelings? “It’s... just complicated,” Riley said finally, trying to brush it off, but there was no hiding the nervous energy in his voice.

Chase stared at him, the playful smile replaced with a more serious look. He exhaled slowly, the corners of his mouth curling into a slight, knowing grin. "Hey," he said gently, "if I’m making you feel weird, I’ll stop. I’m not trying to pressure you into anything you’re not ready for. But, um..." His voice trailed off as if searching for the right words. "I just wanted you to know... I care about you. More than I thought I would, actually."

Riley’s breath caught again, and his mind went blank for a moment. The way Chase said it—the simplicity, the sincerity—hit him harder than he expected. He stared at Chase for a long moment, unable to find the words to respond, unsure of how to process the revelation.

"Do you..." Chase began, looking away, his usual confidence faltering just slightly. "Do you think we could talk about it later? Like, when we’re not in Disneyland and I’m not making everything awkward?"

Riley blinked rapidly, his heart racing. He was still trying to catch up to everything that had just happened, to the sudden shift in their dynamic. This wasn’t just about a ride or some playful teasing anymore. There was something real here. Something... more.

“I—” Riley started, but his voice faltered. “Yeah, sure. We can talk later,” he said, though it was clear to both of them that his answer didn’t quite match his internal chaos. He was still reeling from everything, still unsure of what to do with all the emotions tumbling inside him. But one thing was undeniable: what had started as a casual day out in Disneyland was quickly turning into something that had the potential to change everything.

It was nearly 10 PM, and the park was still alive with energy, even though the lights were dimming and the crowd was beginning to thin. They had just finished a few more rides—Riley reluctantly going along with whatever Chase suggested—and now they were making their way down Main Street, the colorful lights of the shops twinkling around them.

Chase was practically bouncing on his feet, and Riley couldn’t help but roll his eyes as they passed the churro stand for what felt like the fifteenth time.

“Chase, seriously. Another churro?” Riley teased, his voice laced with mock disbelief. “You’ve eaten like three today already.”

“I’m telling you, Riley,” Chase said with that familiar wide grin, “you haven’t lived until you’ve had a churro here. They’re magic.” He gave Riley a playful nudge with his shoulder, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Riley raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a knowing smile. “Magic, huh? Is that what it is? Not just sugar and deep-fried dough?”

“Totally magic,” Chase insisted, his eyes lighting up as they neared the stand. He grinned at the churro vendor like they were best friends. “You wouldn’t understand until you try one yourself.”

“Yeah, right,” Riley said, crossing his arms. “I’m good. I’ll stick to my dignity, thanks.”

Chase turned back to him, handing over the churro he’d just bought. “Well, you’re missing out. But you can be the cool, non-churro-eating guy.”

Riley took the churro reluctantly, almost like he was being pranked. “Fine. But if I eat it and somehow turn into a sugar-crazed lunatic, I’m blaming you.”

Chase laughed, delighted, and nudged him again. "Deal. You're gonna love it."

Chapter Text

By the time they’d wrapped up the churro discussion (and Riley had reluctantly admitted it wasn’t entirely awful), the sky had darkened, and the sounds of fireworks were starting to echo from the distance.

“Fireworks show’s starting soon,” Chase said, checking his phone. “Let’s find a spot to watch.”

They made their way to one of the quieter corners of Main Street, near the outdoor restaurants. It was a prime spot, where they had an uninterrupted view of Sleeping Beauty Castle and could see the fireworks lighting up the sky. The noise from the crowd was fading as people filled the areas around them, but Riley and Chase found a small patch of space on the bench near a railing, the warm air from the night breeze swirling around them.

As the first bursts of light exploded in the sky, painting the dark canvas with blues, pinks, and golds, Riley couldn't help but be swept up in the beauty of it. But despite the spectacle around them, his thoughts kept returning to earlier—the way he had held Chase’s hand on Space Mountain, the softness of his fingers, the unexpected warmth. The way it had felt... right.

His chest tightened as a mix of emotions swirled in his stomach. He was starting to realize something, something he’d been trying to ignore for a while now: he felt something for Chase. Something deeper than friendship, and maybe even deeper than he was ready to admit. The thought of what that might mean scared him, but it also excited him in a way he couldn’t quite explain.

Riley glanced over at Chase, who was staring up at the fireworks with an almost childlike wonder. There was something about the way he was so open, so free with his emotions, that made Riley want to take a leap of faith. His heart pounded in his chest, and without thinking, he subtly reached out, his hand hovering near Chase’s.

