caz or kaz 🎀

hashtag challenge i did with my friends hahaaa it was peak brah. I can’t feel my legs guy s but it’s okay and it was frekaing awesome.

hashtag challenge i did with my friends hahaaa it was peak brah. I can’t feel my legs guy s but it’s okay and it was frekaing awesome.

- @cazpyciobanu

Caz, through the windows of the car, could see— after a minute or two— Decan, ducking out of the front door with an unreadable expression on and stepping out onto the sidewalk leading up to the front door. He promptly shuts the front door in a very gentle and silent manner, and turns his heel, forming a big lazy grin, as he heads up to Caz’s car. Caz can see that he’s holding a flat-ish white box, accompanied by what seems to be a bracelet or two.

Coming around the side of the car, he pulls on the handle of the car door and ducks in, sitting in the passenger seat and smiling his usual smile with those green half-lidded eyes of his.

“hey, dude. thanks for picking me up for this, bro.. always the goat.”

Of course, man. It’d be rude if I didn’t. There was no way I’d make you walk all the way over there.

He laughed at the idea he’d make decan do that, it just sounded insane to him. He turned on the radio, going to a station that actually had good music.

Yellow T-shirt, Los Bunkers written on the collar of it along with their band logo on the middle of the shirt, Jean jacket with it’s sleeves torn off, the belt and the ripped jeans, and red and orange shoes.

“and even if you did, man, I’d be fine with it n’ walk there. i’m chill with anything.”

He replied, honestly. He’s quick to move on, and seems more eager about getting what seems to be a gift over to Caz.

“anyway, I uh, saved up and got you a lil’ somethin’, since you’re genuinely The Dude. number freaking one.”

Decan shifts, first handing Caz one of the bracelets. It’s a teensy bit big, and the beads in it are magenta, cyan, and purple in color, and there’s letter beads strewn on it that spell ‘the gaot’. Goat is obviously misspelled.

“first off, got matching bracelets for us. mine is orange and stuff. it’s kind-of awesome.”

I’ll look at it more when we get there. I need to make sure I don’t kill us both by crashing my car.

His heart skipped a beat at the thought that Decan went through all of this just for him. God, why does he have to feel like this?

You really didn’t have to do any of this for me… I feel bad you wasted your money on me out of all people…

Decan hums, before sitting up and reaching back into the backseat to set the white box down in the middle, flat. He then sits back down and shifts to get comfortable. He leans to the side a bit to where Caz is to speak again.

“..got you a massive pretzel too, by the way. It’s freaking awesome.”

He gives a nod, and then exhales as he sits up straight, smiling a bit, and eyeing out of the windshield of the car with a slightly blank look in his eyes; though he always has that no-thoughts look.

And uh, thanks for the pretzel, dude. We can share it, I had some food before I left so I’m not too hungry.

He continued driving, taking turns here and there. It seemed he knew where he was going.

They were basically the only car on the road, which felt a bit odd, but Caz was sticking to side roads more than main ones so it made sense.

After a bit of driving and some random conversations, they arrived at the field. It was just a small parking lot in front of a large field looking out over the city. He put the car in park, unlocking the doors and holding his keys.

“let’s freaking GO! dude and dude time!”

With haste, Decan then opens the car door, hops out and shuts it, rounds the front of the car, and then opens the car door on the driver’s side; adding onto the act by extending a hand outwards at the area around them.

“s’ my pleasure, dude.”

Thank you, Decan… I wasn’t expecting that.

He steps out, closing the door behind him. He went to the back, opening the door and taking out the pretzel. He closed the door, locking his car even though no one was around. He put his key in his pocket, walking over to the field with both the pretzel and bracelet.

Nice night, huh?

His eyes drift across the stars, admiring them thoroughly. He took time to soak them in, as it seems like he doesn’t get out late a lot to see them. His expression is almost distant, in a way. Hazy, and genuine as he looks over them.

“d’you read constellations? or, like, read stars or something? that freaking cool stuff?”

Caz looked over at Decan, smiling at him before they looked back up. He fidgeted with his bracelets, looking down at them and spinning them.

I’m sure like Big Dipper is out here or the little one… uh… I don’t really remember the others…

He beckons. He, not taking a bit of the pretzel, followed, and sunk down onto his back; arms folding back to rest his hands behind his head. He glances over at Caz, expectedly.

He stared up, looking to see if he can find any constellations or just any shapes. He pointed at the Big Dipper, or at least what he thought was the Big Dipper.

That’s the Big Dipper I think. Uh I don’t know if the little one is visible tonight, and I don’t really know what tells the two apart…

“ooh. that’s sick.”

He nods, as if to confirm he’s found it. While Caz looked for more, Decan unfolded his left arm and rested it down on the grass between them— both to prepare for whenever he needed to point as well as to feel the grass below them.

“mmm… i see 6. lebron’s number, dude. that’s awesome. and..”

Decan points up at the night sky, to gesture to the area that it’s in. His hand drifts as he points to another spot.

“..and I see a swirl sorta thing, like the things on your goggles, dude. you’re up here! that’s like.. crazy.”

I guess I am… that’s pretty funny, huh? Didn’t think I’d be in the stars out of all places.

He lets out a small laugh, idly fidgeting with his bracelets. He continued to look for things in the stars, not finding much.

That looks like… mmmm… kinda looks like a tiger…

He pointed up at the place he was looking.

It’s like your basketball team, since y’know, you guys are the tigers!

He chuckled, resting his arms again.

He thinks for a moment, before he turns his head to glance over at Caz for a moment. He then looks back up at the sky, his usual unreadable expression on, with half-lidded eyes and a resting smile.

“i’m gonna, like… get the moon. in my bare freaking hands. like a basketball. i’m gonna play basketball with it, dude, and then, i’m gonna pass it to you so you can take the win. like a basketball game. i’m gonna give you the moon, bro. cuz’ you’re the goat.”

I think I’d lose the game for us, man. And also, the moon would be a shit ball. That shit can’t bounce, dude. Plus, super fucking heavy. Overall, pretty bad ball for basketball.

He looked back up, smiling. He sighed, why did he have to like Decan out of all people? The one person he doesn’t even have a chance with. He hated being in love so fucking much.

He hums and, almost more insistently, he nudges Caz’s side with his hand, before he flips his hand over so the palm faced up, to beckon the other. Facial expression unchanged.

Yeah… as long as we’re together, I’m sure we’ll have fun.

He softly smiled, he couldn’t help but hear a slightly romantic tone in that sentence. He didn’t like it, but he just hoped Decan didn’t pick up on it. Or maybe he did hope he noticed.

So… why’d you put your hand out? You wanna lead me somewhere or some shit?

Decan grins. He looks over to meet Caz’s eyes, and he looks to the side as he thinks for a moment.

“but, like, we could go somewhere too, if you want. like near the old kinda cool church or, like, near the mall, where there’s like, nature-y areas.”

If he were to be honest, anywhere with Decan was heaven. He’d never say that though. He interlocked his and Decan’s fingers, looking away once he did so.

If we’re gonna go somewhere, I should put the pretzel back in my car… I’ll probably eat it another day if I don’t tonight.

Decan smiles. He then stretched, sat up, and let out a soft exhale.

“just for a little. dunno, maybe to check it out or something.”

Alright then, sure. We can do that. I’ll go put the pretzel in my car.

He stood up, letting go of Decan’s hand and walking over to his car. He took his keys out of his pockets, unlocking his car and putting the pretzel inside. He closed the door, locking his car and putting his keys back in his pocket.

With a remaining dopey smile, Decan led the both of them on a relatively short walk to the small-ish green space near the singular mall in Shirington. Decan turns his head to look over the passing nature, flowerbeds, and trees that are rich in color, along with the active large water fountain they’re coming up on in this park; all a little dimmer in color given the shadowing yet pleasant night.

He looks around at the pretty scenery, smiling as he walked over to the fountain. He sat down on the ledge, continuing to look at the nature around him.

I like hanging out in nature… it’s peaceful…

He hums, sitting down next to Caz on the ledge. Their hands still connected, they sit close. He looks around at the nature, thoroughly, and enjoys the calmness of the night. He glances at Caz. He looks like, maybe, he’s thinking, but he also tends to have not a single thought in his head most of the time, so it may not be likely. Though he stills a bit. It seems like he wants to say something, but he won’t; so for the moment, he just smiles and observed the nature.

He looks away, not wanting to look at Decan right now. He wished he could just hang out with Decan without breaking his heart. He hated that he loved Decan, he knows he doesn’t have a chance, that’s why he hates it.

“you okay, dude?”

yeah yeah, I’m fine. Sorry I-

Decan hums. He blinks, watching Caz as he looks away, and he shifts where he sits as he thinks for a bit. He allows Caz a moment to himself.

His hand slightly and slowly pulled back, and his thumb remained tracing over the back of Caz’s hand.

“did, i like, make you upset orr, is it somethin’ else? or do you not wanna talk about it?”

He wanted to talk about it, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. He was too scared to ruin their friendship.

He wanted to move on from this awkward standstill of their conversation, but he was too scared to say anything, afraid he’d say something he didn’t want to.

He assures Caz. There’s a pause and a bit of silence before Decan scoots closer to Caz where they’re sitting on the water fountain. He still holds Caz’s hand, but he sits so that they’re pretty much shoulder-to-shoulder.

“is uh, this okay?”

He was blushing so hard right now, he didn’t look at Decan solely so he didn’t see how much blush covered their face.

I… I wish I could tell you but… I’m… scared.

I’m scared what you’ll think… I don’t wanna ruin what we have…

He paused, still not looking at Decan. He could feel tears start to sting his eyes, fuck, he hated this.

“dude, i promise, on everything i care about, that i’ll stay chill, no-matter what you say. you know how chill i am, right? chillest dude of all time. and, I won’t judge you, whatever it is.”

He watches Caz very, very carefully, and he provides Caz with absolute patience.

maybe you’ll be able to get over it… but I won’t…

He sniffed, looking over at Decan out of the corner of his eyes. His eyes were watery, his breathing heavier now.

I- I love you, Decan… and it’s stupid because I know I don’t have a chance… but I can’t get over it… I just… I wish I could have a chance with you… but I know that you and Stacy love each other… and that you’re straight…

He was fully crying now, he tried not to but he couldn’t hold it back this time.

“..caz.. dude, i..”

