Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"You're okay." Biana smiled at Fitz as she smoothened out his shirt. "They're already downstairs, waiting on you in the living room."
Fitz took a deep breath as he ran his fingers through his hair.
"Okay..." Fitz sighed out, looking at the mirror in his room.
He stared at how he looked and he smiled at himself. Biana took a few steps back from her brother.

"You sure you don't want me down there with you, just in case?" Biana asked.
Fitz smiled at his sister.
"I'll be fine. You have done more than enough for me, Biana. Just...thanks for being there for me." Fitz said.
Biana smiled back.
"You're my brother, I'm always going to be there for you. Now go. I'm sure they're expecting something worse than you being bisexual if you stay up here any longer." Biana said, grabbing Fitz by his shoulders and turning him around.

"Woah, watch it! This shirt is new!" Fitz scowled as Biana shoved him out of his own room.
"I'll wait for you up here so you can tell me how it went~!" Biana exclaimed, shutting the door once she shoved Fitz out.

Fitz sighed and he took a deep breath as he went ahead and began to make his way down the stairs. As he walked down the stairs, he bit his lower lip. His heart was beating fast, he felt like throwing up. His anxiety was going crazy. He didn't know how his parents would react to the news that he was bisexual and liked guys along with liking girls.

As Fitz was now walking through the halls, he fiddled with his hands and this plain golden ring around his pointer finger on his left hand. He twisted and turned the round piece of metal.

I mean, his parents surely wouldn't get that upset over his sexuality, right? Compared to the news that his older brother, Alvar, was actually working for the Neverseen and was a secret agent, this news shouldn't break their hearts and cause grief, right?

Fitz walked into the living room and he stared at how his mother and father were sat next to each other on the couch. They held hands and Alden was rubbing the back of Della's hand with his thumb. They both were clearly anxious about the news Fitz had to share with them. Fitz took a deep breath and he walked over, standing in front of his parents. He smiled at them as he hid his hands behind his back, still fiddling with his ring.

"Thanks for waiting." Fitz said.
"Fitz, honey..." Della said, staring at her son with concern and worry. "Is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine." Fitz smiled at his mother. "I just...I wanted to share something about me with you guys." 
Fitz looked at his father and Alden stared at Fitz, Fitz noticed the same amount of worry in his father's eyes too.

"You can tell us anything, Fitz." Alden said, his tone soft and comforting.
Fitz took a deep breath and nodded.
"...I'm...I..." Fitz sort of fumbled with his words at first. "I am bisexual, which means I am romantically interested in boys as well as girls." 

Silence.

Fitz glanced between his mother and father, gulping as they said nothing but stared blankly at him. Della was the first to make a sound, a sigh of relief and a smile grew on her face.
"Oh, sweetheart. That's...that is...I'm glad that you felt comfortable to share that with us." Della said, getting up from her seat.
She made her way over and gently cupped Fitz's face. Fitz smiled and he felt all his worries wash away as he felt the warmth of his mother's hands.

"So...you accept me?" Fitz asked.
"Of course. Nothing will ever change the fact that I love you." Della smiled warmly at her son. "Thank you for letting us know." Della kissed Fitz's forehead, which Fitz's nose slightly scrunched up at but he didn't say anything about the kiss.

Della then backed away, taking her hands away from Fitz and looking at her husband.
"Alden? Dear, do you have anything to say?" Della questioned, clasping her hands together.
Alden rose from where he sat and he held eye contact with Fitz. Fitz's heart dropped when he saw a strange, not so comforting, look on his father's face.

"...Fitzroy, I have never seen you have feelings for another boy before. Are you quite sure that you are...bisexual?" Alden questioned.
Della raised her eyebrows at her husband but stayed silent as she glanced at Fitz. Fitz let out a quiet scoff.
"I am quite sure, father." Fitz said, staring at his dad. "I can assure you, I have had feelings for boys before, I've just never-"

"Was Keefe ever-?" Alden began.
"God no!" Fitz cut his father off. "Eugh! I grew up with Keefe, I know how disgusting he can be!" 
Alden clicked his tongue and he sighed.
"Fitz, I just...I don't think I can see you liking a boy. It's a ridiculous thought. Are you just trying to get attention from us?" Alden furrowed his eyebrows.
Fitz furrowed his own eyebrows, scoffing again.
"W-why would I make this up?" Fitz asked.
"You used to make up a lot of things when you were younger to get our attention." Alden shrugged.

Fitz couldn't believe this.

"So, you're telling me, that since I don't have a boy in front of you, that I like, proves that I'm not bisexual to you?" Fitz questioned.
"It's not really making me believe you are also romantically attracted to boys. I believe you are attracted to girls, I mean...you had a relationship with Miss Foster, but never have I heard you speak of a relationship with a boy." Alden said.
Fitz hummed.
"...Right." Fitz mumbled. "Well, excuse me, I have said what I needed to say and now I will...spend the rest of my evening with Biana."
And like that, Fitz walked off, leaving his parents alone in the living room together.

His father needed proof that Fitz liked boys? Oh, Fitz was going to give his father proof that he liked boys.

Chapter Text

Dex grumbled quietly as there was a loud knock at his bedroom door. He decided to ignore it, as he assumed it was one of his siblings trying to mess with him and annoy him while he was working on fixing his alarm clock. His alarm clock hasn't been working as well as it has had for the last few years. He just needed to fix it so that his parents wouldn't have to buy him a new one.

Another round of knocks were heard on his door and Dex scoffed.
"I swear to god!" Dex scowled as he got up from his chair. "Lex, Bex, Rex, if one of you are out there and are attempting to annoy me, then you should know that I am working on-!" Dex began to shout as he went over to his bedroom door. Dex opened his door and his shouting instantly stopped. "-something...important..." Dex blinked at Fitz who stared at him.

"Am I...interrupting something?" Fitz questioned, raising an eyebrow at Dex.
Dex backed away.
"Erm...no, uh come in." Dex said.
Fitz smiled slightly as he walked into Dex's bedroom and Dex shut the door after he walked in.

"But you were shouting that-" Fitz began.
"I say it's important when it's just something I want to get done as soon as possible so that my siblings don't bother me." Dex cut Fitz off. "I can spare a few moments for...a friend."

Dex didn't know if 'friend' was the right word to call Fitz. They never really talked much or hung out often.

Fitz hummed.
"Right, well...I'm sorry to bother you anyway. I just needed help from a friend, and I know for a fact neither Tam or Keefe will help." Fitz said, looking at Dex.
Fitz added emphasis on 'friend'. Dex crossed his arms as he leaned against the wall of his room.
"Uh-huh...okay and what do you need help with?" Dex asked, tilting his head to the side.
Fitz fiddled with his ring on his left hand and Dex glanced at how Fitz was nervously fidgeting.

"I recently came out to my parents as bisexual." Fitz said, staring at Dex.
Dex looked at Fitz and they held eye contact.
"Congrats?" Dex furrowed his eyebrows at Fitz.
Fitz smiled.
"My mother accepted me and my father...he doesn't believe I can be attracted to guys." Fitz continued on.
Dex continued to stare at Fitz blankly, shrugging at him. "And I can help with this how?" Dex asked.

"You could be my boyfriend." Fitz responded.
Dex took a moment to process what Fitz said before he laughed.
"Hahaha! Okay, very funny, Fitz. Seriously, how am I supposed to help?" Dex asked with a smile on his face.

Fitz clicked his tongue and he shook his head slightly as he took a few steps closer to Dex.
"You...could be my boyfriend." Fitz repeated himself.
Dex stared blankly at Fitz, his smile quickly disappearing.
"W-what?" Dex's voice became high-pitched.

Fitz rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well, you'd be my fake boyfriend. But...I'd tell my parents I'll be inviting my boyfriend over for dinner sometime next week and...then you'll come over and pretend to be my boyfriend." Fitz explained. "It's only for like a month or something. Once my dad is convinced I like boys as well as girls, we will 'break up' and then your job will be done."

Dex's mouth felt dry. He didn't know what to say.
"I-I don't think your dad even likes me!" Dex exclaimed, finally spouting out something. "I mean, I'm...an outcast!"
Fitz bit his lower lip. "Dex, I just need someone to pretend to be my boyfriend." Fitz stated. "It's just for a month or so. And it's not as if either one of us are actually in love, or are going to fall in love, with the other." 

Dex gulped and he looked away, digging his nails into his wrist.
"I- Fitz...this is...I don't know." Dex shook his head. "This could end really poorly."
Fitz frowned at Dex and he furrowed his eyebrows.
"How could it?" Fitz questioned. "Like I said, we're not going to fall for each other in this process." 
Dex dug his nails deeper into his wrist and Fitz glanced at Dex's hands.

Fitz gently took Dex's hand away from his wrist, seeing the small dents in Dex's wrist where his nails had been digging in.
"Dex, there's no need to be so anxious." Fitz said softly, looking at Dex. Dex kept looking at his hand in Fitz's before he looked up at Fitz. Fitz gave Dex a small smile. "Just one month. That is all I am asking." 

Dex bit his lower lip.
"I- I don't know." Dex shook his head again, taking his hand away from Fitz's.
Dex kept his gaze on the floor now. Fitz took a few steps back.
"I'll give you a few days to think it over?" Fitz offered.
Dex ran his fingers against the little dents his nails had made into his wrist.
"...I'll hail you within the next 3 days for when I want to talk about it." Dex said, his voice quiet.

Fitz stared at Dex who wouldn't meet his eye.
"Dex." Fitz said. Dex glanced up at Fitz. "This...." Fitz hesitated. Fitz gulped. "This would really help me out. And I'll owe you something if you decide to do this. I'll do whatever you want." Fitz gave Dex a small smile. "I'll see you around."
Dex managed to give Fitz a small smile.
"Yeah...see you around, Fitz." Dex said.
Dex watched as Fitz grabbed his home crystal and just light-leapt away.

Dex bit his inner cheek as he thought about this offer. It could end horribly. Dex knew that there was that possibility.

But why was he so tempted into actually accepting this offer?

Chapter Text

Dex was tapping his fingers against his cup of coffee as he was waiting inside this café for Fitz to come.

It had been two days since Fitz had asked him to be his fake boyfriend. Dex made his decision a day early, which when he hailed Fitz about it, Fitz seemed eager to hear his answer and told him to wait at this café.

The bell rang as someone entered the café and Dex instantly looked over to see Fitz looking around the building. Dex waved his hand at Fitz and Fitz noticed Dex. Fitz smiled as he instantly made his way over and took a seat across from Dex.
"Hey." Fitz said, crossing his arms on the table.
"Uh, hey. You want anything before we talk?" Dex asked, smiling at Fitz.
"No, I'm okay." Fitz shook his head. "So... you've made a decision."

Fitz stared at Dex, still smiling at him and leaning in forward. Dex gulped and he picked up his cup of coffee, quickly taking a sip of it.
"Uh, mmhmm..." Dex nodded, humming at Fitz.
"So... will you do it?" Fitz tilted his head at Dex.

Dex sucked in a breath and he bit his lower lip.
"... It's only for a month, right?" Dex shrugged. "Soo... I'll do it. If it helps you, then sure."
Fitz clasped his hands together.
"Great!" Fitz exclaimed. "Thanks, seriously Dex!"

"We need to talk about how we're going to do this though." Dex said, shuffling in his seat. "Like, ground rules. What's allowed, what isn't allowed." Dex used his hands as he spoke.
Fitz hummed and nodded.
"Okay... well, I know what the first rule should be." Fitz said.
"Yeah?" Dex raised his eyebrows.

"No falling in love with each other." Fitz stated, staring directly into Dex's eyes. "None of that. You probably want to be with someone different than me, and I don't think you're the guy I'm looking for."
Dex smiled slightly at Fitz.
"No falling in love with each other during this then." Dex said, nodding slightly. "Gotcha."

Dex tapped his fingers against his coffee cup again.
"Uhm... kissing. We should talk about... kissing." Dex said, feeling his mouth go dry.
Fitz scratched his neck nervously.
"Oh! Uhm... well, for that... I think for that I'm fine with whatever really." Fitz shrugged. "I mean, we obviously don't have to like kiss each other on the lips if you aren't comfortable."
Dex bit his lower lip.

"Y-yeah, I am not comfortable with kissing on the lips." Dex said, his fingers tapping the cup more rapidly now as his knee began to bounce up and down under the table.
Fitz smiled.
"That's fine. So... kisses on the cheek and stuff like that is fine then? As long as it's not on the lips?" Fitz asked.
Dex nodded.
"Yeah, I guess..." Dex shrugged.

"Alright! Mmh... Pet names! That's... that's something couples do, right?" Fitz tilted his head.
"Did you and Sophie have pet names?" Dex raised his eyebrows.
"Uhm..." Fitz furrowed his eyebrows, thinking about it. "No...but maybe pet names will make this more believable? "
"If you think so, then...I guess we could do that?" Dex shrugged.

"W-what would I call you?"
Fitz tapped his finger against his chin, humming. "Hmm...sweetheart?" Fitz shrugged.
Dex grimaced.
"Erm...yeah, no." Dex shook his head. "What about...'loverboy'? It sounds more like something I would call you."
Fitz felt his cheeks warm up.

"Loverboy, really?" Fitz scrunched up his face.
Dex grinned.
"Hah, you're blushing. I'm calling you loverboy!" Dex exclaimed. "Give me a pet name now!"
Fitz grumbled and he tapped his fingers against the table.

"Mmh...alright. I'll call you 'darling'." Fitz grinned at Dex.
Dex raised his eyebrows as his cheeks heated up.
"No." Dex stated.
"Oh yes." Fitz nodded.
Dex huffed and he sighed.
"Fine, okay." Dex said, admitting defeat.

"We've discussed kissing, pet names, no falling in love, what else?"
"Mmh...let me think..."

Dex wasn't sure about agreeing to this anymore, but he already told Fitz he'd do it. So, he was now Fitzroy Vacker's fake boyfriend, to prove to Alden that Fitz in fact liked boys as well as girls.

What fun.

Chapter Text

"Do you honestly think I believe you are bringing a boy over?" Alden questioned as he helped Biana set up the dining table.
"I kept being bisexual a secret, I could have kept having a boyfriend a secret." Fitz said, checking the time on the clock which was on the wall.

"Who is this boyfriend of yours?" Biana asked. "I'm a little hurt you didn't even tell me." Biana looked at Fitz, sort of frowning at him. Fitz smiled at Biana.
"Erm... it's... he didn't want things to be awkward between you two if you knew." Fitz said, completely making something up on the spot.
Biana furrowed her eyebrows.
"Uhm-?" Biana began.
There was a sudden knock on the door.
"Oh! I'll get it!" Fitz exclaimed, quickly making his way out of the dining room.

Alden and Biana looked at each other.
"Your brother didn't even tell you?" Alden questioned.
"Yeah, I'm suspicious too." Biana mumbled, smoothening out her dress.
"Did I hear someone knocking on the door?" Della asked as she entered the room from the kitchen.
"Fitz went to get it." Biana said, looking at her mother. "Probably his boyfriend~"

Fitz opened up the front door and smiled at Dex who was fiddling with his shirt and ensuring he looked nice.
"Hey." Fitz said.
"Uh, hey." Dex looked up, giving Fitz a nervous smile.
Fitz stepped aside and Dex entered the house.
"So uhm... how are we doing this?" Dex asked, his voice in a hushed tone.
"They're all in the dining room. We're just going to go in there, they'll see you're my boyfriend, and then dinner will be served. I think the actual food will be ready in 10 minutes or so." Fitz explained.

"You wanna hold my hand to calm your nerves~?"
Fitz grinned at Dex as he placed his hand out. Dex shot a glare at Fitz before he took Fitz's hand.
"I regret this." Dex scowled quietly.
Fitz laughed.
"Haha, C'mon. You'll be fine." Fitz said. Fitz interlocked their fingers and began to make his way towards the dining room. "It's just for a month or so, Dex. Remember that."
Dex bit his inner cheek, looking at the floor as he followed behind Fitz.
"Yeah... right." Dex mumbled to himself.

The two boys entered the dining room and Dex looked at Alden, Della and Biana. Dex felt a little guilty as he saw the look of shock on Biana's face.
"You're... dating my brother..." Biana stated, staring at Dex.
Dex gave Biana a small smile.
"Sorry I didn't tell you." Dex said, slightly squeezing Fitz's hand out of nervousness.

Biana blinked and she looked at Fitz.
"You're dating one of my best friends?! What is wrong with you?! How dare you steal Dex!" Biana scowled at Fitz, making her way over towards Fitz.
Fitz let go of Dex's hand and backed away as Biana was glaring at him and approaching towards him rapidly.
"Wha- why am I getting scolded-?!" Fitz began to scowl back.

Dex began to fiddle with the sleeves of his shirt as he watched how Biana began to scold Fitz and Fitz was scowling back at her.
"This is a lovely surprise."
Dex looked over to Della who smiled at him sweetly.
"U-Uhm, hello Lady Della-" Dex began.
Della gently took Dex's hands into hers and Dex looked up at her.
"Don't be so nervous!" Della smiled.

"Relax. And please, drop the title. I'm glad my son brought a boy like you home. You're a very sweet boy, Dex."
Dex blinked, processing what Della said.
"Ah, thank you... La--" Dex began. "Thank you, Della." Dex quickly corrected himself, smiling at Della.

Della let go of Dex's hand and she looked at Alden who kept studying Dex.
"You're dating my son?" Alden raised an eyebrow at Dex. Dex nodded. "Huh... questionable taste." Alden mumbled.
Della scoffed at Alden's comment.

Dex glanced at Fitz and Biana, who were still bickering.
"When did you even start liking Dex?! You have never spoken about liking him to me and-!" Biana began.
"Biana. You can interrogate your brother later." Alden said.
Biana sighed out and she turned to face Dex. Dex felt nervous about what Biana was going to do to him now.

She smiled as she went over and took Dex's hands into hers. Dex looked at Biana, a little confused.
"... You're not... mad?" Dex questioned.
"Mad at Fitz, yeah. But at you? No. I'm glad you're dating my brother. I mean, you're the best, Dex. You know that, right? And you finally-" Biana began.
Dex's nerves rised and he laughed awkwardly, taking his hands away from Biana's and clapping his hands together.

"Hahah! Well that's great! I was worried you'd be angry at me! Uhm, so dinner! Seats! What is the seating arrangement?" Dex grinned nervously at the rest of the Vacker family
Alden raised his eyebrows and shot a glance at Fitz before going over and taking his seat at the dining table. Biana was definitely confused by Dex's strange behaviour, but she decided not to question it as she went over to her seat at the table.

Fitz went over and rested his hand on Dex's shoulder.
"Relax." Fitz whispered softly.
"I'm a wreck." Dex whispered back at Fitz, frowning.
"You're fine." Fitz smiled softly.
Fitz guided Dex towards a seat at the dining table and he decided to sit beside Dex. Dex was sat across from Biana, Fitz was going to be sat across from Della, and Alden sat at the head of the table.

"I will go get dinner prepared then." Della smiled at everyone, her gaze resting on Dex.
"Do you need help?" Dex asked, about to get up.
"My wife can handle-" Alden began.
"I'd love some help, thank you, Dex." Della smiled at Dex.
Dex smiled back and he got up.

"Wait-?" Fitz furrowed his eyebrows at Dex.
"Uh, I'll be back." Dex smiled at Fitz as he walked off.
Fitz watched as Dex followed his mother into the kitchen.

Fitz looked at Biana and his father.
"... I'm like not talking to you for a good few weeks." Biana glared at Fitz.
"You're talking to me right now." Fitz smiled at Biana.
"I hate you." Biana frowned at Fitz.
"Awh, you're so sweet." Fitz said, tilting his head at Biana.

"I thought you hated that Dizznee boy."
Fitz and Biana looked at their father.
"Hmm?" Fitz hummed, furrowing his eyebrows at his dad.
"You never seemed interested in Dex before." Alden said.
Fitz shrugged. "I grew feelings for Dex."

"Oh, so what do you like about Dex?" Biana asked, tilting her head at Fitz.
Fitz looked at Biana and he thought about it for a moment.
"His smile." Fitz smiled. "Especially when it's like... really genuine and it's that sort of smile that shows his dimples and... he just... it's nice to see him happy."
Biana raised her eyebrows.

"Wow. How come I never noticed you were smitten for Dex?" Biana questioned.
Fitz was a little surprised by Biana's comment. Fitz... he wasn't smitten for Dex. What he said about Dex's smile was true, yeah, but... Fitz didn't like Dex. He knew he didn't. Maybe Fitz was a really good actor.
"W-well-" Fitz began.

"And dinner is served!"
Della and Dex came in with plates in each hand. Dex carried three plates while Della carried two.

"Lord, how is that just staying on your arm?" Biana questioned as she took the plate from Dex's arm and set it in front of her while Della set down the two plates for herself and Alden.
"There's like six people in my household, me and my mom usually carry 3 at a time so we all can just dig in right away." Dex replied as he went over to his seat and to where Fitz was.

"No one else helps bring in their own plates during dinner at Rimeshire?" Fitz questioned as he gently took a plate from Dex's hand.
"Well, my dad states his hands are contaminated with... some sort of concoction and has to wash his hands, and me and my mom do not trust the triplets to carry their own plates." Dex smiled as he set own his own plate and took his seat.

"Well, I'll go get us some drinks. Alden? Will you help?" Della smiled at her husband.
"... Fine." Alden said, getting up.
"I'll come too!" Biana exclaimed as she got up from her seat. "Don't make out while we're away~!"
Dex felt his cheeks warm up and Fitz scowled at Biana as she, Alden and Della left the dining room to get everyone a drink.

Fitz looked at Dex and Dex fiddled with his hands.
"That was actually quite impressive." Fitz stated, crossing his arms as he leaned against the table.
"It's nothing." Dex shook his head. "I've been carrying multiple plates for like... ages. I've gotten talented at carrying multiple things at once."
Fitz hummed.

"Did my mother bother you with questions?" Fitz asked.
Dex shrugged.
"She asked me what I liked about you." Dex said.
"Funny, Biana asked me what I liked about you." Fitz raised an eyebrow.
"Your mother and sister think alike." Dex smiled at Fitz.
Fitz glanced at Dex's smile and his cheeks turned red as he thought back to what he told Biana.

"Uhm, your mother asked me if I was staying over as well. Or if I wanted to." Dex said. "So... I told her it depended on if you wanted me to stay over and stuff..."
Fitz hummed.
"Mmh, well, you don't have any clothes here." Fitz said, looking at Dex.
"I could hail my mom, ask her to bring some of my stuff over." Dex shrugged.

Fitz bit his lower lip.
"No, no... I think you could borrow some of my clothes." Fitz said.
Dex raised his eyebrows.
"You sure that's okay?" Dex asked.
Fitz shrugged.
"It's just for a night, right?" Fitz smiled. "You'll just have to hail one of your parents and let them know you'll stay over then."

"Ah! So Dex is going to stay over then?"
Both Fitz and Dex looked over at Della who placed two glasses of some sort of juice in front of them.
"I need to ask my parents if it's okay after dinner." Dex smiled at Della.

"And where will he stay?" Alden questioned as he set down the glasses of some different sort of juice for him and Della.
"Fitz's bed is huge, they can share it." Biana stated, taking her seat as she took a sip of her glass of juice.
"Uhm, Fitz is not sharing his bed with his boyfriend-" Alden began.
"They're kids, Alden, nothing inappropriate will happen." Della stated.

Fitz noticed Dex seemed uncomfortable with this talk.
"We should eat before the food gets cold." Fitz said, gently placing his hand on Dex's leg and squeezing it in a comforting way.
Dex looked at Fitz and Fitz smiled at Dex. Dex studied Fitz's face and Dex smiled back.

Fitz was a sweet guy, and that's something Dex liked about the Vacker male. Dex never thought Fitz was sweet before when he first really interacted with Fitz, but a little while ago, Dex's feelings towards Fitz changed.

"... Fine, let's talk a bit more about your relationship then. For example, when did this start?"

Chapter Text

Dex stared at himself in the mirror, looking at the baggy clothes he was now wearing.
"... These are huge on me."
Dex looked at Fitz, who was sat on the edge of his bed. Fitz seemed to smile at Dex and how his clothes were quite big on Dex.

"You are kind of small." Fitz shrugged. "But is it uncomfortable?"
Dex looked at himself in the mirror again and his heart did a backflip as he registered that he was wearing Fitz's clothes. And Fitz's clothes smelled of Fitz's cologne. Dex's cheeks turned a little red.
"N-no... I guess it's fine." Dex said, rubbing his arm with his hand.

Dex made his way over and he sat down next to Fitz on the bed. Fitz couldn't help but stare and admire how Dex looked in his clothes.
"I think it looks quite cute on you." Fitz said, gently tugging at one of the sleeves of the t-shirt Dex was wearing.
Fitz couldn't help but smile as Dex seemed to get embarrassed by his comment.
"Ugh, shut up..." Dex mumbled.

"... So, do you think we fooled your family?"
Dex tilted his head at Fitz.
Fitz sighed out softly.
"I think we fooled Biana and I think my mother believes us, but my father needs a bit more convincing." Fitz said. "Which is why we're going to be doing stuff together for a month. I think we're gonna have a family picnic soon, maybe you could join for that, that'll prove that I really like you if I beg them for you to join us..."
Fitz scratched his chin, coming up with ideas.

"Maybe we should come up with things when we're alone, like... not at your place at least. Just in case someone overhears?" Dex suggested.
"... That's a good idea, yeah." Fitz smiled at Dex. "Well, what do you want to do now then? Darling?"
Fitz laid down on his back as he looked at Dex. Fitz noticed the tips of Dex's ears turned red.

"Sheesh, call me 'darling' when we're around your family, not when we're alone..." Dex mumbled, glancing over his shoulder at Fitz.
"Oh, but you get so flustered when I call you darling!" Fitz exclaimed. "It's actually quite cute to see you get all red."
"You're obsessed with calling me cute this evening." Dex stated, his stomach twisting in knots, unable to deal with all of this.
Fitz admired Dex and Fitz couldn't stop himself from smiling.

"I'm not lying. You are quite a cute guy." Fitz said. "I mean, you have like a slight baby face, and your hair is always such a mess but in a way that it suits you."
Dex raised his eyebrows at Fitz.
"... Go on." Dex said, laying down beside Fitz now.
Dex laid on his side and Fitz also turned over onto his side. They were now facing each other.

"Your dimples are adorable when you smile." Fitz said, taking his pointer finger and poking at where Dex's dimple usually would be if he were smiling. Dex scrunched up his nose and Fitz studied Dex's face. "You have very faint freckles speckled across your nose." Fitz gently traced his finger against the bridge of Dex's nose.

Dex's breath hitched as Fitz then gently traced his finger underneath Dex's eye.
"And your eyes..." Fitz whispered, staring deep into Dex's periwinkle eyes which shined so bright. "They're a wonderful colour, I could get lost in your eyes for hours." Fitz leaned in slightly, now carresing Dex's cheek.

Dex, somehow, managed to hold eye contact with Fitz.
"You're absolutely adorable." Fitz smiled softly at Dex.
Dex's face was extremely red. How did Alden not believe his son was bisexual when he was doing gay shit like this??

Fitz took his hand away from Dex and tilted his head slightly.
"What about me? Is there any features you like about me?" Fitz asked.
Dex gulped and he studied Fitz's face.
"... Your smile." Dex said, looking at Fitz's lips. "I mean, you have one of those dashing smiles that makes anyone swoon, it's ridiculous but... like I said, it makes anyone swoon, so I can't help but like it."
Dex shrugged slightly.

"And... I like it when you have a strand of your hair that just falls out of place."
Dex gently brought his hand up to Fitz's hair and parted a few strands from Fitz's slicked back hair, causing the strands to fall over Fitz's eyes and Fitz to scrunch up his face.
"Eugh, I don't feel perfect like this though." Fitz stated.
"Yeah, but it makes you more attractive." Dex smiled as he looked at Fitz.

"And your eyes... You Vackers have beautiful teal eyes. Biana's eyes are more bright, more... out there, while yours matches your complexion more. Not to say Biana doesn't suit her eyes, it's just... you seem to suit the teal eyes more than her."
Dex's gaze flickered between both of Fitz's eyes and Fitz bit his lower lip.
"Uh-huh..."

"Your jawline is sharp." Dex stated, bringing his hand to Fitz's jaw and caressing it lightly. "You look mature, like a young adult, it's kinda hot to every girl in Foxfire."
Dex winked at Fitz and Fitz let out a laugh.
"Pfft! Haha!"
Dex smiled and he was about to take his hand away before Fitz held his hand over Dex's.

Fitz pressed Dex's palm against his cheek and he turned his head to kiss the palm of Dex's hand.
"For some reason I don't hate hearing you compliment me." Fitz whispered against Dex's skin. "When girls at Foxfire do it, it just gets me all annoyed but... I feel so different when you're doing it. Even you touching me isn't pissing me off."
Dex watched Fitz as Fitz gently shut his eyes and placed another peck against Dex's palm.

"Careful. It sounds like you're falling in love with me." Dex teased with a grin.
Fitz opened his eyes and looked into Dex's gaze.
"I'm not breaking the rules, nor do I plan on breaking the rules that we set for this, Dizznee." Fitz stated, taking Dex's hand away from his cheek.
Fitz held Dex's hand though.

"I sincerely hope you yourself aren't falling for me?" Fitz said as he squeezed Dex's hand.
Dex glanced at their hands before staring into Fitz's eyes and answering.
"... I'm not falling for you." Dex stated.
Fitz didn't pay attention to Dex emphasising the word 'falling'.
"And it will stay that way for these next few weeks." Fitz stated.
Dex nodded. "Understood."

Dex sort of jumped as someone knocked on the door.
"Come in!" Fitz called, quickly wrapping an arm around Dex and pulling him close.
Dex's face turned red as his face was now up against Fitz's chest and Fitz was squeezing his shoulder gently. Dex was surrounded by Fitz's cologne. From the clothes he was wearing and from being so close to Fitz.

Dex couldn't look over as Fitz held him, but he recognised the voice.
"Oh! I just wanted to know if you boys wanted tea along with some indigoobers."
Dex didn't want to face Della, especially since his face was so red and she walked in on his face up against her son's chest.
"Yeah, sure. Can we have them up here?" Fitz smiled at his mother.
"Of course, can you come down to bring up the cups of tea?" Della asked, tilting her head at Fitz.

Fitz gently took his hand away from Dex and he got up. Dex looked at Fitz and Fitz grinned at Dex.
"I'll be back, darling~" Fitz said.
Dex made an audible squeak and he hid his face in his hands, causing Fitz to giggle as he went over to leave his room. Fitz and Della walked off together and Dex brought his knees up to his chest, curling up into a ball.

He couldn't handle this. This was a mistake. His heart could not handle any of this. Why did he agree to this? He knew that there was a possibility his heart would get broken when this ended. Why did he make such a stupid decision??

*****

"I just don't understand why you pulled me in so close." Dex said, popping an indigoober into his mouth.
"To make it seem like we were cuddling." Fitz stated, lifting his cup of tea and sipping it.
Dex was sat on the floor and Fitz was up by his desk. Dex had the plate of indigoobers on the floor with him along with his cup of tea.

"Did your mother honestly believe that?" Dex asked.
"Did you see how red you were?" Fitz grinned at Dex. "I mean, your reaction when I called you darling also sealed the deal. I never knew you were such a good actor, Dizznee."
"...Yeah, I'm a good actor." Dex mumbled, lifting his cup of tea and sipping it now.

