Discord: New Message

GAME HOES
DrunkChild may I present you
DrunkChild[Image Sent]
SoullessWonder A highly accurate storm trooper armor set?
DrunkChild more of who is inside it
ItsYaBoi Without fail, he is in that damn thing within an hour of getting to the dorm.
SoullessWonder Bryce, you’re with them?
ItsYaBoi You know it.
MissJester IS THAT DARROW?!?!?!!?
MissJester HE IS IN BOSTON?!?!?! DID YOU FLY AND NOT DRIVE THIS YEAR =[
ItsYaBoi He flew here and then we took the train.
ItsYaBoi You wouldn’t have been able to see us anyway with your classes.
MissJester Still…
ItsYaBoi You’re coming up in a few days for the weekend.
SoullessWonder I am still hung up on why there is a complete storm trooper armor in their dorm and I never knew about it.
BitchBoy not just owns daddy Texas made it
BitchBoy …
BitchBoy who changed my name again
MT back to the classic :)
SoullessWonder …
ItsYaBoi Caleb, are you okay?
SoullessWonder Just in shock.
DrunkChild its kinda tradition for darrow to highjack the suit and wear it the first day hes here
DrunkChild and its normally like this
DrunkChild full on tom cruise sock slide
ItsYaBoi And we love to see it.
MissJester Caleb~ Are you still joining us this weekend??
MissJester I know you said you had to work Monday :(
DrunkChild at least one night out so jes can finally meet you
MissJester PLEASE?!
SoullessWonder I will. For that and because I would like to meet Bryce and Darrow as well.
ItsYaBoi Sap. :)
DrunkChild and because Sober!Fjord remembered the promise to dance with him
SoullessWonder Ja. And because of that.
MissJester ARE YOU GOING CLUBBING WITH US?! CALEB~!!!
SoullessWonder Do not be too excited, Jester. I am going to both let you down in whatever hopes you have and also be not very thrilling to be around even without expectations.
ItsYaBoi You had two very happy boys here when you promised you’d go, if that helps.
MT three. rude.
MT I mostly want to watch Caleb do overpriced shots and wince at the sugar intake
ItsYaBoi Fine, you have two excited boys and one excited puppy.
MT eh
MT I’ll take it
MT while the bros are busy being gross and soft wanna go get boba
ItsYaBoi Fuck yes. They’ll be distracted for a few hours anyway.
DrunkChild ill drive
MissJester Oh, it’s sweet~
MissJester Don’t be mean :(
ItsYaBoi I’m allowed to be mean.
ItsYaBoi I have over a decade of reasons to be mean.
NottListening As the chat mom I give you permission to be mean
DrunkDaddy we’re still in the chat
NottListening Don’t you have a sailor to entertain
DrunkDaddy I can do both…
NottListening …
DrunkChild …
MT …
MT lol right so boba while they jerk each other off
ItsYaBoi Yes, please.
SoullessWonder That actually reminded me I have my free coffee that I have not taken advantage of today.
NottListening I would have disowned you if you missed that chance
SoullessWonder I would have disowned myself.
MissJester HAVE FUN EVERYONE~! I WON’T BE ON LATER TONIGHT BUT THREE DAYS <3!!!
MissJester Caleb, expect like, the biggest hug ~!

