medium-rare.

The light is enough to earn a whine from August. He finally opened his eyes, squinting at the figure in front of him. It took a good minute for his eyes to adjust to the light, but once they did a small grin easily formed on his features.  “Oh… it’s you.” a soft chuckle escaped him, his eyes closing once again. “I thought I hooked up with someone random.” Thank goodness that was not the case. August doesn’t move away from Gage’s touch. If anything, he leans closer to him. So close that their noses are practically touching.  Maybe it’s because he’s still tipsy from their night out or maybe it’s just the fact that he’s cold and Gage is so warm but for whatever reason, August can’t help but find comfort in their proximity. His hand moves from Gage’s hair down to his face, cupping his cheek slightly before opening his eyes once again to look at him. August’s studies his face through half-lidded eyes. There’s something so inviting in the way Gage’s lips are slightly parted as he stares right back at him. It doesn’t even process through August’s mind that they had never been even remotely intimate before. His mind is far too blurry for that. So instead he focuses on his instincts and right now they were screaming at him to lean in and kiss Gage. So he did just that. Brushing his lips against the other’s was so natural to August, despite the fact that it was so abrupt for them.

Gage doesn’t know if August thinks they hooked up. To be fair, Gage doesn’t know if he thinks that they hooked up. So, he just doesn’t say anything, instead offering the other a small smile. And oddly, it’s quite sincere, he can be sure of that. Tired eyes study the boy, fingertips gently brushing against his face, this entire setting bringing Gage a good load of comfort. Maybe it’s ‘cause of the alcohol, but this doesn’t feel weird. Not even when August leans in. Not even when they’re kissing. To be fair, it takes a moment for Gage to realize what is happening, but once he does, he just kind of accepts it. He’s okay with it. In fact, he’s feeling fine. Warm. Excited, in a way. Look, this doesn’t happen a lot. He doesn’t just end up in bed with people a lot. He doesn’t... kiss them. Kiss boys. He hasn’t. Yet, it feels normal. Natural. Yeah, this is... this is good. So, he kisses back. Lips work against the other’s, hands completely stiff, no idea where to go, until it’s over. Gage lets out a small sigh, lips parted, but no words come to mind. So, instead, he just goes for it. He’s sat up, a somewhat awkward hand placed on the other’s shoulder as he leans in to kiss him again, this time with slightly more confidence.

‘‘ that’s amazing to hear, gage !  you’re majoring in english, right ? ‘‘ asked mr. calloway, but was quickly interjected by his only daughter. ‘‘ linguistics, dad. there’s a difference. ‘‘ salem stabbed at a piece of broccoli that threatened to roll off her plate onto the table cloth, ignoring her mother’s next set of words to the hostess. her father was never her number one supporter, especially with her major. working with criminals, salem ?  why don’t you just lock yourself in the slammer with them ?  evidently irked by his approval of the ström kid’s major quieted her down for the next half hour, picking and eating at certain foods on her plate. gage’s comment wasn’t enough to engage her attention, but the rest of her family exchanged looks among each other as it grew silent. it didn’t occur to her that his attention was now on her, not until a gentle gaze landed on the salt right next to her. she’d been piling the shit on the turkey since first bite; when the mrs. wasn’t looking, of course. ‘’…no, ‘’ she replied, bland as the main course, then went back to her plate which was now close to empty. kevin, one of her older brothers, reached across the table and grabbed the salt shaker from her side. ‘’ here you go, man, ‘’ he said, placing the shaker between the two. annoyance riddled her features, her impulsive instinct was to kick her brother with her ill-fitted heel, right in the shin. following the loud bump underneath the table from her knee hitting the wooden surface, her eyes awaited a reaction from the older of the two, receiving nothing but an undisturbed look. it took a moment for her to realize what had happened, slowly turning attention to the curly-haired male next to him. instead of mouthing an apology, she simply stared as if she meant to kick him, as if he were the main target. ‘’ my leg jerked, ‘’ she stated to the crowd, relieving confusion for the quick commotion. 