"After we eat, we could just head to sleep." Fitz stated, shrugging as he leaned down and grabbed an indigoober from the plate on the floor.
"... Fitz, I am extremely sleep deprived and I don't fall asleep until it is like... 4am." Dex stated, looking up at Fitz. "And right now it's... 9pm? I'm not going to be able to fall asleep."
"You want some slumberberry tea?" Fitz tilted his head.
"I'd rather just drink this cup of tea and then fall asleep when I can." Dex smiled at Fitz, raising his cup of tea towards Fitz before bringing it down to his mouth and sipping it.

Fitz made a face.
"You should get some proper sleep." Fitz said. "Are you sure? You don't have any elixirs that'll help you?"
"I'm fine." Dex shook his head. "God, I didn't think you cared about me this much."
Fitz's cheeks began to warm up.
"... You're my friend, Dex. Of course I care." Fitz shrugged.
Dex smiled at Fitz.

"Well, like I said, I'm fine." Dex said.
Dex got up and he lifted the plate of indigoobers along with the cup of tea as he got up. Dex set the plate and cup onto the desk.
"I need the bathroom. Excuse me."
Dex walked off and he could feel Fitz watching him as he left he room.

Dex shut the door behind him as he looked in front of him and saw Biana leaning against the wall across from him.
"Think we can talk real quick?" Biana asked, tilting her head.
Dex glanced at the door behind him and he bit his lower lip.
"Sure, uh... your room?" Dex questioned as Biana stopped leaning against the wall.
"Duh." Biana smiled at Dex as she walked off to her bedroom.
Dex quickly followed behind Biana.

He didn't really need the bathroom anyway. He needed a break, so maybe talking with Biana for a few moments wouldn't be so bad.

Chapter Text

"I cannot believe you never told me that you and Fitz finally got together." Biana stated as she sat onto the edge of her bed. "I just... Fitz said earlier that you thought things would be awkward between us if I knew. And I don't understand why he said that, especially since I know that you've been pining for my brother for years."
Dex bit his inner cheek as he sat down beside Biana.

"... Fitz doesn't know that I've been pining for him for a while." Dex stated, not exactly lying but not exactly telling the truth. "He asked me out, I accepted and he doesn't know that I have talked to you about him in a romantic sense multiple times before we got together."
Biana hummed, looking at Dex.

"... You're a horrible liar, you know." Biana said.
Dex blinked at Biana as Biana got up and she stood in front of him. Biana crossed her arms and Dex laughed nervously.
"What? I'm not lying." Dex smiled at Biana.
"Dex, we have been best friends for a while now. I've learned a lot about you." Biana said, staring at Dex.

"Fitz recently came out as bisexual and our father doesn't believe he likes men. What did my brother drag you into?"
Dex stared at Biana.
"... You're smart." Dex mumbled.
"Did you think I was stupid?" Biana smiled at Dex.
Dex sighed out as he ran his fingers through his hair.

"Look, Biana... I--he asked me to be his... fake boyfriend." Dex stated. "For a month. And... I just accepted it. Why? I have no idea. My gut told me to do it."
Biana frowned at Dex.
"Honey, this could end horribly." Biana said softly.
"Biana, please... I just... don't tell Fitz." Dex said softly. "Plus, I know he isn't going to fall for me. It's the first rule he made up for this whole situation."

Biana furrowed her eyebrows, giving Dex a look which he didn't like.
"Sweetheart-" Biana began.
"I'm fine." Dex smiled at Biana. "I— it's to help him. Just... play along, please?"
Biana sighed.
"God, okay... fine." Biana said, running her fingers through her hair.
"Thank you-" Dex began.

There were knocks at Biana's door and both Biana and Dex jumped.
"Who is it?" Biana asked, looking at the door.
"I'm wondering why you stole my boyfriend!" Fitz called from the other side of the door.
Biana looked at Dex and Dex saw a lot of worry from her eyes. Dex smiled at her and Biana sighed.

"You're more than welcome to join us!" Biana called back.
There was a silence for a few moments before the door opened and Fitz looked in. Fitz looked between Biana and Dex before resting his gaze on Dex.
"... Everything okay?" Fitz asked.
Dex nodded. "Yeah, we were just talking."

"... Okay, well I want to steal my boyfriend back." Fitz said, looking at Biana.
"What, to make out?" Biana grinned at Fitz.
Dex felt his cheeks warm up and Fitz's cheeks turned red as well.
"Maybe." Fitz mumbled.
Biana looked at Dex and Dex hated telling Biana the truth so much at this moment.
"Ooh~ la-la~!" Biana exclaimed. "Well, I wouldn't want to get in the way of my best friend getting it on!"

"I'm murdering you." Dex scowled as he got up, glaring at Biana.
"Awh~ I'm sure my brother will calm you down by locking lips with youu!" Biana grinned at Dex.
Dex let out a whining noise as he hid his face in his hands and he walked past Fitz. Fitz glanced at Biana before following Dex out of the room.

"Did you have to say that we would make out?" Dex scowled slightly, taking his hands away from his face as Fitz caught up alongside with him.
"What's the big deal?" Fitz tilted his head at Dex.
Dex stayed silent and Fitz frowned as they walked back to his bedroom. Fitz shut the door to his bedroom as Dex made his way over to Fitz's bed.

"I just... leave me alone for a few minutes." Dex mumbled as he laid down onto the bed.
Fitz made his way over and he sat by Dex.
"I'm sorry." Fitz said quietly. "Is it because Biana was teasing you about it? I won't tell her stuff like that again-"
"Fitz." Dex cut Fitz off, shooting him a look.
Fitz stayed silent and Dex faced away from him.

Fitz laid down beside Dex and he gently wrapped his arms around Dex as he hid his face into Dex's neck. Dex took a deep breath and he gently placed his hands over Fitz's. Dex gently fiddled with Fitz's fingers and Fitz didn't say a thing, slightly enjoying the sensation of Dex's rough fingers fiddling with his.

Dex wasn't sure how to feel about all of this. He definitely didn't mind being held by Fitz like this, but... Fitz was probably doing this so that if someone walked in, it'd just be 'proof' that they were 'dating'.

Fitz, on the other hand, had no idea why he was holding Dex like this. He felt like he had to do this. He couldn't just leave Dex upset and alone. He had to let Dex know that he was there.

*****

Fitz didn't know how much time passed. All he knew was that Dex was asleep in his arms.

Dex had stopped playing with Fitz's fingers a few minutes ago and it seemed like Dex snored when he was asleep. Dex's snoring wasn't that loud horrible snoring, his snores were quiet and actually quite cute.

Fitz didn't want to move away from Dex either. Dex had said he didn't fall asleep easily, so... Fitz assumed that the only reason why Dex fell asleep so quickly was because he was holding Dex. Fitz sighed out softly as he rested his head on Dex's shoulder and held him closer.

Fitz felt at peace like this. Being this close with Dex was nice. Fitz felt his own eyes flutter shut and he softly breathed in Dex's faint scent. Fitz quickly fell asleep while holding Dex in his arms.

Chapter Text

Dex's face scrunched up as he stirred awake. His eyes fluttered open and he sighed out softly as he shuffled in his position and he turned around, facing the other way now. Dex then looked up and his face turned red as he realized how close he was to Fitz.

Dex was about to shuffle away but it seemed Fitz's arms were around him and Fitz held Dex closer to his body. Dex gulped as his face was now in Fitz's chest. Dex blinked and he wasn't sure what to do in this moment.

"U-Uhm, Fitz?" Dex cleared his throat, looking up at the male who held him close.
Fitz didn't seem to wake up.
"Fitz, hey." Dex said, gently bringing his hand up and poking Fitz's cheek. "L-let me go, please?"
Fitz seemed to stir but he didn't wake up. Dex sighed in defeat. Dex decided to just cuddle up to Fitz instead. If he couldn't escape, he should just get comfortable and enjoy this.

After a few moments, Dex felt Fitz's hands rub his back and Dex decided to look up at Fitz. Fitz looked tired, but he was awake. Fitz smiled softly at Dex and Dex felt his heart start beating like crazy.

"Sorry, you feeling squished?" Fitz asked, still rubbing Dex's back.
Dex felt extremely comforted with the way Fitz was being so gentle.
"N-no, I just... I didn't expect to wake up to your arms still around me." Dex mumbled.
"Well, you fell asleep in my arms. And I didn't want to move away in case you woke up." Fitz smiled.
Dex was about to speak but someone knocked on the door.

"Are you two dorks awake?! Mom made breakfast!!" Biana called from the other side.
"We'll be down in a few minutes!" Fitz called.
"... Have fun making out~!" Biana exclaimed before walking off.

Dex scowled and he hid his face in Fitz's chest. Fitz laughed as he brought a hand to Dex's head and he played with Dex's hair now.
"You get flustered really easily." Fitz said.
"Shut up." Dex mumbled.
Dex looked up at Fitz and Fitz ruffled Dex's hair.
"C'mon. Let's go eat breakfast." Fitz said, taking his arms away from Dex.

Fitz sat up and Dex also sat up. Dex watched as Fitz got up and he stretched his arms over his head. Dex's gaze couldn't help but rest on Fitz's body, but he quickly looked away when Fitz glanced back at him.
"You good?" Fitz asked.
"Fine, yeah." Dex mumbled, getting up from the bed and tugging at the neck of his (Fitz's) t-shirt.

Fitz offered his hand out.
"Wanna seem all lovey dovey?" Fitz grinned at Dex.
Dex glanced at Fitz's hand and back up at Fitz's face.
"... I don't have a choice." Dex smiled back as he took Fitz's hand.
"Don't make it seem like I'm forcing you to do this." Fitz frowned slightly.
Dex's smile grew and he walked off, dragging Fitz behind him, leaving Fitz's bedroom.
"You sort of are!" Dex exclaimed.

Fitz huffed as he caught up alongside Dex.
"Uhm, you agreed to this!" Fitz exclaimed.
"And I regret it so much." Dex smiled at Fitz.
Fitz smiled back.
"Sure you do." Fitz said, squeezing Dex's hand.

The two boys kept this playful behaviour as they reached the dining room where breakfast was all laid out. Dex and Fitz looked to see that Alden, Della and Biana were already sat in their seats, already beginning to eat.

"Uhm, you didn't wait for us?" Fitz questioned, letting go of Dex's hand as he made his way over to a chair and pulled it out.
Fitz glanced at Dex and waved his hand for Dex to come over and to sit in the seat. Dex felt himself smile as he made his way over and sat down in the seat which Fitz pulled out for him. Fitz tucked the chair back in before he sat beside Dex.

"Well, we weren't sure what you boys were doing." Della stated.
"Mom-!" Fitz began, his cheeks red.
"You guys might've been making out for all we know!" Biana exclaimed.
Dex's cheeks turned red as he shuffled in his seat uncomfortably.
"Do you have no shame in talking about such stuff in front of your family?" Dex mumbled, sort of whining.
Biana smiled at how flustered Dex got.

Fitz sighed out and he shook his head.
"Dex and I were doing nothing scandalous, we were simply cuddling." Fitz stated, reaching over the table for a sugarknot.
Fitz split the sugarknot in half and handed Dex the bigger half.
"Thanks." Dex said quietly.
"Mmhm." Fitz hummed in response.
Dex slowly nibbled on the sugarknot.

"Let's not discuss what you boys have been doing." Alden cleared his throat. "Did you rest well, Dex?"
Dex was definitely surprised by Alden taking interest in him. Dex looked at Alden.
"S-surprisingly well. I don't get much sleep, and last night may have been the most sleep I've gotten." Dex managed to smile at Alden.
Alden hummed, nodding.
"Well, that's good." Alden managed to smile back at Dex.

Dex glanced at Fitz and Fitz smiled at Dex.
'He's already warming up to you. I knew this would work!' Fitz transmitted into Dex's mind.
Dex averted his gaze and simply bit into the sugarknot that he was nibbling on.

Biana furrowed her eyebrows at the 'couple'. Why did Dex seem so... upset?

"Oh, Dex, we should have dinner at Rimeshire with your parents one day!" Della exclaimed. "I mean, you are dating Fitz and if that goes well then-"
"Mom." Fitz scowled, his cheeks turning red.
Della smiled at Fitz.
"What? I'm simply saying that it could go well and lead to... a wonderful future together." Della stated.

"And... so, I think we should ask Juline and Kesler if we could come over, have dinner as a family and-"
"W-Well, uhm, you don't have to ask! I can ask them myself!" Dex exclaimed.
Della looked at Dex.
"Oh? That's nice of you Dex, but I'd really like to talk to Juline myself and-" Della attempted.
"Oh please! It's no problem! Plus my mom and dad's imparters have been... on the fritz lately and I need to tinker around with them!" Dex smiled at Della.

Della furrowed her eyebrows at Dex and Alden raised his eyebrows.
"Are you... feeling okay?" Fitz asked, looking at Dex.
Dex smiled at Fitz.
"I'm fine, no, I'm fine, I'm sorry if I appeared rude or-" Dex began, looking at Della.
"No, no, it's okay." Della smiled at Dex. "Just let Fitz know if they're up for having dinner together some time soon."

"Just, not next weekend. We have something planned for the Saturday." Alden stated, looking at Dex.
"Ohh... the family picnic!" Biana gasped. "I forgot about that."
"Oh, speaking of the family picnic, I was wondering if Dex could also come along and-?" Fitz began, looking at his father.
"Let's discuss that when we're alone." Alden said, looking at Fitz.

"But, let us know about the dinner, Dex."
Alden faced Dex again and Dex gave Alden a small smile and nod.
"I will." Dex said.
Alden gave Dex a small smile before going back to eating his breakfast.

Dex finished eating his sugarknot and he reached over the table for another quick treat.

*****

"Why'd you get all weird when my mother was talking about dinner with your family?" Fitz asked as he sat on the edge of his bed, watching as Dex slipped off his t-shirt.
"Well, remember my family doesn't know that we're 'dating'." Dex stated, grabbing his own shirt from the chair by Fitz's desk once he chucked Fitz's t-shirt back at the Telepath.
Fitz caught the t-shirt and he set it aside.

"Ahh... right." Fitz mumbled. "So... you're not going to ask them then?"
"Well, obviously not. I'll wait a few days, tell you to tell your parents that my parents are too busy and can't." Dex stated, slipping his shirt on and buttoning it up.
"My mother may try and reach out to them to convince them though." Fitz stated, watching as Dex was delicately buttoning his shirt up.

Dex faced Fitz.
"Like I said, ensure that you clarify their imparters will still be on the fritz and they will be busy." Dex smiled. "And then hopefully we can just... do things at Everglen, or I'll be able to come to the Vacker family picnic!"
Fitz hummed.

Dex looked at himself in Fitz's mirror and he sighed as he grabbed his home crystal from Fitz's desk.
"Right... I should probably thank your parents and say bye to them as well as Biana." Dex said, ruffling his hair.
Fitz hummed as he got up from his bed.

"You sure you don't want to stay a little longer?" Fitz asked, going over to Dex and wrapping his arms around Dex's waist from behind. Dex's cheeks heated up and Fitz rested his head on Dex's shoulder. "I wouldn't mind the company."
Fitz tilted his head and placed a kiss against Dex's jawline. Dex's breath hitched and he placed his hands over Fitz's.

"Hah... you're really close when we're alone." Dex said, looking at Fitz.
Fitz shrugged.
"I mean...if someone were to walk in, then... it... it seems natural, no?" Fitz questioned.
"Mmh... I suppose so." Dex sighed out as he fiddled with Fitz's fingers.

"But anyway, I can't stay. I need to get home, shower, and help my dad with making some new elixirs for Slurps and Burps." Dex said, taking Fitz's hands away from him.
"Boo." Fitz frowned.
Dex turned around and faced Fitz.
"You cannot seriously feel disappointed that I'm leaving." Dex stated.
"I've gotten used to your presence and I like having you around?" Fitz shrugged at Dex, wrapping his arms around Dex again.

Fitz's hands rested on Dex's lower back and Dex gulped. Fitz smiled and he raised an eyebrow.
"You get extremely nervous whenever I'm so close to you." Fitz said. "Why are you so nervous?"
"May I just say that I've never been in a genuine relationship before?" Dex furrowed his eyebrows at Fitz. "So, I'm not...used to being so... physical with someone."

"This isn't genuine though-" Fitz began.
"I know." Dex cut Fitz off. "But you're still treating this as though it is genuine."
Dex looked up at Fitz and they held eye contact.

"How... how else would it fool my family?" Fitz questioned, his tone of voice quieter now.
Dex gently shoved Fitz back.
"Right." Dex smiled. "... I'm going to say bye to Biana first."
Dex walked off and Fitz watched as Dex left the room.

Fitz felt weird as he watched Dex shut his bedroom door once leaving. Fitz leaned against his desk and he furrowed his eyebrows as he gulped.

Why did he feel... bad about what just happened?

Chapter Text

Dex looked over from his locker to see Fitz surrounded by quite a few girls. Fitz was politely talking to the girls and the girls all were obviously flirting with him.

Dex sighed out as he shut his locker, but quickly yelped as Biana appeared right from behind his locker door, which was opened just a moment ago.
"Hi!" Biana smiled.
Dex held his hand over his chest and took a deep breath.
"Biana... can you not sneak up on me?" Dex questioned, slightly frowning at Biana.
"Where's the fun in that?" Biana grinned, crossing her arms as she leaned against the lockers.

"If you and Fitz want to 'convince' me that you're dating then you guys should be more close together at school too, y'know."
"... See, there's no reason to convince you since you already know that we aren't actually dating." Dex stated.
"Ah, yes, but Fitz doesn't know that I know!" Biana smiled.
Dex rolled his eyes.

"Even so, he's always surrounded by his fangirls." Dex said, glancing at Fitz and his crowd.
Dex sort of froze as he noticed Fitz looking over at their direction. Fitz smiled at Dex and waved at him. Dex smiled and waved back. Biana looked at Fitz and she looked back at Dex.

"He can escape them whenever he wants. Hey, maybe they'll quit bothering him if he makes it known that you guys are dating to them!" Biana snapped her fingers at Dex.
"Biana-" Dex rolled his eyes.
"Hold on!" Biana grinned.
Biana disappeared and Dex furrowed his eyebrows. Dex looked to see where Biana could have went or where she was heading. He was definitely nervous with what she was planning.

Dex quickly looked over to Fitz again as he heard a sudden wave of yelps from that direction. Dex's eyes widened as he saw Biana was up by her brother and the crowd of girls.
Biana seemed to say something and all of a sudden, everyone was looking towards Dex's direction. Dex yelped and he looked away, banging his head against his locker and hiding his face against it.

There was a thud to Dex's right side and Dex glanced over to see Fitz with his hands in his pockets and leaning against the lockers.
"Biana has announced to those girls that we're dating."
"I didn't tell her to do that-" Dex began, feeling nervous.
Fitz smiled and he took a hand out of his pocket, gently resting a hand underneath Dex's chin.
"She got me out of a situation which I didn't want to be in, so I guess I should thank her for doing that?" Fitz said, leaning in.

"And also I should be glad that I asked you to be my boyfriend, I guess us 'dating' will reduce the amount of fangirls coming up to me now."
Dex felt himself gulp as Fitz leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"Y-you--you're seriously just going to be kissing me in public-?" Dex began, his cheeks turning red.
"Kinda gotta keep up the act now, don't I?" Fitz shrugged. "Especially since... a lot of people think we're dating now."

"I AM HURT!!"
Dex flinched and Fitz sighed out as he looked over his shoulder and saw Keefe with his hand over his heart.

"Fitz!" Keefe wailed, frowning.
"Keefe?" Fitz smiled at his best friend.
Dex looked at Keefe who approached them.
"Here I thought I knew everything about you, Fitzroy! Who you liked! Whether you were single or dating someone! But apparently, I don't!" Keefe continued to use a dramatic tone of voice.
Fitz rolled his eyes.

Dex wasn't sure how to act. He just looked at Fitz confused and Fitz looked at Dex.
"... Keefe-" Fitz began, looking back at Keefe.
"Ah! No! I cannot hear another word from your mouth! I am distraught!" Keefe brought his hand over his forehead, acting as though he was about to faint.

Keefe looked at Dex and smiled.
"Congratulations to you though! I mean, wow! You got the guy that all the chicks want!" Keefe exclaimed, taking his hand away from his head and stuffing his hands into his pockets.
"Thanks, Keefe." Dex said, smiling at the Empath.

Keefe looked back at Fitz, taking his hands from his pockets and grabbing onto Fitz's shoulders. Fitz simply looked at Dex as Keefe went onto his knees, shaking Fitz in the shoulders.
"I cannot believe that you have betrayed me like this!" Keefe exclaimed.
Dex couldn't help but smile as he looked at Fitz who was rolling his eyes.

"You're being overdramatic." Fitz said, taking Keefe's hands away from his shoulders. "And please stop being so loud? Everyone is staring."
Dex glanced to see quite a lot of prodigies, mostly Fitz's fangirls, staring at the three of them. Keefe got up from his knees and grinned.

"Seriously though, how come I never knew you and Dex were dating?" Keefe asked, glancing between his two friends.
"We've been keeping it on the down low." Fitz said, holding his hand out for Dex to grab.
Dex was about to take Fitz's hand before Keefe took it himself, placing himself in between the two. Fitz scowled as he snatched his hand away and Keefe smiled.
"Why?" Keefe asked.

Dex made his way past Keefe and went beside Fitz. Dex interlocked his arm with Fitz's and rested his head on Fitz's shoulder.
"Well, I am an outcast and Fitz is like quite popular." Dex stated.
"Also I didn't know how Biana would react." Fitz said, looking at Keefe.
"How did Biana react?" Keefe asked.
"Oh, great." Dex smiled at Keefe.
"Great for Dex, not great for me." Fitz huffed. "She kept accusing me of 'stealing' her best friend."

"Actually, you and Biana seem thrilled for me, she also caused a huge scene with Fitz." Dex stated, looking at Keefe before looking up at Fitz, grinning. "It seems like I'm the favourite."
Fitz raised his eyebrows.
"Well... you are a way better person than I am-" Fitz began.

"Alright, no flirting in front of me!" Keefe exclaimed. "At least no flirting while I'm still sad and single!"
"Well, maybe if you manned up and actually asked Tam-" Fitz began.
"Tam?!" Dex gasped, looking at Keefe.
Keefe's cheeks turned red and he scowled at Dex.

"Not so loud! Especially not when Biana could be invisible and eavesdropping... she'd tell Linh and then Linh would tell Tam and then he'd come to me and it would not be as romantic as I'd hope it'd be when asking him out." Keefe sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "I mean, if he likes me back, that is."

"Why wouldn't he like you?" Dex asked.
Keefe smiled at Dex.
"Awh, thanks Dexter-" Keefe began.
"Well for a number of reasons." Fitz stated. "I mean, his breath is so stinky, this boy does NOT brush his teeth and-"
"Fitz!" Keefe frowned.
"Oh, that's just mean." Dex frowned at Fitz.

"Keefe is lovable."
"Is he-?"
"Yep, I'm gonna curl up in a ball, cry and just die here now."
"Oh Keefe, he doesn't mean it! Fitz, say sorry!"
"..."
"Fitz! Say sorry!"

Chapter Text

"I can't believe you said that Keefe was unlovable and wouldn't apologise." Dex frowned at Fitz as they walked into the cafeteria together.
Fitz had his arm around Dex's waist and Dex was sort of leaning against Fitz.
"He knows I was joking!" Fitz rolled his eyes.

"Fitz, I know you two are best friends, but... that stuff hurts a person. You really should apologise." Dex said.
Fitz looked at Dex and noticed how Dex looked genuinely concerned about how Keefe may be affected from what Fitz said. Fitz sighed.
"Fine, I'll apologise." Fitz shrugged.
Dex smiled and that made Fitz smile too.

"Heyy lovebirds!"
Dex felt his cheeks warm up and Fitz grumbled as they looked over to see Biana waving at them, grinning at the 'couple'.
"I'm murdering her." Dex mumbled.
"Let me help." Fitz sighed out.

Fitz and Dex made their way over to the table where Biana was sat, along with Keefe.
"Hey." Fitz said, sitting across from Keefe as Dex sat across from Biana.
"I'm not talking to him." Keefe huffed, looking at Biana.
"Oh god, what did my brother do now?" Biana frowned at Keefe.
"Said that Keefe was unlovable." Dex answered, nodding at Biana.

Biana scoffed as she looked at Fitz.
"You're unlovable!" Biana exclaimed.
"Uhm, I have a boyfriend?" Fitz raised his eyebrows, wrapping his arm around Dex's shoulder.
Dex smiled to himself, and then he noticed how Biana wiggled her eyebrows at him when she saw him smiling. Dex cleared his throat.

"You said you'd apologise." Dex said, looking at Fitz. "So, say sorry to Keefe."
"Or else Dex won't make out with you for a whole week!" Biana exclaimed, looking at Fitz.
"... Can you not?" Dex frowned at Biana, his cheeks turning red.
"Oh well, I obviously can't live a week without making out with Dex." Fitz said, looking at Biana and glancing at Dex.
Dex sat there, clearing his throat as he looked away from everyone.

"Keefe, my best buddy, I am sorry for saying that you're unlovable." Fitz said, looking at Keefe. "I'm sure that-" Fitz glanced at Biana before looking back at Keefe.
'Tam probably likes you back.' Fitz transmitted to Keefe.
"So, yeah, I'm sorry."

Keefe looked at Fitz and he stared at him for a few moments. Keefe glanced at Dex and Dex looked at Keefe.
"... Fine." Keefe sighed out. "I guess I forgive you! But only if Dex can help me out with my love troubles."
Dex blinked and he furrowed his eyebrows.

"Why am I helping everyone out with their love lives?" Dex mumbled to himself.
Fitz looked to Dex, hearing what he said, but thankfully Keefe and Biana didn't hear him.

"Why me?" Dex asked, looking at Keefe, and ignoring Fitz's looks towards him.
"I don't trust Fitz to be my wingman." Keefe stated.
"What?" Fitz frowned.
"You were sort of mean earlier, I wouldn't trust you either." Dex said, looking at Fitz.
Fitz huffed and he looked away, crossing his arms.

Dex looked at Keefe.
"Uhm, I'll help out, sure." Dex smiled.
"I'm a little offended that you didn't ask me to help." Biana frowned at Keefe.
Keefe looked at Biana.
"Look, I love you, but..." Keefe sucked in a breath. "Honey, you're just... you can be a bit too much."
Biana raised her eyebrows at Keefe.

"We're breaking up." Biana said, staring at Keefe.
Keefe gasped.
"No! But what ever shall I do without the great Biana Vacker?!" Keefe exclaimed, leaning back, resting his hand over his heart.
As Keefe leaned back he bumped his head against someone. Keefe quickly sat up.
"Whoops, sorry-!" Keefe began to apologise as he looked over.
Keefe's cheeks turned red as he realised his head hit against Tam.

Linh was next to Tam, raising her eyebrows.
"... Uhm, can we sit with you guys?" Linh asked as she looked at the others.
"Oh, after that embarrassing moment? Sure." Fitz said.
Linh smiled as she went over to sit next to Fitz. Tam cleared his throat as he sat down next to Keefe.

"S-seriously, I'm sorry, Tam." Keefe said, looking at the male. "I- did I bump you in the stomach or-?"
"Okay, we are gonna stop talking about what happened." Tam stated, looking at Keefe.
Keefe nodded. "Right! Okay!"
Keefe quickly looked away and Biana gasped.
"Ohh-!" Biana began.
"ShHsHH!" Keefe quickly shushed Biana, slapping his hand over her mouth.

Dex looked to Fitz. Fitz sighed and he looked at Dex.
'Keefe is a mess. Have fun helping him with his crush on Tam.' Fitz had transmitted to Dex.
Dex smiled and he shook his head.
"Stop being so mean." Dex whispered to Fitz.
Fitz smiled as he shrugged.
"Just stating the truth." Fitz said.
Dex rolled his eyes and he rested his head on Fitz's shoulder. Fitz smiled and he couldn't help himself from resisting the urge to give Dex a kiss on the top of his head.

"Woah, since when are you two a thing?" Tam asked, raising his eyebrows at the couple.
Dex's cheeks turned red as he completely forgot some people didn't know that he and Fitz were 'dating' and that they didn't have to act super lovey dovey.
"Oh, uh-" Fitz began.

"Ugh, I know right?" Biana huffed. "I mean, it's been like a few weeks or something, but I didn't find out until we had Dex over for dinner as Fitz's boyfriend!"
"I didn't find out until this morning! And then Fitz was a dickhead to me afterwards!" Keefe exclaimed.
"What'd Fitz do to you?" Linh asked, looking at Keefe.
"Called me 'unlovable'." Keefe frowned at Linh.

"Fitz!" Linh scowled.
"I apologised?" Fitz looked to Linh.
"Yeah, after I said he wouldn't be able to make out Dex for a week-" Biana began to mumble under her breath.
"Okay, I didn't apologise just because of that, thanks Biana." Fitz nodded.

"You're lovable." Tam said, looking at Keefe. "...After a while."
Keefe tilted his head at Tam.
"... Is that a compliment or an insult?" Keefe furrowed his eyebrows.
"Both?" Tam shrugged, smiling at Keefe.
Keefe couldn't help but smile and he looked away.

Dex watched Keefe and Tam, and a smile grew on his own face. Keefe probably didn't need a lot of help with Tam, but Dex would be very happy to help them get together (and to prevent Keefe from doing something stupid).

"Oh hey."
Dex's attention was brought to Fitz as Fitz leaned in closer to Dex.
"Later on, Biana and I are going to try to convince our parents to invite you to the picnic this weekend." Fitz smiled at Dex. "Soo, I'll hail you later on to let you know what's happening."
Dex smiled back at Fitz.
"Cool, well I shall look forward to your hail." Dex said, gently nudging Fitz in the arm with his elbow.
Fitz wrapped his arm around Dex's waist again and Dex felt all fluttery inside.

"Well! Let's stop talking about how I called Keefe 'unlovable', especially since I apologised and he accepted it. Let's talk about something else!"

Chapter Text

Dex sighed as he had light-leapt back home. He was just heading up to his bedroom now, ready to relax after a long day of girls glaring at him and having to deal with his friends asking him and Fitz questions about their 'romantic' relationship.

Dex ran his fingers through his hair as he made it to his bedroom and he opened the door. Dex stood there as he saw his parents there, standing in his room, staring at him.
"... What is this?" Dex asked, entering his room and unclasping his cape from his shoulders.

Dex made his way towards his desk and draped his cape over his chair. He leaned back against his desk as he looked to his parents.
"A very warm welcome." Kesler smiled at Dex.
"I'm just curious why my parents are in my room." Dex smiled at his dad. "Did I do something wrong? And here I thought I would've gotten away with it-"

"Lady Della stopped by earlier for a cup of tea." Juline cut off her son.
Dex blinked as he looked at his mother.
"Oh...?" Dex smiled nervously at his mother.
"And she asked if she and the Vacker family could have dinner with our family soon." Juline smiled at Dex. "Apparently, you and Fitz are dating-?"

"You have betrayed our family, Dex!" Kesler exclaimed, placing his hand over his heart. "We hate snobs, we hate prestigious families, and yet you date one of the sons from one of the most prestigious family in all of the Lost Cities!!"
Dex couldn't stop himself from smiling at his father's dramatic display.

Juline sighed and she ignored her husband as she looked at Dex.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Juline frowned.
Dex titled his head.
"I didn't tell you guys?" Dex furrowed his eyebrows.
Juline raised her eyebrows.
"Dex-" Juline began, about to scold her son.

"Uhm, so are we having dinner with the Vackers or...?" Dex asked.
"Yes, they will be coming over next weekend." Juline answered, nodding at Dex.
Dex hummed, nodding.
"Great." Dex smiled. "Can't... wait!"

