My eyes throb in pain as light filters through my window. The sun is yelling at me to get up, but I roll over into my pillow instead. I soon realize that I am covered in sweat. Stupid sun. Stupid Texas heat.
I peak over at my clock, which it says it's 5:21 in the morning. Ugh too early. Way too early. I prop myself up into sitting position, and I realized my phone stuck to my face while I was sleeping. I am disgusting. My phone is dead, I am covered in sweat, and I'm not even supposed to get up until 6:00. Just perfect.
The bed becomes barren once I stand up and plug my phone in. I pace myself towards my dresser and pick out all the things I would need after my shower, and I tip toe through the house over to the bathroom that is luckily just placed across the hall from my room.
I flip on the light, and man do I look dead. My hair has curls everywhere and I have an imprint of my phone on my right cheek. Beauty sleep is the real myth.
I start to strip from my sleepwear and turn on the shower to scalding hot. Maybe that will make the mark go away?
Instead of testing the temperature like a normal person, I just jumped in and immediately regret my decision. I hold back a shriek of pain, and I quickly turn the handle to a lower temperature. Can my skin blister from this? My skin turned super red, but I survived.
Shampoo, rinse, body wash, rinse, brush teeth, done.
You weren't expecting a 'steamy' shower scene, were you?
After drying myself off and wrapping the towel around my waist, I slowly open the door again and practically scurry into my room again.
The real question is what am I wearing today? I think I'm feeling red today. Therefore it's time for me to wear my red Zodiac Killer t-shirt and gray skinny jeans. Probably my lightest colored outfit. I need to at least wear a black jacket.
My phone goes off for a second, and the only time I get notifications is if someone texts or calls me. My entire family is still asleep I'm sure, so it's Hunk?
Hunk: I think I got sick from one of the kids :'( No school for me today
Fuck. Nothing is worse than when one of us is gone from school. I guess I'm going in alone today... Unless if I skip or act sick?
My dad will see right through me if I even try acting sick. Maybe skip?
My mom will lynch me.
School is my only option. It's now 5:42, which means I have about a little less than an hour for breakfast and whatever else I want to do. I didn't get any homework, so I'll probably just scroll through Tumblr for that huge chunk. I grab my bag and my charger, then trudge down the stairs to the kitchen to find some sort of energy. I'm not feeling hungry really, so I think I'm just going to pick up a cheese stick and an apple.
The creaking of the stairs comes to my ears, and Shiro appears around the corner moments after.
"You're up early kiddo. Didn't sleep well?"
I close the fridge door with my hip, since I have an apple in one hand and a cheese stick in the other. I lean against the counter next to the sink, opening the cheese stick.
"I think I stayed up way too late? I have no idea, I wasn't keeping track of time."
Shiro finds himself on the other side of the counter facing me. He also grabs an apple from the fridge, but he takes one of the green ones. Disgusting.
"Is it your new obsession?"
Ugh Shiro can just read me like an open book. Before Tumblr it was the Wii, and before the Wii it was yoga, and before yoga it was the drums. I just can't help it but to 'obsess', as Shiro keeps putting it, over a certain subject for months. I still do yoga and play the drums of course, but it was like my every day activity. The only one that has stuck from the years is writing.
I take a bite into my cheese stick.
"Yeah it is. Not gonna say what it is though because I'm not even sure what it is?"
Shiro starts to stare at me, with I think it's disgust?
"Keith, did you just bite into that cheese stick, without peeling it?"
Looking down at my cheese stick with the singular bite mark, I sense that this is just another food habit that people don't like. Along with my milk before cereal habit and the ketchup all over my fries habit.
"Yes, yes I did. Does it really matter how I eat certain food?"
Shiro really doesn't look comfortable at all. His lips form a straight line and his eyebrows raise.
"Well, it's just a little off. I'm just having trouble wrapping my head around it that's all. It's just not what everyone else does."
"I know Shiro. I just don't care how I'm supposed to eat it, I just care that it gets in my mouth."
I finished the cheese stick and throw the wrapper into the garbage.
