NovaHD ~ [AU OneShots]

Always.

James asks Aleks to be his boyfriend, because they're little kids and that's what little kids do.

For some reason, the two never break up.

                  

When the recess bell finally rings, James is one of the first kids out on the playground, desperately wanting to play after an hour of boring maths. He runs over to the usual hang-out spot, Seamus and Sly hot on his heels, and the three wait for the rest of their friendship group to join them.

James soon spots his best friend amongst the other children, and he waves his arms to grab his attention. It works, and Aleks runs over to join him, bringing the rest of their friends with him.

"What are we playing today Jordan?" Seamus asks as he munches his apple, looking at their group leader. Jordan is the popular kid, the one in charge of their group, and James thinks he's pretty cool.

Not as cool as Aleks though.

"We can't play yet." Jordan replies, adjusting the red cap on his head. "We're eight now, and we have to start being more grown-up."

James glances at Aleks, who looks bored already.

"We need boyfriends and girlfriends." Jordan continues, folding his arms. "Just like our parents."

"That's dumb." Aleks scoffs, crossing his arms too. "I don't wanna be a grown-up."

James agrees with him, but the rest of their friends start looking around the playground, seeking out potential partners. He panics when he sees Stefani gazing at him, and he quickly grabs Aleks's hand. If he has to do this, then he wants to be with his best friend.

Aleks looks down at their joined hands but he doesn't pull away, even though he still looks angry at Jordan's idea.

"James, you have to choose a girl." Jordan says bossily.

James shakes his head stubbornly. Jordan may be the leader but he isn't going to change his mind. "Girls are stupid." James says defiantly, and he turns his attention back to Aleks. "You'll be my boyfriend, won't you Aleks?"

"Sure." Aleks shrugs. "Can we play now?"

He doesn't give James the chance to answer, and he pulls him away, leading him over to the swings. James lets him have a turn first, and he pushes him until his arms start to hurt.

Aleks notices his tiredness, and he leaps off of the swing. "Your turn!" He says cheerfully, and James eagerly sits down.

He doesn't get to swing as high as he wants to; the bell rings again, and the boys start walking to where they need to line up.

James sees Spencer and Joe holding hands, and he copies them, reaching out to grasp Aleks's hand again. He sees Jordan watching them as they line up, and he leans towards Aleks. "I'll always be your boyfriend." He promises, wanting to impress Jordan with how grown-up he is.

Aleks studies him for a moment, and then he presses his lips to James's cheek.

James blinks, and he can feel his face growing warm.

Aleks also has a blush on his face as he pulls away. "It's what my stepmom does to my dad." He mumbles.

"Boys, no talking in line."

James gulps, not realising that their class teacher is watching them. He looks sheepishly down at the ground, not used to being told off.

"Sorry Mrs Bolton." Aleks pipes up, and he lifts their entwined hands. "We're dating now."