"Well, we will leave you alone for now. Later on during dinner, we will talk more of your relationship with Fitz." Juline said, going over and ruffling Dex's hair.
Dex's face scrunched up.
"Ah, okay." Dex smiled at his mother.
Juline smiled at her son before walking off, out of Dex's room. Kesler followed behind his wife, also giving his son a smile.

Dex quickly went over to his bedroom door and he shut it as he dug his imparter out from his pocket.
"Show me Fitz Vacker." Dex said to his imparter as he began to pace back and forth in his room.
A few moments passed and the small image of Fitz appeared.

"Hey, I was just about to head down and ask my parents about the picnic-" Fitz began.
"Are you alone right now?" Dex asked, sort of nibbling on his nails.
Fitz furrowed his eyebrows at Dex.
"Yeah... I'm in my room." Fitz nodded.

"Your mother came over earlier." Dex stated. "And next weekend, it's gonna be a Vacker and Dizznee dinner. Everyone. Me, you, my parents, your parents, my siblings, your sister. And now my parents know about us, or well they know that we're supposedly dating and-"
"Okay, relax." Fitz said softly.

Dex stared at Fitz and Fitz smiled at Dex.
"It's fine." Fitz said, shrugging. "It's just... a few more people we have to... lie to."
Dex frowned at Fitz.
"I-I feel terrible. I mean, I could tell my mom was a little disappointed I didn't tell her, my dad messed about a little bit, but he's fine with it. I just have no idea how the triplets will react and... And I'm rambling again." Dex sighed, shaking his head.

"I'm sorry, I just... this is... this is a lot."
Fitz frowned at Dex.
"... Do you wanna back out?" Fitz asked softly. "I mean... you can, if it's really this bothersome to you."
Dex stared at Fitz and he stayed silent for a few moments.

He didn't want this to end. Dex truly didn't want it to end because if it ended, Fitz would probably not hang around him as much as he has recently.

"... No, it's fine." Dex mumbled.
"Are you sure? 'Cause it's honestly fine-" Fitz began.
"I'm telling you it's fine." Dex smiled at Fitz. "It's just for a few more weeks and then... it's over."
Fitz hummed quietly, studying Dex's face and expression for a moment.
"... Right." Fitz mumbled.

Dex bit his inner cheek.
"I interrupted you from asking your parents about the whole picnic thing. I'm sorry. I'll let you go do that now." Dex said, running his fingers through his hair. "Sorry, Fitz."
"It's not a big deal-" Fitz began.
Dex disconnected from the hail and he shoved his imparter into his pocket before going over to his bed and falling onto his back on the bed.

Chapter Text

"You're going to Rimeshire?" Biana questioned as Fitz grabbed a rose from a vase of flowers that they had in the halls.
Fitz then continued to walk towards his bedroom.
"Well, I need to let Dex know that he'll be coming along for the family picnic, and when he hailed me, he just seemed... off. I wanna make sure he's okay." Fitz said, fiddling with the flower in his hand.

"And... a rose is going to help bring his mood up?" Biana questioned.
Fitz's cheeks turned a little red.
"... It's erm... it's romantic though, right?" Fitz questioned, looking at Biana.
Biana couldn't help but grin.
"Oh, you're in love with him." Biana stated.
"Shut up." Fitz huffed, looking away from his sister.

"YOU LOVE DEEXX~!!"
"Okay, yep, gotta get outta here before I murder you~!!"

*****

Dex let out a whine as he laid back onto his bed. Dinner was horrible. Dex kept getting embarrassed by his dad, and by Rex and Bex. Lex seemed to be a little upset that Dex was dating Fitz, and his mother was trying to ask questions like a normal person would, but couldn't due to the other three family members being menaces.

"Dex! Your boyfriend is here!"
Dex instantly sat up and warmth rushed to his cheeks as he heard his mother call for him. Dex furrowed his eyebrows as he got up and made his way towards the door, exiting his bedroom once he opened the door. What was Fitz doing here?

Dex hurried down the stairs and he saw Fitz nearby the front door, talking to his mother. Dex furrowed his eyebrows as he went over and stood beside his mother.

"Hi?" Dex smiled at Fitz.
"Oh, hey!" Fitz smiled at Dex. "This... is for you." Fitz held the rose towards Dex and Dex's cheeks turned red as he felt his mother's gaze on him.
"Thanks." Dex said, taking the rose and fiddling with it.

Dex glanced at his mother and she raised an eyebrow at him.
"I don't want to be rude, mom, but could you... leave?" Dex said, a little nervous.
"Mmh, well... let me know if Fitz is going to stay over." Juline said, ruffling Dex's hair.
"Wha-?" Dex furrowed his eyebrows.
Juline walked off and Dex looked at Fitz and he noticed that Fitz had a bag.

"Okay, you're full of surprises this evening." Dex said, still twirling the rose in his hand.
Fitz smiled at Dex.
"You just... you seemed off when you hailed me. I wanted to come by and if you're fine with me staying over, then Biana is gonna cover for me so that my parents don't know I snuck over here." Fitz said.

Dex blinked.
"Your- Fitz!" Dex scowled.
Fitz raised his hands in defense.
"Hey! I just wanted to make you feel better!" Fitz exclaimed.
"I am perfectly fine, thank you-!" Dex began.

"Is that Fitz I hear?!"
Dex grimaced as he heard Bex yell.
"Okay, we are running to my room, and I need to lock the door so that the triplets don't interrupt us!" Dex exclaimed, grabbing Fitz's wrist and dragging him towards the stairs.
"M-maybe don't say that so loudly? In case your parents get the wrong idea-?" Fitz suggested, his cheeks turning red.
Dex's entire face turned red and he shot a glare at Fitz. "You, shut up. Please."

Dex had managed to drag Fitz to his room without the triplets stealing away Fitz's attention and interrogating him now knowing that he was Dex's (fake) boyfriend.

The door was locked and Fitz was looking around Dex's room as he set down the bag he had around his shoulder.
"Seriously, why did you come over?" Dex asked, making his way to his desk.
Dex set the rose onto his desk. He'd put it in a glass of water later on.

"Like I said, you seemed off earlier." Fitz said, going over to Dex's bed and sitting down on it. "And... I managed to talk to my parents, they agreed to let you join us for the family picnic."
"Oh? Really?" Dex furrowed his eyebrows, going over to Fitz.
"Well, my dad took a bit more convincing, but yeah." Fitz smiled. "So, you'll just have to come over to Everglen when it's time so that we can all light-leap together to where we're holding the picnic."
Dex hummed as he sat down next to Fitz.

"Well... I forgot to ask, but is it like... a family picnic as in just you four or... with a few more members?" Dex asked, furrowing his eyebrows.
"A few other family members will be there." Fitz said. "But it'll be fine. You'll be fine."
Fitz's hand reached for Dex's and he held his hand.

Dex looked at their hands and he looked at Fitz.
"... You honestly came here just because I seemed off earlier?" Dex questioned.
Fitz nodded.
"I care about you, Dex." Fitz said. "Whether you're my fake boyfriend or not."
Dex smiled slightly and he rested his head on Fitz's shoulder.

"You and I have never been that close before though." Dex said softly.
"No, we haven't. And that's always been my fault." Fitz sighed. "You're... you're really great, Dex."
Dex lifted his head and looked at Fitz. Fitz smiled softly at Dex and Dex bit his inner cheek.
"You're not too bad yourself, Vacker." Dex said, smiling as he titled his head at Fitz.
"Thank you?" Fitz furrowed his eyebrows.
Dex let out a soft laugh.

Fitz studied Dex's face and he glanced at Dex's lips. Fitz bit his lower lip as he looked back at Dex's eyes.
"Do you want me to stay over?" Fitz asked, tilting his head, gently rubbing the back of Dex's hand with his thumb.
Dex glanced at their hands before looking up at Fitz.
"I guess I wouldn't mind your company. But you're staying in my room so that my parents or the triplets don't bug you." Dex said.
"Okay, I'm fine with that." Fitz smiled at Dex.

They both studied each other's faces for a few moments. Fitz instinctively leaned in a little and Dex's cheeks turned red as he noticed this.
"Dex-" Fitz began, his voice quiet and soft.
Fitz got cut off by a loud knock on the door. Dex blinked and he gulped, backing away from Fitz.

"Yes?!" Dex called.
"Door unlocked please! And keep the door slightly open!!" Kesler seemed to call from outside.
Dex scowled as he got up from his bed, letting go of Fitz's hand. Fitz blinked as he watched Dex go over to the door, unlocking it and opening it up.

Fitz looked at Kesler, and Kesler grinned at his son before he looked at Fitz.
"Hey Fitz! Please don't do anything inappropriate with my son while you're over!" Kesler exclaimed.
Dex groaned.
"Dad, could you not-?" Dex began.
"You got it, Kesler. I'll keep my hands to myself." Fitz said, raising his hands up in surrender.
Kesler looked at Dex and smiled.

"You keep your hands to yourself too. Sit away from each other, 5 inches apart-" Kesler began.
"You're embarrassing me. I am mature, and so is Fitz, we aren't going to be doing anything-" Dex began.
"No kissing either!" Kesler cut off Dex.
Dex hung his head low and he let out a whine, and Fitz couldn't help but laugh.
"Daaadd!" Dex wailed.

Kesler ruffled Dex's hair.
"Oh come on, I'm just messing with you!" Kesler exclaimed. "You can shut the door, just keep it unlocked, okay? And seriously, hands to yourselves."
"Yeah, well, tell the triplets to not bother us, please." Dex said, looking at his dad. "And please tell mom that Fitz is gonna stay over."

"Oh, if Fitz is going to stay over, I'll get him a sleeping bag-" Kesler began.
"He can share the bed with me-?" Dex furrowed his eyebrows.
"Ah! No, no, no! Sleeping bag or he goes home!" Kesler raised his eyebrows at Dex.
"... Bye dad." Dex said, backing away and shutting the door.
"I'll be back with the sleeping bag later on~!" Kesler called from the other side of the door before walking off.

Dex turned around and faced Fitz, who was smiling.
"Your dad is great." Fitz said.
"Try living with him then." Dex huffed, going over to the bed and sitting next to Fitz.
Dex was about to rest his head on Fitz's shoulder before Fitz shuffled away.

"Ah ah ah, hands to ourselves." Fitz said, wagging his finger at Dex.
"My head is going to rest on your shoulder, not my hands." Dex smiled at Fitz, shuffling closer.
"Can't argue with that logic!" Fitz shrugged.
Dex rested his head on Fitz's shoulder. Fitz smiled as he looked down at Dex.

"You seem to be getting more comfortable, being so close to me." Fitz said softly.
"Well, I'm getting used to this sort of being the norm." Dex shrugged. Dex lifted his head again and looked at Fitz. "Though I haven't gotten used to the kisses."
Fitz tilted his head.
"Well, if you want, then I could kiss you a bit more? Get you to be comfortable with it?" Fitz suggested.

Dex raised his eyebrows at Fitz.
"Hands to ourselves-" Dex began.
"We didn't agree to having to keep our lips away from each other." Fitz grinned, using Dex's logic from earlier.
"...Touché." Dex nodded.
Fitz shrugged.

"If you're uncomfortable though-" Fitz began.
"W-well, as long as it isn't on the lips, then... I guess I don't mind. I mean, I need to make sure I don't look surprised every time you kiss me somewhere." Dex said.
"Oh, speaking of which, you haven't really kissed me a lot." Fitz said. "Maybe you should kiss me?"

"Telling me you want me to kiss you, Vacker?" Dex raised his eyebrows, his tone of voice teasing.
Fitz stayed silent for a moment and he glanced at Dex's lips. Dex noticed how Fitz looked at his lips and he cleared his throat. Fitz smiled at Dex.
"I'm just saying, it'd be best if we both kissed one another a bit more." Fitz said, shrugging.
Fitz leaned in, placing a kiss on Dex's cheek.

Dex's cheeks warmed up and he looked at Fitz. Fitz looked at Dex expectantly.
Fitz pointed to his own cheek, "Well~?"
Dex stared at Fitz blankly for a few moments. Dex's heart was definitely racing as Fitz was smiling at him, waiting for a kiss on the cheek. Dex gulped and he leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on Fitz's cheek.

Once Dex kissed Fitz's cheek, he noticed Fitz had a strange look on his face. Fitz seemed... surprised? His cheeks were now a little red. Dex instantly began to feel self-conscious. What if Fitz didn't like it? God, what if Fitz decides to not do this anymore because a kiss on the cheek from him was that horrible??

Fitz cleared his throat, bringing his feet up onto the bed. Fitz shuffled and he faced Dex. Dex decided to sit the same way, bringing his feet up and crossing his legs, facing Fitz.
"E-everything okay?" Dex asked.
"Yeah... Mmhmm..." Fitz nodded, humming.

Fitz looked at Dex and he bit his lower lip. Fitz's hands reached towards Dex's face and he cupped Dex's face.
"Erm, hands to ourselves?" Dex grinned nervously.
"We're alone, Dex. I doubt your dad will know that I didn't keep my hands to myself." Fitz said in a hushed tone, leaning in.
"W-wait, I d-don't feel ready for a kiss on the lips-!" Dex began as Fitz was leaning in closer.

Fitz placed a gently kiss on the tip of Dex's nose. Dex blinked and Fitz smiled at Dex.
"Darling, I'm not going to go against your wishes." Fitz said softly. Fitz's thumbs rubbed Dex's cheeks comfortingly. "I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable."
Dex and Fitz held eye contact.

Dex felt so many emotions. Butterflies in his stomach, his heart felt like it was going to burst out of his chest, and everything felt... warm.
Sitting like this, being so close, and all of these emotions just made Dex want to kiss Fitz. Like kiss him on the lips.

Dex didn't want to kiss Fitz on the lips at first because he'd feel as though that would be too much, that his heart would be broken when this would all be over because then he wouldn't be able to kiss Fitz on the lips ever again, since Fitz didn't like him.

But right now, why did Dex feel as though Fitz liked him back? That he could totally kiss Fitz and not have his heart broken at the end of this facade?

"Fitz, you said you didn't mind wherever I kissed you, right?" Dex questioned, feeling his anxiety and nerves rise.
"Yeah... I'm fine with a kiss anywhere." Fitz nodded, uncupping Dex's cheeks. "Why do you ask-?"

Dex decided to go for it.

Chapter Text

Dex leaned in, holding Fitz by his shoulders and pressing their lips together. Dex shut his eyes quickly and tightly, not wanting to see Fitz's reaction.

Fitz was obviously stunned as he didn't do anything for a good second, but he then sunk into the kiss, gently shutting his eyes. Fitz brought his hands up to Dex's hair, running his fingers through Dex's soft and messy strawberry blonde locks.

Dex's hands slid to the sides of Fitz's neck, gently rubbing his hands against Fitz's skin. Fitz leaned in closer to Dex, causing Dex to lay back onto his bed and his arms to wrap around Fitz's neck. Fitz's fingers still ran through Dex's hair as they kissed.

Dex's brain was so fuzzy about anything else that may have been happening at the moment. His brain could only focus on the fact that Fitz's soft, incredibly soft, beautiful lips were on his. That they were kissing (making out?), that they were alone and kissing. Fitz was being so gentle with this kiss. His lips were so warm. Dex loved the feeling of Fitz's lips against his. Dex didn't want this to end. He didn't want the kiss to end.

Fitz, on the other hand, wasn't sure what the hell he was doing. Well, yeah, he knew he was kissing Dex. That he had Dex pinned onto his back on Dex's bed, in Dex's room, at Rimeshire, and that the kiss was incredibly sweet.

Dex's lips tasted sweet. He must've ate something before Fitz came, perhaps some dessert after dinner? Fitz didn't really care, he just enjoyed the sugary taste. Fitz's brain was fuzzy. Incredibly fuzzy. His stomach was fluttering as well. Who knew kissing Dex would be so nice?

Fitz had a sudden realisation and he pulled away. Their lips were inches away and Fitz opened his eyes, staring at the male below him. Dex's eyes opened and he was biting his lower lip. Fitz's gaze wandered towards Dex's lips. He could still feel the sensation of Dex's lips against his. The sweetness that Dex's lips had left against his own.

"I thought..." Fitz fumbled, his sentence wandering.
Fitz cleared his throat, "I thought you didn't... want to kiss me on the lips?"
Dex looked at Fitz.
"... I never said I didn't want to." Dex stated. "I just... didn't feel comfortable. B-but for some reason I... Uhm..."

Dex blinked and he shook his head.
"Sorry, was that bad? I haven't... I don't have much experience and-" Dex began.
"No." Fitz cut Dex off. They held eye contact again and Fitz bit his tongue. "No, darling... you were... you were good."

Fitz brought a hand to Dex's face, gently caressing his cheek. Dex's cheeks turned red and he took his arms away from Fitz, rolling onto his side and hiding his face in his hands, bringing his knees up to his chest too.
Fitz sat back up properly and he smiled.
"Shit, Fitz... don't use the stupid pet name on me-" Dex began.

The door swung open and Fitz looked over to see Kesler there with a sleeping bag in hand. Dex sat up, looking to see it was just his dad.
"Oh! Well, hands are being kept to yourselves, very well!" Kesler smiled.
Fitz couldn't help but grin, glancing at Dex. Dex tried to ignore Fitz, but he glanced at the Telepath. Dex hated (loved) Fitz's stupid grin.

"Thanks for the sleeping bag, dad." Dex said, getting up from his bed and going over to his dad.
Dex was about to take the sleeping bag off of his dad's hands but Kesler yanked the sleeping bag away, studying Dex's appearance.

"Your hair... it's a little messy." Kesler stated. "And your lips seem a little swo-"
"Thank you, dad!" Dex exclaimed, cheeks turning incredibly red as he snatched the sleeping bag from his dad's hands. "You should get back to working on some elixirs for the shop!"

Kesler raised an eyebrow and he glanced at Fitz.
"Nothing inappropriate is happening, or going to happen?" Kesler questioned.
"Dad-!" Dex scowled.
Kesler kept his gaze on Fitz. Fitz smiled at Kesler.
"I promise." Fitz said. "Your son is in good hands. I am nothing but a respectful boyfriend."

"... I will get your mother to bring up some sort of snacks for you guys in an hour or so, okay?" Kesler looked back at Dex.
"Yes, okay..." Dex mumbled. "Thanks, dad."
Kesler ruffled Dex's hair before leaving the room. Dex gently shut the door and he looked back at Fitz.

"What's with my lips?" Dex frowned.
Fitz tilted his head slightly.
"Erm, they're probably a little swollen. We did kiss for like... a good amount of time there." Fitz said.
Dex let out a whine and he lifted the sleeping bag, burying his face in it. Fitz couldn't help but laugh.

"Is my embarrassment amusing to you, Vacker?" Dex huffed, taking the sleeping bag away from his face and going over to his bed again.
Dex set the sleeping bag onto the floor before he stood in front of Fitz. Dex crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at the male.
"No, no. It's cute." Fitz said as he looked up at Dex, his hands resting on Dex's waist.

Fitz gently pulled Dex down onto his lap and Dex blinked, his heart skipping a beat as he rested his hands on Fitz's chest.
"Okay, so we've kissed on the lips now... Does that mean it's okay to kiss you on the lips again?" Fitz questioned, his arms wrapping around Dex's waist, pulling him closer.
"W-well, if we're going to kiss on the lips again, then shouldn't it be small pecks? Since we won't be full on making out like that in front of our family members?" Dex questioned.
Fitz shrugged, "Either way, it's good practice, right?"

Dex stared at Fitz and he raised his eyebrows.
"Are you desperate to make out with me?" Dex questioned, his tone of voice teasing.
"Well, I won't make out with you if you aren't comfortable, darling, as I am a respectful boyfriend." Fitz said, tilting his head at Dex.
Dex felt himself smile.

"... You can kiss me on the lips, yeah."
"Good to know."

Fitz reached up and he stopped himself for a moment before he was going to kiss Dex. Dex looked at Fitz a little confused. Fitz bit his lower lip and he smiled at Dex.
"By the way," Fitz began, reaching up towards Dex's ear, his voice low and quiet, his tone of voice sending shivers down Dex's spine, "you taste really sweet, darling."
Before Dex could even attempt to say something, Fitz went back towards Dex's lips and pressed their lips together.

Unfortunately, Dex didn't have the time to kiss Fitz back as there was a lot of knocks on the door.
"Dex?!! Can we come in?!??" Bex called.
Dex groaned as he pulled away from Fitz.
"Now?!" Dex scowled.
"We go to bed soon, we just wanna play with Fitz until then!!" Rex called from the other side this time.

Dex looked at Fitz and Fitz smiled as he reached up, placing a peck on Dex's lips.
"It's fine." Fitz whispered. "... We still have the whole night."
Dex's heart fluttered and he cleared his throat, getting up from Fitz's lap, causing Fitz to take his hands away from Dex's waist.
"Fine, come in!" Dex called.

The door opened and only Bex and Rex entered.
"Is Lex not-?" Dex began.
"He still doesn't like the fact that you're dating Fitz!" Rex exclaimed, running past his brother and towards Fitz.
"He's sulking in his room!" Bex exclaimed, also running past Dex and towards Fitz.

Dex frowned and he furrowed his eyebrows. Dex looked at Fitz and Fitz caught Dex's worried gaze.
'Go, check on your brother, Dex. I can manage these two rascals.' Fitz had transmitted to Dex.
Dex smiled.
"Okay... you two keep Fitz company while I go check on Lex then." Dex said, heading out of his room.

"Fitz, what do you say to a makeover?!"
"Erm, well-"
"Ooh, please? We can make you look really pretty!!"
"... Fine, a quick make-over."

Dex couldn't help but smile as he overheard the conversation before he left his room and headed towards Lex's room.

He hoped his brother was okay.

Chapter Text

Dex knocked on Lex's bedroom door and he waited a few moments until a quiet, "come in," was heard.

Dex opened the door and he saw Lex with his knees up to his chest. He was fiddling with his hands and staring at his bedsheets.
"Hey bud." Dex said softly, entering the room and shutting the door behind him.

Lex glanced at Dex but he looked away quickly. Dex frowned slightly as he went over and sat down next to Lex. Dex wrapped his arm around his younger brother and rubbed his shoulder.
"What's up?" Dex asked. "Why are you so upset about this, mmh?"

Lex leaned against Dex, accepting his comfort.
"I dunno." Lex mumbled. "I just... Fitz used to be really mean to you. I don't understand how you can date someone who was mean to you, how you can like him after all that."
Dex frowned and he sighed.
"It's... it's a little complicated, Lex." Dex said.

"Plus, what Fitz did to me... it's like he's a completely different person now. I used to find him rude, snobby, that sort of thing when we weren't close. But when we became friends, there was this realisation that I had it all wrong and... feelings grew as he became more nice towards me."
Dex looked at Lex and Lex was listening intently to his brother (for once).

"Fitz is an absolute sweetheart now." Dex smiled at Lex. Dex brought his other hand to Lex's hair and began to run his fingers through it. "He treats me well. He cares for me a lot. He's nothing like who he used to be. And so, I like him."
Lex stared at his brother and he frowned.

"I still don't get it." Lex stated.
Dex couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.
"Pfft, all you need to do is... accept that I've forgiven Fitz for what he did. That I find him charming and that I love him, okay?" Dex questioned.

Lex tilted his head at Dex, raising an eyebrow.
"You love him...?" Lex questioned.
Dex blinked and he widened his eyes. He did not mean for that to slip out.
"Ah- well, uhm..." Dex fumbled.
Lex grinned and he jumped right out of the bed, escaping Dex's grasp.

"REX! BEX!" Lex had yelled while running towards the door of his bedroom.
"Crap! Nonono! Lex, please don't!!" Dex wailed, quickly getting up from the bed and running out after Lex.
Unfortunately for Dex, Lex was speedy and was already near Dex's bedroom.
"Ah shit!" Dex scowled, running after Lex. "Lex!! Please don't!!"

Lex looked at Dex, sticking his tongue out before he ran into Dex's room, shut the door and Dex heard the clicking sound of the door locking. Dex ran up to his locked door and scowled as he banged his fists against it.

"Let me in!" Dex shouted, attempting to open the door by the handle.
"Nuh-uh!! You gotta say the password to get in!!" Lex called from the other side.
"Uhm, Lex, what's happening?" Dex heard Rex ask.
There was a silence for a few moments before Rex gasped.
"Oh!! Yeah, what's the password, Dex?!" Rex shouted back.
"Guys, C'mon!!" Dex wailed.
One of the triplets made an incorrect buzzer noise, "Wrong! Try again!!"

"Dex, what's happening?" Dex heard Fitz call.
"Uhm-" Dex rattled his brain.
"Dex said something to meee!!" Lex exclaimed. "And I want him to say it so you can hear ittt!!"

Dex's entire face turned red and he whined.
"Lex, it s-slipped out, I didn't mean it!" Dex exclaimed.
"If you didn't mean it, why did it sound so genuine?!" Lex shouted.
"You are totally dead after this, by the way!!" Dex banged his fists against the door again.
"Wrong again!!" Rex called.

"Guys, seriously! I am trying to finish Fitz's make-over! What is it?!"
Another silence, the triplets probably whispering.
"Ooh~? Dex! That's so sweeettt!!"

Dex wanted to die right there and then.

'Seriously, what did you say? Just say it so you can come in.' Fitz had transmitted to Dex.
Dex stayed silent for a few moments.
'Dex? C'mon. I don't want to be stuck in your room with your siblings, I very much prefer having your company than theirs.'
Dex took a deep breath.
"I-- Erm..." Dex gulped.
"Ooh~ first word is right!" Lex exclaimed.

"... I love Fitz." Dex managed to say loud enough for the triplets to hear on the other side of the door. A moment passed and the door clicked again. Dex opened the door and he looked down to see his siblings grinning and smirking up at him. Dex scowled.

"Alright, out, you scoundrels!" Dex snapped. "I've had a long day and you aren't making it any better!!"
"You love Fitz~!" Bex teased as she went out first. Rex made some smooching noises as he followed behind Bex.

Dex looked at Lex and Lex smiled at Dex.
"Are you feeling better about this whole... thing now?" Dex asked, trying not to look at Fitz.
Lex glanced at Fitz before he looked back at Dex.
"Still don't like him, or trust him." Lex shrugged, walking off. "It was fun messing with you though! Made me feel a little better in general!"

Dex huffed and he entered his room, slamming the door shut. Dex let out a whine as he hid his face in his hands as he went over to his desk and sat down in his chair.
"Fitz, I didn't- I was talking to Lex, trying to comfort him, and I just accidentally said I loved you and... shit..." Dex tried to explain himself, not wanting to face Fitz.

There was a silence for a few moments. Dex could hear his own heart beating super loudly from anxiety.

Dex's nerves rised even more as he heard creaking from his bed, Fitz probably getting up. Probably getting up to leave this room, to go back home and to then tell Dex that this whole 'fake boyfriend' situation is over because he's not comfortable with it anymore.

Dex heard Fitz's soft footsteps and it sounded like they were getting closer. Dex was then spun around in his chair and he gulped as he was looking down and saw Fitz standing in front of him. Dex didn't have the courage to look up at Fitz. Fitz's hand rested underneath Dex's chin and lifted his head, making Dex look up at Fitz. Dex blinked in surprise as Fitz's cheeks were extremely red.

As Dex managed to look at Fitz's face, Dex noticed that Bex managed to put a little bit of make-up on Fitz's face. Just a little bit of mascara and some lipgloss. Dex wanted to giggle at how Fitz looked, because he both looked silly and beautiful at the same time, but his anxiety was overpowering any other emotion or action Dex wanted to make.

Fitz studied Dex's expression.
"Just... don't say that again." Fitz finally said, his voice quiet. "Not in front of family members, at least."
Dex felt his heart break a little and he gulped, nodding.
"O-okay." Dex said, his tone of voice quiet too.

A silence overcame them again and Dex avoided eye contact with Fitz.

So, Dex was probably wrong. Fitz probably didn't like Dex back since this was all fake. Dex being Fitz's boyfriend is fake. Fitz's teasings, his flirting is fake. The kiss, that was so wonderful, was fake too.

Dex felt his eyes water up and he gulped, bringing a hand to his eyes and wiping away the tears that had began to fall down his cheeks.

Fitz seemed surprised and he gently cupped Dex's face, slightly crouching down as he looked at Dex.
"Hey, hey, what is it?" Fitz asked, his voice soft and sweet.
Dex desperately wanted to blurt out, 'that you don't love me.' But those words stayed in his mind instead and he couldn't get the words out as he choked out a sob.

Fitz reached up and he pressed his lips against Dex's forehead, placing a peck there.
"Hey, hey..." Fitz tried to comfort Dex. "C'mon, what's wrong, mmh?"
Fitz then placed another kiss on the tip of Dex's nose.

The kisses weren't helping, they wanted to make Dex break down even more. Fitz was being so gentle and so loving with these kisses, but they meant absolutely nothing.

Dex managed to gently pushed Fitz's hands away from his face and he turned his head, not looking at Fitz as he let out some more sobs and cries. Dex brought his arm up to his face, letting his tears wet his sleeve now.

Fitz frowned.
"Dex..." Fitz whispered.
"Just... give me a few moments." Dex managed to get out, sniffling and his voice breaking as he spoke.
Fitz stood up properly and he backed away.

"Okay... I'll... Do you still want me to stay over? I'll go change if you do." Fitz said.
Dex sat still for a few moments before he gave Fitz a nod. Fitz hummed and he went over towards where he left his bag. Dex took his arm away from his eyes and he wiped his cheeks with his hands, hating how wet they were.

Dex glanced at Fitz and watched as he grabbed some clothes, some pyjamas to get changed into. Fitz carried the clothes in his hands and he looked to Dex before he went towards the door, leaving the room to get changed somewhere private.

Dex didn't know if having Fitz over for the night would be good for his mental health, but... he and Fitz would be sleeping in separate beds. If you'd call the sleeping bag a bed.

But... Dex didn't want Fitz to go away. Dex wanted Fitz to stay. Because of his stupid, painful, feelings for the Telepath.

Chapter Text

Dex and Fitz didn't really talk when Fitz got back. Thankfully after a few moments of sitting in silence and Dex keeping his composure, Juline had entered the room with a tray of mallowmelt.

So right now, the two of them were on the floor, eating mallowmelt in silence.

"Erm, so when do you want to go to bed?" Fitz asked, looking at Dex.
Dex shrugged, taking a bite out of the piece of mallowmelt he had in his hand.
"After we eat this?" Dex looked at Fitz. "My parents probably have went to bed already since the triplets went to bed not long ago."
Fitz hummed. "Okay."

Another deafening silence overcame them.

Dex didn't like the silence. He already felt like shit. His eyes were all puffy and he really just... he didn't know what he wanted to do, but he wanted to do something to make him feel better.

Fitz didn't really want to ask Dex what was wrong. If Dex wanted to talk about it, then Fitz trusted that Dex would talk to him. Though Fitz couldn't help but worry. He wasn't quite sure why Dex broke down into tears like that, but... Fitz felt bad. He felt bad as soon as he told Dex to never say 'I love Fitz' or anything related to Dex loving him.

I mean... Fitz wasn't sure how he felt when he heard Dex say that. His brain literally broke when Dex said those words. He was confused on his surroundings and what was happening and his heart was racing a lot when he heard Dex say it. That couldn't have been a good sign, right?

"I... I think I'm gonna sleep now, actually." Dex said, shaking his head as he set the half-eaten bit of mallowmelt back onto the tray.
Fitz frowned as he watched Dex get up and go over to his bed.
"I'll sleep then too-" Fitz began.
"If you want to stay up, stay up, Fitz. I don't mind." Dex mumbled.
Dex had gotten under the covers of his bed and he seemed to have curled up in a ball.

