Within the last few weeks, Casper High's football team has scratched and clawed for a chance at the championship. They haven't won in five years. However, they are on the run of a lifetime. Today is the day that everything could change. The team all sat in the locker room, and a certain team member was noticeably quieter than normal. He sat with his headphones on, most likely listening to Kendrick Lamar, with his eyes closed.

"Dash." Coach Miller, the football coach, called his name.

"Hmm?" He answered calmly, not altering his position whatsoever.

"Are you ready for this?"

"More than ever, Coach. I'll be fine."

"Good. No pressure."

But there was pressure. Dash had a lot on the line. If he won this game, he would be able to leave high school as a champion. He would be able to have no regrets. However, if he lost, then he told himself that he'd quit football forever. Even though he had received the first of many offers from colleges to play, he told himself that none of it would matter. He also told himself that none of it would matter if he couldn't protect his partner. He was willing to risk his dream for the one he loved. There was only one way to sum this up: he had to finish the story.

The stage had been set, as the Casper High Ravens looked to take on their undefeated rival with the biggest prize at stake in their homecoming game. Dash rallied his team in the locker room.

"All right, guys. Some of us are seniors, and this is our last game. I want to say two things. First, we really stepped it up this year, and I'm proud of all of you. The second thing I have to say, if none of you knew this, is that I am the first quarterback in Casper High history to come out as bisexual. This sport has helped me grow my whole life, but I've grown so much more in the last few months. Now, let's win this championship. RAVENS ON ME, RAVENS ON 3! 1, 2, 3!"

"RAVENS!"

"LET'S GO!" He shouted confidently as he led them out to battle.

The lights shone brighter than ever as the teams marched to the field. This felt, to Dash, like his biggest fight ever. He looked out at the crowd, seeing all but one person. "It's okay, he'll be here. He's excited for you. Now, go win this championship!" He took in a deep breath and got himself ready for the toughest challenge he had ever faced.

The game kicked off at a fast pace. Dash knew to block out all noise when competing. He threw play after play, placing Casper High in the driver's seat of this game. Unfortunately, there was one issue that was coming. As Dash threw a pass that ended in the last touchdown of the third quarter, he was tackled and felt his wrist throb in pain.

"FUCK!" He exclaimed. The ref cleared the area and checked on the injured quarterback.

"Can you continue?"

Dash shut his eyes and took some deep breaths. He felt his heart furiously pounding in his chest, and as he thinks about what's going on, he puts his thumb up. "I'm good." He stated calmly, but his wrist felt like it was on fire.

Thankfully, it was a small break before the last quarter, and it started to rain, so he was able to go to the locker room and get checked out. He was hoping that he would be able to keep playing, because right now, the team needs him.

"It seems to be a bit bruised right now, but we'll ice it for the moment and see how it feels."

Dash held the ice pack on his wrist as he sat on the bench in the locker room. He didn't know what was wrong, but he knew it wasn't good. As he sat on the bench, it got quiet. A ghost boy made their way through the heated area, only to stop mere inches away from where Dash was sitting.

Dash's eyes slowly looked up to the shadow that was hovering over him and a big smile spread across his face. "You came here to see me."

"Of course I did, you idiot." The ghost replied.

"Surprised to see you here." He chuckled to the figure, who kept a grip on the right wrist.

"You need me. I'm always going to show up, ghost or human. Now, let's see if I can… temporarily heal this injury…"

To be quite honest, the quarterback was unsure of how this would work. How could a… a ghost-human hybrid—who he DEFINITELY DOESN'T know—heal him for a short period of time? Through some stroke of luck, he felt his wrist be released and when he moved it, it didn't hurt anymore. He was shocked as he looked at the mystery person.

"How-"

"Shhh. You'll be okay until the game is over. Good luck."

The mysterious figure disappeared out of the locker room, bringing Dash back to reality. He knew who that was, and smiled triumphantly.

30 minutes later, the rain stopped falling and the team were able to resume play. Even with the field being wet, Dash knew that wouldn't stop him. He had too much on the line. After fourteen minutes, and as he got into position for his last throw, he shut his eyes and whispered to himself.

"Last one, Dash. Last one. Go out with a bang."

