Wow, haven't updated this in a while. Happy New Year everyone!
One
Another city, another house, another fresh start. Rusty sighed, then looked up to see his parents walking down the path, holding hands as they conversed with each other. They'd finished carrying the last of the boxes in an hour ago, and had set out to introduce themselves to the neighbourhood. Rusty didn't see the point; they'd only be moving again in six months or so. He cursed; his parents had brought company, and company had someone about his age with them. Rusty moved away from the window and prepared himself for starting a friendship that was never going to last.
Two
The clock on the wall of the motel room ticked, reminding Danny that they didn't have much time left. He turned in the bed to watch him, to take in the sight of his face. A smile crept onto Rusty's face, and the blond moved closer to him; aware, even in his sleep, how much Danny needed the contact. Danny glanced up at the clock, watching as another minute passed, thinking about the past weekend, wishing that he didn't have to leave. Another glance and it was time to leave. Time to leave one life behind and go to another.
Three
Danny knew where he was heading the moment Tess threw him out. The whiskey, movies and comforting words were waiting for him. He sat, a glass pressed to his forehead, and he could feel Rusty's eyes on him. Eyes full of worry, understanding and love. There was no need for words. He turned, and blue eyes captured his own. They held him there for a long time, offering support and sympathy. Then they became playful. Lips covered his own; soft, gentle, needy hands were cupped his face. Rusty pulled back, asking permission. Danny never could say no to those eyes.
Four
The con was a simple one, one that they should have pulled off easily. But they didn't. Two gunshots, a lot of worry and five days in hospital later, Tess watches them. They're almost the same as ever; confident, close, full of jokes. But Tess can see subtle differences. She sees the way Rusty grips Danny's arm just a little too tightly, the way Danny lightly brushes his hand over Rusty's forehead. Later, when they don't know she's watching, she sees Danny lean over and kiss his best friend. And she tries to understand that that's just Danny and Rusty.
Five
Laughter fills the air and Rusty turns just in time to see Danny open Saul's present. Danny shakes his head at him, so Rusty resigns himself to waiting. A few minutes later, strong hands wrap themselves around his waist and he leans into the touch. Danny whispers playfully into his ear, and he glances up at the clock: one minute to midnight. The hands spin him around and he closes his eyes, as requested. The countdown in his head seems to last forever, people continue to talk and Rusty waits for the tell tale silence. Then, finally, the clock chimes.