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Rhodey jogged happily towards campus. He inhaled the warm air deep into his lungs, his legs steadily bounding against the concrete, hardly making a sound. His meet wasn’t until tonight, but he needed to get to the track for practice beforehand. Normally, when it was the day of a meet, his mind was on the competition, stretching his legs, and considering how to push himself to be better.

Not today though.

Today, the only things on his mind were dark eyes and glasses. He giggled softly to himself. 

Wiley Koyote. For the past two weeks, they had spent every morning together to practice jogging. Well, Rhodey was there to practice jogging. Wiley clearly hated running, which kind of made Rhodey a little giddy. Wiley claimed that he was coming down to their practice lot at 5 AM every morning for the exercise, but Rhodey knew better.

Wiley just wanted to look at him. Rhodey’s favorite thing was to turn around and catch Wiley staring. Most of the time, Wiley would cough or pretend he wasn’t looking, but Rhodey knew the truth. And he loved it. He relished in Wiley’s dark, focused eyes, looking at him. He especially enjoyed it knowing that it took months of secretly pining for Wiley to notice him, but now that he did- he couldn’t tear his eyes away. It did something to Rhodey that he should probably be embarrassed about, but he wasn’t. 

Honestly, if Wiley looked at anyone else that way, Rhodey knows that it would get them all hot and bothered too. Wiley was sexy as hell. Why people didn’t swarm him like they swarmed Rhodey, he would never understand. 

Rhodey huffed at himself. Actually, he was very glad that people didn’t swarm Wiley, and he was especially happy that Wiley didn’t look at other people like that. It would piss him off. He was only allowed to look at Rhodey that way. With his dark, hungry eyes, through his glasses. Rhodey shivered. Despite spending most days together, Rhodey wanted more. Every day, he found a way to brush against him- but it wasn’t enough. He didn’t want to just ‘accidentally’ touch hands together anymore. He wanted to breathe Wiley’s air from his lungs, run his hands over his chest, feel his back, taste his mouth. 

Ugh. He was going to kiss Wiley out of pure desperation soon, he couldn’t handle another minute alone with him without losing his composure. 

He sighed as he jogged. He couldn’t wait to see Wiley at his meet tonight-

Rhodey skidded to a halt, staring at the open grass field to his right. Well, not the field, but who was in it. 

Wiley.

He was leaning back, signing something to a man that Rhodey recognized. He had short, slightly messy bleached white hair, and hazel skin. He had freckles, and his two front teeth were slightly larger than the others. Lola had said his name was Bugs, right?

Well, Bugs was lying on Wiley’s lap, laughing. He reached up a hand and squeezed Wiley’s face, knocking his glasses off center, saying something that Rhodey couldn’t hear. To his horror, a pink blush crept onto Wiley’s face. Before his mind could protest, Rhodey’s legs carried him over to them.

[You don’t know what you’re-] Wiley’s hands stuttered to a stop as Rhodey cleared his throat, crossing his arms. Bugs blinked at him, a cocky smile slowly forming on his lips. 

[What’s up? What are you two talking about?] He asked. He didn’t want to seem accusatory of anything, but at the moment, he was panicking a little bit. That feeling was only made worse when Wiley’s cheeks darkened in hue, and he looked away, fixing his glasses. Rhodey glanced from Wiley to Bugs a few times.

Were they together? He had confirmed that Lola and Wiley were just friends, and since then he just assumed that Wiley was single. What if he had been wrong? Were those dark eyes looking at someone else the way they looked at him?

His stomach twisted painfully. He refused to believe it. Why would Wiley constantly be raking his eyes over Rhodey’s body if he was dating someone else? That wouldn’t make sense. Maybe Bugs just had a crush, or was a physically affectionate person.

Either way, it didn’t matter. No one else should be touching Wiley like that. 

Bugs sat up off of Wiley’s lap, smiling as he spoke. “Hey Rhodey. I’m Wiley’s friend, Bugs. We were just talking about how excited we are for your meet tonight.”

Friend. Okay, so probably not dating. But he still was way too close. Rhodey pursed his lips. [I see. Well, Wiley and I have plans, so he has to leave.] Hopefully Wiley would go along with it. They definitely hadn’t made plans, but he needed to get Bugs away from Wiley as soon as possible.

Wiley blinked at him, confusion apparent in his face. [We do?]

[Yes. Let’s go.] Rhodey signed firmly. 

[But… we were in the middle of lunch, I haven’t finished-]

[You can just bring your food with you.] God, Rhodey was being so lame! There was no reason for him to be losing his mind and freaking out. But if it got Bugs to scoot back a few feet, it would be worth it. Hopefully Wiley wasn’t judging him too hard.

Wiley glanced down at Bugs.