He was having partial difficulty thinking and getting out the correct words. His frown, only slightly, formed into a small smile, and Decan looked into Caz’s eyes.

“look at me directly, man. caz— no man, it’s not stupid. and, i mean, yeah, i love stacy and she loves me, but— first off, she fully told me she’d allow our relationship to be open. that’s one, and two, honestly— i love you too. i think.. i mean.. you know how stupid i can be. talking about it, now, i realize i really do love you, man. i have for a while now. i’m fairly blind when it comes to realizing i have crushes. but, really, i do love you, too.”

Really?

He spoke quietly, sniffing as he wiped his tears away. It felt unbelievable to him. He never thought of a world where Decan said that he loved them back. He just stared at Decan for a moment, his eyelids drooping slightly. He quickly hugged onto him, trying not to let either of them fall while he did so. He nuzzled his head into the other’s neck, keeping it there as his breathing started to return to normal.

“i love you too, man. wholeheartedly.”

is it bad that I already want to kiss you?

Decan then grinned, and pulled back a bit to meet Caz’s eyes. His usual expression on— with a hint of red in his cheeks. He snickers.

“let’s freaking go, man.”

If he had a tail, it would be wagging so fast right now. He loved every damn bit about this. It felt so relieving to finally kiss him. Caz hesitantly pulled back, breathing a little harder now. He smiled, moving his arms back around Decan.

“thank you, man. you too. but— if we’re gonna be, like a freaking thing..”

He grew a slightly serious look, and narrowed his eyes at Caz.

He giggled, smiling at Decan before nuzzling their head back into his neck.

Hope you don’t mind pet names because I will be using those for you. I’ll still call you dude, man, and bro, but less frequently now.

He paused for a moment before he started to speak again.

He looks up and squints, itching the back of his neck.

“freaking.. boyfriends or something? partners? that sounds coolio. iunno. i’m chill with anything, bro.”

I think boyfriends sounds nice… so I guess we’re official then, huh? I never thought this would happen…

But I’m glad it did…

Caz pulled back, getting up and offering his hand to Decan.

He grinned, leaning over and giving Decan a kiss on the cheek.

Love ya.

“love you too, bro.”

Decan then slipped out of the car, and stopped on the street he stepped onto— looking back at Caz.

“but, dude, i’ll have to get back to you on whether or not i love you more than lebron..”

You better love me more than LeBron, Decan.

- @cazpyciobanu

Caz, through the windows of the car, could see— after a minute or two— Decan, ducking out of the front door with an unreadable expression on and stepping out onto the sidewalk leading up to the front door. He promptly shuts the front door in a very gentle and silent manner, and turns his heel, forming a big lazy grin, as he heads up to Caz’s car. Caz can see that he’s holding a flat-ish white box, accompanied by what seems to be a bracelet or two.

Coming around the side of the car, he pulls on the handle of the car door and ducks in, sitting in the passenger seat and smiling his usual smile with those green half-lidded eyes of his.

“hey, dude. thanks for picking me up for this, bro.. always the goat.”

Of course, man. It’d be rude if I didn’t. There was no way I’d make you walk all the way over there.

He laughed at the idea he’d make decan do that, it just sounded insane to him. He turned on the radio, going to a station that actually had good music.

Yellow T-shirt, Los Bunkers written on the collar of it along with their band logo on the middle of the shirt, Jean jacket with it’s sleeves torn off, the belt and the ripped jeans, and red and orange shoes.

“and even if you did, man, I’d be fine with it n’ walk there. i’m chill with anything.”

He replied, honestly. He’s quick to move on, and seems more eager about getting what seems to be a gift over to Caz.

“anyway, I uh, saved up and got you a lil’ somethin’, since you’re genuinely The Dude. number freaking one.”

Decan shifts, first handing Caz one of the bracelets. It’s a teensy bit big, and the beads in it are magenta, cyan, and purple in color, and there’s letter beads strewn on it that spell ‘the gaot’. Goat is obviously misspelled.

“first off, got matching bracelets for us. mine is orange and stuff. it’s kind-of awesome.”

I’ll look at it more when we get there. I need to make sure I don’t kill us both by crashing my car.

His heart skipped a beat at the thought that Decan went through all of this just for him. God, why does he have to feel like this?

You really didn’t have to do any of this for me… I feel bad you wasted your money on me out of all people…

Decan hums, before sitting up and reaching back into the backseat to set the white box down in the middle, flat. He then sits back down and shifts to get comfortable. He leans to the side a bit to where Caz is to speak again.

“..got you a massive pretzel too, by the way. It’s freaking awesome.”

He gives a nod, and then exhales as he sits up straight, smiling a bit, and eyeing out of the windshield of the car with a slightly blank look in his eyes; though he always has that no-thoughts look.

And uh, thanks for the pretzel, dude. We can share it, I had some food before I left so I’m not too hungry.

He continued driving, taking turns here and there. It seemed he knew where he was going.

They were basically the only car on the road, which felt a bit odd, but Caz was sticking to side roads more than main ones so it made sense.

After a bit of driving and some random conversations, they arrived at the field. It was just a small parking lot in front of a large field looking out over the city. He put the car in park, unlocking the doors and holding his keys.

“let’s freaking GO! dude and dude time!”

With haste, Decan then opens the car door, hops out and shuts it, rounds the front of the car, and then opens the car door on the driver’s side; adding onto the act by extending a hand outwards at the area around them.

“s’ my pleasure, dude.”

Thank you, Decan… I wasn’t expecting that.

He steps out, closing the door behind him. He went to the back, opening the door and taking out the pretzel. He closed the door, locking his car even though no one was around. He put his key in his pocket, walking over to the field with both the pretzel and bracelet.

Nice night, huh?

His eyes drift across the stars, admiring them thoroughly. He took time to soak them in, as it seems like he doesn’t get out late a lot to see them. His expression is almost distant, in a way. Hazy, and genuine as he looks over them.

“d’you read constellations? or, like, read stars or something? that freaking cool stuff?”

Caz looked over at Decan, smiling at him before they looked back up. He fidgeted with his bracelets, looking down at them and spinning them.

I’m sure like Big Dipper is out here or the little one… uh… I don’t really remember the others…

He beckons. He, not taking a bit of the pretzel, followed, and sunk down onto his back; arms folding back to rest his hands behind his head. He glances over at Caz, expectedly.

He stared up, looking to see if he can find any constellations or just any shapes. He pointed at the Big Dipper, or at least what he thought was the Big Dipper.

That’s the Big Dipper I think. Uh I don’t know if the little one is visible tonight, and I don’t really know what tells the two apart…

“ooh. that’s sick.”

He nods, as if to confirm he’s found it. While Caz looked for more, Decan unfolded his left arm and rested it down on the grass between them— both to prepare for whenever he needed to point as well as to feel the grass below them.

“mmm… i see 6. lebron’s number, dude. that’s awesome. and..”

Decan points up at the night sky, to gesture to the area that it’s in. His hand drifts as he points to another spot.

“..and I see a swirl sorta thing, like the things on your goggles, dude. you’re up here! that’s like.. crazy.”

I guess I am… that’s pretty funny, huh? Didn’t think I’d be in the stars out of all places.

He lets out a small laugh, idly fidgeting with his bracelets. He continued to look for things in the stars, not finding much.

That looks like… mmmm… kinda looks like a tiger…

He pointed up at the place he was looking.

It’s like your basketball team, since y’know, you guys are the tigers!

He chuckled, resting his arms again.

He thinks for a moment, before he turns his head to glance over at Caz for a moment. He then looks back up at the sky, his usual unreadable expression on, with half-lidded eyes and a resting smile.

“i’m gonna, like… get the moon. in my bare freaking hands. like a basketball. i’m gonna play basketball with it, dude, and then, i’m gonna pass it to you so you can take the win. like a basketball game. i’m gonna give you the moon, bro. cuz’ you’re the goat.”

I think I’d lose the game for us, man. And also, the moon would be a shit ball. That shit can’t bounce, dude. Plus, super fucking heavy. Overall, pretty bad ball for basketball.

He looked back up, smiling. He sighed, why did he have to like Decan out of all people? The one person he doesn’t even have a chance with. He hated being in love so fucking much.

He hums and, almost more insistently, he nudges Caz’s side with his hand, before he flips his hand over so the palm faced up, to beckon the other. Facial expression unchanged.

Yeah… as long as we’re together, I’m sure we’ll have fun.

He softly smiled, he couldn’t help but hear a slightly romantic tone in that sentence. He didn’t like it, but he just hoped Decan didn’t pick up on it. Or maybe he did hope he noticed.

So… why’d you put your hand out? You wanna lead me somewhere or some shit?

Decan grins. He looks over to meet Caz’s eyes, and he looks to the side as he thinks for a moment.

“but, like, we could go somewhere too, if you want. like near the old kinda cool church or, like, near the mall, where there’s like, nature-y areas.”

If he were to be honest, anywhere with Decan was heaven. He’d never say that though. He interlocked his and Decan’s fingers, looking away once he did so.

If we’re gonna go somewhere, I should put the pretzel back in my car… I’ll probably eat it another day if I don’t tonight.

Decan smiles. He then stretched, sat up, and let out a soft exhale.

“just for a little. dunno, maybe to check it out or something.”

Alright then, sure. We can do that. I’ll go put the pretzel in my car.

He stood up, letting go of Decan’s hand and walking over to his car. He took his keys out of his pockets, unlocking his car and putting the pretzel inside. He closed the door, locking his car and putting his keys back in his pocket.

With a remaining dopey smile, Decan led the both of them on a relatively short walk to the small-ish green space near the singular mall in Shirington. Decan turns his head to look over the passing nature, flowerbeds, and trees that are rich in color, along with the active large water fountain they’re coming up on in this park; all a little dimmer in color given the shadowing yet pleasant night.

He looks around at the pretty scenery, smiling as he walked over to the fountain. He sat down on the ledge, continuing to look at the nature around him.

I like hanging out in nature… it’s peaceful…

He hums, sitting down next to Caz on the ledge. Their hands still connected, they sit close. He looks around at the nature, thoroughly, and enjoys the calmness of the night. He glances at Caz. He looks like, maybe, he’s thinking, but he also tends to have not a single thought in his head most of the time, so it may not be likely. Though he stills a bit. It seems like he wants to say something, but he won’t; so for the moment, he just smiles and observed the nature.

