Outcast (Series)

by XGaaraxloverX

The first time Keith ever laid eyes on the new loner kid. He had to introduce himself. What better way than to find him secluded in the library? Part 6: Prom night has finally arrived. BFXPico, BoyfriendxPico, Boyfriend is named Keith, Girlfriend is named Cherry, KeithXPico. Bottom Pico, Top Boyfriend,

14. Prom Night Chapter 4

I'll be... Your King

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The noise of the announcer on the portable stage spouted off in the background.

Keith hardly paid any attention to their class president, or council, or whomever was speaking through the microphone. It initially caught his attention at first, promptly disrupting him from his beautiful crush that he held in his arms. However, he quickly averted his gaze away from the speech given over the speakers in the cafeteria. It managed to quiet the entire audience, as they forwarded their thanks to those who made this prom night possible. Although Keith was not going to be swayed into silence.

The taller male shifted his focus back to his gingered angel that was still trapped in his arms. He refused to let go of that connection. Especially now. The knowledge of his most hidden secret that he kept away from the blue boy wedged an arrow through his heart. It stung, now knowing that his all-time crush had always felt this way about him and didn't say anything. Yet, he knew that it would be hypocritical to think in such a fashion. He was sure that if Pico had known that Keith loved him just the same, that he would feel a bit betrayed, too. That was all hearsay, though. Right now, is what really matters.

It was ridiculous to think in such a way. It was mostly unfair, as well. How could have Pico had known that Keith was attracted to him? How could the blue boy have guessed that the ginger is homosexual? They never once mentioned, or came upon, such a topic. Everything was meekly falling into place without them even knowing it. Were there signs? Was Keith truly so blind as to not see them? Now that he looks back on a clearer lens, he can decipher the past interactions in a sharper focus. No wonder why his friends were so keen on them getting together. From a different point of view, it must have been so obvious. Both of his friends knew the whole time. They could see it from a different angle, whereas Keith and Pico could not because they were too close to realize.

His angel was back by his side, in his arms, once more. He was troubled. The unmistakable streaks of tears lined his cheeks. He has seen them before. The faintest sight of those adorable freckles, that he loves so much, shown through the mysterious covering that he had worn throughout the night. That must have been Cherry's doing. It was possibly the reason that his eyes looked sharper than ever, outlined in a layer of eyeliner that he now could see with a new lens. The way that his lips were glossed and shone in the dim lighting of the cafeteria. It just gave him all the more reason to wonder the flavor of them.

Keith blinked, managing to break himself of that horrid trance that always encapsulates him when faced with his angel in sight. His greens darted up to whites as he attempted to save himself from staring at his precious ginger's face. It was bad enough that he still held a gentle grasp on that thinned cheek, thumb momentarily pausing in its trace. The way he could easily feel out the lightly protruding cheekbone and the smoothness of his pale skin. The lightest of green glowing up his appearance from Keith's bracelet. Like every time before, it took his breath away. He is perfect.

The taller of the two swallowed thickly when those thin orange brows curled in worry at the momentary silence between the two. He couldn't even remember what he said previously to finish his sentence. The words easily leaving his brain from the moment those pearls locked onto him. "Keith…?" He questioned softly. The resonating sound of his deep baritone voice barely raising above the announcer, but he heard it so clearly. That forced his heart to jumpstart quickly in response to his crush's call.

The way Pico looked up at him with a curious but immense amount of worry, had his chest constrict terribly. Instinctually, Keith tightened his hold on his lower back, forcing the smaller male flush against him. This made those ineffably beautiful eyes widen slightly, as another gasp of breath was taken between those slightly parted lips. The blue boy could almost feel the way his ginger tightened his grasp on his jacket, a light tremble already shaking his frame. He visibly swallowed; Keith managing to catch a glimpse of that Adam's apple bob lightly from his height. His imagination already flowing from seeing that succulent neck.

Darting his emeralds back up to pearls once more, he took notice of his ginger's nervousness chime in easily. Pico lowered his head, just slightly, eyes still locked onto his. His hand that cupped his cheek shifted up from the movement, digits lightly tracing the edge of his hairline and ring finger gracing a sensitive pierced earlobe. He knows that he has never seen anything more beautiful. Never has seen anyone more beautiful than his freckled angel. His throat threatened to seize, choke up. Prevent him from responding to his crush that quietly demanded a response. He needed to give in. To provide something to his ginger's call.

"Pico… I need to talk to you."

There goes those shoulders again, rising in response to a silent anxiety that always hung over his ginger like a halo. A light frown tugged at those shining lips, forcing his emeralds towards them once more in distraction. With immense effort, Keith regained his attention back onto those now saddened pearls. What could have happened to make that stunning gaze seem so melancholy? His left hand unconsciously flexed its fingers, lightly feeling the way the fabric of Pico's suit loosely hung over his fragile frame. Managing to remove himself from the other male, the taller of the two leaned back slightly. The palm that he was using to gently cup the pale cheek burned at the feeling of separation. The ache of longing from the contact was only felt for a moment, as it eventually found its way to Pico's left palm that was clasped onto his jacket's lapel.

"…Privately…"

White irises widened at the feeling of his hand being held by his savior. The mingling of their bracelets glow mixed graciously; a cyan radiance bloomed between them. His cheek felt colder in response to that warm palm holding him before, now it was heating up his previously freezing hand. He couldn't keep his gaze from traveling to their entanglement for a moment. Keith's fingers flexed gently around his own in a cautious and caring manner. To his luck, everyone around them was too distracted by the announcer that was speaking. He could already feel his neck and ears bleeding that signature blush. He didn't know if his makeup was fully washed away from his tears or not, but he was sure that some of the red was showing through.

He couldn't help but to question what Keith wanted to talk about. Was he angry with him? No… He was not upset at all. That seemingly 'usual' trance that he has been falling in since the night started, spoke differently. It still didn't ease his fears by much. Maybe he wanted to validate why he was crying? He did get interrupted by the speaker that was on stage. It was clear he wanted to know the reason he was in tears before. He didn't want to say why he was, though. Quickly, he needed to think of something to fib on. Keith caught him on his lies before, he was never good at it. He didn't think that he had the heart to say that he felt a twinge of jealousy and heartbreak when he witnessed the blue-haired boy being swept up by someone else.

The ginger curled his fingers lightly within Keith's that was still pressed against a strong chest. He lowered his pale gaze to them, momentarily flickering back up to meet firm jades. "A-Are you mad at me…?" Even though he internally determined that his savior was not upset with him, he still needed to hear it from the taller male. If it was anger that he was going to be dealing with, he needed to be prepared. He wanted to withstand any onslaught of fury that could be aimed his way. However, he knew that if it was being projected from his blue boy, it was a futile battle. The smaller male would inevitably lose this fight. He didn't think his heart could handle it.

Those gentle green eyes widened in complete shock, Keith's head shaking quickly in denial. "No…!" He reiterated. "No, no, no, I-I'd never be angry with you, Pico…! Ever…!" The said male felt a light weight lifted from his chest at the knowledge that his blue boy wasn't irked by him. A breath of relief left his lungs. His white gaze lifted in a newfound bravery up to those stunned emeralds that he adores so much. "It's… It's really important." Orange brows lifted in curiosity and worry at the same time. He silently wondered what he could be so eager to discuss on such short notice. Especially, that he asked for it to be in private.

Pico lowered his pale gaze back down to their conjoined hands, once more. Was this it? "Is he going to end our friendship right now…?" He couldn't help but to have the darkest pit of his imagination spring to life and conjure up the worst-case scenario. His heart stung horrendously in his chest, as if a wasp flew in to kill off all of the butterflies that normally would flutter about while around his savior. He tried to recall all of the things he may have done to help aid this nightmare, however, nothing cropped up in his mind that made any sense. The only thing left to do was to accept his fate. "…O-Ok…" He lightly sputtered, unable to look up at the cyan-haired man of his dreams.

Keith blinked down at his beautiful angel with a strong sense of concern. That look of dejection already splayed across that gorgeous face that he loved so much. Could he have known what he was going to ask? No… There was no way. Cherry had already revealed his deepest secret without him knowing. Now, it was his turn to expose the truth. For both of them. He hated to see his precious ginger so saddened in trepidation. He will make sure to bring back that gorgeous tilt of those glossy lips by the end of their talk.

"It'll be fast, I promise…" Keith hushed, attempting to ease his crush as much as possible. With great hesitation, the blue boy managed to unwind his arm from around his angel and taking a frigid step back. The connection he held with their entwined hands never faltered, as he slowly began his trek to a more secluded spot. He couldn't help but to keep his eyes from darting back to the slower male as he only seemed to be a solid step behind. That magnificent pearl gaze kept firm on the floor as he was lightly dragged by their hold as he sluggishly was pulled along.

Pico could not keep the dread from bubbling up in his chest. This may be the last time that he may hold hands with his blue-haired savior. His white gaze teeter-tottered between the floor as they walked and their handheld connection. He couldn't think of any other reason why Keith would have wanted to talk to him. If it was so important, why not just say it now? It wasn't as if anyone else was paying attention to them.

"…-Keith Fairest!"

A sudden spotlight lit up in the middle of the dancefloor, immediately coming alive as it aimed and swerved its way across the crowd. Keith's eyesight was nearly blinded by the glare, as he barely heard his name spoken through the speakers. Raising his free arm to help cover his eyes from the light, he felt his linked connection with Pico immediately rupture. The separation was so abrupt that he tried, in vain, to reach back out blindly for his angel as his sight was impaired. Confusion was the first thing to spring through his mind. Why did the announcer say his name? He was so focused on talking to his prom date that he wasn't even aware of what was going on at the moment.

Blinking behind his arm, he tried to gather some semblance of sight once more, successfully. He stood completely still, managing to look around him curiously. The entire crowd had their attention locked onto him. That included his beautiful angel. His emeralds caught sight of Pico in a completely shocked and frightened stance. He seemed to have yanked his hand away from him and backed quite a few steps to the side once the spotlight seemed to stab him into place. Of course, his skittish ginger would attempt to stray away from any attention that threatened to aim his way. His social anxiety would never allow such a thing.

Not that Keith was stage-shy, but he still didn't like to be the center of attention either. Especially when that attention seemed to have no purpose that he was aware of. His dark brows lifted in worry as he looked at those intimidated pearls from where he was, frozen in place by the spotlight. The glare of the light made everyone else in the crowd look dark in comparison to his own lit up frame. Looking around, he could easily see some of the people smirking or snickering to his puzzled demeanor. They, obviously, knew something that he didn't.

"Hey there, blue boy~!" The announcer on stage gave a light giggle and a stout wave in greeting from where she stood. The sound of her voice echoed through the cafeteria, only enhancing Keith's confusion further. Not that it was hard to discern, he was the only kid in their school that has aquamarine neon colored hair as far as he was aware. He has had this same color dyed since middle school. Blue is his favorite color, after all, and he was not ashamed of it.

With a fit of awkwardness that sprung up his spine, Keith gave a gentle wave back, the tilt of a small smile fitting his lips. He didn't even know why he was being regarded at all. He felt almost angered at being interrupted in the first place. He was just about to lead his beautiful crush to a nice and secluded spot, alone. Then he was about to unfold his deepest secret, only to await anxiously for his angel to respond to his confession.

Now, he was put on the spot, quite literally. Chosen out of a sea of people in the middle of prom for no reason that he could easily come up with. He should have been paying more attention to what the announcer said, but it was easy to be distracted by his beautiful angel, especially when that same freckled male was in his arms. Worse off, when the blue boy knew of his feelings, and it only made him eager to confess more. However, there was no way he could do such a thing now. Pico had social anxiety and there was no way he would subject his prom date to such a display of confession. He wanted to do it while they were alone. Without the presence of his two friends and the rest of the school possibly listening in.

"Alright~! Now that we got our Prom King, let us see who his Queen will be~!" The girl at the microphone spouted happily. She was handed a second slip of paper from another attendant, as she cleared her throat to help garner everyone's attention. There was someone who stood off stage to help control the spotlights that were installed for prom on the ceiling. They held a controller as they prepared to help aim the secondary light to whomever would be voted as Prom Queen.

"Prom King...!?" Keith thought with an internal shout of shock that sprung through his mind. His dark eyebrows rose in surprise, almost becoming obscured by his stiffened aqua bangs. Startled greens immediately searched the crowd, knowing who the culprit was. He has never been voted for the title of Prom King before, ever, in his entire high school career. This had to have been a setup. He didn't even vote this year. Pico may have been too nervous to go and vote, so he didn't even mention it all night, unless his angel would have made the suggestion first. Eventually, his emeralds came across a conniving pair of sapphires that glowed from the crowd, menacingly. It was like she already knew he would pin her where she stood, as blue gems were already looking over at him.

Keith's shocked stance quickly turned to fury as he clenched his fists and grit his teeth with a soft snarl. Cherry. She did this. This was her doing. That glowing red bracelet only enhanced her smug and evil exterior, as she had her arms crossed under her breasts and a grin that only enraged him further. Did she not see the atmosphere before? He was going to confess his feelings to Pico! He just wanted to be alone to do it. He knew that he was being obvious to his two friends that were only a couple of feet away when he managed to catch his falling angel that Darnell threw. She had to have known! Why did she set this up!?

Wait...

If he is going to be Prom King... Then who was going to be his Prom Queen-

That internal monologue immediately halted like a record scratch in his head as he gasped aloud. Before he managed to turn his head to lock his concerned gaze with those gorgeous pearls, he heard what he had dreaded over the speakers.

"Pico... Fulp?"

The announcer on stage gave a light question at the end of her statement. She gave a look back at the person who provided the card, just to make sure that she received the correct one. With a soft brow lift, she quietly asked with her expression if it was right. The assistant did a once over, quickly, making sure that there was no mistake in counting. Lightly going over the votes, it was clear that the name of "Pico Fulp" was written for majority on the spot listed "Queen."

Keith's heart sank into his stomach. A stuttered gasp entered his lungs painfully, as dreaded emeralds met frigid pearls. Even in the dark lunchroom, the blue boy could clearly see his angel pale immediately in complete fear. They locked gazes with one another, searching. Wondering if either of them were at fault for this supposed "prank." It had to be. His poor ginger was completely innocent. Keith knew who was responsible for this. He will gladly be giving Cherry an argument that she will not win when he gets a hold of her. His Ex had crossed the line this time. Sadly, he couldn't make a scene, yet, and was stuck in place by the spotlight glued to him. He had to find a way out of this.

The entire cafeteria broke out into soft whispers in confusion and curiosity, heads turned to look around and see who was this mysterious "Pico Fulp" that they voted for. It was supposed to be for a prank, most of them were informed. Keith glanced around to his peers as the crowd gossiped quietly. Of course, his attention was immediately sprung back to his shellshocked date. He stood there in his pose drenched in anxiety, as he looked around him, hoping to not be spotted by everyone. Even from his distance, he could see his beautiful ginger trembling. His heart felt like it would give out in his chest from seeing his crush in such a state.

To his utter dismay, he saw Cherry spring into action. Even with her high heels, she was quick on her feet. With the grace of a cat, she made her way over to his beautiful ginger and began to draw attention to herself in the quieted cafeteria. Waving her arms to get the attention of the announcer, she visibly pointed using both of her hands towards Pico very animatedly. Keith could see the look of betrayal spread across that paled lovely face drenched in terror, as his angel visibly took a few steps back away from the obnoxious brown-haired girl. He could see his right hand clench his secretly scarred shoulder, possibly wrinkling up his dress jacket in the process. He swore that he would yell at his Ex when they were alone.

Did she not see how upset she was making his prom date?! Pico looked like he was about to have a panic attack from seeing her garner everyone's focus his way. Keith could very easily tell that his ginger was starting to freak out. It gave him a harsh reminder of the time when Darnell called him a 'psycho' in his home. The blue boy helped ease his beautiful ginger at the time. He dried those tears and held him close as he sobbed against him. This time, though, it was much different. He couldn't envelope the same care and attention towards his angel while they were surrounded by their peers at school.

