The next few weeks flew by for Stanley.
In amongst his hectic finals and the multitude of assignments that he had been forced to complete, Stan had also taken to ignoring Bill.
He knew that in the long run this was not a great coping strategy, purposefully disregarding the auburn teen, but to his credit it wasn't exactly like Bill had been trying hard at all to capture his attention or to even have a simple conversation with him.
It was truly as if Bill had just moved on and that thought infuriated Stanley.
Stan still kept close tabs on Bill's latest hookups who were still ever changing with each passing week.
He had observed Bill's current one at the moment who was a junior named Peter Gordon. Peter was known for always donning a pair of dungarees and for frequently starring in Derry High's theatrical productions.
The two were an peculiar combination, but that concept wasn't ever enough to tame the bubbling envy inside Stan's chest whenever he saw them together.
It always ate on Stan's nerves, especially when they would make out right beside his locker or when Bill would whisper sweet nothings into Peter's ear with his arm slung over his narrow shoulder.
Their interactions just further highlighted the painful truth which Stanley had dreaded coming to terms with.
Bill was a fuckboy and was always going to be one. Nothing was ever going to change that fact period.
He wished things could be different, but with finals coming to an end and his college applications due in a few weeks, Stan was glad that they could serve as a distraction for him. Sure, they were only temporary diversions, but they would stay useful until he figured out how to best deal with Bill and his complicated feelings for him.
Speaking of Bill, ever since the russet teen had started to 'date' Peter, he had rarely spent any time with the Losers, often choosing to ditch them so they could make out or whatever else.
Though Eddie had reminded Stanley about that upcoming Friday which was the annual Derry High vs Bangor High Baseball Match which was a huge deal for Bill and his baseball team.
This match was each year held after school on the last day of finals for seniors and served as a celebration and time for some much-needed competition after such a stressful exam period. It encouraged all students from grades 9-12 to come along and support the Derry team.
Derry High had always maintained a rivalry with Bangor High which were from the neighbouring town Bangor that was located about an hour outside of Derry. This match was always very hyped up and even talent scouts were known to come and scout 'potential stars' from both teams.
Each year the matches alternated with which school would host the game. This year Derry High were responsible for holding it which had put a lot of extra pressure onto the baseball team to do particularly well as the home team.
Stan had forgotten about this game entirely, though it did explain why Bill had been both absent and also quieter than usual (aside from his make out sessions with Peter). Stanley also suspected that Bill's dad was probably going to be attending as well which he knew would be an added stress for Bill, the poor guy he actually almost felt sorry for him.
He thought back to the dance and their conversation "I-I hate b-b-baseball" Bill had told him as he explained how his parents wanted him to do baseball, not because he actually enjoyed it but because it was a part of their grand master plan to control his every move.
Stan was glad that he never had to deal with anything like that, but he had his own individual struggles especially back at the home front.
He had been stretched to the bone both physically and emotionally at the Bower's household and was in a constant state of exhaustion.
Stanley always knew that Butch hated him, but his actions over the past few weeks had gone far beyond hatred. It was as if Butch downright loathed him and relished watching him suffer.
Butch's beatings had become a lot worst with harsh slaps to the face and brutal fucking hits, punches, scratches (the list went on) to different parts of Stan's body, littering his pale features with bruise after bruise.
Henry and Patrick also joined in the fray and Stanley was genuinely not sure if he could survive until his 18th birthday which was still months away.
The staff at the diner knew of how violent Butch and his sons could be; they weren't blind and had always been protective of Stan especially Sally and Marcia.
But Stanley always insisted that it was fine, even though he knew it was far from.
He reflected on these thoughts one Monday night after he had returned home from another closing shift at the diner. He tiptoed through the deadly silent house, afraid to wake up Butch or his spawn as he gently closed the attic door behind him as quietly as possible.
Stanley still prayed in moments like these when he was alone and in particularly trying times. He found himself needing guidance and support from up above as he knelt at the foot of his bed, clasping his hands together.
He said a quick prayer up to his parents and God, requiring some extra encouragement especially when dealing with Butch.
After a couple of seconds had passed, Stan moved to tuck himself into his bed, feeling more clarity about his current situation. He was ready to take on the upcoming week and whatever new challenges would be coming his way, all with the guidance of up above.