He looks away, not wanting to look at Decan right now. He wished he could just hang out with Decan without breaking his heart. He hated that he loved Decan, he knows he doesn’t have a chance, that’s why he hates it.

“you okay, dude?”

yeah yeah, I’m fine. Sorry I-

Decan hums. He blinks, watching Caz as he looks away, and he shifts where he sits as he thinks for a bit. He allows Caz a moment to himself.

His hand slightly and slowly pulled back, and his thumb remained tracing over the back of Caz’s hand.

“did, i like, make you upset orr, is it somethin’ else? or do you not wanna talk about it?”

He wanted to talk about it, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. He was too scared to ruin their friendship.

He wanted to move on from this awkward standstill of their conversation, but he was too scared to say anything, afraid he’d say something he didn’t want to.

He assures Caz. There’s a pause and a bit of silence before Decan scoots closer to Caz where they’re sitting on the water fountain. He still holds Caz’s hand, but he sits so that they’re pretty much shoulder-to-shoulder.

“is uh, this okay?”

He was blushing so hard right now, he didn’t look at Decan solely so he didn’t see how much blush covered their face.

I… I wish I could tell you but… I’m… scared.

I’m scared what you’ll think… I don’t wanna ruin what we have…

He paused, still not looking at Decan. He could feel tears start to sting his eyes, fuck, he hated this.

“dude, i promise, on everything i care about, that i’ll stay chill, no-matter what you say. you know how chill i am, right? chillest dude of all time. and, I won’t judge you, whatever it is.”

He watches Caz very, very carefully, and he provides Caz with absolute patience.

maybe you’ll be able to get over it… but I won’t…

He sniffed, looking over at Decan out of the corner of his eyes. His eyes were watery, his breathing heavier now.

I- I love you, Decan… and it’s stupid because I know I don’t have a chance… but I can’t get over it… I just… I wish I could have a chance with you… but I know that you and Stacy love each other… and that you’re straight…

He was fully crying now, he tried not to but he couldn’t hold it back this time.

“..caz.. dude, i..”

He was having partial difficulty thinking and getting out the correct words. His frown, only slightly, formed into a small smile, and Decan looked into Caz’s eyes.

“look at me directly, man. caz— no man, it’s not stupid. and, i mean, yeah, i love stacy and she loves me, but— first off, she fully told me she’d allow our relationship to be open. that’s one, and two, honestly— i love you too. i think.. i mean.. you know how stupid i can be. talking about it, now, i realize i really do love you, man. i have for a while now. i’m fairly blind when it comes to realizing i have crushes. but, really, i do love you, too.”

Really?

He spoke quietly, sniffing as he wiped his tears away. It felt unbelievable to him. He never thought of a world where Decan said that he loved them back. He just stared at Decan for a moment, his eyelids drooping slightly. He quickly hugged onto him, trying not to let either of them fall while he did so. He nuzzled his head into the other’s neck, keeping it there as his breathing started to return to normal.

“i love you too, man. wholeheartedly.”

is it bad that I already want to kiss you?

Decan then grinned, and pulled back a bit to meet Caz’s eyes. His usual expression on— with a hint of red in his cheeks. He snickers.

“let’s freaking go, man.”

If he had a tail, it would be wagging so fast right now. He loved every damn bit about this. It felt so relieving to finally kiss him. Caz hesitantly pulled back, breathing a little harder now. He smiled, moving his arms back around Decan.

“thank you, man. you too. but— if we’re gonna be, like a freaking thing..”

He grew a slightly serious look, and narrowed his eyes at Caz.

He giggled, smiling at Decan before nuzzling their head back into his neck.

Hope you don’t mind pet names because I will be using those for you. I’ll still call you dude, man, and bro, but less frequently now.

He paused for a moment before he started to speak again.

He looks up and squints, itching the back of his neck.

“freaking.. boyfriends or something? partners? that sounds coolio. iunno. i’m chill with anything, bro.”

I think boyfriends sounds nice… so I guess we’re official then, huh? I never thought this would happen…

But I’m glad it did…

Caz pulled back, getting up and offering his hand to Decan.

He grinned, leaning over and giving Decan a kiss on the cheek.

Love ya.

- @cazpyciobanu

Caz, through the windows of the car, could see— after a minute or two— Decan, ducking out of the front door with an unreadable expression on and stepping out onto the sidewalk leading up to the front door. He promptly shuts the front door in a very gentle and silent manner, and turns his heel, forming a big lazy grin, as he heads up to Caz’s car. Caz can see that he’s holding a flat-ish white box, accompanied by what seems to be a bracelet or two.

Coming around the side of the car, he pulls on the handle of the car door and ducks in, sitting in the passenger seat and smiling his usual smile with those green half-lidded eyes of his.

“hey, dude. thanks for picking me up for this, bro.. always the goat.”

Of course, man. It’d be rude if I didn’t. There was no way I’d make you walk all the way over there.

He laughed at the idea he’d make decan do that, it just sounded insane to him. He turned on the radio, going to a station that actually had good music.

Yellow T-shirt, Los Bunkers written on the collar of it along with their band logo on the middle of the shirt, Jean jacket with it’s sleeves torn off, the belt and the ripped jeans, and red and orange shoes.

“and even if you did, man, I’d be fine with it n’ walk there. i’m chill with anything.”

He replied, honestly. He’s quick to move on, and seems more eager about getting what seems to be a gift over to Caz.

“anyway, I uh, saved up and got you a lil’ somethin’, since you’re genuinely The Dude. number freaking one.”

Decan shifts, first handing Caz one of the bracelets. It’s a teensy bit big, and the beads in it are magenta, cyan, and purple in color, and there’s letter beads strewn on it that spell ‘the gaot’. Goat is obviously misspelled.

“first off, got matching bracelets for us. mine is orange and stuff. it’s kind-of awesome.”

I’ll look at it more when we get there. I need to make sure I don’t kill us both by crashing my car.

His heart skipped a beat at the thought that Decan went through all of this just for him. God, why does he have to feel like this?

You really didn’t have to do any of this for me… I feel bad you wasted your money on me out of all people…

Decan hums, before sitting up and reaching back into the backseat to set the white box down in the middle, flat. He then sits back down and shifts to get comfortable. He leans to the side a bit to where Caz is to speak again.

“..got you a massive pretzel too, by the way. It’s freaking awesome.”

He gives a nod, and then exhales as he sits up straight, smiling a bit, and eyeing out of the windshield of the car with a slightly blank look in his eyes; though he always has that no-thoughts look.

And uh, thanks for the pretzel, dude. We can share it, I had some food before I left so I’m not too hungry.

He continued driving, taking turns here and there. It seemed he knew where he was going.

They were basically the only car on the road, which felt a bit odd, but Caz was sticking to side roads more than main ones so it made sense.

After a bit of driving and some random conversations, they arrived at the field. It was just a small parking lot in front of a large field looking out over the city. He put the car in park, unlocking the doors and holding his keys.

“let’s freaking GO! dude and dude time!”

With haste, Decan then opens the car door, hops out and shuts it, rounds the front of the car, and then opens the car door on the driver’s side; adding onto the act by extending a hand outwards at the area around them.

“s’ my pleasure, dude.”

Thank you, Decan… I wasn’t expecting that.

He steps out, closing the door behind him. He went to the back, opening the door and taking out the pretzel. He closed the door, locking his car even though no one was around. He put his key in his pocket, walking over to the field with both the pretzel and bracelet.

Nice night, huh?

His eyes drift across the stars, admiring them thoroughly. He took time to soak them in, as it seems like he doesn’t get out late a lot to see them. His expression is almost distant, in a way. Hazy, and genuine as he looks over them.

“d’you read constellations? or, like, read stars or something? that freaking cool stuff?”

Caz looked over at Decan, smiling at him before they looked back up. He fidgeted with his bracelets, looking down at them and spinning them.

I’m sure like Big Dipper is out here or the little one… uh… I don’t really remember the others…

He beckons. He, not taking a bit of the pretzel, followed, and sunk down onto his back; arms folding back to rest his hands behind his head. He glances over at Caz, expectedly.

He stared up, looking to see if he can find any constellations or just any shapes. He pointed at the Big Dipper, or at least what he thought was the Big Dipper.

That’s the Big Dipper I think. Uh I don’t know if the little one is visible tonight, and I don’t really know what tells the two apart…

“ooh. that’s sick.”

He nods, as if to confirm he’s found it. While Caz looked for more, Decan unfolded his left arm and rested it down on the grass between them— both to prepare for whenever he needed to point as well as to feel the grass below them.

“mmm… i see 6. lebron’s number, dude. that’s awesome. and..”

Decan points up at the night sky, to gesture to the area that it’s in. His hand drifts as he points to another spot.

“..and I see a swirl sorta thing, like the things on your goggles, dude. you’re up here! that’s like.. crazy.”

I guess I am… that’s pretty funny, huh? Didn’t think I’d be in the stars out of all places.

He lets out a small laugh, idly fidgeting with his bracelets. He continued to look for things in the stars, not finding much.

That looks like… mmmm… kinda looks like a tiger…

He pointed up at the place he was looking.

It’s like your basketball team, since y’know, you guys are the tigers!

He chuckled, resting his arms again.

He thinks for a moment, before he turns his head to glance over at Caz for a moment. He then looks back up at the sky, his usual unreadable expression on, with half-lidded eyes and a resting smile.

“i’m gonna, like… get the moon. in my bare freaking hands. like a basketball. i’m gonna play basketball with it, dude, and then, i’m gonna pass it to you so you can take the win. like a basketball game. i’m gonna give you the moon, bro. cuz’ you’re the goat.”

I think I’d lose the game for us, man. And also, the moon would be a shit ball. That shit can’t bounce, dude. Plus, super fucking heavy. Overall, pretty bad ball for basketball.

He looked back up, smiling. He sighed, why did he have to like Decan out of all people? The one person he doesn’t even have a chance with. He hated being in love so fucking much.

He hums and, almost more insistently, he nudges Caz’s side with his hand, before he flips his hand over so the palm faced up, to beckon the other. Facial expression unchanged.

Yeah… as long as we’re together, I’m sure we’ll have fun.

He softly smiled, he couldn’t help but hear a slightly romantic tone in that sentence. He didn’t like it, but he just hoped Decan didn’t pick up on it. Or maybe he did hope he noticed.

So… why’d you put your hand out? You wanna lead me somewhere or some shit?

