Hawaiian Pizza
Chris is forced to sit through three hours of prom dress shopping. Three hours of giving opinions about what shade of blue matches Ashley's hair, three hours of Jess and Emily sneaking into the same dressing room, giggling and laughing, three hours of Sam freaking the fuck out while Hannah sits studiously beside Chris, all prim and beautiful and radiant because she decided her dress two years ago and it's beautiful.
"This is awful." Chris groans once Sam comes out for the third time. Hannah pats his knee.
"Did you pick a tux yet?"
"My dad wants to help. So no." Chris grumbles, dreading the inevitable pictures he'll have to suffer through. August was surprisingly sentimental and a fucking sap. Chris groans again.
"Shut up, nerd." Emily says, reappearing in a tight deep purple dress that flows beautifully down her legs before tapering off into a fluttery tail. She gestures to herself in one sweeping motion, earning an eye roll from Hannah.
"There will be people." Chris reminds her. "That," he points to the tail. "Will be yanked and destroyed."
"Agreed." Hannah says.
Emily glances at herself in the triple mirror stacked behind her. She clicks her tongue in annoyance before strutting back down to her dressing room. Sam emerges shortly after in something too pink and too frilly, Ashley bouncing after her with a wide grin. The dress Sam's wearing would be better on Ashley, the dress Ashley's wearing is white, hugging every soft curve of her body with a simple elegance.
Sam takes one look at Ashley and goes back to her dressing room, groaning loudly. Ashley giggles, spinning around once. Hannah smiles enthusiastically, already on her feet and bouncing towards Ashley. The neck line is deep, accentuating her cleavage with a lace trim. Chris clears his throat, shifting his gaze to the ceiling.
"Must be a good fit then." Hannah says, noticing, and Chris tries not to groan (for the 7th time that day).
"Think Felx will like it?" Ashley asks. Chris looks back at her, eyes widening.
"Felx is coming back? I thought you were going with Matt?"
Ashley shakes her head sadly. "Mike's going with Matt. But Felx isn't staying. Just coming for prom. I have something very special planned for them."
She winks at him and Chris blushes furiously, mind immediately latching onto potentially having sex with Josh. For the first time. With Josh Washington. Chris groans.
"It'll be okay, Chrissy." Hannah smirks. "I've heard Josh can be gentle."
"He's your brother and I don't want to talk about this." Chris says hurriedly.
"Talk about what?" Jess says, gracefully making her way towards them in an off the shoulder navy dress. It flares out halfway, petaling around her knees. She raises an eyebrow at them. Chris can hear Sam groaning from down the hall, the sound of a door closing following after.
"Chris' virginity." Ashley says. Chris gapes at her. Jess grins madly, eyes sparkling. Chris cowers under the three stares he's receiving, the gleam in Hannah's glasses nearly blinding him.
"Oh come on, Chris. It won't be bad." Jess says easily. "It's just Josh."
"Some might argue that's a reason to panic." Hannah tacks on.
"But they're bros." Ashley counters.
Jess shrugs. "If you can please me then you'll please Josh."
Hannah's eyebrows shoot up to her hairline, eyes wide and scandalized. Chris buries his face in his hands, screaming silently into the palms.
"That was last year. Let me live, Jessica. Please."
"You two?" Hannah sounds startled. "When? How?"
Chris is too embarrassed to feel insulted by Hannah's comment. "Can we not talk about this?"
Ashley folds her arms across her chest. "I'd also like to know."
Chris glares at her. Jess seems pleased with the sudden interest, making a show to move to sit beside Chris, wrapping an arm around his tense shoulders.
"Sophomore year, my house, after two very bad shots of vodka." Jess smirks. "Chris baby has the oral skills of Mike Munroe. Maybe better. Almost Emily level."
"No one's that good," comes Emily's snooty laugh. She stands beside Hannah, a humorous smile on her face. She's dressed in what she wore to the store, tight pants and expensive shades of black. Jess squeezes Chris' shoulder.
"Oh? He's pretty good, Em." Jess responds, her voice just a bit deeper, laced with something Chris absolutely doesn't want to think about. Emily's left eye twitches slightly, glancing at Chris, before a smirk spreads across her lips. Chris almost swoons.
"I'm gonna go change." Jess says, rising to her feet. She saunters past Emily, purposely swaying her hips in a suggestive manner. Emily trails after her. Hannah and Ashley watch the entire exchange in silence only looking back at Chris when a door down the hall closes.
Hannah's cheeks are bright red, Ashley's mouth hanging open. Chris breathes.
"Can we please go?"
Sam ends up not buying anything while Jess, Ashley and Emily all leave with at least 300$ worth of closing per person. Jess has a bright glow about her, Emily carrying herself with more grace than usual and it takes effort to not explain to Sam why they're all acting so weird.
Chris is parked outside Ashely's house when Josh calls.
"How was it?"
"Awful." Chris mumbles, waving at Ashley, who stands in her doorway, before pulling off. "Your sister is so wonderful. I didn't have to suffer alone."
Josh snorts. "Yeah, Han's pretty great. Come over?"
"Nah." Chris smiles, easing onto the main road. "I have plans."
"Oh? With who?" Josh says and Chris can hear the smile on his voice.
"Some guy. You might know him. He's pretty hot."
"What's his name?"
"Matt Samuels."
Josh clicks his tongue. "Matt is very pretty buuut you should reschedule."
"Any reason why?" Chris asks, checking the road before he shifts lanes. He eases to a stop, red light blaring at him.
"Well, see, there's this thing I kinda want to confirm."
"What's that?"
"Word on the street, Cochise, is that I'm missing out. It's not even word on the street. I know for a fact I'm missing out. Missing out on something marvelous. Jess studiously reminded me today that I definitely have not stuck my dick in your mouth."
Chris nearly runs off the roads, words tumbling around on his tongue as he tries to formulate sentences. Chris exhales shakily, feeling how warm his face is. Josh chuckles deep into the receiver, the sound sliding along Chris' spine like melted gold.
"Lemme feed you my dick, bro."
"Jesus Christ, Josh." Chris manages, following the familiar road to the Washington house.
"No homo?"
"Bullshit. I'll be there in 5." Chris mumbles.
