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The sun was setting when they pulled into the drive in theater, painting the sky in blues and purples that reminded Tamlin of Rhys' eyes, or so he had said ten minutes ago when Rhys had lowered the top of his fathers '66 Mustang convertible.
He'd begged his father to let him borrow the car to take Tamlin out, wanting to impress the blonde and he finally said yes as long as he didn't leave any mess and filled it up on his way home. Asking Tamlin’s strict father to allow him to take Tamlin out on a date proved to be much harder.
The Springe’s moved in next door after the Hyberns moved out (Thank God for that. The wife Amarantha was an extremely creepy, touchy woman and he was glad he didn't have to deal with her unwanted advances anymore). He didn't see Tamlin the first day, just his parents and an older brother as he headed out to meet Cass and Az at the mall. When he came back the next day after crashing at Az's, there was another truck parked in the driveway and the most beautiful boy he'd ever seen was playing guitar on the porch. Rhys had stopped in his tracks before walking back down his driveway and over to theirs.
He went over and introduced himself. He learned that the boys name was Tamlin, he was almost 16 and going to Rhys school next month. His two brothers were graduated already and he was nervous about starting a new school by himself. Rhys was 17 and in a different grade but said he could walk with Tamlin so he didn't have to go alone.
It became a daily routine of Rhys walking with Tamlin to and from school, even when he had other plans. They got to know each other and Rhys could feel himself start to develop more than friendly feelings towards the younger boy and he was pretty sure Tamlin felt the same way if the blushing and brushed hands meant anything. So he asked him out one day on their way home from school and Tamlin had smiled so brightly and said yes but he'd have to ask his father for permission.
Rhys had went to his father that night and asked him and he had asked him why and what his intentions were with his youngest and although his answers were because we like each other and to spend more time with him and make him happy, the answer was no. 'Tamlin didn't have time for dating and needed to focus on school' but Rhys didn't give up. He asked every week and was told no every time. He continued to walk Tamlin to and from school, he tutored him at lunch so his grades were high, he helped bring in groceries if he noticed Mrs. Springe by her car and continued to be a good neighbor, hoping Mr. Springe would notice.
He helped Tamlin’s mother in her garden one day, pouring dirt and smoothing it out. They had a pleasant conversation and he told her how he felt about her son. About his goodness, and his talent and his heart and how he makes him want to be a better person and he knows they're young but he just wants to spend all the time he can making Tamlin happy. He wasn't trying to plead his case, he was just being honest but it must have worked anyways because the next time he had asked, Tamlin’s father had agreed but only if Tamlin was brought back by 10 pm.
Tamlin had been awed by his father's car and blushed when their mothers forced them to pose for photos and when Rhys had opened his door for him. The drive to the only drive-in in town was full of laughs and banter as usual. Rhys had put down the top when Tamlin had asked how they were going to see the movie. Which leads them to where they are now.
Rhys pulled up to the ticket booth "Two for Grease, please" He pulled out his wallet to pay.
"I can pay for my own ticket, Rhys. I have money" He argued.
"This is a date, Tam. I asked you out, so I'm going to pay."
Tamlin wasn't convinced "That doesn't really seem fair though"
Rhys reached over and grabbed his hand "How about next date, you can pay then. Deal?"
Tamlin thought about it and then nodded "Deal"
Winking at him, Rhys turned back to the employee and paid for their tickets before driving to the best spot. In the center but farther back so they could see the screen but also have some privacy. He turned off the car and turned to Tamlin "Popcorn?"
"Oh-No I'm okay. You can get some if you want"
Rhys took off his seat belt and turned to Tamlin, reaching over to feel his forehead "Are you okay? Popcorn is one of your favorite foods and you're saying no?"
Tamlin moved Rhys hand away and looked down at his own hands "It...It costs too much. You already bought the tickets and gas later and.."
"Tam" Rhys interrupts making the blonde look at him "I promise it's okay. I have enough money. I worked all summer"
"Yeah but-"
"But nothing. I want to spend it on you. Please"
Tamlin bit his lip and nodded "Fine. I do love popcorn"
"I know you do. Come on" Rhys said as he opened his door "Let's get in line before it gets too long and we miss the movie"
They both get out and start walking towards the concession stand. Their hands brush when Tamlin moves closer to Rhys to get out of the way of someone running past. Rhys slides his hand into Tamlin’s, making the other boy look at him in surprise before he dips his head and smiles, interlocking their fingers. They walk hand in hand and stand in line. When they get to the front of the line, Rhys orders a large popcorn tub and 2 drinks. He regretfully has to let go of Tamlin's hand to carry the popcorn and his drink but he lifts Tamlin’s hand to his lips before he does and kisses the back of it, making the concession worker 'aww' and Tamlin pull his hand back with a 'Rhys!' And a blush. Rhys just smirked and grabbed their items and they headed back.
