Author's Note: Okay I'll admit it. Nat and Rave are a bit OOC and I have a flair for the dramatic. So sue me. Um,
actually don't. I have nothing as it is! Anyways, go read Chapter 6.

Chapter 6
6:59:56, 6:59:57, 6:59:58, 6:59:59, 7:00

*ding dong*

Nat waited patiently on the doorstep of the large house. He didn't know Rave came from a rich lifestyle. Although, by the way he acted, he guessed it kinda made sense in a way.

There were noises from inside. He heard yelling and footsteps. Did Rave's parents fight? That would definitely explain his behavior.

The door opened, and the guitarist grinned. The singer, on the other hand, was surprised. Not only was Nat on time, he was also dressed nice; both things were impressive. He wore a white dress shirt with black skinny jeans and Converse. Well, it wasn't all out formal, but it was nice for him. Rave was dressed similarly, except he was wearing a black dress shirt and skinny jeans. Instead of Converse, he was wearing Toms.

"7 sharp," Nat said smugly. "Impressed?"

"Hardly," Rave said.

"You look great," Nat said. "Ready to go?"

"Whatever," Rave said dismissively. "Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise," the teal-haired Romeo said. "But I'll give you a hint: If you have things you need to take with you to a musical, you better grab them."

His crush's face lit up. "Musical? As in a theater production?"

Nat grinned at the response he got. He'd never seen Rave look excited before. Rave's face became so sweet and pure, like a child's. He was elated; he'd done good.

"Maybe."

Rave continued his questions. "Is it at the Bellview in Madison? Its productions are divine; astounding actors and beautiful set design. I used to go a lot with...with my mom."

Nat sensed the instant change in the air. "Is something wrong?"

The actor put his skills to use and applied a brave face. "No. Let's just go."

Rave followed Nat to his car, who opened the passenger door for him.

"You're more polite than I expected," Rave remarked.

Nat closed the door and went around to get in himself. "See what you've been missing out on?"

"I have to admit I'm pleasantly surprised," Rave said, placing his hand on Nat's arm. "I expected a shit date at a shit movie and your usual shit behavior. But you're really being a gentleman and trying hard to give me a good time. It's...sweet."

Sweet. This was not a concept Rave was used to. His parents had left him in that foster home when he was young, and no one ever wanted him, especially as he became older. It was weird for him to be treated this way, but he had to admit, he enjoyed it.

"Well, I really like you," Nat said, taking Rave's hand in his. "You're not just some one-night stand, I have strong feelings for you. So of course I'm gonna treat you like royalty. You're really important to me."

Now Rave was really shocked. He'd never been important to anyone, either.

He pulled Nat in for a hug, trying hard not to cry from the things he was feeling. Nat squeezed him tightly, reveling in the way he felt and his smell. He never thought he'd see the day when Rave hugged him on his own terms. He couldn't help but glance down. That ass... Resist! Gentleman! Be good!

Rave pulled away and sat back in his seat, and Nat started the car. It was going to be a good night. The guitarist could feel it.

After the musical, the pair returned to Nat's car. Rave was smiling, which was a feat for the rage-case. Nat was smiling, too, but that's not really news he's always smiling. He started the car, and pulled onto the highway.

"So," Nat began. "The date: Thumbs up? Thumbs down?"

"I actually had an amazing time," Rave said. "I didn't think I'd have fun on this date, but I did. I guess everything I assumed about you was wrong. You're...pretty great."

He growled internally. He couldn't believe was opening up to Nat. The Romeo had successfully torn down his walls; he who'd made them indestructible, who'd worked hard to make sure no one could get in.

"Well, I know," Nat said smugly. "And I'm real glad. I was scared I'd screw up and lose you. But I totally nailed it, yeah?"

Rave looked at the window. "Sure. I need to get home."

And just like that, the teal-haired heartthrob was back out in the cold. He blinked. Did he do something? Hadn't they just had a wonderful time?

"Did..." he stuttered. "Did I do something?"

Rave felt a pang in his chest. He wasn't supposed to feel bad. Shutting someone out was supposed to feel good. What was he doing?

"No..." the actor said. "I just... I can't do this. When I open up to people and trust them, they always hurt me."

Nat's mouth fell open. "I just did all of this for you! I worked hard to make this perfect for you, and this is how you're gonna repay me? Rave, I won't let you do this! I don't know what happened to you to make you act like this, but I'm not the one who wronged you and I don't want you treating me like I am." They reached Rave's home and he put the car in park and turned to face the actor. "I put all this effort into our date because I wanted you to smile and laugh and have a good time, because I've never seen you do those things. I worked my ass off because I can't see my life without you in it."

"You can't?" Rave asked, tearing up.

Nat shook his head, wrapping his arms around the teary-eyed beauty. "Don't shut me out, Rave. I need you."

The actor was sobbing now. He'd always dreamed of hearing that, but never thought he would hear it. And it was too much. He couldn't handle these feelings anymore, and he was losing it all over Nat's shirt.

He composed himself enough to look up at Nat. Looking into the other's eyes, he saw a side of Nat he'd never seen. The usual goofy, creepy slimeball had been replaced with someone who would do anything for the things they believed in. He couldn't help himself anymore.

He lifted his chin to smash his lips onto Nat's. The latter was taken aback, but soon gave in, fiercely kissing the boy with everything he had. He nipped Rave's bottom lip, causing the boy to gasp and he quickly slipped his tongue into his mouth. Their tongues danced feverishly, both desperate for the other; Rave searching for redemption, Nat giving in to temptation.

Rave pulled away. "Let's try this. But if you hurt me, I'll kick your fucking ass."

Nat looked like he'd just won the lottery. "And what an honor it would be to get my ass kicked by a cutie like you." He winked.

Rave groaned, and got out of the car, walking up the driveway to his door. He looked over his shoulder at Nat, who blew him a kiss. Rave made a face. He was going to regret this.