"Also Shiro, when does your Spring Break end?"
Shiro and I both move over to the table, both of us taking our usual seats.
"I have five days left, and I am scheduled to work every day except for the last day. I think we should do something on that day before I have to go back to Ramen mixed with vodka."
"Is that actually a thing?"
"Yes. It really gets you through a night class."
I quickly check the time on my phone, and it's almost 6:00. Maybe I can get Shiro to drive me to school and I can go early? I really don't like the bus without Hunk with me.
"Could you drive me to school? Hunk is home sick today and I would rather not with the bus this morning."
"Sure bud. You just owe me an answer."
"An answer?"
Oh god not the obsession thing again. It was already hard to tell him I got obsessed with Neko Atsume once upon a time.
"Yes the answer. Why the heck did you come out like that at dinner? Cause like I haven't laughed that hard since you broke the TV with a Wii remote."
"Oh well um... It sorta just happened? I wasn't really thinking honestly."
"Amazing. You never cease to amaze me Keith. Now let's get you to school so you can get your naps in before school."
After I pack my lunch, we both headed towards the garage door, stopping to put our shoes on. Shiro doesn't own a car himself, so he just drives our dad's car when dad isn't using it. Just a plain old silver Honda Civic, which oddly enough fits Shiro in a way.
We both jump in the car and buckle our seat belts. By car it takes about twenty minutes to get to my school if traffic allows it, so of course I open Tumblr to pass the time. First thing I remembered is that León72Azul responded to me last night, but I fell asleep. Their last message was them asking about what my thoughts were on aliens, and if they do exist and such.
Red_Red_Red to León72Azul: Of course aliens exist. It isn't even the crop circles or the UFO sitings that make me believe. It's the fact that Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were the final candidates. Obviously aliens are trying to take down the human race one election at a time.
I'm joking, but also I wouldn't be surprised if this was the case. Shiro from the corner of my eye is judging me silently.
"You have something to say brother dear?"
"First off, don't ever call me dear ever again, secondly why are you so smiley at your phone?"
My face stiffens.
"I wasn't 'smiley'! I just seen something funny on Facebook."
Shiro scoffs and he stops at the red light.
"Keith, since when do you scroll through Facebook? Hunk and I practically forced you to get a Facebook."
"I go on it occasionally sometimes. It's not all that bad."
Why am I even lying about this to Shiro? Tumblr isn't bad, right?
"Okay captain 'I'm not lying to your only brother'."
"Shiro, that doesn't even make sense."
"Keith buddy, if I've learned anything in college, it's that nothing makes sense and the only skill you need in life is pulling stuff out of your ass."
In no time we arrive to my school, in which it's 6:28. Shiro waves me off without giving me shit for once, and I make my way towards Hunk and I's table in the lunch room. I'll just sit here for the next hour and a half on Tumblr. Why am I like this?
I open up my VPN, then I continue onto Tumblr where León72Azul has already responded back to me.
León72Azul to Red_Red_Red: Lmao buurrnnn! Does that mean you also live in the US? Cause like I live in boring old Wisconsin. The only good thing we have here is cheese tbh
Why are they giving out such personal information like that? I mean, I don't know exactly where they live, and they don't know exactly where I live, so giving out states shouldn't be a problem?
Red_Red_Red to León72Azul: Yeah I do. Texas. I hate the heat here the most since I just want to wear jackets all the time.
León72Azul to Red_Red_Red: Do you have a Texan accent? Like wowie a real Texan right in front of me. Or well not in front of me, but you get what I mean.
Red_Red_Red to León72Azul: No I don't, or at least I don't think I do? My friend the other day just says I am gloomy and depressing, so maybe that's my accent?
León72Azul to Red_Red_Red: Whaattt no you couldn't be gloomy and depressing. Cause like according to your Tumblr you are more soul crushing and wise. Gotta love my sarcasm lmao
León72Azul to Red_Red_Red: OH but like how do they treat LGBT people down there? Is it really that bad?