The following day was Tuesday and Stanley was stressed.
Overwhelmed to say the least as Ben dropped him back at "Kosher like me" following the end of their school day.
Stan had dual exams in the next two days and was beginning to panic, had he done enough study? Or was he going to have to pull another all nighter? His recent sleep deprivation had been taking a major toll on him and his current work ethic.
Stanley headed into the diner and greeted Marcia while he started to tie his apron around his slim torso. He then went to pick up a notepad and pen as Butch strode out of the back with Henry and Patrick in tow behind him.
Butch was holding a sponge and bucket and stopped in front of Stan, instantly narrowing his eyes at Stanley.
"What you do think you're doing Stanley?" he spat out his name like it was poisonous as Stan gestured to a table with new customers who had just arrived "I was just going to serve th-"
"That won't be necessary" Butch interrupted him "as you might be aware, we have the health inspector coming over in a few hours and I noticed that there was some mould growing over there" he pointed over to the main feature wall which was painted all black.
Feeling indignation rise in his chest, Stanley was going to complain to his stupid stepfather, about how you couldn't even see any mould because the wall was fucking black but at the last minute, he decided to keep his mouth shut.
Besides, since praying the previous night he had vowed to himself to be more forgiving of Butch and to not let his arrogant and ignorant behaviour get on his nerves as much as usual.
Butch handed him the bucket with soapy water splashing inside it and the sponge "you have fifteen minutes and we'll be back, if it isn't up to my standards you know what's going to happen don't you you filthy fairy?" he smirked, his eyes sinister and cruel as he glared at Stan who nodded, gulping before going over to the wall.
Butch and his sons loudly chortled at his reaction before exiting out the front door, probably planning to guzzle down a beer or two out the back in the meantime.
Stan felt tears begin to well up in his eyes once they left as he started to scrub at the fucking wall. They were vicious scrubs and he didn't fucking care anymore, the tears felt hot and heavy as they started to pour down his cheeks, but he was so damn angry at Butch and his merciless words.
He continued to rub at this wall, clouded by fury when he felt someone come up behind him, he could sense that it was Marcia and he kept doing the motion over and over again as she started to soothe him and his bitterness towards his stepfather.
He kept cleaning the fucking wall, until he started to notice the slightest hint of fancy font underneath the black paint.
This gaged his curiosity and he did not halt with his efforts, he only furthered them, determined to figure out what was written through the paint.
He did not stop until he could read the entire message and his breath hitched at what was written across the feature wall when he finally finished:
"Don't ever be scared to ask for help, it doesn't mean you are weak, it only means you are wise" and he felt his jaw drop.
Of course, it was his father's quote which he himself had painted on the wall. This was a sign from God and Stanley was not willing to let this opportunity pass especially considering his plea for help from the previous evening.
Trying to calm his thumping heartbeat and newfound sense of bravery from rediscovering the quote, he waited until Butch returned.
Belch, Sally and Victor had even appeared from out the back to see what the commotion was about and were astonished at the message which they had also forgotten about until now.
The second Butch staggered in through the front door, the cocky expression plastered across his features dropped the second he saw the phrase on the wall.
He marched over to Stan, his eyes murderous and teeth gritted "what the fuck have you done here Stanley?"
Stan just stared at him and his sons behind him, this was their fault, yet they were still blaming him.
"Stanley, go into the back right fucking now and get a tin of black paint so you can cover up this stupid quote, I demand you go right fucking now!"
But this time instead of agreeing, Stanley stood his ground "no" he let out while still staring at Butch, Stan's features emotionless.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me Butch, I said no and you know what I fucking quit. I fucking quit this job and I fucking quit being apart of your pathetic excuse of a family when you never even gave a goddamn shit about me once"
Butch was completely taken aback at his outburst "oh and who are you going to live with then you ungrateful son of a bitch?"
A moment of silence passed and Stanley prepared himself for the worst, having to live alone and on the streets, but at least he would then be away from Butch.
"Me" Marcia's voice was soft but stern as she eventually stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Stan "he's going to live with me".
Stanley grinned triumphantly before he started to walk towards the back of the diner.
