I fucking hate you all.

-Rave

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Now, many people saw Nat and Rave together. It wasn't hard to do, really. They had gone to the same college, and Nat basically followed Rave around everywhere. Unless it was during class, one could safely assume that if they saw the magenta haired teen, they would see the teal haired boy not far behind. It seemed they were inseparable, despite how upset Rave was about it. At first, people thought Nat was some sort of stalker- surely, Rave wasn't enjoying the boy's company and it worried people that Nat had somehow blackmailed him into hanging out with him. Of course, as soon as they came to understand Rave's personality and abilities, they knew that if the angry boy really didn't want Nat around, he could and would do something about it. He simply wasn't the type to let anyone tell him what to do for any reason.

After some time, Nat became quite popular at school, partly because of his good looks and partly because of his charm. He never took things too seriously and could take any professor on in a debate, whether he knew much about the subject or if he BS-ed so well even the teacher was baffled. He was outgoing, he was hilarious and he was rich. Many young women (and a few young men) threw themselves at him, asking him out on elaborate dates and to nice parties. He always agreed- if he could bring Rave.

People assumed they were together. Some even made jokes that Rave always looked upset because it was an arranged marriage or relationship.

They weren't wrong, really.

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Nat awoke in the early morning, blinking and yawning as he slowly adjusted to being awake. He had purposefully taken all afternoon and night classes so that he could sleep in. It was a lot better that way, he would often remind himself. Morning classes are boring, and the students would be so tired they would be boring too. Nat wasn't going to college for the education, rather, to enjoy the atmosphere and have a good time. He'd done splendidly so far and he wasn't going to waste his precious beauty sleep and bore himself to death in early morning classes.

He shifted, his half-open eyes falling to the figure beside him. Rave was still totally asleep, though Nat knew as soon as he sat up, his companion would be awoken from the shifting the mattress. So he stayed almost completely still, watching the taller boy breath softly. It was the third night in a row that Rave had spent at Nat's apartment, and the teal haired boy was growing increasingly worried. He had once promised the Rave that he could come by anytime without giving any sort of explanation, and at the time he had meant it, but now he was afraid something had gone seriously wrong. Rave had always had family problems- his foster father wasn't a kind man and did not approve of the boy's interest in theatre, which caused a lot of friction at home. It was common for the boy to sleep over at Nat's a couple times a month, if only to escape the harsh words of a family he didn't feel he belonged to.

But never had he stayed this long and been this quiet before. He had spoken all of ten words since coming over, something Nat was not accustomed to. He hadn't even protested when Nat suggested they sleep in the same bed. It had been a joke, really, as Rave had never agreed to such a thing, but he had simply climbed in, burying himself in the thick blankets and hugging his knees to his chest. Nat wasn't complaining, mostly because he liked having him there and he worried Rave needed the comfort. The next two days were similar, with Rave never leaving Nat's side for long. He wasn't even insulting Nat anymore- he just followed.

Nat had done everything he could think of to get a reaction of his companion, to no avail. He had flirted with him, dragged him to places he hated, hugged him, and even hinted at going on a date with Edd (who, at the time, Rave couldn't stand), but Rave just continued to scowl, his mouth staying shut. He didn't seem as angry or as bored as he usually did, in fact, he sort of looked...blank. There was a light frown on his face, but it was not riddled with disgust, impatience or arrogance.

It had nothing.

Nat reached out achingly slow, moving the duvet so that he could see the other boy's face properly. Rave's face was flushed, his mouth open slightly as he breathed in and out. His shoulders were hunched and his hands were clutching the collar of his shirt lightly in his sleep. Nat had seen the boy sleep many times, but only now did he truly study his face. He noticed that Rave had long, dark eyelashes that would make every drag queen he knew jealous. He also had a very thin face, and on the rare chance that he smiled in a genuine way, it made him look almost childish. He had a tan, gray complexion and large, beautiful eyes. Nat grinned, thinking about how attractive he was, as much as the boy tried to hide it.

That was something Nat would never understand. He had never met someone as smart, resourceful or as beautiful as Rave was. Yet, people never seemed to see him that way. They saw him as rude, incompetent and cold. And sure, he might act a little peeved in public, but why couldn't they see that wasn't who he was underneath?

