Closet Case

Chapter One: Hiding in the Closet (Literally)

Reed was lying half asleep, his arms around Nico’s waist, who was in a deep slumber. He grinned sleepily at the boy and nuzzled into the back of his neck. His strawberry blonde hair smelled like berries and it was so soft, tickling at Reed's forehead.

The sound of knocking on the window made him jump.

He glanced at the window, which thankfully had that blinds and curtains shut. The knocking came again, this time a little more urgent.

“Reed?” It was Hazel, her voice muffled by the glass. “Are you awake?”

He began freaking out, unwrapping himself from Nico and nudging him. “Nico! Wake up! Hazel is at my door!” he stage whispered in a panic.

Nico’s eyes fluttered open and he yawned, "Wha..?"

"Hazel is here!!"

He seemed to get it then, eyes widening. He slipped off the bed, looking around quickly before getting on his hands and knees. He proceeded to crawl under the bed as Reed went to the window.

As soon as Nico was hidden, Reed moved the curtains, pulled the blinds, and opened the window.

Hazel, with her dark mixed skin tone, curly caramel colored hair and even lighter eyes, was there waiting. She was probably the most beautiful girl he knew - which made sense, because her parents were both good looking. Her mom beautiful and her dad damn hot.

She was sitting on a conveniently grown tree branch outside the window, swinging her legs. She smiled brightly at the sight of her boyfriend.

"Hey, Reed!"

"It's midnight!"

"I know I know. May I come in?"

"Your dad is going to kill you.. and me!"

"My dad doesn't know." She waved her hand and climbed in through the window despite Reed's protests.

Once Hazel was inside, she brushed herself off and looked content, closing the window. She was on her boyfriend in seconds, grinning. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leaned into him, humming softly.

Reed put his hands up, "Ah, Hazel-"

"What~?"

"My dads are downstairs, if they catch you-"

"They won't catch us!" she giggled and kissed his cheek. She slowly pushed him over to the bed and sat him down, then leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his lips.

After a moment, he pulled away and shook his head as she sat down on his lap. Hazel looked mildly disappointed, leaning into him a bit more.

"What's the matter?" she asked softly, laying her head on his shoulder.

"N-nothing, it's just late, and you woke me up.." He glanced down, trying not to think about the boy hiding under his bed.

Hazel huffed and got off of him. "You're no fun," she said, lying down and getting comfortable.

There was a moment of silence.

"Oh, are you staying the night??" Reed asked.

Hazel snorted, "Yeah? Cuddle me!"

"Wait- First wouldn't you like to, ya know, use the bathroom or something?"

His girlfriend rose an eyebrow at him over her shoulder. "Why are you acting funny?"

"Acting funny? I'm not acting funny. You're acting funny!"

Hazel sat up, snickering, and kissed his cheek again. "Alright alright. I do in fact need to use the restroom, so excuse me for a moment." She stood and Reed watched her go.

As soon as the door shut, Reed flew up.

"Nico! Come on! Hurry!"

Nico army crawled out from under the bed and stood up, brushing himself off. His hair was a mess and he looked tired as hell.

"I don't get why I have to hide from your girlfriend.."

"We just- We don't want her to question anything, right??"

"What is there to question?" Nico looked at him with those big, innocent eyes. Dammit, he was just like his brother, and apparently his father. Oblivious as all hell.

Reed felt his face heat up. Thank god it was dark in his room.

Reed had known Nico since the kid was born. They were only a few months apart, Reed being proudly older, and they both had their… family issues. Ever since they were young, they'd been close. They played together, ate together, slept together.. Nico's mom even married them once.

But now they were juniors in high school. They were growing up and suddenly cuddling with your best friend to fall asleep automatically made you gay. 

He shook his head. "It doesn't matter. UhhhHhhhhHHhhH okay- How about you sleep on the air mattress in my closetshit, and in the morning, after Hazel leaves, I'll get you!"

Nico rubbed his eyes and yawned. "But I was comfy…"

"I know…" Cue Reed feeling like shit.

Reed took Nico's hand and pulled him over to the closet, opening it. "You know where it is and how to inflate it. I'll see you in the morning, kay?"

"Okay…" Nico turned to give Reed a hug and a small squeeze. "Nighty night!"

Reed smiled softly. "Night, Neeks." He gave his friend a pat on the head, then they separated and he shut the door behind him.

Hazel walked in and flopped on the bed, sighing in content. Reed turned and flopped down next to her. Even as they cuddled up under the blankets, his arms around her waist instead of Nico's, all Reed could think about was how bad he felt for kicking Nico into the closet.