"Wait a second darling" Marcia called to him stopping in his tracks "I'm going to do something I should have a long long time ago" she turned to Butch before continuing "look Butch, I quit as well and the only freaking reason I ever stuck around here was for the sake of that boy over there" she smiled fondly at Stanley "and now that he has finally stood up for himself I refuse to stay here any longer"
Butch was shocked while he moved to speak with the other employees "come on guys" he was begging them at this stage as he watched them one by one announce that they also quit.
Hugging Marcia appreciatively, Stanley departed "Kosher like me" with a smile on his face for the first time in years as she directed him towards her car, so thankful for the start of a new phase in his life.
"-And this is your bedroom here on the right" Marcia moved aside, allowing Stan to take a peek inside his new bedroom complete with an ensuite.
His eyes lit up at his new form of freedom and he suddenly felt like crying, she had done so much for him and he was forever grateful.
Right after leaving the diner, Stanley had gone with Marcia back to Butch's place, ready to collect all of his belongings so they could bring them to her house.
It had been awkward, as they tried to ignore Butch, Henry and Patrick who were hovering over them infuriated with this latest arrangement.
Stanley had hastily stuffed his belongings into cardboard boxes for easy transportation. He also located his box of mementos from his parents which included his encyclopaedia, making sure to hide them from Butch as he took them down to Marcia's car.
Once they had completely cleared the attic of Stan's existence, they silently returned to the car for the last time and drove off to Marcia's home.
She had been showing Stanley around when he felt his phone vibrate in his pant pocket.
He shot Marcia an apologetic smile before bringing it out and answering the phone call. He watched her retreat into the kitchen, giving him some privacy which he never used to get with Butch.
It was Ben and he sounded completely frantic.
"Stan I've done something horrible".
Stanley took in a deep and calculated breath as his best friend started to ramble about his terrible mistake.
It had been fucking ages since the night of the Halloween dance when Ben Hanscom was finally able to kiss the sole object of his affections Beverly Marsh.
Despite whatever Stan would say, Ben was not obsessed, he was just a guy with feelings often too intense to contain.
He had been plotting his identity reveal to Bev for weeks now, trying to concoct the perfect way to confess to her both his feelings and his identity as Romeo Montague.
The idea came to him in the middle of a Biology class when he least expected it.
Why don't you give her an anonymous letter and propose to meet her somewhere secluded where you can confess your undying love to her.
It sounded easy enough, but what he was starting to learn was that nothing in regards to Beverly Marsh was ever easy.
She was always busy, or it just wasn't ever the right occasion to sneak her the note which he had drafted for so long at this point.
But the perfect moment came to him the next day which was a Tuesday after school was officially out.
It was currently 4pm and he had returned to the school to both pick up a forgotten textbook he had left behind and to also drop off his note.
The hallways were empty as he purposefully searched for a certain locker, 301 to be precise and he knew had to be swift.
297, 298, 299, 300, 301
Here he was.
Standing in front of Bev's locker ready to do something either incredibly stupid or incredibly romantic.
Taking in a deep shaky breath, he slotted his note in through a little opening on her locker and only released it once it had fallen out of his grasp and officially landed somewhere in her locker.
Overcome with mixed emotions, he clutched his Geography textbook to his chest as he sped walked down the hallway and into the school carpark as fast as possible.
Getting into Beatrice, he drove home with adrenaline flowing through his veins.
For the first little while it was fine, but after some time he began to totally freak out. What the fuck had he done? Sending an anonymous letter to the woman he loved, sure that would go down just fucking great, he sarcastically told himself.
Worriedly he reached for his phone and called Stan, needing to let off some steam and to get a second opinion on the matter.
"You did a good thing" Stanley assured him, "at least this way you can be open with her about how you feel and move on if she doesn't feel the same way".
That helped, but it still wasn't enough.
"Why don't you just wait until Thursday afternoon and see what happens" Stan sounded fed up and Ben felt bad about dumping this all onto him.
He guessed he could just wait and see what happened, though his anxiety was still ever present over the subsequent two school days.
Ben had already finished his exams earlier in the week, which meant he could focus on this Beverly issue full on which to be honest made the days go by for him even slower.