"O-Oh!" The speakers blared for a moment. "Right over there...! Shine the light...!" She whispered over to the controller, her voice barely registering over the microphone. The girl at the mic pointed over at the overly bombastic Cherry that was at the far end of the cafeteria, making a scene.

As quick as lightning, another spotlight was lit on the dancefloor, as it made a beeline towards the flailing brown-haired girl in the glittering red dress. As soon as the light shown on her, she stopped her waving immediately, and reached over to her right to grab at another person from the darkness right next to it.

Pico's left bicep was yanked, forcing his entire body to be pulled from the dangerous girl's grip. It was almost like the light was a boiling ray, burning at the touch as soon as his figure was lit up. A choking gasp caught in his throat of pure panic. Cherry replaced herself with him now standing in full attention in the spotlight. She backed off now, heading to Darnell as her job was officially done, sitting back and watching the show begin. Pico attempted to back up a few steps, away from the light. Sadly, the beam followed him as he tried to hide back into the darkness once more.

"Well, now! It looks like we have two Kings this year! Let's hear it for Keith and Pico!" The speakers blared with a happy quip. The crowd was slow to begin clapping. It left a few awkward moments of silence, only filled with chuckles and snickers who thought that this was funny. The claps turned into hoots and hollers. Shouts of "Yeah!"'s and whistles filled the cafeteria with a buzz.

Keith couldn't take his eyes off of his stressed-out angel, completely ignoring everyone's cheers. Even though it seemed that everyone was in favor of this arrangement, it still didn't help the look of horror that splayed across his crush's face. The spotlight was still stuck on them, as they stood about six to seven feet apart. Keith wasn't fazed by the teasing of the mob around them, but Pico sure was. Tears gathered back into those beautiful shining diamonds, as they glittered up in panic. The taller of the two felt his heart break at seeing his ginger like this. It wasn't fair. Why did Cherry have to ruin their night? Especially right as he was about to confess!

"Alright, guys! Come on up here to get your crowns!" She excitedly announced. A little tray with wheels was pulled up behind her, two crowns displayed on a red velvet pillow surrounded by their appropriate sashes.

Keith blinked back over to the stage where their honorary titles lay waiting for them. His green gaze soon caught onto fearsome blues once more, this time it was Cherry that was spouting an irritated look. She dipped her head over to her right, pointing her gaze over there to emphasize herself trying to force the green eyes that were on her to pay attention. Cherry mouthed a "Go! Now!" with a bossy and dominant vibe surrounding her. This made the blue boy's submissive nature shine through, just a little, from his previous angry exterior. It seemed that he could never shy away from her powerful alpha tendencies.

Obediently, Keith turned his focus to where Cherry pointed. Pico stood, absolutely terrified, in the spotlight. He was visibly shaking from head to toe, and his shoulders were jutting up in silent sobs. He had his right hand still gripping his shoulder like his whole arm was going to fall off, while his other was attempting to block his face from view. Even from where he stood, he could easily see new streaks of tears lining his face, as he tried to cover his eyes from everyone. Keith could see, from where he stood, his tears rolling down to his chin and dripping onto his outfit.

From the crowd, Keith could hear the hurtful laughter that was aimed at his beautiful angel. He knew that everyone was making fun of both of them, but the blue boy only cared about Pico. He didn't care if he was the victim of the snickers and light bullying, but he did care immensely if it was projected anywhere near his shy ginger. He attempted to stay out of the spotlight for a reason, and now that he had nowhere to run and hide, his fully fledged fear and anxiety was out on display for everyone to judge. Just seeing his poor orange-haired angel cry while being laughed at was enough to shatter his heart into a million pieces. Cherry was going to pay for doing such a terrible thing to his crush.

Ignoring the degenerate horde of insensitive ingrates, Keith took a first step towards his saddened angel. As he crossed the distance between them, the light that was on him followed his every move. The closer he got, the easier it was to hear the broken sobs that wrecked his ginger. His heart bled horrendously at the sound. Eventually, he maneuvered his way to standing in front of his shuttered prom date, attempting to use his own body to help hide the attention that was shot at him. To protect him, like he promised himself he would always do.

Thanks to his tallness, the blue boy's body blocked out the spotlight that was on his ginger, nearly completely. From how close he was, he could hear his voice cry out drearily alongside his sobs. It only made him more furious at how awful everyone was treating him, like it was a game to embarrass them. Keith didn't care about himself, he only cared about Pico. It seemed that he didn't even notice him standing there, he was so distraught by the situation.

"Pico...?"

The said male flinched harshly, jumping in his stance at the sound of his name. They were everywhere. The shadows and visions multiplied vastly when he was caught in that beam of light. Everyone around him seemed to have morphed into the demons that plagued him on a daily basis. Their eyes lit up in a crimson hue, visibly chuckling and laughing at his misery. The voices were another testament to his hallucinations. They all cackled and howled at his anxiety. Shouting words of beratement and belittlement at his person. "Coward... Psychopath... Murderer... Unlovable... Pathetic..." Everything was exacerbated tenfold. Louder. Harsher.

The moment he heard that wondrous sound. The same voice that he could easily discern from everything else that tormented him. Everything seemed to halt in place. No more voices. No more visions. It all seemed to vanish with that single sound that quashed his schizophrenic tendencies in a blink. Keith. He was always the one to chase them all away. The fears. The hallucinations. His presence alone would be enough.

Teary whites blinked open, lowering his arm now that the light was no longer shining on him anymore. Why? What was happening? Even in the darkness of the barely lit up cafeteria, an outline of a person stood in front of him, blocking the spotlight's projection. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust, but he could easily see the outline of cyan on the head of the figure from the rays of light surrounding him. His heart thundered in his chest, panic already decreasing as he dissected the individual that stood before him. "K-Keith...?" He questioned softly, his shoulders already jumping at the light sobs that shook his entire body.

His arm hovered near his chest, lightly defensive in case this was a hallucination that had learned to mimic his savior. The moment he questioned the figure, it shifted a little. It was hard to tell, but he could see the glow of those handsome emeralds that always would sweep him up in a swirl of infatuation. The tilt of his head, leaning to his left gently, was pronounced further with that barely visible soft smile that would always make him weak. His blue bracelet was the only way he was able to see any features whatsoever.

The glow of green entered his line of sight, as Keith lifted his right hand up between them, palm upwards in invitation. Pico couldn't help but to lock his gaze onto it, as it hovered a few inches away from his own trembling hand. The mixture of green and blue easily bleeding into a cyan and lighting up the space between them even more. The ginger darted his eyes up to the more visible figure, now seeing that handsome face that has always been the deterrent of his demons. An attractive smile lifted on those lips that he has dreamed of kissing for months, making the smaller male swallow thickly at the sight.

He was asking. Opening himself to help pull the quieted redhead into his protective shield once more. Pearls darted back down to the offering hand once more in trepidation. He couldn't help but be hit with a sense of Deja-vu. When they first met. In the library. Keith did the exact same thing. Palm up in acceptance. Willing to get to know him and become a friend that he so desperately needed. It morphed against his knowledge into a deep friendship that had nearly crossed the border of unknown territory. The wall that separated them from delving too far as Pico's feelings overflowed past the barrier of friendly relations to a romantic affliction that he couldn't escape. He didn't want to.

Pico's scarred palm trembled where it hovered near his chest. His eyes darting between the glowing hand and those endlessly caring eyes that always calmed him when in distress. Just like before, this was one of those times. Keith was his stability that he always clung to when he needed it. He endlessly offered himself to be used by the redhead to help ease his anxieties, willingly. It just made the ginger's heart flutter in his chest for the umpteenth time since they met all of those months ago.

With the same reluctance that he dealt with on that faithful day in the library, he shakily reached out. The confidence that bled from his savior easily melded into his own subconscious with little effort. Trembling fingers graced the larger palm gently. Freezing digits graced warmed skin, as he slid his palm bravely into the open hand. Before, there was hesitation in the library on their first encounter. Now, Keith had shaped and molded his confidence appropriately. Glossy white irises blinked, attempting to dry his tears, as his palm was gripped gently within the warmth of the other males'.

The taller boy smiled wider at the feeling of his crush's hand against his once more. Being as careful and considerate as possible, he couldn't help but to roll his thumb over a few bony knuckles of the cold skin of his angel. He was so soft but had the feeling of light callousness that told that he was a male. This always would draw him to a halt and have him question his reasoning as to why he was so attracted to the gorgeous man before him. All he would need to do is look into those beautiful pearl-like irises to help clear any doubt that would cross his mind. Tonight, there is no going back.

"It's ok... Don't pay attention to them..."

Pico lightly hiccupped, eyes darting up to meet the emerald greens that he adores so much in the dimmed light. That unmistakable smile framing his incredibly handsome face, further melting his heart. Wordlessly, he nodded. His savior gave a lighter smile in response, as he turned to begin leading them to the stage. Their hands never faltered in their connection. Gently, Keith lightly guided them. Pico couldn't keep his gaze from their clasped hands. The curious whispers passing him as they walked completely fazed by him without worry. He didn't focus on anything else except for them, right now.

The crowd separated for them as they moved. All pairs of eyes locked onto them as they made their way to the stage steps eventually. Keith turned his full attention to his prom date as he made it to the steps. His angel had a clumsy tendency this particular night, and he didn't need him to trip while the entire cafeteria was looking. Using both hands, he helped his crush up the stairs. A hand gripped on their connection, and another onto Pico's lower back, ready to catch him if he were to stumble. Luckily, they made it up the stage without a hassle.

"Congratulations guys!" The announcer spouted happily, as another person came up next to her to help gift out the sash and crowns. "We didn't know that there was going to be two Kings this year! Who wants to wear the tiara and Queen sash?" She asked aloud, the audience below giving a light laughter to the situation.

The blue boy knew that his date was already stressed as it was, he didn't need him to feel worse. He was about to open his mouth to accept wearing the girlish attire with pride. "I-I'll w-wear it..." That deep baritone beat him to the punch. Jades widened in surprise, as he darted his attention to Pico immediately. He would have gladly worn the tiara and Queen's sash if it meant that his ginger could be less embarrassed.

"Pico...!?" He whispered, catching those pearls on him once more. "You don't have to wear it. I'll do it. You can wear the crown." He attempted to say, as he leaned down to keep the conversation between them, quietly. The moment those brave diamonds locked onto him, his breath lodged in his throat, and he felt his cheeks flare in a massive blush. He felt the smaller male grip his hand tighter, the smallest of smiles tilting those gorgeous glossy lips up.

"...It's ok..." He whispered back, fearlessly. Keith was left speechless, unable to take his eyes off of his angel.

"Great! To be honest, I don't think the tiara would look that good on you, Keith~. No offense." Confused greens darted to the announcer, however, he managed to keep himself quiet. The crowd let out a chuckle at her comment. She turned towards the displayed pillows, snatching up the Prom Queen's sash and took a step towards his timid angel. Reluctantly, he let go of his connection with Pico, as they would need to put them on.

The ginger visibly trembled in place, removing his grip on his shoulder with great reluctance. He managed to stay still as the sash was placed over his right shoulder, across his torso. The announcer then reached for the tiara next. As she picked it up, it glittered from the makeshift fake diamonds and pearls that decorated the headpiece. He didn't need to bend down, as he was short enough to have her lightly reach up to place it on his stiffened orange locks, neatly on the center of his head. Pico couldn't keep himself from clenching his eyes shut, as if he was going to be hit and prepared for it. Luckily, nothing but a tiara was placed upon him, as she stepped away back to the microphone.

"Yep! A wonderful choice! The tiara goes great with your eyes and earrings. Am I right, folks?!" The mob below gave a heartfelt cheer, a couple of claps echoing through the quieted cafeteria in agreement. A few wolf-whistles that the crowd made Pico blush terribly from the comment, his neck and ears burning, possibly showing through his failing makeup coverage. It took everything in him to keep from grasping onto his scarred shoulder, trying to put up a brave facade for his savior.

Keith straightened his stance back after the assistant aided in his attire. The crown placed upon his cyan locks paled in comparison to the tiara. When he moved his gaze over to his crush, he felt the air leave his lungs. Pico didn't pay any attention to him, staring at the floor in embarrassment, but Keith most certainly did back. He could feel his jaw become slightly slacked as he saw his angel glow in the stage lights. He almost felt like his heart was going to explode when those ethereal pearls looked up at him once more. His imagination skyrocketed as sparkles lit up his ginger like he was showered in it. He was positive that his face was blistering red at the vision of his date-no... his Prom King was presented in such a beautiful way.

"Let's hear it, once more, for Keith and Pico!" The announcer clapped, which forced the audience to follow in her lead. Cheers and whistles echoed through the room, but Keith couldn't keep his eyes from his angel. "Did either of you want to say anything before you lead off the final dance for tonight?" She asked, already taking a step back from the microphone in case either of them wanted to speak.

Keith blinked back into focus, forcing his entranced state to subside, looking back over at the announcer. The blue boy gave a small glance over at his angel, noticing that he had locked his gaze onto the floor once more. With a stutter in his heart, the blue-haired male made his way to the microphone, having to lean down a little to speak. He didn't intend on making it long, but he had to say something. "Th-Thank you for-ah... For voting for us-" The moment he finished, the audience interrupted him and lifted their praise once more audibly. "U-Um. I-I also wanted to thank my two best friends. Darnell and Cherry." As soon as those names left his mouth, the light director immediately shone the spotlight into the crowd, singling them out.

Cherry and Darnell were standing together, as the light shown on them. Those deep blue sapphires looked up at him from where she stood. A silent 'you're welcome' sent over from that eye contact. Darnell gave a grin and a curt wave back. Their time in the spotlight was short, as the light was taken off of them just as quickly as it shown. Finishing, awkwardly, Keith stepped back from the microphone and stood next to his ginger once again. He could feel those precious pearls look over at him while he was at the mic, but as soon as he left, they averted their gaze back onto the floor in shyness. Smiling softly, the blue boy reached his right hand back out to grasp onto the scarred palm of his ginger, once again.

This brought a light startle that shot up Pico's arm in response, darting his white irises up to stunning emeralds once more. The smaller male almost jerked his hand away, but quickly decided against it once he knew that it was his salvation. With trembling fingers, he gripped a little tighter onto that hold, silently telling him to never let go. "Congratulations, once more, boys! Alright, let's get this final dance underway!" Pico jolted at the sudden voice of the announcer; attention yanked back to the girl at the microphone. The audience below nearly roared in excitement; his panic drowned out everything as his heart began to race.

Anxiety flooded his entire body at her last statement. Dance!? He had to dance with...! He gasped sharply as Keith began to lead them back off the stage. The only reason why his body allowed the pull was because he naturally wanted to get out of the visible eye of his peers. Although, his mind was racing as his savior slowly made his way to the steps, being careful of their footing so they didn't trip. "K-Keith...!" This made the taller male pause, looking over at him from the panicked quieted cry that left his lips. Dark brows raised in concern, quietly asking 'what was wrong.' "I c-can't dance...!" He whispered loud enough to be heard between them.

Keith was internally freaking out at the knowledge that he was about indulge in an act that he has dreamed about since the day he bought the tickets. When his prom date insinuated his dilemma towards him, it almost caught him off guard at first. He thought that his crush would deny him this privilege. Say 'no' and immediately run off and leave him in the dust. To his relief, Pico uttered a nervous phrase that he could easily counter. A smile lifted at his lips while looking over at his crush. Pulling him closer to the stairs, he regained his hold from before as he took a step to help aid them safely down. "Me either." He muttered sappily, watching those beautiful pearls blink back at him, dumbfounded. This time, it was Pico who was speechless.