They settled back into the car just in time for the show to start. The beginnings of 'love is a many splendored thing' started playing and they focused on the screen. Rhys looked over at Tamlin when Sandy and Danny were saying their goodbyes on the beach. The light if the screen shining on him made him look angelic. He couldn't believe how lucky he was that Tamlin had agreed to go out with him. His heart skipped a beat when Tamlin looked over at him.
"What?" The other boy asked, feeling shy.
Rhys shook his head "Nothing. I'm just glad to be here with you"
Tamlin beamed "I am too"
They looked at each other for a few seconds and Rhys almost leaned in before the beginning of ‘Grease is the word’ came on suddenly and made them both jump. They let out a slight laugh and went back to watching the show.
Around the ending part of Summer Nights, they both reached into the tub of popcorn at the same time, fingers brushing. They looked at each other and laughed, Tamlin pulling his hand out "Sorry!"
Rhys moved the popcorn further back on the centre console before reaching over and grabbing Tamlin’s hand, interlocking their fingers. They shared small smiles before turning back to the movie.
"Can we sit it the back?" Tamlin asked, halfway through the movie when the dance was happening.
Rhys nodded maybe a little to eagerly "Yes!" He cleared his throat 'Yes of course, Tam. Whatever you want"
Tamlin smiled at him "Thanks" He goes to open the door but stops when Rhys says wait. He looks back at Rhys just to see him get out of the drivers side and come open his.
Holding out his hand to help Tamlin out of the car, making the blonde blush, he moved the seat up so Tam could get into the back. He waited for Tamlin to slide over before handing him the popcorn and his drink. He grabbed his own drink before sliding in next to him and closing the door. Turning to his date he asked "Good?"
Tamlin bit his lip before moving the popcorn to the floor and reaching over to put Rhys' drink in his cup holder, his own already put away. He then scooched closer to Rhys and put his head on his shoulder "Good"
Rhys' heart fluttered as he looked down at the blonde. He smiled to himself before wrapping his arm around Tamlin’s shoulder, letting him snuggle closer into him.
When Danny was alone at the drive in and started singing Sandy, Rhys turned to Tamlin and started serenading him, getting louder when he made Tamlin giggle, causing the next car to yell at them to shut up while Tamlin threw his head back and laughed at Rhys antics.
They spent the rest of the time giggling and singing the songs. When the credits started, Rhys stopped running his fingers through Tamlin’s hair and let him lift his head from his shoulder. He stretched and then picked up the popcorn tub and put it back on the console, moving to move the seat to get out when he felt a hand on his arm and turned back to Tamlin.
Tamlin was looking at him, a slight blush on his cheek "Thank you for tonight, Rhys. I had a great time with you"
Rhys smiled at Tamlin, raising a hand to move a piece of Tamlin’s hair behind his ear "I had a great time with you too. I'd like to take you out again, if you'd be okay with that"
"I would."
Rhys smiled at Tamlin then asked in a silly 50s voice "Would you like to 'go together'?"
Tamlin snorted "We aren't actually in the 50s, Rhys. Leave the lingo to the screen. But Yes, I would"
Rhys grinned "Boyfriends then?"
Nodding, Tamlin smiled down at his hands before looking back at Rhys "Boyfriends"
Not missing the way Tamlin’s eyes had flicked down to his lips for a second, Rhys moved closer to the other boy, cupping his cheek with his hand. He looked down at Tamlin’s lips before moving his face closer. He looked into his beautiful eyes "Can I?"
Tamlin eyes were already closing when he whispered "Yes"
With that, Rhys leaned in and kissed Tamlin. He felt him pause before he kissed him back. He couldn't believe his luck as he pulled away to look into those green eyes before he went back in. His heart fluttered as he kissed his boyfriend. No kiss had ever felt so right before. Like their lips were made to kiss.
As they shared sweet kisses in the back of Rhys' dad's car, neither of them cared that they would be late for Tamlin’s curfew causing Tamlin to be grounded and Rhys to be forbidden from seeing him again outside of school until Tamlin begged and pleaded for months before his father gave in just to make him stop. Or that Rhys' father was going to flip out over 3 popcorn kernels under his seat and make Rhys clean and detail the car himself. They didn't care that eventually the drive in security would come just as their kisses were heating up and shine their flashlights in their faces, telling them they were closed and to get out of there.
All that mattered was the feel of each others lips and the comfort of being wrapped in each other's arms, with a promise of a future they couldn't wait for