From: Kwan

Today's the day!

I'm ridiculously excited but also really nervous?

I've never done this before, should I be more worried than I am?

Also, are we still on for the matching costumes?

I can't help but laugh at the texts Kwan sends me on Halloween morning, reading them again as I roll over in bed. He's been talking about going to this club Jared told him about since the beginning of October but I don't think it's felt real to him until this past week. I've never seen him this nervous before but it's matched by his excitement and I'm pretty sure that's winning out.

Kwan mentioned something about not wanting to lose me in the crowd tonight and I told him I'd wear a costume he'd recognize. He insists I was the one that suggested matching costumes but that sounds more like something he'd come up with. Either way, I'm going as Batman tonight and he's my Robin. Cause we're fucking nerds.

Today marks a week since I've played a football game and my rib is pretty fucking thankful for that. These past few days have been a bit of a bitch to get through cause I'm almost out of painkillers. I'm saving a couple back for next Friday – the championship game. I can't risk losing the most important game of the season cause of my stupid rib.

Tonight should be easier though – I'm just gonna be hanging out with Kwan and Jared at some club I've never been to. There's a good chance I'll end up getting drunk and then I won't give a fuck about my rib or whatever I end up doing tonight.

I get out of bed, one-handedly typing a response to Kwan as I gather my clothes for the day. Most of my teammates were talking about wearing their costumes at school considering there's no game tonight but I texted Kwan last night to let him know that no fucking way was I doing that. Thankfully, he was relieved so I didn't have to re-evaluate our whole friendship.

My phone vibrates again with a response from Kwan as I pull on a shirt and I glance at it before I slide into a pair of jeans.

To: Kwan

Yeah man, of course

Watching you be nervous for Jared is kind of adorable lmao

From: Kwan

Shut up!

Just so you know, it's adorable when you're nervous with Danny, too

Ouch. Kwan knows exactly how uncalled for that was which is why he sends another text with a single emoji that's grinning sheepishly. I choose to ignore him for a few minutes to make him squirm before I respond with a picture of my face, my tongue stuck out.

The bruises are still dark under my eyes and across my cheekbones but nothing like they were when I went to the hospital. My side has gotten worse in both the pain and the color on my skin but... I'll deal. I'll use alcohol as my painkiller tonight, it'll be fine.

Just as I finish loading my backpack up with everything I can fit into it, I hear the front door open downstairs. I hesitate a few seconds before I sling my backpack onto my shoulder and steel myself, grabbing my jacket from my closet as a last attempt to seem casual.

I can hear dad talking, his voice drifting from the kitchen and I hope he's just on the phone. Despite Alex trying to convince me otherwise, I came home last night after dad was asleep. And given the tension in my gut, part of me wishes I hadn't done that. But I had to. No more hiding.

Even though I desperately feel the need to creep downstairs as quietly as I can, I don't let myself. I don't want to hide anymore. And besides, he'd eventually realize that I've left when my car disappears from the driveway.

Someone laughs in the kitchen and it's definitely not dad. I'm on the last stair and it decides to creak as I step off of it, drawing the attention of whoever's in the kitchen. Dad stops mid-sentence and after a few seconds, I hear his footsteps. I debate booking it to the door and ignoring whatever he calls after me but I don't. I just turn around when he steps into the living room, setting my jaw and steeling myself for whatever's about to happen.

For a few seconds, dad just stares at me and the silence is uncomfortable. There are so many things either of us could say but the quiet settles between us easily, like it's always been a part of us. Like the silence we share is equal parts tension and hesitation – each of us waiting for the other to make a move.

Dad exhales out before nodding toward my backpack, easily breaking the silence that I feel so trapped in. "You going to school?"

I nod, too exhausted to say anything. I'm tired of being afraid. But fear is stitched to my bones as easily as my own skin. I can't escape it anymore. So I stare at dad in silence for a few seconds until another pair of footsteps start my way. Chuck appears behind dad and he gives me a hesitant smile.

"Hey, Dash," he says, nodding toward me. I think his hesitation is mostly cause of whatever the fuck that went down between him and Alex at the hospital last week but I can't care right now. I'm too busy trying to make sure I look strong in dad's eyes. Otherwise this whole fucking thing is pointless.

I nod back to him, softly uttering, "hey" as a response before I look at dad. He meets my gaze and I feel my gut clench. Ordinarily, I'd probably just leave quietly or carefully phrase my words, especially with someone here, but I'm so fucking done doing that. "I'm gonna be out late tonight, just so you know," I say, shrugging when he raises an eyebrow.

Dad glances toward Chuck before he lets out a scoff. "Tell your mother I said hello."

The tension in my body reaches a whole new level as I softly exhale. Chuck looks between the two of us and part of me is glad he's here. Cause while he is making this whole exchange more awkward, he's almost like some kind of protection. A guarantee that dad won't lose it right now.

"I…" I trail off, knowing that I could just turn around and leave now. Not give him a goddamn response cause he doesn't fucking deserve one but I can't. I won't let myself duck my head and cower again. If I leave, I'm not running like some scared kid. Not anymore.

I clench my hands into fists, one of them curling around the strap of my backpack in an effort to look like I'm not shaking. But this kind of trembling goes far beyond simple fear. I'm so fucking angry too. "I really… shouldn't have to justify seeing my own mother."