“Ah, but he can’t.” Bugs said, lying back onto Wiley’s thighs. “Because we are having lunch together.”

Rhodey’s head snapped to look at the smug bastard, his annoyance levels rising. Why was he sitting on Wiley like that? Get off of him. Wiley should shove him away. 

He tried to smile calmly. [Well, we had a prior engagement planned. You should get off of him now.]

Bugs responded without missing a beat. “And what was that engagement? Wiley told me he was free until the meet, which, as you know, is in two hours. You hardly have time to hang out with your friends.” 

Rhodey’s stomach dropped. Why was he challenging him like this! Clearly, something was going on between the two. And he was still lying on Wiley’s goddamn thighs!

[He was going to help me practice before the meet.] He lied quickly. 

“You practiced with him just this morning.” Bugs countered calmly. “And yesterday morning, and the morning before that, and every morning for the past few weeks.”

Rhodey felt like strangling the man. He angrily signed, [Well, I want to practice more!]

He needed to calm down. Wiley was blinking at him, his eyes wide. Rhodey was sure that Wiley was confused as to why he was freaking out.

Wiley smiled down at Bugs on his lap. [It’s not a big deal Bugs, stop being dramatic. Do you mind if I go with Rhodey?]

Ha! Take that Bugs! Wiley wanted to hang out with him! 

Bugs huffed. “But I’m so comfy right here. Don’t you wanna stay here with me?” He batted his lashes and puckered his lips.

What the fuck? Whetever. Jokes on him, Wiley wouldn’t-

Rhodey froze as Wiley laughed, then bent down, his face slowly getting closer to Bugs’s lips. Instinctively, he zipped forward and grabbed Wiley’s shoulders, yanking him away from Bugs. Shit, had he read everything wrong? Were they together? Fuck fuck fuck. 

Wiley tipped his head back, looking bewildered.

Rhodey didn’t let go. He was scared. If he let go, would Wiley kiss Bugs? In front of him? He couldn’t handle that. Wiley’s lips were for him!

[I was just trying to push him off of me.] Wiley signed, still staring in surprise.

Rhodey blinked. Oh shit, that’s really embarrassing. He let go, feeling heat rush to his face. [Oh. Right. Of course. Sorry- continue.] He stepped back, mortified. What did Wiley think of him now? Did that freak him out? He would rather Wiley think he’s a little weird than have to see him kiss someone else, but it was still pretty humiliating.

Bugs stood up and scrunched his nose. “Y’know, I’m right here. I can see what you two are saying. I can tell when I’m not wanted. See ya at the meet Wiley.” He grabbed his bag, then shot a smug smile to Rhodey. “Have fun ‘practicing.’” 

Rhodey shot him a dirty look.

Suddenly, Bugs glanced back at Wiley, then turned himself to be fully facing Rhodey. He raised his hands.

[You do realize that you’re being incredibly obvious that you like him, right? It’s a wonder he doesn’t know it yet. No need to worry Roberts, he’s all yours.] Then Bugs winked and walked away.

Heat flooded Rhodey’s face as he blinked, then he turned his head away. 

[What did Bugs sign to you?] Wiley tried to ask as they jogged together to campus. Once Rhodey could tell what Wiley was going to sign, he would cough, or look at a nearby squirrel, or pretend to yawn. Wiley tried to repeat the question a few times, but eventually picked up the hint that Rhodey was not going to give him the answer.

Once they were about 10 minutes out from the stadium, Rhodey stopped, letting Wiley have a break. 

[I thought you might want to catch your breath.] Rhodey pulled out his water bottle and took a drink, even though he wasn’t very thirsty. Then he offered it to Wiley, who accepted it graciously. Rhodey watched intently as Wiley put his lips on the bottle, drinking deeply. Rhodey tried not to smile. Wiley put his mouth right on top of where Rhodey’s had been- that counted as a type of kiss, right? Plus, Rhodey just liked watching him drink- the way his throat worked as he swallowed and how wet his lips were after stirred up Rhodey’s fantasies like crazy. 

When he handed the bottle back, Rhodey pushed down the desire to lick the cap (that would definitely freak Wiley out), and decided to ask about what was bothering him.

[So, Bugs. What’s the deal with him? Another childhood friend?] Rhodey fought the urge to scoff. He knew that Bugs was just a nickname, but it was a stupid one. And his dumb face was stupid too. That annoying smirk pissed Rhodey off to no end.

Wiley laughed a little, which instantly made it hard for Rhodey to still be upset. [Sorry he gave you a hard time, he kinda likes being a bit of a nuisance. It’s his whole thing. And yeah- he, Lola, and I grew up together in the same town. We’ve known each other basically our whole lives.]

Hm. Okay, so not dating. But still. 