For a moment, he hesitated. Was this the right time? Would Chase think it was weird? What if—
Before he could second-guess himself any further, Chase's hand slid into his. It was subtle at first, just a quiet intertwining of fingers, but it made Riley’s breath catch in his throat. The moment their hands touched, a quiet thrill shot through him, and all the nervousness faded into something warm and steady.

They didn’t say anything, just watched the fireworks in silence, the sounds of the show filling the space around them. The colors painted the night, and Riley found himself more focused on the feeling of Chase’s hand in his than the bursts of light in the sky.

His mind was racing, thoughts spinning too fast for him to catch. Was this really happening? Was this real? He couldn’t believe how natural it felt, how right.

When the final firework lit up the sky in a grand finale, they were still sitting there, fingers linked together. Riley didn’t want to pull away, but when the crowd began to shift, he realized the show was over. Chase, sensing the shift, was the first to stand up, not letting go of Riley’s hand as they navigated through the thinning crowd.

The night had settled into a soft, tranquil stillness as they made their way through the quieter parts of Disneyland, the park gradually emptying out as the crowds began to thin. It was almost midnight now, and the last few hours of the park’s open hours felt like a quiet, serene pause before the end of their incredible day.

Riley and Chase had walked in comfortable silence for a while, the soft glow of the streetlights casting shadows over their faces as they lingered near the center of the park. They had walked all over, had fun, laughed—Riley had even allowed himself to think, just for a moment, that maybe this day could go on forever. But then, out of nowhere, Chase stopped, the sudden halt catching Riley off guard.

Riley turned, his brow furrowed slightly. “What’s up?”

Chase’s eyes were downcast, and his hands were shoved in his pockets, a mix of uncertainty and something darker playing across his features. It was like he was hesitating, unsure if he should say what was on his mind. There was a weight to the silence between them that made Riley uneasy. He waited, arms crossed, trying to make sense of the shift in Chase’s energy.

“I—uh, I need to apologize,” Chase finally said, his voice low and uncharacteristically serious. The usual lightness was gone, replaced with something almost regretful.

Riley blinked, confused. “Apologize for what?”

Chase swallowed, his gaze still fixed on the ground as he spoke, like the words were coming out in slow, painful waves. “For dragging you all the way here. I mean, I know it wasn’t exactly your idea to come to Disneyland, and I know it’s probably been... weird. You’ve been so cool about everything, and I can’t help but feel like it’s just been a lot to ask of you. A whole surprise trip—just for me. If it was too much, I’m really sorry.”

The words hit Riley harder than he expected. He could feel the weight of them hanging between them, and something in his chest twisted painfully. Chase was apologizing… apologizing for bringing him here, for wanting to spend time with him.

Riley opened his mouth to say something, but the words caught in his throat. The idea that Chase could think this trip, this entire day, was too much... it didn’t sit right with him. Not at all.

Chase continued, unaware of how his words were sinking into Riley's chest like a slow ache. “I know this whole thing probably wasn’t what you thought it would be, and I just... I care about you a lot, Riley. And the last thing I’d want is for this to be a burden on you. I just... I wanted to make today something special. For you. Because you’re always there for me, and I’ve never really told you how much you mean to me, how much... you matter to me.”

Riley felt like the air had been knocked out of him. Chase’s words were heavy, so much heavier than he ever expected, and they reverberated in his chest. He couldn’t breathe for a moment, just standing there, staring at Chase, trying to process everything.

“I—” Riley started, his voice unsteady. “You—care about me?”

Chase's eyes flickered up then, meeting Riley’s gaze for the first time since he’d started speaking. There was a rawness in his expression, a kind of vulnerability that Riley hadn’t seen before. It made him feel exposed, like he was standing on the edge of something terrifying and beautiful all at once.

“Yeah,” Chase said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. “I care about you, Riley. More than just as a friend. And I just... I don’t know how to say it, but I’ve been feeling it for a while now. And maybe it’s stupid, but I wanted you to know. I can’t keep pretending I don’t care. It’s been hard keeping it all in.”

Riley’s heart pounded, every beat sending a rush of emotions flooding through him. He could feel his hands trembling, his whole body like it was suspended in time. Chase, his best friend—the person he’d admired from afar for so long—had just confessed to him. And Riley… Riley didn’t know what to say, or how to react, because the truth was, he’d buried his feelings for Chase deep down, far from the surface, never allowing himself to acknowledge them, too afraid of the consequences.
But now, hearing Chase’s confession, everything he’d been hiding from—everything he’d been denying—came crashing to the surface.