No resistance was given, as Keith gently led his crush to the dancefloor. The mass of people that originally congregated there, all dispersed to the sides in wait. Pico felt his anxiety rise to a new level that he has never experienced before as they approached the empty space in the center of the cafeteria. Yet, he didn't allow that to falter him. His blue-haired savior held his hand, bravely, the entire way. The eyes of all of his fellow peers and classmates looking onward as they proceeded to their destination together. Keith never let him go as they walked, hand-in-hand. His stunned whites never leaving that handsome face, as he focused on their goal.

The cheers grew to silence as the clapping died down when both Keith and Pico arrived at the center of the dancefloor. The taller male stopped and turned towards the smaller one, facing him. The ginger had never seen that look on his face before, as he smiled softly. Sweetly. The entire cafeteria darkened completely. In that moment, Pico felt his handheld connection separate, and arms wrapped around his lower back. A deep breath of a gentle gasp took the orange-haired boy by shock, feeling himself press against a firm and warm body. As if it was instinctual, his own hands slid up familiar biceps to rest halfway onto a broad chest and shoulders, accordingly.

The song began. Slow and methodical. Guitar strums began to play a beautiful melody that was unfamiliar to him; however, it felt like those notes were being played on his heartstrings. A singular spotlight bled on and only lit them up in the middle of the cafeteria. Making them the center of attention immediately. The first thing that Pico's gaze captured was those startling, lidded emeralds that were filled with such emotion. One that he understood, only in his dreams. A caring and attractive smile lifted at those lips that he has fantasized about for months. He couldn't believe his eyes. This was not a hallucination. Everything was blocked out, except for them, together.

Keith was the one to lead, Pico easily melting in his hold as they rocked slowly together in a gentle sway. This was real. This is happening. He looked down at his gorgeous angel, silently thanking whatever God he could for this moment. He has never felt so blessed. The announcer was right, his tiara went perfectly with his eyes. It glittered in the light, making them sparkle as they locked onto one another. He has dreamed of this. Fantasized about it. Holding his ginger in his arms as they danced together to the beat of a song that he had heard before. He wondered if Cherry had something to do with this, too. It mattered not, though. The lyrics of the song echoed through the speakers directly to their hearts.

***NOTE: is the chorus!***

"The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful"

"Stop me, and steal my breath"

Keith immediately related right from the start. Those pearled eyes were the first thing that he ever noticed about his freckled angel. They always stole his breath away.

"And emeralds from mountains, the thrust towards the sky"

"Never revealing their depth"

Pico curled his fingers lightly against the fabric of his blue boy's jacket. Green was always his favorite color. Those same emeralds were ever caring and kind. However, they hid a secret that he discovered on this night. Cherry had informed him of his sexuality, knowing that he may have never had figured it out on his own.

"And tell me that we belong together"

The two boys rocked together slowly to the beat of the music, alone on the dancefloor. Eyes unblinking, as they moved as one.

"Dress it up with the trappings of love"

Keith's fingers twitched lightly as he held onto his date. They flexed gently onto a fragile and thin back carefully. The memory of this precious body being injured came forth in his mind. He will never forget seeing his beautiful angel harmed from creating a gift just for him. It sprung an immediate urge to care and protect. The carved record still framed in his room proudly. A present that his ginger had made with his own hands and hurt himself creating. He still remembers dressing up that wound, almost spouting the word 'love' from his lips without thinking.

"I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips"

The taller male couldn't keep himself from darting his gaze down to those glossed lips for what feels like the millionth time this night as that lyric echoed in the room. He was always captivated and entranced by his crush. Without realizing it, he leaned down a little closer as he shot his focus back onto those glittering diamonds once more.

"Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above"

Pico felt his heart race in his chest, his chin lifting up a little to help aid in their closeness. The fear and anxiety melting away with every gentle motion they took. He couldn't help but to recall how he felt just moments before this. He questioned this. Questioned his feelings. The ache of the possibility that the potential love he harbored was gone. The only salvation his heartache conjured in his mind was self-harm that hung over him like a noose.

"And I'll be your cryin' shoulder"

They both were there for each other during times of sorrow.

He couldn't help but to think of all the times where they cried, and the other was there for him in their time of need.

"I'll be love's suicide"

The ginger shivered lightly in Keith's strong but gentle hold. He always thought that he was unlovable. Unable to ever know the feelings he is drowning in right now. He would gladly allow the tide to pull him under if it meant that he could feel this way forever.

"And I'll be better when I'm older"

Time can heal all wounds, even if a scar remains.

"I'll be the greatest fan of your life"

Keith applied a lighter pressure on that fragile lower back. Fingers flexing, almost like he was caressing. Soft jades were easily lost within those glowing pearls. He will always be there to support him.

Pico felt himself press more flush against his savior. His stomach flipped, making that usual nausea flow into a tingling sensation throughout his abdomen. It reminded him of the time that he first heard his cyan-haired salvation sing. The way he held him close as they played the guitar together. He will always be Keith's biggest fan, no matter what.

"And rain falls, angry on the tin roof"

A shuttered intake of breath filled Keith's lungs at the memory that filled his mind. Finding the love of his life out in the rain nearby the shed as he waited for their usual trip home. Soaked to the bone, hiding the hidden tears that may have fallen in unmentionable sadness. The sound of rain pounding on the tin roof echoed loudly around them in a cacophony.

"As we lie awake in my bed"

This spoke with a half-truth. The only one awake was the taller blue boy, but he would never tell. Watching his tired ginger rest peacefully in his own bed. Protected from the nightly torments that would usually keep him awake. The second sleepover proved to be too much of a temptation. He will never forget how his heart soared when he lightly ran the back of his hand down a pale and freckled cheek as his ginger slept on through the night, unbothered.

"And you're my survival, you're my living proof"

He was his savior. His salvation. His utopia. His everything.
Keith was the only cure for his schizophrenic hallucinations. He was his evidence. His living proof that if it wasn't for him, Pico would have surely been lost.

"My love is alive and not dead"

This is reality. The feelings he has held inside him this whole time is what has kept him alive. To strive forward and keep feeling this way, even if there was the chance that his love may not be returned. Dead upon arrival, as they say.

The chorus kicked up once more. Keith could feel his chest nearly constrict, like a field of butterflies filling his torso to the point where his breathing was impaired heavily. He took an opportunity to get closer to his beautiful ginger. If it was possible, he pressed his date against him even tighter, never wanting to let go of this moment. He could feel the audience around them watch quietly, as they allowed them to take the stage for this song alone. However, his attention lay solely on his gorgeous angel. Their gazes never left one another.

The taller of the two allowed his head to drop slowly, chin dipping into his neck and forehead gently colliding with the smaller male's. He easily witnessed those pearled eyes widened, hearing that familiar gasp echo in the small space between them, just like before. This time, though, nothing was going to ruin this moment. Emeralds lidded softly, admiring the beauty that always captivated him when staring into those gorgeous diamonds. He couldn't keep a smile from forming on his face as their rocking continued into the song.

"Well, I've dropped out"

"I've burned up"

"I've fought my way back from the dead"

Pico had definitely fought. The constant battle with his demons that plagued his daily existence. Just to get a glimmer of peace in the arms of the man he loves.

"Tuned in"

"Turned on"

"Remembered the things that you said"

"I will be there for you Whenever you need me." That is what he said on that faithful night during their first sleepover at his savior's home.

Keith blinked, barely able to snap out of his trance just for a second. Those beautiful eyes glassed over, overflowing with ease rapidly. Slowly, but surely, his right hand made its way up to cup a fragile and smooth cheek. The glow of his green bracelet did little in the spotlight's glare from above as it followed them with their slowed movements. Pico gave a light flinch at the touch, forcing those tears to fall from the quick blink he managed. Luckily, a thumb was already there to catch it, as it softly rubbed it away.

"And I'll be your cryin' shoulder"

The final four parts of the chorus played out from there. The taller male saw those glossy pearls close, long lashes fluttering against a pale cheek. Through those stained lines that decorated with faded freckles, Keith could see that fade of a crimson blush peek through. Pico leaned his head to the side slightly, pressing against the hand that held his face so tenderly. This didn't separate their connected foreheads, but it did make the aqua-haired boy lift his head away by an inch in shock. His own emeralds widening in stark contrast to their pearl's counterpart. He was so focused on his angel's immense adorableness that he didn't notice a sneaky pale hand move from his collarbone until it was already pressed against his own on his crush's cheek.

Teary white orbs opened once more, looking up so longingly. Those glossy lips lifting in a soft smile. It completely stole Keith's breath away. The tail end of the chorus played out once more. The last four parts echoing from the speakers like a final farewell. The feeling of that smaller palm pressing against the back of his hand only enhanced the fluttering ache that he always felt when he touched his ginger. Pico lifted his chin a little more, the tips of their noses brushing. He was so entranced, everything felt twice as sensitive. Only a couple inches of open space were between them.

"I'll be the greatest fan of your life"

It was as if something took over the smaller male. He was certain that he was the one responsible for the connection. His savior was already leaning down enough, although, he kept himself at bay from completing their bond. That last inch of a barrier that prevented everything was overcome by the shorter of the two. It did take an extra effort, as he stood on his toes and pressed up to take that plunge. The contact made everything explode in a silent flurry. Their hearts flew, as they kissed. Pico's first ever gladly given to the man who saved his life.

It was barely noticed, but the feeling was still there. Keith didn't even remember himself tilting his head to the left lightly, as the weight in his palm that held a fragile cheek increased. Strawberries was the first thought to placate his mind and taste buds. Eyes shut to fully enjoy the feeling of his lips pressing against another. A faint sense of dismay echoed in his chest for a brief moment. This was not his first kiss. Cherry took that title. However, it didn't sway the overflow that made his heart soar. This felt so right. Moreso than when his virgin lips were stolen by his Ex.

The gloss smeared sensually onto his own mouth, as it mingled and lit his entire body up like fireworks went off inside of him. It was nothing more than a gentle press of skin on skin, but it was everything that he dreamed it would be. The warmth of the smaller body against him felt like an inferno that he held so lovingly, soaking up the flames happily as they singed him alive.

"The greatest fan of your life..."

By the time the final lyric left the speakers, they both separated by an inch, noses still lightly poking each other. Pico felt as if he had ascended into another realm. Their gazes locked onto the other once more, both lidded in a state of mild ecstasy. He didn't even notice when they had stopped rocking to the beat of the music, nor when the crowd around them began applauding once more. He paid them no mind, like a fading background sound that was muffled. Still reeling on the feeling of his lips as they were surrounded by the man, he loves so dearly, just a second before.

The smaller ginger took a much needed breath, unknowingly holding it for a period of time as his lungs rejoiced in the much needed oxygen. Lips parting, ever-so-slightly, his mind was slowly catching up with what he just did. He just-... Startled whites widened, the consequences of his actions beginning to take hold of his mentality. What has he done?! This was all his fault! He couldn't ever repair the damage that he has done to his one and only friendship! It was ruined! Demolished! Destroyed! His throat felt like a lead weight was attempting to go down his esophagus by force, making a horrendously nauseous feeling shoot down his stomach. He tried to say something. Anything to help apologize for his immoral and uncalled for act. Yet, nothing would come out, like he was suddenly mute by the shock.

"You have no idea how long I've been wanting to do that…"

Keith could not keep that single sentence from leaving his still-tingling lips. Voice low and sultry, like a thick molasses that dripped out of him, sweetly. It was as if he was forced into speaking, unable to stop himself at all. They still were an inch apart, and it took every part of his control to keep from connecting them once more. With unbridled restraint, he managed to hold himself back. Just the look of abashed horror that lit up those incredible pearls was enough of a deterrent. He didn't want to frighten his fragile ginger away.

The cheers of the horde around them quieted as the music kicked back in with another song. It was another slow dancing type, and this prompted everyone around them to begin to take their partners and begin their own swaying. Both of the boys remained still, Keith never once faltering on his hold. It sounded old on the speakers, but it bled such a constant feeling of romance in the air. To their luck, the spotlight finally eclipsed from shining over them. It was replaced with a mirrored disco ball that spun around slowly from above. Bokeh spots lit up the floor as the Prom King's stood amidst the shifting crowd around them. A stilled schooner in a sea of people adrift among the waves of others as everyone else danced but them. Lyrics already beginning, overflowing them once more.

*"Wise men say"*

*"Only fools rush in"*

Now that it was darker among the dancefloor, excluding the rotating dots that circled the throng of dancers below, Pico managed to take in a gasping breath at what he heard. The scent of cologne invaded his lungs, forcing a chill to jet down his spine. Without realizing it, he ran a tongue over his bottom lip for a split moment. As if instinct told him to savor the taste of those thin lips that were on his just seconds before. He noticed the taller male take an immediate glance down whilst he did so. His mind going back to how his blue boy looked rather like a dog staring at a treat. Luckily, those jades didn't stray too long and jumped back into focus. Reminded him of when he got his earrings.

"...Wh-What...?"

Pico had to make sure that he didn't just imagine his savior say that. He wanted to know if this was really spoken or just a hapless incident where his voices invaded his sanctuary. Keith didn't seem disgusted, like he thought would happen. His dreams always were cut short whenever he managed to sleep. Never being able to imagine what it was like to complete that connection. He couldn't control himself. Just once, he wanted to finish what his dreams had constantly started. To feel those lips against his own. It was better than he could ever fantasize about. Hence why it confused him when those words spilled from those same, now lightly glossed, lips.

"Pico... I..."

*"But I can't help falling in love with you"*

The taller male paused, taking a moment to mimic his ginger. He licked his lips, pulling some of that strawberry flavored gloss that mingled with that incredible taste of his angel. Swallowing a lump in his throat aided in that savory venture. It was heaven. He could feel Pico's hand that was on his, resting on that soft cheek, begin to falter. It lightly trailed down to his wrist, thin fingers gently grasping for a semblance of stability. This made his own hand shift down a little, his pinkie curving under his jawbone and cupping his cheek firmer. The glow of their bracelets was more prominent now than before, making their features light up in that green and blue mixture. His tongue felt like it was made of cotton candy, melting in his mouth from the words that came up from his heart.

"...I love you..."

It was all he could bear to mention. Nothing else felt more right coming from his lips than those three words that he has meant to say for months. His heart felt like it was going to burst out of his chest, but it has never felt so good than in this current moment. It was racing a mile a minute, but he was standing still. Everything has come down to this. He had put his heart out on the table. Even though Cherry had told him that Pico has felt the same way, he could not fully believe it unless it heard it from those same delectable lips that were pressed against his just seconds before. He couldn't even tell if it was Pico or himself that closed that gap, initially. Whomever it was, it mattered not to the blue boy.

*"Shall I stay?"*

Pico felt as if his breath was stolen from his lungs. The way his savior echoed those same three words that he has always thought of whenever around the taller male. It completely left him breathless to hear them outside of his own mind. Let alone, have them spoken from the man that has always been the center of his whole world in the past several months. His right hand that was resting on a strong collarbone easily slid down to a firm chest in utter disbelief. It lay flat against his heart, feeling it beat strongly in his ribcage. It thundered happily against his palm, almost like it wanted to escape and be held, caringly.

*"Would it be a sin"*

Keith felt his breath being held against his will. His angel was silent. An immediate wave of fear flowing over him that aided the foreshadow of a predicted haunting prolepsis that threatened to demolish his heart with a single blow. Was Cherry wrong? Did he just step on a landmine and detonate his chances with the use of three words? He was such a fool. How could he decipher his ginger and assume such a feature? He had no right to deduce Pico's feelings like that. It was ruined. He destroyed his chance with a single sentence. A single action-.