[He’s very touchy.] Wait- was that accusatory? Whatever. Normal friends weren’t as touchy as Bugs was. 

Wiley shrugged. [Yeah, he’s just very physically affectionate. He also thinks it’s funny to get in people’s space.]

Rhodey didn’t think it was very funny. [Do you like him in your personal space?] 

As soon as he signed it, he was embarrassed. No matter how curious or frustrated he was, that was a weird question to ask. And judging by the way Wiley was blinking at him, he probably thought it was weird too. But also, Rhodey had the right to know! He and Wiley had been flirting for a few weeks, it would be weird if Wiley was also into another guy. 

[Not particularly. Like wouldn’t be the right word, I guess I’m just used to it. He’s been like that since the first grade.]

[I see.] So that smug bastard had gotten to touch Wiley and be in his personal space for years? 

[Why do you ask?] Wiley signed cautiously. 

Fair question. Rhodey took a quiet breath, calming himself.  [No reason, it doesn’t matter. We better start jogging again, I need to be on campus soon.]

Wiley nodded, and they resumed their jog.

The whole run to campus, Rhodey’s mind was running even faster than his legs. Bugs had said that Wiley didn’t know that Rhodey liked him. Seriously? Or was that just a trick? Wiley had to know that Rhodey was into him. How much more obvious could he possibly be? Did he need to up his game? Should he just be honest with how he felt? That might be the best course of action. They had spent enough time together, right? It wouldn’t be weird to want to start a relationship now. Probably. He internally groaned at his lack of dating experience. He wished he had some sort of guidelines to know if how he was courting Wiley was right. 

When they finally made it to campus, Rhodey took a few deep gulps from his water bottle, savoring in the lingering taste of Wiley’s lips, and turned around.

[Here!] He held out his water bottle and watched hungrily as Wiley drank. 

[You should sit close to the front, so I can see you cheering me on.] He signed shyly. He wanted it to be easier to find Wiley in the crowd, that way he could watch his reactions and hopefully see him slightly better. 

[Sure! If that’s what you want me to do.] Wiley signed with a soft smile. God, he was so cute. 

[I would like that a lot.] Rhodey smiled. Then he paused. He needed to go, but really didn’t want to. [I need to go meet up with my coach now.]

Wiley nodded, then pointed to his backpack. [Sounds good! I’ll just sit down and read until the meet starts, that way I have good seating. Good luck, you’re gonna do great.]

Rhodey nervously smiled back. He really, really wanted to kiss Wiley. He felt like he wouldn’t be able to breathe if the man's lips weren’t on his in the next five seconds. But he also knew that the second he got Wiley’s mouth, he would have no self control, and he really did need to go. Instead, he carefully took Wiley’s face and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. Then he whipped around and ran away before he could see Wiley’s reaction.

Maybe that was cowardly, but he didn’t care. He covered his burning face, peeking through his fingers as he ran. He had kissed him! On the cheek- but still! His lips had touched Wiley! 

He bit down on his lower lip as he jogged to his teammates. Maybe he would confess how he felt for Wiley tomorrow morning, when they practiced together. Yeah- that’s what he was going to do! No need to beat around the bush anymore! It was time to make that man his.

The meet went as well as it always did, except it was better than normal, because each time he ran across the finish line, his eyes would seek Wiley out and he would smile when he found him. Wiley sat in the second to front row, clapping every time Rhodey beat his peers. Lola (yay) and Bugs (boo) were on either side of him, cheering Rhodey on. Maybe he was born to be a good runner just so that he could see Wiley clapping from the bleachers. Nothing made him happier. Soon (hopefully), Wiley would become his boyfriend, and then he could have the hottest partner of all time cheering him on.

When the final race ended, he skipped out onto the track, but stopped when he saw them.

Bugs was lying on Wiley’s shoulder, his arms wrapped around him.

What the fuck. Didn’t Bugs say that Wiley was all Rhodey’s? Was he mistaken when he thought that meant that Bugs would back off? He started speedwalking over to them, but broke into a run when Bugs planted a kiss to Wiley’s cheek. What the fuck! Rhodey’s stomach filled with a new, possessive anger he hadn’t experienced yet. He felt a little better when Wiley recoiled in disgust and wiped his cheek, shoving Bugs’s face away from him. Bugs just flailed his arms, saying something that Rhodey couldn’t hear. Wiley's face flushed.

“Hiya, Rhodey!” Lola chimed happily, having spotted him running over.

Wiley gasped as Rhodey angrily grabbed Bugs’s arm. 

[He clearly doesn’t want you to be doing that.] Rhodey signed one-handed. [Leave him alone.]

Wiley shook his head. [It’s really okay, Rhodey. He’s just teasing.]