He was prepared for the absolute worst as he uneasily shifted from where he was underneath the bleachers.
In his note he had requested that she meet him (being unnamed) underneath the bleachers at 3:30 on Thursday after school because he had something very important to tell her.
He restlessly continued to check his phone for the time with each passing second.
3:29
3:30
3:31
3:32
3:33
The more time that went by, the more disheartened he became.
By the time 3:40 came and went he was about to give up and never show his face at the school again when he glanced up ahead, squinting into the sunlight as he noticed the familiar fiery curls of Bev approaching him.
Coming towards him she looked taken aback when she finally recognised him.
"Ben?"
"Hi Bev" he smiled shakily at her "look, I really need to tell you a few things, so please don't get mad about them okay?"
She nodded and he started to talk, letting it all out at once.
"I was Romeo, at the Halloween dance" he began, staring at his shoes, he didn't want to see her reaction which he knew would be one of pity.
"and I'm sorry that I didn't tell you, but it was really hard to even say this to you now. And I guess I should also tell you that I'm in love with you and I have been for the longest fucking time and I never told you because I didn't even think you knew I existed or would want to be with me"
He felt pathetic, waiting for her reply, his secrets bare and laying out in the open.
Her voice was warm and kind when she finally spoke "why would you ever think I never knew you existed or wouldn't want to be with you Ben? You've always been you and you're so damn sweet, how the fuck could I not be crazy about?"
He gaped at her, his jaw slacked at her confession and eyes wide as she kept speaking, this surely had to be a dream or a cruel cruel nightmare.
"And don't worry, I always knew it was you at the dance Ben, or else I would have never kissed you if it wasn't".
"You're kidding right?" he was astounded at what she had just revealed and still in total disbelief about the whole thing.
She simply answered his question by yanking him towards her, enabling their lips to meet once again. He groaned at the feel of his lips on hers as he pulled her even closer, mind blown that this was somehow his reality.
"Come on guys, this isn't funny" Eddie dejectedly sighed, pounding his fists against the locked door and praying from an escape from his current situation.
"Not until the two of you finally figure your shit out" Beverly smirked (he could practically hear her smirking all the way through the other side of the damn door)
"Fucking Molly Ringwald" Richie cursed, readjusting his glasses and Eddie suddenly felt very uncomfortable.
Their supposed best friends had decided to lock the two of them together into the janitor's closet having had enough of their 'fuckery' as Bev put it. They had also been informed that they would be only let out if they both confessed their undying love to one another or some shit.
Yeah sure, maybe that would work if they were both madly in love, but unfortunately for Eddie, Richie was as uninterested as it got.
The guy fucking flirted with anyone with a pulse and Eddie hated how jealous he got from watching him seem to woo everyone he came in contact with.
Cue to the dance, when Eddie finally got to feel Richie's lips against his in a frenzied exchange of kisses and much much more.
It had been like a dream and he'd been so happy with pretending that his feelings for his best friend were requited even just temporarily. Richie's large hands were calloused and ran all over Eddie's small body, passionately grasping his ass and even wandering under the smooth expanse of skin beneath his costume.
Electricity had coursed through Eddie's veins while they roughly made out against a dimly lit wall in the Falcon.
Their lips had been swollen and their cheeks unbelievably flushed when they finally parted.
But then came the slap to Eddie's face as the bleak reality viciously crashed onto him. He instantly felt nauseous and reached into his pant pocket, craving reassurance from his puffer which he still carried with him, even though he didn't need it anymore, he never even fucking needed it to begin with.
The presence of his puffer did nothing for Eddie and instead he shoved at Richie "I cannot just be another one of your conquests" Eddie had pled with the raven teen as Richie gawked at him, his coke bottle framed eyes alert and face still scarlet from their previous actions.
But the seconds passed, and Richie did not speak and that was enough for Eddie to tug down his rumpled shirt and to run out onto the dance floor, pushing through the crowd and desperately wanting to go home but needing to find Bev who he had carpooled with.
Now here they were, the two of them stuck inside the janitors closet and cringing at the unbearable silence which had come about.
"Look Eds …" Richie began apprehensively as he ran a big hand through his messy hair.
