Beautiful Little Talks

Keith grit his teeth tightly in frustration. Knuckles white as his grip on the steering wheel was murderous. He was surprised the hard leather didn't twist or bend to his will at how much anger flowed through his hold. He was lucky that he parked the car already. It took everything in his power to keep from turning around and heading home. Not before giving a call over to his Ex to argue with her. Darnell was somewhat innocent, and out of the range of his fury for now. Although, he was not completely out of the woods yet, as it was his fault that he didn't spill the news beforehand. Irritated emeralds locked onto the middle of his steering wheel, keeping himself quiet as his best friend of a decade finished his explanation that he promised.

"And that's why Cherry is at his house." The tallest male in the vehicle finished softly. He could feel the tension in the car escalate quickly as he gave his excuses for the reason why his Ex was over at the orange freak's house. Even though the dark-haired boy was taller and stronger than Keith, it still didn't ease the sudden bout of fear that bled through his body. He had seen the blue boy angry before. Enraged even. That was nothing to this kind of silent wrath. He would have preferred the aqua-haired boy to say something back. Anything would do. He was good with arguments as he normally was very quick-witted and fast to a comeback. He was never good at the silent but deadly types. This was not normal for their blue boy at all.

"Look, Dude, she just wanted to-"

Darnell paused in his rambling as Keith held out his hand in a stopping manner, gaze still locked on his horn. "I don't want to hear it anymore..." He mumbled lowly, still trying to calm himself down from yelling at his best friend unprovoked. With a growling sigh, the blue boy had to resist running a hand through his lightly stiffened cyan locks, instead re-gripping the wheel. He didn't want to ruin his hairdo. Worst off, he didn't want to pick up his precious ginger while he was completely pissed-off. He doesn't think that Pico has ever seen him angry before. He didn't want to scare him, as his timid nature may interpret that rage to be aimed at him. That is exactly what he did not want to portray in the slightest. Pico was innocent in all of this. The culprits were the main target of his frustration.

Managing to pry a hand away from his wheel, he rubbed his face to attempt to calm himself, letting out another jarring sigh that rolled into a low growl. As much anger as he felt right now, he couldn't help but feel the smallest hint of joy that sprung in his chest. He was infuriated at the thought that Cherry could be spilling his deepest secret to the man of his dreams. On the other hand, he understood why she was doing this. Both of his friends have expressed their growing concern about his hidden feelings towards the quieted ginger. It wasn't as if he didn't trust his Ex, but she had already threatened multiple times that she would say something. This might be a silent ultimatum coming from her.

Without saying another word, Keith reached over to unlatch the driver's door and step out, slamming it shut. The it was so profound that it shook the car slightly from the impact of the door. Darnell flinched at the sound and quickly followed suit by nearly jumping out of the passenger's seat out of his own door, shutting his gently in comparison. The taller male looked for that unforgettable blue hair, as he spotted it at the rear of the vehicle. Keith had his back facing him, as he leaned against the trunk lightly. Taking a few cautious steps, the tallest of the two took a risk and stood next to him, also leaning against the vehicle. The weight of them both making the car slightly shift.

In all regards, Keith should be ecstatic right now. This was the first time he has ever been to Pico's home. The ginger was very hesitant to allow him over, possibly in fear of angering his parents. Months ago, he convinced the smaller male to give him his address for emergency purposes. This was his only exception. His freckled angel said that it was okay for the blue boy to pick him up tonight. Keith remembers the conversation well, as it jump-started his fluttering heart at the idea that he was finally allowed near his humble abode.

As much as he loves to have the ginger over at his home, he was still curious on what the smaller boys' place looked like. He would like to meet his parents, like Pico has met his. Although, during one of their nightly talks his ginger seemed mortified at the thought of him meeting them. It kind of hurt at the time, but Keith was sure that his freckled angel had his reasons. Now, he can have his chance to do that today. He wasn't planning on stepping into their home, but it would be the first time he has ever seen any of Pico's family. He was nervous, of course. His worst fear would be to make a bad impression on his parents and possibly have them hate him. Even though he didn't plan on saying more than a sentence or two in regard to picking up their son for prom.

"I'm sorry, Man." Darnell spoke out softly. Trying his best to help calm down his best friend. He seemed to have gotten over the initial anger of the situation to a degree, but still held that aura of irritation. "If it makes you feel any better, Cherry promised me that she wouldn't say anything." The tallest male spoke gently. The night air was warm and heavy with the feeling of summer around the corner. It only brought out a hefty sigh to emit from the cyan-haired man.

"Are you sure about that?" Keith sharply asked. That sly of irritation laced within his voice. He didn't mean to sound so abrupt and angry, but he did not want this night to be ruined. All he wanted was an innocent night to hang out with his ginger on his final prom for this senior year. If he knew that this would have happened, he would have preferred to stay home. Mostly, dragging his precious angel with him in the process. He missed out on his usual pattern of having his crush over at his home just because of this event. He already felt deprived and desperate to see those magnificent pearls once again. Now, he didn't know if he could stomach seeing the harsh possibility that Pico would be upset with him because of Cherry admitting his feelings towards him.

Even though Darnell was not completely sure, he knew that Cherry would never intentionally hurt their blue-haired friend. She knew how much the orange-haired freak meant to Keith. She wouldn't ever sabotage the possibility to make him happy. Darnell did not know their brown-haired friend for as long as their lightning-haired one, but he knew that she wouldn't purposefully ruin his chance at a confession. It was personal, and both her and the tallest of the group knew how much this meant to Keith. "I swear, Dude. Seriously." He mentioned with the utmost certainty. "I know that she would never do such a thing."

Keith gave a long intake of breath, holding it in for a few seconds before letting out a defeated sigh. As much as he wanted to believe his best friend of over a decade, he still had his doubts. When that door opens, there is a possibility that those same gorgeous eyes that he dreams of could hold an off-putting disdain and hatred that he couldn't ever imagine. It was a terrifying idea, but very plausible at this point. His freckled angel may officially end their relationship today. He didn't know if he could take the onslaught of agony that would overflow his heart. It already throbbed with a horrid sense of foreboding feeling, each beat sending a sharp chill down his spine in preparation for the oncoming denial that he was bound to face.

Raising an arm to wrap around slumped shoulders, Darnell gave a small tug towards the direction of the ominous home that belonged to their blue boy's secret crush. "Come on, Keith." When those slightly glossy eyes looked back up at Darnell's dark browns, he felt himself give a gentle smile in support. "They're waiting for us. We can't keep them, right?" He has never seen his best friend like this before. Even with Cherry, Keith was quite level-headed and confident. During their breakup, it wasn't even a sad moment at all. This was a whole new debacle that Darnell has experienced with his enamored friend. He truly is in love with this ginger-weirdo. That he can say in, absolute, confidence. Even though his disposition shown despondency, he saw those saddened greens dart down towards the asphalt. The smallest of nods tilting his head down in defeat.

Even though Keith agreed that they needed to attend to picking up their dates, he remained still. With an extra effort, the tallest of the two lightly pushed the smaller male to move. They made their way across the bland cement walkway of Pico's property, the menacing and faded dark wooden door approaching them as they walked. Taking the couple of steps up the miniature porch, Darnell patted his friend on the back, making Keith shift lightly with it. "It'll be alright, Dude. Trust me." He offered. Lowering his hold on him, he turned towards the blue boy on his left as they both faced the treachery of the night ahead of them. "You wanna do the honors?"

Managing to pull his dulled greens up to look at his friend, Keith took a deep breath in. He placed his shoulders back and held his head up high, letting out that held breath. Darnell was right, he had to stay calm and brave. There was no use in dawdling over what may happen, and just roll with the punches. He lifted his hand up, resisting the urge to place it against his neck, and pressed the dingy and faded doorbell that was lit-up in the dimmed evening glow where they stood.

Even through the front door of the home, Keith almost flinched at the generic 'ding-dong' sound of the doorbell as he pressed it. Jetting his hand back to his side, he stood tall. He had to resist the sudden urge to turn and run now. It was too late. Once he pressed his hand against that bell, it was as if he pressed the detonation button on his confidence. Anxiety started to flood his body, as he almost flinched at the porch light flicking on in preparation for someone answering the door. He couldn't falter now.

When the door opened, Keith almost wanted to immediately run back to his mother's car and drive away. A woman answered the door. She had curly, shoulder length, orange hair. Her bright blue eyes lit up her luminescent pale face as it was decorated with freckled dots. She was rather short, as Keith had to tilt his head down to look her more in the face. Easily, she was around five feet almost on the dot, maybe a little shorter.

This had to be Pico's mother. Not that he was rude in assuming, but the quieted orange-haired male didn't have any siblings that he ever mentioned. She looked so much like his gorgeous, gingered angel; it would be completely uncanny if she wasn't. It almost left him shocked at how much of his crush he saw in her. The only major difference were the placement of those freckles and her eyes. Pico was a little bit taller from what he could tell. He found out that, in comparison to his 5'11 height, Pico was a good 5'2 at the very best, and that was pushing it. "Can I help you?" Her voice was light and girly, a complete opposite of her son's deep baritone.