Rhodey disagreed. Bugs was intentionally trying to piss him off because he knew that he was into Wiley. 

Bugs looked like Christmas had come early when he responded. “Yeah Rhodey, I’m just teasing!”

Rhodey glared at him, hoping his face conveyed what he was thinking. Stop being an asshole! You know that he is mine!

Infuriatingly, Bugs just winked and stood up. “Well, I’m beat. Wiley made us stay the whole time and I’m ready to get back to my comfortable bed.” 

Yeah, you better leave! Rhodey thought. 

Lola stood too, smiling at him. “You did amazing Rhodey, congrats!” She reached for him, and his anger melted as they hugged. He really did love Lola- she was an amazing woman. [Thanks Lola, I’m really glad you came.] He signed, and he meant it. She had become one of his best friends over the course of the fall semester, and he truly valued her friendship. 

“Of course! From now on, we’ll be attending all of them!” She shot him a look, which he read as: You’re welcome for making Wiley come last time. Go get him! Then she turned on her heels and followed Bugs up the stairs. “You guys talk for a sec, Bugs and I will be up here!”

Rhodey turned to Wiley and smiled, and Wiley smiled softly back. Rhodey wanted nothing more than to suck Wiley’s face until he couldn’t breathe. 

[That was really awesome. You did an incredible job.] Wiley signed.

[Thanks Wiley! I need to run home but… I’ll see you tomorrow morning, right?] Rhodey wanted to go home as soon as possible to practice telling Wiley the truth about how he felt. Wiley nodded energetically. 

Rhodey couldn’t help it. He reached out a hand and touched Wiley’s fingertips, gently running his fingers up his arm and then around his shoulders, pulling him into a hug. When Wiley reciprocated and gently squeezed him back, Rhodey closed his eyes, summoning every ounce of self restraint he had to not to pull Wiley into a kiss.

Suddenly, Wiley tilted his head to be more in the crook of Rhodey’s neck, and took a gentle inhale, breathing in Rhodey’s scent. 

Rhodey shivered as sparks shot to his pelvis. Shit- he needed to leave before he did something very hot and very dumb on the college track. He pulled away and smiled at Wiley, slowly dragging his hands from Wiley’s shoulders all the way to his wrists, before pulling away. Shit shit shit- he needed to get out of here. 

[I’ll see you tomorrow morning then. Don’t be late.] He signed, before winking and quickly running away.

He needed Wiley more than he had ever needed anything before. Nothing would stop him from admitting his feelings tomorrow, and then hopefully he could finally get a real taste of Wiley’s tongue.

He shivered as he ran home and steeled his resolve. He was giddy with anticipation and excitement. By this time tomorrow, Wiley could be his. 

* * *

When he woke up extra early the next morning, Rhodey checked his phone to see that Wiley had texted him. His heart jumped to his throat. Wiley didn’t normally text in the mornings before practice- was he going to beat Rhodey to it? Was he going to confess first? He smiled with excitement.

When he opened the message however, his smile and heart fell a little.

Wiley: I have to study today, so I won’t be making it to practice.

Oh. He felt disappointment hit him, sudden and fast. He had been counting on talking to Wiley this morning. He shook his head. No big deal! He would talk to him tomorrow! 

But the next day, Wiley cancelled on him again. Rhodey sought him out on campus and tried to talk to him, but Wiley looked around nervously and waved him away.

Rhodey was stunned. What was going on? Everything seemed fine when they talked after the meet- why was Wiley mad at him? Whatever he did, he could fix it! He just needed to talk to him!

But Wiley continued to brush him off. For the rest of the week, he cancelled their practices every morning, and refused to respond when Rhodey would ask what he did wrong. Rhodey felt like he was losing his mind. What could he have possibly done that was so bad? He felt cast aside and rejected. He hadn’t even gotten a chance to confess, and Wiley was already turning him down? No, he refused to believe it. Not until Wiley signed it himself. Rhodey deserved a chance to at least apologize and make it right. 

He groaned, slumping his head in his hands. He was supposed to be focusing on his biology lecture, but he was too stressed about how to fix things with Wiley to pay attention. When class finished, he began to miserably pack up his things. He hadn’t retained any information, and he didn’t even take any notes, but he didn’t care.

“Rhodey, wait.” Lola said, stopping him from leaving. He sat back down. 

[What is it?]

She looked a little nervous. “Listen… I know I wasn’t supposed to but… you should know that I told Wiley about how you asked me to invite you to your meet and to the party.”

Rhodey blinked. [What? Why?]

She shook her head sadly. “That’s not really for me to tell but… you should talk to Wiley.”

Rhodey frowned. [That’s what I’ve been trying to do all week. He’s just been walking away.]

