In the shadows, under the bleachers

Chapter 1

Aiden's POV

I felt someone take the drink out of my hand, grip my shoulder and guide me out of the crowd of people I was surrounded by. Just a few minutes prior I was standing on a table downing shot after shot, being cheered on by a group of people. But now I was being dragged out of the house by my brother's best friend and my secret crush Will Brooks. The two of them met freshman year and instantly got along. Bonding over football, their exercise workouts and what not, now they're practically inseparable as seniors.

He introduced the two of us a few months later and we got along well. Although we had different interests and hobbies we still somehow managed to get along. I don't know when I started to have these feelings but all I know is that I do.

"Can you stand?" Will asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. We were out on the porch with him still holding onto my shoulder.

"Of course, I'm not that," I paused, "I'm not that drunk. Also that hurt." I slurred proudly nodding and smiling like an idiot. I so am. He gave me a look then let me go. Luckily there was railing so I immediately held it when I started to stumble over.

"What was that you were saying? Oh I'm not that drunk." He said in a mocking tone. I swear I say him smile for a brief second. I muttered something under my breath reaching for his hand. "If you want I could carry you to my car."

My felt face heat up, "Just help me." I replied before hitting him on the shoulder.

"Okay okay." He said as he took my hand again leading me into the passengers seat of his car. After much stumbling and stops.

"Shouldn't you be scolding me like you usually do? Telling me that I'm lucky I didn't do anything stupid and get myself hurt." I asked as he stopped at red light, turning to me.

"I should but I don't want to. But you are lucky." He replied focusing back on the road as the light turned green.

"What time is it?"

"11:45." He replied, handing me a bottle of water.

"What's this?"

"Drink it so your breath doesn't smell as strong in the morning." I nodded taking the bottle, I felt dizzy and lightheaded. He parked down the road from my house before getting out of the car.

"What not just park in front of the house?" I asked as he took my arm leading me up the street. I was still stumbling.

"Do you want to risk your brother seeing my car?"

I shook my head, taking a sip of the water. "No, then we'd both be busted. I'm sorry we're taking a while."

"Exactly. You're drunk, or it's not you're fault." He turned up the driveway stopping at the side door that leads into the backyard. After he finally managed to get the door open he lead me into the backyard.

"The step stool should be in the shed." I said leaning against the wall for support. He nodded and went over to the shed. The window to my room isn't that high up but is still high enough that I need something to help me back inside. So a few months ago i bought a step stool for whenever I need to sneak back into the house, hiding it in the shed that no really uses anymore. He came back two minutes later with the stool in hand placing it under the window.

"Can you get up by yourself?" He asked.

I nodded, "Yeah," I paused, "wait how did you know where I was anyway?" I asked, he pulled out his phone from his pocket and pulled up our brief conversation we had before he came to get me. I noticed my contact name 'reckless artist'

"So yeah, you messaged me."

"Why is that my name?" I asked, motioning to his phone.

He shrugged, "You're reckless and an artist. Hence 'reckless artist' By the way have you found that inspiration you were looking for?" I'm looking at it.
I shook my head, "Not yet but hopefully soon. I'm not reckless." I pulled myself up and into my room, looking down at Will from my window. He gave me a look. Okay so maybe I was. "Goodnight, and remember to put the stool back."

"Yeah, yeah I know the drill. Goodnight reckless artist." He waved to me before turning around with the stool in hand.

My face heat up again, "Don't make that a regular thing." I shouted, but not loud enough to wake anyone up. He turned to me, smiling. Fucking smiling.

"Don't make what a regular thing?" He asked innocenly, his dimples showing.

"You know what." I replied, slamming my window shut. I looked at him and saw him shake his head still smiling as he made his way over to shed. I need to sleep, I'm drunk. A few minutes later I heard my phone go off.
Will: You asleep?
Me: No
Will: You should be
Me: I can't
Will: Wdym you can't?
Me: I can't
Will: Doesn't answer my question
Me: Goodnight WILLIAM
Will: See you in a few hours reckless
Me: What?
Will: Did you forget?
Me: ...?
Will: Your brother and I are hanging out at your house tomorrow.
Me: Oh... Are you going to tell him?
Will: Nah, hey if you still can't sleep can you draw me something?
Me: Sure just note that it might not be as good as my other ones.
Will: Everything you make is good
I stared at the message.
Me: What do you want me to draw you?
Will: A self portrait of you. You're good at those right?
A self portrait of...Me? I must be drunk I must be.
Me: Sure, goodnight
Will: Goodnight Aiden
Me: Finally!!!
I couldn't sleep even after tossing and turning so I got up turned on my bedroom light and got to sketching. A few hours later it was six o clock and I had sketched and shaded almost 10 sketches. Most of them were of me, just drawn at different angles. The other two or three were of Will, I had colored them and made them look all pretty before shoving them into a folder and threw it into one of my desk drawers locking the drawer and hiding the key. Shit, not again.