He felt Darnell give him a light nudge, forcing him to jerk a little. It seemed that he expected the blue boy to do the talking. It was almost understandable, as their night was just beginning. "U-Uh, y-yes Ma'am. W-We're here to pick up Cherry and... P-Pico." Keith wanted to hit himself for the final stutter he emitted. Of all the times to freeze up when talking, it was when he spoke of his pearl-eyed angels' name. He had to act cool and pretend that this was nothing more than picking up a friend. A beautifully stunning friend who held such an unknowing grip on his heart that pained him on a constant basis, as he suffered silently.

Keith saw her give a lightly lifted orange brow in question, contemplating the situation. It only served to make the taller blue boy sweat further in her stare up at him. He tried to be relaxed, but it still didn't help him any better. He had to make an honorable impression towards the older woman out of respect. The last thing he wants is to offend her in some way. He has never heard Pico speak about his family before, but he was certain that if any ill will was displaced towards them it would only be disastrous. The blue boy had to be sure that he was respectable in every way. Not only because she is older, but out of the fact that this was his crush's mother. "Wait here." She spoke out curtly. It nearly made the taller boy flinch at the harsh tone, but he straightened his back out to make sure that he was presentable at the very least.

Pico's mother shut the door shortly after, only causing Keith's anxiety to skyrocket. It seemed to be visible on his person, as Darnell let out a soft "relax, Man." How could he relax? He probably looked like a fool in front of his angel's parent. He barely said a sentence to her, and he already felt like he blew it completely. There was no chance in hell that his precious ginger would like him back now. He felt like he fully disrespected his mother without meaning to in the slightest. She was rather intimidating for her height, but just chalked it up to the idea that she was a parental figure. It also didn't help that she had so many similar features that had attracted him to her son in the first place.

That orange, flowing, hair that was mostly stiffened with gel on a usual basis. However, when his guard was down and only in private, those locks would be lightly frazzled and flayed about as if he just got out of bed in the morning. The way her freckles dotted her blanched face, definitely reminded him of Pico. Hers were similar in that it bunched around her nose and then fanned out against her cheeks, just like his gorgeous angel. Although, she had extra dots here and there scattered on the rest of her face as well, while Pico had nothing but smooth pale skin excluding the ones on his neck. She was too short to completely see, but he was certain that she had those infamous dots lining her neck as well.

The sudden fear of rejection hit him like a freight train, causing a deep tremble to overtake his body. "I don't think I can do this, Dude..." Keith nearly whispered, low voice crackling, not understanding the horrid bout of anxiety that immediately took over his form when that door shut in front of him. The blue boy had to lift a hand to the front of his neck to try and calm his nerves, it still didn't help at all. He could feel the chocolate gaze of his best friend by his side look over him. He didn't need to see the possible lifted brow in question at his sporadic episode. He could feel the sweat starting to drip onto his hand from his neck. The horror of Pico's mother informing his beautiful crush of some 'crazy blue haired kid' is at the door to pick him up, had him almost turning around and sprinting back to the white sedan parked in the street.

He felt Darnell shift a little to tilt towards him a bit, as Keith kept his gaze locked on the bland and faded 'welcome' mat that they stood on. "What...!?" The tallest of the two whispered lowly. The blue boy almost jerked away in fright, as he felt the other male grip onto the arm nearest to him to keep him grounded. "What the hell, Man, you can't just back out now...?!" He continued with a low voice, trying not to cause a scene and be too loud.

The solid grip of his best friend was rather welcomed, but sadly it prevented him from dodging the conundrum he is bound to face. Wide, shocked, green eyes locked onto the floor, the more time that passed the higher his stress became. He felt like a ticking time-bomb was about to happen as soon as that door would open. Everything seemed to fade, except for his best friend at his side trying to talk some sense in him. "I-I fucked up, Man...!" He started, a reel of worst-case-scenarios already playing in his head. "He's gonna hate me... I i-insulted his mother or something...!" He tried to excuse. He heard Darnell give a harsh sigh and could already feel him roll his eyes at the display.

"Come on, Dude, you're really over-exaggerating here." The tallest spoke out lowly, still keeping his grip on the blue boy. "You only said one sentence to her, it's not like you called her a bitch or anything like that..." He said in a near whisper. The last thing he needs is for Mrs. Fulp to overhear him and misunderstand the conversation. What Keith had asked was completely normal and respectful. His panic seemed to jump as soon as she closed the door to possibly fetch their dates, even though Cherry did inform him that they were to put on a show in front of Pico's home. At this moment, Pico and Cherry were dating, and he had to go along with it. Darnell, of course, tried to argue at first. He does have a little bit of jealousy, even though it was clear that Pico had an attraction towards their aqua-haired friend instead. This was all for Keith, and they couldn't back down now.

"Oh boys~..."

Both of the men standing outside the home startled lightly, Keith more-so visibly, as they darted their eyes up towards the opened door. Darnell blinked his wide hazel eyes over at the visible Cherry who stood in the doorway. Her right arm lining the frame as her left rested on her jutted-out hip in a sensual and obvious way. She had her usual long wavy hair in curls that flowed around her shoulders towards the middle of her back. Her sparkling red and flowing dress was appropriate for the weather, as it flew just to below her knees. The frills and glitter making the dress look like it protruded out from her figure in a gorgeous fashion.

It was a strapless dress, as her breasts did the work in holding it up on her body. Her cleavage showing off, as a gold necklace lay against her manubrium. She had on an exuberant amount of makeup, but it worked so well with her outfit. Heavy eyeshadow, matching her outfit brilliantly, bright red lipstick to match alongside of the blush that brought out her dress so much more. Long and dangling earrings addressed her ears that glittered with her necklace stunningly. Not to mention those simplistic red stiletto high heels. The tallest couldn't help a low whistle to escape him. "Mm! Dayum, girl~! You is lookin' real fine!"

It wasn't as if Cherry never dressed nicely for prom before. She always looked her best, even on her worst days. However, Darnell knew that this time he would have her all to himself today. She would wear a different dress for every high school prom and homecoming while going with Keith. He had to hold himself back from flaring up with a blush as he rolled his gaze over her figure. The same couldn't be said for their blue-haired friend, however.

As nice as Cherry looked, Keith couldn't contain the hard glare that came across his face at the smug expression of his Ex as she locked eyes with him. "Hey, Keith~." She spoke with a sultry air about her. The fact that she didn't use her nickname just made the blue boy's anger resurface, fighting alongside of his anxiety. "Have I got a present for you~." The wonderfully dressed girl took her weight off of the doorframe to help accentuate herself further. She did take up the entire walkway on purpose, as Keith couldn't see anything but her in his sights.

Cherry took a step forward onto the welcome mat, Darnell easily taking a step back to accommodate the third person in the smaller entryway. Keith stood his ground, eyes initially locked onto where she was standing already beginning his argument. "Cherry...! What in the heck are you doing-...!" He growled out lowly, not trying to raise his voice just in case Pico's parents were still within earshot. As soon as she exited the home, another person took her place. They were a bit smaller with such an aura of extreme familiarity, as they emerged from the darkness of the home's foyer. "-H-Here...?" Any and all thoughts of rebuttal immediately halted in its tracks, as Keith's voice faded into obscurity with a raised sputter.

Keith took in a gasping and stuttered breath, his heart already jump-starting at what his eyes were witnessing before him. His hand that was on his neck flopped down to his side, motionless, as if a sudden weight was attached to his wrist. Mouth slightly agape in awe, as he couldn't tear his unblinking emerald gaze away. He could already feel a deep red flush rapidly fill his cheeks, as his heart pounded loudly in his ears. Everything else seemed to fade away almost instantly, except for the redheaded male that entered his line of sight, as his lungs seemed to forget how to work.

Pico stood in the doorway, that familiar pose of him gripping his scar now covered by a tailored suited dark navy jacket. Keith could swear that he could see sparkling glittered flashes decorate the male in front of him. The paleness of his skin blended gorgeously with the outfit. The dark navy and grayed undershirt made his skin seem less blanched in comparison. The shamrock green bow did wonders to bring out his stunning bright emerald earrings that seemed to glow under the fading evening light. As Keith's gaze traveled up to his face, that stunned look faltered only slightly. It took him a second to process that this was, indeed, his beautiful, gingered crush.

Those eye-catching freckles that would normally splay across his nose and cheeks were gone. As if they just magically vanished off his face. The normal blanched look that seemed to make him luminescent under the glow of any light in Keith's eyes, now had a healthier paleness adorning him. Those beautiful pearls that would leave him in a hapless puddle of adoration had now seemed much sharper and bolder than ever before.

The bags that usually lightly decorated under his eyes, that displayed his insomnia, weren't there anymore. It helped pull those stunning white irises out further, with the aid of the thick lines of black that surrounded his eyes. What pulled it all together was the lightly styled orange hair. It seemed to be a small mixture of his usual Mohawk, but off to the side, as his short hair flowed gorgeously around his ears. The color difference of orange and green making it stand out further from the brightness of the earrings.

The blue boy stood in complete awe, still unable to say a word. He could feel his chest constrict almost painfully at the visual of his beautiful angel before him. This was much worse than the incident when Pico got his earrings. He couldn't move at all. The initial bewilderment of seeing such a perfect person in Keith's eyes had him lose all feelings in his muscles from this overdose. It didn't help that Pico seemed to look up at him with a similar feeling of amazement and wonder, as his own luminescent pearls widened.

The quieted redhead could feel his own face heat up. He knew for a fact that if it wasn't for the makeup he was wearing, a blistering blush would be stained across his cheeks at the visual of his all-time crush. They were a mere couple of feet away from each other, and in the dimmed evening sunset, he could see the man of his dreams dressed at his best. He was never one to admit, but he had to at least say that he has always imagined what the taller boy would look in a suit and tie. Today, his imagination became a reality.