DM: GreenTea and Widogast
GreenTea If they won’t leave you alone about it, I think forcing the two parties to meet is the only real way to ensure that final step is taken.
GreenTea But, I also am aware there may be some complication in that, if I may be so bold.
Widogast I assume you are referring to Essek.
GreenTea I am. Now, I do understand the two of you were not exclusive, but logic is not always the key factor when it comes to how the heart feels. If my siblings are anything to go off of.
Widogast For someone with no personal experience, you are more than adequate at understanding the situation.
GreenTea That’s very kind of you to say. Molly alone gave me more than enough personal experience in this matter, even if it was not me who was in love. Or, at least what the youthful Molly thought was love.
Widogast He does strike me as the time who developed crushes easy when he was younger, ja.
GreenTea We became rather good at wrangling him, yes. Gus was my biggest ally in that, however, it was not always perfect. Do you have any reason to believe that Essek would cause an issue were he to be introduced to anyone in the party?
Widogast Not directly. He is rather mild-mannered and withdrawn. I feel as though there is a higher chance of others trying to poke and prod him when there is no actual reaction they can pick up on.
Widogast My concern is with Wulf. He is not naturally an aggressive individual, but he has a streak in him that is not…
Widogast he is not malicious in nature. He can be a rather forceful individual with a strong personality. Controlling, perhaps to those who wish to see it as a bad trait.
Widogast He may be more likely to rise to bait than Essek.
GreenTea I see.
GreenTea That does make sense. Despite the protestations of Beau, she is much the same way. Perhaps in time she will see that her own actions are simply cruder versions of his more calculated attempts to help.
Widogast Indeed.
Widogast Wait. When has she done that?
GreenTea Calling you while you were abandoned at the party, for example. Yes, Fjord was missing, but he is also a rather large individual and loud when he has been drinking.
Widogast I can see that.
GreenTea I would not put it past her to have read that in Fjord’s messages when she was next to him and took it upon herself to use his decision to wander off as an excuse to check in on you herself and ensure you had company.
Widogast Oh.
GreenTea She will never agree to it, of course.
GreenTea But back to your original issue, I don’t find anything wrong with using Darrow as leverage to end a bubbling argument. Simply allow them to interfere until they arrive in Amherst to see you. I highly doubt even Eodwulf would be willing to tell Darrow to his face that he does not wish for you to spend time with your friend who is freshly back from deployment. Especially not in front of peers he finds important.
Widogast Such as Astrid and Essek.
GreenTea Precisely. And really, if you give Darrow any excuse to play up a role with some warning, he will be more than happy to lay it on thick enough to be impossible to avoid.
Widogast That is more than fair.
GreenTea And I will be going, as well. So, there is no need to fret. If they manage to somehow start a fight, I will be there to talk it down.
Widogast Thank-you, Caduceus.
GreenTea Of course, Caleb. I am more than happy to lend an ear or more where I can.
Widogast Molly was right that you are the perfect person to speak to.
GreenTea Well. That makes me smile to know that you both feel that way.
GreenTea Now, please get some rest. You have a lecture in eight hours, and I know you have not been sleeping well these past few days.
Widogast Good night.

“Can… I help you,” a tall, slender man with elegant features and dark skin asked.

“Tell Caleb we have a boat load of seamen for him,” Molly replied brightly from the front of the group.

He immediately hissed as a hand connected to the back of his head hard enough to slightly dislodge the beanie from his head. He turned his head to pout at the offending hand—Fjord’s naturally because he had promised to behave—and turned back to the man at the door. He was pretty in a way that Molly normally found for women with his high cheekbones, sharp eyes, and hair that was magnificently kept a silverly white. Molly had that hair before. He knew the struggle. That alone gave the mystery man standing at the door of Caleb’s apartment some points in the column of cool. It also made him realize this was probably the mystery person that he never truly mentioned by name in group chat, but they all figured was the person he had been speaking to before Fjord. Not that he and Fjord were speaking.

That would take either of them developing a functioning pair.

“Let them in, please,” Caleb’s voice drifted from deeper into the apartment. “I assure you, Molly will just get crasser the longer you let him gain momentum.”

The man before him arched an eyebrow as Molly gave him a playful grin that tugged at one corner of his mouth. It was the innocent grin he used only when he was being anything but. It was riddled with mischief and sarcasm. And the man before him knew it if the soft sigh from his flared nostrils had anything to say about it. He stepped to the side and Molly entered the cramped apartment that smelled like the cigarettes the former tenants smoked before Caleb had moved in. He, Cad, Fjord, Bryce, and Darrow had taken the trip to Amherst to both meet and bring back Caleb for his weekend in Boston. Bryce and Darrow wanted to see the city, as neither had been to Amherst. Fjord was currently incapable of existing further than three football fields away from Darrow, and apparently his brother did not trust him unsupervised in the event that he met the illustrious Wulf. Which…

Fair.

His brother closed the door with his usual careful silence as if it were delicate or precious. He stood towering, which was really a feat next to Fjord, with his rose gold sides shave kept neatly under his soft gray-green beanie. People laughed at the strange similarities between Cad and Molly, often noting that Cad was the Disney version of his adopted brother. And Molly had to agree. His brother was a Disney princess if he ever saw one, down to the talking to animals if they existed in his presence for too long. And right now, he looked oddly at sorts with the too-small entry way as the others wandered in slowly with their less than gracious host (not Caleb) leading the way with either suspicion or dislike. He seemed prim and posh with what had to be designer clothes and trendy fashion sense. Really, he looked like someone who Jester would befriend simply out of style. Next to the rest of them, he looked far too overdressed. And when Caleb wandered into the living room, he only added to the staggering difference.