Decan grins. He looks over to meet Caz’s eyes, and he looks to the side as he thinks for a moment.

“but, like, we could go somewhere too, if you want. like near the old kinda cool church or, like, near the mall, where there’s like, nature-y areas.”

If he were to be honest, anywhere with Decan was heaven. He’d never say that though. He interlocked his and Decan’s fingers, looking away once he did so.

If we’re gonna go somewhere, I should put the pretzel back in my car… I’ll probably eat it another day if I don’t tonight.

Decan smiles. He then stretched, sat up, and let out a soft exhale.

“just for a little. dunno, maybe to check it out or something.”

Alright then, sure. We can do that. I’ll go put the pretzel in my car.

He stood up, letting go of Decan’s hand and walking over to his car. He took his keys out of his pockets, unlocking his car and putting the pretzel inside. He closed the door, locking his car and putting his keys back in his pocket.

With a remaining dopey smile, Decan led the both of them on a relatively short walk to the small-ish green space near the singular mall in Shirington. Decan turns his head to look over the passing nature, flowerbeds, and trees that are rich in color, along with the active large water fountain they’re coming up on in this park; all a little dimmer in color given the shadowing yet pleasant night.

He looks around at the pretty scenery, smiling as he walked over to the fountain. He sat down on the ledge, continuing to look at the nature around him.

I like hanging out in nature… it’s peaceful…

He hums, sitting down next to Caz on the ledge. Their hands still connected, they sit close. He looks around at the nature, thoroughly, and enjoys the calmness of the night. He glances at Caz. He looks like, maybe, he’s thinking, but he also tends to have not a single thought in his head most of the time, so it may not be likely. Though he stills a bit. It seems like he wants to say something, but he won’t; so for the moment, he just smiles and observed the nature.

He looks away, not wanting to look at Decan right now. He wished he could just hang out with Decan without breaking his heart. He hated that he loved Decan, he knows he doesn’t have a chance, that’s why he hates it.

“you okay, dude?”

yeah yeah, I’m fine. Sorry I-

Decan hums. He blinks, watching Caz as he looks away, and he shifts where he sits as he thinks for a bit. He allows Caz a moment to himself.

His hand slightly and slowly pulled back, and his thumb remained tracing over the back of Caz’s hand.

“did, i like, make you upset orr, is it somethin’ else? or do you not wanna talk about it?”

He wanted to talk about it, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. He was too scared to ruin their friendship.

He wanted to move on from this awkward standstill of their conversation, but he was too scared to say anything, afraid he’d say something he didn’t want to.

He assures Caz. There’s a pause and a bit of silence before Decan scoots closer to Caz where they’re sitting on the water fountain. He still holds Caz’s hand, but he sits so that they’re pretty much shoulder-to-shoulder.

“is uh, this okay?”

He was blushing so hard right now, he didn’t look at Decan solely so he didn’t see how much blush covered their face.

I… I wish I could tell you but… I’m… scared.

I’m scared what you’ll think… I don’t wanna ruin what we have…

He paused, still not looking at Decan. He could feel tears start to sting his eyes, fuck, he hated this.

“dude, i promise, on everything i care about, that i’ll stay chill, no-matter what you say. you know how chill i am, right? chillest dude of all time. and, I won’t judge you, whatever it is.”

He watches Caz very, very carefully, and he provides Caz with absolute patience.

maybe you’ll be able to get over it… but I won’t…

He sniffed, looking over at Decan out of the corner of his eyes. His eyes were watery, his breathing heavier now.

I- I love you, Decan… and it’s stupid because I know I don’t have a chance… but I can’t get over it… I just… I wish I could have a chance with you… but I know that you and Stacy love each other… and that you’re straight…

He was fully crying now, he tried not to but he couldn’t hold it back this time.

“..caz.. dude, i..”

He was having partial difficulty thinking and getting out the correct words. His frown, only slightly, formed into a small smile, and Decan looked into Caz’s eyes.

“look at me directly, man. caz— no man, it’s not stupid. and, i mean, yeah, i love stacy and she loves me, but— first off, she fully told me she’d allow our relationship to be open. that’s one, and two, honestly— i love you too. i think.. i mean.. you know how stupid i can be. talking about it, now, i realize i really do love you, man. i have for a while now. i’m fairly blind when it comes to realizing i have crushes. but, really, i do love you, too.”

Really?

He spoke quietly, sniffing as he wiped his tears away. It felt unbelievable to him. He never thought of a world where Decan said that he loved them back. He just stared at Decan for a moment, his eyelids drooping slightly. He quickly hugged onto him, trying not to let either of them fall while he did so. He nuzzled his head into the other’s neck, keeping it there as his breathing started to return to normal.

“i love you too, man. wholeheartedly.”

is it bad that I already want to kiss you?

Decan then grinned, and pulled back a bit to meet Caz’s eyes. His usual expression on— with a hint of red in his cheeks. He snickers.

“let’s freaking go, man.”

If he had a tail, it would be wagging so fast right now. He loved every damn bit about this. It felt so relieving to finally kiss him. Caz hesitantly pulled back, breathing a little harder now. He smiled, moving his arms back around Decan.

“thank you, man. you too. but— if we’re gonna be, like a freaking thing..”

He grew a slightly serious look, and narrowed his eyes at Caz.

He giggled, smiling at Decan before nuzzling their head back into his neck.

Hope you don’t mind pet names because I will be using those for you. I’ll still call you dude, man, and bro, but less frequently now.

He paused for a moment before he started to speak again.

He looks up and squints, itching the back of his neck.

“freaking.. boyfriends or something? partners? that sounds coolio. iunno. i’m chill with anything, bro.”

I think boyfriends sounds nice… so I guess we’re official then, huh? I never thought this would happen…

But I’m glad it did…

Caz pulled back, getting up and offering his hand to Decan.

- @cazpyciobanu

Caz, through the windows of the car, could see— after a minute or two— Decan, ducking out of the front door with an unreadable expression on and stepping out onto the sidewalk leading up to the front door. He promptly shuts the front door in a very gentle and silent manner, and turns his heel, forming a big lazy grin, as he heads up to Caz’s car. Caz can see that he’s holding a flat-ish white box, accompanied by what seems to be a bracelet or two.

Coming around the side of the car, he pulls on the handle of the car door and ducks in, sitting in the passenger seat and smiling his usual smile with those green half-lidded eyes of his.

“hey, dude. thanks for picking me up for this, bro.. always the goat.”

Of course, man. It’d be rude if I didn’t. There was no way I’d make you walk all the way over there.

He laughed at the idea he’d make decan do that, it just sounded insane to him. He turned on the radio, going to a station that actually had good music.

Yellow T-shirt, Los Bunkers written on the collar of it along with their band logo on the middle of the shirt, Jean jacket with it’s sleeves torn off, the belt and the ripped jeans, and red and orange shoes.

“and even if you did, man, I’d be fine with it n’ walk there. i’m chill with anything.”

He replied, honestly. He’s quick to move on, and seems more eager about getting what seems to be a gift over to Caz.

“anyway, I uh, saved up and got you a lil’ somethin’, since you’re genuinely The Dude. number freaking one.”

Decan shifts, first handing Caz one of the bracelets. It’s a teensy bit big, and the beads in it are magenta, cyan, and purple in color, and there’s letter beads strewn on it that spell ‘the gaot’. Goat is obviously misspelled.

“first off, got matching bracelets for us. mine is orange and stuff. it’s kind-of awesome.”

I’ll look at it more when we get there. I need to make sure I don’t kill us both by crashing my car.

His heart skipped a beat at the thought that Decan went through all of this just for him. God, why does he have to feel like this?

You really didn’t have to do any of this for me… I feel bad you wasted your money on me out of all people…

Decan hums, before sitting up and reaching back into the backseat to set the white box down in the middle, flat. He then sits back down and shifts to get comfortable. He leans to the side a bit to where Caz is to speak again.

“..got you a massive pretzel too, by the way. It’s freaking awesome.”

He gives a nod, and then exhales as he sits up straight, smiling a bit, and eyeing out of the windshield of the car with a slightly blank look in his eyes; though he always has that no-thoughts look.

And uh, thanks for the pretzel, dude. We can share it, I had some food before I left so I’m not too hungry.

He continued driving, taking turns here and there. It seemed he knew where he was going.

They were basically the only car on the road, which felt a bit odd, but Caz was sticking to side roads more than main ones so it made sense.

After a bit of driving and some random conversations, they arrived at the field. It was just a small parking lot in front of a large field looking out over the city. He put the car in park, unlocking the doors and holding his keys.

“let’s freaking GO! dude and dude time!”

With haste, Decan then opens the car door, hops out and shuts it, rounds the front of the car, and then opens the car door on the driver’s side; adding onto the act by extending a hand outwards at the area around them.

“s’ my pleasure, dude.”

Thank you, Decan… I wasn’t expecting that.

He steps out, closing the door behind him. He went to the back, opening the door and taking out the pretzel. He closed the door, locking his car even though no one was around. He put his key in his pocket, walking over to the field with both the pretzel and bracelet.

Nice night, huh?

His eyes drift across the stars, admiring them thoroughly. He took time to soak them in, as it seems like he doesn’t get out late a lot to see them. His expression is almost distant, in a way. Hazy, and genuine as he looks over them.

“d’you read constellations? or, like, read stars or something? that freaking cool stuff?”

Caz looked over at Decan, smiling at him before they looked back up. He fidgeted with his bracelets, looking down at them and spinning them.

I’m sure like Big Dipper is out here or the little one… uh… I don’t really remember the others…

He beckons. He, not taking a bit of the pretzel, followed, and sunk down onto his back; arms folding back to rest his hands behind his head. He glances over at Caz, expectedly.

He stared up, looking to see if he can find any constellations or just any shapes. He pointed at the Big Dipper, or at least what he thought was the Big Dipper.

That’s the Big Dipper I think. Uh I don’t know if the little one is visible tonight, and I don’t really know what tells the two apart…

“ooh. that’s sick.”

He nods, as if to confirm he’s found it. While Caz looked for more, Decan unfolded his left arm and rested it down on the grass between them— both to prepare for whenever he needed to point as well as to feel the grass below them.

“mmm… i see 6. lebron’s number, dude. that’s awesome. and..”

Decan points up at the night sky, to gesture to the area that it’s in. His hand drifts as he points to another spot.