Chuck's eyebrows rise on his forehead at the same time dad's draw down. Despite wanting to stay silent and just leaving cause the tension's climbing again, I continue. Because I'm not letting dad scare me into silence. "But since you sort of asked, I'm not seeing her. I'm going out with some friends tonight. So… don't wait up."

I feel their eyes on me when I turn away but I start for the door anyway, ignoring the feeling in my gut. The one that tells me if I walk away now, it'll only be worse when I get home tonight.


Kwan's seriously freaked by the time lunch rolls around but he's made me promise not to mention the club to any of our teammates, too nervous to admit that we're going to that kind of club tonight on top of his nerves about going there with Jared. So, I keep the conversation moving during lunch and eventually, Kwan relaxes into it.

It's been a week since Danny told me the truth about being the phantom and every day since, he's grown a little more confident in his decision to open up to me. We've been texting almost non-stop, him making a few shitty jokes about the situation and me doing my best to make him laugh. The trust that he's placed in me now makes my chest feel tighter every time I see him. I'm happy that he has someone he can talk to while his sister's not around and I'm really happy that someone's me.

My teammates are discussing weekend plans and talking about the party at Star's place tonight and though Kwan and I share a look, neither of us mention that we're not planning on being there. If Kwan decides he hates the club, then we might show up but I highly doubt he's not gonna love it.

As soon as the bell rings and my friends and I are heading toward the door, Danny falls in step with me. He gives me a smile when I look his way and he leans closer to me. "Hey, I've gotta go pick something up during my free period… you want to come with me?" he whispers, his smile widening when I immediately nod. "Cool… meet me in the parking lot."

Danny turns away from our group and heads down the hall when we leave the cafeteria. Maybe I'm just imagining it but he seems a hell of a lot lighter since he told me the truth. Like the weight of the world isn't so heavy on his shoulders anymore. I watch him for a split second before I'm pulled back into the conversation.

Paulina's grinning as she looks between Jeff and Kwan but I apparently missed whatever the fuck happened. The smile on Kwan's face looks genuine so I entrust him to our friends, patting him on the shoulder as I pass by him.

"I'll see you later," I say, giving him a smile before I'm heading down the hall after Danny. He's just stepped outside and he holds the door open when he notices me.

Danny's smile does something to my chest that no one else's does and I can't help but return his expression when I'm close enough. We start into the parking lot together and though all I want to do is hold his hand, I keep mine shoved deep in my pockets to avoid accidentally brushing by his. I won't be able to stop myself from grabbing his hand in mine if I touch him at all.

"You wanna take your car or are you cool with me driving?" Danny asks, unlocking his car when we reach it. He opens the back door and tosses his backpack inside before glancing toward me.

It takes me a split second to realize that he's asked me a question. "Oh, uh… y-your car's fine," I mumble, nervously rubbing the back of my neck as I cross over to the passenger side. He gives me a funny look before I climb in but he slams the back door closed before joining me in the front.

"You feeling okay? You're really flushed," Danny says, checking his rearview mirror before he clicks his seatbelt into place.

I don't know what to say. Thankfully, he's distracted so it gives me a few minutes to mask my face into something a little more neutral and get my mind away from thoughts of kissing his fingertips and telling him how beautiful he is.

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. Just… weird day so far," I mumble.

Danny hesitates a second before he starts the car, turning to look at me as he lets out a breath. "Is it… something to do with your dad?" he asks, seeming like he's already regretting asking the question. "I mean… not that you have to tell me anything."

I haven't thought about what happened with dad this morning since I got to school. Probably cause I've been too busy distracting Kwan so he doesn't worry about tonight and distracting myself so I don't end up kissing Danny before the day's out.

"He kinda… I mean, I'm fine but he wasn't exactly… in a great mood this morning," I say, shrugging when Danny looks toward me. His eyebrows draw down so I speak before he can. "Seriously, I'm fine. He's just… I'm fine."

Danny lets out a breath, shaking his head as he turns his gaze to the parking lot. He backs out of the space carefully and starts out of the lot, the silence heavy between us. I turn my gaze out the window as we leave the school, wishing I'd just lied when Danny asked about my dad. Maybe if I said no, it wouldn't be so awkward between us. Fuck, why do I always have to make things awkward?

"Just so you know… i-it's okay when you're not okay," Danny says, pulling to a stop at the red light. He waits a second before looking toward me with a pinched expression. "You don't have to have it together all the time when you're around me… I-If things suck, they suck and I don't want you to feel like you have to lie about it, okay?"

I try to fight back the smile that's tugging at my expression but goddammit, knowing that Danny cares about me like this makes me so fucking happy.

"Yeah, I know. Everything's fine though, seriously."

Danny smiles a little but it doesn't have his signature touch – I know he's just trying not to make me feel bad for making this about me again. He nods before turning his gaze out the windshield again and I look away from him too. The silence that blankets us this time isn't uncomfortable but I still feel the need to say something, not let myself default back to the excuse that I suck with words.

"S-Same to you though… like… in general but also with this whole phantom thing. Like, feel free to tell me anything…?" I say more like a question and Danny seems to pick up on it.