Fitz let out a soft sigh and he set down the piece of mallowmelt he was eating on the tray too. Fitz then got up, picking up the tray of mallowmelt, and headed towards the desk. Fitz gently moved aside the rose that was on Dex's desk to place the tray of mallowmelt on there. Fitz turned around and he looked at Dex who was curled up in his bed.

Fitz made his way over and he sat down beside Dex. Dex was laying on his side, facing the other way. Fitz gently brought his hand to Dex's hair and pushed aside a few strands.
"I'm not angry or upset that you said that you loved me to Lex." Fitz said softly. "I just... saying things like that will... will make the fake break-up harder for our families. Especially since most of them are already so fond of the idea of us being together."
Dex listened quietly and he turned around, laying on his back and looking up at Fitz.

"I'm sorry." Dex whispered.
Fitz furrowed his eyebrows, gently running his fingers through Dex's hair.
"Don't be sorry. Don't be sorry..." Fitz shook his head, his tone of voice caring and gentle.
Dex felt his eyes well up and he sat up, causing Fitz to take his hands away from Dex.

Fitz noticed how Dex's eyes welled up and Fitz frowned.
"What is it?" Fitz asked.
"Nothing... Sorry, I just... thank you." Dex mumbled, fiddling with his hands. "I needed... I needed to hear you say that. My worries got to my head."
Fitz shuffled closer and he pressed his forehead against Dex's.

Dex bit his inner cheek. If he and Fitz weren't fake dating, or if Fitz had any mutual feelings towards Dex, this would be the perfect moment for an 'I love you', but... Dex knew better than that. Fitz wouldn't say it. Not at this moment. Not ever.

"See, we got interrupted earlier..." Fitz whispered softly. "So, if you want to...?"
Fitz looked into Dex's eyes. Dex met Fitz's gaze and he thought about it for a few moments.

Dex loved how Fitz's lips felt against his. But Dex had genuine feelings for Fitz while Fitz didn't have the same sort of feelings towards Dex. Dex knew that this would end with pain and misery, and yet he agreed to be Fitz's fake boyfriend. Dex had told himself that he wouldn't kiss Fitz, that it'd be taking advantage of this situation.

But Dex had already kissed Fitz earlier. And... if he was just going to feel this miserable when they'd have to 'break-up', shouldn't he just... enjoy this while it lasts?

"Sure." Dex said, giving Fitz a soft smile.
Fitz studied Dex's expression and he seemed to not be uncomfortable with the idea of them kissing, but... Fitz felt as though there was something else there. Fitz decided that if Dex would want to stop this, or not kiss him, then Dex would say. Dex was good with setting his boundaries.

Fitz shuffled over and he decided to sit onto Dex's lap. Fitz cupped Dex's face gently and he leaned in, softly pressing their lips together. Fitz felt goosebumps. Having Dex's lips against his after not kissing for a good little while felt... exciting.

Dex gently shut his eyes, tilting his head and resting his hands on Fitz's waist as he kissed Fitz back. Dex had nearly forgotten how soft Fitz's lips were.

Both of them could taste the mallowmelt from the other's lips as they kissed and it just made the kiss way better than it was before. Dex gently squeezed Fitz's waist as they kissed and Fitz seemed to smile in response against Dex's lips. Fitz's hands slid into Dex's hair, his fingers running through them again.

Dex pulled away for a moment and he opened his eyes to look at Fitz.
"So, just how long are we gonna-?" Dex began.
"Until one of us has had enough." Fitz said softly, looking down at Dex. "You can back out whenever, Dex. I don't want to force you to do something you're uncomfortable with."

Fitz wrapped a few strands of Dex's hair around his fingers as he looked into Dex's eyes, waiting to see if he was going to stop them now or keep going.
"Okay." Dex nodded, his voice quiet before connecting their lips again.
Fitz was slightly surprised. He was expecting Dex to back out, though it's not as if he minded kissing Dex again.

Fitz sunk into the kiss and he gently pushed Dex back onto his back, like he did earlier by leaning in closer and closer against him. Dex laid on his back and Fitz was just above him, kissing him gently and softly.

They kissed like that for a few more moments until there was a knock on the bedroom door. Dex instantly tensed up and he pushed Fitz up off of him, and rolled the Vacker over to the sleeping bag beside Dex's bed. Fitz yelped and scowled, rubbing the back of his head and shooting a glare at Dex.

"Come in!" Dex called.
The door opened and Juline looked in, smiling.
"Everything okay?" Juline asked.
"Yeah, fine." Dex nodded.
Juline looked at Fitz who had a bitter look on his face.

"Fitz, you shouldn't be so upset about sleeping on the floor. I know it's not the most comfortable place to sleep, but you understand, right?"
Fitz felt his cheeks warm up from embarrassment.
"Sorry, Juline. I know, I understand. Thank you for letting me stay over." Fitz said, smiling at Juline.

"Alright, well, your father and I are going to bed now." Juline said, looking at Dex.
"Goodnight."
Dex nodded, "Goodnight."
Juline then shut the door as she backed away.

Dex couldn't help but smile as he looked down at Fitz, who was sitting up and glaring at him.
"Really?" Fitz questioned.
"Hands to ourselves." Dex shrugged.
Fitz huffed and he got up from the sleeping bag. Fitz sat down onto Dex's bed and Dex sat up too.

"Sorry, are you okay?" Dex asked, leaning in and placing a peck on Fitz's cheek.
"Well, other than everything hurting, I'm fine." Fitz said. "I think you need to let me sleep in your bed with you."
Dex smiled at Fitz.

"And what if my parents walk in tomorrow and see we're cuddling in my bed?" Dex asked.
"Maybe I had a nightmare and I needed my boyfriend's comfort?" Fitz suggested.
Dex hummed, thinking about it.
"Alright." Dex said, lifting up the covers for Fitz to come under.

Fitz slid underneath the covers and the two of them laid down on their sides, facing each other. Fitz gently brought is hand to Dex's face. Dex leaned into Fitz's touch.

Fitz studied Dex's face. His eyes seemed to still be a bit puffy and Fitz didn't like that. He hated seeing Dex cry. Fitz leaned in and he placed a gentle, soft peck on Dex's lips.
"Sorry for making you cry." Fitz whispered softly.
Dex was slightly surprised but he smiled.
"Nah, it wasn't you..." Dex shook his head. "It was... my own thoughts, don't apologise, Fitz."
Fitz frowned slightly.
"Mmh..." Fitz hummed quietly.

"You wanna talk about what made you cry-?"
"Oh, no. Definitely not."
"... Okay then! That's a hard no..."

Dex shuffled closer to Fitz.
"Seriously, it's fine. I'm fine." Dex said softly, burying his face into Fitz's shoulder.
Fitz wrapped his arm around Dex and held him close.
"Mmh, okay. But you can talk to me, you know that, right?" Fitz asked.
"I know." Dex sighed out, nodding slightly.

"Now shut up so you can get your beauty sleep, pretty boy."
"... Please call me 'pretty boy' more often."
"Pfft, goodnight, Fitz."
"Goodnight, darling."

Dex could handle this. He could handle being like this with Fitz for another few weeks. And Dex would totally be okay when they would have to 'break-up'.

Chapter Text

"You what?!"
Biana had nearly dropped the pile of books that she was carrying in her arms.

Biana and Dex were going to the library, in Foxfire, to return some books.
"Fitz and I made out yesterday when he came over." Dex said, his cheeks extremely red.
"Are you-? What-?" Biana fumbled. "Okay, I cover for his ass to comfort you! Not to get it on with you-!"
"Oh my gosh, please don't phrase it like that." Dex scowled, getting more embarrassed.

"Okay, once we return these books, we are ditching our next lesson to talk about this in the library." Biana said, as they got closer to the library.
"Biana, I have a session with Lady Iskra, I can't ditch-" Dex began.
"Then you shouldn't have told me this extremely wild piece of information!" Biana smiled at Dex.
Dex smiled and rolled his eyes.

The morning wasn't super awkward. Fitz actually woke up before Dex and it seemed like he went home before Dex woke up. Fitz had left a little note though. Apparently he forgot to pack clothes for the school day, so he decided to just light-leap home and Fitz said he'd see Dex at school.

So far, Dex hadn't seen him. When Biana found Dex and asked him to help return some books to the library, he asked her about Fitz and apparently he went to see Sir Tiergan about something to do with his telepathy session later on.

Biana and Dex managed to return the small piles of books they had in their arms at the library and as soon as their arms were free, Biana grabbed Dex's wrist and led him towards a more secluded and private spot in the library that she knew of. Dex decided to go along with it, it's not as if he was doing so bad in his technopathy sessions.

Biana had made it to the spot and she let go of Dex's wrist, turning around and facing him.
"I thought you weren't going to kiss him on the lips?" Biana questioned.
"Okay, well... we were sort of kissing each other on the face so that we'd be more comfortable with it, y'know? A-and I sort of... it felt right to me, so I initiated it." Dex responded.

"And... uh, he pecked me on the lips a couple of times, the triplets interrupted. Or well, Rex and Bex interrupted, Lex was sulking. And then we made out at night, but then my mom came in to say goodnight, so I shoved him onto the sleeping bag on the floor."
"...You're so lucky, I wish I could shove Fitz onto the floor all the time. "
"... Not the part I really want you to focus on, Biana..."

"Okay, well... that must mean that Fitz likes you back, right?" Biana asked.
Dex grimaced.
"I'm not too sure..." Dex shrugged. "Cause when I went to comfort Lex, I may have accidentally said that I loved Fitz to him, which then led to Lex locking me out of my own room and only letting me in if I said the 'password', and the password was 'I love Fitz', which then when it was just me and Fitz... he sort of told me to not say that in front of family members any more. "

Biana blinked.
"Not in front of family members? But you could say it to him in... private?" Biana wiggled her eyebrows.
"Doubt it. Said that if we started saying that, then it'd be harder for us to 'break-up', especially since both of our families, majority of the members, are so happy with us being a couple already." Dex sighed, leaning back against one of the bookshelves.
"Oh." Biana frowned.

"Do you want me to talk to him?"
Dex scoffed, rolling his eyes.
"What would you even say? 'Hey Fitz, so I know you and Dex are fake-dating, Dex also has genuine feelings for you and he gets his heart broken every time you mention you guys fake breaking-up'!" Dex exclaimed, huffing and crossing his arms.
Biana smiled and she rested a hand on Dex's shoulder.

"Obviously I won't be saying something like that, but... I can talk to him. Subtly imply that he's sorta hurting you. I am your best friend, I could mention I've noticed you've been down recently and ask if he's done something to make you like this." Biana said. "Maybe make him realise his feelings for you."
"Just... don't mention anything about how I actually do have feelings for him." Dex mumbled.
"Of course." Biana smiled, rubbing Dex's shoulder.

"Now, I'm questioning if I want to know how it was making out with your crush or not, since he is my brother and that's gross to talk about..."
"Pfft, haha! You can just be happy for me and not ask for any details."
"... Okay, well, I am extremely happy for you, Dex! And let's hope that my idiotic brother realises that he shouldn't kiss his fake boyfriend when he doesn't have to!"

"Hey! You two! Get to your lessons or else it's a lunch time detention!!"
"Gah!"

Chapter Text

"Hey."
Dex looked next to him as Biana looked across from her to see Fitz sitting down next Dex. Keefe seemed to also appear, sitting down next to Biana.

"Sorry I left this morning." Fitz said, looking at Dex.
Dex gave Fitz a small smile.
"Thanks for leaving a note, but you could've woken me up." Dex said.
"You told me you're sleep deprived, I had to let you sleep in a bit longer." Fitz smiled at Dex.
Dex hummed, smiling.

"What? You two nearly got detention?!" Keefe gasped.
Fitz looked at Biana and Keefe, unaware that they began to converse.
"Huh?" Fitz then furrowed his eyebrows at Dex.
"You and Biana nearly got detention?"
"Oh, we were talking at the library after returning some books." Dex said, waving his hand in dismissal. "Mentor caught us, told us to get going or else we'd get lunch detention. Biana turned us both invisible and dragged us out of there."

"... Did you go to your lessons?" Fitz looked to Biana now.
"We had important stuff to talk about in private." Biana said.
"Ooh, the Vacker siblings are fighting over Dex's attention!" Keefe butted in, grinning.
"We're not fighting, thanks Keefe." Fitz said, looking to the Empath now. "Plus, Dex and Biana are best friends, but still, disappointed that you made Dex skip his lessons." Fitz now looked at Biana again.

"She didn't make me, first of all." Dex huffed, raising an eyebrow at Fitz. "I wanted to talk to Biana anyway."
Fitz looked to Dex and he furrowed his eyebrows.
"Did you... did you talk about what made you upset last night-?" Fitz began, lowering his voice a little.
"A little." Dex shrugged, looking away.

Ouch. That sort of stung. Fitz didn't expect that to sting.

"I told you that you could talk to me-?"
Fitz reached his hand over to place over Dex's, but Dex took his hand away. Keefe grimaced and Biana frowned as she glanced between Dex and Fitz. Fitz rested his hand on his lap now, staring at Dex for a few more moments before he kept his gaze onto the table in front of him.

"Uh-oh, the lovers are fighting-" Keefe began, attempting to lighten the mood.
"Not fighting." Dex scowled, shooting a glare at Keefe.
Keefe blinked and he instantly shut up, looking away. Biana looked at Keefe and she gently placed her hand on his shoulder, rubbing it. Keefe gave Biana a small smile and Biana smiled back before she looked at Dex.

"Is it really affecting you that much?" Biana questioned.
"I just... Biana, I'm not in the mood." Dex mumbled.
Fitz tapped his fingers against his lap and he bit his inner cheek.
"Alright. You know what? I think Keefe and I will go." Biana said, getting up. "Keefe, c'mon. They need to talk things out."

Keefe looked at Fitz.
"Fitz, you gonna be okay-?" Keefe began.
"Fine." Fitz said, nodding at Keefe. "I'll talk to you later."
Keefe hummed, nodding as he got up. Biana interlocked their arms and they then walked off.

Fitz looked at Dex and Dex tapped his fingers against the table, not really looking at Fitz.
"Did I do something?" Fitz asked softly. "Is it cause I left this morning without-?"
"No." Dex shook his head, looking at Fitz. "It's just... it's me. Not you."

"... That sort of sounds like the start of a break-up." Fitz said.
"Well, maybe you should add that to the script of our fake break-up when it gets to that point and you don't need me anymore." Dex smiled at Fitz.
Fitz scoffed out softly.
"Dex-" Fitz shook his head. "I- why are you bitter about this? It's not as if we aren't still going to be friends after all of this."
Dex thought about his next words carefully.

"You're telling me, that once all of this is over, that we'll hang out as often as we have been recently? We'll be sleeping over, having dinner with each other's families? I mean... Fitz, right now, we're fake boyfriends. We're... technically friends with benefits. Are you telling me, that when we 'break-up', we are going to go back to being friends, with no 'benefits'?" Dex raised his eyebrows at Fitz.

Fitz blinked and there was a lump in his throat. He didn't know how to respond to Dex.

"That's what I thought. We're not going to be the same as it is now. It's gonna go back to you and I only talking when it's necessary and... I'll be all alone again."
Oh, Fitz didn't like that. Fitz didn't like how Dex's voice seemed to break near the end of his statement.

Dex took a deep breath and he got up from his seat.
"I need... I don't know what I need. I can't be around you right now, Fitz." Dex said, shaking his head.
Fitz frowned and he watched as Dex walked off. Fitz took a deep breath and he ran his fingers through his hair.

Well, Fitz wasn't doing a good job of keeping his fake boyfriend happy.

*****

"Did you guys talk?" Biana asked as she poked her head through the gap of Fitz's bedroom door.
Fitz let out a loud groan and he turned around, facing his sister.
"Get in here." Fitz grumbled, crossing his arms, ready to start rambling to Biana about what happened and what to do next.

Biana sighed out as she entered Fitz's room, shutting the door behind her. She leaned against the door and Fitz began to run his fingers through his hair.

"Dex... he's upset at me about something." Fitz stated.
"Did he say that specifically?" Biana asked, titling her head.
Fitz began to pace in his room.
"Well, I asked if I did something wrong and he said that it wasn't me, it was him. But, I mean... what is that? Who says such stuff? It's all ridiculous." Fitz huffed.

"Dex is your boyfriend, Fitz." Biana stated.
Fitz slightly tensed up. He forgot that Biana didn't know that he wasn't actually dating Dex. That this was all pretend.
"You need to listen to him. Accept that if he wants to talk to you, he wants to talk. If he wants to be alone, you leave him alone. He loves you, and you love him. If you wanna make sure you don't screw up this great relationship you have with Dex, I suggest you hail him or do something, letting him know that you respect him with whatever he needs, ease his worries if he has any worries that need to be eased. "

Fitz looked at Biana.
"... Since when are you good at this romance crap?" Fitz questioned.
"Oh come on, I read a lot of romance crap." Biana grinned, flipping her hair back with her hand. "I am the God of Romance!!"
Fitz smiled.

"Also, glad to know you didn't deny the bit where I said you two loved each other."
Fitz blinked and he looked at Biana, his cheeks turning red.
"W-what? No, you didn't say anything like that-" Fitz began.
"Oh, I did! You are so in love with our Dexy-poo!!" Biana exclaimed, her voice now becoming more of a sing-song tone.
Fitz felt embarrassed.

"Alright! Out! I want you out!!" Fitz scowled, going over to Biana.
"You love Dex~!" Biana called as she opened up the bedroom door and back away out of Fitz's room.
Fitz shot a glare at Biana as he slammed his bedroom door shut. Fitz could hear Biana giggling outside.

Fitz sighed to himself and he made his way over to his bed. He laid down on his back and he stared up at the ceiling. He instantly began to fiddle with the ring around his finger and took a deep breath.

Why is everyone talking about 'love' so much now? I mean, Fitz has never thought of Dex in that way before. Dex has always seemed a bit too... geeky for Fitz.

Fitz bit his lower lip as he thought about what Dex had said earlier. When they 'break-up', they really won't be as close as they have been. Obviously they're not gonna be leaning against each other all the time, they're not gonna hold hands, they're not going to kiss each other and they won't be doing other things they've recently been doing.

Why did Fitz's heart ache at that thought?

Fitz liked what he and Dex had now. I mean, Dex was such a sweetheart. And he was pretty adorable to make flustered. And just kissing him felt... it felt amazing.

Fitz let out a whine as he rolled over and let out a quiet, muffled scream into his pillow.

Did he really just break his very first rule of this whole deal? Was Fitz actually falling for Dex Dizznee?

Chapter Text

Dex felt like a fool.

He was in his bed, staring at the ceiling. He kept thinking about what he said to Fitz earlier and he felt a lot of embarrassment and anxiety when he thought about it. I mean, did it sound like Dex liked being 'friends with benefits'/fake boyfriends?? Then Fitz would obviously know of Dex's feelings towards him.

The two of them hadn't talked at all ever since lunch. They haven't had the time to either, since they don't see each other often at Foxfire and once the day is over, they just go home.

Dex's imparter went off and Dex sighed as he sat up, digging his imparter out of his pocket. Dex saw Fitz was hailing him. Dex hesitated.
Dex bit his lower lip and he accepted the hail. A moment passed and the image of Fitz had appeared.

"Hi." Dex mumbled, running his fingers through his hair, making sure it wasn't super messy.
"Hey." Fitz said, his voice soft.
They both stayed silent for a few moments, looking at each other.

"You're my boyfriend, Dex." Fitz stated.
"Fake boy-" Dex began.
"Please, Dex..." Fitz frowned at the male.
Dex stayed silent, looking at Fitz.

Fitz let out a soft sigh.
"Can-Can I come over to talk to you? It feels weird, not being able to talk about this in person." Fitz said.
"How about I come over to Everglen?" Dex asked. "The triplets will definitely bother you, and I don't want my parents to check in on us, like, every 10 minutes."

Fitz seemed to smile and he nodded.
"Yeah, yeah. See you in a few minutes?" Fitz asked.
"See you in a few minutes." Dex said quietly, nodding.

*****

Dex was at Everglen, outside of the house, waiting for Fitz to come and get him.

Dex was extremely nervous. He didn't know what Fitz wanted to talk about. Maybe he was going to end this whole fake relationship.

Dex instantly looked up as the door opened and Fitz stepped out. He had his cape on and Dex furrowed his eyebrows.
"Where are you going?" Dex questioned.
Fitz smiled at Dex as he shut the door.
"I was just thinking we could walk around the lake." Fitz said.

Fitz held his hand out, looking at Dex.
Dex felt a little suspicious but he took Fitz's hand. Fitz interlocked their fingers and he began to lead the way towards where the lake was.
"Are you doing this just to make it seem like we're super in love to your parents or something-?" Dex began.
"My parents are in the house, doing their own thing. They don't know that you're over here." Fitz said, looking at Dex.

"Does... Biana know I'm here?" Dex asked.
"Not sure. She could've overheard you were coming over." Fitz shrugged. "Why?"
Dex glanced around their surroundings, having a sudden feeling that Biana could be lurking around.
"No reason..." Dex mumbled.
Dex leaned himself against Fitz as they walked alongside each other, making it to the lake.

Dex looked at the beautiful, sparkling, clear water and Fitz looked to Dex.
"You wanna sit or just walk about?" Fitz asked.
"Walking around doesn't sound so bad." Dex said, looking up at Fitz.
They held eye contact for a few moments and Fitz gently squeezed Dex's hand.
"Alright." Fitz smiled softly.

Dex stopped leaning against Fitz as they now walked around the lake. Dex kept his gaze on the beauty of the lake and Fitz kept his gaze on Dex.

"You wanted to talk." Dex said, glancing at Fitz.
"Straight to it, huh?" Fitz tilted his head at Dex.
"I told my parents I'd be back within an hour or so." Dex said. "And... I don't know if you noticed, but I'm not in a very... happy mood."
Fitz hummed quietly.

Dex looked to Fitz again.
"So? On with it, pretty boy." Dex said, squeezing Fitz's hand.
Fitz's cheeks turned red as he looked at Dex. Dex smiled, noticing how Fitz blushed.
"You said to call you pretty boy more often."
Fitz smiled and he bit his lower lip.

"... I feel bad." Fitz said, looking down at the ground, gently swaying his and Dex's hand back and forth. They both were walking at a slow pace. Dex now kept his eyes on Fitz as Fitz kept his gaze on the ground. "Yeah, we're fake boyfriends, and yeah, we agreed on breaking up when we've done what we had to do, but... I didn't think about how we would be after the 'break up'."

Fitz gulped and he sort of stopped walking. Dex stopped too and Fitz went over, standing in front of Dex. Fitz took both of Dex's hands into his, looking at him.
" We were never close before this. And that was totally all my fault. And... I like being this close with you, I do. It's... it's nice." Fitz continued, rubbing the back of Dex's hands with his thumbs. Dex furrowed his eyebrows, sort of smiling at Fitz.

Fitz cleared his throat, glancing away from Dex.
"I dunno, Dex... I can't promise you that we'll be super close after the fake break up, but... I don't want to go back to, as you put it, you and I only talking when it's necessary and leaving you all alone." Fitz said.
Dex felt his cheeks warm up from embarrassment.
"Eugh, stop it. I already hate myself for saying that I'll be all alone again. That was super cringe and-" Dex began.

Fitz leaned in and Dex stopped himself, looking up at Fitz.
"I like being with you." Fitz said softly. Dex's heart began to beat faster. "And Dex, I don't like it when you're frustrated with me. I mean... I'm sorry that I'm not being the best fake boyfriend. And I just... Dex, I care for you."
Dex gulped as he looked up into Fitz's eyes. Fitz held eye contact with Dex now.

"I will be better. And I don't want us to think about the fake break up, we're still... far away from that point in this plan. I just want you to know you can talk to me. You can even just ask me to come and hang out with you in silence. Just, tell me what you want me to do, and I will do whatever I can to make you feel better. "

"Fuck me, oh my god..." Dex whined, hiding his face in Fitz's shoulder.
"That may be a bit too much for a fake relationship-" Fitz began.
Dex let go of one of Fitz's hand and punched him in the chest.
"Ow! Yep! Mmhmm! Deserved that!" Fitz exclaimed, letting out a pained chuckle.
Dex smiled and he lifted his head, looking up at Fitz.

"Thanks." Dex said, tilting his head at Fitz. "That was... that was sweet of you, Fitz. You're not a bad fake boyfriend."
"Well, now I didn't say bad-" Fitz began.
Dex reached up and he gently pressed his lips against Fitz's.

Fitz blinked but he smiled, sinking into the kiss and gently shutting his eyes as he wrapped his arm around Dex's waist. Fitz pulled Dex closer to him and Dex tilted his head, resting a hand on Fitz's chest. They only kissed for a few more seconds before they pulled away.

"Awh, you made up!!" Both Dex and Fitz flinched as they looked over to see Biana nearby them. She was smiling at them. "Or should I say, made out?" Biana tilted her head.
"Not an ounce of privacy at Everglen or Rimeshire, it appears." Fitz huffed, looking at Dex. Dex smiled as he backed away from Fitz and looked at Biana.

"How much did you hear and see?" Dex asked, crossing his arms as he looked at Biana.
Biana smiled.
"Just saw the kiss." Biana said.
Dex held Biana's gaze and she winked at him. Dex hummed. He knew she had been watching them since the start, but she wouldn't admit that in front of Fitz.

"Right, well, I was sort of hoping to spend a bit more time with Dex in private, so-" Fitz began.
"But you guys made up, plus I'm desperate to talk to him!" Biana exclaimed.
Fitz looked at Dex.
"... What do you wanna do?" Fitz asked.
Dex looked to Fitz and he couldn't help but smile, appreciating that Fitz wanted his input rather than arguing with Biana.

"Biana, I'm gonna be with Fitz for a little longer. I'll come up to your room and we can talk afterwards, okay? " Dex asked, looking at Biana.
Biana seemed to smile.
"Have fun making out~" Biana teased as she turned around and walked off.

Dex faced Fitz and he raised his eyebrows.
"Already showing me that you meant what you said." Dex said, tilting his head at Fitz.
"What's the point of arguing with my sister when it's you who has to suffer through her or my company?" Fitz smiled.

"Yeah, and now I'm gonna suffer being in the company of both of you." Dex said, reaching his hands up to Fitz's face and cupping it.
"Oh, but you love my company, no?" Fitz questioned, leaning in.
"I certainly like kissing you." Dex grinned, looking up at Fitz. "And looking at your pretty face, but actually talking? Eh..."
"... Maybe I don't want you to be my fake boyfriend anymore." Fitz pouted.

Dex smiled and he titled his head as he uncupped Fitz's face. Fitz furrowed his eyebrows.
"You're not gonna... kiss me?" Fitz questioned.
"Why would I? No one is watching us right now." Dex said, beginning to walk off, and looking out into the lake again.
Fitz scoffed as he quickly followed alongside Dex. Fitz grabbed Dex's hand and Dex interlocked their fingers.

"You're telling me... you knew Biana was watching us?" Fitz questioned.
"I made a guess. I assumed she'd want to watch us make up, or watch you make a fool of yourself. Maybe she was hoping I'd shove you into the lake." Dex said, shrugging as he looked at Fitz.
"That kiss was for the sake of keeping up this charade. Nothing more."
Fitz hummed in response.

Fitz felt disappointed. He sort of wanted Dex to kiss him again, but... Dex had no reason to kiss him.

"Right, well... what will we talk about now then?"
"How you seem so desperate to kiss me all of a sudden?"
"... How about something else? Like the picnic this weekend!"

Chapter Text

"You saw and heard everything, didn't you?"

Dex and Biana had entered Biana's bedroom. Dex instantly made his way to Biana's bed as Biana shut her bedroom door.
"Yeah. I literally followed Fitz all the way to the front door." Biana said, smiling at Dex as she made her way over to sit next to Dex on the bed.

"My brother is definitely smitten with you." Biana stated.
"I mean... 'I like being this close to you'! Like, c'mon. He's so into you."
Dex's cheeks turned red and Dex looked at the floor.
"I don't think so. I mean, he told me that I'm not the guy he's looking for when he said that we can't fall in love with each other." Dex said, kicking the floor with his foot.

Biana smiled as she stared at Dex.
"He smiled so much when you kissed him." Biana said. "If he didn't like you, why would he be so happy about you kissing him?"
Dex rolled his eyes.
"Biana-" Dex began.

"You're a strange guy, Dex." Biana stated. "You don't like how Fitz may not like you back, that he's doing all of these kinds of things with you without any sort of feelings of attraction towards you, and yet you want to deny the fact that my brother is totally falling for you!"
Dex looked at Biana.

"... I like the idea of him liking me back. It just... it doesn't seem possible, do you know what I mean? "Dex questioned, shuffling back slightly and lifting his legs up onto the bed.
Dex wrapped his arms around his legs, his hands holding onto his ankles.
"And... I don't know. I like the idea because then I feel less bad kissing him whenever I get the chance because of my own selfishness..."
Dex stared at the ground.

"But... he made that rule to not fall in love with each other. Doesn't that prove he doesn't plan on falling for me?" Dex questioned, looking at Biana.
Biana scoffed, "Dex, you can't help who you fall for."
Dex shrugged.
"Yeah, okay... but you get my point, right?" Dex asked, tilting his head.
Biana stayed silent for a few moments.

"You know what I think you should do?" Biana asked.
"What?" Dex questioned, letting his feet fall back onto the floor.
"Take more advantage of this fake dating thing." Biana stated.
"If Fitz becomes uncomfortable with it, he will tell you to stop, but if... if you go to a length and he doesn't tell you to stop? He's... he's definitely fallen for you."
Dex's cheeks turned red.

"I... I'm not good with being so forward, though." Dex said, scratching his jaw. "And... Isn't that selfish? Or what if Fitz is just okay with literally anything?"
Biana huffed.

"Dex, I know what my brother is like. You think he would let a stranger or one of his fangirls make out with him when it's unnecessary?" Biana questioned.
"Well-" Dex began.
"Do you think he would go through lengths to make sure you're... not angry at him? That he actually acts like a boyfriend towards you when there isn't anyone around for him to fool?" Biana continued to question.
"Biana-" Dex rolled his eyes.

"My brother is falling for you, and for you to get him to realise his emotions, I personally think you should take this a little further." Biana said, smiling at Dex.
Dex looked at Biana.
"But what if I ruin everything?" Dex whispered. "What if I cross the line and he... doesn't even want to be my friend?"

Biana brought her hand to Dex's cheek, caressing it for a few moments as she smiled at Dex.
"Trust me. You won't ruin anything, sweetheart." Biana said softly.
Dex took a deep breath and he gently pushed Biana's hand away.
"... I'll think about it." Dex said.

Dex then got up from Biana's bed.
"I should go." Dex said, turning around and facing Biana.
"Uhm, I told Fitz I'd say bye once I talked to you. And my dad wants me to help him out with making some elixirs."
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then, Dex." Biana smiled.
"Yeah, see you." Dex smiled at Biana.

Dex turned back around and made his way to the door. He opened it and left Biana's room, shutting the door behind him. Dex took a deep breath before he made his way to Fitz's bedroom. Dex made it outside of Fitz's door and he knocked on it, waiting for a response.

"Come in!" Fitz called.
Dex took another deep breath and he opened the door. Dex looked in and saw Fitz was laying on his bed.
"Hey." Dex said, entering the room and shutting the door behind him.

Fitz sat up and he looked over.
"Oh, hey. You and Biana done talking?" Fitz asked.
Dex smiled and nodded as he made his way over to the bed. Dex sat down on the bed and shuffled to sit in front of Fitz.
"Yeah, I'll be leaving in a few minutes. Decided to say bye to you, like I said I would." Dex said.
Fitz hummed, nodding.

"Can I know what you two talked about?" Fitz asked, tilting his head.
"Eh, nothing really. Just a bit of gossip." Dex waved his hand in dismissal.
Fitz nodded once again.