Honestly I tend to forget I live in the most anti LGBT state. I'm really a terrible source for this.
Red_Red_Red to León72Azul: To be honest I am gay and I can't even tell you. I just came out to my parents last night and they were okay with it, but I wouldn't even dare come out at school just because I don't want to be seen at school. I've never seen anything terrible, but I'm a shut in so I'm not a good source for that. Sorry.
León72Azul to Red_Red_Red: No that's okay! I was just curious. I'm personally Bisexual and I'm out to my family, friends, and school. I just can't imagine trying to hide who I am I guess Tho congrats on coming out to your family! I am proud of you :)
My heart starts to race and my cheeks are for sure red. Aside from my family and Hunk's family, I don't think anyone has ever said they were proud of me? I don't even know this persons name, let alone gender or age, but I want to get to know them more.
Somehow our conversation shifted to Bigfoot, not that I'm complaining since Bigfoot is my son, but we texted each other for hours. It was hard trying to sneak my phone in class, but I managed to not get it taken away. It's Lunch now, and Azul, I decided to call him, hasn't texted back and it has been a half hour. I really shouldn't be getting bent out of shape over this, but now I'm worried. I have all of Lunch to focus on eating and posting things to Tumblr, and hopefully they will get back to me.
But I can't help but to check every two minutes to check if they texted back.
I keep staring at the last thing I texted them.
Red_Red_Red to León72Azul: Um excuse you Bigfoot is real. Not a conspiracy. I will meet them one day.
I didn't come off too strong did I? I mean I feel comfortable joking around, but maybe they took me too seriously? Like of course I believe in Bigfoot, but I don't think I'm actually gonna meet him. Am I possibly pushing them away?
I squeeze out barbecue from the school sauce packet a little too hard, and it splatters all over the singular table. If Hunk was here it would have gotten all over him. Why do I care so much?
My phone was on the table, and luckily the barbecue didn't reach it. I of course checked it again because I am on the edge. There is no password on my phone and my Tumblr is already open, so all I had to do is refresh... They responded.
León72Azul to Red_Red_Red: Surrrreee you will just be meeting some really old dude with really big feet. Besides maybe Bigfoot has passed away? Like what if he was real and like died yesterday? We will never know.
Okay, now I am officially pissed off.
Red_Red_Red to León72Azul:Don't you dare even say that. Take it back. Bigfoot is alive and well and they are waiting for me.
León72Azul to Red_Red_Red: Okkkk fine Bigfoot is your son and you love them very much. Sorry to question your love and assume Bigfoot isn't dead and is very much real.
Red_Red_Red to León72Azul: I accept your apology. Now what took you so long? You tend to respond it minutes and triple text.
Maybe I am being a little intrusive, but that was odd. This is the first time they haven't responded right away in the midst of talking to each other.
León72Azul to Red_Red_Red: OH my teacher took away my phone. He caught me bc I snorted at a meme while scrolling through Tumblr. Oopsie.
Are they also in high school? Oh god what if they were in middle school? I mean there isn't anything wrong with that, it's just kinda weird. Maybe even college? Though it sounds like college professors don't give a shit.
Red_Red_Red to León72Azul: Are you in high school as well?
Such a dumb question, but I just have to know. I have already told this person my thoughts on many conspiracy theories and that I'm gay, so I feel like I have the right to know.
I pack a lunch every morning because I absolutely hate school food with a passion. Not even the fries are good. Generally it's a sandwich of some sort along with a fruit or vegetable, then like goldfish crackers and a pudding cup. Sometimes I just bring a Lunchable because I am lazy and Lunchables are my weakness. There is also whatever Hunk is having, since he tends to over pack his lunch and I sometimes have parts of it. Once he brought an entire turkey before the fall break, and another time he brought an entire pot of spaghetti. How I wish it was one of those days.
My notifications I turned off the other night, but I think I should tweak them a bit since I don't get notified when Azul texts me. So therefore I switched up my notifications to where I don't see who likes and reblogs my things, while everything else gives me notifications. Beautiful.
