Secrets we keep in bottles

Careful not to oversalt

The nightly walk to the theater left a chill under Jacobs skin. How he wished it would warm up already. Eric had offered to lend him his jacket but he had refused. It was his own fault for not grabbing a warmer substitute top. Eric had frowned heavily but knowing he wouldn't budge he gave up arguing. Both boys drifted closer to each other, walking side by side. 

Pale moonlight shown through the cracks in the leaves and tree branches, decorating the pavement. Fear would have shot them streets before, neither a fan of the dark but they had each other and that was enough to instill security. Happiness danced with the bite of the wind, swirling around them and seeping into their bones. 

Eric reached out in the space between them and took his friends hand in his. Neither of them questioned it, they were utterly alone. Just two childhood friends enjoying the touch of the other. 

                                                                        

                                                                                               --------------------

Inside the theater was much warmer and much brighter, Jacob releasing a final shiver from his small frame. "Finally." He breathed, frowning at the sight of Eric's shaking head. 

"I offered you my coat but nooo." He huffed. 

"Shut up. There was no way I would take that from you." He countered, pushing past him to the ticket and snacks bar. Tiled floors matched well with the pale cream colored walls and neon signs suspended above the arcade games. A teen could waste a lot of money here if they weren't careful.

 "Two for Wasteland please."

 Eric taps his shoulder like a five year old tugging on his mother's sleeve.

"Hmm?"

"Can we get a large popcorn to share? We can use the extra money for candy." He half begs, a childlike glee tracing his irises. Jacob rolls his eyes but accepts the offer. "A large popcorn, two medium sodas, and.."

"Airheads." Eric pipes up, looking around the theater at the other strangers. It looked like one family was gearing up for a long night with their kids, another couple, probably on a first date, swaps awkward gestures. 

"Airheads." Jacob repeats to the employee, paying with the cash he had on him and retrieving the items. Eric grabs both sodas so Jacob can carry the rest with ease. They turned the tickets into to the other employee, and headed for theater four. As they entered, Eric was thrilled to see it empty. That meant any seat was up for grabs. He skipped up the stairs, back down again, and then back up to claim a seat in one of the middle rows.

 "Indecisive are we?" Jacob stated, joining him in the finally chosen row. They adjusted accordingly, setting chilled soda cups in holders. Eric snatched the popcorn bowl from Jacob, popping a few kernels into his mouth with a satisfying crunch. He stroked his non-existent beard hair in thought, turning and hopping back down the carpeted stairs.

"Where are you going?"

"This needs more butter and cheese dust." He called back from the door. 

Jacob sat up abruptly. "Don't add too much like last time or I swear!" 

Eric jogged down the hallway, not bothering to reply but he had heard him well enough. Jacob sunk back into his seat, slipping off his shoes. Theater four was large, big enough to hold eighty people at least. The screen was even bigger. Classic red curtains framed the screen and decorated the walls, blue and green spotted carpet stairs to match. Jacob wasn't a fan of empty theaters during horror movies. He preferred the company of strangers for this particular genre. I'll be damned if I let him see that I'm scared. Suddenly the screen came to life with commercials, startling him.