Social Norms (Synacky)

Chapter Twenty

“What time will you be back?”

“I don’t know, I might spend the night, I might come back after it’s over.”

“I don’t mind if you spend the night, you know, it’s just Jimmy.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Okay, well, be safe. No drinking, okay?”

“Alright, alright. I’m leaving.”

Brian slipped out of the house, desperate to get away from Suzy’s nagging, and got into his car. He wasn’t really going to Jimmy’s. He told the drummer he was staying with his family, when in reality he was going with Zacky to the pier to watch the fireworks they shot off at the beach. It was Brian’s idea, and Zacky had willingly agreed.

When he arrived at the beach, Zacky was right where they had agreed to meet up. He was building a sandcastle, hands crafting walls and turrets, tongue poked out in concentration. Brian smiled, racing across the sand to him and sinking to his knees at Zacky’s side.

“May I join you?” he asked Zacky, who grinned, turning to hug Brian, and getting sand all over his clothes.

“Of course.”

They spent some time working on the castle, but Zacky stopped them as the sun began to set, and they watched the sun’s bleeding last rays dip under the west coast. Even though they were a little ways down from the pier to watch the fireworks, the beach was still crowded, families and friends all gathered to watch the display. But that didn’t stop the sunset from being just as beautiful, and Zacky pointed this out to Brian.

“There’s no Independence Day for the whole world.” He sighed, leaning his head against Brian’s shoulder. “The world was born independent. We harnessed ourselves and had to fight each other for our own freedom. How fucking idiotic was that?”

“I think if we never had to fight for freedom, it wouldn’t make us who we are today. Fighting makes you stronger, especially if you’re fighting with purpose.” Brian replied, slipping an arm around Zacky.

Zacky smiled softly, tilting his head up to kiss Brian’s jaw. “Yeah. I think you’re right. A perfect world would be pretty sucky.”

Brian chuckled, turning his head to kiss his boyfriend properly, cupping his cheek gently with his free hand. It was strange, a good strange, kissing Zacky like this with everyone around them, not being afraid of getting caught. Zacky still kissed his shy way, a trait that Brian was beginning to realize was a part of him, not nervousness of this being new.

When they pulled apart, Zacky cupped Brian’s face in his hands, eyes roaming over his face. Brian quirked an eyebrow at the younger boy, and Zacky laughed, kissing his nose. “I really like you, Brian.”

“I like you too, Zacky.” Zacky let go of Brian’s face, flopping down into the sand. Brian lay down next to him and asked, “Do you want to spend some time with me on my birthday?”

“Birthday?” Zacky frowned, “When is it?”

“Wednesday.” Brian replied, “But the party will be after that. I’m gonna talk to Jimmy and see if we can go to his house this weekend and have a party.”

“Who all is going to be there?”

“Oh, you know. Jimmy, Matt. I might invite Dan Abell and the Berry twins, do you know them? And if they come, the whole town will hear about it, so…”

“Uh, yeah, I’ll come.” Zacky replied. “What do you want?”

“I want you to come.” Brian said, “That’s all you have to do.”

“I’ll feel bad if I don’t get you something…”

“Well, get me something I wouldn’t expect.” Brian took Zacky’s hand and laced their fingers together. “And don’t spend too much, either.”

Zacky smiled, turning to kiss Brian gently. “I’ll see what I can do.”

As they began to shoot off the fireworks, they kissed again, and Brian could feel them bursting inside him as well as over the water. They kissed playfully, all chuckles and small pecks, and Brian pulled Zacky on top of him to kiss him better.

It was surreal, kissing Zacky with a canvas painted red and green and white in the background. They came to see the fireworks, but Brian was much more interested in the boy on top of him, the warm lips and cool metal, slick tongue swiping over rigid teeth.

“Brian?”

Fucking hell. Michelle.

Zacky pulled away quickly, but Brian was in no hurry as he looked up at Michelle and Val. He placed his hands on Zacky’s hips to keep him there as he asked, “What do you want?”

Michelle and Val both looked stunned, each in different ways. Val simply looked shocked, but Michelle was obviously disgusted.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Um… watching the fireworks with my boyfriend…?” Brian wasn’t going to hide anything from Michelle. It wasn’t like that bitch mattered anyway. Maybe he could even rub this in her face.

“Is that Zachary Baker?”

Zacky nodded slightly, biting his lip and looking down at Brian, eyes wide with a silent plea.

“He’s your… boyfriend? You’re gay?” she seemed unable to process it. Brian chuckled.

“Yeah, you were so horrible, I figured if all girls are like you I might as well try my hand with guys.”

“Brian, that is disgusting!” Michelle shouted. “You’re fucking gay. Oh my god. Since when has this happened?”

“Last month. After you fucked King. And I’m not gay, I’m just trying it out. Now can you go away?”

Michelle didn’t reply, she just stared at them a while. Eventually she shook her head, “You’re not gay, Brian, I know you better than that. What are you trying to pull?”

“I don’t know what you mean. Go away now before I stand up and fucking punch you, Michelle.”

 “Alright, alright, fine.” Michelle held up her hands in defeat, beginning to back away. “Come on, Val.”

She walked off, but Val stayed behind a bit.

“Good for you, Bri.” She smiled at him, then winked at Zacky. “You got lucky, Baker, Brian’s a good guy.”

Then, she left, following Michelle off through the crowd. Zacky buried his face in Brian’s neck, and he could feel the heat from his blush on his skin.

“That was bad, Brian…” he whispered, “Will she tell anyone?”

Brian thought about it. It really was a bad move on his part to say those things, but it wasn’t like they could have covered it up. They had been making out. “I don’t know.” He replied, “She might.” He knew for a fact that she would.

Zacky frowned. “Are you ready for everyone to find out?”

“I don’t care. Maybe it’ll be a good thing. I’ll introduce you to my parents and have you over for dinner and it’ll be a great thing.”

“Okay, if you’re sure…” Zacky curled against him contentedly as grand finale of the show splayed out across the sky.

“Oh I am sure.” Brian murmured, kissing Zacky’s temple. “100 percent.”