"Atta boy." Josh says. The receiver clicks off, leaving Chris to drive alone and perpetually terrified. There were plenty of things to consider. 1. Chris hadn't given a blow job in at least a year, the last participant had been Henry Lendeik. 2. It was Josh Washington. 3. It seemed a little sudden considering Chris finally got over his anxiety when it came to making out, albeit with a lot of practice much to Josh's approval. 4. It was Josh Washington and despite being a toned down version of his former self, he was still overly flirtatious and handsy with expectations.
Chris was going to die.
Josh sits on the stairs leading up to the porch, a cigarette in his mouth, grinning widely when Chris pulls into the driveway. He rises to his feet, in a plain dark shirt and low hanging sweats bunched up to his knees. Chris braces himself, kills the engine and exits the car. Beth's car is absent from the driveway as is Melinda and Bob's, Hannah had gone to her boyfriend's after the shopping venture so it was just them. Just Chris and Josh.
"'Sup, Cochise." Josh greets easily as if they didn't just discuss him putting his dick in Chris' mouth. Chris raises a hand in greeting, nervously tucking his hands into his pockets as he walks over. Josh pinches the bud between his index finger and thumb, digging it into the stone steps before flicking it away.
"You look like you're about to combust."
Chris was. He nods stiffly and Josh smiles, slow and crooked. He touches Chris' forearm, just above where the prosthetic meets skin, fingers tracing the inside of his arm with gentle motions.
"We don't have to do anything you don't want. But I do wanna watch Cabin In The Woods on the projector."
Okay. Chris can do that. He can watch a movie with Josh Washington, while pointedly thinking about potentially blowing Josh Washington. Chris follows him into the house, hanging an immediate right. They journey down a short hallway, one of the double doors of the private theater already open. Josh ventures up the small flights of steps to the projector, gesturing for Chris to find a seat so he does somewhere in the middle.
The movie whirrs before flickering into a solid white film. Josh plops down beside him as the opening scene begins. He leans against Chris, hooking their arms together as his head rests against Chris' shoulder. Chris tries to focus on the movie, tries to focus on the characters on the screen but it's hard because now all he can think about is Josh's dick in his sweatpants.
Chris sneaks a glance at his boyfriend, feeling tiny pushes against his subconscious when he realizes Josh is staring back. Josh licks his lips, focused, a sly grin on his face. He glances down to Chris' mouth before looking back up.
Chris is the one to close the distance, grasping the front of Josh's shirt with a shaky hands as Josh melts into him, pushing Chris' jacket off with jerky movements. The kiss is sloppy, sloppy and uncoordinated but Josh is moaning against him so Chris doesn't really focus on anything else besides how hot he feels with Josh's hands roaming his body, thin body straddling his lap.
"I can hear you." Josh murmurs, mouthing bruises into Chris' neck. "Your heart is beating so loud, Chris."
"That a bad thing?" Chris asks hoarsely, sliding his hands under Josh's shirt. He eases Josh back into his seat, moving to the floor on his knees. The floor is cold, a bit too hard but it's not really a concern when Josh is staring down at him, eyes dark and hooded and he's licking his lips again.
--
"Nah." Josh whispers.
Chris barely catches under the sound of screams playing absently behind them. Chris leans forward, right hand braced on Josh's knee. He holds his boyfriend's gaze, lips brushing along the outline in Josh's sweats. Josh locks his jaw to the side, eyes dilating into thin slits. That was new. Chris tugs at the waistband, pulling roughly until they're pooling around Josh's ankles. Chris almost laughs at the fact that Josh isn't wearing anything underneath, the quiet swear above him echoing in his skull.
Chris has never seen Josh's dick before, whether it be on accident or not, but it's before him now, hard and dark, under the soft white light of the movie. Chris takes it in his hand, gaze flickering up just in time to see Josh's face twist up in a shuddery sigh. Chris settles between his legs, one hand splayed on Josh's thigh as the other slowly moves. Chris studies his boyfriend's face, tongue darting out to trace over the head.
Josh places a hand on Chris' head, fingers combing through the blond strands as he watches Chris' mouth wrap around the tip of his dick. Josh's head falls back, eyes slipping closed, hand tightening in Chris' hair as the others mouth sinks down around him. Josh bucks up involuntarily, pushing his dick further into Chris' mouth. Chris gags slightly, relaxing his jaw as he sinks down further. He places a hand on Josh's hip, pressing down firmly. Under the soundtrack Chris can hear Josh's soft 'fuck, fuck, fuck'.
Chris relaxes his jaw, sinking down further, eyes locked on Josh. The other stares down at him, biting down on his lower lip. Chris pulls back up, sucking on the head before dragging his tongue along the slit, saliva slipping down the corners of his mouth. Josh tugs on his hair and Chris moans softly, feeling his jeans grow tight when he glances back up to see Josh, eyes blown wide, the laziest smirk Chris has ever seen curled into his lips. Chris dips back down, swallows, tongue sliding along the vein and Josh's eyes slip closed, fingers pulling almost painfully. Chris bobs his head, mouth wet and full and he squeezes Josh's thigh when the other's hips jerk up again.
The movie sits forgotten, voices muted in the dull sound of nothing and Josh tenses underneath him when Chris sucks the head one last time and he's coming without much warning beyond a small pat on the shoulder. Chris swallows all of it, lapping the salty taste into his mouth without much thought, mouth working Josh through his orgasm.
Josh sinks down in his seat, boneless, hand dropping to his side as he watches through narrowed eyes as Chris releases his dick with an audible pop. Chris licks his lips, touching the corners of his mouth for any random flying come stains. Josh swats his hand away, running a thumb across Chris' bottom lip, smearing saliva and come along the skin. Josh forces himself up, grasping Chris' by the front of his shirt and pulling him into a bruising kiss. He eases Chris' mouth open with his tongue, stroking long swipes along the inside.
Josh pushes him to the floor, mouth still attached to Chris', bent over him while his hand works the other's jeans open. Josh kicks his sweatpants from around his ankles, wedging himself between Chris' legs. Chris moans when Josh wraps a hand around his dick. It's a bit embarrassing, that only two pumps later Chris is coming in Josh's hand but Chris will blame traumatic events for his lack of control around Josh Washington.