Caleb looked tired. His long hair was left hanging and slightly wild with a loose cardigan over a threadbare shirt and jeans that were more than likely his lazy day attire. He had no shoes or socks on and a bag in his hand. His blue eyes looked almost dulled and small bags had dug into the skin beneath his eyes. Instinctively, Molly looked over at Fjord in time to see the way his jaw clenched slightly at the sight.

“You are a bit early,” Caleb informed them casually as he put the bag down. His gaze turned to Darrow and his eyes softened. “The man of the hour, I see. It is nice to finally meet you in person.”

Caleb extended his hand for a shake and was immediately pulled into a tight but brief hug. The ginger gave an awkward grunt of surprise as he was dragged forward and slammed into Darrow’s barrel chest. Molly snickered at the way Caleb’s face heated and turned bright pink while his mouth opened and closed a few times like a confused fish. Darrow only smiled at him with his crooked grin and sparkling, dark eyes.

“Christ, pal, you look like you’re the one who just left the fucking sandbox. What are they doing to you up here,” Darrow informed him in his usual brightly blunt tone. There was a warmth to his question that undercut a lot of the accidental insult that came from the observation.

It only seemed to make Caleb blush a deeper red.

“Ah, ja. Finals preparation and people are starting to get their schoolbooks for next semester…”

“Sounds terrible,” Darrow interrupted with a grin.

“Ja, so. Just a lot. I… do I look that bad.”

“Nothing a nap wont fix,” Bryce finally cut in. They stepped forward and used their arm to push Darrow a step back before replacing him. “Ignore him. He’s usually not cleared for civilian contact for a week.”

They ignored the indignant squawk and the betrayed gasp when Fjord snorted in agreement. Caleb blinked between the two but seemed to understand who this other person was. Bryce had a distinctive tone that was a raspy tenor and cut through the rest of the din. Their sandy blond hair was let down in a shaggy mop as a guard against the cold and fell into their eyes. Molly was always entertained how they looked like a California surfer though they had never stepped foot on a surfboard in their life and hated the mere idea of a Hawaiian or bowling shirt. Which, again. Fair.

“Ah. Well, ah,” Caleb floundered for a moment before swallowing and trying again. “This is my friend Essek. We have a class together and he has bee helping me with the course as it is a bit different than I am used to studying.”

“Pleasure,” he informed them as he looked them over.

Molly was not sure if that was genuine or an insult. He let it drop as he felt his brother’s eyes bore into his skull in an attempt to make him behave.

“If we’re intruding, we can go grab a snack and come back,” Fjord offered neutrally. Molly knew that voice—it was the one that said I would rather hug a Man-Of-War, but I’ll do it if you ask.

“No, it’s fine. I we were about to wrap up as it were. And I am sure that you,” his eyes cut to Darrow, though they had lingered on Fjord for a moment, “are quite prime to spend as much time with your friends as possible.”

“Wulf should be here soon,” Caleb offered though he sounded a bit lost.

Molly noticed the way both he and Essek flinched. A grin was starting to creep when a sharp kick from behind landed on his ankle. Rude, brother dearest. His nose flared and he bit his togue to stop from commenting. They waited until they heard a knock on the door. By this point, some had taken to sitting in the room. Fjord had started (and failed to hold) two conversations with Essek. Bryce helped Caleb clean up for the weekend and prepare the timed feeder and water for the cat. Darrow scrolled through his phone and Molly watched. While Cad watched him. No respect.

Essek crossed the room in deliberate strides that were too tense to be casual. As if fleeing were beneath him, but an exit was necessary nonetheless. Another man, one with a square jaw and short-shorn hair poked his head in, saw the crowd, and gave a stilted greeting and parting to Caleb. Silence echoed in the room when the door clicked shut. And it stretched long enough for Molly to consider and ignore several ideas and plans mentally. Caleb’s phone lit up and was ignored by the man, but it solidified a half-formed thought that was terrible. And yet perfect.

“Well,” Cad tried, then he paused with a self-deprecating smile. “If there is nothing else, perhaps it is best we begin our day.”

Molly half listened as he watched Caleb pocket his phone slowly. They agreed about something. Conversations were had over his head, but he did not care. The man prepared for his opening. Not now, perhaps. Tonight, when they were all having fun. Caleb was paranoid sober. Maybe drunk he’d have less focus on that bit of machinery. Molly needed a few seconds after all to fish out the name or a link to social media, anyway. After all, if he won’t play the game, it was time to find one that he would partake in. And Molly loved games.