Even though Cherry looked great, pretty, even. There was no fluttering feeling that graced his chest at the sight of her. Not a tinge of pink that would dance across his face at seeing her dressed up. He witnessed more than he would care to admit when she dressed in his room. It mostly made him feel uncomfortable, but she already knew his deepest secret. Now, it seemed that same secret knocked on the door to his heart from the inside at seeing his blue boy. He looked so incredibly handsome in his midnight black tuxedo. The white undershirt contrasted greatly, poking through the lapels was his cyan colored tie to match his hair perfectly.

As much as Pico tried to deny his sexuality, all it would take is a single look at his one and only to have him fall back down into the pit once more. As he looked upward at his equally stunned 'prom date' he couldn't help but to swallow thickly at how absolutely delectable Keith looked. Not that he never looked incredible before; his blue-haired hero was always perfect to him. As much as this was pleasing to his eyes, the ginger knew that this look was not only for his viewing pleasure. Keith did not suit up like this just for him, even though Pico went through all of his own dress-up for the taller boy. The cyan-haired male was not his 'date.' They were only going as friends...

Mentally shaking out of his daze, Pico gave a small smile up towards that shocked face. He didn't fully understand why Keith seemed so surprised. It served as a reminder of when he got his earrings and how his secret crush looked completely astonished, almost like he was in a trance. This time was the same, but different as well. He couldn't quiet put his thoughts together as to what made this particular instance different from the last time. Was it the outfits they were wearing? Was it the overlapping feelings of Pico's imagination sparking to think that he was actually going out on a real date with his blue boy?

From the gingers angle, he could see both Darnell and Cherry begin their trek down towards the sedan at the end of the walkway. The brown-haired girl clung to the tallest male's arm as they walked. Blue met white, as Cherry glanced back at him with a grin and a slight tilt of her head towards Keith behind him. Gripping tighter on his shoulder, Pico's shoulders rose lightly, as he locked his gaze back up to stunned greens. His blue boy was still deadlocked in place, completely speechless. Deciding to make the first move, the ginger took a step to Keith's side, closing the front door, before turning to face him.

Even though the cyan-haired male was still quiet, it didn't stop him from following with his eyes and turning to face the smaller boy, as they both stood on the faded welcome mat. Blinking up at those hazed emeralds, Pico couldn't help but to smile up at him shyly. "Y-You look... Um..." Dazzling pearls darted away for a moment, trying to come up with something that didn't sound too weird to say to a friend. "R-Really... Uh..." There was nothing else he could think to say except for a single word. As his white gaze lowered to travel over the other's frame, he had to take a swallow down of saliva that gathered in his mouth, before jumping back up to still greens.

"Handsome..."

"Beautiful."

Both sets of gems widened at each other, Pico being the first to break the gaze away from those shocked jades and towards his lower right. The flush that lit up his ears and neck was probably so vibrant that it brightened and framed his face, even though it was covered by the makeup. He should have asked Cherry to apply the foundation on his neck and ears too, as his head sunk sheepishly between raised shoulders. Taking a risk, glittered pearls rose up to meet the still shell-shocked face, now lit up with a brilliant blush that flowed over his ears and neck. It seemed that he never looked away. Did he hear him correctly over his own voice as they spoke at the same time?

Now the tables have turned, as Pico felt himself become mute at the confident tone of Keith's voice when he spoke that single word. Did he even understand what he had said? Was it an accident? Was he imagining that word? There was no way. Pico wasn't deaf, and clearly heard the comment he has only conjured from his dreams of the blue boy spoken to him. "Wh-What...?" He tried asking, making sure that his voices weren't playing a prank on him of all the times. Even though his savior was right in front of him, chasing away all of his hallucinogens and demons, it seemed much too good to be true.

~~~

Keith felt the chord in his heart almost snap in two at what he just said out loud. His mind was not in control at the moment, as his heart was the one to hold the reins to his words. He could not contain himself when Pico began the statement on how he looked. Without his consent, his heart pulled up a word that had been swimming in his throat for months on how he saw his precious ginger on a constant and daily basis. He didn't even realize he spoke anything until he felt his own neck vibrate from his voice.

The look of shock that filled that gorgeous face of his dreams was another signal that he said it. He couldn't look away. Alas, there was another small tinge of affliction that caught his attention. That stunning and glorious blush that would normally have him gushing internally, was nowhere to be seen. If he looked carefully under the dimmed evening sunset, he could see the tinted colors of pink and red flush against his ears and freckled neck, but not on his face. In comparison, it seemed as if Pico was having a much easier time handling the compliment, yet his behavior displayed his usual completely shy nature. He couldn't say the same for himself at the moment.

Realizing the question that emitted from his angel's mouth, his mind raced at having to repeat himself. He knew that he didn't whisper that word. He let it out with all of his soul intact in a breathless and acute fashion. None of that was false or fake in anyway. Even Keith was reeling at the comment back at him. Did Pico just call him 'handsome?' He wouldn't consider himself such a way, even though he was told that on numerous occasions from Cherry, but never has he gotten that from another man. It lit up his chest as that fluttering feeling overtook him at the possibility that his ginger may think of him as more than a friend. However, it was just as reasonable to consider that scenario of Pico just trying to be kind. The smaller male wasn't known to have a mean bone in his body that Keith had ever seen.

"I-I-...!" Here comes the stuttering once more, as Keith scrambled to try and save his sinking love-boat. "Wh-What I meant is-...!" There were too many holes to plug up from the damage caused by his own mistake. Keith stammered helplessly, already feeling himself and his ship drowning in the ocean of love that he tried to stay afloat on. "Y-You..." His consciousness was beginning to fade, as he sunk below the surface. The captain going down with the ship that he tried desperately to navigate clear of the obstacles he faced. "Y-You look so..." Those obstacles that he placed between himself and his feelings of acceptance whenever he looked into those shinning, and sparkling, luminescent pearls that he dreams of. He could no longer fight it anymore. "You look so beautiful."

Pico blinked up at those awestruck emeralds, having to repeat the phrase that echoed from his lips once more in his mind. A sharp gasp filled his lungs almost painfully at how easily that single sentence left his savior after the initial stutters that caught him like a schooner in a storm. He felt all the blood rush up to his face at the way Keith kept his gaze firm on him the entire time. He fully meant it. Pico couldn't keep himself from bashfully averting his gaze down to his lower left, a timid smile forming on his glossy lips. With great effort, the smaller male managed to lower his right hand down to his heart from his scarred shoulder. He had to try and quell how quickly it was beating at the overwhelming sensation of how sincere Keith sounded.

The tallest of the two could feel his heart float up to his throat at how light he felt when those dazzling diamonds rose up to meet his own gaze. That breathtaking smile lifted on those lightly tinted lips that he had to hold himself back from pulling him in an embrace and capturing with his own. It was bad enough that he was already submerged, but he couldn't go that far, as desperately as he wanted to. Especially, in front of his home where his parents were nearby. "...Thank you." It was so quieted, that if the blue boy wasn't already homed in on his precious angel, he would have easily missed it whispered between them.

"We'd better get going~! We don't want to be late, right~?"

Cherry chimed in, easily leaning in between them, completely interrupting their quieted moment. Deep sapphires darted between both sets of gems that turned to look at her with a fluttered shock. She sharply grinned, looking at the incredibly flushed face of her Ex. They were standing in front of the doorstep for so long with barely a sound or movement coming from either of them. She assumed that they were frozen in place. That bright blush that was so visible on Keith that she could see it from where her and Darnell were standing at the end of the walkway by the car. She needed to impede on the situation to help get them moving at least, or they might just stand there all-night gawking at each other.

Neither said a word back to her, as Cherry smirked lightly, her gaze darting down to those shy whites to her right. She went for Pico first, her right hand gripping his own that was placed on his chest. With her other hand, she reached out to grab hold of Keith's left that was flopped against his side. She pulled both hands to her, forcing their bodies to twist as their arms became parallel to one another. She smiled evilly, as she forced their hands to intertwine, as she placed hers together and pulled them along and turned to walk back to the car. The look of shock on both of their faces were priceless, but neither of them spoke a word of rebellion. She was surprised that Keith stayed silent, except for the quieted gasp that left him when she forced that smaller hand within his own. Pico had his gaze locked onto their hold, a small sound of shock leaving his throat at the connection.

The brown-haired girl made her way to the car and released them completely, no longer paying attention to their current conundrum. Darnell lifted a brow at the show, seeing the other two males being dragged along by his date for the prom. Cherry walked towards him after leaving them stranded on the sidewalk, as she continued her stride towards the rear passenger door. The tallest of the groups scrambled to move himself at her approach, pulling the already unlocked car door to the back seat. He took an assumption that since it was Keith's car, that Pico would probably be sitting shotgun. Not that he complained, he got to sit next to his date in the back.

Keith blinked when Cherry finally released him as she walked ahead to be aided by Darnell into his mother's car. Ever the average gentleman his best friend was, pulling the door open for her and using his free hand to hold hers to help her take a seat so that she wouldn't mess her outfit and hair up. A light twitch in his left hand captured his attention, as he darted his gaze down between himself and his ginger. Emerald eyes widened at the slimmed connection, as Pico seemed to slowly loosen his hold on his larger hand. Wordlessly, Keith looked up to see that beautiful face turned away, a harsh and visible redness floating under the freckles on his neck. From his angle, he could see a small frown etched on that pale face, eyes averted, and shoulders lifted, as he tried to slowly separate them.

With a bravery that came from the pit of his heart, Keith moved his hand closer to the one that was slipping away and regained a firm hold onto that smaller hand. The blue boy smiled softly at the floating feeling that came from holding that hand. He has always dreamed of doing this and has counted only a couple of times that his own larger hand entwined with that smaller and more fragile one. Those moments were born out of the necessity of the situation, however, this time it was different.

Pico visibly flinched lightly, moving his gorgeous white irises to their regained connection before blinking up at the blue boy's gentle smile. Keith couldn't stop his lidded gaze from looking onward at his beautifully dressed ginger. That familiar and heart-stopping smile formed back onto those shinning lips, no sign of resistance at all. Maybe. Just maybe. Pico may harbor some of the same feelings that the aqua-haired male had towards his angelic pearl-eyed love. It was a shot in the dark, but the fact that the smaller boy didn't jerk his hand away was progress. On the contrary, Pico gripped a little tighter back, the smallest of a twitch signifying that he wanted to hold on just the same.

The hold nearly had him breathless, but Keith knew that he needed to get them all to school. With the smallest of tugs, he walked forward a step, forcing his crush to take a couple to accommodate his stride. His gaze never left the brilliant whites, as he temporarily moved his sight away to reach his free hand toward the front passenger's door. Lifting the handle, he pulled the hinged door open, darting his emeralds right back onto pearls at the invitation. He gently lifted their intertwined hands to help aid the smaller male in the car.

Pico audibly gave a small gasp at the treatment, as he looked at the opened door for him to sit. He always knew that Keith had a gentlemanly aura about him. He had seen major snippets of it whenever he would hold him in his arms. When he passed out at lunch and carried him home. During the time when he held him while crying in his darkened bathroom. The countless times he has hugged him. Not to mention the night when he told the story on how he got his scar. All were precious moments that had Keith bleed that carefulness and consideration of how much he cared.

Pico shifted his happy gaze over to stunning emeralds, allowing his secret crush to lead him to the slightly faded tan fabric seat of the vehicle. Using Keith's hold as leverage, he easily climbed into the passenger's seat. With immense hesitation, they separated their hold on each other's hands. Pico felt his hand already tingling from the previous connection, having to lift it to his chest to help keep himself steady. Pearls locked onto emeralds once more, as the ginger was the first to break the stare, with a sheepish turn to his lower left. His makeup still doing the work to cover up his staining blush that bled on his neck and ears, a bashful smile tilted on his lips at the attention.

Keith shut the car door with a gentle slam when his crush was well and seated in the vehicle. He pulled in a deep intake of air, letting out a sigh and taking a step back. Turning towards the only other person outside the car, Darnell grinned back at him, his hands already in his pockets as browns locked onto greens. Wordlessly, he pulled a hand free from his jacket pocket and gave a fist up in midair. Their signature and silent congratulatory means that they have used since they were kids. The blue boy raised his own hand, knuckles already pressing against his best friend of over a decade in their infamous fist-bump. "Good job, Man." Darnell spoke softly, making sure not to be too loud to be heard through the metal and glass walls of the car.