"You're so easy." Josh murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to Chris' mouth. "Jess was right. Your mouth is perfect, Cochise."
"Shut up, man." Chris whimpers, face flushed hot with shame. Josh smirks down at him, lifting his come covered fingers to his face. He licks his hand clean, winking dramatically at Chris when the other grimaces.
--
"You been eating pineapple?"
"Can we please not talk about this?" Chris asks, eyes wide. Josh shrugs, lifting himself off Chris. He holds out a hand, which Chris accepts, and helps the other to his feet. Josh reaches for his sweatpants, lazily pulling them back on. He plops down in his seat as Chris fixes himself.
"You came in like five seconds, Cochise." Josh comments when Chris sits down beside him, smiling cheekily. Chris punches him in the arm. Josh pats his knee with a fond smile.
"We'll work on your endurance."
It's how they continue to spend their time together, avoiding talk of anything serious (no school, no therapy, no panic attacks, no suicide attempts), Josh pressed up against him with a hand down his pants and a tongue in his mouth.
They should probably talk, about something, anything but the last time Josh tried to bring up Chris' arm, Chris had left, climbed into his car and didn't talk to Josh for about four days. Chris isn't sure why he evades the topic, maybe because he knows Josh feels terrible about it, maybe because he feels terrible about it but prom keeps drawing closer so it's easy to forget about what they've gone through when all their friends talk about after parties and who's fucking who in too expensive hotels after. Chris wants to forget it even if he's reminded everyday he wakes up.
"You guys pick out your tuxes yet?" Emily asks, legs swinging over the edge of the roof. Her hair is tucked behind her ear, face devoid of make up and emotion and Chris thinks it's because of where they were. It took more than a little coaxing to get Chris to go back, took three tries and one panic attack for him to be able to get out the car, but he goes on the fourth time because Sam and Josh both wanted to go and try to recreate The Point into what it was before. A place to run away to that wasn't Binksy or Lexington. Chris did it for Josh, maybe for himself, but he'd never come here alone again.
Sam cradles a beer bottle to her chest, gaze distant with Josh on her left, Chris beside Emily on her right. The Point still smelt like piss but the mildew smell was gone replaced by the metallic odor of rusting pipes. Chris didn't know if the second floor still had his blood on the floor, he didn't want to know. Emily grabs his hand.
"Nah." Josh answers, lighting up a cigarette. His hand still shakes sometimes. Chris takes a swig from his bottle, uneasiness settling along his stomach. He searches the tops of trees, sun winking in between leaves and the sky is setting in shades of purple.
"I hate prom." Sam sighs. "It just makes me anxious. I should be worried about passing the graduation test, not spending money on clothes I'll only wear once."
"Same," Emily agrees, smiling softly. "Jess wants to go though."
"Beth made a promise to Hannah so that means I have to go." Sam huffs.
"Girls." Josh snorts.
Chris peaks around Sam to glare at him. Josh shoots him a wide grin, inhaling deeply, ash and smoke swirling. Sam bursts out laughing suddenly, startling all of them. They take turns exchanging glances before focusing on her.
"We went through literal hell and we're concerned about prom." Sam laughs harder, slapping Josh on the knee as she nearly topples over. "And graduation."
"And what colleges we should go to." Chris mumbles and it only makes Sam fall back onto the roof with a thunk, beer spilling everywhere as her laughter dies down into a fit of giggles. Josh raises an eyebrow at her, smile fond and warm and his shoulders shake as he tries not to laugh. Emily beats him to it, her deep chortle filling the air alongside Sam's breathless chuckles. Her hand shakes in Chris', head thrown back.
It's a domino effect, Josh shortly joining them with a throaty laugh. Chris takes it all in, the sounds they create together, the exasperated way it feels out loud. Something like the end. The end of a bad chapter. Chris doesn't laugh, can't find it in himself to force a smile or join him. Instead he just feels the overwhelming sense of relief washing over him. Chris absently touches his right arm, exposed in the sun, pale white.
"We made it." Sam says softly once the noise dies down. "We fucking made it."
"One more year of high school to go." Josh adds, bringing a bottle of hard cider to his lips. Chris watches the way his throat works it down, watches how Josh turns to him, eyes bleak and tired. Josh gives him a small smile that feels like a maybe to a question Chris doesn't want to ask.
"Let's take it in stride." Emily says. Chris couldn't agree more.
Josh stays the night for the first time in months, probably since before Halloween, before everything literally went to hell. But he stays the night, sitting on the floor, dicking around on Fallout as they listen to Alvvays from Ashley's mixtape playing in the stereo. Chris is stretched out on the bed, fumbling with a code in his phone. He's rusty now, completely forgetting how apps work. Chris groans tiredly, tossing his phone onto the bed.
Josh glances up at him. "'sup, bro?"
"Nothing." Chris sighs, narrowing his eyes at the TV. "Are you playing my saved game?"
"Yeah." Josh answers, mashing buttons as he fights a Radroach. "Made some pretty big plot decisions too."
"Bro!"
"Shhh, Chris, daddy's tryna mine for jet."
"Don't get him addicted to drugs!"
"Shhhh." Josh smiles, pausing the game. He faces Chris from the floor, resting on his elbows as he leans against the bed. Josh stares for a moment, eyes darting from Chris to the empty spot beside him then back to Chris.
"You're allowed on the bed." Chris tells him.
Josh beams, crawling onto the bed like a spider. He climbs over Chris, arms braced on Chris' headboard, legs tucked around Chris', bent over slightly, tongue darting out to wet his lips. They stare at each other for a moment, breaths mingling and they're so close, so so close to one another. Josh kisses him, mouth wet and wanting against Chris', insisting and hot and Chris moans, hands grasping at Josh's shirt.
Josh pulls away, lips puffy, sitting back on Chris' knees as he drags his shirt over his head. "I ever tell you what you sound like?"
"What?" Chris asks dumbly, reaching out to touch the exposed torso. Josh shudders underneath his palm, skin chilled and soft. Chris wonders if it will ever go away, the tiny changes in Josh's body from his time being possessed. Occasionally Chris would hear Josh's throat click, sharp, puttering noises, whenever he was angry. Josh wasn't bothered by Devil Kettle's winters anymore, wasn't bothered by bruises or scars, skin healing back almost immediately. Emily had said it was nothing to worry about so Chris listened.