DM: MissJester and SleevesRBS
MissJester CAN YOU GET ME?! :(
SleevesRBS south station right
MissJester Yes please! :D
SleevesRBS k

DM: FjordTough and SleevesRBS
SleevesRBS kill me
FjordTough …
FjordTough I think coach would be a might pissed at me if I did
SleevesRBS SHE IS TRYING TO PUT MAKEUP ON ME
SleevesRBS MAKEUP
FjordTough you wear eyeliner
FjordTough I mean wear is a bit too complimentary but
SleevesRBS EXACTLY
FjordTough lol
FjordTough you’re the one who wanted to get ready with her
SleevesRBS I’d say choke on a dick but that’d require you getting laid
FjordTough I hope she stabs you in the eye with the eyeliner brush
FjordTough or your lashes get caught on the curler
SleevesRBS wtf why do yoU KNOW ABOUT MAKEUP

DM: DarkAngel and NottListening
DarkAngel Hey, I just wanted to let you know we are headed to the club now. We are taking two different cars and all of our phones are charged.
DarkAngel I am on Caleb duty in case he has a panic attack and needs to leave.
NottListening Thanks
NottListening Ive been a bit worried ngl
DarkAngel I figured. I got him, don’t worry.
DarkAngel And if not me, then Caduceus who won’t be drinking.
NottListening Have fun tonight and try to get him to have some too
NottListening I don’t know the last time he has gone out like this
DarkAngel I’ll do what I can. <3
NottListening <3 you’re the best

This was a new experience for Caleb. He had been to a few places before, but not like this. Amherst was a decent sized town. It was a college place with plenty of party spots that people frequented. But it felt like this was a whole new level. It was the capital city. It was the biggest city in the area on top of that. It was the tourist attraction, the major college area with almost ten in the county alone. They had taken two cars with Jester and Caduceus acting as the designated drivers. Jester had Yasha, Molly, and Beau in Yasha’s car. Cad drove the rest in his. Preparing for the club seemed to be some kind of significant or large-scale event after numerous bad incidents ranging from fights to creeps. Always have a pair. Always tell another pair where you are going. Don’t leave with someone not in the group. Yasha had been texting him the whole ride, which had done wonders for the bubbling nerves in his chest. He wanted to have fun with his friends. He wanted to experience this part of being a college student.

Astrid had gone clubbing plenty, and even Wulf had been once or twice. Caleb had never gone with them. It was always far too intimidating. Too many people. The music was too loud. Bodies everywhere. Strangers and crowds. Heavy scents and other sensory issues that weighed down his mind even before he experienced them. Still, somehow the group made it seem like they could at least hold back the worst of these fears. Be that wall. Keep him from feeling lost or isolated. Stand with him where it was quieter and sacrifice a few minutes of fun so he could calm down. He trusted them in a way he had never experienced with Wulf or Astrid—he trusted them with his insecurities and his fragility.

Molly had dressed Caleb up, though thankfully not as extreme as he had feared. They were roughly the same size in every way, which meant Caleb fit into a pair of ripped jeans that were too tight for anyone to sanely where outside of this exact setting. He was given a long, hooded tee-shirt with some elaborate graphic on it that he did not recognize and an arm full of bracelets. He even borrowed a pair of shoes, but most because Molly promised him canvas tops in a club begged for disasters between spilled drinks and high heels. His personal consultant was dressed in similar pants, only with the rips filled with sewn in sippers or covered with patches. His shirt was double layered with the first stylishly sliced to show the second layer’s contrasting colors. Bryce and Caduceus both had decided to go with the standard button-up look and simple pants, but where one looked like a chill uncle, Bryce made it look suave. Darrow was also wearing a button up, but his was open with another shirt underneath and lighter colored pants that were almost at odds with the rest of the clothes. Fjord, however, made Caleb nearly walk into the bed frame when he had emerged.

He had put on makeup to cover the pale patches of skin at his mouth and eyes. He explained that he would just get too many uncomfortable questions otherwise as he had blended the foundation at his hairline by the white tuft Caleb had come to adore. He was in a simple, black shirt that was tight enough that he was not sure exactly how Fjord put it on in one piece and a pair of dark jeans and heavy work boots. He was sitting safely at “slightly hotter than normal” until Caleb realized that Fjord had tattoos and the hocky butt Molly referenced was a real thing that deserved recognition. And boy was Caleb recognizing it. Hell, he was down-right admiring it.