Dex bit his inner cheek and he fiddled with his hands.
"Before I go, erm... is it fine if I kissed you once more? Just for practice, of course." Dex said, looking at Fitz.
Fitz blinked but he smiled slightly, nodding.
"Sure, yeah... go ahead." Fitz said.
Dex bit his lower lip and he shuffled a little closer to Fitz.

Dex leaned in and he rested his hands on his own lap as he kept his gaze on Fitz. Fitz gently cupped Dex's face as he also leaned in. They pressed their lips together, like they have multiple times before, and shut their eyes.

Dex's heart was going crazy. Especially as he thought to what Biana had told him just minutes ago.
'Take more advantage of this fake dating thing.'
Dex felt it was a little selfish, but... Biana believed that Fitz was falling for him, and like she said, if he was uncomfortable with it, he'd just stop Dex from going any further.

Dex's hands now rested on Fitz's lap now. Dex definitely felt Fitz tense up a little, but he didn't pull away. Dex leaned in closer, tilting his head to deepen the kiss. Fitz's hands slid to the back of Dex's head, his fingers entangling themselves in Dex's hair.
Dex sort of hesitated as he brought a hand to Fitz's chest and pushed him back gently. Fitz leaned back slightly, taking a hand away from Dex to hold himself up on his bed.

Dex pulled away slightly, instantly feeling strange about what he just did.
"I'm... I'm sorry-?" Dex began, opening his eyes and furrowing his eyebrows as he looked down at Fitz.
Fitz looked up at Dex and he gulped as they held eye contact.
"Don't be." Fitz said, his voice quiet as he gently tugged on Dex's hair.
"That was... nice."

Dex felt his face burn up and he backed away, sitting up properly, causing Fitz to take his hand away from Dex.
"Right, yeah... Uhm... I need to go. Or else my family will tease me!" Dex exclaimed, getting up from the bed.
Fitz sat up and watched as Dex dug out his home crystal from his pocket.

"Hey, wait." Fitz furrowed his eyebrows at Dex, who seemed all jittery now.
Fitz got up from his bed and gently took Dex's hands into his as he went in front of him.
"Seriously, don't panic. I-I didn't mind that." Fitz said, his cheeks turning red.
"That kiss was... nice."

Dex looked up at Fitz.
"I-it wasn't too much...?" Dex tilted his head at Fitz.
Fitz shook his head.
"No, no... not really." Fitz said.
"Gosh, seriously, don't worry about it, darling."
Fitz leaned in and pressed his forehead against Dex's.

Dex felt himself smile as he looked at Fitz.
"You call me 'darling' in private more often than you do in front of people." Dex said.
"Am I not allowed to, darling?" Fitz smiled, tilting his head.
Dex bit his inner cheek, unable to stop himself from smiling.
"You're allowed to, pretty boy." Dex said.

Dex then quickly placed a little peck on Fitz's lips before backing away and holding his home crystal up.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Fitz." Dex said.
Fitz blinked and he smiled at Dex.
"Bye, Dex." Fitz said, bringing his hand up to wave at Dex.
Dex then light-leapt away and Fitz was all alone again.

Fitz brought his hand up to his lips and he took a deep breath as he could still feel the sensation of Dex's lips against his.

Yeah, Fitz was definitely breaking his first rule of this whole fake dating thing. He was falling for Dex, and he was falling for him hard.

Chapter Text

It was finally the day for the Vacker family picnic (plus Dex).

Dex told his parents about it and they decided to take him shopping the day before, after returning from school, for a nice outfit.
So, Dex was staring at himself in the mirror, fixing the collar of his shirt and making sure his cape looked fine and that his family crest wasn't crooked.

Dex took a deep breath and he ran his fingers through his hair. He would be fine. Fitz and Biana would be there, Della was sweet towards Dex, and Alden... well, Alden was warming up to Dex.

"Dex! You should get going soon if you don't want to be late!" Dex heard his father shout.
"Yeah, yeah! I'm going, I'm going!" Dex shouted back as he made sure he had his home crystal.
Dex would just have to say bye to his family first before leaving.

*****

"Sheesh, relax. He's gonna be here any second now." Biana said, looking to her brother who was glancing around, trying to spot if Dex had arrived.

The two of them were by the front gate of Everglen, waiting for Dex to light-leap here so that they could then light-leap to the field where the picnic would be taking place.

"I'm just nervous about what some of our family members will think of him." Fitz mumbled, twisting the ring around his finger.
"Do you care about what they think?" Biana raised an eyebrow at Fitz.
"No, of course not. Especially since we don't see them often." Fitz said, shaking his head.
"But... you know how judgemental some of our family members are."
Biana hummed.

Biana then looked ahead and she smiled, letting out a whistle as she saw Dex had light-leapt over.
"Dang Dex, you're looking nice!" Biana exclaimed.
Fitz blinked and he looked up ahead. Fitz's heart skipped a beat when he saw Dex. He looked a bit cleaner than usual, it was clear Dex was wearing new clothes, and his hair was less of a mess than it usually was.

"Please don't embarrass me. My dad kept teasing me, so did the triplets, before I left." Dex mumbled, tugging at his cape, trying to make sure it was okay, as he made his way towards the Vacker siblings.

Dex looked up at Fitz and Fitz stared at Dex. Fitz gave Dex a small smile and he leaned in, placing a kiss on Dex's cheek.
"You look handsome, Dex." Fitz said softly before backing away.
Dex's cheeks turned red and he smiled up at Fitz.
"Thank you. You look nice as well." Dex said.

Biana cleared her throat and Dex looked to her.
"You look beautiful too, Biana." Dex said softly.
"Awh, that's so sweet of you!" Biana smiled at Dex.
Dex rolled his eyes and he looked back at Fitz.

Dex noticed a look of admiration in Fitz's eyes. Dex bit his lower lip.
"Erm, so... are we going inside then or...?" Dex questioned, glancing between Fitz and Biana.
"Oh, yes!" Fitz nodded.
"Come on. Our parents are waiting inside already, all we have to do is light-leap to the spot we're having the picnic at."

Fitz held his hand out and Dex took Fitz's hand. They both looked at each other in silence for a few moments before Biana cleared her throat.
"C'mon, lovebirds." Biana said, turning around, heading towards the house now.
Dex smiled and rolled his eyes as he went ahead, following behind Biana and dragging Fitz alongside him. Fitz managed to walk alongside Dex without Dex dragging him anymore.

"So, how are you feeling about this?" Biana asked as she glanced at Dex.
"Nervous." Dex nodded at Biana.
"You'll be fine." Fitz said, squeezing Dex's hand.
Dex looked at Fitz and smiled.
"Just don't leave me alone at any point of this picnic." Dex said, raising his eyebrows at Fitz.
"I won't." Fitz smiled at Dex.

Biana made fake gagging noises and Fitz huffed.
"You're so immature-"
"And you two are so sickeningly in love!"
"God, Biana-!"

"Are we all ready to go?"
The three of them stopped as they looked up ahead to see Della and Alden. Alden had a crystal in hand and Della had a picnic basket in her hand.
"Sweetheart, we should greet Dex first before going." Della said, glancing at Alden.

Della then looked to Dex and smiled at him.
"You look quite nice today, Dex." Della said. "We hope you'll enjoy your time with us."
Dex managed to smile at Della.
"Thank you. You look wonderful too, Della." Dex said, nodding at her.

"We need to go, or else we'll be late." Alden said, holding the crystal up, glancing at Della.
"Alright, alright." Della raised her hands up in surrender.
"C'mon kids. Hold hands."
Biana grabbed Dex's other hand, suspecting he didn't want to hold Della's or Alden's hand. Della then held Biana's free hand while Alden clasped his hand around Della's wrist.

Fitz looked at Dex, who was squeezing his hand. Fitz quickly leaned in and gave Dex a little kiss on the head, as a way to make Dex feel a little less nervous, before his father raised the crystal. The five of them then light-leapt away.

Dex blinked as they had light-leapt to this huge field. Dex looked around, noticing there were a few older elves around, a few young elves running about too. There were blankets and baskets everywhere.

Dex didn't really understand why they came to this field, especially since Everglen had such a huge space which would've been able to hold the family picnic there. But Dex decided to not question it.

Biana let go of Dex's hand as she spotted someone who she seemed excited to greet. Biana had instantly run off to an older woman. Della and Alden seemed to still hold each other's hands as they made their way over to a spot to set up their things and where they could greet everyone.

"This was a mistake." Dex said, instantly reaching his hand in his pocket.
Dex grabbed his home crystal and kept a tight grip around it, ready to just get the hell out of here. Fitz looked at Dex and noticed how Dex had his hand in his pocket, his eyes shown how anxious he was.

Fitz went over, standing in front of Dex. Fitz squeezed Dex's hand and Dex looked up at Fitz. Fitz gave Dex a smile.
"You're gonna be okay." Fitz said softly. "I'll be right by your side. I think my younger cousins will adore you. And... if you get too anxious, or stressed, we can distance ourselves for as long as you need to calm down, if you really want to leave, let me know, and I will make up that you had to go because of a family emergency. Okay?"

Dex bit his inner cheek as he looked over Fitz's shoulder, already seeing a few of Fitz's family members looking their way. Dex's grasp around his home crystal tightened.
"I... Uhm..." Dex fumbled, gulping.
Fitz placed his hand underneath Dex's chin, and tilted his head up to face him again. Dex looked up at Fitz and they held eye contact.
"Deep breaths." Fitz whispered.
Fitz then inhaled and exhaled, taking a couple of deep breaths so that Dex would follow his lead. Dex inhaled and exhaled, like Fitz did, for a couple of times before he nodded, loosening his grasp on his home crystal.

"Okay... okay." Dex said quietly.
"I can do this."
"Yeah, you can." Fitz smiled, leaning in.
Dex felt his heart beat increase and Fitz gently pressed their lips together. Dex's worries instantly melted away from their very quick kiss. Dex felt a little disappointed when Fitz pulled away, but he couldn't help but smile as Fitz looked at him with admiration.

"Let's go?" Fitz tilted his head.
"... Let's go." Dex nodded, taking his hand out of his pocket.
Fitz turned around and the two of them began to walk towards where everyone else was, still holding hands and side-by-side.

Dex was not excited about this.

*****

So, it seemed Dex didn't need Fitz to be by his side the whole time.

Fitz was sat on a blanket, watching as Dex was playing about with some of his younger cousins. Fitz was right, his cousins did love Dex. Dex was teaching them pranks they could pull, that were harmless, and just playing games, like tag.

"I thought you weren't going to leave his side."
Fitz glanced over to see Biana coming over and sitting down next to him. Fitz furrowed his eyebrows as he noticed Biana had a necklace on, which she didn't have on before.
"... Where did you get that-?" Fitz began.
"You know I'm the favourite niece!" Biana grinned at Fitz.
"I got free gifts."
Fitz rolled his eyes and he looked back at Dex chasing after one of the children.

"How is he doing?" Biana asked.
"First, it was awkward, obviously. I mean, we did try to talk to a couple of aunts and uncles but... Dex was too nervous until one of those rascals tugged on his cape and asked him to play." Fitz said, smiling as he kept his eyes on Dex from afar.
"He's much more lively around them. More at ease."

Biana studied Fitz's face and she smiled to herself.
"It makes me happy to see you like this again. I mean, you're... incredibly smitten with Dex." Biana said.
Fitz's cheeks turned red and he glanced at Biana. Biana expected a glare, or Fitz denying it. Fitz simply gave her a glance and looked back at his 'boyfriend'.
"Yeah." Fitz sighed out.
"I'm falling for him more and more everyday."

Biana blinked and she tried to detect any sort of deception from Fitz. She was trying to see if he was just saying that as an act for this whole fake dating thing. Biana felt herself smile as she realised Fitz was being honest.

"... That's kinda gay of you, bro-"
"I hate you so much."

Chapter Text

Dex wasn't expecting to have so much fun with Fitz's younger cousins. Then again, Dex was quite good with kids and kids typically liked him.

Dex took a deep breath as he had to stop running for a moment, running his fingers through his hair.
"Oh c'mon Dexy! Keep going!" One of the kids yelled, still running around the field.
"Yeah! You're not tired! Go! Go!" Another one called.
Dex couldn't help but smile as he watched the mischievous children running around.

"I'll be back, I just need to get a drink." Dex said, stuffing his hands into his pockets, walking off.
A lot of whines came from the kids, but they all seemed to continue to play with each other, trusting that Dex would be back in a minute and continue their fun.

Dex made it to the spot where Fitz and Biana were.
"Hey." Dex said, sitting down next to Fitz once he took his hands out of his pocket.
"Having fun?" Fitz asked, looking at Dex.
"Too tired. Give me some Youth." Dex said, pressing his shoulder against Fitz's, leaning all of his body weight against him.

"I'll get it." Biana said, leaning back and grabbing a bottle of Youth from the basket that was nearby.
Biana chucked the bottle at Dex and Dex caught it.
"Thank you~" Dex sat up properly, opening the bottle.
Dex brought the bottle to his mouth and he gulped down half of the bottle.

Dex was about to shut the bottle once he finished drinking the amount he wanted, but Fitz held his hand out.
"I'm a little thirsty too." Fitz said, looking at the bottle in Dex's hand before looking back at Dex's face.
Dex handed Fitz the bottle and Fitz took a few sips before handing the bottle back to Dex. Dex shut the bottle and set it aside.

"Dexy!! Come back!! It's been way too long!!"
Dex, Fitz and Biana looked over to see the kids waving Dex over, shouting at him too. Dex let out a groan as he rested his head against Fitz's shoulder for a few moments.
"Alright, back I go-" Dex began.

"Hey! You guys should be wanting to play with your actual family!" Biana called as she got up.
Biana glanced at Dex and smiled at him.
"Take a break. I need to get rid some energy."
Dex smiled at Biana.
"Thank you." Dex said.
Biana winked at Dex before running off towards her cousins.

Fitz smiled as he watched his cousins scream in horror as Biana began to chase after them. Fitz looked back at Dex.
"Are you doing okay?" Fitz asked, wrapping his arm around Dex's shoulder.
"I just need to regain some energy." Dex smiled up at Fitz.
Fitz hummed, nodding slightly.

"How are you doing?" Dex asked, tilting his head at Fitz.
"Fine." Fitz shrugged.
"Had to talk to a few uncles and aunts myself, and... they were... something."
"Care to elaborate?" Dex questioned.
"My family is a little judgemental. And so they were sort of questioning my taste in... partners." Fitz said, sighing out.
"Oh." Was all Dex could get out.

Fitz looked at Dex.
"Well, I talked you up, obviously, but... some of my family are judgemental and stubborn so..." Fitz said.
"Not making me feel better." Dex mumbled to himself.
"No, what I mean is-" Fitz began.

"Fitz!"
Fitz and Dex looked over to see Della waving Fitz over. Fitz looked to Dex.
"Gonna be okay for a minute?" Fitz asked.
Dex shrugged at Fitz. Fitz rubbed Dex's shoulder and placed a kiss on Dex's cheek. Fitz then got up, taking his arm away from Dex. He made his way over to his mother and other family members.

Dex wrapped his arms around his body, holding himself as he glanced around. Dex saw a lot of people glancing at him, and scoffing afterwards. They seemed to whisper to others, they seemed to give Dex nasty looks or had a nasty look on their face after looking at Dex.
Dex took a deep breath and he looked down at the grass. Dex shut his eyes gently and he took a few deep breaths.

Dex knew he shouldn't care about others opinions. I mean, he grew up with his parents teaching him that nobles opinions didn't matter. That Dex should do whatever he felt was right and to not feel ashamed for being who he was.

But this was the Vacker family. The most prestigious family in the Lost Cities. And Dex had feelings for Fitz. He was fake dating Fitz and this is a taste of what it could be like if he were to actually date Fitz.

Dex didn't like the judgement. The glares, the whispers, the looks. He wanted out. He desperately wanted to get out and just to stop feeling suffocated.

"Dex?"
Dex opened his eyes and he looked up to see Alden crouching down in front of him. Dex gulped and he managed to smile at Alden.
"D-do you need something, Lord-?" Dex began.
"Drop the title, kid." Alden said, his voice soft.
"Are you okay? Do you need a moment away?"

Dex looked over to where Fitz was. Fitz was smiling as he was chatting with his mother and a couple of his aunts.
"I-I'm fine. I'm okay." Dex said, looking at Alden.
Alden hummed, getting up.
"Well... would you like to accompany me on a little walk?" Alden questioned, placing his hands behind his back.

Dex blinked at Alden. Alden gave Dex a small smile.
"Well?"
Dex hesitantly got up.
"Erm, sure." Dex said.
Alden nodded.
"Come along now." Alden said.
Alden turned around and began to walk off. Dex followed behind Alden.

Yeah, Dex wasn't sure how he felt about this.

Alden and Dex walked in silence, and after a few moments, they had gotten to a more secluded spot where no one was. Alden stopped walking and he stood, taking a deep breath as he looked around the scenery. Dex awkwardly stood next to Alden, at a reasonable distance. Dex fiddled with the ends of his sleeves as he looked around the scenery too.

"Are you feeling better?" Alden asked, looking at Dex.
Dex gulped as he looked at Alden.
"Yeah, I guess. I mean, I'm not surrounded by people judging me and giving me nasty looks, so..." Dex shrugged.
Alden hummed.
"Oh, uhm, not to be rude! This is your family, it's just- it's... it's already nerve-wracking trying to get your approval, but being surrounded by-"

Alden seemed to laugh and Dex blinked, confused as he looked at Alden.
"Get my approval?" Alden raised his eyebrows.
"Dex, you already have my wife's approval, Biana's approval and... my son is incredibly happy with you. Now, it's not as if I don't like you, I just... the Vacker family does have high standards."

Alden looked at Dex and he smiled.
"You are a wonderful boy, Dex. You make my son happy, and it's nice to see him smiling so much. Especially after all that we've been through." Alden said.
"I may need more time to warm up to you, but you do not need my approval. I just... I want Fitz to be happy. And you seem to be doing a good job of keeping him that way."
Dex stared at Alden. He certainly didn't expect Alden to be so kind.

"Thank you, Sir." Dex said.
"Dex, you're my son's boyfriend. Please don't call me 'Sir' or 'Lord'. Just Alden is fine." Alden stated, smiling at Dex.
Dex smiled back.
"I'll keep that in mind, Alden." Dex said.
"Thank you, for saying that."
"I was just speaking the truth." Alden nodded at Dex.

They stayed silent for a few moments before Alden spoke up again.
"Are you thinking of leaving?"
Dex bit his inner cheek.
"I'm not sure. I... I don't like the looks and whispering. But, Fitz seems to like having me here and I don't-" Dex began.

Alden rested his hand on Dex's shoulder. Dex looked at Alden.
"Fitz doesn't particularly like these picnics. You're the only reason he's stayed here for so long without complaining. If you'd like to go, you and Fitz can go away together." Alden said.
"Are you sure?" Dex raised his eyebrows.
"I'm sure." Alden nodded.

"I'll walk back with you. I'm sure Fitz has noticed that you left and is worrying about where you are."

Dex and Alden made it back to where everyone was, and Alden was right. Fitz was worrying about where Dex was. Fitz was pacing around the place, fiddling with the ring around his finger, searching for Dex.

Dex and Alden stopped as Fitz scanned around and spotted them. Fitz seemed to let out a sigh of relief as he rushed over to Dex and his father.
"Where did-? Where did you two go off?!" Fitz questioned, glancing between Dex and Alden.
Dex and Alden glanced at each other before Alden cleared his throat and looked to Fitz.

"Dex is thinking of leaving and... if you don't want to hang around here any longer, then you can go ahead and leave with Dex." Alden said.
Fitz blinked as he looked at his dad.
"... Really?" Fitz asked.
Alden nodded.
"Yeah. Go on. Dex just doesn't like being around our judgemental family." Alden said.
Dex cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable with how Alden said that. Alden smiled and he patted Dex on the shoulder.

"I will see you later on, Fitz. And Dex, I look forward to having dinner at Rimeshire with your family next weekend." Alden said.
"I look forward to it too." Dex said, looking at Alden.
Alden then looked at Fitz.
"... Yeah, see you later, Dad." Fitz said.
Alden then walked away, leaving Fitz and Dex alone.

"... What was that-?" Fitz began, looking at Dex.
"How about I tell you what happened when we get out of here?" Dex suggested.
"Oh, sure. Rimeshire or Everglen?" Fitz asked.
Dex thought about it for a moment.
"Everglen. We'll have more privacy there. And my parents don't suspect me to be back home for at least another hour or so." Dex said.

Fitz nodded as he dug out his home crystal from his pocket. Fitz placed his hand out and Dex took it. They interlocked their fingers and Fitz lifted the crystal, light-leaping away.

Chapter Text

"So, will you tell me what happened for my dad to be so... nice to you?" Fitz asked as he and Dex were walking towards the lake nearby the house.
Dex smiled and he swung his and Fitz's arm back and forth as they were still holding hands from when they light-leapt to Everglen.

"I was sort of panicking? Wasn't doing well with everyone all around judging me and he came up to me. He asked if I wanted to step aside, I said I was fine and he... your dad asked if I wanted to join him on a stroll." Dex explained, looking at Fitz.
"We walked for a bit and then we sort of stopped until no one was near us. He just... he talked to me."
Fitz hummed, looking at Dex and listening to him.

"He... said some things. I told him it was hard to win his approval, and being around a lot of people who didn't like me? That it was a lot... he then told me I don't need to win his approval, he's just happy that you're happy." Dex continued on.
"I think your dad is accepting that you're bisexual."
Fitz seemed to smile at that news and Dex was glad to see Fitz was happy.

"Well... I'm glad my dad helped you out when you were feeling stressed...sorry for not noticing." Fitz said.
Dex shrugged. "You were busy talking to family, it's fine."
Fitz hummed in response.

The two of them made it to the lake and Dex sighed out as he looked out into the water. Dex gently let go of Fitz's hand and he sat down on the grass. Fitz looked down at Dex before he sat down next to him.

"You had fun with my cousins though, didn't you?" Fitz questioned, looking at Dex.
"Oh, tons of fun." Dex smiled at Fitz.
"But I definitely think your aunts and uncles will hate me because I taught those kids a few pranks they could pull on them."
Fitz let out a laugh.
"Pfft, some of them deserve it. And those kids deserve to have some fun. Growing up in a prestigious family can be...restricting." Fitz sighed out.

Dex studied Fitz's face as Fitz looked out into the water. Dex pressed their shoulders together as he looked out into the water too.

"Have you helped Keefe out, at all, with Tam?" Fitz asked.
"Pfft, Keefe hails me for advice every now and then but... he's doing a good job by himself. Apparently Tam talks to Biana about advice with what to do with Keefe, so... they should get together soon." Dex answered.
Fitz hummed in response.

A silence overcame them but it felt comforting.

Dex let out a soft sigh, admiring the lake and his hand rested over Fitz's hand. Fitz looked down at their hands before he gently took Dex's hand into his and interlocked their fingers. His thumb ran back and forth against the back of Dex's hand. Dex decided to rest his head on Fitz's shoulder and he shut his eyes for a few moments. Fitz looked down at Dex and he couldn't help but smile, admiring how content Dex seemed.

Fitz didn't expect to feel this happy with Dex as his fake boyfriend. He didn't expect for them to become so close, nor did he expect himself to actually gain feelings for Dex.
Fitz wished he could confess, say anything to Dex about the feelings that have stirred up in him, but Dex may think it's a cruel prank. Or Dex would laugh like he did when Fitz first asked him to be his 'boyfriend'.

"Squeezing my hand a bit too tightly, loverboy."
Fitz hadn't realised his grip on Dex's hand tightened and so he loosened it. He looked down at Dex who was now looking up at him.
"Sorry." Fitz smiled.
Dex studied Fitz's face.

"What got you so worked up?" Dex asked, bringing his free hand up to Fitz's face.
Dex began to push away some strands of hair that 'ruined' Fitz's hair/looks.
Fitz let out a soft sigh and he brought his hand over Dex's hand, holding it against his cheek. Dex tilted his head slightly, watching as Fitz leaned into Dex's touch.
"Nothing. Nothing, just... a little bit of worrying. Nothing for you to worry about." Fitz said softly.
Dex hummed quietly.

"Well, just know that you can also talk to me about whatever." Dex said.
"I'll listen and I can help with whatever worries you."
Dex's thumb rubbed Fitz's cheek in a comforting way. Fitz smiled at Dex.
"Thank you, Dex." Fitz said softly.
"But it's fine. I promise."

Fitz then leaned in. Dex bit his inner cheek for a moment as Fitz pressed their foreheads together. Fitz slightly tilted his head, about to kiss Dex.
"May I?" Fitz asked, his voice soft and quiet.
Dex couldn't help but smile,"you may."
Fitz smiled and he began to shut his eyes as he was about to press their lips together.

"Dex, watch out!!"
Fitz and Dex looked over, seeing Biana running at them. Dex blinked as he took his hands away from Fitz and Fitz seemed confused.
"Biana? What are you-?" Fitz began.

Dex shuffled back as Biana ran and tackled her brother, causing both of them to stumble back and fall into the lake. Dex held his hand over his mouth, attempting not to laugh as Biana and Fitz were now in the lake, soaking wet.

Biana seemed to grin, happy that she managed to tackle her brother in the lake. She didn't seem to mind that she got completely wet as well. Fitz grumbled and he glared at his sister. Biana yelped as she quickly got out of the lake.
"Uh! Bye Dex!! I gotta go lock myself in my room before Fitz murders mee!!" Biana called as she ran off.
Dex really couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Pfft, haha! Bye Biana!" Dex called after her.

Fitz then got out of the lake, his clothes completely soaking and his hair ruined. He clenched his hands into fists, seemingly ready to go after his sister and do something to her.

Dex couldn't help but giggle as he got up from the grass. Fitz drew his attention to Dex and his cheeks turned red. Fitz ran his fingers through his wet hair, slicking it back.
"Uhm... sorry, I guess Biana saw we were gone and decided to come back home too." Fitz said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
Dex went over to Fitz and smiled
"Oh, don't be sorry. It was hilarious to see you get tackled into the lake." Dex grinned.

"But I'll probably just go now. Leave you to get changed out of these wet clothes."
Fitz hummed, nodding.
"Right... I guess I'll see you later." Fitz said, glancing at the ground.
Dex took a step forward closer to Fitz and he gently cupped his face. Fitz looked at Dex and Dex reached up.
"Kinda got interrupted there, so I'll give you a kiss goodbye." Dex said quietly.

Fitz seemed to smile and he leaned in as Dex reached up. Their lips pressed together. The kiss only lasted for a few moments before Dex pulled away and smiled at Fitz. Dex uncupped Fitz's face and he dug into his pocket for his home crystal.
"Thank you for inviting me to the picnic, it was... mostly fun." Dex said, holding his crystal in his hand.
"I'm glad you came." Fitz smiled back at Dex.
Dex hummed and nodded.

Dex then hesitated as he was about to hold his crystal up.
"... Please forgive me, but I just have to do this?" Dex said, pressing his free hand against Fitz's chest.
"What? Do what-?" Fitz furrowed his eyebrows.
Dex then pushed Fitz back into the lake and Fitz yelped as he fell back into the cold waters of the lake again.

Dex grinned down at Fitz.
"I-! Dex!" Fitz scowled.
"Bye~! You know that I lov-" Dex began.
Dex stopped himself and his cheeks turned red as he quickly raised his crystal up and light-leapt away.

Fitz grumbled as he got out of the lake again and he looked down at his wet clothes. Fitz scowled to himself as he began to make his way back home.

It wasn't until after a few steps, Fitz had halted and he stood there for a few moments as his entire face turned red and his heart began to beat faster.

Was Dex going to say 'I love you'? Again?

Chapter Text

"I messed up, I messed up, I messed up!!" Dex wailed, pacing back and forth in his room while on a hail with Biana.

"You didn't mess up." Biana rolled her eyes.
She was drying her hair as Dex had hailed her basically as soon as he got home and as soon as she finished changing out of her wet clothes.
"I nearly said 'I love you' again." Dex huffed. "I mean, God, Fitz is gonna not wanna talk to me anymore, he's gonna feel so creeped out and ughhHhgHh!"

Dex went over to his bed, laid face down and groaned loudly into his pillow. Biana watched as Dex did this.

"I'm pretty sure, like 100% sure, that Fitz has mutual feelings for you, Dex." Biana said.
"You're saying that to make me feel better." Dex mumbled, turning his face to look at Biana.
"I'm not." Biana shook her head.

"I mean, at the picnic he literally did not deny that he was smitten with you when I said he was. And he said, and I quote, 'I'm falling for him more and more everyday'. And he shown no emotion of deception, he said that while staring at you lovingly, may I add, while you were messing about with our cousins."

Dex looked at Biana.
"... And how do I know what you're telling me is true?" Dex questioned.
"I would never lie to you when it comes to your love for my brother." Biana answered.
Dex bit his lower lip as he sat up and held his imparter up.
"You really think the feeling is mutual?"
Biana nodded.

"Even when you two were about to kiss when I got back, I mean... Dex, for god's sake, anyone could have picked up on the fact that you two are in love, deeply in love!" Biana exclaimed.
Dex furrowed his eyebrows.
"Right, so why'd you ruin that moment by tackling your brother in the lake?" Dex questioned.
"Once in a lifetime opportunity." Biana shrugged.
"He was distracted, for once, letting his guard down, so I could finally shove him in. Yeah, I also fell in, but it was worth it."

"Plus, I know you shoved Fitz into the lake too. He was shouting about it when he came home, trying to come into my room to scold me and before he left he said something like, 'First, I don't get a kiss and I get shoved in by my sister, and secondly I get a kiss but I get shoved in by my boyfriend?'" Biana said.

"Did you shove him after or before you nearly said 'I love you' to him again?"
Dex's cheeks turned red.
"I shoved him in after our kiss, and I nearly said 'I love you' while saying bye and attempting to tease him afterwards." Dex answered.
"... You guys are idiots." Biana sighed out.
"... Thanks." Dex mumbled.

"So... how do I go about this?" Dex asked, looking at Biana.
"You could talk to Fitz. Have a deep conversation." Biana suggested.
"Y'know, confess to him."
Dex bit his inner cheek.
"I-I'm not good at that sort of thing." Dex said.
"Ah, so you can't talk about your feelings, but you can kiss him?" Biana questioned.
"Hey, don't question me!" Dex huffed.
Biana rolled her eyes.

"Look... if you don't feel confident, or believe that my brother likes you back, just wait a little longer. You two are still going to act like a couple for a little longer, aren't you?" Biana tilted her head at Dex.
"Yeah, another week or two." Dex nodded.
"Then... if it gets to the point where you're talking about the fake break up, then... you can talk to him then." Biana said.
Dex thought about it to himself.

"... Actually, Fitz did say he'd owe me a favour once we finished this whole fake dating thing..." Dex mumbled, furrowing his eyebrows.
Biana raised her eyebrows.
"Is an idea appearing in your mind?" Biana questioned.
"Yeah." Dex smiled at Biana.
"Yep, I think I know how I want this to play out."

"... You gonna tell me or-?"
"Nope. I think I'll keep this to myself!"
"What?? I'm your bestest friend!"
"Uh-huh, and I need to start planning this out! So, I am gonna go now, talk to you later!!"
"What-?? Dex!!"
Dex disconnected from Biana and he instantly got up from his bed, heading over to his desk.

He had a couple of ideas of how he could go about this, he had to write them down and then decide how he would do this.

Chapter Text

"This is stupid." Biana said as she was holding Fitz's hand, using her ability on both of them.
"I got my revenge on you, now I need to get my revenge on my boyfriend." Fitz said, his voice quieter than usual.
"So romantic." Biana rolled her eyes.