“..and I see a swirl sorta thing, like the things on your goggles, dude. you’re up here! that’s like.. crazy.”

I guess I am… that’s pretty funny, huh? Didn’t think I’d be in the stars out of all places.

He lets out a small laugh, idly fidgeting with his bracelets. He continued to look for things in the stars, not finding much.

That looks like… mmmm… kinda looks like a tiger…

He pointed up at the place he was looking.

It’s like your basketball team, since y’know, you guys are the tigers!

He chuckled, resting his arms again.

He thinks for a moment, before he turns his head to glance over at Caz for a moment. He then looks back up at the sky, his usual unreadable expression on, with half-lidded eyes and a resting smile.

“i’m gonna, like… get the moon. in my bare freaking hands. like a basketball. i’m gonna play basketball with it, dude, and then, i’m gonna pass it to you so you can take the win. like a basketball game. i’m gonna give you the moon, bro. cuz’ you’re the goat.”

I think I’d lose the game for us, man. And also, the moon would be a shit ball. That shit can’t bounce, dude. Plus, super fucking heavy. Overall, pretty bad ball for basketball.

He looked back up, smiling. He sighed, why did he have to like Decan out of all people? The one person he doesn’t even have a chance with. He hated being in love so fucking much.

He hums and, almost more insistently, he nudges Caz’s side with his hand, before he flips his hand over so the palm faced up, to beckon the other. Facial expression unchanged.

Yeah… as long as we’re together, I’m sure we’ll have fun.

He softly smiled, he couldn’t help but hear a slightly romantic tone in that sentence. He didn’t like it, but he just hoped Decan didn’t pick up on it. Or maybe he did hope he noticed.

So… why’d you put your hand out? You wanna lead me somewhere or some shit?

Decan grins. He looks over to meet Caz’s eyes, and he looks to the side as he thinks for a moment.

“but, like, we could go somewhere too, if you want. like near the old kinda cool church or, like, near the mall, where there’s like, nature-y areas.”

If he were to be honest, anywhere with Decan was heaven. He’d never say that though. He interlocked his and Decan’s fingers, looking away once he did so.

If we’re gonna go somewhere, I should put the pretzel back in my car… I’ll probably eat it another day if I don’t tonight.

Decan smiles. He then stretched, sat up, and let out a soft exhale.

“just for a little. dunno, maybe to check it out or something.”

Alright then, sure. We can do that. I’ll go put the pretzel in my car.

He stood up, letting go of Decan’s hand and walking over to his car. He took his keys out of his pockets, unlocking his car and putting the pretzel inside. He closed the door, locking his car and putting his keys back in his pocket.

With a remaining dopey smile, Decan led the both of them on a relatively short walk to the small-ish green space near the singular mall in Shirington. Decan turns his head to look over the passing nature, flowerbeds, and trees that are rich in color, along with the active large water fountain they’re coming up on in this park; all a little dimmer in color given the shadowing yet pleasant night.

He looks around at the pretty scenery, smiling as he walked over to the fountain. He sat down on the ledge, continuing to look at the nature around him.

I like hanging out in nature… it’s peaceful…

He hums, sitting down next to Caz on the ledge. Their hands still connected, they sit close. He looks around at the nature, thoroughly, and enjoys the calmness of the night. He glances at Caz. He looks like, maybe, he’s thinking, but he also tends to have not a single thought in his head most of the time, so it may not be likely. Though he stills a bit. It seems like he wants to say something, but he won’t; so for the moment, he just smiles and observed the nature.

He looks away, not wanting to look at Decan right now. He wished he could just hang out with Decan without breaking his heart. He hated that he loved Decan, he knows he doesn’t have a chance, that’s why he hates it.

“you okay, dude?”

yeah yeah, I’m fine. Sorry I-

Decan hums. He blinks, watching Caz as he looks away, and he shifts where he sits as he thinks for a bit. He allows Caz a moment to himself.

His hand slightly and slowly pulled back, and his thumb remained tracing over the back of Caz’s hand.

“did, i like, make you upset orr, is it somethin’ else? or do you not wanna talk about it?”

He wanted to talk about it, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. He was too scared to ruin their friendship.

He wanted to move on from this awkward standstill of their conversation, but he was too scared to say anything, afraid he’d say something he didn’t want to.

He assures Caz. There’s a pause and a bit of silence before Decan scoots closer to Caz where they’re sitting on the water fountain. He still holds Caz’s hand, but he sits so that they’re pretty much shoulder-to-shoulder.

“is uh, this okay?”

He was blushing so hard right now, he didn’t look at Decan solely so he didn’t see how much blush covered their face.

I… I wish I could tell you but… I’m… scared.

I’m scared what you’ll think… I don’t wanna ruin what we have…

He paused, still not looking at Decan. He could feel tears start to sting his eyes, fuck, he hated this.

“dude, i promise, on everything i care about, that i’ll stay chill, no-matter what you say. you know how chill i am, right? chillest dude of all time. and, I won’t judge you, whatever it is.”

He watches Caz very, very carefully, and he provides Caz with absolute patience.

maybe you’ll be able to get over it… but I won’t…

He sniffed, looking over at Decan out of the corner of his eyes. His eyes were watery, his breathing heavier now.

I- I love you, Decan… and it’s stupid because I know I don’t have a chance… but I can’t get over it… I just… I wish I could have a chance with you… but I know that you and Stacy love each other… and that you’re straight…

He was fully crying now, he tried not to but he couldn’t hold it back this time.

“..caz.. dude, i..”

He was having partial difficulty thinking and getting out the correct words. His frown, only slightly, formed into a small smile, and Decan looked into Caz’s eyes.

“look at me directly, man. caz— no man, it’s not stupid. and, i mean, yeah, i love stacy and she loves me, but— first off, she fully told me she’d allow our relationship to be open. that’s one, and two, honestly— i love you too. i think.. i mean.. you know how stupid i can be. talking about it, now, i realize i really do love you, man. i have for a while now. i’m fairly blind when it comes to realizing i have crushes. but, really, i do love you, too.”

Really?

He spoke quietly, sniffing as he wiped his tears away. It felt unbelievable to him. He never thought of a world where Decan said that he loved them back. He just stared at Decan for a moment, his eyelids drooping slightly. He quickly hugged onto him, trying not to let either of them fall while he did so. He nuzzled his head into the other’s neck, keeping it there as his breathing started to return to normal.

“i love you too, man. wholeheartedly.”

is it bad that I already want to kiss you?

Decan then grinned, and pulled back a bit to meet Caz’s eyes. His usual expression on— with a hint of red in his cheeks. He snickers.

“let’s freaking go, man.”

If he had a tail, it would be wagging so fast right now. He loved every damn bit about this. It felt so relieving to finally kiss him. Caz hesitantly pulled back, breathing a little harder now. He smiled, moving his arms back around Decan.

“thank you, man. you too. but— if we’re gonna be, like a freaking thing..”

He grew a slightly serious look, and narrowed his eyes at Caz.

He giggled, smiling at Decan before nuzzling their head back into his neck.

Hope you don’t mind pet names because I will be using those for you. I’ll still call you dude, man, and bro, but less frequently now.

He paused for a moment before he started to speak again.

He looks up and squints, itching the back of his neck.

“freaking.. boyfriends or something? partners? that sounds coolio. iunno. i’m chill with anything, bro.”

I think boyfriends sounds nice… so I guess we’re official then, huh? I never thought this would happen…

But I’m glad it did…

- @cazpyciobanu

Caz, through the windows of the car, could see— after a minute or two— Decan, ducking out of the front door with an unreadable expression on and stepping out onto the sidewalk leading up to the front door. He promptly shuts the front door in a very gentle and silent manner, and turns his heel, forming a big lazy grin, as he heads up to Caz’s car. Caz can see that he’s holding a flat-ish white box, accompanied by what seems to be a bracelet or two.

Coming around the side of the car, he pulls on the handle of the car door and ducks in, sitting in the passenger seat and smiling his usual smile with those green half-lidded eyes of his.

“hey, dude. thanks for picking me up for this, bro.. always the goat.”

Of course, man. It’d be rude if I didn’t. There was no way I’d make you walk all the way over there.

He laughed at the idea he’d make decan do that, it just sounded insane to him. He turned on the radio, going to a station that actually had good music.

Yellow T-shirt, Los Bunkers written on the collar of it along with their band logo on the middle of the shirt, Jean jacket with it’s sleeves torn off, the belt and the ripped jeans, and red and orange shoes.

“and even if you did, man, I’d be fine with it n’ walk there. i’m chill with anything.”

He replied, honestly. He’s quick to move on, and seems more eager about getting what seems to be a gift over to Caz.

“anyway, I uh, saved up and got you a lil’ somethin’, since you’re genuinely The Dude. number freaking one.”

Decan shifts, first handing Caz one of the bracelets. It’s a teensy bit big, and the beads in it are magenta, cyan, and purple in color, and there’s letter beads strewn on it that spell ‘the gaot’. Goat is obviously misspelled.

“first off, got matching bracelets for us. mine is orange and stuff. it’s kind-of awesome.”

I’ll look at it more when we get there. I need to make sure I don’t kill us both by crashing my car.

His heart skipped a beat at the thought that Decan went through all of this just for him. God, why does he have to feel like this?

You really didn’t have to do any of this for me… I feel bad you wasted your money on me out of all people…

Decan hums, before sitting up and reaching back into the backseat to set the white box down in the middle, flat. He then sits back down and shifts to get comfortable. He leans to the side a bit to where Caz is to speak again.

“..got you a massive pretzel too, by the way. It’s freaking awesome.”

He gives a nod, and then exhales as he sits up straight, smiling a bit, and eyeing out of the windshield of the car with a slightly blank look in his eyes; though he always has that no-thoughts look.

And uh, thanks for the pretzel, dude. We can share it, I had some food before I left so I’m not too hungry.

He continued driving, taking turns here and there. It seemed he knew where he was going.

They were basically the only car on the road, which felt a bit odd, but Caz was sticking to side roads more than main ones so it made sense.

After a bit of driving and some random conversations, they arrived at the field. It was just a small parking lot in front of a large field looking out over the city. He put the car in park, unlocking the doors and holding his keys.

“let’s freaking GO! dude and dude time!”

With haste, Decan then opens the car door, hops out and shuts it, rounds the front of the car, and then opens the car door on the driver’s side; adding onto the act by extending a hand outwards at the area around them.