"People have different sounds." Josh explains, fingers working on the buttons of Chris' (Josh's) flannel. "It's like a mariachi band."
"Oh?" Chris says distractedly, wincing when the cold air hits his skin. Josh nods, head tilting to the side as he helps Chris' out of his shirt. "What I sound like?"
"A violin."
Chris frowns. "That's so boring."
Josh snickers, pressing Chris back against the pillows. He bends over him, grinding his hips down as he recaptures Chris' lips. Chris grasps Josh's shoulder tightly, sliding his prosthetic arm around the other' waist.
"I still sound like that?" Chris murmurs, angling his head when Josh nips at his chin. Josh makes a noise of confirmation, grasping at Chris' hips tightly. He doesn't bite as hard or leave as many hickies as he used to and Chris kinda misses it, the aftermath of colorful bruises dotting his collarbone but Josh has experienced Chris breaking into tears enough to not try to push it.
A knock comes to the bedroom door, Chris bolting upright as Josh sprawls backwards before tumbling off the bed. Chris grasps at his blanket, tugging it over his bare chest right before the door swings open. August takes one look at Chris, face casting a shade of crimson as he takes in his son's appearance.
"Uhm... Did.. I-I interrupt something?"
Chris shakes his head fiercely, sneaking a glance at the other side of his bed. Josh has a hand over his mouth, struggling not to laugh. August clears his throat.
"Okay. So. Tomorrow is the big day. Your tux looks really nice."
"I could've just worn my fancy faux tux shirt." Chris jokes, trying to ignore the way his dad keeps not looking at him. August seems particularly interested in the Han Solo bobble head on Chris' dresser.
"Uh, no. So see you in the morning."
His dad knocks three times on the doorframe before drifting back into the hallway, closing the door behind him. Josh springs up immediately, face red with laughter as he tries not to wheeze. Chris smacks his shoulder, burying his face in his knees, wrapping the blanket tighter around him.
"Aww don't be embarrassed, Cochise. Every dad walks in on their son wankin' it at least once."
"Did you just say wankin? Oh my god, Josh." Chris groans. Josh smirks darkly, sliding back onto the bed. He disappears under Chris' blanket, shuffling between his legs.
"Dude, what are you-"
Chris feels a hand on his hip, the hot swipe of tongue against his skin and Chris tenses up, peaking under the blanket to see Josh's dark smile, zipper locked in his teeth. Chris watches it get dragged down, heart in his throat, fingers twisted in the blanket. Josh licks along Chris' clothed erection, mouth hot and moist and Chris has to think about August walking back in to keep from being too loud.
Josh wakes Chris up before he leaves, Ashley waiting outside in the hallway for respectable reasons.
"Just stay, bro." Chris mumbles sleepily, stifling a yawn as he stretches widely. Josh is halfway out his window, shirt barely on, shoes in hand. Chris raises an eyebrow at him.
"You're not even dressed."
Josh smiles at him. "I'm late. Hannah is literally going to kill me if I don't get home. Like now."
"Okay, okay." Chris sighs, struggling to stand. He hobbles over to where Josh sits in the windowsill, bending down to press a soft kiss to Josh's mouth.
"See you later?"
Josh's smile wavers slightly. "Yeah, bro."
Chris watches him go, watches him drive away, debating if he should just go back to sleep but Ashley is already kicking down his door, tux in hand, stars in her eyes as she babbles about how nice it is. She manhandles Chris into the shower, makes him brush his teeth for five minutes instead of four while she sits on the toilet, excitedly chattering about Felx arriving soon.
Chris wonders if this is what having a sibling is like. He's sitting on the floor of his bedroom, back against his bed as Ashley fumbles with his hair into something "suitable". ("Just take it, Chris." "That's what she sa- ow!" "Don't try me, blondie!"). It ends up being a lot later than Chris was expecting, his phone covered in text messages and heart emoticons from Josh.
"You look good, Chris." Ashley says, sounding so surprised it's actually offensive. Chris glares at her through the mirror, adjusting his black bow tie. He turns slightly, taking in how thin his legs look in the white suit, the lack of tightness in the arms. Chris tugs on a pair of black leather gloves, watching the whiteness of his prosthetic disappear.
"You look like a bride." Ashley says from her seat on his bed. She grins up at him, snapping a picture before rising from her seat.
"Shut up, Ash." Chris blushes. "A red suit would've been tacky."
"I'm sure Josh would jump your bones anyway. Speaking of which, where is your lover boy?"
"Dealing with Hannah." Chris informs her, smoothing out a wrinkle in the side. "He's designated photographer since the parents are gone."
"How do you miss your kids' prom?" Ashley frowns.
"Senior prom is really the only one that matters." Chris reminds her.
Ashley rolls her eyes, snorting loudly as she fixes Chris' glasses. She pats his shoulder, feeling the soft fabric with a sigh.
"You look good." Ashley says again.
Chris cracks a smile. His dad joins them shortly, posing Ashley for faux sister/brother pictures whatever that means, Chris wasn't sure. August tears up as he sifts through the photos but doesn't say anything. Chris isn't sure what he's thinking but his dad hugs him tightly afterwards. Chris gets a text from Josh before leaving, telling him to go ahead to the school and he'll meet him there. It doesn't sit right with Chris, something feeling a bit off as he rereads the message. But he listens, heading to the school, popping way more breath mints that necessary.
The school parking lot is packed, limos and high rise SUVs dropping off students dressed elegantly in various colors. Chris finds Emily near the gym entrance, covered in a rich red dress that glides along her skin like bloodied petals. Chris whistles. Emily physically recoils.
"Gross. You look really good though." She comments, gesturing to Chris' attire. "Where's your boy toy?"
"He's coming later." Chris tells her. "You look good too. Where's Jess?"
Emily flips her hair. "I know. Jess is busy fraternizing with her cheerleader squad and I'm waiting for Matt so I can fix his stupid tie. Beth is inside with Sam."
Chris raises an eyebrow but makes no comment, heading inside. The lights are low, soft white and red shades cast over the polished floor. There are tables set up near the back, round, dressed beautifully with vases full of flowers. Chris almost could say it's lovely.