He shouted the play, grabbed the ball, and launched it in the air. He must've thrown it eighty yards down the field, because it was caught in the end zone for another touchdown. The score was now 54-51, and the final buzzer sounded. It was official: Casper High were now champions. Dash wore a look of relief on his face, and even though the pain from his wrist returned, he didn't care. All that mattered right now was that he won the big one in his final year. He removed his helmet, talked to the coach momentarily, and celebrated with his teammates.

The next night was the homecoming dance. Everyone was present, including Tucker and Sam. Unlike three years ago where the goth girl pretended she didn't want to go because of the dress her parents picked, she was more than excited to go this year... even if it was with Tucker. Also present was Dash, who was suited up in an all black look made of silk. His hair was perfectly done, he wore shades to add on the "cool" factor. Danny chose to match his look with a silk black suit of his own. The shirt clung tightly to his torso, highlighting his defined abs. He had a matching pair of shades, and to complete it all, he wore the ring that Dash gave him on their first "official" date. The two walked around the school, looking for a quiet spot to be alone for a moment. They soon found themselves outside, walking to the football field to be under the sunset sky and the stars that were beginning to shine.

"Hey, Dash. Why did we come out here? I don't want you to get dirty." Danny asked.

"I don't mind it, baby. Seriously. Plus, I have something for you." The quarterback answered as he led Danny to a spot in the nearest end zone. There, waiting for them both, was a covered spot on the field with three boxes in the middle of the blanket.

"Man, Dash really loves picnic setups. It's super cute." Danny chuckled quietly to himself as he took a seat on the comfortable field.

"Danny, how often do I tell you that I love you?"

"Every chance you get."

Dash made a sound of acknowledgement before proceeding with his thought. "Well, did you think I would forget what today is?"

Danny processed it before answering. "No… I mean, it is a special day for me, but I-"

"It's your 19th birthday, love."

"It is… wow, I must've been so busy getting ready for homecoming that I didn't realize. Thanks for reminding me." The ghost boy smiled and blushed.

"I could never forget it. That reminds me. Open the box on the left."

Danny picked up the perfectly wrapped box on the left side, and opened it to reveal a silver crown and sash inside. "Dash, did you get me a crown and birthday sash?"

"Yes. Put it on."

So Danny did. He looked at Dash and couldn't contain his happiness. "How do I look?"

"Like my perfect little Prince. Open the one on the right next."

Danny picked it up and looked at it closely. It had the words, "Use Me" written on it, which he grinned at. When he opened it, a lighter was inside. He took it out and set it down next to the big box. "Dash."

"You want me to help you open this one?"

"Yes, baby. Please."

"Okay."

The big box, wrapped very intricate and detailed, was soon messy and undone. Inside was a cake with Danny's name on it next to candles that made the number nineteen. It was in Danny's signature colors, red and white. He teared up before looking up at Dash. "You got me a cake, too?"

"Yep." He answered confidently and picked up the lighter. He carefully opened the cake for Danny and lit the candles. He sang to Danny and when he finished, he smiled at the now emotional ghost boy. "Happy 19th birthday. Make a wish, my love."

Danny tried to stop his tears from coming down. He was over the moon right now. Dash really went all out for him, and he didn't know about this until now! He took some deep breaths, made his wish silently, and blew out the candles.

"What did you wish for, baby boy?" Dash inquired as he covered the cake back up. He had to keep it fresh for when he and Danny got home. (Thankfully, he had the delivery guys send a second one to his house. Score one for intelligence!)

"Honestly, I wished for two things. My real friends and you."

"Me?" Dash mused. "Why me?"

"Dashi, you've legit been my number one supporter for the past five months. Ever since we started being friends again, and then started dating, you have been there every single time I needed you. I was able to come to you, even when I thought you didn't like me, and you let me in with open arms. Anytime you needed my love, I was here. When I needed yours, you never hesitated. Yes, we had a fight, but when you needed me for the semis, I showed up and made things right. I am a better person because of you. I… I love you, Dash. So fucking much." He felt the waterworks coming, and didn't even fight them. "Thank you…" He hugged Dash and clung to him as if he didn't want him to go anywhere. "Sometimes, I feel like you're all I got, but even then, I don't think I deserve all of this."