“Well, make him pay attention. If he won’t listen to reason, you’re going to need to be unreasonable. He needs you right now.”

Rhodey stared. Wiley needed him? He had an odd way of showing that. But that gave him a little bit of hope. If Wiley’s closest friend said that he needed him, he was willing to try. If it would get those dark eyes to focus on him again, he would do whatever it took.

[Okay, but how?]

Lola but her lip nervously. “You should tell him how you feel about him.”

[That’s what I was going to do before he started ignoring me.]

“Yeah, well… tell him anyway. I promise it won’t go badly. Trust me, Rhodey.” She grasped his hand, her eyes pleading.

He blew out a breath. [I don’t think I can confess until I’m sure he won’t run away whenever I enter a room. But I’ll at least make him talk to me again. You’re sure it won’t go badly?]

“I’m positive.” She smiled. 

Rhodey cautiously approached the library. He had gotten well acquainted with the library during the summer semester, when he would come in often just for a glimpse at Wiley. He sighed heavily as he entered. He was stressed, and very nervous. What if Lola was wrong? If Wiley pushed him away again, he might not be able to handle it. But he’d be damned if he wasn’t about to try as hard as possible to get Wiley to look at him again. 

He found him quickly, in his usual study spot. But instead of being intensely focused on schoolwork, Wiley’s palms were dug into his eyes, not even looking at the open textbook below him. That was a little odd, but Rhodey was focused on something else. Wiley’s glasses were lying on the table, unattended. That was the perfect opening! He jogged over silently, and before Wiley could notice him, Rhodey snatched his glasses and pocketed them. It wasn’t a moment too soon, because right as he stepped back, Wiley removed his palms from his eyes. He reached for the spot on the table where his glasses had been, but his fingers only met smooth wood. He began to frantically run his hands along the table, searching.

Rhodey gently set his fingers over Wiley’s eyes. Rhodey hadn’t been able to touch Wiley all week, so when his fingers made contact, he felt butterflies swirling in his stomach as an involuntary giggle was pulled from his mouth.

Wiley froze. [Rhodey?] He signed cautiously. 

Let’s do this.

He walked across from Wiley and sat down, before gently placing his glasses back on. Wiley blinked at him a few times as his vision cleared.

Fuck, Wiley still just looked so good.

[Hi, stranger.] Rhodey teased, before resting his chin on his palm.

Wiley just nodded, gave a strained smile and looked back at his textbook. Rhodey felt his heart squeeze painfully. Why was Wiley being like this? If it was for a dumb reason, Rhodey was going to be pissed, because this sucked.

He wasn’t going to let Wiley push him away again just like that. Not without telling him to his face what was wrong.

He reached out and tapped the top of Wiley’s hand. Wiley waved him away, pointing to the textbook, but he didn’t look up.

Look at me! Rhodey thought. Why won’t you look at me again?

He huffed softly and linked his fingers with Wiley’s. He tried to ignore the beating of his heart. This was the first time they were holding hands, and it was because Wiley was being a wishy-washy asshole! 

But then Wiley closed his eyes and shook his head, almost imperceptibly, and Rhodey could see it. Wiley wanted him. He wanted to hold his hand. Something was just holding him back. 

He could work with that. 

He let go of his hand, leaned over, placed his palm on Wiley’s cheek, then slid it down to under his chin, tipping his head up. Wiley slowly opened his eyes.

Those dark eyes were looking into him so deeply that Rhodey had to suppress a shiver as he signed. 

[What’s wrong Wiley? Why have you been mad at me? Did I do anything wrong?] 

Please please please tell me what I did wrong.

Wiley shook his head. [No, I just… need to study.]

No? He hadn’t done anything wrong? Well then why was Wiley being like this! Something was still off. He pulled back and sat himself down. [Well, let’s study together then. Please?]

Wiley paused, considering, then nodded once. Rhodey couldn’t help the smile that formed on his lips. 

Rhodey pulled out his own textbook and tried to read the passages, but he just couldn’t focus. He hummed softly to himself and bounced his leg. Now and then, he’d glance up just to look at Wiley. He loved watching him study. Wiley would get this intense look on his face, and now and then, he would push his glasses up his nose. Fuck, Rhodey loved those dumb glasses.

After about half an hour, which felt like an eternity to him, Rhodey grasped Wiley’s hand again. Wiley jumped a little, glancing up in surprise. 

Rhodey smiled. [Are we on for tomorrow morning’s practice? You haven’t come at all this last week.] Please please please please-

Wiley shook his head. 

Damn it. [Why?] He wasn’t going down without a fight. Wiley was going to tell him, Rhodey would make sure of that. 

[I’m busy.] Wiley responded plainly.