The two of them quietly and slowly approached Dex from behind. Dex was by his locker, and he was rummaging through it, looking for something. Fitz and Biana got closer. Fitz was directly behind Dex and Biana was slightly behind Fitz.
Fitz was about to squeeze Biana's hand, to signal that she should stop using her ability, but Dex shut his locker and he turned around.

Fitz froze as he swore Dex was staring right at him.
"... Biana?" Dex looked around, suspicious. "If that's you, stalking around me, could you not? It's not very nice."
Fitz looked to Biana and Biana shrugged at Fitz. Fitz gave Biana a look.
'Don't. Please, don't you dare!' Fitz had transmitted to his sister.

Biana let go of Fitz's hand and she turned off her ability. Dex blinked, not expecting Fitz to be stood there, sighing out in disappointment.
"What are you doing?" Dex smiled at Fitz, tilting his head.
"Just... wanted to get revenge on you after you shoved me in the lake, after kissing me." Fitz said, looking at Dex.
"Mmh... what a sweet boyfriend you are." Dex said, bringing his hand up to Fitz's cheek and giving it a little pat.

Dex looked to Biana.
"Did he get his revenge on you yesterday or something?" Dex questioned.
"Dyed my hair a hideous colour." Biana said. "It was thankfully temporary, but he made it seem like I could never get my hair to be naturally beautiful again."
Biana flicked her hair over her shoulder with her hand. Dex smiled.

"And you wanted to... what? Scare me?" Dex questioned, looking at Fitz.
"Not scare, exactly, just... surprise you like you surprised me." Fitz shrugged.
Dex hummed.
"...Will you promise me that you won't attempt to get revenge on me?" Dex asked.
Fitz stared at Dex, not providing an answer. Dex raised his eyebrows.

"What if I let you do whatever you want to me?" Dex asked.
"Ew, don't say that around me." Biana fake gagged.
Dex's cheeks turned red and he glared at Biana.
"Don't make it dirty." Dex scowled.
Biana grinned at Dex.

Dex looked to Fitz.
"... Whatever I want?" Fitz tilted his head.
"As long as it's reasonable." Dex nodded.
Fitz hummed. He took a few moments to think about this.
"Alright. I will swing by Rimeshire later on. Except I'd rather have your parents not know, or your siblings, and we'll hide out in your room, with the door locked while I get you to do whatever I want." Fitz smiled at Dex.

"... You're making it sound bad." Dex frowned at Fitz.
"Yeah, I mean, God Fitz... don't try to be all... intimate with your sister around!" Biana exclaimed, scrunching her nose up in disgust at her brother.
Fitz rolled his eyes.
"You two are making it dirty. I am not insinuating anything dirty!!" Fitz exclaimed.

Dex sighed out.
"I think I can sneak you in the house without anyone knowing." Dex said, crossing his arms. "Just hail me later on when you'll be over and when you'll be outside the house, okay?"
Fitz nodded. "Got it."

The two boys smiled at each other and Biana could sense the love between them.
"Rightt...well, I gotta go talk to one of my mentors before lessons start. I'll see you guys at lunch." Biana said, backing away.
"Bye." Dex waved at Biana.
"Later." Fitz said, watching as his sister left.

Fitz then faced Dex.
"Hey, so are we gonna talk about how you nearly said that you loved me when you last said bye to me?" Fitz asked, tilting his head.
Dex stared at Fitz.
"We are not." Dex smiled. "I, myself, also need to talk to one of my mentors. So, I'll catch you later?"
Fitz let out a sigh but he smiled at Dex.
"See you." Fitz said, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

Dex was about to walk off but he quickly went up closer to Fitz, reached up and kissed his cheek. Dex instantly turned away and left Fitz once he kissed him on the cheek.
Fitz looked over and he smiled as he bit his inner cheek, watching as Dex seemed to speed-walk away.

Fitz liked seeing how much more confident Dex seemed to be now. I mean, at first he was a flustered mess, and it was cute, but... Dex being confident and making moves on his own? Fitz definitely liked that.

And now Fitz had to come up with an idea of what he could make Dex do later on, as 'revenge' for shoving him in the lake.

Chapter Text

Dex had exited the house, holding the front door slightly open as he looked to see Fitz had light-leapt over.

"Hey." Fitz smiled at Dex, going up towards him.
"Shh. The triplets are at Slurps and Burps with my dad, my mom is still home." Dex said, his voice quiet. "So, you're gonna have to run up to my room while I distract her. Okay?"
Fitz raised his eyebrows. "She's... not gonna be suspicious? Or want to hang out with you, have some mother-son bonding time?"
Dex scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"She has five children in her house." Dex stated.
Fitz furrowed his eyebrows, looking at his hands as he counted in his mind the triplets, plus Dex. Fitz tilted his head at Dex, holding up four of his fingers.
"Oh, four actual children and a husband who acts like a child." Dex smiled at Fitz, reaching over and lifting up Fitz's thumb.
"Ah." Fitz nodded, pointing his palm towards himself, before placing his hand into his pocket.

"Come in now, and I'll run to the kitchen. Pretty sure she's making some sort of dessert for when my dad and the triplets get back, something we can have while we have tea and talk." Dex said, backing away.
Fitz followed Dex into the house. Dex shut the door once Fitz was in, locking it after he shut it.

"Go." Dex whispered, gently pushing Fitz away towards the staircase.
Fitz stumbled forward and he rolled his eyes as he quickly made his way to the stairs. Dex watched for a few moments before he decided to go ahead and go to the kitchen.

"Was there someone at the door?" Juline asked as Dex entered the kitchen.
Dex went over to the fridge and he opened it, grabbing a bottle of lushberry juice.
"Oh, I thought I heard something outside so I checked. It was just an animal." Dex explained (lied) to his mother, looking at her.
She was making some sort of brownie-like batter in a bowl.

"Mmh... well, do you want to help me out?" Juline asked, looking to Dex.
Dex shut the fridge door and he fiddled with the bottle of lushberry juice in his hand.
"I kind of want to fiddle about with some gadgets since there's peace and quiet with the triplets and dad gone. Is that okay?" Dex asked.
Juline smiled at Dex and nodded.
"That's fine, sweetie." Juline said.

"You have fun. Your father and the triplets should be back in 2 hours or so, okay?"
Dex nodded.
"Kay. Have fun baking. It already looks good!" Dex said, walking off.
Juline watched as Dex walked away and she noticed Dex seemed to have a bit of pep in his step.

Juline shook her head as she continued to mix the batter.
Did her son really think that she was that easy to fool? She knew he was hiding something... or maybe she should say someone.

Juline would let the two boys have their fun. They were mature and she trusted that they wouldn't do anything bad.

Dex had successfully made it back to his room. He opened the door and he entered, shutting the door behind him and locking it.
"I don't think she suspected anything." Dex said, looking over to see Fitz was sitting on his bed.
"I feel like this was too easy, sneaking in." Fitz said as Dex went over to the desk.

Dex sat down the bottle of lushberry juice on his desk before he turned around and leaned against it.
"Would you have preferred it to be harder?" Dex questioned, raising an eyebrow.
Fitz squinted his eyes, thinking about it.
"Not sure. I like a bit of a challenge sometimes." Fitz said, shuffling back onto the bed, crossing his legs together.

Dex smiled.
"What do you have planned? What do you want me to do, Fitzroy?" Dex asked, tilting his head.
"Ooh, right into it? Shouldn't we like... just talk for a little bit? Get used to each other's presence before-" Fitz began.
"We got about 2 hours before my dad and the triplets get back." Dex cut off Fitz. "And who knows if my mother will decide to come up to check on me?"
"... Good points." Fitz nodded.

"Yeah, so how will you take revenge on me?" Dex asked, crossing his arms and smiling sweetly at Fitz.
Fitz bit his inner cheek.
"I propose a little challenge for you." Fitz said. "I either transmit things to you, or whisper things to you, while we are sat extremely close to each other, our lips really close, but you have to try as hard as you can to not kiss me."
Dex blinked, staring at Fitz.

"... You think I can't control myself?" Dex questioned.
Fitz shrugged.
" Well, we'll see if you can or cannot control yourself." Fitz smiled.
Dex stayed silent for a few moments.
"How long?" Dex asked.
"How long, what?" Fitz titled his head.
"How long do I have to resist kissing you as you tell me sweet, charming things? Like, is there a time limit?" Dex questioned.

Fitz thought about it for a few moments.
"Twenty minutes?" Fitz questioned.
Dex raised his eyebrows.
"... Fine." Dex shrugged.
Dex opened up his desk drawer and he grabbed this gadget he made, his own timer.
"Twenty minutes it is."
Dex pressed a couple buttons on the timer as he went over to Fitz on the bed. Dex got onto his bed and he sat down, setting the timer down next to them.
"Time starts... now." Dex said, clicking a button to start the timer.

Dex looked at Fitz and Fitz patted his lap.
"C'mere." Fitz said, smiling at Dex.
"Not a dog, but okay." Dex mumbled, shuffling over and straddling himself onto Fitz's lap.
Dex's arms wrapped around Fitz's neck and Fitz's arms wrapped around Dex's waist, holding him closer.

Fitz leaned in extremely close and Dex nearly leaned in himself before he forgot that he wasn't supposed to. Their lips were inches apart and they kept their eyes on each other.
"So, what happens if I kiss you before the timer goes off?" Dex asked, his voice quieter now.
"Mmh, haven't thought about it." Fitz said.

"But you would be punished."
"... Punished-?"
"Don't make this dirty."
"I wasn't!"

Dex smiled at Fitz and Fitz couldn't help but smile back.
"I thought you were going to transmit compliments to me?" Dex teased.
Fitz rolled his eyes.
"Can you be quiet while we do this?" Fitz questioned.
"You didn't specify I had to be quiet before we started, so-" Dex began.

"As much as I love hearing you teasing me and making comments, I would appreciate it if you'd let me do this how I want to do it." Fitz said, his voice like a whisper now.
That, somehow, effectively shut Dex up. Fitz seemed to smile, gently pressing the tip of their noses together.
"Thank you~"

Dex gulped.
"I- isn't this...a bit too much? Fitz, we're fake dating." Dex said quietly.
Fitz stared into Dex's eyes, noticing that Dex was already starting to crumble.
"We've made out." Fitz stated. "Full-on made out, and this is a bit too much?"
Dex glanced at Fitz's lips before looking back up into Fitz's eyes. They held eye contact.

"We're doing this because I shoved you into a lake. Why don't you just shove me into a lake and we'll call it even?" Dex questioned.
"Dex Dizznee, are you telling me that you'd rather get all soaking wet by me shoving you into a lake rather than resisting the urge to kiss me for twenty minutes like this?" Fitz questioned, tilting his head.
Dex's breath hitched as Fitz got closer by tilting his head.
"... No." Dex said quietly.

Fitz grinned.
"You're flustered. It's cute." Fitz said quietly.
Dex took a deep breath and he gently shut his eyes, resting his forehead against Fitz's.
"Didn't say I had to keep my eyes open." Dex mumbled.
Fitz smiled at seeing how Dex's cheeks seemed to be a little red and how he kept his eyes shut.

Fitz's hands began to fiddle with Dex's shirt. Fitz felt Dex jolt a little.
"Relax." Fitz whispered.
"You're doing well. I mean, it's been like..."
Fitz glanced at the timer.
"Five minutes."
"Fifteen more minutes..." Dex whispered to himself.

Fitz noticed how Dex still had his eyes shut and so Fitz focused for a moment, transmitting a message to Dex.
'Open your eyes for me, darling. I want to stare into your beautiful eyes. Please?' Fitz tried to make the 'please' sound as pleading as he could.
Dex seemed to be reluctant.
"Dex, darling, I just want to get lost in your eyes. Please? The colour of your eyes are so beautiful."
Dex seemed to give into Fitz's soft and pleading voice.

Dex's eyes opened and he met Fitz's gaze. Dex saw the admiration in Fitz's eyes and Fitz smiled.
"That's my pretty boy." Fitz whispered.
Dex felt multiple tugs at his heart strings. Dex nearly melted there. He swore he had hearts in his eyes as he stared back at Fitz. Fitz noticed how Dex looked at him and his smile just grew.

"Your pretty boy?" Dex whispered, tilting his head. "Yours?"
Fitz bit his lower lip and he reluctantly nodded.
"Yeah. Mine." Fitz said softly. "Can I not say that?"
"It's making it harder to not kiss you." Dex confessed, glancing at Fitz's lips.

"Ah, so should I keep calling you mine in order to get you to kiss me and lose this challenge?" Fitz questioned, his hand gently and slowly trailing up and down Dex's back.
Dex's breath hitched and he took a deep breath.
"It's not gonna work if you were to continuously keep calling me yours." Dex smiled at Fitz, holding eye contact with him.
"Mmh... back to flirting and complimenting you it is then." Fitz said.

Fitz kept running his fingers gently across Dex's back. Dex felt tingly, he felt shiver down his spine and he brought his hands towards Fitz's face. Dex cupped Fitz's face and Fitz seemed to tilt his head, his lips gently pressing against the palm of one of Dex's hands.
"You're so gentle." Fitz whispered against Dex's palm.
Dex gulped as he watched Fitz carefully.

"You're too comfortable with this." Dex said softly.
"Being so close, so kissy with me. Complimenting me like this."
"You don't mind it though, do you?" Fitz asked, tilting his head to face Dex again.
Fitz leaned in as close as he was before and Dex smiled.
"I don't." Dex said, leaning in, pressing their foreheads together.

"You need to try harder, Fitzroy. I don't think I've had to hold back my urge to kiss you for a good little bit now."
Dex glanced at the timer.
"Eleven more minutes. Nearly the halfway mark. I think I'll be able to get through this."

"... Good to know I'm resistible to someone." Fitz nodded.
"Oh, well, someone has to keep your ego in check." Dex grinned.
"Yeah but I don't like the fact that it's my boyfriend who doesn't find me irresistible." Fitz frowned slightly at Dex.
Dex rolled his eyes.
"Oh, poor you~ the Great Fitz Vacker has one person who doesn't admire him~!" Dex teased.

Fitz seemed to pout and Dex couldn't help but giggle.
"Stop that." Dex said softly.
"You're supposed to be making me flustered and trying to resist kissing you."
"It's kinda hard to do those things since you're being mean to me and teasing me." Fitz stated.

"You got nine minutes now." Dex stated, glancing at the timer.
"Keep your eyes on me. The timer will go off when the time is up." Fitz huffed.
Dex looked back at Fitz and they held each other's gaze.
"Okay. I'll keep my eyes on you." Dex smiled, gently rubbing his thumbs against Fitz's cheeks.
"But c'mon, you need to up your game."

Fitz huffed.
"Up my game?" Fitz questioned.
"Yes. I am not feeling like kissing you right now." Dex nodded slightly.
"Will begging make you feel like kissing me?" Fitz asked, a small smile on his face
Dex rolled his eyes.
"Definitely not." Dex stated.
Fitz hummed.

Fitz leaned in, causing Dex to slide his hands down to the sides of Fitz's neck, and he placed a small kiss on the corner of Dex's mouth. Dex tensed up for a moment.
"H-hey, who said that you could-?!" Dex began to scowl.
"I didn't say I couldn't kiss you." Fitz grinned.
"That's cruel." Dex huffed.
Fitz leaned in, placing a few more kisses against Dex's cheek.
"You like it when I kiss you." Fitz whispered.

Dex seemed to make a whiney noise and Fitz grinned. He was getting to Dex. It seemed like Fitz kissing Dex and whispering stuff to him did the trick.

"I don't like you kissing me now." Dex mumbled.
"Because you can't kiss me back?" Fitz asked, smiling up at Dex.
"And you're finding this fun. I know you are." Dex added, holding eye contact with Fitz again.
"It's annoying that you find my suffering amusing."

"Ah, being unable to kiss me is insufferable then?" Fitz questioned.
"Twisting my words is also very annoying." Dex raised an eyebrow at Fitz.
"You enjoy me twisting your words." Fitz grinned at Dex.
Dex smiled, glancing at Fitz's lips.

"How much longer?" Dex questioned.
Fitz glanced at the timer.
"Seven minutes, nearly six more minutes." Fitz stated, looking back at Dex.
"Mmh, I can do it." Dex nodded slightly.
"You sure, darling?" Fitz asked, tilting his head.
Dex bit his inner cheek.
"Very sure." Dex answered, his voice quieter than it was before.
Fitz hummed.

Fitz seemed to bite his lower lip, causing Dex to avert his gaze towards Fitz's lips. Fitz continued to rub Dex's back gently with his fingertips.
"I was expecting you to be more jittery." Fitz said, using a soft tone.
"I've mostly gotten used to this." Dex shrugged slightly, looking back up into Fitz's eyes.
Fitz smiled as he now averted his gaze to Dex's lips.

"Have I told you that your lips are quite nice against mine?" Fitz questioned.
"Weird thing to say to a guy you'd never actually date." Dex stated, watching as Fitz kept his eyes on his lips for a few more moments.
"You keep ruining the mood." Fitz frowned slightly, meeting Dex's gaze again.
"Good. I'm in it to win. I don't want to fall for your charms to lose this challenge and for you to make up another weird punishment for me to do." Dex smiled.

Fitz couldn't help but smile back.
"Weird? This isn't weird-" Fitz began.
"Oh, it so is!" Dex exclaimed.
"I mean, you want to see if your fake boyfriend can resist kissing you, and you want to try and make me want to kiss you. I mean, I'm sat on your lap, you're kinda touchy with me, and you are extremely close to me."
Dex pressed their noses together and they locked eyes.
"It's weird."

"You didn't have to do this." Fitz stated. "If you were so uncomfortable with it, you could have said no and I would have come up with something else."
Dex raised his eyebrows.
"Maybe you wanted to see if you could resist this. If you could really handle not kissing me when we're close like this." Fitz said, tilting his head slightly.

"Oh please, I've resisted the urge to ki-" Dex began to scowl, rolling his eyes.
Dex stopped himself and Fitz raised his eyebrows.
"What was that?" Fitz grinned.
"... I've resisted the urge to kiss a person, I've liked for a long time, before." Dex managed to smile at Fitz.
"I know I can do this."

"Can I know who this person was?" Fitz questioned.
"No, you can not." Dex maintained a smile on his face as he answered Fitz's question.
"You're no fun." Fitz frowned.

"Would you like to gossip about previous crushes like two girls?" Dex raised his eyebrows.
"... Not right now, because I have very little time left to make you want to kiss me, but maybe afterwards?" Fitz smiled at Dex.
"Nope. Not happening." Dex shook his head slightly, his smile widening.

"Like I said, you're no fun." Fitz sighed out.
"Ohh, how desperate I am to kiss a guy who said I am no fun!" Dex exclaimed.
Fitz rolled his eyes at Dex's sarcasm and Dex couldn't help but giggle.
"Kinda want to kiss you now." Fitz said, admiring Dex and loving how he sounded when he laughed.

Dex's cheeks seemed to turn red and Fitz smiled.
"You can't just say stuff like that." Dex mumbled, leaning in closer to Fitz.
"Why not?" Fitz glanced at Dex's lips.
"Because that then makes me want to kiss you." Dex huffed, also glancing at Fitz's lips.
"Well, that's what I want to achieve, so~" Fitz grinned.
Dex smiled.

Dex glanced at the timer.
"Two minutes." Dex stated, looking back at Fitz.
"Can you really handle waiting two more minutes?" Fitz questioned.
"Who said I'd kiss you when the time would be over?" Dex grinned.
Fitz stayed silent as Dex was grinning deviously.

"... Your urges?" Fitz furrowed his eyebrows.
Dex smiled.
"Ah, because you know that I have a huge urge to kiss you right now, is that it?" Dex questioned, tilting his head.
"Well, I am simply making a guess because you said that I was making it harder for you not to kiss me." Fitz stated.
"Mmh...I guess that's reasonable." Dex shrugged slightly.

"Now c'mon, pretty boy. Compliment me a little more, boost my ego for once."
"That'll make you want to kiss me even more?" Fitz questioned.
"We'll see." Dex smiled, sliding his hands up behind Fitz's head, his fingers running through his brunette locks.
Fitz bit his lower lip as Dex's fingers entangled themselves into his hair.

Fitz thought for a few moments, deciding on what he could compliment Dex on.
"... Is there not a lot to say?" Dex questioned, furrowing his eyebrows.
"I said a lot of things to you when you slept over at Everglen." Fitz stated.
"There is a few more things I could mention, but I am deciding how I should word it."

"...I feel like I should be offended."
"Don't feel offended. I'm just being foolish."
"That makes me feel better."

"I like how you can speak your mind when you're around me." Fitz stated, finally saying something.
"Oh?" Dex raised an eyebrow at Fitz.
Fitz smiled as he looked at Dex.
"You're not afraid to snap at me. To tell me off. Sometimes you say things without thinking around me, and I like that. It... it shows that you're comfortable around me." Fitz said softly, glancing at Dex's lips once again.

Dex's gaze rested on Fitz's eyes, watching how he looked at his lips.
"Go on." Dex whispered.
"It's admirable." Fitz continued on.
"And I like how when you say things without thinking it through first and as you're saying it, you suddenly cut yourself off and get all flustered. It's adorable seeing your face turn red."
Fitz took a hand away from behind Dex and towards Dex's cheek, caressing it with his fingers. Dex bit his lower lip, his heart beating quite loudly now.

Fitz glanced at the timer before looking back at Dex and holding eye contact.
'30 seconds left.' Fitz transmitted to Dex.
Dex seemed to gulp as his gaze averted to Fitz's lips.

"You're eager." Fitz stated.
"I'm not eager." Dex mumbled.
"You're telling me that you aren't counting down the seconds until the time is up in your mind?" Fitz questioned.
Dex stayed silent and Fitz grinned.

"You're desperate to kiss me." Fitz whispered. "You don't have to wait if you kiss me now."
"I'm not losing to you, Wonder Boy." Dex huffed, glancing up at Fitz. "It's just a few more seconds. I am not going to go through a silly punishment of yours if I kiss you before that timer goes off."
Fitz hummed as he glanced at the timer and looked back at Dex.

"Five."

Fitz began to count down, leaning away slightly from Dex.

"Four."

Dex raised an eyebrow as he shuffled closer to Fitz, adjusting his position on Fitz's lap.

"Three."

Dex's hands gently pushed Fitz's head towards him.

"Two..."

Fitz tilted his head as Dex studied his face for a moment.

"One."

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

Chapter Text

As soon as the timer went off, Dex instantly locked his lips against Fitz's.
Fitz managed to kiss Dex back for only a second before Dex slightly pulled away and leaned in towards Fitz's ear.
"I win." Dex whispered.
Fitz felt his heart flutter and he instantly pressed their lips together again.

The timer kept beeping in the background, so Fitz clumsily used one of his hands to grab the timer as he continued to kiss Dex. Fitz managed to turn off the timer and he brought his hand towards Dex's face, gently holding it.

Dex smiled into the kiss, tilting his head and he gently pushed Fitz back. Fitz complied, leaning back as he and Dex kissed, Dex leaned in with him. Fitz's shoulders hit the headboard of the bed. Dex's hands slid away from Fitz's hair and down to his shoulders. Fitz's hand rested on Dex's lower back, fiddling with the fabric of Dex's shirt.

A few more seconds passed before they both pulled away from each other.
"Shit, you really were eager." Fitz grinned.
Dex's cheeks turned red and he rolled his eyes.
"Shut up." Dex mumbled.
"Only if-" Fitz began.

They both seemed to jump as there was a knock on Dex's bedroom door.
"Uhm, what's up?!" Dex called, sitting up properly on Fitz's lap.
"I heard some noises from up here, is everything okay?" Juline called from the other side of the door.
"Mmhm, yep! Fine! I just wanted to see if I could make something within 20 minutes!! The timer just went off while I was adding some finishing touches!!" Dex exclaimed, facing towards the door.

Dex glanced at Fitz and noticed that Fitz was holding back a snicker. Dex grabbed one of his pillows and he pressed it gently against Fitz's face.
"Oh, okay... well, I'll leave you be then!" Juline shouted. "Just be careful with what you're doing, Dex!"
"Mmhmm!! I will!" Dex shouted back.
Dex then heard his mother's footsteps heading away from his room.

Dex lifted the pillow from Fitz's face and Fitz laughed.
"Finishing touches?" Fitz questioned.
"I'm gonna murder you." Dex smiled at Fitz.
"Awh, then you won't be able to kiss me anymore." Fitz smiled as he tilted his head at Dex.

"I'm sure I could find someone else to kiss. Maybe someone better than you." Dex said, leaning in as he gently held the pillow against Fitz's chest.
"You wound me." Fitz frowned, reaching up towards Dex.
"Would a kiss make you feel better?" Dex tilted his head, grinning at Fitz.
"... Maybe a little." Fitz shrugged, smiling back at Dex.

Dex placed a peck on Fitz's lips before he got off from Fitz's lap and laid down next to him, resting his head on Fitz's shoulder.
"Wha- hey!" Fitz frowned, gently chucking the pillow at Dex.
Dex giggled as he held the pillow against his chest now, cuddling with it as he looked up at Fitz.

"That wasn't a kiss." Fitz frowned.
"It was a kiss." Dex smiled.
Fitz kept pouting and Dex rolled his eyes.
"We gotta cool down on the kissing. Especially since this'll be over soon." Dex said, placing the pillow back to where it originally was before.
Fitz wrapped his arm around Dex's shoulder and Dex tilted his head, burying his face into Fitz's neck.

"Well, shouldn't we be kissing even more if this'll be over soon? Kiss as much as we can?" Fitz questioned
"Why do you wanna kiss me so much, I thought I wasn't the guy you were looking for?" Dex asked, lifting his head and raising an eyebrow at Fitz.
Fitz stayed silent, his cheeks turning red.
"... I'm a player and I like kissing people??" Fitz shrugged.
Dex couldn't help but smile.

"You could never be a player." Dex stated.
"I have a ton of girls throwing themselves at me." Fitz retorted.
"Yeah, you have a ton of fangirls and fanboys, but you don't accept their advances. And you like to put all of your attention on the person you're interested in." Dex said. "When you're in love, you just focus on that person you've fallen in love with."

Fitz brought his hand up to Dex's hair and gently twirled his fingers around a couple of strands of Dex's hair.
"You know me too well." Fitz stated.
"How do you even know that-?"
"Oh come on, I observed a lot of our friends when I was always left in the shadows. I noticed how you acted towards Sophie." Dex rolled his eyes.
"Mmh..." Fitz hummed in response.

A silence overcame them and Dex snuggled closer to Fitz as Fitz continued to play with his hair.

"How are you feeling about the dinner we're going to have this weekend?" Dex asked.
"A little nervous about how my dad will act towards your parents, and how Lex is going to act towards me." Fitz stated. "But, I think I'm actually excited."

Dex looked up at Fitz and Fitz smiled at Dex.
"Excited?" Dex raised an eyebrow.
"I mean... it'll be interesting to see how everyone will act, right? Biana will probably be a menace with the triplets, I'm sure our mothers will be kind to one another and... I want to see if my dad will be amused by your dad or not." Fitz stated.

"And... we'll probably spend time together afterwards too, right?"
Fitz looked at Dex and they locked eyes.
"Probably." Dex smiled at Fitz.
"I'm definitely excited to have some alone time with you then." Fitz smiled back at Dex.

"We have alone time together now." Dex stated.
"Truee...but this will be after a long dinner surrounded by family." Fitz stated. "And I'll most likely be drained from all the socialising and I'll need you to energise me."
"And how will I energise you?" Dex raised his eyebrows at Fitz.

"Mmh, I dunno." Fitz shrugged.
"Kissing, cuddling, boosting my ego, just... talking?"
"Orr... all of the above?" Dex suggested.
"... I like all of the above." Fitz nodded, grinning at Dex.
Dex smiled and he shut his eyes.

"Don't fall asleep on me, Dizznee." Fitz said softly.
"But you're so comfortable~" Dex sighed out.
Fitz smiled, admiring Dex as he continued to play with his strawberry blonde hair. Fitz leaned in and he placed a soft kiss on top of Dex's head. Dex leaned in closer to Fitz.

"How much longer do you want me to stay here?" Fitz asked, his voice soft and quiet.
Dex shrugged. "Dunno, don't mind."
"I just like having you here."
Fitz studied Dex's face. He looked as if he were about to drift off to sleep.
"Alright. I'll stick around a little longer." Fitz said softly.

Fitz knew Dex had trouble sleeping, since Dex told him that. Fitz has noticed that Dex falls asleep quickly when he's in the presence of his 'boyfriend' too. So, Fitz would let Dex rest for a little bit.

Fitz wanted to make sure that his boyfriend would be well-rested and content.

Chapter Text

Fitz's eyes opened and he furrowed his eyebrows as he saw a face hovering above him. Fitz's vision was blurry but soon focused and his eyes widened slightly as he saw it was Bex.

"What are you-?" Fitz began. "The door is locked-?"
"I'm a phaser." Bex rolled her eyes as she backed away.
Fitz sat up but he noticed Dex was still sleeping against him. Fitz looked at Dex and his hands were still in Dex's hair.

"How long has it been?" Fitz asked quietly.
"Dunno, we got back like ten minutes ago." Bex shrugged.
"So you've been watching Dex and I sleeping for ten minutes?" Fitz raised his eyebrows.
"More like five." Bex said.

"You're not gonna bug me? Ask me to play with you guys?" Fitz asked.
Bex glanced at her brother who seemed to snuggle closer to Fitz in his sleep.
"I've never seen Dex at peace while he was asleep." Bex stated, still looking at her brother. "Whenever he drifts to sleep, he wakes up within minutes or is shaking while he's asleep. Bad dreams probably. Nothing really helps him though."

Bex looked back to Fitz.
"You help." Bex smiled at Fitz.
Fitz blinked and he glanced at Dex.
Fitz gently ran his fingers through Dex's hair.
"So you're going to leave us alone?" Fitz asked, looking back at Bex.
Bex nodded.
"Your parents or siblings know I'm here?" Fitz questioned.
Bex shook her head.

"You got another hour though. We're supposed to have tea and something that our mom made by then." Bex said.
Fitz hummed.
"Thank you. I'll make sure he's awake and I'll be gone by then." Fitz said.
Bex smiled back at Fitz.
"Whatever keeps my brother happy." Bex shrugged, backing away.
"Bye Fitz!"
"Bye." Fitz smiled at Bex.
Fitz watched as Bex used her ability to go through the door, leaving the room.

Fitz looked back at Dex. Dex was still asleep. Fitz leaned in and he pressed his lips against Dex's forehead. Fitz backed away and he studied Dex's face. Fitz furrowed his eyebrows as he noticed Dex's lips seemed to twitch, as if he was restraining himself from smiling.

"... You're awake." Fitz stated.
Dex squinted open one of his eyes to look at Fitz.
"No?" Dex grinned as he opened his eyes now.
Fitz smiled.
"Bex also wake you up?" Fitz asked.
"You and my sister woke me up with your talking." Dex said, bringing his hand up and making a chattering motion with it.

"Mmh, and how do you feel about your sister saying that stuff about you sleeping peacefully in my presence?" Fitz grinned.
Dex bit his inner cheek.
"... We're not discussing that." Dex answered.

"What will we discuss then?" Fitz asked.
"How you should probably go." Dex replied, sitting up properly.
Fitz's hand slipped away from Dex and Dex got up from the bed.
"What? You don't want me here?" Fitz frowned.

"My father and the triplets are back. Plus you've been here longer than I expected to have you over for." Dex replied, looking back at Fitz.
Fitz sighed as he got up from the bed and he smoothened out his shirt with his hands.
"Mmh, fine." Fitz said, digging his hand into his pocket.