*"If I can't help falling in love with you?"*

Wide emeralds blinked in shock. It happened so fast; Keith couldn't have seen it coming if he tried. The feeling of those thinned lips, glossed in strawberry flavoring, covering his own once more. This time, it was much more noticeable. The pressure of his angel against him, as he lifted himself upwards to help close that gap between them. The movement was so abrupt, the hand that was on that hidden freckled cheek shifted. It was deeper than the last, as this time the blue boy could taste a little bit of spice from their earlier meal melt into his mouth.

*"Like a river flows"*

*"Surely to the sea"*

Luckily, he regained his composure as jades slowly closed, accentuating the contact further. The taller male easily rolled with the kiss, feeling every emotion that Pico had expressed through that connection. It felt like a new breath was given to him, providing that wondrous intake of oxygen he needed. With a tilt of his head, he pressed himself more into his angel's lips, shifting his own to help mold better with the smaller male's. His heart fluttered rapidly when he heard a light sound erupt from the shift of their lips on each other. He moved his hand down to rest gently against the back of Pico's neck, fingers lightly flitting through soft orange locks of hair. Throughout the caress of heaven that graced him, Keith felt that lightly scarred hand grace his right collarbone. The touch sending shivers up his spine as it smoothed over his outfit and fingertips skating over the skin of his neck.

*"Darling, so it goes"*

*"Some things are meant to be"*

Keith sighed softly, a slow breath out from his nose as he took in the feeling of his ginger against him. The exhale lifted a soft 'hum' from his throat in pure ecstasy. This, sadly, forced his angel to pull back from their kiss, but only enough to allow them an inch apart. The moment that glossed skin separated from his the blue boy slowly opened his eyes. Emeralds met emerging lidded pearls, glittering gorgeously in the dimmed lighting around them. It was only highlighted further by the increasingly visible blush that lit up those hidden freckles on his cheeks.

"...I love you, too..."

That deep echoed baritone floated up to Keith's ears with a unbelievable melody. The reciprocated feelings of his angel instantly gripping his heart and squeezing it passionately. It completely stopped his breath at the words that were spoken from those glossed lips that were fading with every connection they made with his own. That image, alone, made his tongue dart out to re-taste the mixed flavor once more. Strawberries danced on his taste buds along with the extra hint of spice from their earlier meal. The more he received, the more he wanted, but he knew that he couldn't get greedy.

*"Take my hand"*

*"Take my whole life too"*

The song played on and the sea of people continued to rock around them. Their swaying was becoming too much to ignore. Keith held his new boyfriend closer. Fingers massaging between soft ginger hair and flexing on a fragile, thin spine. Smaller hands rested on broad and firm collarbones, feeling the strong beat of the taller male's heart call out to him. Their foreheads connected softly, as smile lit both of their faces in the dotted lights that rotated on the dancefloor. Lidded emeralds locking onto luminescent pearls in adoration for one another. Their bodies began to rock to the beat of the slow music once more. Pico had never felt so complete in his life than in this moment.

*"For I can't help falling in love with you..."*

~ O ~

"ABOUT, FUCKING, TIME, DUDE!"

Darnell nearly shouted, giving a hard slap on Keith's back in a congratulatory means. The blue-haired boy gave out a wheeze from the impact, almost seeing stars. He couldn't help but to give a strained smile over to his best friend of over a decade. He meant well by the small attack, and it wasn't as if he was wrong. It was about time that he finally confessed his true feelings to his beautiful ginger. He had kept them hidden for much too long, and it felt like a weight was taken off of his heart the moment he said those three faithful words.

They all currently waited in line to get their prom pictures taken. This was, sort of, forced onto the Prom Kings, as both of them still wore their crowns and sashes. It also didn't help that Cherry was already quick to her conniving ways and yanked both he and his angel away from the throngs of the dancefloor. Luckily, she didn't just steal his newfound boyfriend this time. He doesn't think that his overly sensitive mind can conjure the idea that he now has that title in his possession, alongside his ginger. Boyfriend... It made his heart stutter wildly in his chest just thinking about it.

Darnell and Cherry were both waiting for their own turns for pictures, of course. They wanted to remember their first prom together. The dark-haired male easily wanted to proudly take photos with his girlfriend. Also, he believes that he deserved a nice treat for his good deeds on this night. "Seriously, Man. You guys have been dodgin' each other's feelings for, like, ever! It was gettin' ridiculous!" The blue boy couldn't keep a light blush from staining his face at his best friends' comments. It wasn't like he was wrong, but it still seemed so unreal to know that his ginger felt the same back.

Keith and Darnell stood next to each other as both Cherry and Pico were wrapped around their respective free sides as they stood in line. Emeralds darted down to his angel that was gripped onto his left arm. His nerves were getting the better of him once more. Keith felt terrible for having to drag his precious Prom King to do these photos. It was mandatory for them to take it, as it was for the yearbook. Secretly, the cyan-haired male was planning on buying this year's just because of this moment. He couldn't wait to indulge in his hopeless romanticism and sharpie hearts around these photos of them and his ginger. "I-I know, I know... But I did it, and it was worth the wait."

Even though Keith had spoken to Darnell, his eyes stayed locked down onto his anxious ginger. Of course, he was listening, and soft whites blinked up to meet him at the comment with curiosity. When their eyes met, Pico's flush came crashing back on his face in a matter of seconds. He darted his face away, looking over to his right to avoid those caring jades that spoke such warmth towards him. It made him overly conscious about how he looks when that heat flared upon his cheeks once more. Shock filled his face as he darted his attention to the front and looked at the line of people waiting for their pictures. "What is it...?" Pico nearly jumped in his skin at the sound of his savior leaning down next to him.

Whites met greens once more, this time with the ease of Keith being more eye level with him. "I-I...! I, uh... I need to... g-go to the bathroom, a-again..." In reality, he wanted to clean up his face. He was certain that he looked like a complete train wreck and did not want to ruin his Prom King's photos. Even if he were to try, he was sure that Keith was going to buy them. He didn't want his new boyfriend to be viewing photos of a teared streaked prom date. That would totally ruin his purchase! Luckily, it seemed like they were not the only ones doing last minute photos, as the line was pretty long. He had some time.

The blue-haired boy couldn't help but to scrunch his eyebrows up in worry. It wasn't as if he wanted to keep his ginger bound to him, but he did have a multitude of reasons why he didn't want Pico to leave his side. The last time he did, he cried. He didn't see his precious ginger do so, but the faded streaks were a clear sign. Also, he just managed to express his true feelings to his crush. He exposed his heart, and he was still tender with the infatuation of love that was received. He didn't want to let that go just yet. A light pout formed on his lips without him realizing it, making beautiful pearls widen in surprise. "I-I'll be quick... I-I promise..." He heard that deep voice echo out in desperation.

It wasn't as if he could fight it. If Pico needed to go to the restroom, there was no stopping him. "Do you want me to go with you this time...?" He questioned softly, anxiety already forming in his gut at having his new boyfriend away from his side so soon. He didn't want to have him leave so quickly, even if it was just for a brief moment. It seemed that it was all it took to completely flip things on their heads, just like before.

"Tch!" Keith heard a light chuckle coming from the only guy who may have overheard him talking to his date. "Yo, Man, you sure you wanna do that right before your pictures? I doubt you wanna mess up your guys' outfits." The aqua-haired male could already feel his face blaring into a bright red as he darted his piercing green gaze over to Darnell, teeth bared. He could see the innuendo from a mile away. Even then, it still didn't stop that tell-tale smirk that lit up his best friend like a lighthouse. He even had the nerve to lean in a little to try and keep the conversation between them. "You got some lube and a condom on you? Might need it, Dude." He whispered lowly, already cracking up at his own joke.

To his rescue, once more, Cherry saved the day. With a tug on her end, she yanked the tallest of the group down making him let out a small yelp at the pull. "Enough, Darney~." She demanded with a slight curve in her voice that sounded menacing at the same time. A small whine came from the dark-haired male's throat, immediately bending to her whim with a light sweat drop, nodding in compliance. Keith almost found it funny that his best friend was so easily whipped into place by his Ex. Among the many things she did on this night, he had to give her a proper 'thank you' for coming in to save him once again.

With his best friend held back that allowed the blue-haired boy to regain his attention back to his precious ginger once more. Sadly, Darnell was not quiet at all from before, as he easily witnessed that bleeding blush decorate those gorgeously pierced ears and possible neck. At his height, it was hard to see when his angel was attached to his side like that and hiding it with his scrunched-up shoulders, bashfully. "I-It's ok... I-I just want t-to... To c-clean up a little..." That low brushed voice easily combing over his heart at the sound. It always sent him into a hapless puddle.

With a surprising amount of hesitation and sadness that gripped him, Keith had to agree. "Ok..." He reluctantly whispered. His heart already clamoring at the notion that his date will be leaving his side. A harsh pain creeping into his chest obsessively. "I'll wait here, in line, for you." The cyan-haired male had to hold back a whimper of his own when the weight of his angel slipped from his arm. He had to mentally hold himself back from reaching back out to grip his ginger by the waist to keep him by his side.

Pico gave a small smile up at his savior in appreciation. He could feel the desperation that bled from the taller male, that frown still painting those tantalizing lips in sadness. He needed to be fast. It pained him to see his blue boy look at him like a lost and starving puppy that was teased with food that it couldn't have. With a final look up at those disheartened emeralds, the ginger finally pulled away from his new boyfriend's side. Even as he made his way to the bathrooms, he was certain that Keith turned and watched him as he walked away. Those puppy-dog eyes looking on in distress as he walked further and further away.

~ O ~

Pico was swift and quiet as he entered the bathrooms. To his luck, no one else was in the restrooms. Before, he was extraordinarily nervous and attempted to sneak his way quickly past everyone when he actually had to go. He was terrified of being noticed and didn't want to become a target. It was nearing the end of the night, and everyone was possibly trying to get their last dance in or enjoying their meals before heading out. Some may have even left early, as the men's bathroom was deserted at this rate. He expected at least one other person, but it was silent.

He mentally prepared for the display of his demons and whispers that would always plague him while away from his blue boy. To his total surprise, all he heard was silence. No voices creeping in to berate him at all. It almost had him frightened at not hearing those constant noises while all alone. He walked up to one of the sinks, down towards the end of the row away from the entrance. He tried to delay in looking at himself in the mirror, already dreading the chance of his visions spiking from the reflection. They always were worse when he looked into reflective surfaces.

With a deep breath in, he let out a huff as his eyes stared at the faucet for a long period of time. Delaying the inevitable. The sterling silver was slightly shiny and did have a reflection of sorts, but it was massively distorted due to the roundness of the spout. He knew that he had to hurry. His boyfriend was waiting for him. They had pictures to take. Maybe they could kiss again... Thin fingers reached up to touch his own lips, already feeling them tingle at the memory that happened shortly before. He felt like he has to make up for lost time and savored every chance he would get to aid in fulfilling his dreams that were constantly depriving him of before.

Deciding to brave the onslaught of anxiety that flooded his system, feared whites jumped up to the mirror before him. Everything seemed to stand still for a solid minute, as Pico tried to pinpoint where the shadows would try and reach for him in the reflection. Eyes darting all around the glass to try and see where the demons would appear.

To his utter amazement, there was nothing.

"Nothing...?" He whispered out loud to himself. Completely baffled at why his schizophrenic delusions were suddenly gone. What happened? He knew that when around his savior, they always were scared and strayed away from him. However, the moment that he was out of sight or earshot, they would flood back into his senses like a dam breaking suddenly. He was so used to it by this point that it hardly jarred him. This always occurred, even when they would talk on the phone. The minute he hung up; they would come back as if they never left.

A moment of appreciation calmed over his entire being. Almost like a blanket that fell on him of pure relief. He never thought that he would ever get to experience what it felt like to be normal again. What it was like before the shooting. Before he lost everything. His friends. His mentality. The only thing he gained was a scar. "...and Keith..." If it wasn't for the shooting, he may have never met his blue-haired salvation. Was it all worth it?

Whites locked onto similar pearls in the mirror. His tiara glittering atop his head proudly, and his sash worn around his shoulder displaying 'Prom Queen' in pink lettering. A deep breath shifted his body up lightly, taking in the new feeling of complete silence while alone. For the first time in a very long time, a smile lifted his lips as happiness spread through his chest. Pure joy that he hasn't felt in such a long while that he almost forgotten what it was like. To be happy again. This time, it was different. He was blessed with a new life that he thought was lost forever. It was as if that kiss had been the key to everything, all at once.

Pearls blinked in realization. He needed to hurry. His blue boy was waiting for him. He did not want to keep him. They had pictures to take. He didn't want to hold them up. He was certain that his blue boy wanted to do a few more things tonight. Especially now that they are considered together. It wasn't as if he was trying to hide it. A flush erupted on his face as he remembered their kiss once more. He was the one to initiate the contact for both times they touched. The entire school was watching them, but his Prom King was not fazed by the attention.

Giving himself a once-over, Pico saw that he did have a few teared streaks adorning his face. Sadly, he would have to clean off the work that Cherry did earlier that day. His blush was gone, and the shimmer was faded where his cheekbones were. To his amazement, his eyeliner was still intact. It was a little smudged at the corners of his eyes, but that was the worst of it. His eye shadow was untouched, it seemed. He finally took a glimpse at his lips. The shine of gloss was nearly completely gone. It only made him smile at how that occurred, not bothered by it in the least. He was certain that Cherry wasn't going to have an issue with that either.

Looking down at the sink, the ginger pulled his sleeves back to keep them from getting wet. He pressed down on the tab and listened to the droning sound of water echo in the quieted bathrooms. Sadly, the school had replaced a lot of the paper dispensers with blow dryers. Luckily, there was one still left in this bathroom. That was why he decided to go further down to the end of the sinks to be close to the dispenser. White irises looked over at the automatic rolling paper towel dispenser. He just needed to wave his hand in front of the machine, and it would spit out a small amount for him to take. All he needed was one sheet. He began to reach out, needing to lean a little into the motion.

Suddenly, a hand cut in front of his face, almost smacking across him as it slammed loudly against the mirror that he was facing. A gasping yelp echoed out of Pico's throat, managing to lean back from being hit with the arm that crossed his vision. It took him by such surprise that he had to take a step back to keep himself from falling backwards from the momentum of his earlier scare.

It barely took a step back for him to hit something much taller and firm, almost like it was a brick wall. His mind wanted to think that it was his blue boy, but he knew based off the contact that it did not feel like his savior. Keith was warm and inviting. He had slept against that broad and comfortable chest before, and this felt nothing like it. It was cold and made a shiver jump up his spine that told him to 'get out while he still can.' He regained his posture and pulled away from the contact as soon as he could, turning to see what he could have hit. There was no one else in the bathrooms with him.

Before he had the chance to fully turn around, he saw the person responsible for the initial reason he startled back to begin with. It was a male. He was dressed in a typical outfit that was suitable for this prom night. Midnight black suit and trousers with a dark blue undershirt. A light purple tie stuck out on his attire like a sore thumb. He was rather short, but still taller than Pico, if only by an inch or two. Short, brown, slicked back hair combed over in a bowl cut shined in the stale bathroom luminescent lights. The darkness of his eyes looked like little black holes; they were so inky in color as if all of the spectrum seemed to get lost in them. The feature that stood out on his face was his nose. It was convex and curved upward across the bridge and accentuated the squared off look of his face.

This guy, that stood directly in front of him, was leaned slightly over the cornered ginger. His weight was being held up by the arm that he used to scare the smaller male, still against the mirror, unmoving. Pico decided to dart his gaze over to his right, curious to know what he backed into. To his surprise, it was another male. He looked very similar to the guy that was leaning over him, the only difference was height. He was tall. Very tall. Almost the size of Darnell, but maybe topping him by a few inches. Pico's heart started to race in fear.

Movement from the corner of his eye made his attention move to his front once more, seeing another male seemingly emerge from behind the one in front. This one stood at medium height between the shorter and taller one. Same features as the other two. Were they triplets? They looked so similar except for height. The medium one moved to Pico's left, the three of them completely caging him against the sink with no escape. Fearful pearls darted to all three pairs of soulless eyes, feeling his hips press against the porcelain sink to try and back away in vain.