He finds Beth near the DJ station, wearing a tight fitting suit with a tapered tail. She's wearing top hat and a monocle.
"Chris! You look so good!!" She exclaims, clearly taken back. Chris' lips twitch.
"Do I usually look like trash?"
Beth waves a hand. "No, no, just nice to see you not looking like a distressed hipster who can't figure out if their pursuing art or band camp."
"What?"
"Nothing." Beth dismisses. "Where's Josh?"
"He said he'd be coming later."
Beth frowns. "Uh, he told me he was waiting on you."
Chris stares at her, taking in her words slowly. Sam finds them, two red drinks in hand and she's in a sleek white dress, hair done up elegantly in smooth waves. Her jaw drops when she sees Chris and honestly this is starting to be painful to experience.
"Wow, Chris!" Sam exclaims, handing Beth a cup. "You look-"
"Please say something besides good." Chris interrupts.
"Hot. You're fucking smoking. I'm surprised Josh isn't climbing you like a tree." Sam grins widely. "Where is he?"
"Apparently coming later." Beth responds uneasily.
"I thought he was waiting on you?" Sam turns to Chris, who is fishing out his phone. He shows them the message, Beth's eyes scanning it quickly before a realization strikes her.
It dawns on Chris, the purposefully wrong information, the distraction of prom. Chris is moving before he realizes, spinning on his heel and practically running back to the parking lot. Beth follows after him, leaving behind a confused Sam.
"He's not answering." Beth informs him, eyes wide with panic. "Chris-"
"I'll go. Find Hannah. Tell her what's up." Chris says hurriedly, stepping out onto the road. He rushes to his car, not even fully inside before he's twisting the key into the ignition. Chris drives fast, grateful for the town's distraction of prom because it meant most of the police presence was at the school, to avoid anymore "bear attacks".
Josh's E30 is parked out front the Washington home, lights off, driveway bathed in darkness aside from Chris' headlights. Josh's bedroom light is on, a shadow pacing back and forth. Chris stumbles out the car, up, up, up the porch, crashing into the front door with a soft groan. He takes the stairs two at a time, reaching the door leading to Josh's room quickly. Chris can hear music playing softly from upstairs, bedroom door closed.
Chris inhales deeply, climbing the short flight of steps quickly. The door swings open when he reaches it, Josh standing before him with red eyes, devoid of anything remotely resembling prom. In fact, Josh is dressed as if he was going somewhere. Josh's gaze traces over him, dragging along his form slowly.
"Wow." Josh says in awe.
"You're okay." Chris releases the breath he was holding. Josh shifts from one foot to another, folding his arms across his chest.
"Yeah. Bad day."
They stand in silence, Chris staring up into Josh's distant eyes, Josh gazing down at Chris. Josh takes a step backwards.
"Wanna come up?"
Chris nods, slowly making his way up the stairs. He takes in the room, the way everything seems rearranged and different, bed devoid of sheets, pictures torn down, TV playing the title menu for Ponyo over and over. The click of the door closing brings Chris back to reality, Josh moving past him to sit down on the messy bed. There's an open book bag full of clothes on the floor.
"Going somewhere?" Chris asks quietly.
Josh glances at the bag then shrugs. "Thought about it."
Silence stretches between them, Chris staring at Josh as the other avoids his gaze. Chris wants to ask if Josh was going to leave without saying anything. Leave Chris behind in this tiny town.
"I was gonna come. It's kind of a big deal. Prom." Josh runs a hand over his face. "I.. I didn't mean to worry you. Or Beth. Definitely going to get cursed out when I see her." He chuckles softly. Josh glances at Chris, a small smile playing on his lips. He gestures for Chris to come closer so he does, crossing the room in three easy steps before he's standing in between Josh's legs.
"You clean up nice, Cochise." Josh reaches for Chris' right hand, fingers dancing along the leather fabric. "Real nice. I realized today how much the idea of being in a room full of people bothered me. Maybe because I'm used to wanting to rip them apart."
"Wanna stay home?" Chris asks. In reality he wants to ask if Josh wants to stay here, with him. Josh looks up at him, shrugging heavily as he leans back on his arms.
"I dunno. You're all dressed up and perfect. I'm a bad date."
Chris snorts. "I've never been stood up before so you're certainly one to remember."
Chris has been left behind before though, watched people wilt away and fade until one day they aren't there anymore.
Josh laughs at that. "I've never stood anyone up before and they show up at my house."
"Match made in heaven." Chris supplies.
Josh only smiles, straightening as he grasps Chris' hips. He rises to his feet, absently playing a muted melody on Chris' side. It was still weird, their sudden height difference but Chris doesn't mind as much anymore. Chris touches Josh's shoulder, hand sliding up to caress the side of his face. Josh leans into it, eyes slipping closed.
"We can go." Josh whispers.
Chris shrugs. "We can stay."
"It's Prom." Josh argues, green eyes opening.
"Were you going to skip town without telling me?"
Josh's mouth opens before it snaps closed, gaze darting away from Chris to stare down at the floor. He shrugs, tucking his hands into the pockets of his jeans.
"I don't know." Josh admits. "I haven't decided. I just packed stuff. I don't know if I'm going to leave or where'd I go or why. I..I just packed a bag, Chris. That's it."
Chris doesn't say anything. Josh peers up at him. "Are you mad?"
Chris shrugs, stepping away from Josh. He doesn't know what he is, mind blank, but he wanders over to the Josh's computer, pausing the nameless Broken Bells song that was playing. Chris taps around on YouTube, face lighting up as he finds what he's looking for and clicks play. A trumpet sounds through the speakers, Ella Fitzgerald's voice ringing out beautiful and soft and Chris can hear Josh move behind him.
Chris flicks off the overhead light, leaving only the soft glow of the tv, clicking the lowest setting on Josh's nightstand lamp. Chris shrugs off his coat, taking off his gloves and setting them on Josh's bed as said owner stares at Chris. Louis Armstrong sings out, Ella's melding against his in smooth harmony. Chris holds out his right hand to Josh, Josh, whose eyes widen a fraction before melting into something Chris can't fully read, soft and sweet like a breeze in spring.
