JFGogh (SFW) Series Finale

Part 5; I fell

A bright, natural light shined through the window. Van Gogh's eyes fluttered open, and he smiled. His hair was a mess and his bandage was off. He awoke calmly, taking his time to dress up and properly fix his hair after carefully wrapping his bandage around his head. His eyes sparkled in the sunlight, he felt amazing. For the first time in forever he was excited to be awake, to be alive and to be him.
He grabbed his bag and went out the door, looking fresh and, well, content.
It was a new feeling, he didn't even think twice on why he was experiencing it. It was JFK. For the short time they had spent together, he knew that them meeting was a miracle. He never felt so content in someones presence. He only hoped that the feeling would never go.
***
JFK felt great. He had a weightless heart, as if he were just a child in school, getting ready to just launch himself out there and be greeted with the worlds ongoing wonders.
It was hard for him to believe that he only really needed two people for him to be satisfied. Neither of which being his lover. It was odd, but it felt so nice to not have to worry about Cleo's expectations or what the other guys would think about him. He just needed the two people who truly made him happy, Ponce and Vincent.
At school, Vin would watch the time go by on the clocks. Each tick lasted ages. It felt like it kept getting slower with each one. He couldn't focus, his mind was being invaded with the thoughts of being accepted. Not to mention by JFK himself. The man of the school. He knew how Cleo felt now, or at least, how he would've felt.
He felt like a child getting excited for a play date. He hated that that was what his mind went to, but it was ultimately the easiest way to say it. He was new to hanging out with friends when unnecessary. Or just hanging out with friends in general. He liked Ponce's vibe, though. This was bound to be either the biggest disaster of his life, or the best experience yet. Only time could tell.
JFK went through the day as he normally would, except for the whole Cleo detail. Ever since that locker situation, she's been stuck to Abe like glue. There was no competition anymore. He hated himself for giving up on her. What was he doing? Was he really leaving his perfect life behind to be with two people who genuinely made him happy? Yeah. He was. And no matter what happened, the memories would always be there. Even the ones that hurt.
It was weird for him to be so soft, even if it was internally. He hated it. He was the toughest, hottest football captain around! Plus, he is El Capitan of the Fütbol team.
"You're uh, doing this for your own good, hotshot!" He has to convince himself to continue. It felt awful to second guess his friends, but he was relieved that he decided to pull through before the bell rung.

Finally! It was time for the date! Date? Bad choice of wording. Social gathering. Don't make it sounds awkward. The meetup. There, that's better. Van Gogh was overthinking already, he felt butterflies inside.
He was quick to gather up his things and exit the school. He was even quicker to make his way to the diner. He didn't have a ride, but he was sure he'd be there in time.
He shyly opened the door with a slight struggle. He'd walk inside and look around, before noticing Ponce at a table who waved him over. There was no sign of JFK so far, this could be his chance to get to know Ponce de Leon. The person closest to his new friend.
He slowly made his way to the table and set his bag on the ground, taking a seat across from Ponce.
"So, you're JFK's new friend, huh?" His voice wasn't at all intimidating.
"Uh, yeah..." he wished he could say more, but nothing else could come out.
Ponce smiled.
"Well, it's good to know he found someone new that he actually likes. It's not often he makes new genuine friends. I've gotta warn you, though. He gets attached quickly. So, please do your best to stay by him, I know he can be a lot sometimes but he's really a great guy and means well." He seemed like he was begging Van to stay. He knew the pain of having to see someone you loved hide their pain behind a smile when someone else leaves them.
He frowned, but looked up at Ponce and nodded understandingly.
"I promise." Vin smiled at Ponce and as if on queue, the diners doors swung open. JFK walked with pride and was greeted by people smiling at him as he walked by, as if he were a celebrity. In a way, he was.
JFK approached the table.
"Hey-a Ponce-o! And Van Gogh!" He seemed so genuinely thrilled.
"Hey, buddy." Replied Ponce, scooting over as JFK sat beside him.
"Hi JFK." Vin greeted him and smiled.
"So err uh, who're you taking to the dance Friday?"
"Well, I scored Catherine the Great!" Ponce replied proudly as Van smiled nervously.
"Aw, heck yeah man! What about you, short stack? Any broads yet?" JFK asked the quiet lad casually, as if he wasn't in constant fear.
"Well, not really..." he admitted sadly.
"Don't uh, feel too bad, pal. I'm laying off the err, chicks this time too. Hey, we should uh hang out there. Maybe I can help you catch some err uh, fresh tail!" Vincent felt himself blushing up. He quickly cleared his throat.
"Ahm, yeah, I don't know about the lady part..." he responded.
"Err uh, don't worry about it, pal. We'll still be buds for always!"
Vincent's heart almost melted right then and there. That was when he knew it. He didn't just like JFK. It was much stronger than that. He was crushing on the jock.
He watched lovingly as JFK laughed at his own jokes and talk to Ponce. It was an amazing thing to see, someone being happy.
"Well, I err uh, gotta go clean my room or my foster dads will uh, kill me!" He laughed and stood up.
"Thanks for uh, coming, guys. See you tomorrow!" He smiled at Vincent and walked away.
Van Gogh sighed and placed his head onto the palm of his hand.
"You know, Vinny, you should tell him." Ponce's voice snapped him out of the sudden trance. Vincent was flustered.
"Uhh, tell him what..? I have no idea what you could uhm, be referring to..." Van tried to be convincing, though he knew it was plainly obvious.
"You know what I mean. I'm serious, you could be what he needs to get over Cleo for good. I can tell he really likes you."
Vincent paused for a second and thought to himself before finally responding.
"You know, he was my first friend. And all over a silly art project. I really don't think he likes me in that way... it's probably just pity. No one as great as him would like someone as pathetic as me..." His voice was sad and full of realization that this would pass and be over with by the dance.
"You know, he has feelings too. It may be surprising to you, but he really does care... You should tell him you think he's great before you can't. Your biggest regret will be letting go while he holds on." Ponce had a way with giving advice. He knew exactly what to say and how to say it.
Van Gogh smiled.
"You're right... I'll tell him. At the dance." He spoke softly. Could this actually be it? There's no way JFK returned his feelings... But like Ponce said, his biggest regret would be to let go while he still hung on...

A.N;
As promised, the fifth chapter. I'm loving where this story is going, I was so unmotivated doing this chapter but I think it might be one of my best. This entire story makes me feel so good. I love writing for my loyal fans. The people who comment supportive things and vote for my stories. It just genuinely overloads me with joy. Thanks to everyone so much. Nearly 200 views and #1 on clone high. I'm beyond grateful. The story isn't over yet, though so stay tuned!