He changes lanes twice before he glances at me with a soft sigh. "Is there something you want to ask me about it?" he asks softly and with a touch of weariness. Like he's afraid I'll say yes and afraid I'll say no. In truth, I have so many questions crowding up my brain and I shouldn't ask him anything but-

"I was just… wondering about your tattoo… mark thing?" I sort of ask, sounding like a complete idiot the longer I let myself ramble. "How… long have you had it?"

I've never seen it on him before – not even when I helped him change clothes at the beach party. Then again, I was a little distracted by those dark bruises littering his skin. The ones that some… ghost or government agent caused him.

Danny smiles softly and the expression seems genuine enough. He turns his gaze back to the road when the light turns green, easing the car forward until he can turn. "Not long. The day that you met my sister… that's the day I had it done," he says, taking another turn, chewing on his bottom lip before he continues. "I needed someone there with me in case I had some kind of weird reaction to it and Jazz is about the only person that knows. Well… her and a couple of friends. A-And now you."

His cheeks are flushed when I look at him but he watches the traffic in front of us – giving me the opportunity to watch him. I want to tell him that I'll be here for him whenever he needs me but I don't think I'll be able to utter those few words without following them up with how I feel about him. And that's just a fucking disaster waiting to happen.

I watch Danny lean forward to fiddle with the radio dial. He lets some pop station softly drift through his car and even taps his hands against the steering wheel in time to the beat. I watch him for far longer than I should. Far longer than a friend should. But I almost memorize the way his hands hold the steering wheel and I'm so focused on his every move, I miss the fact that he's asked me a question. Danny lets out a soft laugh when I meet his gaze and judging from the heat I can feel on my face, I'm guessing that he can see the flush I'm wearing.

"S-Sorry, I blanked," I mumble, managing to offer up a sheepish shrug.

Danny inches his car forward at a red light before he glances back at me, a kind smile on his face. "It's cool. I was just wondering what you were up to for Halloween."

I almost tell him about the club but I don't get more than a single word out before I remember that I can't. Kwan chose to tell Danny about his sexuality but he doesn't want anyone knowing about the club tonight. Even though I trust him, I don't think it's a good idea to tell Danny about this without clearing it with Kwan first.

"Uhh… Nothing really. Maybe watch some cheesy ass horror movies, y'know? Probably gonna be hanging out with Kwan – shitty horror movies are kinda our tradition," I say, exhaling out a breath before I turn the question back on him. "What about you?"

Danny shrugs, switching lanes as he eases his car forward again. "I don't know yet. I have a couple of options but I don't know what I'll end up doing." He takes another turn and lets out a breath. "It's kind of deciding if I want to get drunk or not, really."

I can't help the laugh that leaves me and he smiles at the sound, keeping his gaze out the windshield as he nods. "Yeah, that's kinda where my head's at right now. Like… do I want to remember tonight?"

He eases his car to a crawl at a light before taking a turn and pulling into the parking lot of Amity Park's only CVS. He finds a parking space and kills the engine before glancing at me, a slight flush staining his cheeks.

"I… need to pick up my medication. I don't know if you'd rather wait out in the car or-"

Danny stops abruptly when I unbuckle my seatbelt. I respond with a grin before I tug the door open. He hesitates inside the car for a second before he follows me out, both of us slamming the doors closed at the same time.

He nervously swings his keys around his index finger a couple times before he pockets them and trudges into the pharmacy, subtly trying to steal a glance at me. Of course I notice him looking at me, my fucking heart is in too deep not to notice shit like that, but I don't let on that I see him. I keep my gaze on the sky or the store front or anything but the boy I'm walking with.

According to the pharmacist behind the counter, Danny's medicine isn't ready for pick-up just yet so we stroll the store, waiting for his name to be called over the intercom.

We flip through magazines and discuss at length which candies are the best and which snacks are definitely road-trip snacks. Danny looks through a couple of the Halloween decorations and shitty costumes still littering the shelves before his name is called.

He assures me I don't have to follow him but I don a pair of flashy shutter shades and trail after him. Danny lets me know that I look like a dork but he's grinning while he says it and I don't feel the need to ditch the corny glasses.

The pharmacist does a double take when she looks at me but she's quickly distracted by Danny. I casually lean against the counter beside him, out of view of the pharmacist, and pull faces at him. He awkwardly pauses between words and I can see him chewing on the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. Which only makes me snort.

As soon as she hands the medicine over to him, he glares at me. "Come on, you idiot."

Danny grabs my wrist and tugs me along behind him. Somewhere along the way, I ditch the glasses and let him lead me out of the store, laughing the entire time. Cause he's still flushing despite his own laughter. And god, no amount of bullshit with my dad or worrying about Kwan can take this moment away from me. Everything feels so much better when I can make Danny laugh.


The rest of the day seems to fly by and I'm on the way to Kwan's place by six, just in time to get there before Jared comes to pick us up. Kwan decided a couple days ago that the three of us should take a taxi to the club, considering we're pretty sure all of us are gonna get wasted and none of us want to destroy our cars.

I park my car at the edge of Kwan's driveway and climb out just as Kwan opens the front door, looking like he's somewhere between vomiting and running screaming down the street.

"H-Hey," he says when I come up the walk to his house. He pushes the door open wider for me to step through. I drop my duffel bag onto his couch and turn around to give him a grin. I'm pretty sure that Kwan isn't past the point of no return yet so a little teasing is in order.