Josh takes his hand, stepping up to Chris, one hand secure on the other's waist. Chris places his other hand on Josh's shoulder, feeling his cheeks burn when he presses closer, Josh's deep chuckle breathing into his ear. Josh leads them in a slow circle, nose buried in the side of Chris' head as he hums along.
"You would know this song." Chris mumbles.
"Good song." Josh replies easily. "You have decent taste."
"I'm dating you so it has to be better than decent."
"Oooh stroking the ego will get you everywhere with me, Cochise." Josh smiles against him, the hand on Chris' waist sliding to the small of his back. Chris stiffens, mind immediately fleeing to whatever deep gutter he has reserved for Josh Washington.
"You sound so nice right now." Josh comments, mouth still very, very close to Chris' ear.
"Stop with your creepy vampire bullshit, bro."
"Can't help it." Josh releases Chris' hand, cupping his chin gently. He presses their mouths together, smiling when Chris' lips part for him. The hand on Chris' waist shifts to the front of his dress shirt, nimble fingers popping buttons open.
"Wanna do something dirty?" Josh mumbles against him, biting down on Chris' lower lip as he pinches a nipple with his other hand. Chris stutters out a 'mmhm', taking the hem of Josh's shirt and pushing it up. Josh pulls the rest off with ease, tossing the article somewhere behind him before grasping Chris' face, kissing him hard.
Chris groans in response, working on the front of Josh's tight jeans, fumbling with the zipper as his mind shorts, Josh's tongue in his mouth, hot and easy and perfect. Josh walks Chris towards the bed, kiss never ending, hand guiding Chris down slowly. Josh pulls away, standing in between Chris' clothed legs, chest rising and falling as his heated gaze traces over Chris.
Josh helps him out of his dress pants, laughing loudly when he sees Chris' Naruto boxers. Chris punches him weakly in the stomach, sliding the remainder of his dress shirt off, tugging his bowtie from his neck. Josh's room is painfully warm, nearly suffocating and Josh keeps kissing Chris until he's panting and whining. Josh is still in his jeans, zipper undone, when he pulls away, working them down past his hips along with his briefs.
Chris sits up on his elbows, watching the display with heavy eyes. Josh kicks his pants to the side, climbing his way back up to Chris, hands sliding along Chris' bare torso.
"'m gonna fuck you then we're going to prom. That okay?"
"Fuckin.. Dude. Why are you even asking?"
Josh shrugs, a shit eating grin plastered on his face. Chris blushes as he takes in Josh's body, naked and pale above him. Chris gapes mutely, eyes wide and round as he stares up at Josh.
"How are you so hot? I don't-" Josh cuts him off with a kiss, tongue sloppily sliding inside Chris' mouth as their dicks together brush against one another, slick and wet and Josh's room smells like salt.
Josh pushes at his shoulder until Chris lies back, glasses foggy and askew, staring up into Josh's flushed face. Chris glances down at his prosthetic, the slight contrast of color. Josh places a hand on his bare thigh.
"Wanna take it off?"
Chris looks at him. "Would it be weird?"
Josh frowns. "Why would it be weird?"
"I don't know, man. I'd only have one arm. That's not necessarily-"
Josh shushes him, index finger pressed to Chris' lips. "That's stupid. You're being stupid. It wouldn't be weird. None of this is weird."
"Josh-" Josh makes a zip noise so Chris quiets, pouting. He sits up slowly, touching where his skin meets felt. Chris is acutely aware that Josh is patiently staring at him. Chris nods, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth. Josh helps him with it, distractedly kissing Chris as he loosens the straps, sliding the arm from its snug place, setting it off somewhere.
It's weird, having someone else touch and handle his prosthetic. Chris wouldn't even let his dad help some days because of how inadequate he felt sometimes. Chris shifts his weight to the left side, the gap between what's left of his arm and the bed a bit discomforting to look at.
"You okay?" Josh's voice brings Chris out of his thoughts. He nods shakily, staring down at the exposed mold of skin. Josh grasps his chin, tilting Chris' face away. Chris looks at him, full bodied and perfect. It stings.
"You don't look okay." Josh tells him.
"I am." Chris swallows thickly. "I-I'm fine, Josh."
"Cochise." Chris shakes his head.
"I'm fine. Please. I'm fine." Chris says quickly. "Kiss me."
Josh frowns but concedes anyway, hand curled around Chris' forearm as he kisses him. Chris sighs into it, grateful for the distraction. He follows Josh's movements, mimicking the slow drag of lips and tongue, body warm under Josh's exploring hand.
"You don't have to be, ah, gentle, man." Chris breathes out, combing a hand through Josh's hair as the other works his mouth lower and lower and oh. Chris opens his eyes, unaware he had closed them, and stares down at Josh, who's lying between his legs, peppering the soft skin of Chris' belly with bite marks.
--
"It's your first time. Gotta be gentle, Cochise." Josh explains, nosing the underside of Chris' dick. Chris struggles to formulate words, breathing heavily.
"Wha-" He clasps a hand over his mouth, unable to keep from moaning as he watches Josh's mouth sink around him, dick disappearing into moist, hot heat. Josh holds his hips down, swallowing around Chris and it takes everything inside Chris to not die from the feeling.
Josh hums around him, eyes locked on Chris' face with a burning intensity, lips stretched and red and full. Chris thinks he might be dying, body hot and tingly as Josh continues to take him into his mouth without so much as a blink until he's buried to the base, nose brushing against blonde curls.
Chris head falls back, left arm trembling underneath him, fingers twisted in Josh's blanket as Josh pulls up just so, tongue pressing along the underside of the head before he's sinking back down, jaw lax, mouth soft. Chris bites back a moan, sitting up, reaching his hand out to smooth Josh's hair back. Josh closes his eyes in response, throat vibrating around him and Chris grabs a handful, fingers twisting and pulling and Josh groans against him.
"Fucking God." Chris grinds out, Josh's head bobbing up and down, working Chris to near insanity. Josh snorts, nostrils flaring. He pulls off, saliva and precome sliding down his lips, a thin strand connected to the head of Chris' dick. Chris exhales shakily, desperately wanting to save the image in his head for the remainder of his life.
Josh wraps a hand around him, pumping lazily as he licks his lips. "You make a pretty picture, Cochise."