The smaller one, with his hand still pressed against the mirror behind him, chuckled lowly. His voice was hoarse and raw, almost like he smoked daily. It was much worse than Pico's own baritone. His sounded like vocal sandpaper scratching out from his throat. "Well, well, well now, boys. What do we have here?" The other two next to him both echoing out that same low chuckle at the stated question.

Pico blinked in confusion, unknowing why these people have singled him out while in the restrooms. Based on their menacing laugh and crooked smirks, it could not have been for a good reason at all. Panic began to stir nausea in the pit of his stomach as the three of them laughed in that gritty sound that echoed in the quieted bathrooms. What did they want with him?

The smaller of the bunch leaned in, towering over the frightened ginger, as Pico inched back. He cowered over the sink he was against, as that smirk morphed into a sinister frown molded in anger easily. "Pieko, is it?" He harshly spat, purposefully mispronouncing his name. It wasn't like the ginger cared, but the announcer spoke it correctly and it was heard by the entire cafeteria. "Tch, not that it matters." He muttered out loud with a sarcastic quip. The quieted prom king didn't dare speak up, anyway, to correct him.

"I've been such a nice guy to you." Pico's brow lifted in confusion at the smallest male's statement. "I've allowed you to be in my school. Walk around my halls. Hanging around my shed out by the track." The possessive beat that thrummed through that single word echoed in the bathrooms, sending a shiver down the ginger's spine. "I heard what happened at Columbine. Such a shame that all your little friends got shot up." Pico couldn't keep a shuttered gasp from sounding out of his throat at their knowledge. That wound was healing with the help of his blue-haired hero, but these people came by to rip it open once again.

What made it worse was that they knew about his and Keith's rondevu point for walking home after school. They claimed that the campus was their turf, in all sense. He never truly felt welcomed in this district, and that was clearly displayed when he first arrived at the start of senior year. Everyone avoided him. All but one person. His salvation. His hero. Keith. He even thought of him as part of his hallucinations at first. To his surprise, he was real. The only person out of the entire school that was willing to talk to him.

Pico couldn't help but to raise his hand to grip at the hidden scarred shoulder out of anxiety. What did these people want with him? Why were they bothering him? He still couldn't speak up, too afraid to make the smaller of the bunch even angrier than he looked. Not only that, but he was surrounded. "Hehehehe..." He chuckled lowly, making the other two also let out a fit of low laughter. "And then you come into my prom night..." He nearly growled, raising his free hand that was resting in his jacket pocket. He raised it up to the ginger, as he locked his gaze onto the offending limb inching closer. With a flick of his finger, he shoved off Pico's tiara from atop his head.

The smaller male shut his eyes afraid of the impact that may have occurred, but only felt his crown falling from his stiffened orange hair. With a light clack, it fell behind him and rolled into the sink. Fearful whites blinked open, and he gasped as he looked behind him to see his sparkling tiara. Luckily, it didn't look damaged, as it didn't land on the floor which would have been a longer trip. As girlish as it looked, he still wanted to wear it for his pictures with Keith. They were considered the Prom King and Queen, after all.

That darkened gaze seemed to have blackened further in fury. "You think you can just waltz in here and steal the show, huh?" Pico's eyes widened in agonizing fear. Within only seconds, he could see the darkened shadows begin to crawl their way back into his sight once more. It was as if they circled this guy and enjoyed his presence. He knew that it was too good to be true. To completely have his delusions vanish like that.

That same hand that flicked off his crown suddenly gripped tightly onto short orange hair. The action made a cry echo out of Pico's throat at the pull, trying to help shift his head against the hold so it wouldn't tug out pieces of his hair. To his dismay, it pulled upward, forcing his head to lift up, painfully. He was too frightened to attempt to pry the hand away from his locks, it just might make the other male angrier. With a light whine, he felt tears start to prick at the corner of his eyes. His right eye winked shut at the agony that was directed towards that side of his head. "S-Stop...! Pl-Please...!" He attempted to beg, hoping for the other male to have some mercy. Sadly, it seemed that it only made him grin in delight at his squirming.

"Aww, you hear that fellas?" He lightly laughed at the plea, which in turn made the other two let out their own series of chuckles in response. "The little faggot here wants me to stop." The smaller of the bunch gave a hard pull upward, making another strained cry pry from the ginger's lips at the demeaning words spat his way. With a tighter grip held, he easily manipulated his hold and yanked Pico's head back, forcing their faces to line up with his height. "Don't think I didn't see that little act you did earlier." He growled lowly, making a tremble roll through the smaller boy in his hold. "You think you're so cute, out there, kissing another guy?"

Another cry lifted from Pico's throat at the mistreatment, feeling some strands of his hair rip out. He couldn't help but be reminded of that magical moment that happened between him and Keith. It wasn't a surprise that this person had seen them. The entire cafeteria did. They were locked in the moment and hardly noticed anyone else while they danced. "Heh-heh-heh... Actually, the Queer Queen suits you." He spat out with a harsh quip. Possibly in relation to his sash and, previously worn, tiara. That light grin immediately dropped into a furious frown, his eyes darkening further. "I hate homos like you..." The smaller of the group lowly growled, that scratchy voice already sending bolts of panic through Pico's spine.

The smaller male witnessed the pull of the bowl-cuts arm that was originally pressed between his head and shoulder, against the mirror. It yanked back into a fist, knowing what was coming next. Pico hardly had time to shut his eyes to prepare for the impact, a shuddering gasp echoing out in a final cry. He should have seen this coming. He was never really bullied back at his old school, managing to avoid the eye of the local jocks and buff guys that would normally be portrayed as such. It was only a matter of time before he would eventually get caught. Why did it have to happen on such a wonderful night? The same night where he confessed his feelings for the cyan-haired male that saved him. Right after they shared a breathless kiss. He knew it was too good to be true.

There was a sound of impact, but Pico stood motionless. Scrunched shut eyes lessened their press as he heard a yelp followed by a loud bang. It sounded like a hard swing of a stall door colliding with the wall in the echo of the restroom. Rustling noises ensued as the shred of ceramic sliding against itself scraped into the air loudly. The ginger hardly realized that his hair had been released full seconds ago, and he had not been hit at all. What made everything grind to a full halt was the sound of his tormentor's plea. "H-Hey there, t-take it easy...!" His scratchy voice easily molding into a begging tone. Blinking pearls opened sharply at the sound.

~ O ~

Keith nervously fidgeted in place, constantly taking glances back at the bathrooms for his angel to emerge. They were about to be next in line, but he didn't necessarily care about losing their place. The line behind them was short, anyway, as more people were starting to finish off their prom night. Cherry and Darnell were currently taking their pictures, as the blue boy easily allowed them to go ahead of him. His own date was currently not by his side, and it was making him more anxious as the time ticked by. It had been over fifteen minutes since his new boyfriend had left his side. That was much longer than he anticipated, and only imagined what could have happened. None of the ideas coming to mind were good.

Looking back at his two friends, they were in the midst of getting their pictures taken. In between flashes, he gestured to Darnell to grab his attention. Brown eyes darted over to his best friend, and Keith mouthed off a "I'm gonna go look for him" before turning and beginning his trek over to the male bathrooms. He received a quick nod in recognition, as he sped walked away from his spot. It didn't matter if they got pictures or not, he was just worried about his angel. He already looked nervous, and he didn't want to leave him alone for too long. The blue boy wasn't sure if he was talking about his angel or himself.

Turning to enter into the bathrooms through the lightly hidden passageway, a scene made him stop in his tracks immediately. His precious angel was surrounded by three guys. Men that he knew. They were the school's bullies. The Über brothers. The tall and lanky one by Pico's right was Jon Über. The medium height on flanking the other side was Sam Über. Then their little leader. The same man who was holding his ginger by the hair in front of him, Fred Über. They all were a year apart in grade, supposedly. However, they all failed multiple senior years and had to repeat them. At this point, they were all in the same grade, the tallest being the youngest while the smallest was the oldest, and now all of them are in twelfth grade.

It took Fred growling out a hateful sentence towards his boyfriend, and the visual of him raising his fist to attack his trapped angel for him to spring into action. Keith sprinted towards the leader, managing to get there before he ever laid a fist on his precious ginger. Throughout the run, he vaguely felt his crown slip from his head as he crossed the distance, hearing a light clacking sound as it hit the ground just before impact. He wrapped his left arm around Fred's neck giving a hard pull with strength he didn't know he had. With enough force lift the other male off of the ground, he saw him instinctively let go of his angel's hair as he tried to pull at the arm that suddenly wrapped around his neck. Keith didn't give him the chance, as he shoved Fred through one of the bathroom stalls that was adjacent to where he stood a couple of feet away.

The impact of his back hitting the door was profound, as it slammed against the wall on the inside of the stall. Keith used the momentum to shove the other man onto the toilet, replacing his arm with his hand around his neck instead. The leverage of astonished surprise was an advantage, as the blue boy easily applied pressure with his weight. Not enough to choke him, but to enact a dominance that was clear from his position. With a right fist of his own, raised threateningly, hard greens glared down at their prey.

Keith held himself over the other man, managing a difficult level of restraint when he heard a plea leave him. His teeth grit tightly in a visible snarl, as the blue boy paused a shaking fist in the air. It took everything in him from connecting it with that previously smug look. That same demeaning stare that dares looked at his boyfriend. He didn't even hear what the bowl-cut man had said, but it mostly was the vibrations from the neck he was against that made him stop. Fred lay helplessly against the toilet he was pressed down on, his head resting on the lid on the top chamber. The hard sound of ceramic sliding against itself lit up the space around them for a second as Keith accidentally added further pressure to his hold.

The man under him let out a light choking sound, urging a startled and gritty sound from behind him to nearly shout. "Brother!" He was uncertain who said it, as the near triplets all sound the same. However, he was felt his jacket being grabbed. He heard his angel yell out for him, "Keith!" as he hardly had the time to turn around in the cramped space as he was pulled back and out of the stall. It made him jump a little in surprise as he felt the man behind him try and put him in a chokehold. Thanks to his younger wrestling years with Darnell, Keith lifted his left limb tightly against him to block the arm from tightening. With his right elbow, he stabbed it harshly against the chest he was against, making the other man let out a cry and releasing him.

That must have been the tallest one, as he turned and saw Sam prepare himself to strike as Jon tried to regain his breath from the elbow to his ribcage. The middle Über charged a fist towards Keith's face. With a flowing twist and lean to the side, Keith dodged the attack as the arm flung over his shoulder. The momentum of his earlier elbowing allowed him the opportunity to carry it forward as the blue boy swung his right fist upward to an opened stomach. He hurled the other man away with that swing, hearing a gargled grunt echo from Sam at the impact.

With the middle and largest foes at bay, Keith quickly looked to his left. His angel still stood against that sink, merely a couple of feet away from the action, pearls locked onto him in amazed fear. Before Keith had any opportunity to speak to his scared angel, he remembered that there was a third Über. Fred. A harsh chuckle forced his attention towards the stall that he originally shoved the leader into. Instinctually, Keith stood to face him, backing up to press himself against his ginger in a protective manner. Fiery forest greens darted their gaze to each bowl-cut brother as they regained their composure from the ambush.

The taller Jon on Keith's right held his ribs with an arm, a hard scowl decorating his face as he turned to face him. Sam was hunched over slightly, arms wrapping around his stomach at the hard impact he endured. He still blocked off the blue boy's left side, a scrunched and pained grimace upon his face. Last was Fred. He stood properly, in the stall, rubbing his neck with his right hand. With his free hand, he dusted himself off a little, straightening out his outfit in the process. Finishing it off by grabbing his purple tie to fix it back into place. He stepped out of the stall and completed the final exit cutoff for the blue-haired boy and his ginger.

Keith reached behind him to gently grab at his gingers forearm. He felt Pico curl into that touch, and it made more adrenaline course through his body at the prospect of his boyfriend in danger. The feeling of a small hand pressing against the middle of his back was enough to let out a light growl. He would do anything to protect him. Ferocious emeralds locked onto the leader Über as he closed the distance a little more, only a few steps away, leering in caution so that he doesn't get taken by surprise once again.

"It's alright, brothers." Fred announced towards his fellow kin, they both gave a small glance over before taking a small step back. Pawns in his game, it seemed. "What's up, Prom King?" He attempted, playfully. However, Keith was having none of it. The blue boy's glare hardened, eyes nearly glowing in rage. Free hand, that wasn't holding onto his angel in protection, already held in a shaking fist ready to strike. He had seen Fred dare lay a hand on his boyfriend and he would make sure that it wouldn't happen again while he was still standing.

Fred gave a light laugh, feigning off the ignorance of pure anger aimed directly at him. "We were just playing with your little Queen there. Weren't we fellas?" Both Jon and Sam gave light chuckles but nodded in unison. Just the way the leader Über said the word 'queen' made Keith's blood boil. There was a hidden meaning behind that word, like he was calling his angel a degrading name. It only made him wish he didn't hesitate in socking him in the mouth earlier.

With a threatening step towards the defensive blue boy, Fred grinned maniacally. "I think that we can have room for one more, in our little game. What do you say, boys?" Keith wasn't scared. Fear didn't faze him in the slightest. His only thought that raced through his mind was to protect his boyfriend from harm. Pico was smaller than the Über's and is skinnier and more fragile. He didn't know how much he could handle if put into a fight. The blue boy's prerogative was to try and distract them to have his angel escape. That was his only goal.

As if it was a call to arms, Jon and Sam grinned alongside their leader and took a step forward as well. Keith felt caged, and it only made him scrunch back and huddle over his ginger more. He could feel Pico press his face against back shoulder blade, as if to hide himself in preparation for the oncoming attack. It was three against two and Keith was not sure that his angel could stand on his own in a fight. Not that he would allow any harm to come his way. The blue boy was prepared to endure the Über brother's onslaught for a three on one battle. He was a pretty ok fighter, but he couldn't take on this many at once.

"That's great! I love to play games." A familiar voice rang up, making jades blink and look up behind the Über leader. Fred nearly jumped in his skin at a powerful hand that harshly grabbed onto his shoulder, making his entire body press down against the force it had. Quickly, he regained his composure and looked over his shoulder, along with his brothers, at the newcomer that entered the fray. A tall, dark-haired, male towered over the smallest Über. Menacing brown eyes that would make any man cower in fear glared in stark contrast to his playful smirk. A sound of shock left Fred's throat at the fact that the field was now even. At this rate, it looked like a losing fight he would start. "Can't start without me, right Keith?" The tallest in the room looked up at shocked emeralds and peeking pearls from behind his arm.

The said blue boy couldn't keep the appreciative smile that spread across his face. Darnell seemed to have gone looking for them, possibly concerned about their extended absence. That, or Cherry demanded that he fetch. And based off of how he like to please his Ex, he was going to deliver. Keith's pose eased into a more relaxed state at seeing his best friend come to his aid. As much as the dark-haired male had poked fun at him most of the night, he couldn't have asked for a better friend to be there when he needed it the most.

Fred 'tch'-ed loudly, an eyebrow twitching in irritation. He vividly shrugged his shoulder, removing Darnell's hand from the harsh grip it held. With an eye on the newest edition to their little group, the leader straightened out his outfit once more before darting back to his previous targets. Once black met those fearfully peaking whites, they glowered angrily. "I think we're done playing." He sizzled out, lowly. "Come on, Brothers, let's get out of here." The bowl-cut trio began their trek in defeat, slowly, out of the bathroom. Not before the lead Über paused at the turn of the exit. A hard glare aimed at the poor ginger as he continued through unseen. That look spoke of a single phrase.

"This isn't over."