"You're more nervous than you were on your first date with him," I say, watching the color flood my best friend's face as he scoffs. He looks away from me and gestures for me to follow him upstairs to get changed into our costumes.

I grab my duffel bag from the couch and sling it onto my shoulder again, following him up the stairs and teasing the entire time. He turns around when he pushes open the bathroom door and though he tries to glare at me, it loses some of its power with the flush still on his face.

"Sh-Shut up!" he whines, turning on the bathroom light before he takes the duffel bag from me. "My mom picked up the black makeup for our eyes, let me get that from my room." He leaves me in the bathroom so I sit on the edge of the tub.

From where I'm sitting, I can see Kwan rummaging around in his bedroom. I want to ask him about how he's doing, holding up, all that shit but… he's already nervous as fuck. I don't really want to add anything else to his mind. If he can forget about his parents for the night, I won't be the one to remind him.

Kwan returns with said black makeup and instructs me to stay put. He takes his time applying it to my eyes and fetches the Batman mask halfway through to make sure it looks right. After what feels like half-a-decade, he lets me check it out in the mirror and I have to admit, with the mask on, it looks pretty cool.

"M-My mom, um… she also gave me some of this stuff in case you wanted to… t-to cover the bruises," Kwan says, passing something to me that looks like what Paulina applied to my face just before the game.

The discoloration on my face was way worse last week but I take the tube from Kwan anyway and try to recreate what Paulina did. I think some of it mixes with the black makeup cause it comes out looking streaky and gross but it does cover up the bruises so I leave it.

Kwan nervously perches on the tub and lets me apply the black to his face too, putting the makeup in the shape of the eye mask that Robin wears. His job on my face definitely looks better but once he puts the mask on, neither of us can see the parts where I kinda went out of the lines.

The door opens downstairs as we're digging out our costumes and Kwan lets out a quiet breath, glancing to me with a hesitant smile. "Th-That's just my mom. She's going to a Halloween thing at her office but she wants to see us before she leaves for it."

Kwan starts pulling on his outfit and I strip my shirt off, going for a black sleeveless shirt underneath the suit instead of my bare chest as the girl at the costume store recommended. The last thing I need is for this suit to rip out what little hair I have on my chest.

I hear a small noise behind me and turn to make sure Kwan isn't caught in his costume. His gaze is on my chest and at the same time I realize that I'm still shirtless, he speaks.

"D-Dash… that looks… really bad," he says softly, taking a step closer to me. He places one hand above the bruising on my side and though his touch is gentle, I still find myself wincing. Kwan gives me an apologetic look, stepping back with a sigh. "Just… be careful tonight."

I shoot him a grin, slipping the shirt on over my head. "I'm not the one that's gonna end tonight with a roll in the hay, Kwan," I respond and his voice squeaks as he tries to defend himself.

Kwan's face is flushed but he manages to stick his tongue out as he pulls on the top portion of his costume. He slips the mask onto his face and takes a step back, spreading his arms wide as he looks at me. "Does it look okay?"

"You look fine, Kwan," I say, already knowing that he's asking because Jared will be here soon. When we dressed up as kids, neither one of us cared about what we looked like, we just wanted to score loads of candy and race down the sidewalks in each other's neighborhoods. It's been years since we've gone out and done something on Halloween other than a party at one of the cheerleader's places or stayed in with corny horror movies because I've been too bruised to move. Even though tonight is for Kwan, I'm more excited about it than I thought I'd be.

I finish suiting up and put my mask into place as well before I glance at Kwan. "Tell me if this looks stupid," I say and he shakes his head, almost immediately looking away from me. I groan, digging my phone from my pocket to look at myself in the screen.

Well… I've looked worse but this mask really isn't doing anything for me. I don't think I can pull off ears like this. Kwan definitely got the better costume.

"Ugh, even you know this looks dumb," I say, flicking my finger against one of the bat-ears. It wobbles a little and only makes the whole ensemble look dumber. This is… really sad-looking. I'm just a poor man's Val Kilmer.

"N-No, I don't… think it looks dumb at all. You're definitely a g-great Batman," he mumbles, grabbing his phone from his bed. He glances toward me again, his face flushed as he speaks. "You… always look good, Dash. I-If I can say this without you freaking out… th-then you should know that um… I-I've always thought you looked really good. I-If I had never met Jared, you might have… n-not that I would have tried to make you… I, uhh… yeah." He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly, letting out a nervous laugh.

I try to come up with something to say to the compliment but I realize Kwan's nervous laugh has nothing to do with Jared. It's more cause he just insinuated that he would want to be with me if things were different. I've never seen Kwan that way and even now, staring back at him, he's still just my best friend. Not even a hint of what I feel for Danny sparks to life in me as I take in Kwan's hesitant expression.

"A-Anyway, you don't… have to say anything to that," Kwan says, looking away from me as he exhales out a shaky breath. "I-I know you're not… used to feeling the way you do about Danny. I-I can't imagine you regularly look for that feeling around other guys."

"Not… really," I say, exhaling softly when he looks back at me.

Kwan nods, biting on his bottom lip as he silently gestures to the door. I grab his arm before he can leave the room and grin when he turns to look at me.

"Hey, if things were different, you'd still be out of my league," I say, giving him a wink that makes his skin flush again. He rolls his eyes but leans against the door, crossing his arms.