~~~

Cherry leaned forward, head peeking through the front seats over the center console. "Oh my gosh~!" She lightly whispered, dragging the attention of those shocked whites over to her from his spot in the passenger's seat. "Did you see the way he looked at you~!" She nearly squealed, forcing those timid shoulders of his to rise. "He totally has a thing for you, Pico~!" The quieted ginger darted his gaze towards his lap, trying to keep the conversation low and between them.

"N-No... I-I don't think..." He stammered, giving a small glance to his right out of the window to see Keith give a fist-bump towards Darnell. There was no way that she was right, was she? These windows were tinted, so he could see clearly out, but knew that Keith couldn't see in very well. Especially in the dimmed sunset evening, unless he was pressed up against the glass, the glare was probably on his side. "W-Well... He..." Pico turned back toward Cherry, his shy whites locking onto blues. "He called me... beautiful..." Just hearing himself say that only had his mind recall that moment like a film, it only brought back that deep blush that stained his neck once more.

Pico flinched at the quieted squeal that came from Cherry, nerves already in a wreck, but escalated when she gently touched his left bicep. "OhMyGod! No, freakin', way~!" She quietly screeched. "He totally likes you~! Aw~! This is so adorable~!" She nearly bounced in her seat, almost making the car shift with her movements. "Are you going to tell him tonight~? You totally should~!" She bombarded softly, the ginger regretting that he admitted that he had a crush on Keith to begin with, but it was nice that she didn't make fun of him or think it was disgusting.

His shoulders jutted up higher against his neck, as he tried to refute the offered theory, eyes darting back down to his lap. "I-I... Th-That's not-...!" His sentence was cut short, as he heard the sound of a car door opening, shooting his gaze over to his left past Cherry, Keith seated himself in the driver's seat. As the blue boy got himself situated, Pico shifted his pearls back to leering sapphires. She had a smug look on her face, seeing her shift her eyes over to Keith before bouncing back to him slyly. A hard grin and a raise in her eyebrow were all that was needed, as she pulled herself back to her seat next to Darnell who also sat himself in the rear next to her.

The sound of an engine rolling had Pico's gaze dart over to Keith, as he had his right hand on the gearshift, bright jades already looking over at him. That gentle smile still on his handsome face. The ginger blinked up at him, feeling that hard flush grip his neck and ears, turning away shyly towards the window. He couldn't bear to look him in the eye, right now. That gentle and caring gaze would always send shivers up his spine, especially with the added notion of Cherry's statement rolling around in his head.

An arm reached into his line of sight, causing a startling gasp to escape his lips. Pico followed the larger hand grip onto his forgotten seatbelt that still hung by his headrest. Gripping the buckle, it was pulled securely across his torso, as whites followed it down towards the left of his hip, a distinctive click signaling that he was fastened. He looked up at those familiar forest-green eyes, as Keith leaned over the center console. "You forgot to put on your seat-belt." He spoke softly, his voice resonating over the sound of the engine. The taller boy pulled back to re-grip himself onto the steering wheel and gearshift, eyes never leaving those gorgeous pearls.

It wasn't as if he couldn't do it himself, but just the idea that Keith noticed and did it for him spoke so much through those actions. Pico smiled up at him, he could feel that glittered stare lock onto his very soul, as if he was reading a neon sign that expressed his feelings. "Thank you..." He echoed gently in return. His head dipped between his risen shoulders at the notion of those forest-greens looking fondly at his person. He could see a stunning blush that decorated his handsome face, as he smiled a little wider.

"Is everybody ready?" Keith darted his gaze over his shoulder, before locking back onto those luminescent pearls once more. A unanimous shout of agreement echoed from the two passengers in the rear of the car, making the blue boy shift the vehicle into drive, foot still on the break. Moving both hands to the wheel, Keith gave a lidded look of adoration over to his precious ginger. The blue boy could almost see the glittering sparkles in his eyes as he returned the look back at him. His heart flipped painfully in his chest, but he had to turn his attention away for now. He needed to get them all there safely, and with all of this precious cargo, including his secret crush. With a saddened ache, Keith tore his focus on pulling away from the curb and heading towards their prom destination.

~ O ~

The crackle of rubber tires rolled to a stop, as Keith parked his mother's sedan in the school lot. They were running a few minutes late from their six o'clock starting time by about five minutes at best. They were surrounded by other students pulling up in their own vehicles or being dropped off by their parents in front of the walkway in a single file line. It took them longer to park than anything else, attempting to dodge the massive line of cars and other vehicles that were also trying to park as well. It seemed that this year was going to be a little crowded, as Keith took notice. Nothing majorly different than the previous years he has attended prom or homecoming. However, this might be troublesome for his 'date' that he brought. The quieted ginger already had social anxiety at the very least and didn't fare well against large crowds. The trip to the mall already spelled that out clearly.

Keith gave an internal sigh as he shifted the car into park and shut off the ignition. Dulled green eyes looked over the dashboard to his car at the entryway to his high school. Prom was always centered in the school cafeteria every year that Keith had gone, and this was no different. The brightly lit walkway flowed up to those exceedingly familiar glass doors. Students walked in couples down the cement sidewalk together or with one of them wrapped around the others arm. It brought a slight tinge of anxiousness to burden Keith as he watched a particular pair make their way to the school. A male wearing a dark tuxedo, brown hair slicked back neatly, walked with his arm held by his date. A girl with bright blonde hair kept his pace, as she was dressed in a sparkling and dazzling purple dress. The man separated himself only for a second, to get the door for his date, as they both rejoined and made their way inside.

The blue boy felt his heart skyrocket out of his chest, a quieted sigh leaving him. During his and Pico's times of going to school together, they would always separate, and Keith would go through those same doors alone while his ginger would go through a different entryway. This will be the first time that both he and his crush would be going through those doors together, except this time both would be conscious. He still remembers when he found his poor angel passed out in lunch and carried him out of those same doors. That was, in Keith's mind, one of the best decisions he has ever made in his life. If it wasn't for Pico passing out in lunch, he may have never gotten to this point. Now, he is going back through those same doors, this time hopefully, hand-in-hand with the man of his dreams.

