My List of Mistakes

You're a Good Thing

They found themselves back in the supply closet, leaning against the wall with sodas in hand.

"So you mean to tell me you just ate the entire bowl of brownie batter?" Nate asked, looking up at Elliot.

"Yeah. God I was seven I think? My mom left me alone in the kitchen for like ten minutes and I cleared out the entire bowl. It was fantastic until my mom had a damn for about it. I was in so much trouble... But I mean my mom is my mom and it didn't last very long so..."

"She seems so nice," Nathan started, taking a sip of his Coca Cola. "I mean I've said maybe a total of there words to her bit from everything you've told me, she sounds amazing."

"She is. She's all I've got. All I've ever had. I don't know what I'd do without her, or what she'd do without me."

Nate laced their fingers together and kissed his shoulder. "She won't ever have to. Neither of you will.... I wish you could meet my mother. She loved me so much. I miss her." He looked away and shrugged, running a hand over her face.

"Cancer does that Nathan. It takes the people we love. At least she's done hurting."

"Yeah. I know." He nuzzled closer. "You're coming tonight right?"

"Course I am. My baby asked me to be there so I will. My mom is even buying a gown to wear. She's so excited."

He laughed softly.

"Ya know baby... I'm falling hard for you." Elliot whispered and rubbed his arm. "I know we only just got together but still. This feels right,"

The other looked up, smiling softly. "It really does.... I'm glad you agreed to go to that party with me."

"Me too... I just wish we could be out in the open."

"I know it's just my dad-"

"I know Nathan. It's okay."

Nathan bit his lips and pressed his face in to his neck. "You're amazing. Really you are. I can't wait for tonight."

"Neither can I."

Just then the bell rang and Elliot grumbled as he pushed off the floor and helped Nathan up, letting him duck out first before sneaking out himself and walking home.

As he made it, he walked in and closed the door, quickly heating up from the chill outside. Eve came down the steps, her hair in curlers and make up started.

"Hello there Miss America."

"Oh, stop. How was school?"

"Fantastic!" He chimed and started past her, letting her follow him.

"Your tux is out and pressed. Take a shower and get ready okay?"

"Yeah, yeah... I know mom." He laughed and kissed her cheek. "You get ready too!"

She stuck her tongue out and they both walked into their own rooms.
-:-

"Alright ready?"

"Ready!"

The two stepped out of their rooms and Eve gasped while Elliot's jaw dropped.

"Oh sweetheart, you look wonderful." She whispered and smiled.

"Me? Mom look at you!" He pointed to her. His suit perfectly matched the black of the long dress she wore, a slit breaking mid thigh with a low back. "Jesus mom. How am I going to keep those guy's hands off of you?"

Eve shook her head and stepped forward. "What about you? Nathan will just die when he sees you."

Elliot smiled down at his feet. "Ready to go? I'm driving."

"Of course you are. Come on." She took his hand and lead him down stairs, helping him with his jacket as he helped her with her own. They slipped into her car and drove into the city.

It took almost an hour but when they arrived, the pair headed up to the pent house on the top floor.

The party was extravagant to say the least. Hundreds of people filled the large upstairs. Everyone from businessmen to celebrities were there.

Eyes followed them as they walked their way towards Malcolm Acetarium.

Nathan stood by his side, speaking along with the man his father had introduced to him when he saw Elliot, his eyes springing wide and bright. The boy waved over and they headed to him, smiling.

"Hello Nathan!" Eve greeted, smiling to him.

"Ms. Stark, Elliot. Great to see you." Nathan smiled and stepped to the side, allowing his father to come forward. "This is my father.. Malcolm Acetarium."

The man nodded his head, shaking all both of their hands. "It's nice to meet my son's friend and his darling mother. I've heard plenty about you both and I understand that you have an amazing ability to convince my son to study!"

Elliot nudged Nathan and laughed. "Yeah it was just about giving him the right kind of motivation." The words caused Nathan to blush and step closer to him.

"Motivation?" Malcolm raised a brow. "What kind of motivation?"

"I uhh.. I promised a fun weekend of playing video games and junk good if he gets a ninety on his quarterly exam." He lied and let his mother stand between the two boys so they could hold hands behind her back.

"Oh? Well my son is all about video games! Anyway, I will let you two have your fun, but for you Ms. Stark... How about I escort you around?"

The two boys pushed Eve forward while she took Malcolm's arm, walking about with him.

When their parents were gone, Nathan pulled Elliot out to the balcony. The cold air hit them and Elliot smiled because he didn't care. He stood there with his arms around Nathan, their foreheads resting together.

"God you're so beautiful..." Ell whispered, taking his hands and moving them to the music.

Nathan blushed and buried his face into his shoulder. "Stop it."

"Oh what now I've got you blushing?"

"Shut up!" He laughed and smacked his chest before leaning up to peck his lips. "Who knew the gentle giant could dance..."

"I'm in theater you dork. Of course I can dance. Believe it or not, I can sing too."

"Maybe you'll have to sing for me someday."

"I should hope so... But who'd have thought that the you, the All-star of every sports team would find himself dating the biggest theater dork around? I mean aren't you supposed to date the head cheerleader?"

Nathan rolled his eyes. "Felicity had nothing on you..." He laughed and kissed his nose. "You're not like any of them. Honestly you aren't,

"That's not always a good thing."

"Stop it. Baby it is. I mean it," he whispered and smiled. "You will always be special... You'll always be better then them.... Always."