"I think you're wrong. You're definitely out of my league," he says and though I laugh, I almost want to ask him why he never suggested anything with me before. Probably for the same reason I haven't said anything to Danny yet. I don't even know if he's interested in guys but I really don't want to fuck things up between us.

"Boys, come on down here so I can see your costumes!" Kwan's mom calls from downstairs.

Kwan glances over his shoulder at the sound of his mom and he smiles so genuinely that it's hard to believe that a week ago, he was breaking apart in my arms. He lets out a breath before he looks back at me, that same smile on his face as he shakes his head. "Come on, Batman. Our awkward sexual tension will have to be put on hold for now. Gotham awaits." He flings his cape just under his eyes, wiggles his eyebrows at me, and rushes from his room. I can't help the laugh that spills from me as I follow after him. Tonight is gonna be so fucking good for him.


Jared shows up just past six-thirty and Kwan and I follow him into the waiting taxi cab. The drive is silent, save for the radio the driver has playing. Jared's holding Kwan's hand and though Kwan's smiling, I can feel his leg shaking next to mine.

Dryden is over an hour from Amity Park and I know the time is just adding to my best friend's the drive finally comes to an end, Kwan's practically shaking as he leaves the car. When Jared has his back to us, paying the cab driver, I squeeze Kwan's hand in my own. He glances toward me and seems to relax with a small sigh. I give him a thumbs up and let go of his hand as Jared turns to us again.

He gives Kwan a smile and takes Kwan's hand in his. "Come on, I really think you're gonna love this place. You're not nervous, are you?" he asks, glancing in Kwan's direction before leading him toward the door anyway.

I follow after the two of them, trying to look as casual as I can in a ridiculous Batman get-up, but Kwan's not the only one that's nervous anymore. I was only at one club in my life with Blake and Jeff in our freshman year. A couple of seniors took us out to welcome us onto the football team and the only thing I remember about that night is waking up with no clothes on at one of the senior's houses. I really hope tonight's not a repeat of that.

Jared walks inside Starlit Specters with a confidence that neither Kwan or I can pull off. And maybe it's cause he went for a casual zombie costume while Kwan and I are fucking Batman and Robin. Either way, it's obvious that we're not nearly as comfortable as he is.

It's dark in the club – just some hazy lights casting shadows throughout the club and across all of its occupants. A lot of people are milling about throughout the club – and thankfully everyone's wearing Halloween costumes. Off to the left of the front door is a secluded area where I can just see some booths and some dimmer lighting. I briefly wonder if that's the area where people go to make out before the sound of the stereo distracts me.

The DJ is playing a Kesha song and though I know Kwan's into it, his movements are stiff as he walks behind Jared. I trail after him, looking around at the dance floor and the bar off to one side, wondering how the fuck I got myself into this.

I glance at Kwan and he meets my gaze with probably the same expression I'm wearing. Both wondering how the fuck we're supposed to take in this atmosphere and at what point we're gonna make a fool of ourselves.

The three of us wander around the club for about fifteen minutes before Jared gets a look at our faces and insists on having a few drinks. We manage to find three stools together and Jared orders drinks for all of us. Aside from the cheap shit my friends can score and the liquor in Paulina's house, I'm not familiar with different kinds of alcohols so I have to trust that Jared's not getting something disgusting.

The bartender welcomes us to the club as he checks over Jared's most likely fake ID and prepares our drinks. He makes small talk with Kwan and Jared and though I want to make a few comments back, I end up staring down at my phone while they talk.

I debate on sending Danny a text, see what his Halloween is looking like, but I decide against it and click my phone screen off again. My gaze drifts around the club until Kwan passes a drink my way. He gives me a look as I take it from him and I return the look easily. Without words, we manage to make an agreement to leave if it gets too awkward but for now, I start downing the alcohol in front of me.

It's not the worst drink I've ever had but it's definitely not the best. I try not to make a face as I swallow a few mouthfuls of it and glance over to see Kwan taking a few tentative sips.

"Come on, let's dance," Jared says, tugging Kwan up from his seat. Kwan glances back at me, almost asking if I'm okay hanging out here and I wave him off. No way am I third-wheeling in the middle of the dance floor. I have two left feet anyway.

The bartender sets another drink down in front of me, making a face at Jared's disappearing head. "I don't know what's with your friend's taste buds but he picked a really shitty drink." He nods toward the glass. "Try that instead."

Usually alcohol is alcohol to me but whatever I'm drinking has me rethinking that stance. Shit, it's really good. I glance up at the bartender, giving him a small smile accompanied with a nod. "Thanks, that's a hell of a lot better," I mumble, taking another sip to chase away the taste of whatever the fuck Jared gave me.

I leave the bar after a few minutes cause it starts getting crowded with a bunch of people making orders and shit. I can see Kwan dancing and every now and then, Jared's face comes into view. I wonder if Kwan's having more fun now that some of the tension is gone from the situation.

The club is packed with so many people in various costumes and I'm just one in a thousand. I almost wish I'd asked someone to tag along with me so I wouldn't be here by myself while Jared and Kwan do couple things.