Riley swallowed, his throat tight. “Chase... I—” His voice faltered. His breath hitched as he looked at Chase, who was standing there waiting for something, anything. Riley closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady himself, but the words wouldn’t come.

And then, without thinking, he took a step closer, his heart racing. His words were rushed, tumbling out in a whisper. “I didn’t know how to say it either. But when you told me you’d be there for me—when you said you’d protect me on Space Mountain—that’s when I realized. That’s when I knew that I… I was already in love with you.”

Chase’s eyes widened, and his breath seemed to catch in his chest. Riley’s own heart was pounding in his ears now, the rawness of his admission leaving him trembling. The reality of it hit him all at once: he’d confessed. Out loud. And somehow, everything felt different now.

“Wait…” Chase whispered, taking a half-step forward, his voice full of disbelief. “You... you’re serious?”

Riley nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve been hiding it for so long, Chase. I thought I could ignore it, or I thought maybe it was just a dumb crush. But when you said that—when you said you’d always be there for me—it was like I couldn’t hold it back anymore. I knew. I knew I was in love with you. I just didn’t want to admit it.”

Chase’s expression shifted, and for the first time, Riley saw it—genuine, unguarded relief. And then, a warmth that spread across his face, the same warmth Riley had always found so comforting.

“You don’t have to apologize, Chase,” Riley said, his voice steadier now, his heart slowly beginning to calm. “You didn’t burden me. You gave me a reason to finally face how I feel. I was too afraid to admit it before, but I couldn’t keep hiding it anymore. I—” He swallowed, stepping closer. “I think I’ve been in love with you for a lot longer than I realized.”

Chase reached for him then, his hands trembling, but the movement was steady, sure. And before Riley could process, Chase pulled him into a tight, almost desperate hug.

“I’m sorry for making this so complicated, for not telling you sooner,” Chase murmured into Riley’s ear, his voice thick with emotion. “But I swear to you, Riley, I care about you. I’ve never cared about anyone the way I care about you.”

Riley’s hands gripped Chase’s back, holding him close, unable to stop the feeling of pure relief flooding through him. His heart felt like it was about to burst, but in the best way. “It’s okay,” Riley whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I feel the same way.”

They stood there in silence, their hearts beating in sync, the quiet night around them punctuated only by the distant hum of the park closing for the night. No more words were necessary. In that moment, they both knew. They didn’t have to pretend anymore. They didn’t have to hide their feelings.
And somehow, in the tangled mess of emotions, their hearts had finally found their way to each other.
The quiet intensity of the moment seemed to stretch on forever. Neither Riley nor Chase moved at first—just standing there, pressed against one another, their hearts finally syncing up after so much tension, so much unsaid. The world around them felt like it had faded away, leaving only them in the soft, dim light of the park.

It was Riley, of all people, who broke the silence.

Without thinking, without warning, he pulled back just slightly, enough to look into Chase’s eyes. Something flickered between them—something raw, something that had been held back for too long. Riley’s breath caught, and before he could second-guess himself, he leaned in, his lips meeting Chase’s in a kiss that was almost desperate. It was as if Riley had been holding his breath for years, and now, he could finally exhale. He let himself drown in the kiss, feeling the warmth of Chase’s lips, the taste of churros lingering between them, the undeniable spark that had been waiting to catch fire.
For a moment, time seemed to stop. Everything felt perfect, and Riley couldn’t help but sigh against Chase’s lips, letting the rush of emotions flood through him. He pulled back just a little, breathless, his forehead resting against Chase’s, eyes closed as he tried to steady himself.
Chase’s hand was still on the back of Riley’s neck, but instead of pulling away, he hugged him tighter. His chest was warm against Riley’s, his heart beating wildly.

“I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to hug you more in my life,” Chase murmured, his voice a little unsteady. Riley could feel the softness of his words, the sincerity.

“I think I feel the same way,” Riley said quietly, leaning into the embrace. His arms wrapped around Chase, pulling him closer, their bodies fitting together in a way that made everything else in the world feel distant, unimportant. They stood there, simply hugging, in the warm night air, letting the feelings sink in. There was nothing left to hide. No more pretending. Just them, two hearts finally aligned.
It was peaceful, almost magical, until the sound of footsteps broke the silence. They both turned to see two Disney cast members approaching them, their faces a mixture of cheer and a professional sense of urgency.