My phone vibrates, notifying me that Azul has sent me a message.
León72Azul to Red_Red_Red: Yep! I am currently a Junior and 17!
León72Azul to Red_Red_Red: What about you?
Oh jeez am I actually making a friend? I can't handle this alone I need Hunk. Good thing I have service where Hunk and I sit everyday. I make the executive decision to call Hunk.
"...Keith?"
"Why are you friends with me again?"
"Okay first off you woke me from my nap, and secondly we met in third grade when you moved here and I was interested in your Lion King backpack."
"Oh... right. But like I'm not particularly fun to be around and I'm just confused on how to make friends and how I should be."
"Keeeiittthhh we've been over this. You are fun and a good friend to have. The trick is to just be yourself and the right people will come along. No need to be working up a sweat over this."
"Easy for you to say. Like half of the school says hi to you in the halls. Some of my teachers forget my name and call me Kent."
"I'm just saying Kent that people will like you for you. If they don't then obviously you don't want them in your life, right?"
"I guess... But like when can one determine friendship? Like when do people mutually agree that they are friends and such?"
"Kent relax-"
"Stop calling me Kent."
"Sorry Kenny. Again, just be yourself and have a good time just being around the person and talking to them. I'm sure you will know when to call it friendship."
"Okay... thanks Hank. I hope you are feeling better for tomorrow because I am not sitting here alone again!"
"I am already feeling a bit better so no worries! See ya Kirby!"
With that, Hunk hangs up first. Hunk is a true blessing in my life and I am forever grateful of him. I guess I'll just respond.
Red_Red_Red to León72Azul: Same, though I am 16. Late birthday.
Okay, so far you have told Azul that you are a gay 16 year old from Texas. Lovely.
My phone vibrates again, and it isn't Azul messaging me back? Instead, it's a notification that Azul tagged me in a post.
post/159024600169/wait-a-minute
It's so short and just an insignificant Illuminati sighting, but I appreciate the comment Azul left for me.
León72Azul: Lmao this is Red_Red_Red when they first discovered Tumblr haha
Should I find something and tag him back? Like how do I even respond to this? Maybe I should show I feel through another one of my crappy poems? Yeah, that sounds just cringy but that's all I got. Maybe that will drop the hint I want to be friends with them? Opening the new post button, I start writing down what's in my head.
My greatest fear is the unknown. I am fascinated by it, yet weary of what the unknown has in store for me.
Not really a poem honestly, but a cryptic aesthetic message that I find on here all the time. Maybe I should make it an image with these words on it? Yeah that sounds perfect. I download a random app and work my magic. I made it space themed, with a white wispy looking font. I saved the picture, and I posted it with just tagging Azul in it along with my usual tags. Like I said before, hopefully I'm not coming on too strong for them.
I take my time to finish my lunch, too nervous to check if Azul has even messaged me back after the whole post thing that I did. I practically mauled my ham and cheese sandwich and I ate my pudding cup before my carrots. Was I always this neurotic? Anyways, I throw away my lunch garbage and put away my Lunch bag.
Okay Keith, time to face Azul.
My phone has two notifications, both from Azul.
One of them is from ten minutes ago
León72Azul to Red_Red_Red: Awww such a baby! It's okay you will grow up to be all big and strong like me one day!
The second one is from four minutes ago.
León72Azul to Red_Red_Red: OMG YOU WROTE A POEM THINGING FOR ME? LIKE WOWIE I AM HONORED! I'LL TELL YOU WHAT I HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU ITS MY PUNS AND QUOTES FROM SHOWS NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN HI I AM LANCE :DDDD
What have I done?
Thanks for following my story! I am also on AO3!
Gay legs- AHHH THANKS FOR SAYING THAT I WASN'T SURE IF THIS WAS A GOOD AU AT ALL? Also Sendak is a very evil English teacher so beware of him! Klance conspiracy bonding granted~!
Guest- Pfffttt who knows if they will meet... ;)
Codename-SN- Thanks so much! Here is a chapter for your worries!