Eddie found his eyes instinctively drawn to Richie's hands, god they were massive, and he had to force down the pang of warmth and arousal in his chest at the sight;
Trying his best to divert his gaze from his best friend's attractive face and huge hands, Eddie chewed on his bottom lip nervously.
They never did awkward, Eddie and Richie, it just wasn't ever in their cards. But here they were, and Eddie wanted more than anything to pull Richie towards him and kiss him harder than he ever had in his entire fucking life.
They had been avoiding each other since the dance, after all Eddie had basically in his own way confessed his feelings to Richie.
He suspected that Richie had already figured out how Eddie was hopelessly in love with him and was trying to let him down gently because he didn't feel the same.
But Eddie was strong and could get over this, fuck Richie he convinced himself, he didn't need him.
Yeah, sure he didn't
Liar liar pants on –
He grinded his teeth together, agitated; he'd had more than enough of their current situation.
Eddie knew deep in his heart that he would only confess in a more upfront way if Richie gave him more to work with, anything at this stage which symbolised even the slightest interest in pursuing their relationship a new or different direction.
Maybe Richie had misunderstood what Eddie told him at the dance? Eddie couldn't be sure and needed more, more of a sign so that he could take the first step and not humiliate himself in the process.
"You know, they're convinced out there that we're madly in love or some shit" Richie tried again bringing Eddie out of his reverie, as he gestured to the door where the other losers were still hanging around. Richie sounded exhausted and Eddie wasn't sure what to think of it.
Unsure about how to react, Eddie just shrugged his shoulders.
Of course, their friends thought they were head over heels with one another, that was exactly what Eddie fucking was to his utmost dismay.
Carefully watching Eddie, Richie kept speaking "yeah, Bev seems to think that our feelings for one another go deeper than just friendship or whatever" he attempted to joke but it just sounded off.
"And that got me thinking, is there any way in this fucking world that they could be? That she hasn't completely lost her marbles?"
This was it, a sign from the heavens and Eddie's chance to either fuck up their relationship for good or change its course forever.
"I don't think she's crazy at all" Eddie spoke up softly, his eyes focused on his hands which he was ringing together, a nervous habit rather than meeting Richie's mesmerising brown eyes.
Hyperaware of Richie's weighted gaze, Eddie felt obliged to continue "in fact, I don't know about you, but I don't think I have ever looked at the two of us as just friends".
Richie stayed silent, his eyes boring down at him and Eddie involuntarily shuddered at the thought of consuming Richie's attention in its entirety.
"And you know what? I'm sick of hiding how I feel from you. I'm in love with you Richie and I don't know for how long, but you make me crazy and I can't imagine a life where you're not here with me by my side. And I understand if you don't feel the same way, but I needed you to know because it was fucking eating me up on the inside".
He was still staring at his fingers and only rose his head when he heard Richie start to laugh, it was rough and caused butterflies to explode in Eddie's stomach.
"Wait, you're telling me that the Eddie Spaghetti who I have been helplessly in love with for fucking years actually feels the same way about me?"
"What?" Eddie was shocked as he gazed into Richie's molten warm brown eyes. He felt the same way this whole goddamn time?
"But what about all of your hookups and Don from the dance?"
"It's always fucking been you Eds, ever since we were twelve years old. And they never mattered, I only went after them because I never thought in a million years that you would be interested in someone like me".
Feelings emboldened by Richie's confession and the fact that he did fucking reciprocate his feelings after years of pining, Eddie did not waste any more time talking.
Richie was now watching him like a hawk as Eddie came up to him, looping his arms around his neck and dragging his mouth towards his own with a sharp intake of breath.
The moment their lips met, it was like a load had been lifted off him and he moaned into Richie's mouth, taking a glimpse at his dreamy eyes and observing how they had darkened and were greedily staring back at him.
They continued feverishly kissing and exploring each other's mouths for a few more minutes, completely inside their own bubble and unaware of what was going on outside the door.
"I think they've had long enough in there" Sam exclaimed as she fumbled trying to insert the correct key into the keyhole.
She stepped inside the janitors closet and immediately covered her eyes with her hands after noticing them deep in embrace.
"Oh, my eyes! They're burning" She wailed.