He wished he could show them who he was when they were alone.

He wished he could show them who he was when he was on stage.

He wished he could show them who he was when he got protective.

He wished he could show them who Rave was. The real Rave.

The one that was currently taking space next to him. The gorgeous, the quick, the reserved, the honest, the fair, the quiet, the true and the living Rave that he was. The boy Nat couldn't get enough of. Nat had plenty of friends- and he really enjoyed being around people. But with Rave, things were different. He had never met someone as refreshing, as real and as raw as the magenta haired teen.

Growing up and being the rich kid meant people were always trying to get on Nat's good side, and he hated that. He hated that people were kind simply because they thought they could get something out of it. Rave had been the exact opposite. He saw the spoiled, teal haired boy as annoying, and openly insulted him in public. His brash behavior, stifling arguments and temper made him stick out from the ass-kissing crowd Nat was used to, and he loved it. He had refused to leave Rave's side for over a year in high school, being obnoxious and a flirt to rile him up. He never thought the theater kid would like him, but apparently all the teasing had somehow gotten him on the boy's good side.

Nat was told by one of his friends that when someone had attempted to make fun of him in another class, Rave had snapped at them, not only dispelling their argument but making them look like a fool in the process. As soon as he found out, Nat went to find him, grinning wickedly when he did. Rave was where he often was- working backstage in the theater room, testing lights and other equipment. Upon seeing the rich kid, Rave scoffed, rolling his eyes. In his arms was a large box labeled 'hats'.

"Fuck off, Goldberg. I'm busy."

Nat's Cheshire smirk only grew. "Heard you defended me today in your English class. Is that true, Rave?"

The magenta haired boy nearly dropped what he was carrying, his face turning a shade pinker. "Of course not. Why should I care if someone makes fun or you or not?"

Rave turned around, setting the box in its proper place. Nat walked up behind him, snaking his arms around the his middle as the taller boy straightened. Rave crossed his arms, scowling.

"Get the fuck off of me before I kick your face in."

"Didn't like 'em makin' fun of me, didja sweet cheeks?"

"I swear to god, you little shit if you don't detach your limbs right now-"

"Thanks babe. It means a lot."

Nat squeezed him briefly before letting go. Rave turned around, brushing himself off.

"Whatever."

Nat's affection for Rave only grew after that incident. He knew that Rave cared about him, whether he would admit it or not. There were moments where Rave would hint at it- he would let a smile creep on his face, or he wouldn't shove Nat away when the rich boy held his hand, or he would scowl when someone besides himself addressed Nat in a rude way. They were all but inseparable. Nat found endless ways to drive Rave crazy in their time together.

When high school ended, Rave was offered a scholarship at the local community college for his acting skills, and Nat was happy to accompany him there. That was over a year ago and both were well on their way to graduation. Nat was getting a general degree, and Rave was getting a degree in the arts. Because of this, things had gotten worse between Rave and his foster father. Nat feared they had finally had a major fall out, though he couldn't be sure until Rave decided to tell him.

He sighed, watching as Rave moved in his sleep, his brows creasing slightly. Nat smirked, his face showing his adoration for the boy next to him. Where Nat was a charmer, Rave was a realist. Where Nat was an open book, Rave was reserved. Where Nat was happy, Rave was angry. Where Nat was funny, Rave was intelligent. Where Nat was carefree, Rave was argumentative. Where Nat liked hugs, Rave liked personal space.

Though, on occasion, Rave would lean his head on Nat's shoulder. When he did that, Nat nearly lost his mind. It was awesome.

"Stop staring at me, you fuck nut," Rave growled sleepily, his eyes still closed. Nat grinned.

"I can't. Your face is mesmerizing."

Rave opened an eye, glaring. "It's too early for your shit, Goldberg."

Nat laughed, relieved. "There's the Rave I know. Where ya been hiding, babe?"

Rave opened both eyes, his face reserved. The teasing scowl dropped from his features and his half lidded eyes focused on his hands. His voice was quiet and emotionless as he spoke, his eyes dull.

"He told me not to come back."