“Excuse me,” one of them said, smiling brightly. “We’re sorry to interrupt, but the park is closing soon. We just wanted to remind you that we’ll need to escort you out of the resort shortly.”

Riley blinked, realizing they’d been so lost in their own world that they hadn’t noticed the time slipping away. The park was nearly empty now, the last few guests slowly trickling out.
But just as the realization set in, the sound of soft music began to play through the park’s PA system. Riley and Chase both froze for a second, confused by the sudden song. It was familiar, yet strange in this moment, as the opening notes of “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Boys Like Girls began to fill the air, the heartfelt lyrics wrapping around them like an unexpected embrace.

The nostalgic melody was impossible to ignore, and for a moment, both of them froze, taking it in. The song was familiar, but it felt strangely fitting for the moment.

Riley raised an eyebrow, glancing at Chase. “Wait, I know this song. This is Boys Like Girls, right?”

Chase’s eyes widened in surprise. “No way. You know them too?”

Riley grinned, his voice light with amusement. “Yeah, I’ve been a fan for a while. That band’s pretty solid.”

Chase laughed, a little incredulous. “Same here. I didn’t think you’d be into their stuff.”

“I’m full of surprises,” Riley teased. “But now that we’ve both agreed we’re cool, we need to exchange discographies at the hotel. I’ve got a killer playlist.”

“Deal,” Chase replied, looking at Riley with a mix of excitement and intrigue. “This is going to be good. I’m already getting some serious ‘musical soulmate’ vibes right now.”

Riley smiled, feeling a warm sense of connection growing between them. "We'll see who has the better taste in music."

Chase grinned, nudging Riley lightly with his elbow. “Oh, you’re on. Get ready to have your mind blown.”

And with that, the music seemed to fade into the background as they continued their walk, the playful banter keeping the night light, even as the weight of everything they’d just confessed hung in the air between them.

For a moment, neither of them could speak. The music, the moment, the entire day—it felt like some sort of surreal, cinematic dream.

“Wait,” Chase said, his voice low as he looked at Riley, a grin tugging at his lips. “Did we just... get a Disney soundtrack moment? I mean... seriously?”

Riley couldn’t help but laugh, a mixture of surprise and disbelief coloring his voice. “It’s like they knew,” he said, shaking his head in amusement. “They’ve been watching us all day.”

Chase smirked, his expression softening into something more sincere. “You know, this day... it really does feel like a Disney movie, doesn’t it? I mean, the fireworks, the crazy ride, the confession...” He paused, looking at Riley with a teasing grin. “And then there’s me—the hotshot Chase Randall—finally admitting he has feelings for his really smart Baby Raptor, Riley.”

Riley rolled his eyes, though his cheeks flushed at the affectionate nickname. “I don’t know what’s worse: the fact that you actually said ‘hotshot’ with a straight face, or the fact that you’ve been calling me ‘Baby Raptor’”. He grinned, shaking his head. “But I guess I kind of like it. It’s... it’s cute. Even if I am still trying to figure out if I’m supposed to feel flattered or slightly insulted.”

Chase’s grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Hey, if anyone gets to call you that, it’s me. You’re my Baby Raptor now.”

Riley rolled his eyes again, but the warmth in his chest was undeniable. Chase’s teasing, the way he looked at him—it felt so right, so familiar, even though everything had changed between them. For a moment, they stood there in the fading light, letting the music from the speakers wash over them.
It was then that Riley realized: all the little things, all the quiet moments, had led up to this. To this confession. To this new beginning. No matter what came next, he knew they’d figure it out together.
With one last lingering look at each other, they turned toward the waiting cast members, ready to leave the park. As they walked side by side, hand in hand—this time, with no hesitation—Chase’s voice broke the quiet.

“You know,” he said, grinning mischievously, “this could be the start of a whole new chapter. I’m just saying, it’s got all the right ingredients for a Disney love story. You and me, Baby Raptor, taking on the world... after we finish this churro and get out of here, of course.”

Riley chuckled softly, leaning his shoulder into Chase’s. “Yeah, and next time, you’re buying me the churro, okay?”

“Deal,” Chase said, squeezing his hand. “Deal.”

And as they walked off into the night, with the soft strains of the song still playing in the background, it felt like the world itself was celebrating them. A moment of magic. Just the beginning of what would become their own Disney fairy tale.