"Is everything okay Sam?" Mike asked concernedly as he peered his head inside the closet after her before wincing at Eddie and Richie who were both extremely dishevelled and in varying stages of undress.
After composing himself and trying to console his girlfriend, Mike smirked turning back to the other two teens as they hurriedly tried to distance themselves as much as possible "well, it looks like you two have finally made up then".
"More like made out!? Am I right Homeschool?" Richie lifted his hand, trying to coax a high five from a disapproving Mike.
"Besides I'm sure Mrs K is fucking furious right now, serves her right though for never meeting any of my needs, she truly is a one track kinda gal" Richie simpered, loving how livid Eddie was getting.
"Beep fucking beep Rich" Eddie scolded him while whacking him on the arm "leave my fucking mother alone asshole".
Mike and Sam silently watched their interaction unfold and exchanged glances, rolling their eyes.
At least that was never going to fucking change.
Initially, Stanley hadn't even wanted to go to the Derry High vs Bangor High Baseball Game, but Ben it turned out was a master of persuasion and due to Bev's request had been dragged along as well.
So here he was, surrounded by the losers who had all officially coupled off now, leaving Stan and Bill as the last two single ones left.
Bill had reportedly ended things with Peter the day before, sometime before fourth period and was single for the time being, though Stanley could never tell for how long.
The five remaining losers were crammed together on one of the bleachers, ready to support Bill for possibly one of the biggest nights in his entire life.
Eddie and Richie had left at some stage to probably make out.
Ever since the announcement of their relationship they could not fucking keep their hands off one another. They were truly made for one another, a kind of destiny that Stanley often found himself envious of.
Stanley also spied several rows down Mr Denbrough bundled up, impatiently checking his watch waiting for the match to begin, he clearly had a schedule to follow.
He suspected Mr Denbrough was there to put extra pressure on Bill, though it was not because Bill found joy in baseball, but because it gave the Denbrough's power and leverage, making them often seem from the outside like the perfect family with their shit all together. But Stan knew the truth and how far from reality it really was.
Considering his complicated feelings for Bill, Stanley found it entirely ironic that he was going to cheer on the guy he was both in love with and also furious with at the same goddamn time.
Despite these thoughts whizzing around in his head, he was determined to keep it together, especially in the presence of Bill.
After a couple more minutes, the Derry team finally came running out onto the baseball field, led by a certain gorgeous redhead which caused the crowd (who were mostly Derry High staff and students) to erupt into a round of applause and manic screams.
Soon after, the Bangor team also went out onto the field and all of the players proceeded to take their positions.
Bill glanced up at the bleachers, his icy blue eyes lingering on Stan's brown ones for a few seconds before he moved to his position as fielder.
The first seven innings glossed over without a hitch, Stanley was on the edge of his seat the entire time and the score was very close with Derry at a score of 20 and Bangor High at one of 14.
Following the end of the 7th inning there was a short intermission when Eddie and Richie decided to return so they could watch the last two innings of the game.
They faced merciless teasing from Bev who snickered at how unruly they looked and the abundance of hickeys across both of their necks.
The 8th inning resumed after the break with Bangor's team first batting and instantly managing to increase the score to 16 – 20. The second half of the inning saw Derry unfortunately not getting any more home runs and Bangor furthering the score to a tie of 20 – 20.
The last inning began and both teams were working in overdrive, Stan had bitten his nails to the quick in suspense and was becoming increasingly uneasy as he continued to check the scoreboard.
The first half of the inning passed by and the score remained the same, 20 – 20 much to the dismay of Bangor's team who had just finished batted.
Derry High only needed one point, one home run to win the game and Bill as the Derry team captain was next up to the batting square.
It felt like slow-motion as Bill managed to hit the ball, racing to the first base and Stanley knew could not keep watching.
He couldn't keep watching this game pretending that everything was okay when the guy he loved was down there pretending that everything was fucking fine and dandy when it wasn't.
With the next hit, Bill ran to the second base and then the third.
One more base and they would win the game and bring pride and joy to both Derry High and also Bill's family.
Desperately needing to leave right then, Stanley stood up from his place at the bleachers, muttering apologies and excuses to the rest of the losers as he edged his way to the aisle where Ben was seated.