This night was a disaster before it began. But he followed the group, presented his ID, and was given a wrist band he knew would require an actual act from god to remove by hand. Caleb wanted to go to the sitting area but found himself escorted to the bar by Darrow and his crooked, playful smile.

“One shot,” he pleaded as they moved. “That is all I ask from everyone. One shot together before Fjord turns into a white girl and starts telling everyone they are his best friend, eh?”

“Fuck you,” Fjord responded brightly. Most likely because he could not exactly argue that point.

“One shot,” Caleb agreed warily. “No tequila.”

“Hell no,” Darrow replied. “We are all getting the same thing for this one except the two DDs. And we all know there is no tequila unless we want Fjord attempting to use the stripper pole again.”

What.

“Was?”

His question was waved off as they slid up to the bar. A short argument broke out among the group as to what should be ordered (White gummy bear, kamikaze, and Vegas bomb being the most popular) and who would pay (Darrow reminding them that he had a lot of hazard and deployment pay to waste while none of them wanted him to waste his money on his own welcome home party). It was finally decided that they would simply get a round of kamikazes and two juices for the DDs on Cad’s card. Fjord put his own down for future use while Caleb watched Molly slip Darrow’s wallet away from him and hand it to Jester for safe keeping. His friends were not exactly the most morally sound, but he could not argue they had the best hearts. He smiled at their antics and took his shot when they cheered. Caleb never figured out if Darrow knew his wallet was missing.

Astrid (10:17pm): You best send me pictures of tonight!

Fjord was feeling good. Better than good. If he were entirely honest, he was shocked at how content he was feeling. It was great having Bryce and Darrow around again. He had cried when Darrow had been on the other side of his dorm door earlier in the week. Alive. Whole. Safe. It was as though no time had passed between them, and the same with Bryce. They had always gotten along with the rest of the group, so it was natural to see how they all interacted. The laughing. The late nights playing games and laughing. Falling asleep on the floor or couch like they were in the Barracks again. It felt good.

Now, it was even better. Excluding Nott, who did not club, the whole group was together. The family was together. And they looked amazing. The girls, even Beau, had gone all out. Jester was always gorgeous, of course, but she looked extra charming with a get-up that was just flowing enough to be sensual without being overtly sexy. Beau was wearing suspenders, what looked like dress slacks, and a crop top that was cut just right to show off the hard work she put in at the gym. And Yasha was miles of toned muscle that was displayed with a revealing outfit she wore with the reassurance that she could snap anyone who touched her inappropriately. And they’d probably thank her for it.

His eyes lingered, of course, as ever, on Caleb though. His blue eyes were almost electric in the dim lights of the club. He had been mostly with Yasha. The woman, of course, had promised Nott that she would mind his moods. Still, he had slipped off to dance with Jester a few times and in fact was surprisingly spry and capable. After teasing and prodding, he had even been dragged out by Molly and Darrow as well. Darrow, of course, fetched himself a partner, but Caleb had allowed himself to be the base Molly was grinding against while they both laughed. And that laugh, something to bright and full, kept causing sharp pains in the back of his mind.

“So,” Bryce’s voice cut into his thoughts. “You going to watch all night.”

Their eyes were following his gaze as they lingered on Caleb who had somehow found a new dance partner. A lovely girl with black and green hair. She seemed to be as serious about the whole affair as Molly had been, which was almost comforting for Fjord, even if he was glaring at Caleb’s hand on her thigh.

“No clue what you mean,” he replied and tore his eyes away. “Just zoning out.”

“Of course.”

“You know how it goes.”

“Totally.”

“It’s really packed in here.”

“Hmmm.”

Fjord sighed, realizing that they were not going to drop it no matter how he deflected. So, instead he ordered a drink and faced the bar. After a moment, their elegant hand slipped into his line of sight to drag the menu toward them. They made a great show of looking over the options until Fjord finally rolled his eyes and sighed. The man hung his head before turning to his friend.

“If I agree will you drop it,” he asked. “Not like we’re exactly going to spend time like…” he gestured at the dancefloor dismissively before cradling his drink

“Totally,” they replied simply. “I could really go for Mai Tai, but I hate the dark rum they use in it.”

“So, ask them to switch… it,” he pointed out annoyed at first, then he groaned as they gave an overdramatic hum of agreement. “Yeah, yeah. I could just ask.”

“No idea what you’re talking about, Fjord. After all, it’s nothing right?”

