21st Century Breakdown: Nathan and Ari

14 - The Static Age

Chapter 14

Ari Armstrong

924 Gilman Street. Some may call it the starting place of Green Day's explosive career, others just a hole in the wall where a lot of undiscovered Bay-Area bands play. Our generation, we called it the place where we had parties when it wasn't being used as a venue. "Journey? Open Arms? Really?" I asked Nathan sarcastically. He nodded, fighting to keep his quirky smile off of his face. "Dude. This is one of the most ballad-y power ballads that I have ever heard," I began, looking up at Nathan, who was standing really close to me. "I fucking hate power ballads."

He laughed, shaking his head slightly. "Oh, would you just shut the fuck up and dance with me?" he asked, smiling his crooked smile that I always loved. I laughed, as well, nodding. "Well then, c'mon, babe." Nathan smiled down at me again, holding his hand out to me. I willingly took it and he lead me out onto the makeshift dance floor.

Somehow, we ended up next to Anthony and Amy. "...nd you're not supposed to know yet, so don't tell-" Anthony cut himself off once he saw us. "Hey, guys! How's it going...?" He laughed awkwardly, pulling Amy closer to him. "Nice party, Nathan."

Nathan let out a loud laugh. "Thanks, man. So, what isn't Amy supposed to know yet?" he asked, smirking over at the blond boy swaying next to him because he probably already knew the answer. I mean, I could only assume that Anthony was talking to Amy about Nathan and I getting engaged because that would be the only logical answer. But still.

"Uh, n-nothing," Anthony replied, averting his eyes from Nathan and I. He was such a bad liar when he was lying to Nathan. I smiled over at him before Nathan started swaying around in circles, causing me to follow.

Ugh. Slow dancing. I've always hated it, but somehow, I've ended up with my hands clasped behind Nathan's neck and his hands on my waist, the two of us swaying around in ridiculous circles, a lot in the past three years. I can honestly say that I think slow dancing is pretty stupid. I mean, the insanely sexual dancing that the rest of this generation partakes in requires a lot more effort than this does, although I still like it better than slow dancing, which is saying a lot because I am not one to show a lot of effort.

"So," I began, standing up on the tips of my toes so my mouth could reach Nathan's ear, "when are we going to tell the families?" I asked. I had no absolute need to specify what I was talking about; with a question like that, he already knew. He just shrugged, pulling me closer to him as we continued swaying in circles to the song that was almost over. Thank God. I leaned my head against his chest, trying to see if I could hear his heartbeat over the sound of the insanely loud music. I couldn't. That's how loud the music was.

Nathan kissed the top of my head before leaning his cheek on it. If this were even remotely the perfect couple moment right now, he would lift me up and set me back down so my feet were on his. That way, I really wouldn't have to do anything. That'd be really nice. But even just this, the way we're "dancing" right now, is enough to make me think that we're one of the cutest couples here. Although, I always thought that about Nathan and me. I mean, yeah, we were your typical best-friends-turned-lovers couple, but still. We pulled it off.

For some reason, I started wondering where Joey and Mel were as the song ended. I took a step away from Nathan, sliding my hand down his arm and taking his hand in mine once I reached it. "Do you have any idea where my twin is?" I asked him, laughing lightly, although he probably couldn't hear the laugh over the sound of Party Rock Anthem (someone kill me now, please) blaring out of the speakers somewhere in here.

I have no idea who was controlling the music tonight, but whoever it was sucked.

Literally, I thought to myself as I spotted Anna and her newest fuck buddy, Aston, behind the computer and sound equipment on the stage. Aston was actually another new kid at school, and Anna just so happened to draw him in with her unbelievable sluttyness. And I think she has a boyfriend who goes to a private school on the other side of town, which just adds to her title of the Whore of Oakland High.