GROUP CHAT AU

the one with two lovestruck idiots

"Okay, I'm gonna be upfront with you, if you don't kiss Awsten already I'm gonna slap the both of you."

Otto literally jumped at the voice from behind him. He had been innocently stacking the bookshelves when Remington decided to creep up behind him and give him a heart attack. "What?"

Remington grinned innocently at him. "You heard me."

"Yeah, I did," Otto rubbed his face and just barely suppressed the groan, "but why?"

"Because you like him?" He said with the same voice one would use to explain a particularly dense child that no you can't eat that.

Otto felt really treated like an adult with this kind of voice directed at him. Not. What was worse was that Remington was right. And Otto's mind was caught between 'what the fuck, why did he know that?' and 'oh God, what if Awsten knew?'. So yeah, he was totally not freaking out. But there was no chance in denying it and it also felt kind of good to talk about it with someone. Even if it was Remington who would probably give him bullshit advice. "Okay, yeah but no."

"Huh?" Yes, that was an understandable reaction, Otto had to admit.

"Yes, I like him," he sighed, "but for god's sake I won't tell him."

The glare Remington sent to him would have put Geoff's to shame. Which was impressive. "Why not? Even Sebastian sees how much Awsten likes you and you obviously like him too. Have you ever seen how he acts around you?"

"'course, I have!" Otto protested and resumed to stacking the shelf. He could as well be productive if this conversation went nowhere, "But Awsten's always been like that. He's an affectionate guy and it's got nothing to do with me."

At that, Remington threw his hands up exasperatedly. "Maybe, he's always been in love with you? Seriously, that guy looks at you like you invented the stars or some shit and you're not better."

"Wait what?" Was Otto really that oblivious? Okay, he knew that Awsten had a weird liking of hanging around him and just watching whatever he did. But that was just spending time together casually, right?

And yeah, Awsten really always listened to him; his last birthday present had something he had mentioned to Awsten like once. Well, he laughed at his shitty jokes way too much too. And he cuddled up to him every chance he got. Probably not normal friendly behaviour. Otto was the first to admit that he was totally smitten with his best friend and never could get enough of spending time with him. But it being reciprocated?

Fuck, that actually kind of made sense if you put it like this. "Oh God, I'm an idiot."

"Fucking finally," Remington groaned but he was grinning and patted Otto's shoulder. "What're you gonna do now?"

"Why do I have to do something?" Yes, he sounded whiny, but he just realized that he may have a chance, okay?

"Do something with what?" Awsten asked.

Jesus Christ, why was everyone creeping up at him today? Otto had to use all his willpower to not let out the shriek that was sitting in the back of his throat.

What had he heard? Oh God, Otto was going to die now. He knew it. Awsten would be the death of him. But he could live with that as long as it involved the floor opening up underneath him before he got laughed at.

"Uhm-" very eloquent Otto.

But apparently each of their friends was in on let's humiliate Otto because now, Geoff came too. "Guys, can you go to the post office? The last shipment of books got lost and they just called me."

Awsten was all smiley and nodded immediately. "Yeah sure."

And then he dragged Otto out of the shop and to his car. Inside the car, he turned to Otto and made his best puppy eyes. "So what were you and Remington talking about?"

"Uh, nothing?" Great job Otto, he scolded himself, that would totally convince him.

The look Awsten gave him said just about the same. "Come on, you know what a nosy shit I am. Do you really want me to wake you up in the middle of the night because I want answers?"

"Absolutely not." That had happened one time, Otto could definitely live without a second.

"Then tell meeee!"

Awsten pouted at him once again and gave no indication that he would start the car before he got answers. Geoff would kill him. Fuck it. "You know there's this guy I've liked since, y'know, forever? And Remington threatened to slap me if I don't tell him and then he pointed out some things that might mean that he likes me back and I don't know what to do now."

The hopeful smile on Awsten's lips suggested that maybe, Remington had been right after all. At least Otto hoped so. Otherwise he was just making a total ass of himself here.

"And who is this guy?" Awsten asked hesitantly, eyes everywhere but Otto. He shook his hair out, like he did when it was still long enough to cover his eyes. Awsten only ever did that when he was nervous.

Otto kind of wanted to hide behind his hair too. But damn, he started that conversation, and he would be damned if he didn't finish it. With a sudden burst of courage, he started to describe him rather than just saying 'you, dummy', "very cute guy, I know since middle school, likes to dye his hair a lot. You know, it's currently bright green and it kind of matches his personality."

"Wait wait wait," Awsten raised his hands, "you're talking 'bout me?"

And that was about enough courage Otto got for today. "Uhm, maybe?"

"Fuuuuck," Awsten exclaimed and slapped the raised hands on his face.

Before Otto could freak out properly though, a hand was firmly planted in his neck and pulled him over the middle console. Their noses were touching and then their lips were too. Otto let out a more than embarrassing squeak and was frozen. To both of their luck -Awsten totally already prepared himself for moving in with Geoff and never leaving the house again- Otto's shock didn't last long. And then, he kissed him back. With force.

It was exactly how he expected Awsten to kiss and nothing like it all at once. It was kind of hectic but that was to blame on both of them and a bit uncoordinated but still so Awsten. It felt right. Especially when Otto tilted their heads a bit and they got the right angle and damn. Awsten definitely was a good kisser.

Panting, they pulled away. Awsten was grinning like an idiot and his lips were shiny and a bit swollen. "So you like me."

"No shit," Otto rolled his eyes and tugged at the bit of hair he still had between his fingers.

Awsten giggled and leaned his head onto his shoulder. Which was impressive, given the position they were in; in a car in the front seat. "It's good that I like you too then."

"I kind of got the message when you attacked me."

"Oh come on!" He was moving around but there was absolutely no way to be comfortable in this car.

Otto patted his head once and then pushed him off of him. "Geoff will kill us if we don't get the books."

---

They're togetherrrr!