Atomic Love [2]

Chapter 42 - Prom Pt. 1

TW: Swearing

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Chapter 42

June 30, Wednesday

No one's POV

And just like that, it seemed to be prom again. The year felt like it passed by in a second, all of them caught up in all of the drama and heartbreak. None of them really wanted to go to prom-- everything just died down, and none of them were in the mood. But for old time's sake, they decided... why not?

Sienna, obviously, was going with Dylan. The Miller girl was going to break up with him soon, she will do it-- after she plucks up the courage to break the heart of a man that was sweet enough to love her; though until then, she was going to pretend that everything was fine.

Leonard and Arthur were going together. They still didn't want anyone to know that they're a couple-- neither of them were even fully sure on what they are themselves yet, they're not ready for people to just make assumptions about them. So for anyone who asked, they went as friends.

Maeva and Nate were going to go together. They both wanted to rebuild the relationship between them, even if they were currently taking a break. Though in order to get close again, they have to not fear each other's presence and actually be willing to be with one another.

And that just leaves Kathrin going with Jeremy. Honestly, there's no reason as to why they went together except for the fact that they are both lonely fucks who just happened to be somewhat friends (well, Jeremy could've just taken any girl that was available, but decided otherwise, he's not as closed off as you would think).

"I can't believe we just spent a whole year trying to get your best friend and my best friend to get together again. We have to be one of the most dedicated people out here." Jeremy stated, the two of them standing at one of the small tables set. They arrived quite early and were waiting for their friends to arrive.

"I guess." Kathrin simply replied, drinking her totally non-alcoholic drink (she smuggled in some liquor). Jeremy took a deep breath, fidgeting with his fingers as he looked down at the table, glancing over to Kathrin every so slightly. "Y'know, it really seems like everyone is dating someone," Jeremy began saying, chuckling to himself. Kathrin only shrugged.

"And well, I've been single for a while... and it seems you've been single too," The curly haired boy continued to say, though that was when Kathrin realised what he was implying, her eyes widening.

"Oh shit, you're asking me out..." She stated, seeming more to herself than to him. Jeremy gulped, a nervous glint in his eyes. "Uhh-- well--" He then stammered, not able to make up the words to say, "It's okay, I-- I understand." Jeremy finished saying, laughing to himself.

"Oh, no, no-- don't take it the wrong way, I think you're great. But I just don't think I'm your type... I'm pretty sure we have the same type." Kathrin said, downing her drink in one swig. A look of confusion masked the Mendez boys' face at her comment. "Nevermind. Either way, we shouldn't date just because we feel bad for each other, nothing good will come out of it."

Well that, and the fact that Kathrin was in no mood to date anyone; she didn't want to date anytime soon. Eleanor was such a big part of her life that just got ripped away so soon.

Jeremy nodded, muttering, "Okay then. Friends?" Kathrin also nodded, saying, "Friends." setting a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Time skip

Leonard and Arthur were walking hand in hand as they passed the doors of Michigan Academy. It was quite dark so no one could see them holding hands.

"Arthur, I am still quite unaware as to why we have decided to come here tonight; wouldn't it have just been drastically better if we had stayed at home?" Leonard questioned. Arthur rolled his eyes, stopping in his step.

"Leonard, you know our old school doesn't even have a prom, but they do here. Why not go? Plus, we are probably never going to go to a dance ever again." Arthur explained, turning around to look down at his boyfriend.

"You do realise we most likely will not even dance, seeing as the fact that we don't want anyone to know of our romantic relationship." Leonard further explained, looking up at the redhead boy.

"Well then, I just wanted a reason for us to dress up and be actually outside instead of hiding out at home." The Chase boy replied, setting a soft hand on his cheek. Leonard pushed it away, "For a person who claims to be good at keeping secrets, you seem to have no idea on how to hide a relationship."

Arthur shrugged, the both of them starting to walk again, "Y'know, Kathrin did say there is this one place we could hide out at where there's guaranteed to have no people, so we could go there if things get too much."

Leonard stopped walking again. "Would you kindly bring me there right now?" The Lee boy requested, smiling widely up at his boyfriend. Arthur sighed, laughing to himself as he shook his head slightly. "I successfully dragged you out of your house for you to hide out in some hidden corner of the school." Arthur jokingly stated, putting an arm around the shorter boy, "Sure, I'll bring you there."

Time skip

Leonard and Arthur stood alone at the empty hallway where their principles' office was located (also where Kathrin and Eleanor snuck to during prom last year). They softly swayed along to the distant music being played at the gym as they were in each others' hold. "I did mean to ask you this earlier, but are we currently allowed to be in this corridor?" The dark haired boy quizzed, moving his neck to look up at Arthur.

"Why else would there be nobody here? Either way, would you rather us go over to the gym where everyone is going to be?" Arthur responded, Leonard shaking his head no. Leonard then slowly leaned his face against Arthurs' chest (to clarify, Leonard is 5'5 and Arthur is 5'8).

Here's the thing, Leonard has never been big on physical touch, with the whole thing of spreading germs just made him uncomfortable in touching people. Yet he loved when Arthur held him.

He loved how Arthur hugged him from the behind, as well as his cheek and forehead kisses. He loved holding hands with Arthur and having him play with his hair right before he fell asleep.

And as much as Leonard can't recognise emotions, he did know that there was this feeling that was bubbling in the pit of his stomach.

He was noticing the immense changes in his life, like his lack of sleep from thinking of Arthur whenever he wasn't there, and this over-the-moon joy whenever he did get to see Arthur again. Leonard didn't know what this feeling was, but he was in no hurry to figure it out.

Right then, he just wanted to live in the moment with his boyfriend, who-- unbeknownst to Leonard-- was feeling the exact same thing towards him. Who would've thought? The quiet nerdy kid and the dumb jock would've gotten together? And who would've thought that they'd find it in themselves to fall for each other?

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1237 words (edited)