I manage to score a beer from the bar even with the crowd pressing in on me, and I nurse it as I wander around the club. I debate texting Valerie and asking her to show up but I don't know if Kwan wants her to know or not. He said he didn't care who knew that he's gay but still… it's not really my shit to tell. I could always tell Val that I came on my own and I'm here for me… I could probably easily tell her about how I've been feeling for Danny too…

After I squeeze through the crowd again, headed back toward the bar, I decide against calling Valerie. I don't want to think right now and that familiar tension is in my gut. I don't understand why I'm nervous aside from the fact that I'm in a fucking gay club and I've only ever felt things for one guy in my life. Despite being surrounded by guys pretty much my whole life, I've never thought of anyone the way I do Danny.

I'm so lost in thought, I plow straight into someone and almost knock them off balance. I grab the stranger's upper arms and help them stay upright, the words of apology on the tip of my tongue just as they look up at me.

"Sorry! Wasn't looking where I was going," he says, looking oddly familiar as he takes a step backward. The black hair I've become so familiar with flops into the boy's eyes and suddenly, I realize who it is.

Danny steps backward again, laughing softly. "M-My bad. Happy Halloween." He starts to turn around and I can't stop myself from grabbing his arm.

"H-Hey wait…" I trail off, unsure of what to say when he turns to look at me again. He raises an eyebrow and I drop my gaze, finally taking in his costume.

The skin-tight blue clothing, paired with handcuffs and a nightstick looped onto his belt, makes it obvious that he's aiming for a police officer. But none of the officers my dad works with look anything like that and I can only imagine that Danny's gone for one of the 'sexy' costumes. My face flushes when my mind starts running with things I'd let an officer like him do to me. As his fingers brush by those cuffs, I can't stop the groan from escaping me.

"Sorry, didn't mean to run into you, Mr. Wayne. Hopefully you can forgive me," Danny says, winking as he tips his hat at me. He unknowingly makes my heart pound and I realize that he doesn't know who's beneath the mask.

I attempt to give him what I hope is a seductive grin and the smile on Danny's face slowly quirks higher which I take as a good sign.

"W-Well… I don't take kindly to anyone revealing my identity in a crowded place like this. Maybe I sh-should take those cuffs a-and lock you up." I know I'm blushing and it sounds so fucking corny in my head but I somehow manage to keep the smile on my face.

Danny falters a little, a flush of his own creeping up his skin and staining his cheeks with my favorite color on him. He ducks his head, scratching the back of his neck and I feel the same way he does. Not wanting to end this moment but not entirely sure how to continue it either.

"M-My apologies, Batman. I'll leave Gotham in your hands," he says, doing a mock salute.

I don't know if I'm ready for him to realize it's me but I relax a little in my grin, jerking my thumb toward the exit with a shaky hand. "You… wanna get out of here with me?"

Danny raises an eyebrow, slowly shaking his head. "Sorry, but I'm on duty. You know how it is, being protector of this fine city and all. Not to mention I'm the one that warns kids against hanging around strangers… It probably wouldn't look good if I leave here with one myself," he says, his smile widening as he tips his hat again. I almost want to end this game and tell him it's me. But I think he's having just as much fun as I am.

"How can I be a stranger when you already know my identity?" I ask, folding my arms over my chest as I take a step closer to him. He holds my gaze for a few seconds before he lets out a small laugh. The smile is still on his face but the atmosphere between us has changed. I don't know what caused the shift in him but I recognize it and give him a little more space.

He glances up at the movement, curiosity in his eyes, before he shakes his head. "Sorry but I… can't really do that with a clear conscience. I'm sort of involved with someone else so… it wouldn't be right," Danny says, smiling as his words pierce their way through my heart.

I don't know how but I manage to smile back and tell him I'll catch him later, even managing to throw in a wink. He leaves then and I numbly move around the club again, finding an empty booth near the back of the place to collapse into.

Kwan and Jared have completely disappeared from my line of sight and I wonder if it's too early to text him, asking if I can leave. I don't want to be here knowing that the reason Danny's here is to probably meet up with someone. Maybe he met someone online like Kwan did all those months ago. Or maybe he's meeting up with someone that means the world to him already. Fuck, why did I have to like flirting with him so much? If I'd just let him go when he apologized for running into me, I could have gone on pretending that he's alone. God, I want him to be happy but why can't he be happy with me?


I'm not sure how long I sit at the table, ignoring every drunk girl that stumbles my way. Even a couple of guys stop by me but I send all of them away with a look. I don't want to be alone but I don't want the company of a stranger either. If I talk to anyone, I'd probably end up going home with them and I really don't want to wake up in a stranger's bed tomorrow.

The crowd has thinned out around the bar so I head back toward it, intent on just having one more drink before I take off for the night. I'm digging out my phone to text Kwan that I'm gonna split when I see him.

Kwan waves when he sees me, wading through the crowd until he's in front of me. "H-Hey…" he pants and judging from the grin on his face, I'm guessing he's loving the club. Despite my head being so filled up with thoughts of Danny, I return the smile.

"Hey man. You enjoying yourself?" I ask, glancing around for Jared. I don't know where he's disappeared to but Kwan doesn't seem concerned with it.

"Yeah, it's… exactly what I've always pictured. Minus the costumes," he laughs softly, glancing over his shoulder before looking back at me. His eyebrows draw down as he lets out a breath. "Sorry… I feel kind of like I abandoned you here. Jared and I are gonna hang out in a booth for a while, order some drinks and food. You want to join us?"

