Work Text:
As the car pulled away from the crowd gathering on the pavement, Niel caught Todd's eyes one last time. His breath caught in his chest. He knew it was the last time he would ever see the boy. The boy who made his heart do a somersault in his chest. The boy who made him feel understood. The boy who's smile was like a photograph from heaven.
Niel's father glared at home through the rearview mirror, not appearing to notice the singular tear running down his cheek. Niel watched as the car rolled past the empty suburban streets, getting further and further away from Welton Academy. Further away from his true home.
He had been so close to having the future he wanted. Nothing matched the joy he felt on that stage. The eyes watching him as he left his troubles behind. As he became someone else even if it had been just for a night. His smile had felt true up there. Now he sat in a car driving towards the future he didn't want