[With what?] Rhodey countered. He knew that Wiley wasn’t busy- it was just a dumb excuse, and he wasn’t going to stand for that.

When Wiley shrugged and returned his attention to his work, Rhodey huffed and stood up. Time for plan B. If Wiley refused to chat here, Rhodey was going to make him talk somewhere else. Rhodey walked across the table and sat himself next to him, pressing a hand to Wiley’s thigh. Electricity sparked oh his fingertips. He wasn’t going down without a fight. 

A warm glow spread across Wiley’s face. Rhodey relished in it- Wiley did like him. No more song and dance. He would make this man pay attention to him again. 

[Wanna know something, Wiley?] He signed, as seductively as possible.

Wiley’s eyes were wide, and he nodded slowly, unable to look away. Rhodey carefully removed his hand from Wiley’s thigh, then reached to his textbook and closed it for him.

Wiley looked bewildered. [What are you-] 

Rhodey rested his hands on top of Wiley’s, pushing them down and pressing a finger to his lips. Wiley closed his mouth, the pink in his cheeks only deepening in hue. Hm. Rhodey liked that.

He picked up Wiley’s backpack and gently put his textbook away. Wiley’s face melted into a look of pure confusion. 

In an instant, Rhodey slung both his own and Wiley’s backpacks over his shoulders, winked, and sprinted towards the exit. Before he fully left the library, he turned around, savoring the sight of Wiley's jaw dropped open, staring at him in shock.

 [Catch me if you can!] He signed playfully. As Wiley began to scramble out of his seat, Rhodey zipped away. 

They raced through campus, and Rhodey threw his head back to laugh. This was fun. He missed running with Wiley, and there was something thrilling about the man chasing him, desperate to get his schoolwork back. Rhodey wanted him to be desperate for a lot of things. 

He made sure to run at a slow pace so that Wiley would never lose sight of him. Every so often he would turn around and stick his tongue out. This was really fun. They should chase each other more often. 

As they ran off campus, Rhodey wondered if Wiley would get upset and stop following him, but every time he turned around, Wiley was there, chasing from a short distance. Perfect. Time to go back to their practice lot. Wiley wouldn’t be able to ignore him there. 

[Slowpoke!] He signed, running backwards so that Wiley could see his words. That seemed to light some kind of motivation in Wiley, because he got a cute look of determination on his face, and ran faster. Rhodey shivered a little. He liked being the whole center of Wiley’s attention, and pissing him off only added to that.

As they rounded the final corner to their track, Rhodey jogged ahead and dropped their backpacks. His shoulders ached- Wiley’s backpack was heavy. Probably from all of his textbooks, since he was so smart. He enjoyed that he was smart. Ugh, Rhodey liked him so much. Time to talk.

Wiley was crouched a few paces behind him, doubled over and gasping for air. Rhodey walked over and crouched even lower so that Wiley could see him. 

[God Wiley, what’s in your bag? It’s really heavy.] He teased, giggling lightly. Then he stepped away and began to stretch his arms, trying to hide how nervous he was. Time to turn up the charm. He wanted Wiley so bad, but the man had never felt so far away. He felt more attainable as a handsome stranger that Rhodey liked to observe than he did now. But Rhodey had to try. He wanted- no. He needed him. He could feel it in his bones. He needed him as badly as he needed air in his lungs.

Wiley finished catching his breath, then glared up at him [What was that for?]

Rhodey tilted his head to the side, smiling casually. [Well, since you’re insisting on not practicing tomorrow, and we have barely seen each other all week, I thought we could do it right now. Since you’re not busy.]

There. Wiley wouldn’t be able to counter that without looking like a dick. 

[Didn’t we just practice? We ran all the way over here.] Wiley signed as he stood up.

Rhodey shrugged lightly as he began to step closer. [Well, I don’t want to miss out on any more time with you. Practice with me now?] 

Wiley bit his lip. [I-I don’t know. I’m supposed to be studying.]

Rhodey didn’t stop inching closer, his smirk never faltering. [This is technically studying. Just not for engineering.] Aha! That was clever. How would Wiley respond to that?

Then something odd happened. Wiley averted his eyes, then squeezed them shut, a pained look crossing his face. After a moment, he took a deep breath.

[Are you sure you even like hanging out with me?]

Rhodey froze, his teasing smile falling. [What?]

Suddenly, it all came pouring out of Wiley in a series of rapid signing. [It’s just… you’re so amazing. You have all these friends and admirers. You probably have like a million people who would give anything to be with you.] Wiley face dusted with pink. [I mean- hang out with you. There’s so many interesting and… attractive people who surround you. Why would you ever take any interest in me? I’m just… me. Wouldn’t you rather be hanging out with someone better? Don’t you think I’m… being a little creepy?]

