Summer Young
sung by Rascal Flatts
written by simplyme26

"Let me," Shane muttered with a gentlemanly smile, hopping out of the driver's seat and rushing towards the passenger's side to open the door for his boyfriend of five months and twenty-six days.

Not one day went past without Reed blushing profusely from Shane's actions. The dancer had been utter perfection these past months, a fact he would religiously deny. But Reed knew. Shane was the guy he'd been needing for quite some time now. He was the curly-haired, annoyingly adorable, perky, optimistic, green-gray eyed angel sent to him for some vague reason. Shane was.. Shane was Shane. And Reed honestly would never have it any other way.

Reed sheepishly slipped out of Shane's truck- the only thing he could afford by himself, without his parents' aid- clutching unto the taller boy's hand for support. Even when both his feet had connected with the ground, neither boys pulled their hands apart. Reed smiled, blushing.

All these little things always meant so much to Shane. Hand-holding, cuddling, whispering sweet nothings.. Shane lived for all that. Shane loved how Reed had that constant look of content with whatever Shane did. It made him feel like he was something more than just a closet gay guy from Colorado. It made him feel like he was worth something. Just that one look from that one person, and it changed Shane's entire outlook on himself. Reed was.. Reed was Reed. And Shane wholeheartedly loved him for it.

Reed shivered slightly, the chilly night air seeping through his thin shirt. He rubbed at his arm with his free-hand, side-stepping a bit closer towards his boyfriend.

Shane noticed this. He reached back inside his truck through the open window to grab an outdated army green jacket. Shane reddened, because maybe Reed, whose mother was a major fashion designer and who wore clothes straight out of the runway, wouldn't want to wear a neglected jacket that's been in his truck since- he can't even remember.

But when Reed lifted a hand to tug at the wrinkled clothing in his hands, and with a shy voice asked if he could maybe borrow it, Shane melted.

Shane never could deny the brown-eyed boy anything.

Shane hesitantly detached their hands to help him shrug it on.

It was roughly two sizes too big, with only the tip of Reed's fingers peeking out of the sleeve. The hem brushed at his mid-thigh. It successfully kept the cold out.

Shane doesn't think he's seen anything more adorably appealing in his life. The entirety of his brain refused to function as the only image he could process was the sight of the boy before him. He spent a good three minutes gaping shamelessly before Reed spoke.

"What's wrong? Do I have something on my face?" Reed reached up to rub at his cheek, but Shane quickly grabbed at the boy's hand, smiling lovingly.

"You look good in my jacket."

Reed reddened visibly, eyes darting down in embarrassment. Now why did Shane have to go and say things like that?

With both hands now in his, Shane began to sway soundlessly to a nonexistent rhythm. He released one hand in favor of hugging Reed's waist as he buried his face into the everlasting scent of the artist's hair.

"Shane," Reed breathed out as silently as he could. "Not that this isn't nice, but.. there's no music.."

"You're the Warbler. What do you think this situation calls for?"

Reed stiffened slightly beneath the dancer's hold, but made no effort to stop or pull away from their waltz. "No, no, not this time. I am not going to sing, and you cannot make me."

"But, Reed.." Shane whined. "We'll look stupid dancing without music.."

"I think our lack of an audience has that covered."

"Come on.. I'll sing with you."

Reed hesitated, bottom lip strewn between his teeth. Shane always offered the assistance of his own voice whenever Reed refused to sing. And every time, Reed caved. Shane knew that that was all it took. And he constantly took advantage of it.

Before Reed could respond with reluctant approval, Shane's mellow voice wafted through the cold air.

You looked a little cold to me
So I gave you that army green
jacket that was in my truck

Reed's breath hitched. This song..

It didn't fit; you didn't care
A little chill was in the air
And we were just warm enough

The last time Reed heard this was during that summer when they were still friends.. during that perfect night.. during their first kiss. The day they had decided to be each other's.

"You smiled," Shane pulled away and stared into the brown eyes he often found himself drowning in. "And we sang."

The stars seemed to wink knowingly down at them, blinking with profound guidance as they strolled together down the boardwalk. The distant sounds of laughter and whimsical tunes floated from the carnival, lights dancing on the ocean water from the merry-go-round.

Shane thought, there could not be better timing than this. With a surge of courage, Shane inconspicuously laced his fingers with Reed's. He chanced a glance upon the artist, only to be met with a pair of approving and delighted eyes.

Reed sung this time, swept away by the intensity of the moment. It was his best memory of their relationship.. it was his first.

I stood behind you while you swayed
And looked down at your pretty face
Thought "Man, I'm fallin' hard for her"

Shane always loved hearing Reed sing. It was his favorite sound- the chime of Reed's soft tones as it vibrated out his throat. It was sublime.

Yeah, we got those moments now and then
The kind you pray will never end
And that's exactly where we were

"Oh, I smiled.." Shane chorused, singing dually with his boyfriend. He spun the blonde around so that Reed's back rested on his broad chest.

While you danced

An unfamiliar song made its way into the night air, originating from the nameless band in the distance. It cut through the silence.

Shane rubbed a thumb against the area beneath Reed's eye, palm pressed against his warm cheek. Glistening eyes locked with each other, neither owners daring to move or breathe. Wet lips parted slightly, hungry for contact.

Shane leaned in. Reed leaned in. They met halfway.

Fireworks. If either of them could choose one word to explain that first kiss, it would be 'fireworks'. Or magic. Or breathtaking. Or surreal. Or perfect.

It was them. It was a level of euphoria only them together could reach.

So much memories crammed into one summer.

"You actually remember.." Reed muttered lovingly, repositioning his head back on Shane's shoulder, where it rightfully belonged as they continued to sway.

"Of course I do." Shane whispered, hugging back. "Takes me back every time I hear it.."

Reed smiled, memories flashing in his head. Oh, summer young..