From the corner of his eye, Gage can see the look on his mother’s face when their guests’ daughter, just like that, refuses to hand over the saltshaker. He, himself, is just as surprised. Bold move. He’s basically staring at her, lips parted, but a small smirk appears on the face when he can feel his mother’s eyes now on him. “God, Gage, you better not pull a stunt.” she must be thinking. And Gage, at this point, is more than willing to accept the challenge. “Thanks, Kevin!” he muses, enthusiastically, only to then get kicked in the shin. Excuse me? “Ouch!” he hisses under his breath. His mother, who seems to be aware of the situation, attempts to change the subject. You know, get everyone to focus on something else. “Oh, I just remembered! Guess who bumped into me at the supermarket, the other day? Paul Ridley!” the first response Gage registers is a grunt from his father. “Ridley?” the man furrows his brows, mouth full of food. “Wasn’t he in rehab?” The conversation seems to be going somewhere–– he assumes. Whatever, it’s not like he’s really listening. All the attention is on how much his poor, poor leg hurts. He glares at the girl, takes a good moment, before returning that kick. However, it doesn’t go unnoticed. “Gage, what on earth are you doing?” his mother’s voice just fills up the whole room. “What?! She kicked me!” 

PALE   CHEEKS   TINT   PINK   FROM   THE   OTHER’S   GAZE,   swallowing   thickly   as   he   adjusts   the   frames   that   rested   upon   his   nose   as   a   failed   attempt   to   hide   his   apparent   blush.   The   question   takes   him   ABACK.   Head   whipping   up,   blinking   a   couple   of   times   as   his   brows   knitted   into   a   confused   furrow,   “Yes.”   The   answer   escaped   from   him   before   he   even   had   time   to   think   about   it   but   Jude   knew   there   wasn’t   much   to   really   think   about.   The   director   cleared   his   throat,   taking   a   step   forward   as   blue   hues   dared   to   meet   Gage’s,   “Um…is   this   you   asking   me?”

He has closed the door behind him and is now using the piece of wood to lean against, as if for some sort of support. Physical or emotional, who knows? Nah, just fucking with you. Psychically, he feels like he’s definitely got it. All this alcohol, all that shit–– it just makes him feel bit more comfortable. Confident, for sure, until the other approaches. But hey, there’s no real turning back here, right? Fuck, he doesn’t even wanna turn back. “Uhh, maybe.” Gage begins, shutting his eyes instantly. Wrong answer. Come on, just say it. Spit it out, kid. He exhales, gaze returning to the boy before him. Gage fixes his turtleneck, taking a step forward. “I meant yes. I–– yes.”

                    knowing gage, celeste wasn’t really surprised at how quickly ha can change his mind and decisions. surely, if it sounds a little bit too sketchy for him, he’d say no; but if it gives him the opportunity to do something that he feels like doing– in this case, rapping an original rap track, he’s going to find his way in this scene. it made her laugh, and the idea of him still being the gage she knew back in high school just makes her so damn happy. “knew you were going to say yes anyway. so i did send a message to the heads literally five minutes ago. so… should we start writing about our original rap track or should we worry first about what we should wear to this whole thing?”

"Ya’ did?” brows furrow. The decision has been made, and boy, he sure as heck doesn’t seem to regret it just yet, but it’s a certainly surprising how.. fast this girl works. And it’s always been like that. You talk about something, it’s a joke, then it’s not, and then it’s actually happening. He definitely shouldn’t act like he didn’t expect it to go that way. “Man, shit, that’s a thought. Fuck, no, clothes first, yeah? We wanna know what we’re goin’ for, ya’ feel? We gotta look dope, before we can proceed. D’ya wanna check some shit online? Or, should we take a fucking weekend trip to New York City? That’d be mad.” 

“Yes, I fucked Ricky, shut up!” Cas retorts, but he’s laughing, too. “Sorry to destroy your perception of me being cool, but just hear me out. He’s a prick but he’s kind of hot, okay? Or at least he has a big dick. But like I said, he’s like cling wrap so now I just have to suffer through this damn class with him and then hopefully never see him again.” He tilted his head. “I mean, if I asked you, would you have said yes?” he asked curiously. “Wasn’t sure you’d be interested, to be honest.”

