Zalex One Shots

The Basketball Game

(Credits to alltimefail01 on ao3)
No warnings

"You've got to be kidding me! After everything Zach does, I can't even go to a stupid fucking basketball game? Seriously? This is ridiculous!"

Alex could feel hot anger rising throughout his whole body as he stood in disbelief before his parents: he loved them, but he was so sick and tired of not being able to do things that every other stupid teenager his age was able to do. They wanted to protect him, he understood that, but it wasn't like they removed him from Liberty High School all together: if he had to go to school there, they could at least let him pretend that everything was normal.

"Alex, please watch your language-"

"Dad, Zach is like... one of my only friends, okay? I just want to go to one of his games. I promised I would go to one of his games and this is the first one of the season..."

"If we didn't have to work, we would be more than happy to come sit with you so that you could be at the game, but considering the circumstances..."

"I don't need a fucking babysitter!"

"Alex please..." his mother chimed in this time, worry written all over her face. She was exhausted, he could feel it. A pang of guilt settled in his chest, so he took a second to calm down. He never means to hurt anyone, it just happens like that sometimes with all the anger, the frustration. He knows it isn't their fault he's like this, but he just can't help getting overwhelmed in his brokenness sometimes.

"I'm sorry guys, it's just... I really wanted to go to this game. I know everything got messed up at the end of last year with the trials and Tyler and the dance..." Alex watched his parents' expressions harden at the mention of the dance. Beyond all the bullshit with Tyler, they also knew about what happened between him, Jessica, and Justin. Which honestly didn't matter anymore. He would always love Jess, and sure it hurt at first, but he wasn't sad their relationship was over. For whatever reason, it was actually kind of a relief to him.

Alex adds, nervously, "I really am okay. Everyone else is going to be there... I can just sit with Clay." His mom looks at his dad and lets out another long sigh before finally coming to a silent agreement between mixed glances. How do they even do that? How can parents communicate with like... just their eyes?

"Alright Alex..." his father rubs at his neck, clearly willing to compromise, then continues, "if Clay goes with you, it's okay for you to go. Will he be able to give you a ride back?"

Alex's eyes light up, a feeling of relief spreading through his whole body, "I was actually going to hang out with Zach for a bit after the game and figured Zach could crash here tonight?"

It wasn't unusual for Zach to come over and stay the night on weekends. Alex always looked forward to Friday nights because it meant secret junk-food runs, video games, and best of all Zach Dempsey. With both boys avoiding the party scene this year, their weekend hangouts were a perfect alternative... plus, a little alone time with just Zach was never a bad thing because Zach's attention wouldn't have to be divided...

"That's fine honey... just please be home at a decent hour, okay? With those games starting up and the parties after..."

"I'll be fine, Mom. Seriously. We'll be home within an hour of the game being over-if anything changes, I'll text you."

Alex wanted to be especially compliant, because he didn't want his parents to change their minds. Zach had no idea that Alex was coming to his game-in fact, Alex convinced Zach that his parents would never let him come, leading to clear disappointment in the taller boy's features. Alex would normally hate himself for making Zach feel anything but positive feelings, but this time he knew what he had up his sleeve.