Nat's eyebrows raised. He knew Rave's foster father was a harsh man, but he didn't think he would kick him out! He was far too sensible for that, and he really did the money he got from taking care of the theater loving teen. Part of him knew that Rave was better off without him, but the rejection probably still hurt. It would explain why Rave had been all but silent the last few days. He probably didn't want to talk about it, and he was probably mulling over the fact that he was now homeless. He had turned eighteen their senior year, and was no longer under the protection of the government. And Nat knew he would refuse to go back to another foster family. With a sympathetic smile, Nat reached out and put a hand on top of one of Rave's.

"I always wanted a roommate," Nat said, winking. Rave closed his eyes, a slight smile on his lips. Nat knew Rave would never, ever ask for assistance. He couldn't, it wasn't who he was. Rave was independent and tried his best not to need anyone. It was very difficult for him to accept anyone's sympathy, regardless of how warranted it was. Nat was honestly surprised Rave didn't refuse his invitation- it made him realize just how serious the situation was.

"Can you go back for your stuff?" Nat asked. Rave shook his head.

"He burned it all," he whispered. He wouldn't speak about it after that. Nat didn't ask.

That very day, Nat went on a major shopping spree with Rave in tow, getting everything the boy might need, and then some. Rave was obviously unhappy with the situation and would rather not accept the gifts, but he was so sick of wearing the same clothes three days in a row that he begrudgingly cooperated. He never thanked Nat aloud, but he never let go of the boy's hand, which was almost the same thing.

They fell asleep quickly that night, Nat's hand near Rave's, reminding him that he was always within reach.

After graduation, they moved to the city, getting a small apartment on the top level of the ten story building. Rave loved the view and would often drink his morning tea on the couch that faced the window, his big eyes fixed on the sun as it rose over the city. His hair had grown out some and he often pushed it back with a headband, the pinkish strands of his bedhead sticking out at strange angles. Nat loved the look, and often played with hair when he woke up first. It annoyed Rave to no end, but he never made him stop. It wasn't the worst way to wake up.

On one such morning, Nat had joined Rave on the couch, resting his head in the taller boy's lap. Rave shot him a look and rolled his eyes, but set his hand on Nat's chest, intertwining their fingers. After a few minutes of comfortable silence of watching the sun come up, Nat rubbed Rave's hand with his thumb, remembering something he had meant to tell the theater lover the night before.

"My old man called yesterday while you were out. Apparently he wants to sign the company over to me and retire- something about finding hot babes in Europe or something. But there's a catch," he said, raising his eyebrows suggestively.

"Do you have to ditch your high school attitude and grow the fuck up?" Rave asked suspiciously. He'd met Nat's parents a couple of times. They were charmers like Nat, but they were less comedic, to be sure. His mother was definitely a trophy wife, and wore very expensive clothing, often going solo on very expensive trips. His father was clearly a business man, constantly wearing suits and talking like he wanted to sell you something. Rave detested them, but tried his best to curb his distaste for Nat's sake. He had found out later that Nat disliked them just as much, but found their pompous attitudes quite amusing. It was because of his endless positivity that his father had stayed in touch with him, trying to be a model father though anyone could tell that they their relationship was horribly shallow. After coming out to him his father had gone all but catatonic. When he finally realized he could not change his son's mind, he had distanced himself for a while until he got so bored with his business he re-connected. Nat never seemed to mind- he was never particularly attached to him anyway.

"He says I have to be married. Something about having a secure business partner or something."

Rave gave him an incredulous look. He couldn't be serious.

"On an unrelated note, wanna elope?"

Nope, he was serious.

"If you think I would even consider fucking marrying you to please your dip-shit of a father so that he'll give you his company you can go fuck yourself with a forklift up the-"

"Who said anything about the company?"

Rave raised an eyebrow. Nat only smiled at him, continuing to rub his thumb against the back of Rave's hand.

"I mean, don't get me wrong, I would be awesome in fashion business. You know I would. And inheriting a major company would be major bragging rights. But the part I like best is the perfect excuse to be with you. Permanently. Even if we got hitched and said 'fuck the company'. I don't care. I don't need it. I just need you."

