Sticks // Lander

End of an Era // 1

Luke and Zander had been together for a 5 months, and were now almost finished with their junior year. School had been tough, Drew had been meaner, and their family lives were growing more complicated.

Their busy lives made it really hard to focus on their relationship, but they still tried to communicate.

Zander adjusted his posture, letting out a deep breath as his back cracked. The chairs in Ms. Jones classroom were unbearably uncomfortable.

Zander glanced over at his desk mate and boyfriend, sinking deeper in thought.

The more Zander thought about it, he realized that he and Luke barely even acted like a couple any more.

They hadn't hung out outside of school for three weeks, which was strange because they used to hang out over the course of the entire weekend from Friday after school to Sunday evening.

They hadn't even kissed this week. They'd seen each other three school days in a row, and hadn't kissed once.

Zander couldn't even tell you what Luke's favorite song is. He could tell you what it used to be, but not what it is now.

They barely talked anymore.

Luke took notice of Zander, placing his hand on the pianists thigh and giving it a comforting squeeze before pulling away.

"You alright?" Luke said, taking Zander's hand under the table.

Zander nodded, resting his face in his hands. "Just a headache from all the loud talking"

They Were in independent time to work on their homework, and god knows ms. Jones is too scared to stand up to her own students, so it's never quiet in her classroom.

"Only two more hours" Luke added, gently rubbing his thumb across the surface of Zander's.

Zander's laid down in his desk, using his free arm as a pillow.

He fell back into deep thought, and continued to doubt their relationship for the rest of the day.

——

(8:30pm.)

Zander fell asleep as soon as he got home from school and stayed asleep until 8.

After finally waking up, he ate dinner, and then found himself back in his room, sulking about what he wished he and Luke could be.

Zander thought that maybe if he texted Luke, he would start to feel better. Maybe he'd realize this was all just in his head and he was overthinking again.

He picked up his phone, opening Luke's contact.

——

Zander: hey Luke
Luke: hi Zan
Zander: what's up
Luke: nothing really, I just ate with my family
Zander: yum. I just woke up from a nap
Luke: oh fun
Luke: good sleep?
Zander: mhm
Zander: wanna go to the park or sum?
Luke: this late?
Zander: yea
Zander: I'm bored
Luke: alright I'll meet you there??:)
Zander: ok
Luke: you alright?
Zander: uh huh?
Luke: okay sorry! You just seem a little dry
Zander: I'll meet u in ten

——

Zander bundled up in warm clothes and made his way down to the park, which was only a couple blocks from his house, where he greeted Luke with a small hug.