“s’ my pleasure, dude.”

Thank you, Decan… I wasn’t expecting that.

He steps out, closing the door behind him. He went to the back, opening the door and taking out the pretzel. He closed the door, locking his car even though no one was around. He put his key in his pocket, walking over to the field with both the pretzel and bracelet.

Nice night, huh?

His eyes drift across the stars, admiring them thoroughly. He took time to soak them in, as it seems like he doesn’t get out late a lot to see them. His expression is almost distant, in a way. Hazy, and genuine as he looks over them.

“d’you read constellations? or, like, read stars or something? that freaking cool stuff?”

Caz looked over at Decan, smiling at him before they looked back up. He fidgeted with his bracelets, looking down at them and spinning them.

I’m sure like Big Dipper is out here or the little one… uh… I don’t really remember the others…

He beckons. He, not taking a bit of the pretzel, followed, and sunk down onto his back; arms folding back to rest his hands behind his head. He glances over at Caz, expectedly.

He stared up, looking to see if he can find any constellations or just any shapes. He pointed at the Big Dipper, or at least what he thought was the Big Dipper.

That’s the Big Dipper I think. Uh I don’t know if the little one is visible tonight, and I don’t really know what tells the two apart…

“ooh. that’s sick.”

He nods, as if to confirm he’s found it. While Caz looked for more, Decan unfolded his left arm and rested it down on the grass between them— both to prepare for whenever he needed to point as well as to feel the grass below them.

“mmm… i see 6. lebron’s number, dude. that’s awesome. and..”

Decan points up at the night sky, to gesture to the area that it’s in. His hand drifts as he points to another spot.

“..and I see a swirl sorta thing, like the things on your goggles, dude. you’re up here! that’s like.. crazy.”

I guess I am… that’s pretty funny, huh? Didn’t think I’d be in the stars out of all places.

He lets out a small laugh, idly fidgeting with his bracelets. He continued to look for things in the stars, not finding much.

That looks like… mmmm… kinda looks like a tiger…

He pointed up at the place he was looking.

It’s like your basketball team, since y’know, you guys are the tigers!

He chuckled, resting his arms again.

He thinks for a moment, before he turns his head to glance over at Caz for a moment. He then looks back up at the sky, his usual unreadable expression on, with half-lidded eyes and a resting smile.

“i’m gonna, like… get the moon. in my bare freaking hands. like a basketball. i’m gonna play basketball with it, dude, and then, i’m gonna pass it to you so you can take the win. like a basketball game. i’m gonna give you the moon, bro. cuz’ you’re the goat.”

I think I’d lose the game for us, man. And also, the moon would be a shit ball. That shit can’t bounce, dude. Plus, super fucking heavy. Overall, pretty bad ball for basketball.

He looked back up, smiling. He sighed, why did he have to like Decan out of all people? The one person he doesn’t even have a chance with. He hated being in love so fucking much.

He hums and, almost more insistently, he nudges Caz’s side with his hand, before he flips his hand over so the palm faced up, to beckon the other. Facial expression unchanged.

Yeah… as long as we’re together, I’m sure we’ll have fun.

He softly smiled, he couldn’t help but hear a slightly romantic tone in that sentence. He didn’t like it, but he just hoped Decan didn’t pick up on it. Or maybe he did hope he noticed.

So… why’d you put your hand out? You wanna lead me somewhere or some shit?

Decan grins. He looks over to meet Caz’s eyes, and he looks to the side as he thinks for a moment.

“but, like, we could go somewhere too, if you want. like near the old kinda cool church or, like, near the mall, where there’s like, nature-y areas.”

If he were to be honest, anywhere with Decan was heaven. He’d never say that though. He interlocked his and Decan’s fingers, looking away once he did so.

If we’re gonna go somewhere, I should put the pretzel back in my car… I’ll probably eat it another day if I don’t tonight.

Decan smiles. He then stretched, sat up, and let out a soft exhale.

“just for a little. dunno, maybe to check it out or something.”

Alright then, sure. We can do that. I’ll go put the pretzel in my car.

He stood up, letting go of Decan’s hand and walking over to his car. He took his keys out of his pockets, unlocking his car and putting the pretzel inside. He closed the door, locking his car and putting his keys back in his pocket.

With a remaining dopey smile, Decan led the both of them on a relatively short walk to the small-ish green space near the singular mall in Shirington. Decan turns his head to look over the passing nature, flowerbeds, and trees that are rich in color, along with the active large water fountain they’re coming up on in this park; all a little dimmer in color given the shadowing yet pleasant night.

He looks around at the pretty scenery, smiling as he walked over to the fountain. He sat down on the ledge, continuing to look at the nature around him.

I like hanging out in nature… it’s peaceful…

He hums, sitting down next to Caz on the ledge. Their hands still connected, they sit close. He looks around at the nature, thoroughly, and enjoys the calmness of the night. He glances at Caz. He looks like, maybe, he’s thinking, but he also tends to have not a single thought in his head most of the time, so it may not be likely. Though he stills a bit. It seems like he wants to say something, but he won’t; so for the moment, he just smiles and observed the nature.

He looks away, not wanting to look at Decan right now. He wished he could just hang out with Decan without breaking his heart. He hated that he loved Decan, he knows he doesn’t have a chance, that’s why he hates it.

“you okay, dude?”

yeah yeah, I’m fine. Sorry I-

Decan hums. He blinks, watching Caz as he looks away, and he shifts where he sits as he thinks for a bit. He allows Caz a moment to himself.

His hand slightly and slowly pulled back, and his thumb remained tracing over the back of Caz’s hand.

“did, i like, make you upset orr, is it somethin’ else? or do you not wanna talk about it?”

He wanted to talk about it, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. He was too scared to ruin their friendship.

He wanted to move on from this awkward standstill of their conversation, but he was too scared to say anything, afraid he’d say something he didn’t want to.

He assures Caz. There’s a pause and a bit of silence before Decan scoots closer to Caz where they’re sitting on the water fountain. He still holds Caz’s hand, but he sits so that they’re pretty much shoulder-to-shoulder.

“is uh, this okay?”

He was blushing so hard right now, he didn’t look at Decan solely so he didn’t see how much blush covered their face.

I… I wish I could tell you but… I’m… scared.

I’m scared what you’ll think… I don’t wanna ruin what we have…

He paused, still not looking at Decan. He could feel tears start to sting his eyes, fuck, he hated this.

“dude, i promise, on everything i care about, that i’ll stay chill, no-matter what you say. you know how chill i am, right? chillest dude of all time. and, I won’t judge you, whatever it is.”

He watches Caz very, very carefully, and he provides Caz with absolute patience.

maybe you’ll be able to get over it… but I won’t…

He sniffed, looking over at Decan out of the corner of his eyes. His eyes were watery, his breathing heavier now.

I- I love you, Decan… and it’s stupid because I know I don’t have a chance… but I can’t get over it… I just… I wish I could have a chance with you… but I know that you and Stacy love each other… and that you’re straight…

He was fully crying now, he tried not to but he couldn’t hold it back this time.

“..caz.. dude, i..”

He was having partial difficulty thinking and getting out the correct words. His frown, only slightly, formed into a small smile, and Decan looked into Caz’s eyes.

“look at me directly, man. caz— no man, it’s not stupid. and, i mean, yeah, i love stacy and she loves me, but— first off, she fully told me she’d allow our relationship to be open. that’s one, and two, honestly— i love you too. i think.. i mean.. you know how stupid i can be. talking about it, now, i realize i really do love you, man. i have for a while now. i’m fairly blind when it comes to realizing i have crushes. but, really, i do love you, too.”

Really?

He spoke quietly, sniffing as he wiped his tears away. It felt unbelievable to him. He never thought of a world where Decan said that he loved them back. He just stared at Decan for a moment, his eyelids drooping slightly. He quickly hugged onto him, trying not to let either of them fall while he did so. He nuzzled his head into the other’s neck, keeping it there as his breathing started to return to normal.

“i love you too, man. wholeheartedly.”

is it bad that I already want to kiss you?

Decan then grinned, and pulled back a bit to meet Caz’s eyes. His usual expression on— with a hint of red in his cheeks. He snickers.

“let’s freaking go, man.”

If he had a tail, it would be wagging so fast right now. He loved every damn bit about this. It felt so relieving to finally kiss him. Caz hesitantly pulled back, breathing a little harder now. He smiled, moving his arms back around Decan.

“thank you, man. you too. but— if we’re gonna be, like a freaking thing..”

He grew a slightly serious look, and narrowed his eyes at Caz.

He giggled, smiling at Decan before nuzzling their head back into his neck.

Hope you don’t mind pet names because I will be using those for you. I’ll still call you dude, man, and bro, but less frequently now.

He paused for a moment before he started to speak again.

- @cazpyciobanu

Caz, through the windows of the car, could see— after a minute or two— Decan, ducking out of the front door with an unreadable expression on and stepping out onto the sidewalk leading up to the front door. He promptly shuts the front door in a very gentle and silent manner, and turns his heel, forming a big lazy grin, as he heads up to Caz’s car. Caz can see that he’s holding a flat-ish white box, accompanied by what seems to be a bracelet or two.

Coming around the side of the car, he pulls on the handle of the car door and ducks in, sitting in the passenger seat and smiling his usual smile with those green half-lidded eyes of his.

“hey, dude. thanks for picking me up for this, bro.. always the goat.”

Of course, man. It’d be rude if I didn’t. There was no way I’d make you walk all the way over there.

He laughed at the idea he’d make decan do that, it just sounded insane to him. He turned on the radio, going to a station that actually had good music.

Yellow T-shirt, Los Bunkers written on the collar of it along with their band logo on the middle of the shirt, Jean jacket with it’s sleeves torn off, the belt and the ripped jeans, and red and orange shoes.

“and even if you did, man, I’d be fine with it n’ walk there. i’m chill with anything.”

He replied, honestly. He’s quick to move on, and seems more eager about getting what seems to be a gift over to Caz.

“anyway, I uh, saved up and got you a lil’ somethin’, since you’re genuinely The Dude. number freaking one.”

Decan shifts, first handing Caz one of the bracelets. It’s a teensy bit big, and the beads in it are magenta, cyan, and purple in color, and there’s letter beads strewn on it that spell ‘the gaot’. Goat is obviously misspelled.