The sound of the rear driver's side door shutting snapped Keith out of his slight daze, as he glanced into his side mirror at Darnell making his way behind the vehicle. A rush of anxiety overshot his senses as he saw the rear passenger's door open for Cherry out of his peripheral vision to his right. He rolled his hands down the wheel, not even realizing that he had a near death-grip on them, enough to make his knuckles white. Daring to dart his gaze to his right, he saw those timid pearls already looking up at him with worry. When they locked eyes, Pico was the first to quickly avert his gaze in what looked to be shame to his lap, shoulders rising to try and hide his blushing neck.

Keith's attention was gripped to the front of the vehicle, as he witnessed his two good friends already making their way to the school. Cherry was holding his best friends arm as he led them to those foreboding glass doors that would lead to where prom was taking place. What he didn't expect were those dark sapphires to glare over her shoulder at him through the windshield. It almost made Keith shiver at the stare. Darting her gaze over to the blue boys right, he knew that she was secretly telling him something with that look. It didn't take a genius to see that the brown-haired girl was saying something along the lines of attending to his current 'date' that still sat in the passenger's seat quietly. As quick as it came, she already pulled her attention in front of her once more, almost like she didn't look back at all.

"...You don't have to do this..."

The sudden sound of another voice, as low and deep as in his dreams, made Keith jump in his seat. It was quiet, but with the confines of the car itself, it sounded so loud in his ears after the other two people left the backseat. The acoustics of the vehicle had that sound echo in his ears, almost not catching what was said from his precious orange-haired angel. Once he processed it, emeralds widened as the blue boy jerked his head over to his right, completely baffled. "Wh-What...?" He whispered softly, his voice barely functioning as that pitiful response bubbled from his throat. Seeing those saddened pearls locked onto his lap, Keith noticed that Pico was busying himself by rubbing a thumb over the light scar on his left hand. The same one that he got by accident while making his birthday gift.

"...Y-You can go on in... W-Without me... I c-can just... Stay h-here..."

The blue boy gasped quietly, his own eyebrows curling upwards in complete shock. Pico spoke so quietly, he had to hone on that sultry voice that would normally set his heart ablaze. He almost couldn't comprehend what his beautiful ginger said. What did he mean by that? To have himself go in without his 'date?' For the smaller male to stay behind and just sit in the car all alone? The absurdity of the idea had Keith thoroughly sickened at the thought. He could never even consider the notion of doing such a terrible thing to a friend, let alone to his secret crush. A heavy roll of nausea spread through his stomach. The thought that his precious angel would be sitting in this car by himself while he would go off to enjoy the festivities made his heart ache with every beat it produced.

"I-I don't want to... To r-ruin your night..."

Slightly glossy emeralds blinked in astonishment. Did Pico truly believe that? Did he think that his presence alone would spoil his evening? That was the farthest from what Keith thought at all. In fact, he knew that without his ginger, his night would actually be ruined. That was why he invited him to begin with. Did he really think that he had done this just to pretend to bring him along, only to leave him behind when they arrived? Looking over at his sullen passenger, Keith couldn't grasp the idea that Pico would ever think that he would do such a horrible thing. Those gorgeous pearls that he adores so much strayed from his own eyes, as they stayed firmly on his lap in sadness. It was so profound that it bled in his aura, making the blue boy's chest constrict at the sight before him. "P-Pico-..."

"-It's a-alright..." He interrupted softly. "I-I understand..."

That consistent, but gentle, stutter gripped Keith in an awful position. His precious ginger was serious. He actually thought that the cyan-haired male was considering the idea that he was going to desert him. And worse off, he was fine with it. Although, those keen jades could easily see the glaze of oncoming tears that threatened his beautiful angel from where he sat. The lights from the school entrance helped illuminate those pearls further, as Pico tried to hold it back with visible and silent effort. If he focused enough, he could see the slight tremble in those thin shoulders as his crush did his best not to cry.

"...I'll be fine..."

That single sentence was nearly whispered out without a single stutter, unlike before. It was laced with a deep melancholy tone, but Pico tried his best to make it sound happy and positive. As opposite as his demeanor was, it sounded so fake coming from him. He won't be fine at all. Keith could already hear the internal cracking of both his own and his ginger's heart breaking from saying such a phrase out loud. Neither of them would be 'fine' if Keith would leave him by himself. Not only that, but Cherry would actually murder him if he were to do such an act. However, she would have to get to him before he would kill himself first. The blue boy would rather die than ever treat his precious angel with such disdain like that.

A light click followed by the sound of a car door opening and slamming shut made Pico jump in his seat for a moment, eyes still locked on his scarred hand. His thin shoulders trembled further, as he tried to hold back his tears. "This is for the best..." He thought to himself with disheartened remorse. A stuttered intake of breath stung his chest, as he lowered his head between risen shoulders. The quieted ginger could hear the faded voices already returning to haunt him once more. This was all for Keith. He didn't want to sabotage his senior prom by having a nobody like him by his side. He would do nothing but bring unwanted attention upon his blue-haired hero.

Seeing them approach the school only brought a horrid sense of fear and anxiety to overcome him. He wasn't thinking before when Keith asked him out to prom at the mall. He was so inconsiderate about how his savior would feel when they'd arrive. The entire school hated him, and he didn't want that same projection to be aimed anywhere near his handsome aqua-haired crush. He deserved to have a good time tonight, and he knew that it wouldn't occur if he would be with him. As much as it pained him at the thought, but maybe Keith would have a chance to find and dance with someone he likes.

Tears blurred his vision as he stared at his hands on his lap. The pain that bloomed in his chest ached so badly he tried to quell it by pressing his scarred palm against it in vain. His right hand folded over his left, as he attempted to contain the agony that threatened to tear his heart in two. The sound of his voices was cackling wildly, like they were making fun of his misery. He shut his eyes, knowing that the visions were coming next if he didn't prepare himself, a single tear managing to drop in his lap past his defenses. Luckily, it didn't roll down his cheek to ruin his makeup, he was certain that Cherry would be upset if he streaked it up. Closing his eyes didn't keep his mind from creating his own nightmare, however. He could see his crush already dancing away with a beautiful faceless girl in his arms. Those same glimmering emeralds that he loves so much looking down only at her as they slowly would dance together.

The pain escalated greatly, unable to keep a gentle sob from escaping his throat, shoulders jutting up from the force. He should have never accepted Keith's invitation to the prom. He was being so selfish at the possible thought of himself surrounded by those same strong arms as they slowly danced to a romantic melody. How dare he would ever think of doing such a ridiculous act. Keith would probably be disgusted at the idea. What was he thinking? He risked the possibility to throw away his only friend just because he selfishly wanted to be with the taller male during prom. He should have known better than to even consider the chance that Keith liked him back even a little bit. He only invited him out of pity. That had to have been the reason why. His presence would do nothing put poison his crush's chances of getting a date tonight. He couldn't believe how greedy he was being.

As much as he wanted to walk by his side into his first ever prom, Pico stayed put in his own puddle of misery. Just hearing Keith barely say a word before he left the car was proof in itself. His savior possibly meant well by inviting him initially. However, when he looked over at the taller male as they pulled up to the parking space, he noticed that same confidence from before dwindling. The aura that came from his blue boy was riddled with anxiety as one could see from his perspective. He was probably thinking about how terrible it would be for him to be caught in the same proximity as the school's outsider. How awful of a friend would he be if he allowed Keith's reputation to be slandered like that? As much as it hurt to think he wouldn't be able to be around his savior, he knew that he could at least be with him in private.

He was foolish to consider that this fantasy scenario would ever come true. The dreams that he would have, when he was able to fall asleep, all contributed to this delusion. The thought of Keith holding his hand without the fears of others seeing them an issue. Having his handsome cyan-haired crush hold him close to his larger frame, as if he was protecting him from the stares that were projected their way. The way those sparkling emeralds would look down at him like he was the center of his world and nothing else mattered. Seeing him smile softly, raising a hand to cup his cheek in an act of care and affection. It would be enough to make his face bleed a deep red color across his cheeks at the sensation. The feeling of pulling him closer, his other hand pressing against his lower back to keep him steady, as he would lean in slowly... and...

Sadly, the dream would always end there, a massive cliffhanger that would draw out a loud gasp in his body as he would jet upwards in his bed abruptly. His hallucinations already doing their work in tormenting him further as they would wake him from his slumber. The few hours that he does manage to get are always the same. The only difference would be that they would be in a new place every time. One was on the couch in Keith's living room. On his bed. At the mall. Hell, he even had a dream where they were at school sitting in the library together. Every single time, he would be interrupted by his schizophrenic tendencies forcing him to wake up and never come to the conclusion naturally. It almost made him feel disheartened at the thought, almost like it was a sign. It will probably never happen, and he couldn't even have the satisfaction of his own imagination filling in the blanks, it seemed that impossible.

Yet, here he is. Hopelessly clinging to the possible chance that he could create that scene that has been dodging him for so long in his fantasies. Even if it was a snippet of a recreation, all he wanted was to experience a taste. Just to know what it feels like to have a piece of that affection returned. Never once has he experienced what it was like to be in love with someone. The small flings that he would experience at his old school were nothing more than a light fluttering that would grace his chest at seeing a cute boy. He knew better than to delve into that desire. The men he tended to be attracted to were always straight. He was a fool to think that Keith would feel anything more than a light friendship back. It was a futile love that would never blossom. It would be enough to have him think that he was unworthy of being friends with the blue-haired male. His kindness pulled away at his defenses and clung to his heart effortlessly. As cruel as life was to Pico, he would rather go through the high school massacre many times over than to experience this agony of knowing that Keith would never like him back in the same way.

