Just Do It (TannerBraungardtxDylanMitchell)

1: A Campfire & A Spongebob Meme

"Okay, so remember that time I bought that vape pen and it exploded in your room?"

"Dude, my carpet had a huge burn mark for like a year from that! Of course I remember, you idiot."

"Ah, those were good times."

The sun was nearly set, leaving the sky a dark navy blue, glittered with a few stars, and a faint orange glow from the city lights. Some moisture from the ever so slightly cooled off air settled on the grass in large drops. The neighborhood was quiet except for a few barking dogs, and the occasional passing car. The air was scented with dying grass, stale warmth, and burning wood.

Kansas was at its peak of heat and humidity and sitting around a campfire didn't help, but for Tanner, Quentin, Dylan, three of the closest friends you could find, ending each day with flames and reminiscences had become a normal occurrence. It was the best part of summer break in a town full of phobic rednecks and nothing to do. Quentin was a bit of a pyroholic anyway. He subconsciously rubbed his thumb across the scars on his fingers from second degree burns he earned when that faulty vape pen he got from his brother's friend blew up.

"Man, we are stupid sometimes."

Dylan picked up a stick and poked the end into the fire, inattentive to as he spoke, "We are so lucky Kim is, like, the chillest mom ever."

Quentin crafted a gooey s'more and shoveled it into his mouth. "Duf, your stiffs on fire."

Dylan, not understanding what he said since his mouth was stuffed, followed his pointing finger to the tip of the stick in his grasp that was rapidly burning up toward his fingers. He yelped in surprise, and threw the piece of wood into the fire.

"Speaking of stupid." Tanner giggled, punching Dylan's shoulder.

"You're stupid."

"You're hot when you're any angry."

"Shut up."

"Make me."

Flirty much? Yes, indeed, Tanner had no idea how to have a conversation with anyone without coming across as flirtatious. He had no filter whatsoever. It was both Dylan's favorite and least favorite trait about him. Sometimes he couldn't stop being seductive and he became a handful to deal with, though mostly he just came across as overly friendly.

Silence fell upon them. The flames were growing dim. Odd shadows were casted across their faces. With the sun down, it had cooled off somewhat, and Tanner, who was wearing only a pair of dark purple underwear, scooted his lawn chair close to Dylan's and leaned his head on his shoulder. Dylan wrapped an arm around his friend's narrow shoulders, flooding him with warmth from his hoodie.

"I am so tired of summer." Quentin whined.

"I'm tired of Kansas."

"At least school starts soon." He said in a mocking tone.

Dylan didn't appreciate the mention of his public school. He would be alone for his senior year. The other two had dropped out to take an online course that allowed them to escape the idiots that bullied them. Dylan's mother didn't believe in escaping your problems, and refused to transfer him online. For the first time since sixth grade he would be attending school without his friends. He hated that thought. Tanner had already graduated from the program. He even had a diploma stating he satisfactorily completed all its requirements. Dylan still had a whole grade to go.

"I cannot believe you both are ditching me this year. Fucking assholes."

Tanner patted Dylan's cheek affectionately. "It's okay, baby. We still love you.