“first off, got matching bracelets for us. mine is orange and stuff. it’s kind-of awesome.”

I’ll look at it more when we get there. I need to make sure I don’t kill us both by crashing my car.

His heart skipped a beat at the thought that Decan went through all of this just for him. God, why does he have to feel like this?

You really didn’t have to do any of this for me… I feel bad you wasted your money on me out of all people…

Decan hums, before sitting up and reaching back into the backseat to set the white box down in the middle, flat. He then sits back down and shifts to get comfortable. He leans to the side a bit to where Caz is to speak again.

“..got you a massive pretzel too, by the way. It’s freaking awesome.”

He gives a nod, and then exhales as he sits up straight, smiling a bit, and eyeing out of the windshield of the car with a slightly blank look in his eyes; though he always has that no-thoughts look.

And uh, thanks for the pretzel, dude. We can share it, I had some food before I left so I’m not too hungry.

He continued driving, taking turns here and there. It seemed he knew where he was going.

They were basically the only car on the road, which felt a bit odd, but Caz was sticking to side roads more than main ones so it made sense.

After a bit of driving and some random conversations, they arrived at the field. It was just a small parking lot in front of a large field looking out over the city. He put the car in park, unlocking the doors and holding his keys.

“let’s freaking GO! dude and dude time!”

With haste, Decan then opens the car door, hops out and shuts it, rounds the front of the car, and then opens the car door on the driver’s side; adding onto the act by extending a hand outwards at the area around them.

“s’ my pleasure, dude.”

Thank you, Decan… I wasn’t expecting that.

He steps out, closing the door behind him. He went to the back, opening the door and taking out the pretzel. He closed the door, locking his car even though no one was around. He put his key in his pocket, walking over to the field with both the pretzel and bracelet.

Nice night, huh?

His eyes drift across the stars, admiring them thoroughly. He took time to soak them in, as it seems like he doesn’t get out late a lot to see them. His expression is almost distant, in a way. Hazy, and genuine as he looks over them.

“d’you read constellations? or, like, read stars or something? that freaking cool stuff?”

Caz looked over at Decan, smiling at him before they looked back up. He fidgeted with his bracelets, looking down at them and spinning them.

I’m sure like Big Dipper is out here or the little one… uh… I don’t really remember the others…

He beckons. He, not taking a bit of the pretzel, followed, and sunk down onto his back; arms folding back to rest his hands behind his head. He glances over at Caz, expectedly.

He stared up, looking to see if he can find any constellations or just any shapes. He pointed at the Big Dipper, or at least what he thought was the Big Dipper.

That’s the Big Dipper I think. Uh I don’t know if the little one is visible tonight, and I don’t really know what tells the two apart…

“ooh. that’s sick.”

He nods, as if to confirm he’s found it. While Caz looked for more, Decan unfolded his left arm and rested it down on the grass between them— both to prepare for whenever he needed to point as well as to feel the grass below them.

“mmm… i see 6. lebron’s number, dude. that’s awesome. and..”

Decan points up at the night sky, to gesture to the area that it’s in. His hand drifts as he points to another spot.

“..and I see a swirl sorta thing, like the things on your goggles, dude. you’re up here! that’s like.. crazy.”

I guess I am… that’s pretty funny, huh? Didn’t think I’d be in the stars out of all places.

He lets out a small laugh, idly fidgeting with his bracelets. He continued to look for things in the stars, not finding much.

That looks like… mmmm… kinda looks like a tiger…

He pointed up at the place he was looking.

It’s like your basketball team, since y’know, you guys are the tigers!

He chuckled, resting his arms again.

He thinks for a moment, before he turns his head to glance over at Caz for a moment. He then looks back up at the sky, his usual unreadable expression on, with half-lidded eyes and a resting smile.

“i’m gonna, like… get the moon. in my bare freaking hands. like a basketball. i’m gonna play basketball with it, dude, and then, i’m gonna pass it to you so you can take the win. like a basketball game. i’m gonna give you the moon, bro. cuz’ you’re the goat.”

I think I’d lose the game for us, man. And also, the moon would be a shit ball. That shit can’t bounce, dude. Plus, super fucking heavy. Overall, pretty bad ball for basketball.

He looked back up, smiling. He sighed, why did he have to like Decan out of all people? The one person he doesn’t even have a chance with. He hated being in love so fucking much.

He hums and, almost more insistently, he nudges Caz’s side with his hand, before he flips his hand over so the palm faced up, to beckon the other. Facial expression unchanged.

Yeah… as long as we’re together, I’m sure we’ll have fun.

He softly smiled, he couldn’t help but hear a slightly romantic tone in that sentence. He didn’t like it, but he just hoped Decan didn’t pick up on it. Or maybe he did hope he noticed.

So… why’d you put your hand out? You wanna lead me somewhere or some shit?

Decan grins. He looks over to meet Caz’s eyes, and he looks to the side as he thinks for a moment.

“but, like, we could go somewhere too, if you want. like near the old kinda cool church or, like, near the mall, where there’s like, nature-y areas.”

If he were to be honest, anywhere with Decan was heaven. He’d never say that though. He interlocked his and Decan’s fingers, looking away once he did so.

If we’re gonna go somewhere, I should put the pretzel back in my car… I’ll probably eat it another day if I don’t tonight.

Decan smiles. He then stretched, sat up, and let out a soft exhale.

“just for a little. dunno, maybe to check it out or something.”

Alright then, sure. We can do that. I’ll go put the pretzel in my car.

He stood up, letting go of Decan’s hand and walking over to his car. He took his keys out of his pockets, unlocking his car and putting the pretzel inside. He closed the door, locking his car and putting his keys back in his pocket.

With a remaining dopey smile, Decan led the both of them on a relatively short walk to the small-ish green space near the singular mall in Shirington. Decan turns his head to look over the passing nature, flowerbeds, and trees that are rich in color, along with the active large water fountain they’re coming up on in this park; all a little dimmer in color given the shadowing yet pleasant night.

He looks around at the pretty scenery, smiling as he walked over to the fountain. He sat down on the ledge, continuing to look at the nature around him.

I like hanging out in nature… it’s peaceful…

He hums, sitting down next to Caz on the ledge. Their hands still connected, they sit close. He looks around at the nature, thoroughly, and enjoys the calmness of the night. He glances at Caz. He looks like, maybe, he’s thinking, but he also tends to have not a single thought in his head most of the time, so it may not be likely. Though he stills a bit. It seems like he wants to say something, but he won’t; so for the moment, he just smiles and observed the nature.

He looks away, not wanting to look at Decan right now. He wished he could just hang out with Decan without breaking his heart. He hated that he loved Decan, he knows he doesn’t have a chance, that’s why he hates it.

“you okay, dude?”

yeah yeah, I’m fine. Sorry I-

Decan hums. He blinks, watching Caz as he looks away, and he shifts where he sits as he thinks for a bit. He allows Caz a moment to himself.

His hand slightly and slowly pulled back, and his thumb remained tracing over the back of Caz’s hand.

“did, i like, make you upset orr, is it somethin’ else? or do you not wanna talk about it?”

He wanted to talk about it, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. He was too scared to ruin their friendship.

He wanted to move on from this awkward standstill of their conversation, but he was too scared to say anything, afraid he’d say something he didn’t want to.

He assures Caz. There’s a pause and a bit of silence before Decan scoots closer to Caz where they’re sitting on the water fountain. He still holds Caz’s hand, but he sits so that they’re pretty much shoulder-to-shoulder.

“is uh, this okay?”

He was blushing so hard right now, he didn’t look at Decan solely so he didn’t see how much blush covered their face.

I… I wish I could tell you but… I’m… scared.

I’m scared what you’ll think… I don’t wanna ruin what we have…

He paused, still not looking at Decan. He could feel tears start to sting his eyes, fuck, he hated this.

“dude, i promise, on everything i care about, that i’ll stay chill, no-matter what you say. you know how chill i am, right? chillest dude of all time. and, I won’t judge you, whatever it is.”

He watches Caz very, very carefully, and he provides Caz with absolute patience.

maybe you’ll be able to get over it… but I won’t…

He sniffed, looking over at Decan out of the corner of his eyes. His eyes were watery, his breathing heavier now.

I- I love you, Decan… and it’s stupid because I know I don’t have a chance… but I can’t get over it… I just… I wish I could have a chance with you… but I know that you and Stacy love each other… and that you’re straight…

He was fully crying now, he tried not to but he couldn’t hold it back this time.

“..caz.. dude, i..”

He was having partial difficulty thinking and getting out the correct words. His frown, only slightly, formed into a small smile, and Decan looked into Caz’s eyes.

“look at me directly, man. caz— no man, it’s not stupid. and, i mean, yeah, i love stacy and she loves me, but— first off, she fully told me she’d allow our relationship to be open. that’s one, and two, honestly— i love you too. i think.. i mean.. you know how stupid i can be. talking about it, now, i realize i really do love you, man. i have for a while now. i’m fairly blind when it comes to realizing i have crushes. but, really, i do love you, too.”

Really?

He spoke quietly, sniffing as he wiped his tears away. It felt unbelievable to him. He never thought of a world where Decan said that he loved them back. He just stared at Decan for a moment, his eyelids drooping slightly. He quickly hugged onto him, trying not to let either of them fall while he did so. He nuzzled his head into the other’s neck, keeping it there as his breathing started to return to normal.

“i love you too, man. wholeheartedly.”

is it bad that I already want to kiss you?

Decan then grinned, and pulled back a bit to meet Caz’s eyes. His usual expression on— with a hint of red in his cheeks. He snickers.

“let’s freaking go, man.”

If he had a tail, it would be wagging so fast right now. He loved every damn bit about this. It felt so relieving to finally kiss him. Caz hesitantly pulled back, breathing a little harder now. He smiled, moving his arms back around Decan.

- @cazpyciobanu

Caz, through the windows of the car, could see— after a minute or two— Decan, ducking out of the front door with an unreadable expression on and stepping out onto the sidewalk leading up to the front door. He promptly shuts the front door in a very gentle and silent manner, and turns his heel, forming a big lazy grin, as he heads up to Caz’s car. Caz can see that he’s holding a flat-ish white box, accompanied by what seems to be a bracelet or two.

Coming around the side of the car, he pulls on the handle of the car door and ducks in, sitting in the passenger seat and smiling his usual smile with those green half-lidded eyes of his.