Green and brown eyes followed them out, making sure that they would stay away and not come back for more. Thankfully, after a few petrified moments of silence in the quiet bathroom, it seemed like they weren't coming back. Keith let out a breath he didn't realize he held, feeling a sweat drop on his neck at the adrenaline leaving his system. Jades looked up to quarts, giving a small smile. "Thanks, Man." He spoke out in regard to his best friends showing up just in time.

Darnell grinned back, nodding his head up at the gratitude aimed his way. Lifting his fist up, Keith easily reciprocated the action, as their knuckles pressed against each other. "Anytime, Dude." He said softly. "Well, ya guys better get back out there and get your pictures before the night ends." With a sly smile, Darnell turned to begin walking out of the restrooms. He knew that Keith needed a moment alone with his boyfriend, and he only jumped in when he was needed. "I gotta head back to Cherry, see ya in a bit, kay?" Secretly, he was going to stay posted in front of the men's restrooms to prevent the Über's from going back in if they were dumb enough to still be around.

Keith nodded towards his decades old friend. "Alright, Man." Once the tallest of the three exited the room, the blue boy immediately turned his attention to his angel. Taking a step away and twisting in his spot, he barely had a second to speak before he was wrapped in a tight hug. Thin arms reached up and around his neck, as Pico nearly leaped on him. He couldn't help but to wrap his arms around that small lower back to aid in pressing him closer. Now that he was stretched up on his toes, it was easier to hear the small sniffles that plagued his angel. It seemed that he was so caught up in the situation that he didn't hear the light cries of his boyfriend from before. "Pico... Shhh... It's ok..." He hushed softly, tightening his hold more in comfort.

The taller of the couple raised one of his hands to gently cup the back of those soft orange locks, fingers gently weaving through them. He could feel where the idiotic Über had lightly disheveled that perfect lightly stiffened hair. It was bunched near the top right of his head, but he easily combed through the entanglement. It took Keith a solid minute of silent kneading to comprehend the fact that his angel wasn't wearing his crown. To his luck, he didn't need to look very far, as a mere glimpse from over Pico's shoulder shown that it was knocked off into the sink. The mere thought of Fred laying a hand on his precious ginger had a firm frown decorate his face, let alone knocking off his tiara. He thought that it looked incredible on the smaller male. It really did bring out his eyes and earrings.

Small hands rolled down his torso, resting against his ribcage. Pico used this as leverage to pull himself back a little, looking up at caring jades. Keith could not keep a smile from immediately flipping that frown away when he locked onto those luminescent pearls once more. Although, that smile wasn't mimicked back. A worried frown tugged at those lightly glossed lips, making the blue boy's own falter slightly. He couldn't keep a worried string of words from escaping his throat towards his ginger. "Are you okay?" He asked with sincerity. The hand that was raked through short orange hair paused in its ministrations.

His angel was quiet, as he gave a light nod for an answer, the softest of hums in approval leaving his throat. Those gorgeous diamonds lowered their gaze to his cyan tie, his saddened frown worsening. This brought a sting to the blue boy's heart at such a sight. "I-I'm sorry I didn't get to you sooner. I should have gone with you from the start..." He lightly mumbled in apology. This made those incredible whites blink and dart up in shock for a moment. A tinge of bravery lighting up those incredible eyes that he loves so much.

Pico raised that scarred palm up to lightly cup Keith's cheek, making emeralds widen slightly at the soft caress. "Don't apologize... I... It's my fault... You could have gotten hurt because of me..." That deep echo of that sultry voice, that would always make the taller male's heart flutter, spoke out firmly. Not a stutter interrupting his words. His beautiful pearls lowered once more, this time closing in shame. That same hand sliding off of his face, slowly, to land on his sternum. Keith could easily see guilt that overtook his boyfriend at how he blamed himself for what had happened. He had to correct that immediately.

Keith leaned himself down, eyes closing and a smile etching his lips. When he connected with a gentle kiss on a cool forehead, he felt the body in his arms flinch harshly and a gasp wisp up to his ears. The moment he pulled back; Pico had focused his shocked gaze back up to him. Of course, his ears and neck brightening with a blush. Even though the streaks on his face, the red was coming through to enhance those hidden freckles that he adores so much. He couldn't contain a light sigh of admiration through his nose quietly. "It would be worth it if I protected you." It was the truth. He felt like he could take on the world if it threatened his beloved.

Those thinned shoulders rose, once more, in that insecurity that seemed to always hang over his angel. He averted his gaze back down, trying to avoid the veracity that spilled out of the blue-haired male. It was spoken with such honesty that it made his chest constrict tightly as a flutter suffocated his heart. It only made his face heat up further at the fluffed words that spilled from his blue boy. A small smile lifted his lips lightly, darting his gaze between those caring jades and that cyan-colored tie a couple of times timidly.

Keith couldn't keep a soft "aww" from exiting his throat. His angel is so adorable. It made him a little flabbergasted as to why he didn't confess his feelings sooner. This overwhelming sensation of fondness he felt had a firm grip on his heart. It is different now than before. That desire before felt unrequited. A tender ache that attacked his chest whenever his angel would cross his mind or be with him, which was an every moment occurrence. However, he still held onto that hope and sentiment that there was even a sliver of a chance that his feelings would be returned. It was a far-fetched fantasy at the time. Now, it has come to fruition. A dream come true. The taller male felt rather deprived. Like wondering the desert in search of that wondrous oasis of crisp and fresh water. Getting a cooling drink after so very long of boiling in the hot sun. That kiss was euphoric.

That sound coming from his cyan-haired boyfriend made curiously shy pearls lock onto soft forest greens. That made Keith nearly sputter in place at being caught in his admiration. "S-Sorry, uh..." He stuttered lightly, hearing a light chuckle that made him stop in his tracks immediately. Shocked greens looked to gentle whites. He didn't want to call his new boyfriend adorable out loud, knowing that it might embarrass him. Although, he wouldn't mind making his little ginger blush more if it would bring out those gorgeous freckles. Freckles...

Blinking in realization, Keith lightly pulled himself back, making that small smile twist into a curious frown. "I-I forgot. You wanted to get cleaned up, right?" He was so busy admiring his angel that they still didn't take their Prom pictures. The night was ending, and he wanted to take them so that he could purchase a pack to take home. They were the Prom Kings, after all. They had to take them for the yearbook.

Keith was not planning on leaving his new boyfriend for the remainder of the night. Especially after the near catastrophe that occurred just minutes before. Turning his attention to the task at hand, the blue boy reluctantly pulled himself away from his ginger and reached for the forgotten tiara in the sink. He pulled it into his sight and did a once over. He made sure to check it and see if it was damaged or if any of the fake pearls and diamonds fell off, luckily, it seemed intact. Smiling, the blue boy lifted the crown and placed it onto those lightly stiffened orange locks. The tallest had to be absolutely sure that it was centered perfectly, watching those curious pearls look onward at his detailed attention.

Pico could not keep the gentle smile that lifted his lips at the focus bestowed upon him. "Th-Thanks, Keith... B-But I can do it..." He tried to reason with his lightning-haired boyfriend, but a quick pout was all that was needed to reflect his attempt. It still didn't stop the butterflies from fluttering wildly in his stomach at how caring his blue boy could be. It made him feel like he was the center of the world, as little as he wanted to be, but he was the center of Keith's. That is what mattered the most.

"I know." The taller male spouted lightly, making sure to redirect that statement gently. With a wave of his hand, Keith heard the whirl of the paper towel dispenser as it rolled out a single sheet for him to grab. Tearing it off, the blue boy easily tapped the sink on for a moment just to get half of the paper towel wet. "But I want to do it." Squeezing the excess water away, Keith used his free hand to gently grip Pico's chin. He lifted it a little forcing those shocked pearls to look up at him. A smile lifted more on his lips at seeing his angel like this. It took a great amount of control from leaning down to give a light kiss while his ginger was held in place. "Please...?" He begged quietly, hoping to quell that urge to touch his boyfriend some more. That depravity already digging into his heart at the thought of not being able to dote onto his angel.

That mild shock turned into a soft smile back up at the blue-haired male. It almost made him laugh a little at how desperate his savior had sounded just to tend to the simplest things. "...Ok." He mumbled out. He would have nodded, but his chin was currently in the clutches of a strong hand and prevented him from visibly agreeing. It was a sacrifice he was willing to make, though. Especially, if a small note of acceptance made Keith happy like that.

The taller male felt a rush of elation flow through his chest. Anything to tend to his ginger was a golden opportunity in his book. He began to help clean off Pico's face, only planning to remove the teared streaks that plagued his angel. Being gentle, he rubbed the wet paper towel onto those thinned cheekbones, emeralds locking on in concentration. It made his heart soar at seeing a left pearl eye wink shut on the side he was cleaning off. Watching as the towel began to pick up a light skin-toned coloring that bled onto it. Slowly, but surely, those little darkened freckles began to surface from his caring trace. He treated it like a little game; he was so focused.

Eventually, those incredibly adorable spots became visible once again. It made those butterflies swarm in his stomach at seeing them. He didn't realize how much he missed them. Jades lidded in admiration unknowingly. "There are those freckles." He chuckled softly; this made his ginger blink both eyes open in complete shock. Sadly, they shyly averted quickly, and a gentle frown tugged at those lightly glossed lips. This made the taller male stunned at the sudden mood change.

"I-I'm sorry... I'll w-wear makeup to... t-to cover them up m-more often..." He stuttered gently. Pico couldn't help but to be reminded of earlier that day. Cherry had called them 'blemishes.' That is what they were, right? He finally has his savior and the title of 'boyfriend' to call his own. He did not want to ruin anything that could take them away. If it meant that he would have to wear makeup to cover up his freckles, he would gladly do so. For all he knows, Keith may not like these dots at all. The fact that he laughed a little while uncovering them exposed the small veracity there.

Dark brows rose in surprise at the quick comment his ginger spouted. Cover them up? That is the exact opposite of what he wants. He has imagined himself relishing in kissing every single dot on his face for months now. He almost felt kind of jealous of them. He thought that they were beautiful and only accentuated the adorableness of his angel. It made his pale skin glow in comparison and only highlight his beauty further. "No...!" He lowly begged, voice raising in tone but not enough to echo in the bathrooms they were still alone in. "No, please don't." He managed to say at a softer volume, forcing his ginger to look up in confusion.

The smaller male tilted his head to his right, slightly, only able to go a inch or two before he was met with resistance from the hand on his chin. "B-But..." Whites darted down to a cyan tie before inching back up to pleading greens. "Th-They're... um..." The little ginger felt his face grow hot in embarrassment from the attention. He lowered his voice to a timid mumble. "U-Ugly..." The word couldn't keep itself contained in his throat like he had initially intended. However, he had a feeling that his blue boyfriend would be putting up an argument to that.

A sharp gasp made Pico flinch at the sound, shoulders jutting up a little at the anticipated fright. It was barely audible, but since they were so close to one another it sounded so loud in their proximity. "Who said that?" Keith asked firmly, making the ginger keep his gaze averted in shame. The feeling of that hand on his chin unclasped itself, gently. It rolled up to cup a hidden freckled cheek. "Was it Darnell? I swear..." With a light growl, the blue boy already had a look cross his face of stilled anger that those whites managed to catch.

Even with the hand on the side of his face still covered in makeup, Pico was able to give a quick shake of his head in denial. He was certain that the dark-haired male didn't like him, except for the surprising moment that flew him for a loop earlier that night. When he consoled with him and 'forced' the ginger to face his blue-haired hero by literally tossing him into his arms. After they had a little small talk, of course. He did not want Keith to get the wrong idea and be angry at his best friend for his sake. He, especially, didn't want to reveal the fact that it was Cherry who initially spurred the idea in his mind. "I-It was... m-me... I-I said it..." He was to blame, no one else. Saddened pearls lidded shut, lowering his head now that he wasn't gripped into place.

Pico felt the coolness of the damp paper towel press onto his lower jaw, it sent shivers down his spine. He barely had a chance to open his eyes before those hands lifted his face up once more. It was the feeling of a light pressure and warmth on the freshly cleaned freckled cheekbone that made his eyes open in shock. A small bilabial sound reached his ears in the process. What he managed to catch was the face of his savior pulling away from him. A smile decorating that caring and handsome face.

Keith could not refrain himself any further. The way his angel had expressed his self-loathing about those gorgeous freckles was incredibly shocking. Whenever he would see his beautiful ginger all he could imagine was kissing those little lovely dots. It was an easy target, especially when he dropped his guard. It was an open invitation, he couldn't resist. The feeling of that alluringly pale skin, decorated with those darkened dots, on his lips was like a slice of heaven. It made it even more so when he pulled away to witness those beautiful pearls widen in shock. That hidden blush that had been masquerading all night finally emerged under those little specks. Highlighting them once more for the world to see their beauty. He couldn't stop himself from internally sighing in admiration, eyes lidded in appreciation. "Well... I think they're beautiful."

If it was possible, Pico's face became even redder. It looked almost a little comical, as one side of his face was visible with a vivid blush while the other seemed unaffected. It kind of reminded of the blue boy of two-face in a way. Only this was much prettier in comparison. His angel let out a small gasp, unknowingly, seemingly making that blush spread further across his cheeks turning his ears a lovely shade of scarlet. "R-Really...?" Keith was almost shocked at hearing the disbelief that came from that deep resonating baritone. It only made him smile wider in reassurance.

"Of course, I do, Pico..." The tallest of the two spoke out softly. He couldn't help but to lean back down once again. He made sure to keep his angel in place as he gave another light peck, this time on the side of his nose that had those uncovered freckles that he loves so much. The feeling of that soft skin touching his lips was truly breathtaking. It made him want to keep going and fulfill his internal goal of kissing all of those little dots. However, he managed to contain himself and pull back after contemplating the idea while connected for a moment. "They're almost as beautiful as you..."

Pico felt like he was going to pass out from how flushed his face probably was. All of the blood rushing up to his cheeks made him feel lightheaded. The words that his new boyfriend spilled to him made his heart flutter wildly in his chest. It felt like Keith's prospective feelings were similar to a dam about to burst. He has possibly held back these feelings for so long, and now he is overflowing with passion and tenderness that he has been containing for so long. It made him almost fulsome in appreciation. A timid smile was all he could produce while his heart was hammering a mile a minute in his chest, as well as his shoulders raising to help placate the admiration for his blue-haired savior.

The taller male could almost feel the sparkling glow of adoration from his beautiful ginger. It only made him shine brighter in his eyes. A berating thought crossed his mind, chastising him. "How could you have gone on for so long without telling him how you feel?!" It was loud, but it did force a flow of regret to echo through his chest. He could have been with his angel a long time ago. Touching him. Kissing him. So many times, he has imagined himself caressing his ginger like he is right now. Telling him his thoughts aloud and no longer keeping them in. How did he manage to go on for this long? Now, he knows that he could never live without it again. This salvation and slice of heaven was so pristine and glorious that he would do everything he can to keep it.

"I love you..." Keith couldn't help but to repeat. It wasn't much of a romantic atmosphere in the men's bathroom, but his heart had shoved the words past his throat anyway. It was worth seeing those pearls sparkle in response to his blurted-out statement. Those thinned semi-glossed lips lifted into a small smile, making the blue boy have to remember to take a breath in his starving lungs, as it took the air right out of them.

"I love you, too..."

~ O ~

The flashing of a camera lit up the scene as a nervous blue and orange boy stood before the lens. The moment that they left the men's restroom, Cherry was quick to snatch them up once again. Before they left the bathrooms, the ginger had found the blue boy's crown that was on the tiled ground. Dusting it off, Pico did the honors and reapplied the crown on those aqua locks, the taller male having to bend over to help the smaller one out. However, Keith managed to convince the alpha female to have him go sidetrack for a moment.