"Fuck you." Chris hisses, hips bucking when Josh squeezes just right. Josh chuckles deeply, pressing a slicked finger against Chris.
"W-When did-" Chris whimpers, Josh's mouth closing around his dick as his finger slides inside. His skin feels hot, sweaty, and staring down at Josh between his legs with a finger deep in him isn't helping.
Josh stares back, the corners of his eyes crinkling. Chris imagines he'd be smirking like an asshole if there wasn't a dick in his mouth. Chris collapses back on the bed, clasping a hand around his mouth as Josh licks along his skin, adding another finger. Chris realizes the tiny panting in the room is his own.
"You don't have to be quiet." Josh says, fingers steadily working Chris open. "Certainly not on my account."
Chris wants to call him an asshole, wants to be able to think long enough to actually call him an asshole but Josh's fingers keep moving around, stroking and nudging and Chris moans against his palm when Josh adds another, the hand wrapped around his dick gone. Chris bites his lip, feeling full and dizzy and like the tail end of a sigh. He flinches, a sharp nip placed along the inside of his thigh, an apologetic kiss placed over it. Josh pushes at Chris' thigh, bending his leg as leaves more and more bites.
Chris props himself up on his elbow, panting softly as he watches Josh fuck into him with his fingers. Their eyes lock, Josh's mouth sucking a dark bruise into his skin, and Chris' heart flutters into his throat. Josh crooks his fingers just so and a tremble works its way down Chris' spine, stars flickering before his eyes, the shuddering moan in the room is his.
"Josh, please." Chris whimpers, aching and so, so hard, release bubbling inside him.
"You're so cute, Cochise."
Chris opens his eyes (when did he close them?), Josh hovering over him, pushing at his knee as he settles in between Chris' legs. Josh removes his fingers, eyes locked on Chris' face, clouded, thin slits as he guides himself. Chris' eyes squeeze shut, impossible heat slowly inching inside. His back arches, hand fisted in the sheets. Josh places a hand on his shoulder, grip hard, low curses tumbling from his lips like a prayer.
"Fuckin' perfect, Chris." Josh sighs, pushing Chris onto his back. Chris cries out softly when the other bottoms out, skin to skin, molten, soft warmth flooding every nerve. He glances down at their connected bodies, Josh's tanned hand on his hip, before turning to his boyfriend, who isn't smiling, isn't smirking, isn't grinning like some maddened asshole.
Josh stares down at him, chest heaving, jaw tense. His eyes trace over Chris slowly, reaching out a hand to touch Chris' face. Chris isn't sure what he's thinking, but the stare almost makes him uncomfortable, too much feeling, too much of everything behind it.
"You're perfect." Josh whispers, so soft Chris almost doesn't catch it. Josh leans down, pressing their foreheads together, the hand on Chris' hip moving to grasp the edge of the bed. Chris wants to say something, anything but Josh moves, sliding out before he thrusts back in. Chris gasps, thoughts gone, grasping Josh's shoulder as the other moves.
The bed rocks with each movement, Josh's hips pushing every slow, deep thrust until Chris is trembling and moaning. Josh pants harshly in his ear, reaching down to grab Chris' hip. He pushes up, hand braced beside Chris' head, as he works into a faster pace, hips snapping.
"F..fuc..k.." Chris whimpers, disappointed that he's definitely not going to last long, the steady swell of release building and building. Josh chuckles above him, this strange breathless noise, as he fucks into him harder.
"Shouldn't of gotten you so worked up." Josh smirks. "Sorry."
"Ass." Chris manages to say, pulling Josh down to him. They kiss, slow and sweet, Chris digging scars into Josh's back when his release hits him, all slow warmth and butterflies. Chris whines, low and keening, tensing up and Josh groans against him, hands grasping Chris' hips as he works him through his orgasm. Josh stutters out a sharp 'fuck' before he gives on last thrust, dick pulsing inside Chris.
--
Josh doesn't collapse like Chris expects him to, doesn't roll over and pull out, instead he kisses Chris hard and needy, pressing close to him. Chris melts into it with a tired sigh, wrapping his arm around Josh's warm body. He winces when Josh slips out, blushing when his boyfriend comments on how red he is. Chris considers throwing a nearby pillow at him but he's tired and the idea of moving and going to prom is terrible.
"Kinda nice feeling when someone comes by just my dick being inside them."
"Fuck you." Chris says tiredly.
"Oops. Beth is-"
The door slams open, smacking against the wall with a crunch. Chris shoots up, startled, eyes wide as he peers over his shoulder to see Beth, in her beautiful tux, frowning and red and oh-
"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Beth hisses angrily. She surveys both of them. Josh looks like a deer caught in headlights, wide eyed with his phone shielding his sister's eyes from his dick. Chris isn't sure how he looks but it can't be much better.
Beth pinches the bridge of her nose, bringing her phone up to her face.
"He's fine. They're both fine, Han." Beth sighs. "No! No, don't come up here."
Beth fixes a glare on Chris. "I sent you on a mission, not to get laid."
"Well technically," Josh starts but his words die in his throat when Beth shifts to him, all heat and fire. Josh rubs the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Get dressed. You're coming to prom. It's your punishment." Beth points at Chris, then Josh. "Don't fuck with me."
The door slams closed, Beth's angry footsteps thundering down the stairs. Chris blinks, embarrassed, and turns back to Josh, who is laughing into his hands.
"Bro-"
"You're so red, Chris."
Chris does throw a pillow this time. It misses causing Josh only to laugh harder. A flurry of knocks come to the door.
"I said don't fuck with me, Joshua!"
Josh's mouth snaps closed, lips twitching with a smile. Chris just feels lucky to be alive. Josh lets him shower first, but not without reminding Chris to clean 'thoroughly'. Chris had slammed the door in his face.
Josh helps him with his arm after they're both clean and dry, peppering Chris' shoulder with tiny kisses. He buttons up Chris' shirt for him, redoes his bowtie and keeps talking about how good Chris looks, but Chris can't help but think about how amazing Josh looks in a tux when the other finally gets dressed. It's tailored perfectly for him in rich shades of black, bowtie pearly white.
"People are going to think we're getting married." Chris says for the sake of not staring like a lovesick idiot. Josh smirks at him, combing his hair back.
"Wanna marry me, Cochise?"