“hey, dude. thanks for picking me up for this, bro.. always the goat.”

Of course, man. It’d be rude if I didn’t. There was no way I’d make you walk all the way over there.

He laughed at the idea he’d make decan do that, it just sounded insane to him. He turned on the radio, going to a station that actually had good music.

Yellow T-shirt, Los Bunkers written on the collar of it along with their band logo on the middle of the shirt, Jean jacket with it’s sleeves torn off, the belt and the ripped jeans, and red and orange shoes.

“and even if you did, man, I’d be fine with it n’ walk there. i’m chill with anything.”

He replied, honestly. He’s quick to move on, and seems more eager about getting what seems to be a gift over to Caz.

“anyway, I uh, saved up and got you a lil’ somethin’, since you’re genuinely The Dude. number freaking one.”

Decan shifts, first handing Caz one of the bracelets. It’s a teensy bit big, and the beads in it are magenta, cyan, and purple in color, and there’s letter beads strewn on it that spell ‘the gaot’. Goat is obviously misspelled.

“first off, got matching bracelets for us. mine is orange and stuff. it’s kind-of awesome.”

I’ll look at it more when we get there. I need to make sure I don’t kill us both by crashing my car.

His heart skipped a beat at the thought that Decan went through all of this just for him. God, why does he have to feel like this?

You really didn’t have to do any of this for me… I feel bad you wasted your money on me out of all people…

Decan hums, before sitting up and reaching back into the backseat to set the white box down in the middle, flat. He then sits back down and shifts to get comfortable. He leans to the side a bit to where Caz is to speak again.

“..got you a massive pretzel too, by the way. It’s freaking awesome.”

He gives a nod, and then exhales as he sits up straight, smiling a bit, and eyeing out of the windshield of the car with a slightly blank look in his eyes; though he always has that no-thoughts look.

And uh, thanks for the pretzel, dude. We can share it, I had some food before I left so I’m not too hungry.

He continued driving, taking turns here and there. It seemed he knew where he was going.

They were basically the only car on the road, which felt a bit odd, but Caz was sticking to side roads more than main ones so it made sense.

After a bit of driving and some random conversations, they arrived at the field. It was just a small parking lot in front of a large field looking out over the city. He put the car in park, unlocking the doors and holding his keys.

“let’s freaking GO! dude and dude time!”

With haste, Decan then opens the car door, hops out and shuts it, rounds the front of the car, and then opens the car door on the driver’s side; adding onto the act by extending a hand outwards at the area around them.

“s’ my pleasure, dude.”

Thank you, Decan… I wasn’t expecting that.

He steps out, closing the door behind him. He went to the back, opening the door and taking out the pretzel. He closed the door, locking his car even though no one was around. He put his key in his pocket, walking over to the field with both the pretzel and bracelet.

Nice night, huh?

His eyes drift across the stars, admiring them thoroughly. He took time to soak them in, as it seems like he doesn’t get out late a lot to see them. His expression is almost distant, in a way. Hazy, and genuine as he looks over them.

“d’you read constellations? or, like, read stars or something? that freaking cool stuff?”

Caz looked over at Decan, smiling at him before they looked back up. He fidgeted with his bracelets, looking down at them and spinning them.

I’m sure like Big Dipper is out here or the little one… uh… I don’t really remember the others…

He beckons. He, not taking a bit of the pretzel, followed, and sunk down onto his back; arms folding back to rest his hands behind his head. He glances over at Caz, expectedly.

He stared up, looking to see if he can find any constellations or just any shapes. He pointed at the Big Dipper, or at least what he thought was the Big Dipper.

That’s the Big Dipper I think. Uh I don’t know if the little one is visible tonight, and I don’t really know what tells the two apart…

“ooh. that’s sick.”

He nods, as if to confirm he’s found it. While Caz looked for more, Decan unfolded his left arm and rested it down on the grass between them— both to prepare for whenever he needed to point as well as to feel the grass below them.

“mmm… i see 6. lebron’s number, dude. that’s awesome. and..”

Decan points up at the night sky, to gesture to the area that it’s in. His hand drifts as he points to another spot.

“..and I see a swirl sorta thing, like the things on your goggles, dude. you’re up here! that’s like.. crazy.”

I guess I am… that’s pretty funny, huh? Didn’t think I’d be in the stars out of all places.

He lets out a small laugh, idly fidgeting with his bracelets. He continued to look for things in the stars, not finding much.

That looks like… mmmm… kinda looks like a tiger…

He pointed up at the place he was looking.

It’s like your basketball team, since y’know, you guys are the tigers!

He chuckled, resting his arms again.

He thinks for a moment, before he turns his head to glance over at Caz for a moment. He then looks back up at the sky, his usual unreadable expression on, with half-lidded eyes and a resting smile.

“i’m gonna, like… get the moon. in my bare freaking hands. like a basketball. i’m gonna play basketball with it, dude, and then, i’m gonna pass it to you so you can take the win. like a basketball game. i’m gonna give you the moon, bro. cuz’ you’re the goat.”

I think I’d lose the game for us, man. And also, the moon would be a shit ball. That shit can’t bounce, dude. Plus, super fucking heavy. Overall, pretty bad ball for basketball.

He looked back up, smiling. He sighed, why did he have to like Decan out of all people? The one person he doesn’t even have a chance with. He hated being in love so fucking much.

He hums and, almost more insistently, he nudges Caz’s side with his hand, before he flips his hand over so the palm faced up, to beckon the other. Facial expression unchanged.

Yeah… as long as we’re together, I’m sure we’ll have fun.

He softly smiled, he couldn’t help but hear a slightly romantic tone in that sentence. He didn’t like it, but he just hoped Decan didn’t pick up on it. Or maybe he did hope he noticed.

So… why’d you put your hand out? You wanna lead me somewhere or some shit?

Decan grins. He looks over to meet Caz’s eyes, and he looks to the side as he thinks for a moment.

“but, like, we could go somewhere too, if you want. like near the old kinda cool church or, like, near the mall, where there’s like, nature-y areas.”

If he were to be honest, anywhere with Decan was heaven. He’d never say that though. He interlocked his and Decan’s fingers, looking away once he did so.

If we’re gonna go somewhere, I should put the pretzel back in my car… I’ll probably eat it another day if I don’t tonight.

Decan smiles. He then stretched, sat up, and let out a soft exhale.

“just for a little. dunno, maybe to check it out or something.”

Alright then, sure. We can do that. I’ll go put the pretzel in my car.

He stood up, letting go of Decan’s hand and walking over to his car. He took his keys out of his pockets, unlocking his car and putting the pretzel inside. He closed the door, locking his car and putting his keys back in his pocket.

With a remaining dopey smile, Decan led the both of them on a relatively short walk to the small-ish green space near the singular mall in Shirington. Decan turns his head to look over the passing nature, flowerbeds, and trees that are rich in color, along with the active large water fountain they’re coming up on in this park; all a little dimmer in color given the shadowing yet pleasant night.

He looks around at the pretty scenery, smiling as he walked over to the fountain. He sat down on the ledge, continuing to look at the nature around him.

I like hanging out in nature… it’s peaceful…

He hums, sitting down next to Caz on the ledge. Their hands still connected, they sit close. He looks around at the nature, thoroughly, and enjoys the calmness of the night. He glances at Caz. He looks like, maybe, he’s thinking, but he also tends to have not a single thought in his head most of the time, so it may not be likely. Though he stills a bit. It seems like he wants to say something, but he won’t; so for the moment, he just smiles and observed the nature.

He looks away, not wanting to look at Decan right now. He wished he could just hang out with Decan without breaking his heart. He hated that he loved Decan, he knows he doesn’t have a chance, that’s why he hates it.

“you okay, dude?”

yeah yeah, I’m fine. Sorry I-

Decan hums. He blinks, watching Caz as he looks away, and he shifts where he sits as he thinks for a bit. He allows Caz a moment to himself.

His hand slightly and slowly pulled back, and his thumb remained tracing over the back of Caz’s hand.

“did, i like, make you upset orr, is it somethin’ else? or do you not wanna talk about it?”

He wanted to talk about it, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. He was too scared to ruin their friendship.

He wanted to move on from this awkward standstill of their conversation, but he was too scared to say anything, afraid he’d say something he didn’t want to.

He assures Caz. There’s a pause and a bit of silence before Decan scoots closer to Caz where they’re sitting on the water fountain. He still holds Caz’s hand, but he sits so that they’re pretty much shoulder-to-shoulder.

“is uh, this okay?”

He was blushing so hard right now, he didn’t look at Decan solely so he didn’t see how much blush covered their face.

I… I wish I could tell you but… I’m… scared.

I’m scared what you’ll think… I don’t wanna ruin what we have…

He paused, still not looking at Decan. He could feel tears start to sting his eyes, fuck, he hated this.

“dude, i promise, on everything i care about, that i’ll stay chill, no-matter what you say. you know how chill i am, right? chillest dude of all time. and, I won’t judge you, whatever it is.”

He watches Caz very, very carefully, and he provides Caz with absolute patience.

maybe you’ll be able to get over it… but I won’t…

He sniffed, looking over at Decan out of the corner of his eyes. His eyes were watery, his breathing heavier now.

I- I love you, Decan… and it’s stupid because I know I don’t have a chance… but I can’t get over it… I just… I wish I could have a chance with you… but I know that you and Stacy love each other… and that you’re straight…

He was fully crying now, he tried not to but he couldn’t hold it back this time.

“..caz.. dude, i..”

He was having partial difficulty thinking and getting out the correct words. His frown, only slightly, formed into a small smile, and Decan looked into Caz’s eyes.

“look at me directly, man. caz— no man, it’s not stupid. and, i mean, yeah, i love stacy and she loves me, but— first off, she fully told me she’d allow our relationship to be open. that’s one, and two, honestly— i love you too. i think.. i mean.. you know how stupid i can be. talking about it, now, i realize i really do love you, man. i have for a while now. i’m fairly blind when it comes to realizing i have crushes. but, really, i do love you, too.”

Really?

He spoke quietly, sniffing as he wiped his tears away. It felt unbelievable to him. He never thought of a world where Decan said that he loved them back. He just stared at Decan for a moment, his eyelids drooping slightly. He quickly hugged onto him, trying not to let either of them fall while he did so. He nuzzled his head into the other’s neck, keeping it there as his breathing started to return to normal.

“i love you too, man. wholeheartedly.”