He lets out an almost whine at the sound of Ricky and Hot in the same sentence. "He’s not!” Gage is quick to protest, but seems to be willing to give it a second thought. “Is he? What the fuck?” Right, fuck that, bruv.” he shakes his head, but he’s still laughing, still having a good time. “Can’t believe ya’ just gave in. Like that. For a big dick. Yo.” it’s not that he’s judging. I mean, not like that. It just seems a bit crazy to him. You know, probably would to most people who knew Ricky. “Oh, fuck, maybe. Prolly not, man, but you coulda tried.” he takes a hit of the joint, then passes it over to the other. “Now it’s too late, sorry, the damage has been done. I ain’t goin’ to go through two-k-nineteen with mouth herpes, or some shit.” 

why her parents’ agreed to this event, salem would never know. every thanksgiving was the same; large dinners, silence around the table, then drunken shouting matches between the family once the chardonnay kicked in. it was a nice change to the cycle, but out of all the options they had, this is where they decided to spend their time ?  the ström’s were good people; at least, she assumed so. growing up with them around never caused any trouble for her family ( as if they needed any more of that ), but she absolutely despised the youngest ström. it was a blood boiling concept since the beginning of their introduction to one another, but here she was, sitting right across the family-sized table from him. ‘’ school’s doing well, thank you, ‘’ was all she could say, offering the meek woman a small, polite smile. her mother smiled at the other’s words about her own creation, the life she made to walk on this earth. but, did salem even ask for that ? ‘’ thank you, hon. gage has grown so much more handsome since the last time we saw him !  i bet all the girls are falling over you. ‘’ the blonde looked over at gage, making a face at her mother’s words. ‘’ not all the girls, ‘’ she replied quickly and lowly, taking a sip from her glass to break the eye contact she had initiated. ‘’ you doing well in school, gage ? ‘’ asked her mother, ignoring her daughter’s small comment. she knew her mom just wanted to make small talk, forgetting whatever he would say within minutes. she was the same with her, always has been. ‘’ don’t bore her with the details, ‘’ salem mumbled once more, eyes trailing down the table.

Gage’s already working on a plan of some sort. Without drawing too much attention to his actions, he every now and then turns his head to take a quick look at the clock. Okay, one more hour, he decides. That should be enough time for everyone to down enough alcohol to forget about him having to be there. He’s already rehearsed the apology, the one he’s gonna present in such a heartfelt and polite way, before he stands up from that table to leave this truly tragic evening. The entire focus is on the plate before him, fork ominously hovering over the food without actually stabbing into anything. He’s just keeping himself busy. When spoken to, he offers a smile, polite enough to pass as someone who’s actually enjoying themselves, at least a bit. Eyes rest on the blonde, her comment throwing him just slightly off-guard, but he can’t say he didn’t expect this. “Oh, please, that’d be an overstatement.” he lets out a small laugh. “But thank you, Mrs. Calloway, for uplifting words.” Salem’s mother receives a polite smile, while Salem, herself, nothing but a look of disapproval. Even when the eye-contact’s broken, Gage doesn’t look away from her, studying every expression. “Huh? Yeah, school’s good— “ he begins, only for his mother to take over. “He’s taking advanced courses in English and sociology!” she announces, patting him on the shoulder. Brows raise. He didn’t ask for this, but thanks, mom. A nod the head, as if to confirm that his mother is, in fact, not lying. “Anyway, how is the turkey? I followed this new recipe I found online, and I was worried I might’ve overcooked it.” she confesses. “It’s great, dear.” his father mumbles, and Gage just smirks. “Very nice. A tad bland.” he comments, attention turned back to the blonde across from him. “Would you pass me some of that salt?” 

November, 2017. It’s Thanksgiving. Like every year, he’s sat at that godforsaken dinner table, in what’s now his father’s home, in New Hampshire. Like every year, he’s looking his very best for their guests. His mother’s smile is firm as she cuts herself a piece of turkey. Not once does she look over the crowd, presumably avoiding the sight of her ex-husband. Damn, fuck Gage’s dad, honestly. Why did he have to throw these parties, where people come and sit and everyone talks about how great everything is going, when it’s obviously not? And why did he have to, out of all people, invite these guys? Now, look, don’t get me wrong, the Calloways are okay folks, it’s just— “Salem, honey, how is school?” his mother asks, before turning her attention to the girl’s parents. “She’s such a beautiful girl, isn’t she? You’ve grown so much—” her attention turns to the Gage. “She’s grown so much, hasn’t she? Oh, lovely!” her enthusiasm makes him only raise a brow. See, despite their parents being somewhat friends, Gage has never really been fond of the girl. However, eyes rest on her, no hints of interest on his face. “Yeah.” he agrees. “She sure has.” 