Cherry was just about to deny the aqua-haired male the chance. Their prom night was almost over, and the photo booth was only going to be available for a short time, since they were taking so long in the bathrooms. Luckily, Keith was quick to whisper to the brown-haired female that he wanted to purchase a little flower for his new boyfriend. That, alone, was enough to convince her to shoo the couple away so that the blue boy can buy the little blossom.

They had multiple different colors available to choose from, as Keith had softly dragged his ginger to the little side area that sold small trinkets. Mostly school memorabilia, but they also sold corsages and flower-heads that one can pin to an outfit. The taller male wanted to buy his angel a pinned flower. Pico was very quick to try and prevent him from spending any more money on him, but Keith quietly refused his pleas. With a simple swipe of his debit card, a white rose head was bought. It was about three inches wide in radius and a pin was super-glued on the back of it.

Keith was very careful when pinning the blossom on his ginger's jacket. He didn't want to accidentally poke and injure his beloved. With a jab through Pico's left jacket lapel, a lovely white rose was pinned through. The blue boy couldn't help but to go for this colorless white, as it represented something that always crossed his mind when it came to his angel. Those incredibly beautiful white irises. They were so unique and striking. Whenever he caught them in the right light, he could very easily see the spectrum of color that would seem to glow from his eyes. Brightly lighting up those gorgeous pearls and taking his breath away at their beauty.

Once that was purchased, they quickly made their way over to the photo booth. Keith could easily tell that his angel was very nervous about getting their pictures taken. However, all it took was for him to hold that smaller hand within his own and gently encourage his ginger whenever he noticed him faltering in that bravery. "It's ok." "I'm right here." "You're so beautiful." Phrases that he gladly spoke towards his shy angel that would easily make that timid frown turn upside down.

They had to take a generic photo for the school pictures. Just the two of them in their crowns and sashes standing side-by-side in front of the backdrop. It had to take a lot of encouraging to make Pico look up at the camera, as he had a tendency to drop those pearls to the floor out of habit. Once that was done, it was time for the real photos. The ones that Keith wanted to purchase for both of them to take home. It would need to be developed and take a bit of time. Although, Keith was eager to have them delivered or prepped for pick up at the school.

They both stood in front of their chosen backdrop. It was a gradient red floor that they stood on that faded up to a solid black. From the top of the background, there was glittered sparkles of gold that looked like it was raining down behind them. They both kept on their crowns and sashes, knowing that he was a little proud of the fact that he was chosen as Prom King, even though his angel may have thought otherwise during the announcement. Although, he was certain that Pico was happy with the outcome regardless. They finally ended up together. Revealing their true feelings for one another, with a searing kiss, while slow dancing to a romantic song. Keith could not ask for anything better.

Keith and Pico had posed for the photos. One of them he had taken with a view on their side. The taller male holding onto the smaller by his lower back. The similar pose they had when dancing from before. Their gazes locked onto one another as the camera flashed, a smile adorning both of their lips.

Another was shot when they tightly interlocked their fingers with one another. The same hands that had their glowing wristbands intermingling with each other. A glowing cyan lighting the space between them up in the process, as they both had an arm around each other from behind and faced the camera. Pico had his head resting against a strong collarbone, but it easily showed his full face from the angle. Keith knew he would absolutely adore this one particularly. He still could remember how his heart hammered in his chest when his angel leaned against him.

One was just a simple side hug, his body tilted at a slight angle, that Keith suggested. He held his ginger close, arm wrapped behind him and a hand resting on a thin hip. His free hand in his jacket pocket, as he greens focused on the lens aimed their way. His angel had a similar pose, but his right arm was hidden and wrapped behind Keith's back, resting on the middle of his torso. His glowing left rested on the taller boy's chest, visible to the camera.

Their last photo was one that Keith would have to frame. It was a mutual decision, but one that made the blue boy nervous to ask. It was brought up by the camerawoman. She had suggested that they kiss on camera, like they did on the dancefloor earlier that night. That, alone, made the taller into a stuttering mess, trying to gently shoot down the suggestion in fear of his ginger being too nervous to agree. To his astonishment, Pico wanted to pose for that to be taken. Without hesitating, Keith had eagerly come to the call of his angel's silent command. He couldn't believe that his freckled angel wanted to kiss him again. The aqua-haired male was more than willing to make up for lost time and delve into his desires once more.

They went back to their side-pose from before. In each other's arms. This time, Keith leaned down while Pico stood on his toes and met in the middle. It was just as electrifying as the first time when their lips met. Making a spark shoot down their spines at the connection. Their eyes were closed, so they waited until the person behind the camera gave a vocal cue that she was finished taking the shot. When the separated, their faces were lit with a blush as they looked upon one another. Pico nearly averted his gaze downward, back at that cyan tie once more, but he refrained with difficulty.

Keith nearly sighed in adoration at seeing those stunning freckles light up from the blush underneath them. He had missed seeing his angel glow from those flushed fits that would grace his appearance and take his breath away. He was certain that his own face was beet red, as he always felt so lightheaded at seeing his ginger in his usual array of beauty. Now, he can ogle at his new boyfriend all he wants. Those incredible pearls looking up shyly at his own emeralds in a similar admiration.

Tonight, he was so grateful for everything.

~ O ~

The night came to a comfortable sizzling close.

Keith had purchased a package of photos from their little shoot that occurred. He would be sure to share them with his angel when they were developed. So excited to see how they would turn out. He knew that his darling ginger was smiling in the pictures, but even if he wasn't it didn't matter. He got to be with his new boyfriend. That was what meant the most to him. Just being together. Better yet, they got to kiss again. He didn't want to seem desperate. They had just announced their feelings for one another just thirty minutes before, yet they had already kissed each other three times. Keith had felt like he was making up for lost time. All of the opportunities that they could have had together like this fell by the wayside.

Throughout the remainder of the night, their hands remained entwined. Keith refused to let go. It seemed that whenever his angel would be out of sight or not by his side something terrible would go wrong. It was like a sign. His left hand remained firmly grasped onto Pico's smaller right. He was lucky that his angel was ambidextrous, so it wouldn't hinder him by much. Keith was naturally right-handed, so it worked out for them to stay connected. They didn't seem to mind the disuse of one of their limbs, as they mingled through the rest of prom.

They got compliments and congrats on their accomplishment of becoming Prom King's from other students and even teachers. Cherry was proudly showing the cyan and orange boy off like they were a personal project. Insinuating the notion that it was her idea that they ended up together without actually saying it. She relished in the credit bestowed upon their peers, as the dual couples finished off their night together. Keith couldn't help but to roll his eyes at the display from his Ex. It wasn't as if she was wrong. He didn't care, though. As long as he has his orange-haired angel by his side, he was happy.

The Prom was nearing its end, as students were beginning to leave the cafeteria. The two couples were no different. Keith and Pico made their way out of those glass doors, once again, together. Hands and fingers interlocked tightly. Cherry and Darnell following suit, arm-in-arm.

Keith reached into his pocket to mingle with the car keys, pressing the unlock button twice to fully unlock the vehicle. The sound of the car doors clicking unlocked was heard as they approached the white sedan in the parking lot.

Darnell, ever the gentleman he was, easily did his duty to open the door for his date as Cherry slid into the backseat with ease. Keith was no different, as he quickly opened the passenger door for his angel. Greens locked onto whites, a glowing smile decorating their faces. Their grip onto one another holding strong while Pico got into the car and seated himself.

The taller male got a fiendish idea to cross his mind. It would surely embarrass his ginger, but it would be worth it to see that flush spread under his freckles once again. Lifting their hands up, Keith leaned down to press the back of that pale hand against his lips in a small and chaste kiss. He kept his gaze locked onto those pearls, seeing a shocked face that had a burning blush decorating it. That shock easily melted into a gorgeously small and fragile smile covered in shyness. It was enough to completely make the blue boy's heart backflip into his stomach, spreading into a wondrous sensation of light tingles through his body.

Alas, Keith needed to let go of his angel so that he could get them all home. With a saddened regret, he released his hold from their handheld connection. It felt as if he had lost a limb at the sudden disconnect and the anxiety of not holding onto his ginger flowed up his arm and through his body. It stung at his heart, as their eyes locked once more a smile etching on their lips. Regrettably, Keith shut the passenger door to his mother's sedan with a gentle slam.

Darnell stood by the rear passenger's door, giving Keith a strong sense of Deja-vu. Hazel browns smiled down at forest greens. The blue boy had expected the tallest of their group to spout something demeaning or make fun of him in some way. Usually, he would when it came to his undying romantic feelings he harbored towards his freckled angel. He'd mimicked Pico or embarrass him in a way that would force a stunning flush to dart across his face. He was waiting to hear the snarky remark on how he was being so overly romantic, or probably make a sexual comment that would have him spiraling.

"Good job, Man." Darnell muttered. An open fist presenting itself in an invitation for their usual friendly bump.

The cyan male blinked down at the invite, shocked at the compliment. Just like he had stated before when they had put their dates in the sedan hours before on their way to Prom. Keith gave a smile back at his best friend of over a decade, raising his own fist to press his knuckles against the others. This time, though, he planned on responding with a gratitude of his own.

"Thank you, Darnell." He spoke out loud. It had felt like so long since he had ever properly thanked his best friend. For always being there for him, even during the hardest times. For those moments of weakness, he and his best friend had together. He would never forget and always remember. He was so lucky to have such a great friend by his side. He was certain that if it wasn't for him, he would have never had confessed to his precious angel. Cherry might have taken the credit for their union, but his best friend was also partly responsible for some of it. Even though he may have seemed rough, and even resentful at times; in the end, Darnell only wanted what was best for him. That was clear to see.

They both split ways as they circled the parked sedan. Keith getting into the driver's side door and Darnell sitting behind him. The engine of the car rumbled on from the press of an ignition, as they backed out of the parking space and made their way home.

~ O ~

Cherry's home was the closest to the school, as she was the first to be dropped off. Keith saw his two good friends share a kiss in the backseat from the rear mirror. It brought a smile to his face at their happiness.

Before she left the car, she gave a notice to Pico that she would be coming over within the next week to pick up her father's suit. The ginger gave a small smile and a nod in understanding. A tiny "Thank you, Cherry..." leaving him as she exited the car on her own.

Darnell would have walked her up to her house, but as soon as they pulled up to Cherry's house her father was already sitting on the porch in wait for his daughter. Even though Keith was no longer dating her, he still could not shake the tremble that echoed in his spine at seeing him sitting there with his arms crossed. Daring anyone to cater to his daughter and walk up with her. He knew that she was going to be home this late, he just wanted to make sure that she made it home safely. The blue boy doesn't blame his friend for giving Cherry a small kiss in the car, hiding it from view of her father. He didn't want to be the victim of a sudden disappearance or murder mystery. Keith had already heard it himself from Mr. Dearest that if he ever laid a hand on his daughter in his sights, he was going to hire a hitman to take him out. Sadly, that target now shifted to his best friend of over a decade. The tallest seemed to be willing to take on the threat in stride, though.

Keith had idled the car in park to make sure that his Ex walked up to her home safely. Even though it wasn't really needed; her father was literally on the porch watching her walk up. Once she was safely being hugged by her dad, the blue boy shifted into drive and peeled away from the curb.

His next stop was Darnell's place. He was a couple of blocks away from his best friends, in the opposite direction of Pico's. Luckily, his home was on the way to his own, as they pulled up to the curb. Darnell gave a firm pat on Keith's shoulder, from where he was in the backseat, squeezing it a little before spouting off a "see ya later, Dude." He unbuckled his seatbelt and scooted himself towards the rear passenger's door. He even gave off a "you too, Pico" before opening the car door and climbing out of the vehicle. Once a door was opened, the car's internal center light turned on for a brief moment.

Pico blinked a little in surprise at the dark-haired male from over his shoulder. He was met with a firm smile and nod which made his own lips tilt up a little in response. White eyes turned to look out the window into the darkened night. He saw Darnell make his way to the front door of his home. He seemed to have motion detected lights that turned on when he arrived at his home. The tallest male stalled at the door for a moment, possibly fumbling with his keys so that he could get into the home, it wasn't the easiest thing to see from their distance. After a few seconds, the ginger saw Darnell push the door open and step in, not before turning around and giving a small wave back to them.

The smaller male nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt a warmth wrap around his left hand. It was so gentle as he felt fingers wrap around his own that were resting on his leg. Pearls leaped to the touch and noticed that his smaller hand was nearly covered by a larger one. Their digits lightly curling over his own. A small smile formed on his pale face, as softened whites followed the arm to look up at the cyan culprit.

The middle light above them helped Pico see his blue boy within the stillness of the night around them. Caring jades lidded back, easily having his cyan-haired male falling into that trance for what seemed like the hundredth time this night. "Did you want me to drive you to your house?" It was a simple question. If it wasn't for the silent context of the situation that Pico had known, it would have sounded rather dumb. Of course, a normal person would have agreed to be dropped off at their home. Who wouldn't? However, the ginger understood why his savior had asked it. He didn't want his parents to know, and he knew it. It would be safer to walk back.

Pico shifted his hand a little upwards, this made Keith easily curl his fingers more onto the smaller ones. The ginger gave a light squeeze back. A silent appreciation spoken within that connection. The smaller male's smile faltered a little at that question. As much as he would like to have Keith drive him back, he knew that he wouldn't be able to give a proper goodbye. He seemed rather touch starved and was eagerly awaiting a tender hug before they would separate for the night. Maybe he could steal one final kiss...

He shook his head softly, eyes lowering back to their conjoined hands. It felt like they had been doing this forever, but their hearts were still sensitive to the contact as if it was a brand-new sensation, ironically. It seemed so surreal to think. He has a boyfriend now. The remainder of his night was probably the greatest he has ever experienced. No voices or shadows taunting him any longer. He finally has peace once again. Until he gets home, at least. "N-No... I-I'll just... Walk back from your home..."

Keith let out a saddened sigh. He didn't want his angel to walk home by himself in the middle of the night. He feared the darkness around them might swallow him up, keeping him from ever being in his arms again. That made his heart ache at the thought. He understood why Pico didn't want to be dropped off. He never said it, but he had indicated a dysfunctional family dynamic at play. The notion from before when Pico begged him not to come over to his home unless it was for an emergency was clear. His parents may not understand and prevent their relationship from blossoming. It was easy to see the tinge of fear that spread into those pearls when he asked about taking him back. "Ok..."

The light above them faded out. A feature that most cars had to prevent their battery from draining if lights remained on for a long period of time. The vehicle now shrouded in darkness, as if nature was telling them to continue on. Forest greens looked above them towards the faded light before dropping back down to his angel, now barely visible if only by a small outline from the dimly lit streetlamps that barely did anything to help. The only light now in the car was the glow of their wristbands. A cyan fade from the combined mix of their hands together.

That depriving pain that echoed in his chest easily took over, making the taller boy lean down. It was hard to see, but he could take a small guess and get somewhere. Leaning over the center console, Keith's lips made contact with the soft skin of a hidden pale cheek in the darkened vehicle. He heard a soft gasp, seeing a shifting movement face towards him as he pulled back into his seat. It was a quick kiss. Something to help ease the pain in his chest from all of the time he has lost before when not kissing his boyfriend.

He knew that he shouldn't be coming on this heavy from the start, but he couldn't help it. With extreme reluctance, he pulled his hand away from his ginger. If he had the bravery and skill, he would gladly be driving with one hand so that he could use his other to hold onto his angel's. He wouldn't dare risk the chance for an accident, though. He would do everything to protect his precious ginger. That easily includes driving safely. Even if it is at night and barely anyone was out now.

A smile lifted his tingling lips, as Keith turned the ignition back on. He could feel his hand lightly buzz from the previous connection, as he gripped the steering wheel. The headlights lit up in front of him as he focused his attention over the hood of his car. Keith could feel his angel look over at him and almost sense the smile that was aimed his way. Sadly, he needed to look over his left shoulder to his blind spot, as he turned his blinker on to signal that he was planning to pull from the curb. With his foot on the break, he shifted back into drive. Slowly, he began the ride back to his house, still focusing on the road ahead.

