Don't Panic - B. Hargrove

THREE

In the warm embrace of a golden summer afternoon, the air buzzed with the electric energy of anticipation as docents of students waited to be released from their school carrier.
The high school's football field, usually a battleground of grit and glory, had transformed into a sea of green caps and gowns, fluttering under the sky like a flock of doves yearning for the horizon.
Families and friends clustered in the bleachers, cheering and applause roaring through the air with each announced name.
Among them, nestled in the sun-dappled stands, was David. He was dreading the sun and the sounds, was uncomfortably hot and sunburned, and yet, he had the biggest smile on his lips. This was the day.
His gaze lingered on his two favorite boys in the crown, seated right next to each other due to their last names, both of them looking up, listening to yet another student's speech.

As Billy's name echoed through the speakers, a cheer erupted from the crowd, and David was more than eager to join in. He was so proud he could burst out of both of them.
Billy's stride across the stage was confident, his smile cocky, and he was very well aware of how he would leave the town soon
David's heart swelled with adoration, the image of Billy in his cap and gown etching itself into the canvas of his memory. He was so pretty when he took over his diploma, looking like the world was at his feet, which it was. Billy would be going places in life. But for now, he belonged to David for a whole, wonderful summer. After he shook the principal's hand, Billy's gaze slipped into the crowd, meeting David's; the both of them connected for a brief, sweet moment, which sent chills down David's spine.

Moments later, after Billy had jogged off the stage in thunderous applause, Steve was called out next. As he walked across the stage, he didn't look remotely as happy as Billy did, but David knew that was because neither of his parents made an effort to be here for him. That was why David jumped to his feet, cheering and clapping to show his support. A few seats over, he saw Max do the exact same thing. Steve looked at him, smiling weakly at the gesture, so David considered it a win, regardless of how he made the sensory nightmare even worse by adding more heat.

As soon as the newly graduated were released, David made his way to the field, embracing his best friend in a quick hug while he watched Max doing the same to Billy close by over his shoulder.

"You did it. Steve the hair Harrington got a diploma," he smiled at Steve, who was letting his head hand low, partly because of his sadness, partly to be closer to David's level.

"Does it matter?" the boy sighed.
"I didn't get into any college."

"Well, you can try next year," David suggested. "Until then, it means we can do a weekly movie marathon."

Steve's shoulders lifted slightly at the prospect, a smile cracking through his facade.
"Yeah, movie marathons. And I have much to do at the mall anyways," he said, more to himself than to David. The idea seemed to plant a seed of hope within him.

David nodded eagerly, "You'll be the best ice cream scooper in town."

"Best Ice cream scooper in town it is," Steve echoed, looking around at the dispersing crowd.

"Harrington! It looks like we made it after all," Billy announced as he approached, grinning widely as his gaze settled on David. As he stood close by, David longed to embrace the boy too, but he knew it wouldn't be a wise decision.
Instead, Billy nudged his arm carefully, a gentle gesture that could be easily written off as a thanks for helping with his grades.

"I'll see you later, baby," he whispered while doing so, and David's cheeks tinted red immediately. Luckily, he was already blushed by the sun, and it wasn't as obvious as usual.

"Ew," Steve commented as Billy left as swiftly as he had walked over. "I didn't want to hear that."

"He didn't say anything inappropriate," David huffed as he buried his hands in the depths of his pockets awkwardly.

"Baby?" Steve echoed, his face all scrunched up in a grimace.

"He isn't the most creative with his nicknames," David quickly hummed, adverting his eyes, thinking about how Billy didn't need to be.

"Anyways," Steve announced. "How about we go get some burgers and relocate our pity party elsewhere?"

"Somewhere less hot, please," David immediately agreed.

The duo made their way through the dissipating crowd, the day's heat beginning to wane as the sun descended. Laughter and chatter filled the air, creating a buzz of excitement and relief that graduation was finally over. Despite the discomforts of the day, there was an undeniable sense of freedom that came with the closing of one chapter, and David was glad it was done.
As they walked, David couldn't help but steal glances back at the field, half-hoping to catch another glimpse of Billy among the graduates, making sure he was okay with his family. But for once, his father looked proud at the boy, and David could comfortably leave him like that.
Steve, noticing David's occasional backward glances, sighed but kept his opinions to himself this time.

Billy didn't enjoy the celebratory meal with his so-called family at a fancy restaurant, regardless of how much Max tried to keep the pleasant conversation topics about college coming. Nor did he enjoy the drink his father offered him afterward. It all was nothing but pretentious, and he couldn't wait to leave the man behind. As soon as he was excused from joining his friends at a party he had made up, Billy was out of the door and onto the streets on his way to the Byers's house.

And he was greeted by a wide-open window when he arrived, with no sight of David in his room. Figuring he was under the shower, Billy got rid of his boots and jumped onto the bed, making himself comfortable with a book the boy kept on his side table. Of course, it was another space adventure.

"Hey," his boyfriend's soft voice greeted him soon, and as Billy looked up from the page he'd been glued to, he could see how exhausted David looked.

"What happened to you?" he asked as he scotched over to make room for the tiny boy.
"Today was just a lot," David said as he accepted the offer gladly, immediately snuggling into Billy's side. "Steve's crashing on the couch, btw," he added. "Didn't want to be alone. He's hammered, I think. We met Hooper at the dinner, and he offered some beers."
Billy chuckled, "You turned into a party animal without me?"
"I didn't drink. But Hopper asked if I was still down to help El get some schoolwork in over the summer. I said yes. I need something to do when you're at the pool."
Billy's expression softened.
" She's lucky to have you around," he said, brushing a strand of hair from David's face.
David hummed in response, his eyes fluttering closed as he leaned into the touch. "It's the least I can do. She's made so much progress already. Plus, it'll keep my mind off things... off missing you too much when you're working."

The room was filled with a comfortable silence, the kind that spoke volumes of their bond. Outside, the last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft glow through the open window and bathing the room in a gentle light.

Billy shifted slightly, wrapping an arm around David to pull him closer. "We'll make the most of this summer, you and me. We've got plans, remember?" he said, his voice low and reassuring.

David nodded against Billy's chest.
"I know. And I can't wait," he murmured, and Billy found him relaxed fully into the embrace.

Despite the exhaustion from the day's events and the emotional rollercoaster that came with graduation, being here with together felt like finding calm in the storm.
After a moment, Billy picked up the space adventure book, flipping it open to where he had left off, a silly idea in mind.

" Since I don't get laid tonight, how about I read to you for a bit?" he suggested, a playful glint in his eye.
David cracked a small smile, the idea appealing to his foggy mind.

"I'd like that," he admitted, settling in as Billy began to read aloud.
The words of distant galaxies and cosmic adventures filled the room, and as Billy's voice read, David was drifting, caught between wakefulness and sleep. It was a rare moment of peace, a reminder of the strength of their connection and the comfort they found in each other's presence.