Chris reddens. "Need one more supernatural fuck up to happen and I'm all yours."
Josh laughs at that, taking Chris' hand as Beth comes charging into the room again, nostrils flared, expression bristling with annoyance. Her face softens considerably when she sees them but it doesn't stop her from shuffling down the stairs and into her Mercedes ("I can't trust you assholes to make it." "Glad you have us covered, Bethany, because I definitely want to jump his bones again." "Josh!")
Sam is waiting outside the school when they arrive, shivering but smiling as they approach her. Beth sheds off her jacket, draping it around her girlfriend's shoulder with the dramatic flare of royalty.
"They were fucking." Beth informs her, much to Chris' dismay. He figures he deserves it. Sam sighs heavily, sending a smirk Josh's way that mimics his own. Chris groans.
"Took him to the bone zone." Josh says smugly. Sam's left eye twitches.
"Can we please just go?" Chris huffs, embarrassed.
"He was limping, Josh." Sam points out and Chris' jaw drops open. Josh snickers, placing a hand on the small of Chris' back. Beth snorts loudly, eying Chris.
"Oh my god! I was so worried!" Hannah appears behind Sam, pristine and perfect as usual in a pink gown fit for a gala not a high school prom.
"We were fucking." Josh says, the same time Beth says, "They were fucking."
Hannah reddens, glancing at Chris, who looks anywhere else but her. "Oh, um. Congratulations?"
Chris slaps a hand over his face. "Oh my god, Han."
"Celebratory bang, Cochise?"
"Oh my god." Chris whines.
Sam giggles. "Let's go inside."
Chris should've stayed home, avoided prom altogether, because everyone in their tiny gang of misfits seems to know that Chris is no longer a virgin, Matt slapping a ten dollar bill in Mike's hand when Chris blushes over "you bottomed? Goddammit, Chris".
Or maybe he shouldn't of stayed home because Josh doesn't take his eyes off him and Ashley has never seemed happier pressed up against Felx in a corner of the room. Sam does the Cha Cha Slide with Emily, who is a little too good at it. Matt kisses Mike during a slow dance, Jess squeezed in between them milking a hidden flask, all giggles and smiles. Hannah is a princess, pink and glowing with two boys on her arm instead of one.
It's the first night since they've all been together, weightless and whole.
Beth sits beside Chris on the stage, tucked by one of the speakers, her handed folded over his. They're watching Sam and Josh slow dance, bodies pressed close together. Sam laughs at something Josh says, grinning widely. Beth squeezes his hand. Chris turns to her. She looks at him, a small smile on her face.
"Thank you." Beth mouths, eyes soft and kind.
Chris shrugs, smiling, and she nudges him, slipping down from her seat. Beth drags Chris down with her, tugging him towards the slow moving dancers. Chris sees Emily and Jess somewhere in the middle, both smiling and giggling. Felx winks at him from where they dance with Ashley. Chris doesn't know where Mike and Matt went too and he probably doesn't want to know.
Beth places her hands on his shoulder, he places his on her waist, mimicking the wide smile she has on her face.
"You really saved the year, Christopher. Mama's proud of you." Beth tells him.
"God, you sound like Josh." Chris remarks. "Emily actually did the saving. I'm just the honorary chew toy."
Beth squeezes his shoulder. "Nothing wrong with that. The title of Scream Queen has been stolen by Hannah. Occult Enthusiast by Emily. Innocent Bystander by Sammy."
"Oh? Then what are you?"
Beth ponders. "Professional Rock Thrower?"
Chris laughs at that, a bit louder than he intended given the looks sent his way. Beth grins widely before it melts away. She squeezes his shoulders again.
"Thank you."
Chris swallows. "Anytime. 's what I'm here for."
"Bethany, quit stealing my boyfriend." Josh snakes an arm around Chris' waist, pressing way too close than what's allowed. A teacher clears their throat from outside the crowd. Beth giggles, allowing Chris to be taken away from her, expression brightening when Sam takes his place. Josh spins Chris around, settling firm hands on Chris' waist.
Chris blinks, fumbling to figure out where his hands go so he places them awkwardly on Josh's shoulders, face heating up. He nervously peers up at Josh, blushing furiously when he sees the fondness in his boyfriend's eyes.
"Dude." Chris says.
Josh lifts an eyebrow. "'sup, bro?"
"Stop staring at me."
"Can't help it. You're hot." Josh smirks.
Chris weakly squeezes his shoulder. He places a hand on the side of Josh's neck, disappointment humming in his veins when he realizes he can't feel Josh's skin through his prosthetic. He forgot his gloves. Josh reaches up to grab his hand and Chris only sees the gesture instead of feeling it.
"Are you going to leave?" Chris asks quietly.
Josh shrugs. "I told you. It was just a thought."
"How long will it be a thought?"
"I don't know, Chris." Josh sighs softly.
"Would you tell me?"
Josh looks at him. "Yeah. Would you come with me?"
"In like a year, when I graduate, I can't just leave here, Josh. You know that." His dad was here, his mom was buried here, Chris still had unfinished business with this town, mainly school, but he could, if Josh asked, despite what he's said, he would leave if that's what Josh wanted. Josh smiles, timid and beautiful.
"You'd say yes."
"How.. Dude, is this like Teen Wolf? You can feel my intentions? My thoughts? Am I Stiles? You can't be Scott, you're not cool enough."
Josh giggles. "You're not cool enough to be Stiles."
Chris gasps, offended. "I am plenty cool."
"Yeah alright," Josh says, rolling his eyes. "Fine. I'll wait a year. Graduate. Buy a jeep and we can go ghost hunting afterwards, maybe find a werewolf."
"Fuck, Josh, that's terrifying. Werewolf? Really?"
"I've always wanted a dog." Josh adds.
"It's still a person, dumbass." Chris says.
Josh smiles, pressing his forehead to Chris, reaching up to touch his face. Chris leans into it, palm warm and soft.
"Come ghost hunting with me."
Chris sighs heavily. "Yeah, yeah okay."
"Werewolf?"
"No, Josh. Jesus Christ." Chris groans and Josh laughs, this raspy, wholesome noise that fills Chris up with the hum of butterfly wings beating along his ribs as he watches Josh's eyes light up.