Chilling out with food and people I actually know sounds like more fun than getting wasted and trying to forget Danny's face. But this is Kwan's first time in a club like this. I don't want to ruin it for him by hanging around him and his boyfriend when I'm pretty sure that Jared likes privacy. Besides, it's not like I'm exactly great company right now.

"Nah, that's cool. I might take off early though if you're okay?" I ask, pausing before I add, "I'll text you if I leave."

Kwan nods, giving me a smile as he reaches out to squeeze my shoulder. "Th-Thanks for coming tonight. You've made this a lot less terrifying." He ducks his head as a flush starts on his skin and excuses himself before I get the chance to tease him.

I watch him go for a few seconds but I eventually lose him in the crowd and start for the bar. I dig out my phone as I walk, looking up the number for a taxi when something catches my focus.

Across the room, Danny is pulling some guy out the door. I don't catch what the guy looks like and it's probably cause I can't tear my gaze away from Danny. He's holding hands with the guy and my own palm aches at the thought of touching him. Danny turns to smile at the guy as he stops to pull open the door and my chest constricts painfully. The door closes in slow-motion after them and I'm pretty sure I've gone deaf, the sound of the closing door ringing in my ears like a gunshot. I'm barely thinking straight as I settle onto the barstool, the sound of the club slowly coming back to me.

I tear my mask off and let it fall to the ground, really not giving a fuck if something happens to it. I don't want to think. I don't want to feel anymore. I want to be numb until I don't remember what it's like to see Danny smiling at someone else. Touching someone else. Probably fucking someone else and even though my mind has no right to picture it, I can't stop torturing myself by wondering what it feels like to hold him. What it sounds like to hear his panting breaths, his every moan, his-

A place like this is perfect for what I need and I order a round of shots, the bartender delivering it without a problem. He sets up six glasses in front of me and leans on the bar, watching as I down the first shot. I hate the way the alcohol burns on the way down but I don't waste time, draining another one within seconds.

God, why did I have to see Danny tonight? And why with that guy? Shot. Who the hell has got his attention? Shot. And why the fuck am I so jealous? Shot. Shot.

"Someone must've really pissed you off," the bartender says, moving from his spot against the counter to pour me another set. He pushes the first glass closer, leaning on the bar in front of me. "Lover's spat?" he questions, a smile playing up his features.

I barely glance up at him as I take the first shot, feeling the burn subside after a few seconds. Why hasn't Danny ever mentioned this guy? Is this a first date type of thing? Or has Danny known him for a long time and doesn't want anyone in Amity Park to know about him? Does he not want me to know about this guy?

"Believe me when I say, you're not the first person to come here tonight to drink away your problems," he says, offering up a smile that I can't return. "I'm Gregor." I drop my gaze and he only continues. "And by the way… I've seen a lot of Batman and Robin's come through here tonight but you and your boyfriend are by far, the cutest."

A snort leaves me as I throw back another shot. "He's not my boyfriend."

The bartender, Gregor, has his eyebrows raised when I look back at him and I can't help but notice that his eyes are green. They remind me of the night Danny told me the truth about being the phantom and how his eyes practically glowed when he showed me the color.

"Oh?" Gregor asks, shifting a little against the bar. "So he's your… friend?"

I nod, running my thumb against the side of the shot glass as I drop my gaze. "Y-Yeah, he was really…" I exhale out, shaking my head. "He was really nervous about this whole thing. Didn't really know what to expect from a place like this so I told him I'd come with him and…"

There's not much more to say so I down another shot, loving the way it burns. It keeps my mind from every fucked-up thing running through it and keeps my hands busy as I find the next glass, tracing the rim with my index finger.

"Ahh… so… he's not straight then? But you are?" Gregor asks, giving me a smile when I look up at him. "A lot of people do that for their friends. I promise I won't let the guys start hitting on you." He gives me a wink and I have to drop my gaze, responding with a shrug.

I don't… really care if anyone hits on me anymore. Right now, I think I'd welcome it just so I don't have to feel so fucking alone.

"What? You start questioning things when you have a few drinks in you?" Gregor laughs, his eyes sparkling when I meet his gaze again. His hair is dyed white and I love the way it contrasts with his tanned skin. He has a single earring in his right ear and I find myself focusing on it.

My mind is buzzing with the alcohol I've already consumed but I reach for another shot, swallowing it down before I respond. "K-Kind of." Even when I'm not drunk, I think about guys. Well… more like Danny. I'm fucking always thinking about Danny. God, how far would he let me take things if alcohol was coursing through both of our veins and it was just the two of us? Will he ever like me more than whoever the fuck is wrapped around him?

Gregor leans forward, his fingertips resting on the inside of my wrist. I wonder if he can feel my pulse. Tell how hard my heart's pounding as his husky voice captures my attention. "So… you're a little curious then?" he asks, the smile reaching his eyes when I look up at him. "You'd like to know how another man tastes?"

I don't know what to say and I want this question out of my mind. I don't want to forever wonder what it's like to kiss another guy or wait around for the day I finally get the balls to kiss Danny. I want to know the answer tonight.