Dex went over towards his desk and he leaned against it, facing Fitz. Fitz held his home crystal in hand as he went over to Dex.
"I'm assuming we won't be hanging out much after school from now?" Fitz questioned.
"I doubt it. My parents will want to plan everything out for dinner this weekend." Dex replied.
Fitz hummed, nodding.

"... Right." Fitz said.
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow then."
Fitz stepped closer to Dex and he brought a hand up to Dex's cheek.
Dex looked up at Fitz, smiling.
"Such a sweet goodbye from my fake boyfriend." Dex said, gently grabbing Fitz's wrist.
"Oh, you love it." Fitz smiled, leaning in.

Fitz gently pressed their lips together. Dex sunk into the kiss, enjoying the sensation as it lasted for another few seconds. Fitz pulled away and pressed his forehead against Dex's.

"Hail me if there are any worries about dinner this weekend, from you or your parents. Okay?" Fitz said softly.
Dex held eye contact with Fitz and Dex noticed a strange emotion of admiration from Fitz.
"Okay, I will." Dex smiled.

"Now go. I'll see you tomorrow."
Fitz backed away from Dex, taking his hand away from Dex too.
"See you~" Fitz said, blowing a kiss to Dex.
Dex's cheeks heated up as Fitz held the crystal up with a huge grin on his face before he light-leapt away.
"What an ass..." Dex mumbled to himself, his stomach having that strange fluttery feeling.

Dex was definitely nervous about this dinner with his family and the Vacker family. Especially since Dex had a strong feeling that this fake relationship with Fitz will end soon after that dinner.

Chapter Text

"Are we sure everything is perfect?" Juline questioned as Dex was gently shoving his mother towards the front door where the rest of their family was.
"Yes! Everything is perfect. The dinner table is fine, our outfits are nice too, and hopefully the triplets will be on their best behaviour, like they promised!" Dex exclaimed.

"Stop worrying, dear." Kesler said as Juline went over to him.
Kesler placed his hand on Juline's shoulder and squeezed it as he leaned in, placing a kiss on Juline's cheek.

"Eww! Affection!!" Bex gagged.
"Oh, if you don't like affection, then I guess I'll stop loving you!" Kesler grinned at his daughter.
Bex gasped and she looked to her mother.
"Moomm! Dad won't love me anymore!!" Bex wailed.
"Kesler, please don't say such things. Bex, you too. Especially since the Vackers will be here soon and-"

There was a knock on the door.

Dex looked to his parents who seemed to be a little nervous. Dex glanced at the triplets who were fiddling with their clothes too. Dex took a deep breath and he went over to the front door, unlocking it and opening it.

"Thanks for coming." Dex smiled as he stepped aside for Della, Alden, Biana and Fitz to enter.
"Oh, of course! We couldn't not have a dinner with Fitz's boyfriend's family." Della said, entering the house alongside with Alden.
Alden gave Dex a small smile and Dex smiled back.

Biana entered behind her parents and she smiled at Dex.
"Can't wait for chaos to emerge." Biana said, quietly.
"Oh you shush." Dex rolled his eyes.
Biana giggled and she went over to greet Dex's family.

Fitz then entered and Dex shut the door behind Fitz. Fitz turned around and faced Dex.
"I've missed you." Fitz said, his voice a little quiet.
"You've seen me at school." Dex retorted, smiling at Fitz.
"Eh, not the same." Fitz shook his head.
Fitz leaned in and kissed Dex's cheek. Dex couldn't stop smiling.

Dex went up beside Fitz, interlocking their arms as they watched how their family greeted each other.
"Juline, dear, thank you for having us over." Della smiled kindly at Juline.
"Oh, well... our sons are dating. And we hope that this dinner will be enjoyable." Juline said, smiling back at Della.
"Lord Alden, lovely to have you in our home!" Kesler exclaimed, placing a hand out in the form of a fist.

Fitz furrowed his eyebrows at Kesler and his father. Kesler wanted Alden to fist-bump him as a greeting, Dex felt himself cringe.
"... Erm, yes." Alden said, glancing at Kesler's fist. "It's lovely to be having dinner as a family together."
Alden raised his own fist and he bumped his hand against Kesler's. Kesler was definitely stunned and he blinked before he grinned.

Dex looked to Fitz and Fitz looked equally surprised as Dex did.
"Erm... what did I just witness?" Dex questioned.
"... Our dads fist-bumping, apparently." Fitz replied.

"And perhaps the start of something-"
"Don't say that, please, God, no."
Fitz smiled at Dex and Dex tried his best not to smile back.

Fitz then felt someone staring at him, so he looked over to the triplets and Biana. Biana was talking with Bex and Rex and Fitz looked at Lex. Lex was staring at Fitz. Fitz blinked and he smiled at Lex, giving him a little wave.
Lex raised two of his fingers and he brought them up to his eyes and then turned his hand to face Fitz's eyes. Lex was doing that 'I'm watching you' hand gesture.

"Oh, okay." Fitz gulped, looking away towards Dex now. "I think your brother has it out for me."
"What? What do you mean?" Dex frowned at Fitz.
"He just...subtly threatened me?" Fitz said, glancing back at Lex.
Lex was talking to Biana now, a smile on his face.

"Oh you're crazy." Dex rolled his eyes.
"He's talking to Biana. Plus, he wouldn't do that."
"But-" Fitz began, frowning at Dex.
"If he does it again, I'll notice." Dex smiled at Fitz. "Maybe your nerves are messing with your head a little too. Making you see things."
Dex brought his hand up to Fitz's temple and tapped it with his finger.
"I'm not-!" Fitz began.

"Shall we head to the dining room?" Juline questioned, looking around at everyone.
"Let's go." Alden nodded.
The adults went first. Lex and Rex walked off after the adults, Biana and Bex quietly seemed to giggle and gossip behind the two boys.

Dex looked at Fitz.
"My mom said you can stay over for the night after dinner, if you want." Dex said. "So, talk about it to your parents when you have the chance."
Dex began to walk off, taking his arm away from Fitz's arm. Fitz blinked and he quickly caught up alongside Dex.
"A night alone with you? How could I refuse?" Fitz smiled at Dex.
Dex rolled his eyes.

They had all made it to the dining room and they took their seats by the table. Dex and Fitz sat next to one another, Rex and Lex sat across from Dex and Fitz. Besides Fitz was his mother and father, and across from Della and Alden was Biana and Bex. Juline and Kesler would take the seats by each end of the table.

"Right, we will get drinks prepared first and then we shall bring in dinner!" Juline smiled at Alden and Della.
"Would you like any help?" Della asked, about to get up.
"No, no! It's fine." Juline shook her head.
"My husband and I can do it."
Juline patted Kesler on the shoulder.

"... Hopefully his hands aren't contaminated with any strange concoction." Alden mumbled.
Dex felt like he should be on alert once he heard that, he sat up straight and he glanced to his dad who raised his eyebrows. Kesler didn't seem to say anything and he walked away, heading towards the kitchen. Juline quickly followed close behind.

"Oh, this is going to be hell." Dex mumbled, bringing his hands to his face and hiding his face in them. Fitz looked to Dex and he gently rubbed his shoulder.
"Oh come on. It's okay." Fitz said softly.
"It'll be okay."
Dex looked up at Fitz and he frowned. Fitz gave Dex a small smile.

"Dad, please refrain yourself from making such comments." Fitz turned to his dad.
Alden looked to Fitz.
"What? I was just-" Alden began.
"Dear, please. We want to be on good terms with Juline and Kesler. Especially since our sons are together and may... well, be together for a while." Della said, glancing at the two boys.

Dex gulped and he got up from his seat.
"I am going to help my parents out. Excuse me." Dex said, walking off in a bit of a hurry.
Fitz frowned as he watched Dex leave.

"Was that too much?" Della frowned at Fitz.
Fitz stayed silent for a few moments before he smiled at his mother.
"I think he just needs a moment." Fitz said. "The whole dinner seemed to stress him out whenever we'd talk about it, and I think the nerves are catching up to him."
Della hummed.

Fitz looked across from him to see Lex staring at him. Fitz studied Lex's face. He was sort of glaring at him, as if telling Fitz that he was the reason why Dex had to leave and got nervous.

Fitz's feet suddenly felt cold and he glanced down at his feet to see Lex seemed to have frozen his feet into place. Fitz raised his eyebrows and he looked at Lex. Lex was talking to Rex now, and they were both giggling.
'Great.' Fitz thought to himself, looking down at his feet again.

A few moments passed until Kesler, Juline and Dex entered the dining room again with cups in their hands.
Dex went over to his seat and set down the cups of lushberry juice in front of himself and in front of Fitz.
Juline went over to Alden and Della, giving them their drinks, while Kesler gave Biana and Bex their drinks.

"Are you okay?" Fitz asked, looking at Dex as Dex sat down in his seat, tucking the chair in.
"Yeah. Just... had to take a second." Dex smiled at Fitz. "How's everything here?"
"Everyone's having their own conversations and..." Fitz stopped himself.

'Your brother froze my feet to the floor?' Fitz transmitted to Dex.
Dex furrowed his eyebrows and he glanced below and saw that Fitz's feet were in fact frozen to the floor.
"Lex! This isn't how you treat our guest!" Dex scowled, looking across to his brother.
Alden and Della both looked to Fitz, furrowing their eyebrows at him.
Fitz waved his hand in dismissal. Della looked away but Alden held his gaze on Fitz for a moment longer before talking to his wife again.

"What? If Fitz is gonna be family one day, I shouldn't treat him differently, should I?" Lex smiled at Dex.
"Who says Fitz is going to be family one day?" Dex smiled back at Lex.
"Well, when you say that you love someone, I don't think that means you'll be splitting up soon." Lex retorted.

Dex's cheeks turned red and he stayed silent before he glared at his brother.
"Unfreeze him, now." Dex scowled.
Lex grinned and a moment passed before he shrugged.
"Unfroze him." Lex said.
Fitz glanced at his feet and he frowned as his boots were soaking wet.
"... Thanks." Fitz grimaced at Lex.
Lex didn't say anything nor did he look at Fitz or Dex.

Fitz looked to Dex, whose cheeks were still red.
"Are you okay?" Fitz asked.
Dex reached for his glass of lushberry juice.
"Perfect." Dex said, clearly not in a very happy mood anymore as he took a sip of his drink.

"What did your mom make for dinner?"
Dex looked to Biana who was smiling at him. Dex knew she was talking to him to try and distract himself from his thoughts.
"Not sure. She wouldn't let anyone in the kitchen while she was cooking." Dex said. "She's been focused and worrying about making this dinner perfect."

A couple of minutes passed before Juline and Kesler entered again with the rest of the drinks. Kesler gave Rex and Lex their drinks while Juline placed her and Kesler's drinks to where they would sit.

"Dinner is just coming up. Sorry if this is taking long." Juline smiled at Della and Alden.
"It's no problem." Della shook her head.
"Juline, I'd be happy to help." Fitz said, getting up from his seat.
Juline looked at Fitz.
"Oh, sweetheart, you just sit, it's okay-" Juline began.
"No, no. I insist." Fitz smiled at Juline.
"I'll help."

Fitz looked at Dex, who raised his eyebrows at Fitz. Fitz leaned in and kissed the top of Dex's head.
"I'll be back." Fitz said softly.
Dex felt his cheeks warm up even more as Fitz walked past and he followed Juline and Kesler to the kitchen to help.

Fitz saw that there were already plates set out with dinner on it. There was a mushed-potato like substance on the plate along with some sort of sauce, like gravy, on top. There were some sort of green vegetables and a substance which resembled pork.
"Looks good." Fitz said as Juline handed him two plates.
"Thank you, dear." Juline smiled at Fitz.
Fitz smiled back at Juline.

Fitz then turned away with the plates in hand, heading towards the dining room once again. Fitz made his way towards his seat and where Dex sat, placing the plates on the table.
"Thanks." Dex said quietly as Fitz then sat down next to him.
"Of course." Fitz smiled at Dex.

"Oh lord..."
Fitz furrowed his eyebrows at his father who was staring at someone. Fitz looked over and he saw that Kesler held two plates in his hand and was balancing a plate on his head.
"Dad-!" Dex scowled.
"What? I'm putting on a little show!" Kesler grinned.

The triplets all seemed to cheer and Biana was smiling as she watched Kesler approach her.
"Here you go, dear." Kesler said, lowering himself down, insisting Biana take the plate from his head.
"You are amazing, Kesler." Biana said, taking the plate carefully and setting it in front of her.
"You're so sweet!" Kesler smiled as he stood up normally.

"And here you go, m'lady."
Kesler set a plate in front of Della and Della smiled.
"Thank you, Kesler." Della said.
"And for our Lord!" Kesler exclaimed, setting the last plate in hand for Alden.
"... You are something, Kesler." Alden said, raising his eyebrows at the male.
Kesler did a little bow, "Why, thank you~!"

Dex looked over to see his mother enter, carrying three plates on her arms. She seemed to sigh as Kesler walked by her and kissed her cheek to get the last two plates. Juline placed the three plates in front of the triplets before she went and took her seat.
It wasn't long before Kesler returned, placed a plate in front of Juline and went to his seat with his own plate and sat down.

"Well! Let's dig in!" Kesler smiled as he picked up his fork.
With that, the triplets all instantly began to dig into dinner. Dex grimaced as he watched his brothers act like animals as they ate, while Bex was a little more ladylike.

Fitz began to dig in too, he seemed more eager than Dex was to eat. Dex glanced at Alden and Della who seemed to eat in a more polite manner. Dex then glanced at Biana who was basically stuffing her face with food. Her eyes were glistening and Dex couldn't help but smile.

"Is it good?" Dex directed this question towards Biana.
Biana blinked and she began to blush from embarrassment as she looked at Dex.
"Y-yeah." Biana nodded.
Biana looked to Juline.
"Your cooking is amazing, Juline. Like, really good!"
"Thank you dear, I hope that dessert will be just as good." Juline said.
"Dessert?" Biana raised her eyebrows.
"Oh, I'm sure that'll be even better!"

"Della, Alden, how are you finding the food?" Kesler asked, looking at the two.
"It's delicious." Della nodded, smiling at Kesler before looking at Juline.
"I'm enjoying it." Alden nodded before he took another forkful into his mouth.

"So, what did you make for dessert, Juline?"
"Oh, just some mallowmelt. Nothing too special."
"Oh, Juline's mallowmelt is really good! I had it not too long ago now."
"When did you go to Rimeshire, Fitz?"
"Oh... Uhm..."

Dex smiled to himself as everyone began to converse, everyone having their own separate conversations.

Well, Dex thought this started out a little rocky, but it seemed everything would be fine.

Chapter Text

"Well, that went better than expected." Dex stated as he shut the door to his bedroom.
"Yeah, well...it seems like your brother still hates me." Fitz stated, sitting down on Dex's bed.
"Oh, Lex doesn't hate you." Dex rolled his eyes.

"He was threatening me all throughout dinner!!" Fitz exclaimed.
Dex smiled at Fitz and Fitz raised his eyebrows at Dex.
"I didn't see him threatening you." Dex shrugged slightly.
"He did this." Fitz said, bringing his thumb up to his neck and making the gesture of slicing it. "He literally did that while staring me right in the eye."

Dex crossed his arms.
"Well, my brother isn't actually going to do anything to you. He's just winding you up." Dex stated as he went over and stood in front of Fitz. "I think you should be worried about what you're parents are gonna do to you since they found out you slept over at my place that one time without knowing about it."
"Let's just be glad that they allowed me to stay over tonight after finding out about that..." Fitz mumbled.

Dex hummed and he went over towards his desk. Fitz watched Dex.
"You seemed to act weird when my mother mentioned us being together for a while and when Lex mentioned the whole... 'I love you' thing and becoming family one day." Fitz said.
Dex leaned against his desk and he kept his arms crossed, shrugging at Fitz.
"It's just... We've gotten to the point of this fake relationship where... we have to start planning out how we're gonna 'break-up'." Dex stated.
"Ah." Fitz sighed, running his fingers through his hair.

"But... I mean, do we have to?"

Dex raised his eyebrows as he stared at Fitz in silence for a few moments.
"What?" Dex questioned.
Fitz's cheeks turned red. Fitz wasn't sure what to make out of the look on Dex's face, unsure if it was positive or negative.

"It's just... well, maybe we should continue this a little longer!" Fitz exclaimed. "We seem like a happy couple, so it'd be weird if we broke up all of a sudden, y'know?"
Fitz nervously rubbed the back of his neck. Dex blinked at Fitz.
"And-and you can cash in that favour any time! I'll owe you two favours, if you want!!"

Dex hummed, thinking about this.
"... I can cash in my favour... whenever?" Dex questioned.
"Whenever." Fitz nodded.
"Like... right now for example?" Dex asked, standing up straight now.
Fitz raised his eyebrows.
"Do...do you have something in mind already?" Fitz asked.

Dex bit his inner cheek.
"Well, this will maybe change your mind about continuing being my fake boyfriend, but yeah..." Dex mumbled.
Dex began to make his way over to his bed and he sat down on it. He crossed his legs and Fitz shuffled back, crossing his own legs as he faced Dex.

"What is it?" Fitz asked.
Dex stared directly into Fitz's eyes.
"Enter my mind." Dex answered.
"What?" Fitz furrowed his eyebrows.
"I can't-" Dex began.
Dex took a deep breath and he looked at Fitz. "I can't... vocally express what I want to say to you, so I'd rather... you look into my mind, and first look through my memories that... include you and feel how I felt during those memories."

"... Okay? I mean, are you sure you're okay with this??" Fitz asked.
"Fitz, I'm asking you to do this." Dex said. "Please?"
Fitz held Dex's gaze and he saw that Dex seemed nervous, but determined to go through with this.
"... Okay." Fitz nodded.

Fitz gently took Dex's hands into his and he shut his eyes. Dex watched as Fitz went into a focused state. It felt like time stopped. Everything was quiet, everything felt still. Dex stayed silent, shutting his own eyes too.

After a few moments, Fitz had managed to slip into Dex's mind.
'You're sure about this?' Fitz had said into Dex's mind.
'I'm sure about this.' Dex had answered in his own mind.
Dex's mind felt more calm than Fitz had expected it to feel. His mind was still a little chaotic though.

'So, memories that include me?' Fitz clarified.
'... Yes, and focus on how I felt in those memories.' Dex answered. 'Just, look at the more recent memories with you.'
Fitz looked through Dex's mind and managed to find where he kept his memories which included him.

Fitz felt strange as he was watching this memory of when Fitz had slept over at Rimeshire the first time since becoming 'boyfriends'. It was when they first kissed. Fitz could feel how nervous Dex had felt and how he let his emotions take control of him as he had all of a sudden kissed Fitz. Fitz gulped as he felt many emotions of excitement, slight guilt, but also giddiness.

Fitz exited from that memory and he stayed silent for a few moments.
'... Dex, if you want to tell me something, please just say it-' Fitz began.
Suddenly a memory surfaced from Dex's mind and Fitz was a little surprised.
'Just... look.' Dex urged Fitz to look at the memory he had let surface up.

Fitz tapped into that memory and it was of Dex, talking to Lex. Lex had mumbled something and Dex then laughed.
Dex then spoke, "Pfft, all you need to do is... accept that I've forgiven Fitz for what he did. That I find him charming and that I love him, okay?"
Dex seemed to push Fitz out from that memory and Fitz wasn't sure how to feel about this. His heart began to beat faster.

Those words sounded so natural out of Dex's mouth.

Fitz decided to exit Dex's mind and he opened his eyes to see Dex was looking away. Dex took his hands away from Fitz.
"If you're uncomfortable and don't want to continue this 'relationship', then I'm happy for you to just light-leap back to Everglen and... never talk to me again." Dex said, not meeting Fitz's gaze.

Fitz stared at Dex and he gently brought a hand underneath Dex's chin, forcing him to look up at him.
"You truly love me?" Fitz questioned.
"And I didn't break any of your stupid rules. You said no falling for each other, you didn't say that I couldn't have fallen for you beforehand and-" Dex began.

"You may have not broken any of my stupid rules, but I have." Fitz stated, leaning in.
Dex's breath hitched and he held eye contact with Fitz.
"W-what...?" Dex titled his head slightly.

"I've fallen deeply in love with you." Fitz whispered, pressing their foreheads together.
"And... I'd love it if... if we started something real."
Dex's entire face turned red. His heart began to beat like crazy and his stomach twisted in knots.

"You're not fucking with me?" Dex asked, his voice quiet.
"Not yet-" Fitz began.
Dex slapped Fitz on his leg. Fitz laughed as he yelped out in pain.
"Right, yep, deserved that one too!"

Fitz managed to smile at Dex.
"I'm not messing with you, darling." Fitz said softly. "I love you."
Dex bit his lower lip and he smiled widely.

Dex cupped Fitz's face and he eagerly smashed his lips against Fitz's. Fitz was a little surprised but he smiled into the kiss, kissing Dex back. Fitz let his hands rest on Dex's waist, pulling him closer and onto his lap.

This kiss was better than any of their previous kisses. This kiss was full of love, not to say their previous kisses weren't filled with love, it just wasn't as intense as this kiss was.

Dex pulled away for a moment.
"I love you too." Dex whispered, meeting Fitz's gaze.
Fitz smiled and he instantly pressed their lips together again. Dex smiled into the kiss, letting his hands slide back into Fitz's hair. Fitz titled his head, deepening the kiss as he held onto Dex's waist tighter. Dex couldn't stop himself from smiling into the kiss.

There was a sudden knock on the door, and the kiss got cut short. Fitz and Dex pulled away from one another, Dex stayed on Fitz's lap.
"Come in!" Dex called, looking to his door.
The door opened and Kesler poked his head in.
"Just wanted to see if-" Kesler began.
Kesler stopped as he looked at Fitz and Dex.

"...If uhm... you wanted me to bring in... a sleeping bag." Kesler continued on.
"I think we're fine." Dex smiled at his dad. "Fitz can just share the bed with me."
Kesler looked at Fitz and Fitz smiled nervously at Kesler.

"Fitzroy-" Kesler began.
"Uh-oh, full name." Dex grinned at Fitz.
Fitz shot a glare at Dex but Dex didn't stop grinning. Kesler cleared his throat, catching Fitz's attention again.
"You better not plan, or think, of doing anything to my son. He is younger than you and he may agree to do something stupid, but you are older and I expect for you to be mature and not take advantage of him-!" Kesler began to scold.

Dex's entire face turned red and Fitz reluctantly took his hands away from Dex's waist.
"Erm... I understand, sir." Fitz nodded at Kesler. "... I will treat Dex with nothing but respect. And he can make his own choices."
Kesler stared at Fitz for a few more moments before looking at Dex.
"Do I need to check on you every hour-?" Kesler began.

"Kesler!"

Kesler yelped as he looked over his shoulder to see Juline glaring at him, her arms crossed.
"Don't embarrass Dex any further. Let those two boys have time to themselves." Juline scolded.
Kesler glanced back at Dex and Fitz.
Juline sighed as she pulled Kesler aside and she looked in.

"Ignore him." Juline said, looking at Fitz and Dex. "We trust you both, and no one will bother you for a little while."
"... Please go." Dex sighed out, looking away from his parents, incredibly embarrassed.
Juline looked at Fitz and Fitz gave her a small smile.
"Thank you." Fitz said.
Juline smiled at Fitz before she backed away and shut the door. Fitz could hear muffled scolding from Juline towards Kesler, along with some footsteps.

Fitz looked to Dex and Dex looked at Fitz.
"I'm going to take advantage of you-" Fitz began, completely monotonal.
"Shut up." Dex rolled his eyes.
Fitz smiled and he rested his hands on Dex's waist again.

"I don't think I like your dad scolding me." Fitz stated.
"No one likes my dad scolding anyone." Dex raised his eyebrows at Fitz. "He rarely is so serious, but when he is, it's... embarrassing and terrifying."
"Don't have to tell me that twice..." Fitz mumbled.

Dex gently ran his fingers through Fitz's hair.
"But we're going to not talk about that any further." Dex smiled at Fitz. "Especially because we need to talk about us."
"What is there to talk about?" Fitz questioned, tilting his head at Dex.

Dex stared at Fitz.
"Well, we should maybe actually make things official. And tell Biana the news." Dex stated.
"Biana already thinks we're dating-?" Fitz began.
"She knows it's a fake relationship. Has known since the night I stayed over at Everglen." Dex corrected. "And...she's kept it on the down low."
Fitz blinked.

"... What?" Fitz raised his eyebrows. "Oh, I am going to have a talk with her when I get back home-!"
Dex smiled.
"Let's not focus on that anymore." Dex said, bringing his hands to Fitz's face.
Dex gently cupped Fitz's face.

"So, are we going to make this official?" Dex asked.
Fitz met Dex's gaze.
"Not... here." Fitz said.
Dex furrowed his eyebrows.
"Is my bedroom not good enough for you-?" Dex began.
"I am just saying, I asked you to be my fake boyfriend here...and I haven't gotten the chance to show you my more charming side." Fitz smiled at Dex. "Let me take you out, on an official date, and I will make this perfect."

Dex seemed to grin and he raised his eyebrows.
"Well, I look forward to seeing the Vacker charm." Dex said, leaning in.
"Oh, I will not disappoint." Fitz grinned back, also leaning in.
They pressed their foreheads together.

"So, should we really be kissing if we're not official?" Dex questioned.
"We've already kissed multiple times before." Fitz stated. "Plus can you really resist the urge to kiss me? Especially if I tell you that I love you?"
Dex couldn't stop smiling.
"I've resisted kissing you for 20 minutes." Dex stated.
"Ah, yes, but then once those 20 minutes were up, you threw yourself at me." Fitz smirked.

Dex huffed.
"Didn't throw myself at you, dear." Dex stated.
"I disagree." Fitz tilted his head.
"And I disagree with you." Dex smiled at Fitz, also tilting his head.

"... Well, can we agree that we can still kiss each other?" Fitz asked.
Dex rolled his eyes.
"Fine~" Dex sighed out.
"... Wow! I see how much you love kissing me." Fitz frowned.
Dex couldn't help but laugh and he leaned in closer, their lips almost touching again.
"You're an idiot, Wonderboy." Dex mumbled before pressing their lips together.

This didn't feel real to Dex. And it didn't feel wrong either.

He and Fitz would become actual boyfriends. Fitz was taking him out on a date. An official date. Where it'd just be the two of them, somewhere in the Lost Cities, and none of their family members around to interrupt.

Dex doesn't know how long he's been waiting for this. How long he's been yearning for this chance to be with Fitz, to even go on a date with him.

Dex thought the fake relationship would've been enough, but when they began to get all kissy, it wasn't. Dex was worried that Fitz would find Dex disgusting once he confessed. But... Fitz liked Dex back.

Fitz loved Dex back.

It didn't feel real. Dex never thought Fitz could love him back. I mean, why would he? Fitz was a member of one of the most prestigious families in the Lost Cities, why would he pick Dex, a member of one of the most outcasted families in the Lost Cities, rather than another girl or boy in the same rank as Fitz himself?

But kissing Fitz, Fitz holding Dex closer to him, Dex running his fingers through Fitz's incredibly soft hair, it all was real.

And their relationship would soon also become something real, something genuine.

Dex couldn't wait to see what Fitz would plan for their date.

Chapter Text

Dex scrunched up his face as he opened his eyes, waking up in the arms of Fitz Vacker. Dex looked up at Fitz, who was still asleep. Dex felt himself smile as he recalled what happened last night.

Dex basically confessed to Fitz, Fitz reciprocated those feelings, and they were going to go on a date soon. They would become a real couple soon.

Dex studied Fitz's face. He looked at peace. Dex gently brought a hand up to Fitz's hair as it was a little messy. Dex ran his fingers through Fitz's hair, slicking it back. Fitz seemed to stir and Dex smiled as he rested his hand against Fitz's cheek. Fitz's eyes opened and he looked down to see Dex was awake. Fitz smiled as he tilted his head to the side, leaning against Dex's palm.

"Good morning." Fitz whispered, taking a hand away from around Dex and resting it over Dex's hand on his cheek.
Fitz placed a gentle kiss on Dex's palm and Dex couldn't stop himself from smiling.
"Good morning." Dex said softly, keeping his eyes on Fitz.

Fitz looked back at Dex and smiled as he took Dex's hand away from his cheek and held it in his hand.
"Were you awake for long?" Fitz asked.
"Nah, I woke up a couple of moments ago." Dex shook his head slightly.
"Mmh..." Fitz hummed, nodding slightly.

"What time is it?"
Dex glanced over his shoulder, looking at the clock by his bed.
"8:30am." Dex stated, looking back at Fitz.
"Eugh, too early." Fitz grumbled, shutting his eyes.

Dex smiled and he reached up, placing a peck on Fitz's lips. Fitz opened his eyes again and he grinned at Dex.
"Now what was that for?" Fitz tilted his head.
"To keep you awake!" Dex exclaimed.
Fitz couldn't stop smiling.
"You're adorable." Fitz said softly as he pressed his forehead against Dex's.

Dex pressed the tips of their noses together instead and they held eye contact.
"I've waited for such a long time to... be with you like this." Dex said in a hushed tone.
"Have you now?" Fitz raised an eyebrow. "How long?"
Dex's cheeks turned red.
"I refuse to answer that." Dex stated.
"Oh come on, how long?" Fitz smiled.

Dex stayed silent for a few moments.
"... A year or so." Dex answered.
Fitz raised his eyebrows.
"And I've never noticed?" Fitz questioned.
"Well, you did have a thing with Sophie and were sort of obsessed with the fact you two were cognates and... you sort of hated me?" Dex smiled at Fitz.

"I didn't hate you." Fitz raised his eyebrows.
"But you didn't really like me." Dex retorted.
"... Well, all that matters is that I love you now." Fitz said softly. "And... I don't think that'll ever change."
Fitz stared into Dex's eyes and Dex bit his inner cheek.

"Even if we aren't seen as... a 'perfect' match?" Dex questioned. "I mean, you've always been obsessed with your perfect matches as well as-"
"Dex." Fitz cut Dex off. "You are all that matters to me now. Okay?"
Fitz leaned in, their lips nearly touching.
"You're the only thing that matters to me, someone who I'll love for a very long time."

"Is this the sort of Vacker charm I should expect on our date?" Dex grinned at Fitz.
"Oh, it is." Fitz smiled back at Dex.
"... God, I'm just gonna fall for you even more." Dex whined.
"Is that a bad thing-?" Fitz began.
"Oh, it's a good thing." Dex said before he leaned in to close the gap between his and Fitz's lips.
Fitz kissed Dex back. The kiss only lasted a few moments before Dex pulled away and scrunched up his nose.

"Maybe no kissing in the morning." Dex grimaced slightly.
"... Are you telling me my breath stinks?" Fitz raised his eyebrows.
"You said it, I didn't!" Dex exclaimed, looking at Fitz as if he were innocent.
Fitz rolled his eyes and he pecked Dex's lips, which then led to Dex making fake gagging noises.

"I don't appreciate this act."
"It's not an act, go brush your teeth."
"Maybe I don't love you?"

Chapter Text

"This feels like I'm about to be scolded by my parents."
Biana was sitting on her bed while Fitz and Dex were stood in front of her. Fitz had his arms crossed and Dex had his hands behind his back.

"Seriously, what is happening?" Biana asked, glancing between Dex and Fitz.
"Dex and I are going out on a date next weekend." Fitz said, looking at Biana.
Biana raised her eyebrows and she looked at Dex.
"A...date?" Biana questioned.
"An official date." Dex smiled at Biana.
"Like... a date which will lead Fitz to actually asking me out to a real and genuine relationship, rather than a fake one."