Rhodey was frozen to the spot. Holy shit. What had happened? Why would Wiley ever think that? Did he seriously think that Rhodey was better than him? Had he been brushing Rhodey off because he was insecure?

Suddenly, Rhodey’s concern melted into anger. He had spent the past week agonizing over what he could’ve possibly done wrong, and the whole time, Wiley was being a dick because he was insecure? Without once asking Rhodey how he really felt? He just decided on his own that Rhodey was better off without him? Oh hell no.

[Are you kidding me?] He signed as he stepped closer. Wiley blinked in surprise, and lifted his hands in front of him in defense. That just made Rhodey angrier. 

[That’s why you’ve been ignoring me lately? After everything I’ve said to you, every time I’ve practically begged you to hang out, every time I’ve touched you, you think I don’t like being around you?] All of his feelings came tumbling out of him, angry and uninhibited. Wiley raised his hands to sign something, but Rhodey wasn’t going to let him get a word in. [How much more obvious can I be about the fact that I love being around you?] 

He normally would savor how red Wiley had gotten. But he was too worked up to pick that apart. 

[But… aren’t you just like that with everyone?] Wiley signed.

What? No way- Rhodey got sick of people incredibly quickly. He pushed people away and was known to be a heartbreaker- why would he be touching other people like that? Sure, he was a nice guy, but he didn’t flirt with anyone except Wiley. 

More words poured out of him angrily. [No, I’m not like that with everyone, Wiley. But guess what? I’m like that with you because I like you. You’re amazing. How can you not see yourself like I do? You’re talented and shockingly smart. You’re funny and handsome and tall. You have those cute glasses that I love. I could watch you get absorbed in your work all day. Didn’t I mention that I had watched you studying before? I knew who you were long before you even ever glanced my way.] Rhodey inched even closer. [Don’t you remember what Lola told you? She forced you to go to that meet because I asked her to. She invited you to the party because I wanted to talk to you! I had seen you and her hanging out, so I decided to ask her about you. I was too shy to talk to you directly, and I’m never shy with people.]

Later, he might be embarrassed about how much he was sharing, but at the moment, he didn’t care. He glared and poked Wiley’s chest. [I wanted to get to know you for a long time before we ever even talked! I spent every morning for two weeks straight with you while I practiced, which I’ve never done with anyone before.] He paused. Should he add this? Yeah. As he signed, he continued taking steps until he was inches away from Wiley’s chest. [You think you’re being creepy? I wish you would look at me more. I wish you’d try to touch me more. I wish you’d quit dragging your feet and show me how much you want me. Do you still think I’d rather spend my time with someone else?]

Okay- that was enough. Heat flooded Rhodey’s cheeks, as he took in everything he had just admitted to the man in front of him. Would that creep Wiley out? Whatever. He had made his point. There’s no way that Wiley could misunderstand anymore.

After a moment of stunned silence, Wiley signed. [No.] His eyes were incredibly wide and his face burned red.

Rhodey took a deep breath. [Good. So you won’t ignore me again?]

Wiley shook his head. [I won’t. I’m sorry.]

Thank fuck. Rhodey took a few deep breaths. That had better be resolved. Now it was time to up the flirting. After he had just admitted everything, he was feeling needy and in want. He was desperate for Wiley now.

He stepped forward one last time, pressing his chest against Wiley’s. He looked up into his eyes, batted his eyelashes a few times and smirked. [And to address your other point, obviously there’s only one attractive person I care about.]

He blinked when he watched Wiley deflate a little, the pink melting from his cheeks.

[Oh. Who?]

What the hell. Holy shit, Wiley was so dumb. Rhodey snorted a little.

Wiley huffed. [What? Who is it?]

Rhodey burst into a fit of giggles. [Holy shit, Wiley. I can’t believe you’re pouting. How can you be so smart, but still so fucking dense?]

Wiley looked affronted. [What? I’m not dense!]

[You so are.] Rhodey’s giggling slowed. He was hungry for Wiley and didn’t want to wait another second to have him.

[That’s pretty rude, I’m not-] Wiley froze when Rhodey snaked his arms around his neck. He smiled shyly and brushed their noses against each other. He suppressed a shiver, feeling Wiley’s breath against his lips. 

He had wanted this for months. It was time to take it.

He leaned forward and pressed his lips against Wiley’s. 

Wiley froze, not kissing him back. For a terrible moment, Rhodey feared being pushed away. Would he be rejected again? Would he-

Then Wiley gently reciprocated, and all the stress was torn from Rhodey’s mind, immediately being replaced with a desire so strong that he had to fight the urge to moan. He hummed softly and parted his lips to feel Wiley’s mouth. Their tongues began to dance, and Rhodey felt his brain melt into a gooey puddle. 

