Chapter 9: Igniting the Fuse II by Star

Notes: I just thought I'd say in public, Victory Thru Tears is the best co-writer I've ever worked with. I'm really happy she asked me.

Fulton's POV

There's an atmosphere in our dorm room again. It's not exactly awkward, but it feels kinda thick in here.

It's made a little easier by the fact we've finally got our stereo back. We've taped the volume button into position so we don't get it confiscated again.

I catch Portman looking at me, and he quickly looks away. I've been doing the same thing when he catches me looking at him.

"Are you going to this fireworks thing tonight?" I ask at length. It's been one hundred years since Eden Hall was first founded and, being the type of school Eden Hall is, we're having a huge fireworks display to commemorate it.

He snorts. "I thought attendance was mandatory."

I nod. "I know. I just meant…" I sigh. What exactly am I trying to say? "Are we going with the Ducks?" That's what I meant! I don't care how awkward the atmosphere is, I don't want to share him tonight.

He smiles at me. "Are you asking me on a date?"

Thanks to this type of conversation I've nearly walked out so many times over the past few weeks. This time I'm on my feet and to the door before I can even think about it.

"Fulton, wait!" He leaps up, but I'm already striding down the corridor. I've got no idea where I'm going, but away is a good start.

"The answer's 'yes'!" he yells, his voice bouncing off the polished wood floor.

Several students stare at him. I stop and turn, and head back to our room, a smile threatening to split my face.

I can't imagine that every student has turned up for this display, there are bound to be some that decided to stay in the dorms and hope they don't get caught, but looking around, I'd say almost everyone is here.

Portman and I end up smushed in a crowd which I think is fine. Given our height, we can see perfectly, and also, if any of the Ducks see us they won't be tempted to come join us. Being in this crowd gives a sort of anonymity.

I look around but don't see anyone we know. Then again, the display is by the lake, the darkest part of the school grounds, thanks to conservation laws, very few lights are allowed in this area, even during special events.

It looks like Portman and I timed it wrong. We've arrived just in time to listen to the speeches from the Dean, from members of the Alumni and various other important (read: rich who give charitable donations) people.

I spot Taz and her roommate, they've managed to get seats on one of the few benches. Well, Taz is sitting on Maya's lap. They grin and wave at me.

Finally everyone shuts up and the fireworks start. Portman stares upwards, despite his blasé attitude, I know he likes fireworks and he's glad he came. He's got a huge smile on his face.

I watch him as the fireworks explode overhead, watching his face change color reflecting the light. I notice, not for the first time, just how beautiful he is. He has for once abandoned his bandana, and his hair is falling in his face. Occasionally he pushes it out of his eyes.

He turns to me, noticing my stare and I quickly look away. Maybe this is a date of sorts, but I don't know if I'm ready for this.

My eyes scan the darkness, looking at the crowd, all fixated on the sky.

All but two. I see a couple over to the side, a fair distance from us. They're entirely fixated on each other, caught in a passionate kiss. I should look away, I wouldn't want someone staring at me like this.

Another firework lights up the sky and I'm able to see them clearer. A series of rockets explode and the area is bathed in light.

They break apart. When they do, I realize that not only are they two guys, but one of them is Charlie, the other is Adam.

Adam meets my eyes, a look of terror on his face. I give him a half smile and quickly look away. I shouldn't have seen that.

I think about telling Portman, but it's too public here.

Instead I remind myself that this is a date. Of sorts. Portman smiles at me, this time I return it and don't look away. If Adam and Charlie can try their luck, so can I.

His gaze returns to the sky once more. He shifts his weight and his hand brushes my thigh. It occurs to me that if I tried to hold his hand no-one would notice because of the crush of people around us. Everyone's staring at the sky.

My heart starts hammering away at the thought. It's so loud I can barely hear the fireworks. I've never held hands with anyone before.

Well except for Taz, but I don't think that counts.

She dragged me into town once to get a revision guide for history, which we were both failing horribly. She kept losing me in the crowd, so she just grabbed my hand and tugged me along behind her.

No, it doesn't count.

My fingers brush his as I try to work up the courage to take his hand. My heart yammers away even louder.

Now or never, my fingers touch his again, and somehow I manage to link hands with him. He turns to me and gives me a smile I've never seen before. It's absolutely beautiful.

I smile back.

When I look back to Charlie and Adam I see that Adam is gone, only Charlie is there, alone and dejected.

We unlink hands before walking back to our dorms. It's one thing to hold hands when nobody can see, but another walking around school together.

As we walk out he elbows me in the ribs. "You know that chick? She's staring at you."

I look closer. It's Linda, she's got an odd look on her face. I smile and wave at her. She frowns back.

I quickly forget about it as we continue walking.

Occasionally his hand brushes mine as we walk and we smile at each other.

I wait until we get into our room before I tell him about Adam and Charlie.

He seems surprised that they were being so open. To be honest, I was too. Then again, maybe they just don't care what people think.

I take a seat on my bed, meaning to tell him that Adam vanished at the speed of light after seeing me, but he sits next to me and my heart starts pounding again. I wonder if we're going to hold hands again.

"Have you ever kissed anyone?" I ask, then add, "A guy, I mean?"

He shakes his head and I'm relieved. I thought he might have kissed Mike, spark or not. "You?"

"This is all new to me," I tell him honestly.

He takes my hand. "Me too."

I notice his hand is shaking slightly, and I'm glad. His other hand moves to my face and I lean closer. I feel his breath on my lips for a moment before his lips meet mine.

I'm glad I'm sitting down because I would have fallen down if I wasn't. This kiss is softer and more hesitant than I had expected.

When we break apart we're both a little breathless. If my heart doesn't stop pounding like that I think I'm going to have a heart attack.