Biana blinked and she looked at Fitz.
"Wait, when did you-?" Biana began.
"I can't believe you watched me fall for Dex this whole time and you didn't bother telling me that you knew this was fake and told me that I was in love with him!" Fitz scowled.
"Woah! I guess I am being scolded!" Biana exclaimed, glancing at Dex.
"Ah! Don't look to Dex, he can't help you." Fitz raised his eyebrows.

"... Now it really does feel like being scolded by my parents." Biana said, looking to Dex.
Dex couldn't help but snicker and Fitz looked at Dex. Dex bit back his smile and Fitz rolled his eyes.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Fitz asked, looking back at Biana.
"Because I know how you are. You need to figure things out on your own. If I told you I knew you were fake dating and that you were falling for our dear Dex, then you would get upset at me, deny it and maybe even 'break up' with Dex." Biana explained, smiling at her brother. "By teasing you for being in love with him, by pretending that you two were dating, it let you figure it out and think about it without you getting too frustrated."

Fitz stayed silent for a few moments.
"... Thank you." Fitz mumbled.
Biana raised her eyebrows and grinned.
"What was that?" Biana asked.
"I'm not saying it again." Fitz stated.
"Oh come on, say it. I didn't hear you!" Biana exclaimed.
"You heard me! Don't you dare lie!" Fitz glared at her.

"Okayy, I do not want to watch you two bicker." Dex said, butting in. "Uhm, we just mostly wanted to tell you that we're not faking anything anymore."
Dex smiled at Biana. Biana looked to Dex and she smiled back.
"Well, I'm happy for you." Biana said softly. "You deserve being happy, Dex. Even if it is with my brother."

Fitz scoffed and he continued to glare at his sister. Biana grinned at her brother and Dex sighed.

"Okay, thanks Biana." Dex said, gently taking his hand and tugging at Fitz's sleeve. "We'll be going now."
"Whaat? You don't wanna talk to me about how happy and giddy you are about this?" Biana frowned at Dex.
Dex smiled at Biana.

"I kinda wanna make out with your brother?" Dex said.
Fitz's cheeks turned red and Biana's face scrunched up.
"Ew, gross, go away!" Biana exclaimed, waving her hand at them to dismiss the two boys.
Dex laughed as he turned around and Fitz turned around with Dex, they both began to make their way out of Biana's room.

"S-since when are you comfortable with saying stuff like that in front of other people?"
"Since I know that you like me back and will want to make out with me, especially when I say that we will make out."
"Guys! Talk when you're out of my room!! You're so gross!!"

Chapter Text

Keefe glanced at Dex once he sent Tam a message on his imparter. Keefe kept his gaze on Dex for a few moments as Dex stared out into the ocean. He seemed to be in deep thought about something, so Keefe sighed as he set his imparter aside.

"Something on your mind?" Keefe asked, gently nudging Dex in the arm.
Dex blinked and he looked at Keefe.
"Oh, it's nothing." Dex smiled at Keefe.
Keefe raised his eyebrows.
"You sure? Is something bothering you?" Keefe tilted his head.
Dex shook his head.

"No, I'm just..." Dex trailed off. "... I've just been really happy with how things turned out recently."
Dex looked down at the sand of the beach and he ran his fingers against the grains of sand. Keefe felt himself smile as he looked at Dex. He did seem genuinely happy.

"How's your relationship with our dear Fitzy-poo?" Keefe asked.
Dex's smile seemed to grow as he looked at Keefe.
"Really good, actually." Dex nodded. "He's really sweet... And he's taking me out on a date this weekend."

"You guys haven't been on many dates?" Keefe furrowed his eyebrows.
"Unless if you count family dinners and going to that Vacker family picnic, then no." Dex shook his head. "It's an official date and I'm excited for it to just be the two of us."

Keefe smiled, but his attention was brought to his imparter which went off. Keefe grabbed his imparter and saw that Tam messaged him back. Keefe bit his lower lip.

"... Uhm, not to like... ruin your date with Fitz, but what if- what if we made it a double date?" Keefe questioned, looking at Dex.
Dex raised his eyebrows, clearly taken aback from Keefe's suggestion.
"I'm assuming you want... Tam to be your date?" Dex questioned. "W-why would you want your first date with him to be a double date?"

"Well, uhm..." Keefe fiddled with his imparter. "Now, I know I may appear charming all the time but I am a nervous wreck when I'm with someone I really like. Soo... I think I'll feel less nervous if I'm with two other people who I trust and if I make a wrong move or get too nervous, you or Fitz could pull me aside and just boost my ego up, y'know?"
Dex bit his inner cheek.

"... One second." Dex said, taking his imparter out from his pocket.
Keefe blinked and he smiled as he realised what Dex was going to do.
"Show me Fitz Vacker."
A moment passed before the image of Fitz appeared.

"Hey, I thought you were with Keefe?" Fitz smiled at Dex.
Dex smiled back.
"I still am... it's just, Keefe wanted to know if he and Tam could join us on our date? Make it a double date?" Dex asked.
"If Tam agrees to go on a date with me!" Keefe added.

Fitz blinked and he stared at Dex.
"I was really hoping it'd just be the two of us." Fitz frowned.
"I know, I know." Dex said. "But, it's Keefe. You don't want him to mess up with Tam and ruin his dating life forever, do you?"
"... You have so much faith in me, my dear friend." Keefe frowned at Dex.
Dex smiled at Keefe before he looked back at Fitz.

"Well?" Dex questioned.
Fitz pondered for a moment before he sighed.
"Fine." Fitz said. "Let me see Keefe."
Dex handed his imparter to Keefe and Keefe smiled at Fitz.

"You owe me one." Fitz stated sternly.
"What? Why do I owe you-?" Keefe began.
"Because this date was going to be special! Super special!" Fitz exclaimed.
"Fitz, you guys are too young to be engaged." Keefe stated.
"Wasn't gonna propose, thanks Keefe." Fitz rolled his eyes.
Keefe grinned.
"Okay, okay. I owe you." Keefe said.
"Good, let me see my boyfriend now." Fitz said.

Keefe gave Dex his imparter back and Dex smiled at Fitz.
"Okayy, thank you so muchh~! I love you!" Dex exclaimed.
Fitz's cheeks turned red and he sighed.
"Yeah, yeah... I love you too." Fitz mumbled. "Hail me later on, okay?"
"I will. Bye-bye." Dex nodded.
"Bye." Fitz said.

Fitz disconnected and Dex looked to Keefe.
"Dare ya to hail Tam and ask him out right now." Dex grinned as he put his imparter back into his pocket.
"... A dare is a dare!" Keefe shrugged, holding his own imparter up.
Dex couldn't help but giggle and he stopped himself as Keefe took a deep breath.

"Show me Tam Song." Keefe said.
Dex watched as Tam seemed to connect after a few moments and Dex stayed out of sight and decided to stay silent to not embarrass Keefe.
"Messaging me first, leaving me on read, and then hailing me? You're an interesting guy, Sencen." Tam stated, a small smile on his face.
Keefe smiled and he rolled his eyes.

"I just... I wanted to ask you something and I didn't want to ask it over a message." Keefe said.
Tam raised an eyebrow.
"What do you want to ask me?" Tam asked.
Keefe gulped and he bit his inner cheek.

"Welll~ I was just thinkingg... Dex and Fitz are going on a date this weekend." Keefe stated. "Aandd... well, I just thought about how fun it would be to ruin their time alone by making it a double date."
Dex rolled his eyes, smiling at how Keefe was going about this.
"So, would you... want to go on a double date with me?" Keefe asked.
Tam furrowed his eyebrows.

"... And this is just to ruin Fitz and Dex's time alone?" Tam questioned.
"Well, that's just a bonus to being on a date with one of the most prettiest guys in the Lost Cities." Keefe shrugged.
Tam's cheeks turned red and he smiled.

"One of the most prettiest guys?" Tam questioned.
"Well obviously, I rank higher than you because of my beautiful hair." Keefe grinned, running his fingers through his hair.
Dex brought a hand over his mouth, trying to stop himself from laughing.
Keefe glanced at Dex and shot him a glare before he smiled back at Tam.

"... You're a dork." Tam stated. "And I will join you on this double date. Purely for the reason it ruins Dex and Fitz's date."
"Oh, of course. What other reason could there be to join me on a double date?" Keefe shrugged.

Tam rolled his eyes.
"Message me the details, Sencen." Tam said.
"I will." Keefe smiled at Tam. "Talk to you later?"
"Yeah, talk to you soon." Tam nodded.

Tam then disconnected and as soon as the image disappeared, Dex burst out laughing.
"I can't wait to watch you act like a huge mess during our double date!" Dex exclaimed.
Keefe's cheeks turned red from embarrassment.
"Shut up..." Keefe grumbled.

"Well, I guess you don't need me to help with anything anymore, huh?" Dex said, getting up from the ground.
"You don't wanna hang with me for a little longer?" Keefe asked, tilting his head.
"Well, do you have something in mind of what we can do?" Dex questioned.

"... Prank my dad?"
"Keefe, that is so mean, why would I-? Yeah, sure. Let's go."
"You're the best, Dexter!"

Chapter Text

"I can't believe I agreed to this." Fitz said as he and Dex followed behind Keefe up to the front doors.
"You love Keefe, c'mon. You want your best friend to be happy, don't you?" Dex questioned, slipping his hand into Fitz's and squeezing it.
Fitz smiled at Dex.
"I guess." Fitz sighed.

"... I always feel the love from you two." Keefe said, glancing behind him.
"Get your date, Sencen, so we can get to the restaurant on time." Fitz said.
"Yep, feeling so loved." Keefe nodded.
Keefe took a deep breath as he knocked on the front door.

A couple moments passed and the door opened. Tam stood there and Keefe smiled as he saw that Tam was a bit more dressed up than usual.
"Hey." Keefe said.
"Hi." Tam smiled as he quickly grabbed his cape and clasped it over his shoulder. "And hello to you two."
Tam looked to Dex and Fitz.

"We're excited to have this double date." Dex smiled at Tam.
"Yeah? I'm a little nervous." Tam said.
"Because Keefe will ruin it by being super awkward?" Fitz questioned as Tam exited the house, shutting the door behind him.
"What a great wingman you are!" Keefe exclaimed, shooting Fitz a glare.
"Pfft, haha! More worried about me making it awkward, but I guess that too." Tam smiled at Fitz.

"Right, hold hands everyone. We are gonna be late if we don't light-leap away now." Fitz said.
Dex squeezed Fitz's hand tighter as Fitz took out the crystal to Atlantis with his free hand. Keefe took Dex's hand, as if it were normal, and then he looked to Tam. Tam held his hand out and Keefe bit his lower lip as he held Tam's hand. Tam reluctantly interlocked their fingers and Keefe felt the nervous energy from Tam now. But he could also feel that Tam was excited.

"We ready?" Fitz asked.
"Ready." Dex nodded.
"Yep." Tam nodded.
"Super ready!" Keefe grinned.
Fitz raised his crystal and all four of them light-leapt to the center of Atlantis.

Dex let go of Keefe's hand but still held Fitz's hand. Tam and Keefe continued to hold hands too.
"Right, follow me." Fitz said, walking off.
Dex followed alongside Fitz as Keefe and Tam followed behind them.

Dex heard how Keefe and Tam began to quietly talk to each other and Dex looked at Fitz.
"... Y'know, maybe we can do something together after this date." Dex said quietly to Fitz. "Go somewhere quiet, where it'd just be the two of us?"
Fitz looked at Dex and he seemed to smile.

"... Well, actually... Everglen should be empty. Biana is sleeping over with Sophie and Linh, as well as Marella, I think... And my dad is doing some sort of work out of the house, as well as my mom." Fitz said. "Maybe you could come and sleep over?"
Dex smiled at Fitz.
"Perfect." Dex said.

"What are you two whispering about?" Keefe questioned.
"About how we're rooting for you and Tam to become a couple!" Dex answered, glancing back and grinning at Keefe.
Keefe's cheeks turned red, as did Tam's.
"... I have the best wingmen, don't I?" Keefe turned to face Tam.
"They're certainly... not subtle." Tam smiled at Keefe.

Dex looked back to Fitz and Fitz seemed to roll his eyes. Dex smiled and he reached up, kissing Fitz on the cheek.

This was going to be a fun evening.

*****

The four of them were sat at a table.
Fitz and Dex sat next to one another while Keefe and Tam were sitting together too.

They had ordered their drinks and their food, their drinks had arrived so now they were just waiting for their food to arrive.

"Pretty nice place." Keefe said, looking around.
"Yeah, well, like I told you, this was going to be a special date for Dex and I." Fitz said.
"A special date?" Tam raised an eyebrow, glancing to Dex.
Dex smiled.

"We haven't had the chance to go on an official date yet. Fitz asked me to be his boyfriend and then we've been having family dinners and picnics, so... our schedule has been sort of full." Dex explained.
"Oh." Tam frowned. "Keefe, why did you make it a double date-?"

Keefe blinked and his cheeks turned a little red.
"W-well, because I needed my best bros to be there for me." Keefe mumbled.
"Ew, don't call us your best bros." Fitz scrunched up his face. "Especially on a date."
Keefe shot a glare at Fitz before he looked at Tam.

"I'm just... Tam, I'm a nervous wreck when I'm with you sometimes, and to think of being on an official date with you, just the two of us, felt even more nerve-wracking. I mean, I like the thought of going on dates with you, but I just needed Dex and Fitz there to make sure I would be doing okay. That I wouldn't mess up by saying something stupid. "Keefe explained.

"Plus, Dex seemed thrilled to have this double date!"
Fitz looked to Dex, raising an eyebrow.
"I thought it'd be fun to watch your best friend getting himself a boyfriend. It'd be sweet." Dex shrugged, giving Fitz a small smile.
Fitz let out a sigh and he leaned in, placing a quick kiss on Dex's head.
"You're very sweet." Fitz said softly.

Tam looked at Keefe and Keefe fiddled with his hands.
"... You say a lot of stupid things around me, Sencen." Tam stated. "And... I kind of like how dorky you act whenever I'm around. I sort of knew you liked me and I began to like you too. So, don't be afraid. I like you, however you may act. If you act like an idiot, or if you're acting all 'cool' and 'confident'. I like you, for you. " Tam said.

Tam reached a hand over and placed it over one of Keefe's hands.
"Be dorky, be stupid, I don't care. I'll probably find you adorable either way."
Keefe blinked and the heat rushed to his cheeks as he looked down at their hands and looked back up at Tam. Tam was definitely not lying.

"Awh, who knew that Tam could be so romantic?" Dex grinned.
Tam's cheeks turned red from embarrassment as he looked at Dex.
"Alright, I nearly forgot you two were here." Tam mumbled.
"Oh, yep. And we heard that entire thing!" Fitz grinned. "Seriously, since when are you so charming~?"

"Why did I agree to this?" Tam questioned, looking at Keefe.
"Because you like me?" Keefe smiled at Tam.
Tam stayed silent and Keefe frowned.
"I'm not saying anything about liking you in front of those two and until we're alone." Tam stated.
Keefe glanced at Dex and Fitz, who were looking at them now.
"... Good idea." Keefe looked back at Tam.

"No fun." Dex frowned.
"How would you like it if we teased you two?" Keefe questioned.
"Well, we wouldn't mind it since we're not pining for each other and are dating." Fitz answered.
"We're not pining for each other?" Dex questioned, raising his eyebrows at Fitz.
"Ooh~ someone's in troublee~!" Keefe teased.

Fitz looked to Dex.
"I didn't mean it like that-" Fitz began.
"Oh really now?" Dex asked, tilting his head.
Fitz sighed and he leaned in.
"You know that I am deeply in love with you and that I yearn for you." Fitz said softly.
Dex seemed to smile as he glanced at Fitz's lips.

"Okay, please do not start making out in front of us or in this very public space." Tam said.
Fitz sat back up as he looked at Tam.
"We were not gonna start making out." Fitz said.
"Definitely gonna make out later on though." Dex said, speaking loud enough for only Fitz to hear.
Fitz's cheeks turned red and he smiled to himself.

"You guys are too sappy." Keefe said, noticing how Fitz smiled.
"Oh, you'll get super lovey dovey with Tam soon too." Dex said, looking at Keefe.
Keefe stared at Dex.
"... I'd rather show all my love for Tam in private." Keefe smiled at Dex.

"Oh?" Tam raised his eyebrows at Keefe.
Keefe's cheeks turned red and he looked at Tam.
"You heard nothing." Keefe smiled.
"No, I'm quite certain I heard that-" Tam began.

"I'll be back with your other two dishes." The waitress smiled as she set down two of the dishes in front of Tam and Keefe.
"Thank you." Keefe said, giving the waitress a small smile.
"Thanks." Tam glanced at the waitress.
The waitress then walked off and Keefe instantly picked up his fork.

"You're not gonna wait for us to get our food?" Fitz questioned, raising his eyebrows at Keefe.
"I am very hungry, and I don't want to talk about what I just said to Tam!" Keefe grinned at Fitz.

"We will talk about it-" Tam began.
"Can't speak! Mouth full!" Keefe exclaimed, shoving a forkful of his dish into his mouth.

"Oh, gross!"
"Keefe, oh my god, shut your mouth when you eat!"
"Tam, this is why I called him unlovable, because he does disgusting stuff like that!"

*****

"Despite all... the gross stuff Keefe did, this was fun." Dex said as he and Fitz faced Tam and Keefe.
They had just stepped out of the restaurant, now they were just going to say their goodbyes.
"I wasn't that gross." Keefe frowned.
"You could've acted a bit... more proper, but I guess it was fine." Tam said, glancing at Keefe.

Tam looked back at Dex and Fitz.
"Sorry for ruining your special date." Tam smiled. "It was fun though, maybe we can go on a double date again."
"Again? You still like Keefe after all of this?" Fitz questioned.
"Seriously dude, you're the bestest friend in the world!" Keefe smiled at Fitz.
Fitz smiled at Keefe. "I know I am."

Tam looked at Dex.
"Before your boyfriend and Keefe begin to bicker, I think Keefe and I will be going over to the Shores of Solace for the rest of the evening." Tam said.
"We are?" Keefe furrowed his eyebrows at Tam.

"Linh has the girls over for a sleepover at Solreef, so I would like to talk with you at a place where we'll have privacy." Tam looked to Keefe.
Keefe hummed, nodding as he dug into his pocket for his home crystal.
"Right~ okay! Well, we had fun with you two! Now we're gonna have our own fun!" Keefe exclaimed, smiling at Fitz and Dex.

Dex smiled at Keefe.
"Bye. Hope that the next time we see you two is when you're officially boyfriends." Dex said, glancing between Keefe and Tam.
"We'll see." Tam said, glancing at Keefe.
Keefe whistled to himself before he looked at Fitz.
"I'm never trusting you to be my wingman again." Keefe said.
"Good, I don't like helping with people's love lives." Fitz smiled at Keefe.

"... You're the only one who likes me, I swear." Keefe said, looking at Tam.
Tam smiled and he rolled his eyes.
"Okay, bye!" Tam exclaimed, looking at Fitz and Dex.
Tam grabbed Keefe's free hand and Keefe took that as a sign to light-leap away so he raised his crystal and off they went.

"... They're desperate to be alone, huh?" Dex questioned, looking to Fitz.
Dex blinked as he saw Fitz instantly got his home crystal out and Dex smiled. "And someone is desperate to be alone with me too."
"Oh, I just really wanna show off the Vacker charm when it's just the two of us." Fitz smiled.

Fitz held his free hand out.
"Let's go?"
Dex looked up at Fitz as he took his hand.
"Let's go."
Fitz interlocked their fingers and squeezed Dex's hand before he raised the crystal and they light-leapt away to Everglen.

Chapter Text

"I don't understand why you told me to wait here while you went inside." Dex said, his arms crossed as he looked over to see Fitz finally coming over to him.
Dex was stood by the lake, where Fitz asked him to wait.

Fitz had his hands behind his back and he brought them forward, showing that he had two towels. Dex furrowed his eyebrows as he met Fitz's gaze.
"Want to take a nice little dip into the lake?" Fitz asked.
"In the lake with my clothes on?" Dex questioned.
"No, of course not." Fitz rolled his eyes.

Fitz set the two towels down onto the grass and Dex raised his eyebrows.
"Well, I don't have swimming trunks so-" Dex began.
Fitz began to unbutton his shirt and slipped it off. Dex gulped as he watched Fitz take off his boots, then his socks. He then undid his pants, slipping them off and setting aside his clothes.
"Don't really need swimming trunks." Fitz grinned at Dex.

Dex looked at Fitz.
"You're insane. I don't have any extra clothes." Dex stated.
"I can lend you some clothes." Fitz shrugged.
"I have one pair of boxers, that are currently on me, and I don't think your boxers will fit me." Dex raised his eyebrows. "Nor do I think I want to wear your boxers."

"Fine, I guess I'll be alone in the water then!" Fitz said, first sitting down onto the grass before he slipped into the lake.
Dex watched as Fitz submerged himself into the water before he floated up, slicking back his wet hair before he grinned up at Dex.

"Is it nice and warm in there?" Dex questioned.
"Freezing, but it's fun." Fitz smiled, resting his arms against the grass, crossing them as he looked up at Dex.
Dex stared at Fitz.
"You don't have to join me." Fitz shrugged slightly. "But I could drag you in."
Dex bit his lower lip and he sighed.

"Y'know what? Fine." Dex said, undoing his own shirt.
Fitz raised his eyebrows and he grinned as he watched Dex begin to undress himself. Dex set his shirt aside, away from Fitz's clothes. He then took off his boots, then his socks and then finally his pants.

Dex felt a little awkward but he then lowered himself on the ground and he looked at Fitz who had backed away, floating in the water now.
"I hate you." Dex stated.
"You love me." Fitz smiled at Dex.
Dex waved Fitz to come over and so Fitz swam over in front of Dex.
"You want me to pull you in?" Fitz questioned.
"Just, pull me in gently." Dex clarified.

Fitz smiled as he gently placed his hands on Dex's waist and pulled him in. Dex yelped as he hit the cold water and instantly grabbed onto Fitz's shoulders. Fitz couldn't help but laugh as Dex was holding onto his shoulders tightly, clearly panicking.

"You're fine!" Fitz exclaimed.
"I am not fine! It's so cold!" Dex wailed, looking up at Fitz. "This is not very charming of you, Fitz!"
Fitz smiled as he leaned in, pressing their foreheads together.
"You're fine." Fitz stated, his voice soft.
Dex met Fitz's gaze.

"Why did you want to do this?" Dex questioned, tilting his head.
"Well, I thought it'd be nice to be in the lake without being shoved in it fully clothed, and plus, it's sort of romantic, no? In the lake, when it's dark, alone together." Fitz answered, his gaze resting on Dex's lips for a few moments.
Dex couldn't help but smile.
"Mmh, it's slightly romantic." Dex said, his arms now wrapping around Fitz's neck, clasping his hands together behind Fitz's head.

Fitz bit his lower lip as he leaned in closer to Dex, leaving a very small gap between their lips.
"You look really beautiful under the moonlight." Fitz whispered.
Dex felt his cheeks warm up, his heart began to beat faster and his stomach was churning from Fitz's words. Those feelings only grew as Fitz closed the gap between their lips and began to kiss him. Dex melted into the kiss, shutting his eyes as he titled his head to deepen the kiss.

The kiss felt perfect. It was perfect. It was filled with love, Fitz was being incredibly gentle, the kiss was slow, but in a nice way. A way that just made Dex's heart flutter even more.
The kiss only lasted a few moments before they both pulled away, opening their eyes and instantly meeting the other's gaze.

Fitz stared into Dex's eyes and he bit his lower lip.
"Dex Dizznee, will you officially be my boyfriend?" Fitz asked, his voice low and soft.
Dex smiled as he leaned in, nearly closing the gap between them again.
"Of course I will." Dex whispered against Fitz's lips.
Dex pressed their lips together and Fitz smiled into the kiss.

Fitz was totally wrong before. Dex was exactly the type of guy he has been searching for.

*****

Dex stared at himself in Fitz's mirror. He was wearing Fitz's clothes again.
Thankfully the sweatpants that Fitz gave Dex fit him well and weren't big. The t-shirt was falling off one of his shoulders though, exactly as it did the night Dex stayed over in Everglen after that dinner with the Vacker family.

"Can I come in?"
Dex looked over at the entrance of the room.
"Yeah, you can come in!" Dex called.
The door opened and Fitz was holding two mugs of some nice hot tea.
"Everything okay? You don't need something else to wear?" Fitz asked, making his way over to Dex.
"Shirt is a bit big, but I'm fine with that. Sweatpants fit perfectly. Thanks." Dex smiled at Fitz.

Dex gently took a mug from Fitz's hand and Dex reached up, kissing Fitz's cheek. Fitz smiled as Dex went over to sit down on the edge of the bed. Fitz went over and sat down next to Dex.

"So, are both of your parents just working all night?" Dex questioned, looking to Fitz before taking a sip of his tea.
"Yeah. Dunno what it is that they doing though." Fitz shrugged. "But they'll probably get home early in the morning and just want to sleep, so I doubt they'll even know you would've stayed over."
Dex hummed, nodding.

Dex fiddled with the mug in his hands and he watched as Fitz took a sip of his own cup of tea.

"We're officially dating." Dex stated.
Fitz looked to Dex and he smiled.
"That's... correct." Fitz said. "You didn't seem happy saying that though...?"
Dex looked down at the tea in his mug and he shrugged.
"I'm happy that we're together." Dex said. "It's just... it doesn't feel real to me."
Dex looked back at Fitz.

Fitz set down his mug of tea onto the floor and brought his legs up onto the bed to ensure he wouldn't kick the mug by accident. Dex did what Fitz did, also setting his mug down and lifting his legs onto the bed.

Fitz faced Dex and he gently took Dex's hand into his.
"Why doesn't it feel real?" Fitz asked softly, his thumb running back and forth across Dex's knuckles.
Dex looked at their hands and he smiled softly before he looked at Fitz.
"Because we were like this when we were faking it. And because... we're from two completely different backgrounds." Dex said.

Fitz leaned in and pressed their foreheads together. They locked eyes and didn't take their eyes off of each other for a moment.
"I love you." Fitz said. "And I will tell you that I love you every day, every second of the day, if that is what it takes to make you know that this is real."
Dex slightly furrowed his eyebrows but he smiled at Fitz.

"I love you, Dex. And I am so glad that you're my boyfriend. I'm incredibly thankful that I asked you to be my fake boyfriend rather than finding a stranger or a fanboy of mine, because I would've never realised that the person I've been looking for, the person I've been longing to have as my partner is you, Dexter Dizznee. "
Fitz interlocked his fingers with Dex's and he kept his gaze on Dex.
"We come from different backgrounds, yes, but it doesn't matter. Because I love you. And nothing, nothing will ever change that."

Dex stayed silent for a few moments before he took his free hand and placed it against Fitz's cheek. Fitz didn't take his eyes off of Dex, studying his expressions carefully. Dex gently rubbed Fitz's cheek with his thumb as he leaned in closer.

"There's that Vacker charm you've been talking about." Dex grinned.
Fitz smiled. "Being honest about your feelings for someone is very attractive."
Dex rolled his eyes and Fitz couldn't help but laugh out softly.

"Thank you, Fitz. You're... you've made me feel better about this." Dex said softly.
"I'm your boyfriend, Dex. All you need to do is talk to me when you feel like this and I will do everything I can to prove to you that you are my everything, that my feelings for you are real." Fitz stated.
Dex watched as Fitz tilted his head and kissed the palm of his hand.

Dex gently took his other hand away from Fitz's hand and he cupped Fitz's face with both his hands now. Fitz looked to Dex and gently held one of his wrists. Dex leaned in slowly, pressing their lips together in a soft kiss. Fitz shuffled in a more comfortable position as he and Dex began to kiss, Dex doing the same thing. Fitz's hands then rested on Dex's knees, gently squeezing them as the kiss became a bit more heated.

Dex slowly leaned back into the bed, to lay down on his back and Fitz leaned in as Dex leaned back, not wanting to leave his lips. Fitz's hands trailed to Dex's chest as he hovered above him now, still kissing him. Dex's hands slid around and his fingers tangled themselves into Fitz's hair which was still a bit damp.

They broke apart, and Dex sighed out softly against Fitz's lips. "I love you."
Fitz smiled.
"I love you too." Fitz breathed out.
They both closed the gap, kissing each other once more.

Dex knew that he would never get over that fluttery feeling that resided in his stomach whenever he and Fitz kissed. Dex knew that his feelings for Fitz would never fade away, nor will they ever lose their spark.

And Dex loved how he could now just speak his mind with Fitz, without worry that he'd 'break-up' with him.

Chapter Text

There was nothing better than waking up to having your boyfriend laying on top of you, peacefully asleep.

Fitz's fingers played with strands of Dex's hair as Dex was laying against his chest. Fitz looked down at Dex, he was breathing out softly as he slept. Fitz managed to reach down and kiss the top of Dex's head.

Dex seemed to stir and he furrowed his eyebrows as his eyes opened. Fitz smiled as Dex lifted his head and looked up at him.
"Morning~" Fitz whispered.
Dex smiled as he reached up closer towards Fitz.
"Good morning." Dex whispered back, their lips nearly touching.

Dex was about to kiss Fitz before there was a loud knock on Fitz's bedroom door.
"Fitz! Are you awake?!"
Dex stayed quiet and backed away from Fitz as Fitz sighed.
"Yeah, I'm awake!" Fitz called to his sister.
"Cool! Can you make us breakfast?! Mom and dad are sleeping in today!" Biana called back.

"Did you not have breakfast at Solreef with the girls?" Fitz questioned.
"... I like your cooking better!" Biana answered.
Fitz rolled his eyes.
"Okay, I'll get started in a few minutes!" Fitz answered.
"You're the best!" Biana said before she walked off.

Fitz looked to Dex and Dex raised his eyebrows.
"Does this mean I have to leave?" Dex asked, tilting his head.
"Nah. I'll make breakfast, bring up Biana her plate and then bring up plates for us here." Fitz smiled at Dex.
Dex hummed.
"You really are the best." Dex grinned.

Dex reached up and he gently kissed Fitz on the lips for a moment. Dex then backed away and he sat up on Fitz's lap. Fitz sat up, his hands now resting onto Dex's waist.
"Okay, I want a kiss longer than that, please and thank you?" Fitz furrowed his eyebrows.
"You'll get another kiss after breakfast." Dex said, gently cupping Fitz's face.
Fitz frowned and Dex smiled as he leaned in, pressing their foreheads together.

"Don't be like that, you know I love you." Dex whispered.
Fitz smiled as he leaned in closer.
"If you love me, you'd give me another kiss." Fitz whispered back.
Dex rolled his eyes before he closed the gap between them. Dex gently kissed Fitz and Fitz kissed Dex back. It only lasted for a few moments before Dex pulled away and gently patted Fitz's cheeks with his hands.

"Go make breakfast. I'll be waiting." Dex said softly before getting off of Fitz's lap.
"I'll be back within at least 20 minutes." Fitz said, ruffling Dex's hair.
Dex's face scrunched up and he smiled at Fitz.
"Go on then, Wonderboy." Dex said, gently shoving Fitz in the arm.

Fitz smiled as he got up from the bed and he went over to the door of his bedroom. He glanced over at Dex who was just siting on the bed, smiling at him. Fitz felt his smile grow and he turned around, leaving his bedroom and shutting the door behind him.

Dex bit his lower lip as he laid back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Dex fiddled with the bottom of Fitz's shirt that he wore and he sighed out softly.

Dex was officially Fitz's boyfriend. None of this was fake, everything turned out for the better. Both of their parents are fine with their relationship with each other and already seem to think that they'll last a long time.

Dex was happy. He was satisfied with how everything turned out. And Dex felt so sure that his relationship with Fitz would last a long time.