It was tortuous.

The sound of a click was heard as the feeling of his seatbelt rolling across his torso had white irises blink open in shock. An arm was in his view for a moment, as it retracted back to its owner, Pico couldn't help but to follow with his eyes. Blinking his teary gaze up at stern jades to his right that suddenly seemed to appear, he didn't even hear the car door open. He was probably wallowing in his own self-pity, much too submerged to even hear what was going on around him. He should have known something was happening when his voices hushed sporadically from their usual bantering. It must have been the pain in his heart that he tried to keep contained that may have contributed to his delayed response.

Keith stood in the open doorway, halfway leaning into the car, hovering near the timid ginger just a little too close. He didn't realize that the taller male walked around the car to his side to help get him out. Pico actively flinched, turning his head away from that piercing stare, huddling in on himself as he looked over to his left. He tried his best to hide himself, averting his tearful gaze away from the amount of care that bled from the man he adores so dearly. He didn't want Keith to see him like this. Pico assumed that he would have already been at the school by now, but instead he fully attended to him. Even after all he offered toward the taller male, Keith still stayed by his side. The notion of his actions sinking into his chest brought a light flutter to grace his heart, lifting the heavy ache that bombarded him just slightly.

Pico held back a gasp, as he felt his savior gently grip his clasped hands on his chest with the same hand that unbuckled him. It was so warm in comparison to his own chilled pale skin. It made another flit of pleasure jet through his chest at the feeling of Keith's larger palm envelop both of his own. The smallest of tugs signaled for his glossy white irises to dart back up to those firm but soft emeralds that looked at him with such concern. The blue boy maneuvered his gripped gently around his right hand, separating it from clasping his left. His scarred palm was still pressed against his stammering heart to help dim the pain that was naturally decreasing with every beat while in the presence of his crush. Without much effort, the ginger was easily pulled out of the car voluntarily.

As soon as Pico stepped out of the vehicle, the taller boy gently closed the door with an audible 'chunk' as his precious ginger stood in front of the rear passenger's door. His sight never left those shiny pearls that were threatened by the overflow of tears. Taking an overall look onto his saddened angel, he slowly relinquished his hold from his hand. This was a new pose of nervousness that he has never seen before on his orange-haired crush. Normally, he would have had that right hand clasped over his left shoulder covering the secret bullet scar. Instead, his left hand, now scarred from the injury that he obtained from the gifted record he received for his birthday, clenched in a fist against the middle of his chest. Like he was cradling a wound on his heart. They were both still speechless, however, Keith had a plethora of wordless questions that scattered across his face as he investigated those averted pearls that he loves so much.

Doubling down, Keith reached out to gently pull the smaller male against him, arms encircling against his lower back. With the smallest amount of pressure, Keith held his prom date close in an act of comfort. Their pelvises were almost touching, even though the smaller males wouldn't exactly line up with his due to his height. In any other moment, it would have the blue boy absolutely red in the face, but just the melancholy atmosphere in itself killed any pleasure that was gifted from the contact. That didn't stop Pico's body from nearly flinching at his touch; yet he didn't pull away. He saw those thin shoulders lift in a shallow attempt to hide himself from the taller boy. The only thing he managed somewhat successfully was moderately covering up the luscious flush that lit up his neck under those near luminescent freckles. Keith couldn't contain the only reasoning thought to escape his lips. "Why would I ask you to come with me if I was just going to abandon you when we arrived...?"

Now that they were out of the car, his voice was much softer out in the open air. To their luck, they weren't parked very close, and no one paid any mind to the two boys embracing next to the white sedan in the school parking lot. Most of them too busy trying to get into the building to attend prom with friends or their date. Most of the students that arrived had already done so, as the people outside now were merely late stragglers that were swiftly walking to make their way through those glass doors. As more time passed, they were quickly becoming the only people outside of the festivities that were indoors. This would give Keith the upper hand in talking with his precious freckled angel uninterrupted.

Almost as soon as his voice left his throat, he felt the harsh shiver of the other boy in his arms. Eyes never leaving those beautiful glassy diamonds that refused to look up, as he waited patiently for an answer. Even though he was being stern, his aura bled of worry as to try and coax an answer out of the man. The last thing he needed was to roughly ask the smaller male and scare him needlessly. The drive toward the school helped calm him down further from his earlier internal rage. When pulling up to the parking space that anger was replaced by anxiousness, which quickly delved into a deep form of sympathy when Pico spoke. It still completely stunned Keith that his precious angel would even consider the idea that he would leave him all alone. He had to know why. Why would he think it would be better if he were left out like that? Was this all a ruse? A prank done by his Ex? Did she dress him up just to tease him and make him feel inadequate, and worry that he would ruin everyone's night? He may have been thinking too hard on the subject, but it truly stung that Pico tried to cover up his sadness like that.

Pico did his best to blink away the residue of tears that still lined his sight. He couldn't act weak right now, especially when surrounded by the strong arms of the man he wants so desperately to be with, but not bombard him with his own sullen presence. It still surprised him that Keith didn't accept the offer to go on without him. He was certain that it was possibly due to his good nature. Although, secretly, he hoped that the blue boy stayed because he felt the same back. As much as Pico tried to hide how badly it would hurt him if he left, he still attempted to put on a show of bravery. However, the agony that he felt when he spoke those words of dismissal, had him accidentally put his cracked and bleeding heart out on display, if only for a moment. Keith knew him well by this point and could easily tell when he was lying. He had to come up with something to get those endlessly caring green eyes from looking at him and making his heart fall back into the false pretense called love.

Swallowing thickly, white irises darted up to meet those soft jades before jetting down to stare at the bright cyan tie for a distraction. "I-I just..." He tried to respond. His voice was still low and stuttered, the echoes of past despondency laced within the tone unintentionally. The moment Pico spoke he felt those same arms pull him even closer, feeling his stomach brushing against Keith's lower abdomen. This made him take a silent but sharp breath in to keep himself steady, his left hand clenching tighter on his chest. Did he not know how difficult this was to hold his affection back when he was literally pressed against the man of his dreams? Embraced by those strong but gentle arms, patiently awaiting for his response and his eyes never faltering from his face.

Pico tried to concentrate on an excuse he could use. Anything to help dodge the real reason. He didn't want to sabotage his crush's chances of being with someone that he actually liked. Although, he couldn't say that out loud. It burned a heavy pain that strummed through his heartstrings as the thought crossed his mind, enough to hitch his own breathing for a moment. "I-It's... Um..." He stammered softly, trying to rake through his mind to come up with another valid reason for his earlier statements. Nothing but the truth kept at the forefront of his mind. "It's because I don't want to make others believe that we're together." As much as that blared like a siren through his thoughts, it had a double meaning. He truly did want to be with his blue-haired hero; however, he knew that Keith didn't like him in that way. As much as it slightly confused him with his current actions of kindness, being wrapped in his arms like in his dreams. It was like they were looking at one another through a glass wall and Pico was the only one pressing against it to try and get through to the taller male on the other side.

Little did he know, Keith was also pressing against that same wall. All it would take is a bit of pressure and their barrier would shatter into millions of glittering pieces. To their dismay, neither was willing to push hard enough to have that happen. They simply would only stare at each other through the glass, hands lined up as they pressed against the wall. Projections through the glass on the other side would always display the other male standing there idly. Keith's friends viewed above them, able to get a glimpse on both sides of the wall. They knew that both of them were so close to each other, only a thin sheet between them. Yet, from each other perspectives they both viewed the other man as distant while they secretly pondered and watched the other boy in longing sadness.

Reality was thrown back at Pico harshly, as he was still merely speechless and unable to completely answer the suited blue-haired boy. He couldn't bear to look up at those considerate emeralds, as the smallest of sobs wrecked through his body. His right hand quivered against his side, as he tried to clench it into a fist to keep from gripping onto the taller boy. Shutting his eyes from the view of that bright cyan tie, Pico lowered his head shamefully. "I'm sorry..." Was all he could muster out, weakly. He could feel his shoulders nearly vibrate to try and hold back the tears that threatened to fall. He couldn't break like this. Their night just started, and he was already falling apart at the seams. Just seeing his handsome crush all dressed up was possibly the worst way to tease him of his current dilemma. Keith was not his to admire and never would be.

The taller of the two blinked his wide emeralds down at the quieted apology that spilled from those glossy thin lips. Now he felt nothing but regret for putting his precious angel on the spot like that. He didn't mean to make him feel overwhelmed. The curiosity of what he was thinking and why he said that in the car got the better of him. As soft as that initial sob was, it didn't prevent him from feeling it jolt through that smaller body rather than hearing it. He felt a rush of pain quiver in his chest at seeing the other boy in his arms upset. This was all his fault.

Attempting to alleviate the sorrow that was present in the air, Keith pulled Pico into a full embrace. His right arm lifted to press against his upper back, forcing the smaller body to be flush with his. The taller boy leaned himself down slightly, preventing himself from messing up that slightly slicked back orange hairdo as best as he could. He felt his ginger flinch terribly in his hold, a following tremble racking his entire frame. He folded himself gently but firmly against the smaller male, trying his best to quell that horrible ache in his heart for seeing his beautiful angel upset. Worse off, allowing him to think it was his fault for supposedly making the blue boy upset. He had to stop that immediately.

