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It started when you bumped into his stupid science fair display in middle school.
He was presenting that overused volcano experiment that made every teacher bored, and you wanted to help him (and how would you do that, I have no clue.)
You sauntered over to his stand confidently, before tripping over a conveniently placed wire in the middle of the floor. Head. First. Into his project. Right before his shock, you could see his eyes widen as you fell. But, of course, he had a trick up his sleeve as something managed to pull you by your Levi’s jean jacket and back to the ground in front of him.
“Wh…what?” were the words that came out before you could even register what you were looking at. “Was that you????”
“Maybe. Whats it to you?” He said, acting with some sort of fake pompousness.
“Well you not only saved my clothes, but your project…” You then glance down at the boring volcano, that begged to be used for SOMETHING.
“Why dont you present that?” You say.
“Present what?”
“The super-crazy, big glove thing—“ You slightly flail your hands. “Look, I dont know what it was but it was cool.” Your eyes almost had a glisten in them talking about this unknown machine.
Tord then sighed before answering, “It’s something I dont want getting out. It’s… well for a secret project.” He said, leaving some suspense like this was supposed to be a drama movie
Well it’s not.
You blink past his weird answer and ask the year old question,
“Do you want to be friends?”
Tord looked at you like he was about to say ‘hell no’, but he then looked at your almost begging face and gave in.
“Fine. Sure. Whatever.”
You felt so happy that you could prove to your mom you made at least one friend.
“Yessssssssss!” You wispered, leaving Tord completely confused as to what that meant.
———————————————————————————-
You and Tord have been best friends since that day in middle school. Through akward school dances, camping trips your father always dragged you guys both on, and even sleep-overs (‘cause yall really were that close.)
This night, specifically in your junior year, (you guys were both eighteen because u started school early DONT test me abt this) started out an actually boring one. You sat in your plush room petting your cat, Moon (last name eater), while watching whatever episode of Miami Vice was airing on your station.
You looked at the time- March 12th, 1985. 9:36 PM.
“Huh.” You said, then rolling over in your bed. “I wonder what Tord is doing. Probably with Edd ‘N Matt or Tom. Dunno.”
Starting to close your eyes, you day dream about what clothes you should get at the mall. Sweaters from Gitano, Jeans from Lee, Hell maybe even some Converse! Ooh! And what about some-
BRRRINNNNGG
Your landline phone was screaming for its life.
You sigh into your pillow and roll over to the phone.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me.”
You immediately knew it was Tord, with that dumb faux tough voice.
“Hello, sergeant.” You reply, unamused.
“Are you free?”
“Yeah, whatsup?”
“Nothing much. Can you meet me at the drive-in?”
“Sure, I’m bored anyways. Which one?”
“The one on G St.” He said. “I’ll meet you there, ‘kay?”
“Alright. Be there in two. Bye!”
As soon as you hopped out of the bed, you walked to your mom, asked if you could hang out with Tord, (that was always a yes) and then turned to head to your car.
The Mercedes beamed to life, (a 1986 560SL to be exact) and with it’s fresh car scent, you moved into the night.
————————————————————————————-
After the quick drive to the drive-in, you spotted him on the hood of his car, almost daydreaming. You then parked you car right next to his, and silenced its roars. Exiting the car, you walking right over to his side.
“Hey dude, whatsup?” You say, while propping yourself on the hood, still slightly warm from him driving here.
“A lot, actually.” It comes out almost flat.
“Well, tell me.” You poke at his side.
“You know… we’re about to graduate. And… well I dont even know what to do.” He tilts his head a little to look at you. “I mean, you’ve got it settled and I’m still trying to collect all of the papers off the floor.”
You look at him with concern. “But what about your robotics?” Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted to do? To change the world!” You smile at him, but his face does the opposite.
“I get it, but what if nobody cares about robotics? What if I go and give them my all, and nobody cares?” He is looking at you fully now.
“Then obviously you’re too good for them. Remember that one time.. uh what was his name… Jack! In freshman year, he said that you weren’t going to graduate. And look! You have honors in, at least, 4 classes!” I beam at him, and it slowly starts working. You can see a slight smile he tries to stifle. “I know your worth. And to me, it’s whole lot, alright?” You laugh a little and that also brings a single chuckle out from Tord.
The air becomes a little thick as you look at him.
He looks back.
You stare at eachother.
He moves a little closer.
You move in too.
He puts a hand next to your cheek. “You look so beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.” Is what you say in response. “You look beautiful too.”
A faint blush creeps up on both of your necks. You are the first one to break the silence.
“What are you trying to do, Tord?” You say, looking at him intensely.
“Shit, I think I’m in love with you.”
He confesses. It leaves you stunned but you know you feel it too.
“And you?” He asks, longingly. “Do..you love me too?”
This is obviously NOT what he is skilled in. In your entire friendship, he’s only asked out one girl, that being you.
You leave him unanswered for a little while, figuring out if this is true.
“Look, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfy.”. He stammers.
“No, no no..” You shift your position before starting again.
“Look tord, I do love you. I… I’m just shocked that this is happening now.” You take his hand that he put on his cheek and move it to his thigh. “Are… are you then saying this is real?”
“Can this prove it?” Tord says.
Breaking the tension, he kisses you. You kiss back.
It’s not amazing, but it feels so good to know that it really is love.
You stay entwined with Tord for a long time.