"Awww, listen to me, baby." Dash started as he held Danny close to him. "You deserve all of this love. You are so strong, and you've been through more than I can imagine. You made nineteen today. You're still ALIVE. I can say, with full confidence, I don't know what I would do without you."

Danny moved his head so he could see Dash. And honestly, he was right. Within the last year, Danny has been through some traumatic stuff. He got brutally attacked by the football team, his ex-girlfriend cheated on him with his ex-best friend, and he almost killed himself. Somewhere along the lines, though… Dash came into the picture in a more positive way. At a time where Danny felt like he was at his lowest point, Dash came around. He came to Danny's side, not out of pity, but because he had feelings for Danny. He knew that if he wanted to make things right, he'd have to be honest with both the ghost boy and himself. That fateful night almost five months ago… when the scared, anxious, and hurt boy showed up at the door of the one person he thought couldn't stand him, only to be let in and heard out. To be held and loved. That night brought them here, on Danny's birthday and homecoming night. The night they met, truly met, for the first time. They both stood up and walked back towards the gym, hand in hand. When they arrived, it was time for the last dance. And of course, it was a slow R song: "Best Part" by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R.

"Want to dance?" Dash held his hand out.

The past few months—and in turn, the last few years—weighed heavily on Danny's mind, but as he looked into the football boy's eyes, all his doubts ceased. "I'd love nothing more."

The two danced together in the middle of the court, and while they weren't alone at first, everyone soon made a circle around them and watched as they danced at what felt like their wedding reception. (Don't worry, we'll get there… just be patient.) Neither of them seemed to care that all the attention was centered around them.

"Hey, Dashi…" Danny started quietly, his crown high on his head, and his ring shining in the light.

"Yes, Dan-Dan?"

Danny blushed even more and with his usual shy smile, he spoke again to Dash. "I'm happy to be here with you. You made tonight really special for me. You're my hero."

Dash finally put all the pieces together on this night. At first, when the ghost boy said that he was his hero, he didn't understand it fully. For starters, yes, he was the one to hear Danny out about the whole "him and Tucker" fight. And he was the one to finally let Danny know about what really happened to him. But, to Dash, he never felt like a hero. He didn't know what it was like. Now, he truly knows what being a hero means. Being a hero isn't about having elite powers or being the smartest. A real hero is someone who is selfless and cares about others, and Dash is that hero to Danny.

"I wanted tonight to be special for you, Danny. You deserve it. I'm happy to be your hero, because I learned from one of the best." He smiled that 'Prince Charming' like smile once again at Danny, and tilted his crown a little. Danny just rolled his eyes, chuckled, and placed a hand on Dash's face as they continued to dance.

"You mean the world to me, baby. More than you'll ever know." The quarterback pulled Danny closer to him, their faces mere inches away.

For all of the hell Danny endured at the hands of Dash all those years, he felt like this was the moment he really knew that Dash had changed. While it did take a few months, and although he had to get over the fear of being hurt by Dash like he was by Tucker, tonight was the night that he could honestly say that he trusted Dash one hundred percent.

"Well, it's been a rough few months. However, this night has been worth the wait. I've gone through some hard times lately, but being with Dash is one thing I'll never take for granted because he's become so close to me. He's helped build me back up and make me stronger." Danny thought. "Sure, it gets hard sometimes, but that's life. We stick with each other, and that's all I could ask for."

Danny stroked Dash's face with his thumb, keeping his hand in the same spot. He looked deep into Dash's eyes as they sparkled in the luminous lights. "If life is a movie, then you're the best part…" He hummed before closing his eyes and leaning into a kiss with the star athlete. The music, along with the rest of the room, faded into background noise. Only thing the two cared about was each other.

"The relationship between him and I has been a long rollercoaster, but I wouldn't change it for anything." Dash thought to himself as he and Danny finally broke their kiss, immersing themselves back into reality. The song faded, the crowd was applauding, and all that mattered to him in this moment was his favorite ghost boy being happy.

"I love you, Dashi. I love you so much. Thanks for making tonight really special." Danny smiled as he held onto the quarterback.

"I love you, too, Dan-Dan. Happy birthday, my love." Dash kissed his boyfriend on the forehead and held him close.