~ O ~

Keith pulled into his parent's driveway, parking next to his father's truck. He shut the engine off, unbuckled himself, and opened his driver's door. The entire car automatically unlocked in the process. The blue boy had to be quick, as he lightly jogged around the front of the car to get to his passenger's door. He wanted to make sure that he was there to open the door for his angel and help him out of it. Anything for him to hold onto his new boyfriend in any way.

Pico blinked in surprise as he attempted to get out of the car once he unbuckled himself. He reached for the door handle to pull open only for it to open on its own. He barely had the chance to pull his hand back before it was grasped gently in a larger one. It made him startle a bit, a light gasp exiting his throat. Pearls looked up to see his blue boy standing there, holding the door open, hand in his. Standing there patiently, Keith didn't pull him out like before. The air around them was calm in comparison to when they arrived at school earlier that night. The echoed sadness that bled out from the ginger was easily replaced with serenity and love in the atmosphere around them.

Keith waited calmly for his angel to gather himself. He only wanted to be there as a leverage to lean on so that his boyfriend can get out of the car safely. Before, he needed to drag his ginger out with a gentle force. The way he was so upset made the taller male want nothing more than to comfort and dry those tears that he shed. Now, there was no need. Their silence the entire way was soothing and allowed them to just enjoy their presence. It almost reminded him of their drive back from the mall when Pico got his earrings. Keith understood why his new boyfriend seemed so happy then. He would have been ecstatic too if his angel asked him to prom.

Emeralds locked onto pearls as Pico applied a light pressure onto their hold. He pulled himself out of the passenger's seat and stood off to the side a little as Keith closed the car door. Their hands stayed connected, quietly looking at one another. The crickets sang out a soft tune around them in the faded darkness. It was hard to see, but the porch lights from his home were always lit at night, making it easier to notice his angel that stood before him.

The shadows that fixated onto that gorgeous, freckled face only allowed what pale skin was visible to glow. It did wonders to allow the earring on Pico's right ear to sparkle, the same side that was enhanced by the porch lights next to them. His shoulders rose a little at the attention that was bestowed upon him. A natural bashful nature that always sent the blue boy into his, easy to fall into, trances. The glow of gloss that was very prominent on his lips, earlier in the night, now was a faded shade. He was sure that the light pecks of their lips had transferred some of that onto his own. He was almost wondering why he was constantly tasting strawberries after that first kiss that blew him away. He might have a new favorite fruit, now.

Keith could not contain himself, as he took a step forward. He gently released his ginger's hand in favor of wrapping it around a fragile lower back. A position that he could, very well, get used to. His other hand rested on a thin hip bone. The blue-haired male felt like he was being so touchy, but he had longed for this moment for months. Daydreaming and fantasizing about holding his angel close like this. Enjoying his soft warmth, even though he sometimes felt a little cold. Possibly due to anemia of some kind. His ginger was always so thin, and he was eager to try and fatten him up as much as possible. Because of that skinniness, Pico's hands were usually colder than the rest of his body. The taller male had plenty of heat to give and would be very willing to warm his angel up. That was his excuse before, after all. Now, he doesn't need one.

Pico's lips lifted in a genuine and heartfelt smile as he gazed up at his savior. The same man who accepted him all of those months ago. His blue-haired hero that rescued him when he needed it the most. He saved his life. Not just figuratively, but literally too. He caringly held him close, cradling him in his arms. Those same arms that carried him throughout his hardest times. The way those dashing emeralds looked down at him like he was the most important person in his world. The feeling was completely mutual.

Small hands rose up to rest on the middle of Keith's torso. Absorbing the heat that radiated off of his body, greedily. He felt the taller male press himself flush against each other. That strong sense of Deja-vu coming back into full throttle, once more. This time, the atmosphere was filled with love in the air instead of that echoing sadness from before. Smaller fingers lightly brushed over the other boys' jacket lapels, this time keeping his focus on those entranced jades filled with happiness. He felt like he needed to say something. Anything. There was so much he wanted to utter, but it possibly wouldn't be enough. His heart had held so much back and now that he could speak without restraint, he hesitated. To express his heart on how grateful he is.

"I... Had a... A wonderful time tonight..." He manages to voice out, softly. The deep baritone echoing between them in the warm spring air. It was a miracle that he didn't stutter this time. Whenever captured by those intense gems it would usually make him stammer over his words. Especially, when those same sparkling greens would brighten so much whenever he expressed any amount of joy, verbally or not.

Keith almost felt himself melt at that deep voice that would make him internally swoon. He could not keep himself from dipping his chin down, just like before, and lowering his head until their foreheads met. It was a soft press, as the coolness of his angel bled into his heated skin. This time, Pico had seen it coming and wasn't surprised like before. Instead, he felt his ginger lift his head to press up a little into the contact, eyes never faltering. The moment he touched his angel, that already stunning blush darkened further from what he could see with the limited light. Those freckles blending in with the darkness but highlighting when a beautiful shade of red became more vibrant. "Me too..." He said with a low and sultry voice that crept from his throat.

There was barely a reason for them to speak. Just being in each other's arms was enough for them. Keith felt so content when he held his angel. He knew he was safe and secure. The one thing that he managed to distinguish in his ginger's fears. He never mentioned it, but he always assumed that Pico hadn't felt protected when he wasn't nearby. Having that lingering anxiety that would usually haunt his precious boyfriend when alone. It was easy to see. When he was with the blue-haired boy he looked more relaxed and carefree. Like a burden was lifted off of his shoulders. If his presence was enough to ease his worries, Keith was eager to please.

"Pico...?" Pearl irises blinked at his name being called, a soft hum in question responding to the sound. "May I... May I kiss you?" He had been initiating most of their connections all night. The only thing that he didn't ever start was a kiss between them. He gave his angel kisses to the forehead and cheek. His nose, even. The past times that their lips connected were started by his ginger, or the photographer for a picture. He felt himself blush harshly at his own words. He knew that it was dumb to ask of. They had already kissed three times that night. "Three times isn't enough... It's never enough..." He internally chastised.

Pico's flush spread over to his ears, only visible on the side that the light shown from his porch. He heard a soft chuckle escape his throat, making Keith's heart flutter in his chest at the sound. He was certain that his angel could feel it as his hand was pressed over his hammering heart. The lightest of a nod and a noise of approval echoed out between them. Those semi-glossed lips lifting in a brighter smile at the question. The taller male wasted no time.

Leaning down, Keith pulled his forehead away from the other males in favor of angling his head to the side. Emeralds darted down from those incredible pearls to his lips for a brief moment, only to slide shut when their mouths touched. The connection was like static erupted in his chest. Electrocuting his heart into a breakneck speed. He knew that he would never tire of this feeling. This incredible sensation of those thinned lips pressing against his own. It felt so insatiable, like he could never get enough. Even though he was a boy, it still felt so right. When he had his first kiss from Cherry, it was a tang of pleasure that struck his chest at the time. Kissing Pico was otherworldly in comparison. There was no similarity at all.

The feeling of Pico returning the kiss, wholeheartedly, was euphoric. It was just the simplistic pleasure of skin-on-skin contact, and the blue boy felt like he was on another plane of existence. The pressure of the smaller body against his own, and the tilt and push of those lips on his was rapturous. Keith couldn't even imagine how he would feel if they were to ever French kiss. Just that thought alone made his spine tremble, almost visibly. He managed to contain himself into just a small shiver like a cold breeze blowing by to give him the chills. He needed to calm himself before he would sprout something unmentionable on his body. His angel was pressed against him and would definitely feel something poking his lower stomach.

They both slowly separated. A small smacking sound reverberating from their lips as they parted. Both pairs of eyes slowly opened, their lidded gaze locked back onto one another. Warm breaths mingling between them, an inch apart. Keith knew that he had never felt so in love before this night. When the floodgates opened, it was too late to take everything back. He never wanted to stop the flow of adoration that he felt for his tiara-wearing angel. He would forever remember this prom night. Their first kiss on the dancefloor. Admitting their feelings for one another. Their heartfelt goodbye as they knew that they had to detach from each other. The blue boy hoped that he wouldn't cry.

Pico was the first to break their eye contact, as he pulled back a little from the warmth of the taller male. He could feel Keith's arms stiffen briefly, like he was trying to prevent him from leaving their hold. However, he allowed the smaller male to slide away from their grasp, as he took a step back. His hands prying off that strong chest, immediately curling into his pose of anxiety. The look on those dejected emeralds almost made the ginger barrel back into his boyfriend to wipe away that saddened look. Alas, he needed to get home. His father was expecting him back, and he didn't want to invoke his wrath. He may have to already deal with it if he was drinking.

"I-I have to go home... It's g-getting late..." That stutter was back in place. Keith knew it was probably due to his angel not being in his arms, but he tried to quash those possessive thoughts. The moment Pico pulled away it took everything in him to keep from yanking his ginger back against him. He had to actively force his arms to stay lax by his sides. He could not control his expression, though. He knew that he probably looked like a child that had their candy taken away from them after they were just enjoying it moments before. A stuttered intake of breath filled the blue boy's lungs, trying his best not to let out a small sob. He managed successfully, for now.

The taller male knew he couldn't force his angel to stay, nor would that be appropriate. Also, he knew that this newfound love was something that they both needed to think through by themselves. They needed time apart, as little as his heart had wanted to. "C-Call me when you get home, ok?" He was quick to the draw, almost sounding close to begging the other male. The desperate ring going through his voice, making those pearls widen slightly before lighting up with happiness. God, how he wanted to kiss him again...

"I always do..." Pico said, softly. That was true. His angel always would call or text him whenever he would get home safely from their Saturday's together at his place. Making sure to ease any worries that would plague the blue boy when his, previous, crush was away from his side. "Goodbye, Keith..."

The smaller male backed up a couple steps down the driveway. Giving a small smile at the worsening bout of anguish that was his savior, he turned fully around and began to trek home. When his feet crossed from asphalt to the concreted sidewalk, the sound of rushed footsteps caught his ear, getting louder. Pico hardly had a moment to fully turn around before he was nearly bulldozed by another person. It wasn't a full-blown tackle, as the body made sure to stop just enough before impact to keep from toppling them over. It also helped him from falling as strong arms wrapped tightly around him in a bear hug. It shoved the air out of his lungs, but an inhale of oxygen was mixed with the scent of a man that he knew very well.

Keith nearly shoved himself into his angel, managing to press him right back into his arms once again. That ache in his chest subsiding for a brief moment. He had leaned down to shove his head into the side of Pico's neck, trying to hide the glassiness that glazed over his eyes in hidden tears. He refrained from sobbing aloud, not wanting his ginger to worry about him. Those tears threatened to spill over when Pico wrapped his arms back around his upper torso. He had to snap his eyes shut at the feeling, knowing that he would have to let go, but didn't want to. He held them back from falling down his cheeks and wetting his angel's outfit.

Pico allowed the taller male to get his fill. He almost thought that it was kind of cute. It wasn't as if they were never going to see each other again. He raised one of his hands up to a sea of cyan-colored hair, gently flexing his fingers through the softened locks. This seemed to have encouraged the other male, as he pulled back enough to look into his eyes. He looked like he was going to cry, and that shot a stab of pain directly into his heart at the sight. "C-Can you come over tomorrow...?" He begged, softly. Making another twinge of ache twist at his heartstrings. How could he say no? They did miss out on their usual Saturday hangout, after all.

"Of course..." He agreed, still reaching to sooth the scalp of his savior. That brought a smile to his lips that almost made the ginger gush in delight. That puppy dog similarity already kicking in once again. Reminding him of the look on an excited dog when shown a leash to go for a walk. Something so small that would make his day complete. "I'll be over at my regular time..."

That smile faltered only slightly. Dark brows raising and a light pout etching on those lips. "Can you come over earlier?" He asked. The sound of his voice twisting in that familiar beg once more. His savior was so adorable in his own way. Requesting his presence earlier than their usual time. He should have known it was coming.

Pico chuckled softly, rolling his hand down to lay against the side of Keith's neck, enjoying the warmth it provided. His hands were always cold. They were so tightly pressed against one another, their faces were just a couple of inches apart, but his savior still didn't let go. He was, seemingly, trapped until he ushered what the taller male wanted to hear. "Ok... How's twelve...?" He asked, hoping to get away with the hour earlier time than his usual one.

This time, Keith's shoulders rose a little, lightly pressing that hand against his neck against it more. That pout formed into a shy frown and his brows lowered, nervously. "C-Can it be eleven...?" It was so softly spoken, that if Pico wasn't pressed against the other male, he may have missed it. It was like he was anxiously asking, expecting a denial. The ginger was not going to contradict him and easily give into the request.

"Sure~..." He could leave earlier, easily. It wasn't as if he had anything better to do beforehand. He only offered to come over that late at first because he didn't want to disturb his savior's morning. It seems that he has a new time to abide by. He was certain that Keith would be, now, expecting him to come over on Saturdays at that time. He didn't mind at all.

That smile lit up his face, forcing Pico's to do the same. With another crushing hug, Keith pressed his angel close to him. Not enough to cause harm, but to show how grateful he is. It was short lived, though. The orange-haired male, sadly, had to separate them once again. That smile from before faltering as he stepped back. Pico rolled his right hand down the blue boy's arm until it landed safely in his. Keith darted his gaze down to their connected palms, giving a small squeeze while darting back up to those gorgeous pearls that he loves so much. "I-I'll see you tomorrow..." It was quietly spoken. Pico already seeing those emeralds sparkle in those hidden tears once more. He hated to go, but he had to.

The ginger pulled himself back a few steps, their hands holding the entire way as Keith stood still, arms stretching to keep their bond. "See you tomorrow..." Pico nearly whispered out, feeling that awful pang in his chest for making his blue boy upset. It was clear that he didn't want him to leave but knew that he had to let go.

With the final step back, Pico fully separated their connection. Arms reaching their limit in length. Keith's flopped to his side, saddened by the loss. The ginger reached back to grip at his hidden scar. With a final smile, he turned around and began to head walk in the direction of his home. His figure beginning to shroud in the darkness of the neighborhood streets.

Keith blinked, feeling a couple of tears rolling down his cheeks, unable to hold them back. A quieted sob left his throat, as shoulders jutted up at the feeling of loss. He felt so childish, but he wanted his angel back in his arms once again. He felt so deprived and needy, but he knew that Pico had to get home. His family was probably expecting him. He stood on the sidewalk and watched as his ginger walked further and further away. "I-I love you!" His heart made him shout, against his will. That was unintended. He was hoping that his neighbors didn't hear it, as Pico wasn't too far away from him when that yell tumbled out of his mouth.

In the darkness, the figure stopped, and he saw it turn to look over its shoulder. Keith could almost feel the smallest of smiles aimed his way. Through the space between them, the taller male heard that deep baritone raised up a notch in volume. "I love you, too...!" That made Keith's heart flip in his chest at the small shout returned to his cry. Within moments, that figure turned the corner and disappeared from sight.

Keith raised a hand up to wipe his tears away as best as he could. Still standing on the dim lit sidewalk to try and collect himself.

Another pair of emerald eyes looked onward at the cyan-haired male out by the street. Mrs. Fairest watched the entire ordeal when her son pulled into the driveway, from the hidden safety of her front window. A deep feeling of pride welling up in her chest at her baby boy. Seeing him cry over his newfound love as they went their separate ways home.

A strong arm of the man she fell in love with, herself, wrapped around her from behind. Mr. Fairest looking onward in a similar feeling. They were so proud of their son. She had a strong feeling that she would be planning a beautiful wedding sometime in the future.

"That's our little Keith. Our baby boy is all grown up." Her words saturated in pride.