DIET MOUNTAIN DEW • SCREAM 1996

1.3: " TOO HOT "

1.3: " TOO HOT "

SEPTEMBER 27TH, 1996

BENNY ADORED any type of movie. Whether it be action, romance, comedy, etcetera, Benny enjoyed all of it. So, one could imagine that the local video store was his version of heaven. In fact, he loved it so much that once him and Stu crossed the threshold of the store, Benny had immediately ditched his best friend to explore.

His first stop was horror, otherwise known as his all-time favorite genre. The section labeled 'NEW!' was double promising and made an eager grin sprout across the boy's sun-kissed face. Benny let his finger dance around the different tapes, skimming the directions every time he saw an interesting cover.

The boy had just stood up to get a look at another shelf when someone's hand grabbed his, and he was twirled around. Benny huffed when his face met a sturdy chest clothed in a tight white shirt. Immediately, he could tell that it was Billy; Benny was very familiar with his cologne.

Benny was only a few inches shorter than the other, which meant he was directly in line with his best friend's lips. The brunet was almost in a daze as he watched Billy's lips stretch into a charming smirk.

Billy was very aware of this fact. He reveled in the other boy's half-lidded eyes darkened with a certain emotion. It sent a wave of heat through his veins, and Billy just couldn't help leaning in.

The older teen's voice was husky as he spoke up when their noses were just millimeters away from each other. "Like what you see, bub?'

The words slammed into Benny like a truck, and he stumbled back as if burned. "Jesus!" He yelped, almost stumbling into the row of shelves if Billy hadn't caught him by his waist.

Billy laughed, his handsome features only becoming more pronounced with the happy action. The taller brunet teased playfully. "What's wrong, Benny? You looked like you've seen a ghost."

Benny huffed and pushed Billy away in annoyance. He stubbornly looked away to hide the embarrassed flush working its way up his neck. The hand that ruffled his hair only sent another wave of warmth through his cheeks.

"You're so cute, baby." The comment was whispered, almost like a confession between him and God.

The boy glanced over in confusion, not hearing what Billy said. "Huh?"

Billy simply smirked once again. Benny found he was doing that more often recently. Honestly, he was beginning to hate how it made him feel. Too hot, too confused.

"Whaddya' want, Bill?" Benny asked, turning to shift through a pile of movies to avoid his overwhelming emotions.

Billy leaned against the shelf, eyes locked on the pretty boy in front of him. He shrugged and answered, "Nothin', just hanging around. I'm gonna be late to the party, so I figured I'd come see you."

The smaller teen chuckled a bit and took a quick glance at Billy before looking away. "Is botherin' me your favorite hobby?"

His best friend reached over and gently toyed with Benny's ears. His eyes are still on the other boy. "'Course, anything to do with you is my favorite."

Benny froze, suddenly the room was feeling a little too hot. It took a moment to collect his bearings, but when he did, he sent a glare to the smug Billy.

"Jeez, what's with this new…?" Benny gestured to his friend's entire body with a disturbed expression and suspiciously red cheeks.

Billy shrugged and glanced away before turning back. "Just letting loose a bit more. I've been real uptight lately."

The Mercer raised a brow, bemused. He didn't really notice anything like that. Billy was always more of the stoic and cold type.

"Okaayy…?' He trailed off unsure.