Pico was met with a cacophony of emotions that flooded his system. The feeling of his torso flushed against the man of his dreams was enough to drag a gasp into his lungs. That breath carried the scent of his blue boy with it, this time it was decorated differently. Normally, it would pertain to the familiar mixture of male musk and AXE body spray. He found that out while using the upstairs restroom at the blue boys' home and seeing the ever-depleting spray can presented on the sink. It quickly became his favorite brand, especially mixed in with Keith's natural smell. The difference was a stronger and more defined sense of cologne. It smelled expensive, yet indefinitely made for men. He didn't have any cologne for himself, so he was forced to use Cherry's perfume to help enhance his own scent. This was nothing in comparison, it almost made him a little dizzy from how enticing Keith smelled. He swallowed thickly to try and keep himself level-headed.

He couldn't contain that flaring blush from floating up his neck, only able to be contained from going up to his face by his makeup. Perhaps it wasn't such a bad idea to be wearing this cover-up. He would have to thank Cherry later for dressing him up in it. It definitely aided in keeping his blushing nature at bay. It took everything in him to keep from pressing himself against that suit to ruffle up more of the smell. He refrained himself, not trying to stain Keith's dark black jacket by rubbing off his only form of protection from his blaring red face. Luckily, the smell was strong enough to be breathed in regardless, as Pico quietly took in a deep breath to help calm himself.

With his chest cavity expanding to take in the scent, he felt his left hand relinquish its hold on his own suit. As if it was instinctual, that same scarred palm pressed flatly on the adjacent torso against him. Needing something to hold, it managed to grip onto the lapel on that side of his jacket, as his face was pressed against that same cyan tie that he was staring at moments before. This helped dry his tears as he only focused on the present. Right now, he was in the arms of his savior and nothing else mattered. They were alone, only being able to focus on each other. It may not have been romantic in the slightest for Keith, but for Pico it was everything he could wish for. He wanted to stay like this forever yet knew that it was hopeless.

Eventually, Keith pulled away when he felt the smaller boy relax in his hold. The trembling slowed to a halt, and the caged sadness that thickened the air between them settled. Pico lifted his head from his chest and finally allowed the blue-haired male to look into that slightly glossy gaze as he lifted his head up. The taller boy only leaned back just enough to look down at those gorgeous pearls. They were so close; it brought a small flashback of when they were wrapped up together under his umbrella on Pico's birthday behind the shed. This time, there was no need for them to be huddled together to hide under the shelter and away from the rain. Even without the necessity to be so close, Keith refused to let go, keeping firm in his hold.

Even with the limited light that shown from where they were standing, Keith was nearly breathless at the imaginary spectrum that gripped those white irises once more. His heart fluttered in his chest at finally being able to see those precious pearls that has been avoiding him. The sun was nearly descended over the horizon and the night was creeping up, but it didn't keep his ginger from glittering in his sight. The way his earrings sparkled against his skin, helping to bring out the shine in his eyes and lips. He was certain that he had to be wearing something to make them look like that. It made it even harder to keep from leaning down to capture them in his own, curious on how his taste would mix with the gloss' flavor. The dark outlines of those incredibly gorgeous eyes only made them stand out further against the whites of his sclera, fluttering long lashes aiding the awe with every single time they blinked shut.

"My God, you're so beautiful..." He thought, completely entranced by the orange-haired angel in his arms.

The look on his ginger's face blinked back in shock, only for a brief moment, his lips parted as an audibly soft gasp was heard. He shifted his gaze over to his lower right, shoulders raising to help hide the incredibly flushed skin that bled under the freckles of his neck and contrasted against the earrings on his ears. As he fully seemed to gather himself, that sparkling gaze lifted back up. This time, Keith was gifted with that breathtaking smile that adorned those shiny lips. It brought everything crashing back into his heart all at once. He could have sworn that it stopped beating at the beautiful display before him. It made everything else glitter brighter in his eyes all because of that stunning smile. He had no idea what he did to force those thin lips to grace him in such beauty. If he did, he would do it a thousand times over just to become enraptured by the tilt of those soft lips.

Pico reveled in the attention that was bestowed upon him from the taller male that held him close. He spoke so sincerely and quietly. If it wasn't for the fact that he was mere inches away, he may have missed it. That was the second time he heard his savior call him that tonight. It made a rush of pleasure float through his heart at how honest Keith sounded. He couldn't help but to think of what Cherry had told him in the car earlier. When his crush was looking at him in such a mesmerized way, it was hard to argue with her words. "Maybe... He does have a 'thing' for me..." He thought, using the exact terminology that the brown-haired girl used.

It completely countered his previous thoughts from before. He had no idea what to believe anymore. He guessed that Keith was straight and wasn't into men at all. Most of them are, of course. He needed to be careful on who he finds attractive so that he doesn't get his hopes up. For his blue-haired hero, he already fell quickly off of the caution he had set up prior and developed a major crush. It didn't aid him that Keith was always so kind and considerate towards him, it only forced him to be buried under the unrequited love that was impossible to dig himself out of. It burned so ferociously at the thought of his handsome savior never returning those same feelings, but he was already so far gone that it was hopeless. It was times like these that flipped those same thoughts on its head for the smaller male.

He had to keep from delving further into this never-ending madness. It needed to stop. "U-Um..." Pico attempted, feeling like he was just learning how to use his voice after the soft-spoken comment that came from his crush. "M-Maybe y-you should get inside... It's getting dark out..." The ginger had to put the brakes on this escapade and let it go. He couldn't keep Keith contained like this, dawdling over him. This was the third time his savior has been caught in a trance of some kind, barely speaking a word and only able to move when prompted to. Pico had to help encourage his blue boy to move on and attend to the festivities through those glass doors. Without him. He had to hold back his selfish desires, for Keith's sake.

The taller male blinked, slightly breaking that hypnotized state he always ended in when he was caught within the webs of his precious angel's beauty. It took him a minute to process what he had said, as he saw Pico mindlessly fiddling with the lapel that he held on to his suit. Those pearls darted between his own emeralds and his tie as a form of distraction, that gorgeous smile faltering with his words. Once he managed to go through what his ginger had spoken, his eyes widened slightly before determinedly locking onto those mildly faded pearls. "I'm not going anywhere without you." He asserted harshly, making sure to accentuate his statement by applying pressure to his hold on the smaller male. Not enough to cause harm, only a bit to show that he was adamant in making sure that he wasn't letting him go.

Pico almost flinched at the tone of the larger male he was pressed against. He felt the vibrations through his chest at the low rumble of his voice. His heart rate picked up at the determination that bled from his savior as he was pressed even closer. He wasn't sure if it was a mixture of his own heart beating with Keith's as it fluttered rapidly. "Keith-..." He attempted softly, trying to come up with an excuse for the blue boy to go off alone. It came out quietly and almost pathetically, as Pico scrunched his shoulders up slightly to try and hide the shame that bled from him.

"-I'm not leaving you behind, Pico." The comeback was swift and abrupt but spoken so gently that if the ginger didn't know any better it would have barely been heard if they weren't so close. The smaller male knew that Keith didn't mean to sound rude at all. Not that he was, in the slightest. He only heard resoluteness as he was certain that his voice was going to be heard and stapled. "I don't care if we just stand out here the entire time." The smaller male's persistence was beginning to fleet the more his blue boy said. He was steadfast in what he wanted, unwilling to bend to Pico's silent pleas. Also, based on the taller boy's actions, it seemed that he wouldn't mind being out here. They were completely alone at this point; everyone was already within the confines of the building as the darkened night sky fell upon them. The only sound around them were the quieted ringing of crickets where they stood.

Pico couldn't ruin Keith's night like this. Keeping him away from his friends, selfishly. He would never forgive himself. His crush really knew how to turn the tables on him rather quickly. He didn't think that his blue boy would be so headstrong in committing himself to stay by his side. Forcing his gaze down to that eye-catching cyan tie, he released Keith's jacket in favor of placing his hand flatly against the top of his chest. His height allowed that room, even though they were pressed tightly together. Pico's head could barely reach the blue boy's shoulders from his height, after all. The contact alone helped pull more of that cologne from his outfit, it was harder to come up with an excuse because of the scent. He took in a deep breath quietly, enjoying the hidden musk that lay dormant under the cologne, before letting out a shuttered sigh. "I don't w-want you to… M-Miss your senior prom…"

Keith's brows rose in worry, still wondering why his precious angel was adamant in being abandoned. He felt that smaller body against him shift slightly with his breathing, causing him to flex his fingers on the hold he had. He could still feel the thin undertone of bone through the outfit he had on. He wasn't able to ask his usual questions he would ask every week when he first saw his ginger. The eloquent beauty caught him speechless easily and scrambled his thinking harshly. Now that he has been able to digest it a little, yet it barely did anything, it was the outlier of the bittered words that were projected out of his 'date' that brought him down to earth. "That's why I invited you." He began, trying to convince the smaller male. "I wasn't going to go unless you came with me." It was the solaced truth.