He hated the fact that they were so smug. He looked back over at the dance floor where Molly and Caleb were returning sans new friend. Both boys were flush on their cheeks and noses and the red was bright against their pale skin. He pushed out a stool, which Molly shoved Caleb into before sitting half on the stool Bryce was using. Caleb ordered a water before looking at Fjord’s drink and frowning.

“Greyhound,” Fjord replied. “Not a paloma.”

“Fair enough,” Caleb replied with a smirk. “Molly informed me that he is to order my next drink.”

“I promise you will love it baby boy.”

“Having fun out there,” Fjord asked in a tone he hoped sounded normal.

“Ja. I… am actually shocked how much I am enjoying tonight.” Caleb blinked in shock at his own admission, then smiled again. “Expected to see you out there for a bit.”

“Uh, I ah,” he began before a drink was placed in front of Caleb.

It had whipped cream. And was like a desert, but in layers. Caleb leaned back in his spot with his hands gripping he bar to look at Molly. Fjord’s hand immediately went to the small of Caleb’s back to support some of the weight and turned to watch Molly lean sideways and wink.

“Molly, what the fuck is this.”

“Come on, Cay,” Molly purred over the music with a brilliant grin. “All blokes love a Blowjob. Remember, pookie. No hands.”

Caleb sputtered and looked forward at the drink, then at the bartender. The man flushed and scurried off, leaving the ginger to look down the bar as Molly swooped down, collected the shot glass in his mouth, swallowed it all, then put it back down. The moment Fjord saw his best friend lean forward across the bar to watch Caleb do it, he turned his attention to his drink and watched as the ice became more and more visible as he drank faster than he normally would have. Again, he was glad he had dark skin because Fjord knew he’d be blushing now. The clink of glass on wood told him it was safe to look again. As he did, he realized his hand was still on Caleb’s back and the other man was leaning back into the touch. His face only grew hotter.

When Darrow returned, another round of drinks were ordered—this time the Vegas bomb. And by then, his head was sufficiently cloudy. Bad ideas seemed great. And the smile was in his face now full-time. Caleb stayed at the bar with him as they both paced out a class of water. His hand stayed on Caleb’s back as they spoke. The redhead ordered another drink, which Fjord tasted. As he finished it, the man turned his too-blue eyes at Fjord and there was something dark in their gaze. Not aggressive, but something he had not seen before.

“I do believe I offered you a dance,” Caleb pointed out. Now that he had been drinking, his accent came out more.

“Uh,” he tried before swallowing. “Yeah, you did.”

Caleb said nothing. Instead, he pushed his glass toward the bartender’s side of the wooden top and shifted in his chair. The hand closest to Fjord followed the larger man’s arm to his wrist and linked their fingers. There was no resistance as Fjord was led to the dance floor, people parting easily at the sight of a man well over six feet coming their way. They stopped not too far from where Bryce, Beau, and Yasha were all dancing together, but he did not look at them. His eyes were stuck on the flushed back of Caleb’s neck as the smaller man turned and pressed himself against Fjord’s hips and began to sway. Fjord’s hands were directed ho Caleb’s hips, where they held stiffly. The man was too busy attempting to follow the man’s moves and the rhythm to relax his grip right away. The longer the music played, the more fluid it became. It was easy to get lost in the heavy beats of the music. The songs never seemed to end, but rather bled one into the next. The marginal gap between their bodies vanished and Caleb’s frame melted right against Fjord’s chest. Caleb linked his hand over one of Fjords as they moved. Fjord’s free one left its stop on hip bone to drag slowly along Caleb’s side.

At some point, Fjord swore Caleb turned and faced him. He had to have turned. He felt the drinks hitting harder at that point, but he remembered staring into his eyes as the lights flashed around them. He remembered the way their bodies rocked against each other to the music and how Caleb’s hand roamed Fjord’s chest and back. He remembered all of it in that fuzzy, near-backout stage that comes from too much too fast. But he remembers the taste of whiskey and sour mix on his lips snapping the world into focus. The slow, almost lazy slide of uncoordinated kisses. How Caleb’s hands now both cupped the back of Fjord’s neck and the way he never once lost the beat to the song. He remembered the slight pause and shy look of Caleb’s eyes as he took a steadying breath and went in for another kiss.

But not after they were jostled apart by a random girls’ boyfriend causing a scene, or after they got the girl to her friends by the bar, or as they piled into their respective cars for the ride home. Not as they shyly exchanged guilty looks before passing out the night. Not even as they all woke up, hung over in the late morning to the scent of Caduceus cooking could Fjord remember who had made the move first.