Gregor's smile widens and he leans forward. My breath is caught in my throat and my heart is fucking pounding the closer he gets to me. I want to end this slow torture. Just lean forward so my lips meet his but I'm frozen in place, gripping the seat of this stool so hard, it'll permanently have my fingerprints.

Pure need is coursing through my body as he inches his way closer to my lips. No one's around to see me have my first kiss with a guy and I want it. I want it so fucking badly but it's not Gregor I see in my mind. Danny's the one leaning closer to me and it'd be a fucking dream to press my lips to his but it's not Danny. It'll never be Danny.

The warmth of Gregor's breath disappears from my skin as I turn my head away from him. My heart is hammering in my chest as I let out a slow breath, shame crawling over me at the realization. I didn't let him kiss me not cause I don't want it… but cause he isn't Danny. How fucking pathetic am I?

Gregor lets out a breath, patting my arm before he pulls back. "Maybe next time then." He gives me a final smile before he disappears, filling orders for other customers. I watch him for a few seconds, smiling at everyone that talks to him, and wonder why the fuck I didn't just let him kiss me so I could stop wondering what it's like.

My fingers are shaking as I grab the last shot glass and down it in one go, pushing away from the bar as soon as the glass is empty. I'm unsteady on my feet but I manage to make it away from the bar, only glancing back to see if I can find Kwan. When I don't see him immediately, I turn to leave, planning on just texting him, but I'm stopped by someone.

A girl with bright green hair and a face so painted, I can't tell what she's supposed to be dressed as, has her hand on my arm. She gives me a smile that has my mind going places it shouldn't be, considering I almost just kissed a guy.

"You dropped this," the girl says, handing me the Batman mask I took off. I glance down at it in her hand before I take it, brushing my fingers by hers on purpose.

She responds the way I want her to, her smile widening as her eyes narrow. I wonder if her mind's going the same place mine is but judging by the heat in her expression, I think it is. "You can call me Kitty."

"Well, thanks, Kitty," I say, returning the smile she's giving me. I take a step closer to her, my fingers finding her hipbone. Her eyebrows raise as I run my knuckles against her skin, my fingers brushing her shirt up a little higher.

Kitty stands on her tiptoes, her breath hot against my ear as she grinds her body against mine. "You want to get out of here, Batman?"

I think I respond with something cool but I don't remember. I just know that she's all hands and breathy moans and I don't hesitate to kiss her. It's so much easier with girls. Everything makes sense when I'm with a girl. Guys are confusing and I don't want to be confused right now.


A/N:

Yoooo! Looks like Dash is having quite a good Halloween, huuuuh? ;p

Welcome back, I hope you enjoyed this update. When I first started editing this chapter, I didn't think it was that strong but by the time I finished editing, I ended up liking it more than I did when I finished writing it. That's one great thing about finishing a chapter and letting it sit for a little while. It gives me the distance I need so I avoid deleting scenes that are fine but I've been staring at them too long to the point where I think every part of the chapter sucks

What did you think of this update? I know it's not as plot heavy as last chapter but I still like it. I feel like it adds a little something to Dash's character as well as gives some insight into how poor Kwan's doing despite the shit with his parents. But that's just my opinon, I'd love to know yours

Dash's reference of Val Kilmer has to do with my favorite Batman movie – Batman Forever. It stars, obviously, Val Kilmer as Batman, Chris O'Donnell as Robin, Nicole Kidman as the love interest, Tommy Lee Jones as Too-Face, and Jim Carrey as The Riddler. You guys. I can't even tell you how much I love that flick. The cast is fucking amazing and the ANGST is killer – if you're ever curious about where I got my love for torturing characters, it's probably 90% of the stuff I watched growing up. Batman Forever being one of them

So, Gregor, huh? I gotta be honest with you, I fucking love him – even though he was a total douche in canon. I love when stories just casually reference him or he ends up in a scene somewhere. Originally, Gregor was going to be a player for another football team that the Ravens played against but instead, he ended up being Dash's gateway to the land of homo lmao

To clear things up a little for anyone that might be confused: If I reference a canon ghost character like Kitty, odds are, they're not a ghost in this universe. The ghosts in Stay aren't as sentient as they are in canon. They're more like how Danny described them, faceless and nameless (or something to that degree) So, have no fear. Dash is not hopping in bed with a ghost. He is however hopping in bed with a girl that has a boyfriend with rage issues… I'll let you guys think that one over ;p

Now… about the title. There's a song by Troye Sivan called BITE. He wrote it about his first time in a gay club and the second I heard it, I knew it was going to be a title for a chapter of Stay. It wasn't until I was writing this chapter that I realized where it fit so perfectly and I'm so happy that it does. The lyric I used is the opening of the song and in full it goes, "Kiss me on the mouth and set me free, but please don't bite". If you haven't heard it, you really, really should. It's such a great song and it reminds me of this chapter so much. Also for kicks, here's some other songs I feel like probably played in the club:

We R Who We R – Kesha, Welcome To New York - Taylor Swift, Despacito Remix – Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, and Justin Bieber, and finally Dance, Dance – Fall Out Boy

Anyway, that's pretty much everything I have to say about this chapter. I'm really happy to have it up now and I can't wait to hear what you guys have to say about it. I hope you've enjoyed it and please consider leaving me a review/comment with your thoughts – I appreciate hearing from you more than you know

I'll see you guys next update!