That last sentence made those beautiful pearls jump up to his own emeralds that never altered their sight. A look of shock and perturbance laced within those gorgeous whites, as thin orange brows curled upward. Keith couldn't help but to dart his gaze down to those luscious thin and glossy lips as they parted lightly. It took everything in him to hold himself back from leaning in to envelop his lips with the smaller males'. It didn't stop him from lowering his head slightly towards the astonished ginger in his arms, however. They were only a couple of inches away from each other, as the taller boy felt his heartrate accelerate; anticipating the delectable contact that he tried to refrain himself from desperately.

Pico knew he was stuck. He lifted his chin up slightly, enabling him to easily look into those luscious green irises that he dreams of whenever he manages to sleep. They bled such immense concern mixed with imminent determination that it seemed like he was attempting to argue with a brick wall. There was no way he would let up, as his will to fight was deteriorating the longer he stood there pressed against his savior. His scarred palm slid down an inch on the taller boy's chest, fingers twitching slightly, grazing the lapel that he was previously fiddling with. The texture of the material sending shivers along his arm; he couldn't keep his eyes from traveling down to watch it. Any excuse he could make to avoid those intense greens that refuse to budge.

Another lengthy breath caught within his lungs, letting it out through his nose as a light sigh. "O-Okay…" He surrendered softly. His shoulders rose once more, feeling Keith's hands ever so slightly flex on his lower back. Due to his skinniness, the fabric of the outfit he wore concaved a bit as he felt the undershirt press against his skin from the pressure of the blue boy on him. It almost made him hyperaware of how thin he was in comparison to the body against him. The ginger was trying his best to eat as much as he could. The ongoing weight issue seemed prominent to his handsome savior as he would always try to get him to eat. Even if it would make him sick to try, Pico would still attempt just to put a smile on the taller male's face. However, today would be the third day in a row he didn't eat. The longest he has ever gone would have been six. Before then, he barely ate anything to suffice as a third of a meal. The consequence to that was passing out at lunch in October. However, he was blessed on that day as well. Keith saved him. "I'll go…" This was the least he could do as thanks. He owes him so much. He owes him everything.

The moment those two words left his lips; Keith couldn't contain a smile to form on his own. His heart flipped happily in his chest at his beautiful ginger finally giving in. If he had to, he was more than willing to stay outside the entire time. He was certain that they would have been able to talk or watch a funny video or movie on Keith's phone while being in the car. Although, the taller male would have much rather gone into school to attend prom. He did pay for their tickets, after all. Not that he cared about the money, but he wanted Pico to experience his first and last prom. Especially alongside him, even if the feeling seemed one-sided.

Unable to refrain himself, the taller boy leaned his head a little further down, chin tucked into his neck. He felt his forehead connect with the other boy's, forcing a light jump from the smaller one in his arms. Those glittering pearls jetted up with a minor shock to his own lidded emeralds, hearing a light gasp fill the limited space between them. Pico's body seemed to instinctively try and pull back as he felt pressure on his arms, but Keith kept him firm and tight against him, unwilling to let go. The blue boy had that ache in his chest from earlier bleed into a tingling pleasure from the intimate and innocent contact. "Thank you… So much, Pico…" He nearly whispered, easily getting lost in those beautiful eyes that he fell for months ago. He could not tear his gaze away from them, as much as his brain tried to scream at him, his heart refused to listen.

Pico was absolutely certain that he was blistering red at this point. It was so prominent that he felt like he was going to pass out from all of the blood gathering at his face. He was truly lucky that he was wearing makeup or would have seemed to look feverish and sickly to the average person. Sadly, his ears and neck were victims from the invasion of flush that rolled over him harshly. The way Keith looked at him with so much passion and affection that stabbed into him from those endlessly caring jades, it had him questioning if this was a dream or reality. The cooled skin of his savior pressed against his own hot forehead that it almost put him into shock on the spot. Although, it didn't seem right as the taller boy had a tint of pink lighting up his cheeks, in comparison to his own blush that framed his pale and covered face. He looked so composed while Pico was barely holding it together.

He had to think of something, and fast, before it would be too late. The smaller male was quickly losing control of his thoughts and actions, his heart fluttering heavily in his chest, enough to make him feel faint. Swallowing thickly, Pico's eyes darted to those thinned smiling lips before jumping back up to forest-greens. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears as he attempted to slow his breathing to calm himself. This had to have been a dream, there was no way this was real. "U-U-Um..." He attempted with a blistering stutter. He tried to distract himself, but it was impossible to stray his eyes away from those lidded and sparkling emeralds. He had such a dreamy look about him, it seemed so surreal. "K-Keith...?" The sound came out quietly, as he tried to gather the other's attention to help pull the other male away from the longing look that captivated his blue-haired hero.

"Hm...?" The taller male responded with a gentle hum. It hardly had an effect on his concentration, as he still was pressed tightly against him, and their foreheads were still touching gently. He was still entranced, just standing there quietly and meekly enjoying the contact. It had the ginger reeling at how much Keith was mesmerized. He didn't seem willing to move, even though they were out here for a while. The night sky was filled with stars that helped frame his savior handsomely. It made his eyes sparkle brightly, highlighted by his smile. The lights from the school was a bit far, but it helped light up his face perfectly from where they stood.

Pico forced himself to blink to help break his own trance from the man of his dreams. "W-We should... Head ins-side... R-Right...?" His throat felt like it was going to cave in from how badly it broke the resounding silence between them. The words were pulled up as his own heart tried to yank them back down to keep them in the moment. He had to break away from the contact before he would say or do something that he would regret. It was getting harder to think and his actions were beginning to be taken over by his feelings. He didn't want logic to lose this battle that he has so desperately fought for. Keith would be angry with him if he suddenly decided to lean up and...

"-O-Oh...!" Keith spouted abruptly, managing to disrupt his concentration. Keith leaned away, removing his forehead from the other boy as if it burned at the touch. That lidded and dreamy look seemed to disappear within a blink, as he relinquished his hold from the smaller male, taking a step back to give Pico space once more. The blue boy felt his face heat up immensely, knowing that he was beat red at this point, reaching his right arm up and behind his neck in his usual nervous pose. "S-Sorry...!" He was now the stuttering mess, as he averted his gaze away from his beautiful angel for the first time in what felt like ages. He couldn't believe that he got so caught up like that. If Pico didn't say anything, there would be a good chance that he would have completely messed up his friendship with a single mistake that he could never take back.

The rush of a chill filled the smaller boy as their bodies separated from one another. He couldn't keep from shivering slightly at the lack of warmth that was provided by his savior. His scarred palm still resided on Keith's chest, albeit lowered a few inches towards the middle of his torso from the small distance. The ginger's face was still flushed, but slowly dissipating as it seemed to flow up to the blue boy's cheeks instead. The fluttering of his heart was going back to normal rhythm, allowing him to help calm himself from the foreboding disaster that was about to take place.

Those suddenly nervous greens darted up to his own whites, all of that previous confidence wiped clean. "Y-You're right...! Let's get going. I'm sure that Cherry and Darnell are starting to worry." He chuckled out softly. Those broad shoulders lifted with his pose of nervousness, a complete opposite of what he shown before. It baffled the ginger, but he welcomed the awkward distraction from how close they were just moments ago. All Pico would have needed to do was stand on his toes to push himself up to complete the connection. He didn't know what he would have done if Keith didn't pull away when he did.

The light stutter that came from his blue boy brought a small smile to grace his lips. This made his savior blink in slight shock, as that glazed look came across those emeralds once more. Although, this time, it wasn't so potent as before. Pico gave those glittering emeralds a glance before jumping down to Keith's abandoned hand that lay at his side. With newfound confidence, he reached his own right hand out to take hold of the larger palm gently. When his grip was secure, he looked back up at stunned jades as he retracted his other hand from the broad chest it was against. That movement had Keith pull down his own arm from his neck in response, having it flop against his side slowly, that shocked gaze never leaving him.

Keith was certain that he had never felt this way towards another person before. This was so much more than a passing crush. It completely took him over happily, feeling his heart backflip into his stomach whenever he looked into those gorgeous pearled eyes. His left hand thrummed with a tingling sensation that sent pleasure erupting from his chest at seeing his beautiful orange-haired angel bless him by the contact. That heart-stopping smile accompanied those glittering diamonds that lit up his face astoundingly whenever he would be graced by their glow.

That low baritone voice, that would leave him breathless upon hearing it, floated up to his ears. The gentlest of chuckles that elicited pure happiness flowed perfectly alongside his words softly. "Ok... Let's go..." He motioned that single phrase with the lightest squeeze of their conjoined hands, causing him to feel like his heart had stopped beating. Keith could not contain the sappiest of smiles to pull at his lips, eyes lidded in amazement from the angelic sight before him.

To his slight dismay, the blue boy had to obey the gentle command that came from his secret love. He could feel his chest constrict happily, as he turned to look over at the school. Those same glass doors that he initially was terrified of from the start, now didn't seem so scary when he was holding his angel's hand. Keith looked back at his prom date with a confident and brave smile, gripping his hold a little tighter, brushing his thumb lightly over Pico's in the process.

Wordlessly, his ginger's shoulders lifted with his smile, as that stunning blush crept back up his freckled neck. It seemed to make his gorgeous whites sparkle brighter with it, causing another flip to attack the blue boy's heart. Keith, regrettably, pulled his eyes away from the beauty at his side taking the first step towards their destination. His ginger followed in suit, as they both made their way hand-in-hand towards the school. The thrumming silence between them was comforting, as their hearts flew from the connection.

Their night was just beginning together.