Auction: slash
Crafty Corner, yarn: Write about someone learning something new.
Showtime, Baptize Me: doing something for the first time
Count Your Buttons: bicycle
Film festival: "I'm so proud of you."
Tearoom: Privet Drive
Word Count: 432
They're sitting there, enjoying the peace and quiet of the afternoon when his secret slips. Piers' cheeks burn a deep red, and he hates the way Dudley looks at him like he's sprouted a second head.
"Stop doing that," Piers grumbles, rubbing his palm over the back of his neck. "It's really not a big deal."
"Not a big deal?" Dudley counters. "You may as well tell me you're actually from Mars."
That makes Piers feel even worse. He had believed he isn't the only one. Surely others out there have the same drawbacks?
"That doesn't make me an alien," Piers huffs, brown eyes narrowing. "There are loads of people who don't know how to ride bikes!"
With a roll of his bright eyes, Dudley grabs Piers' wrist, jumping up and pulling Piers to his feet. Without another word, Dudley drags him quickly along. Piers shouts a quick greeting at Mrs. Dursley, who is at the window, spying on the neighbors, but she barely even acknowledges him.
"Okay," his boyfriend says when they're outside, finally releasing Piers' wrist in favor of grabbing his bicycle. "I promise it's easy."
Piers hesitates, staring at the pedals and handlebars in mute horror. It looks anything but easy. "Do I have to?"
In place of an answer, Dudley lets the kickstand up, carefully balancing it with one hand. With his free hand, he gently guides Piers along until he's seated upon the bike seat. Piers' heartbeat quickens. He tries to tell himself that it's not big deal, that he can do this, but he isn't so sure.
"You've for this," Dudley murmurs, leaning in and stealing a quick, chaste kiss. "I believe in you."
Piers doesn't quite believe in himself, but Dudley's faith is enough. He takes a deep breath as Dudley helps him along.
And then Dudley lets go, and Piers is wobbly and afraid, but he somehow has this. His heart feels like it might explode as his skinny legs pump, propelling him forward.
"Brake!" Dudley calls. "Brake!"
Piers doesn't know what to do. His legs work uselessly, and he panics until he hits a shrub headfirst.
Dudley is there within seconds, grinning at him. "I'm so proud of you," he says, helping Piers to his feet.
"Why? I fucked up," Piers groans.
"I should have told you how to brake before letting you go." Dudley shrugs. "But you did it! You rode a bike!"
Piers still doesn't think it's a big deal. But the way Dudley looks at him like he's done something amazing is enough for Piers to feel like he's special.