Wiley Wiley Wiley. He was literally exploring the man's mouth, but it wasn’t enough. He tasted so good. Rhodey could live happily for the rest of his life without anything except Wiley’s mouth on his.

Wiley gently placed his hands on his waist, shooting electricity to Rhodey’s pelvis. He smiled against his lips and grasped Wiley’s face, pulling him closer.

Wiley’s mouth was perfect. Rhodey didn’t know how he could have survived so long without him- each time he sighed and tilted his head, Rhodey felt fuzzy, giddy and desperate for more. He was a drug, and Rhodey knew then and there that he would never be able to quit. 

Wiley seemed to sense his urgency, because he ran his hands up Rhodey’s sides, dragging them up his body slowly until they found Rhodey’s hair. A groan slipped out of Rhodey before he could stop it. He felt Wiley shiver and deepen the kiss, reacting to Rhodey’s desperate sound.

Shit. This was so hot.

Rhodey grasped at Wiley’s shoulders, wrapping his leg around him as if trying to climb the man. More. He needed more.

More more more. 

After a few minutes gently tugging at Rhodey’s hair, Wiley slid his hands down his back before, to Rhodey’s surprise, pushing his hands under his shirt and exploring Rhodey’s skin. 

Rhodey groaned needily again, pulling off Wiley’s glasses so that he could make out with him harder. Wiley returned the enthusiasm eagerly, grasping at Rhodey like nothing else mattered. 

Maybe because nothing else did matter. The only thing of any importance in that moment was them. Wiley’s warm mouth against his. Wiley’s calloused hands on his back. Wiley’s heaving breaths.

God, Rhodey wanted nothing more than to strip him down right here on the track and wring him dry. He wanted to writhe under Wiley’s dark gaze. He wanted to grasp at Wiley's strong arms while they passionately made love for hours on end. Shit shit shit.

Rhodey’s mind swirled with the most inappropriate of desires, ones that would surely give Wiley a heart attack.

Finally, after what felt far too short, Rhodey broke their kiss, pulling away to breathe. He wouldn’t be able to control himself any longer if they didn’t stop, and he didn’t want to scare Wiley away again.

Wiley’s eyes fluttered open, his chest heaving. His face was bright red and his eyes were half lidded and dark.

Shit, he looked so fucking sexy.

Rhodey gently cleared his throat, placing Wiley’s glasses back on his nose.

Wiley blinked, finally unwrapping his arms from around Rhodey’s body, stepping back a little.

Rhodey watched as Wiley sheepishly adjusted his pants. God- that was hot. Should they just hook up right here and now?

No no, he had practice soon. They wouldn’t have time. Damn.

[Wow. Uh, thank you?] Wiley signed.

God, he was so fucking cute.

Rhodey giggled softly. [You’re welcome. Did you like it?] He had better have liked it- just look at the state of him!

Wiley looked away and nodded. [Obviously.]

Ugh- did they really not have time to hook up? Rhodey glanced at his watch. It was 4:21. Damn, they had made out for almost an hour! He needed to leave soon. 

[Me too. I really, really liked it Wiley.] He signed. Then he sheepishly added, [I’ve missed you.]

Wiley blinked at him, and Rhodey watched as something clicked in his brain. 

[Have you been… flirting with me this whole time?]

Rhodey stared. Then he burst out laughing. What did he think Rhodey was doing when he constantly complimented and touched him?

[See? Dense.] He kept giggling as he brushed some hair out of his face. He really needed to leave, and it was probably smart to get out of there as soon as possible before he pounced on Wiley. 

[I gotta go. See you tomorrow morning?] He tried not to look too hopeful.

Wiley nodded, smiling.

Rhodey’s heart soared. [And you’ll be at my meet on Thursday?]

[Of course.]

Rhodey beamed. Then he picked up his bag, stuck his tongue out, and jogged away, leaving Wiley looking disheveled and cute on their track.

Shit. That was the hottest thing he had ever experienced. He needed to get Wiley in his bed as soon as possible. Or even better, in Wiley’s bed. It would smell like him, right? 

Rhodey covered his burning face as he jogged. They were boyfriends now, right? That seemed to be how relationships worked. You kiss, you become partners. Even though he had no other dating experience, that sounded accurate to him.

Wow. He was Wiley Koyote’s boyfriend. 

And Wiley was his boyfriend. Officially. 

Those dark, focused eyes would only be looking at him now.

Rhodey shivered as he skidded to a halt at the track. He felt a little dizzy and lightheaded, but that was probably just because of the kiss, right?

No need to worry about it. Tomorrow, Wiley would be back on their track in the morning, and they would start this new chapter of their relationship being an official couple.

He smiled to himself as he walked to his coach. Everything was going to go his way.