Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
the pair arrived to the party that evening at sometime around nine. they had spent the afternoon together, the time mostly comprising of teaching the younger how to act and not to correct people's grammar or note their crappy behaviour. perhaps the black-haired boy was more nervous or irritated with this than he should've been, but having johnny helping him along was a massive blessing in disguise.
the atmosphere was alive when they reached this supposed friend's house, with teenagers spilling from the front porch onto the lawn, slow dancers making-out here and there as well as incredibly loud music blasting across the neighbourhood. it seemed nobody cared from other houses, or else they'd been warned beforehand and left for the night or were present as guests.
"i'm having a maximum of two drinks, and you can't change that," ten reminded his date, somehow having found himself wrapped around the older's arm for defence. johnny wasn't particularly complaining since he found it cute, though there was a threat of rumours.
"y'know, if you cling to me like this, people will think you like me, pres. cute though."
"people can think what they want," he scoffed and merely latched tighter. "it's using a fake boyfriend for a night or risking waking up with a real one. no thanks."
"aaaw, what if it was me?" the blonde batted his eyelashes teasingly, guiding them inside where the fun was blasting.
"you'd be so lucky, wouldn't you?" the thai chuckled, though inside his chest had tightened to crippling levels imagining that possibility. the scary part was realising that it wasn't as horrible as it should've sounded...and would johnny agree? or was he gagging on the inside at the mere mention of it?
"look, i know you hate these places," the taller began, unwinding the small boy from his arm and instead resting his own around his shoulders protectively, "but i want you to at least try and have fun. i've seen your world a lot lately, and i think you've seen a lot of mine under a bad light. perhaps having a friend this time will change your opinions."
ten swallowed thickly and attempted a nod as he eyed up every person wandering around aimlessly. he was deadly uncomfortable like this, and his clothing suddenly felt revealing for all it wasn't. were his collarbones too obvious? did his exposed arms look appealing for dragging? would someone find him alone and hurt him? he'd heard way too many horror stories about these events, and by god would he stick like glue to this man.
"johnny...don't leave me alone, okay?"
"promise. i'm right here, and all you need to do is seriously look me in the eye and tell me when you've had enough. try to see this through for more than an hour though."