He said it so openly, like it was the easiest truth in the world. And while, yes, he was a flirt, Nat very rarely shared his affection seriously. And when he did, Rave listened. The taller boy was quite unaccustomed to such love and took it quite seriously, if only to know what it felt like. He and Nat had been physically close, of course, and had been that way for years. But while Nat was kind to him, their emotional connection had always seemed iffy. Not because Nat didn't try- no, it was more because Rave felt he could not accept it. Surely, if no one could love him before they couldn't now, could they?

Why would they?

Even so, he was continually surprised that Nat never seemed to grow tired of him. In fact, his love only grew over the months they spent together. But never before had he so openly shared these feelings. There relationship was one of implied trust. Nat would drag Rave around and Rave would follow, albeit arguing with him the entire way. Nat would only laugh and take every excuse to get closer to him. It was a strange, confusing arrangement, but neither seemed to mind.

It was only today that Nat had ever even implied taking their so-called courtship to the next step.

So Rave sat there, not responding for quite some time, just looking down at Nat curiously. Nathan Goldberg was a lot of things (most of those things including being a little shit), but misleading was never not one of them. Sure, he could tell a lie, and did quite well, but when it came down to it, Nat was not one for tricks. He knew exactly what he wanted, and wasn't afraid to fight for it.

And right then, apparently, he wanted Rave.

The feeling made the theater loving boy's head spin. He forced himself to stay calm, and to give the boy in his lap a serious, somewhat bored face as spoke.

"I am not wearing a dress, so don't even think about it."

Nat grinned. "You'd look hot, but I'll get over it."

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While they had wanted to elope, when his father heard the news, he insisted they have a large wedding to be politically correct. Besides, he argued, he could give Nat the company at the same time, so the company's representatives had to be there. It was a bit of a political stunt, but Nat didn't care either way. When the minster announced they were now husband and husband Nat grinned, pulling Rave to him before dipping him dramatically, kissing the boy firmly. Later Rave hit him for it, but Nat thought it was worth it.

Instead of going to the large party afterwards, Nat snuck a few bottles of wine, Kevin, Edd, Nazz, and his new husband out the back doors and to the roof top, where they spent the night celebrating. Nat made Kevin dance with him while Rave and Edd, who became quite civil to one another after taking a few drinks, debated over everything under the sun while Nazz listened intently before falling asleep. They stayed there until the early morning hours, laughing with each other until Kevin was sick and Nat was so wasted he could barely walk (Rave and Nazz both took a shoulder to help move him while Edd carried Kevin on his back). They made their way back to the apartment and crashed, separating later the next day after everyone had recovered.

Instead of honeymooning, Nat and Rave moved, settling to a large house on the coast. Nat was able to help run the company and make public appearances while still leaving time for Rave and the kids they regularly watched after both Nazz and Kevin's children were old enough. The plot they had included over two acres of open land, where Rave started a garden of herbs, vegetables, and flowers. He worked part time at a local theater, acting and directing, but spent the majority of his time in his precious garden.

The children were more than happy to help, Noah especially. The curly haired boy had grown incredibly attached to his tall uncle, quietly paddling along behind him as much as the toddler could. While Nazz feared Rave would get sick of the child, just the opposite was true. Rave carried the boy around on his hip, teaching him about how to care for the garden. In the later years, Noah would be very grateful for his uncle's patience and guidance, attributing his love of knowledge and people to the man that had helped raise him. He also grew a small garden for his own family.

Josh, the oldest of the boys, eventually went on to grow a winery not far from the house with his husband, who then invited Rave to help him tend to it. He agreed, becoming the primary caretaker for over half of the orchard. Nat would often accompany him on the walk through the garden, his hand securely in Rave's.

If you had asked Rave who he thought he would become, he would never have guessed it to be like the way it was. In fact, growing up, the boy had very little hope for the future. And really, being an uncle, gardener and husband of the most annoying man on the planet weren't exactly on his wishlist. But when one of nephew's or niece's faces lit up at his presence, their arms outstretched to him, when he sat underneath the tree of one of his blossoming trees as the sun rose, or when the most annoying man on the planet smiled fondly at him and kissed his head, Rave was reminded that things could be much, much worse.

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He really loves you all, and I think, if he could, he would thank you. M certainly thanks you.

-Noah