"What's wrong? The game's nearly done; you should stay"
"Ben, I can't" Stan was on the verge of hyperventilating.
He was too distracted to notice what was occurring down on the baseball field at that exact time as he interacted with Ben.
Bill Denbrough was down on the field at the 3rd base, moments away from winning when he studied the audience, searching for Stanley's encouraging eyes, but instead all he saw was distress and Stanley moving, wanting to go right there and then.
So, Bill in a matter of seconds decided to run for it, dropping the baseball bat he had been holding as he sprinted off the field.
He felt bad for leaving his team like this, but winning the game didn't even matter to him, he thinks to himself, it never actually did.
The crowd were completely silent and in total disbelief as their stares followed Bill on his mission as he neared the bottom of the bleachers.
During his mad dash, Bill was intercepted by his father who was shaking his head disapprovingly and frowning.
His father's teeth were gritted while he jumped into interrogating his eldest son.
"What the hell are you doing Bill? What did we talk about? You're just going to throw away your dream for some boy?"
Bill just looked up at him, his eyes sad but no longer apologetic.
"N-No d-d-dad, I'm t-throwing away y-y-your's".
His father gaped as Bill simply shouldered past him, jogging up the aisle to where Stanley was arguing with Ben.
Only then did Stanley realise what had just happened and the fact that the guy of his dreams had left the fucking game to be with him.
"S-Stan" Bill started, he was out of breath and panting.
"No!" Stan cut him off, "you cannot just barge up here and pretend that everything is okay when it clearly fucking isn't at all".
"I k-k-know, and I-I'm so s-s-sorry t-that I ever m-made you f-f-feel like y-you were n-n-not worthy. I've m-made mistakes, s-s-some truly t-t-terrible ones a-and I j-j-just need y-you to k-k-know how I f-feel about y-y-you".
"How you feel about me?" Stanley was now curious but also still very pissed.
"T-The fact t-t-that I h-have been a-a-absolutely crazy a-about y-you for years a-a-and have b-been t-trying to t-t-tell you f-for s-s-so fucking l-long, but I didn't k-know if y-y-you liked m-me or w-w-were even into g-guys. So i-in t-the meantime I k-k-kissed anyone I c-could, I g-guess a-a-as a way t-to try g-g-get over y-you or to pretend t-they were y-y-you in s-some twisted f-fucked up w-w-way"
He swallowed before returning with his announcement.
"L-Look, the p-p-point is, I'm r-ridiculously into y-y-you and I r-r-really h-hope you w-w-will give m-me a c-chance to m-make it up t-t-to you b-because you Stan d-d-deserve the f-fucking w-w-world and I am w-willing to f-f-forever give it t-to you and s-so much m-m-more if you w-will let m-me".
Stan was stunned, in the best way of course at Bill's confession and the fact that the crowd of about 700 people had just heard his declaration of love probably including a number of his exes.
"You swear that you will make it up to me? Because this whole relationship thing is new for me and I want to make sure that the guy I'm in love with feels the same way"
"I w-w-will do f-fucking anything S-S-Stanley and y-you k-know w-what? I've n-n-never s-said this b-b-before but y-yes, I am i-i-in love w-with you S-Stan, so much".
That was enough for Stan as he inched forward, cupping Bill's cheek with his hand, before surging forward and hungrily crashing their lips together.
Bill responded just as eagerly, and it was like Stanley had been living his entire live in black and white and was only now seeing colour for the first fucking time. It was electrifying and he could not believe that he had ever gone without Bill's touch before.
Cherishing Bill's embrace but also feeling increasingly guilty, Stanley only slightly parted from Bill a few moments later so he could whisper to the other teen,
"Bill, I have to tell you something, I was Maverick at the dance".
Bill just smiled back at him; his crystal eyes brighter than Stan had ever seen them before in his entire life.
"S-Stanley I a-already k-k-knew".
Author's Note:
Woah.
Okay so I cannot believe that I just finished this chapter already
How is there only the epilogue left? Man I have no damn idea.
But thank you so much for still reading (if you still are)
I'll see you soon with the final part of this story - (very soon indeed ;) )