What’s better than ending a night of some quality studying with a couple of beers, and maybe four shots? With a can of beer in his hand and slightly disoriented speech he steps into the room after a quick trip to the kitchen. “Yo, man.” he begins, leaning against the door frame. Eyes rest on the boy. Looks kinda like he’s checking him out, and he totally could be, if it weren’t for how hard it was for him to focus. With his thoughts on full-speed, drunken ideas, he appears more straightforward. “Would ya’ kiss me?” he wonders. “Ya’ know, if I asked. Would ya’?” 

     she was about to say no immediately. she had wanted nothing to do with him but he seemed a little impatient. she wondered what he needed from her so badly that he was showing signs that he did not like her unwillingness. she smirked a little, taking delight in the other’s demeanor. “ somewhere mad? ” she repeated, scoffing at the words, he was the one who was mad. “ where? in your fucking bedroom? ” she laughed at that, thinking of how much she wouldn’t want to be anywhere near his bedroom. “ you know what? sure. i’ll give you a chance. let’s see if you have more balls than what you offered before. see you around eight then. ” she let out. it seemed too easy for her to change her mind but she had a plan and more of her unwillingness might make him retrieve the offer. 

Her words make him kind of just sigh and roll his eyes. He isn’t quite in the mood for this right now. “Funny.” he tells her, even sliding a rather dry smile in there, just to seem a little less unapproachable, you know? After all, he’d really, really like for this work out. Just for a moment. He needs a type of reassurance. “Sick, I’ll be lookin’ forward.” and with that, he gets to his feet, fingers reaching for a cigarette from behind his ear, bringing it between his lips with certain elegance. Confidence. “See ya’.” 

He’s not usually that tactile of a person, but when he’s high, all bets are off. Especially with people he actually likes spending time with. “Ugh, don’t get me started on Ricky,” he says with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Ricky came over to study once and then we hooked up and even though I told him four times it was a one-time thing he got clingy. That’s why I always shove my earbuds in whenever he comes in and pretend I don’t see him.”

"Ricky came over and you did.. what?” his expression is a combination of something along the lines of disgust, curiosity and amusement. “When?” he watches the other for a moment, but then just starts laughing. “Fuck, bruv, why? Ya’ make me feel like such a dumb prick, Cas, ‘cause here I sat, thinkin’ you were cool.” he leans back. “Ouch, man, I’m shattered. How come — how come you’ve never asked me to hook up? We’ve been studyin’ together for months. And Ricky! Pricky. Nah, man, nah, I’m.. baffled.” 

                    now that he mentioned it, it definitely looks so cheap to the redhead. there’s nothing that can beat the feeling of being invited into a gala, so this pageant things feels a bit tacky and weird for the two. but maybe this was such a bad idea; a bad idea that can be turned into something that actually has taste. “i haven’t really said anything to the heads about us joining… so you can still change your mind if you want. i’m not really entirely into it; so the ball is yours, man.” she says, chuckling at how excited he suddenly sounded. “original rap would set the whole school in flames. so… are you in?”

"Oh–– ya’ haven’t?” head tilts to the side, brows furrow. “’Kay, that’s a game-changer, man. Let me––” eyes narrow, hands rest on his cheeks. “Lemme think ‘bout it. I’ll get back to ya’, yeah?” he hums. Okay, so now he has to give it a second thought, this is the time. Now, do they really wanna be doing this, do they feel like it? Is it necessary? Um, look, Gage is definitely not a guy who wants to be associated with some university pageant thing. But, on the other hand, the idea of an original rap track and laughing around is quite the good one. Eyes shut tightly, a grimace on his face to represent some sort of overdramatic thinking. “Ummm....” he suddenly opens his eyes, dropping the whole act, returning to his slightly less obnoxious self. “Ah, fuck it, bruv, we’re doing it. But, it better be fuckin’ nuts, man, or.. or we just ain’t good anymore, you and I.” 

                         the girl had her eyes suddenly focused on the male, a brow raised as he cuts his words off. “you think it’s kinda what, gage?” celeste said, obviously wanting to hear the male’s opinion towards this whole pageant thing. “hmm, they mentioned that it’s gonna happen two months from now. all we gotta do is do what we’re best at.” a smirk forming on her red lips. “there’s talent portion, which i don’t think won’t be too much of a problem if that’s what you’re worried about?”

"Uhh,” he grimaces, unsure of what it is exactly that he wants to say. “You know..” he begins, head tilting back, a groan escaping. “Dunno, Cel, sounds kinda cheap. Mean, we’ve been to a fuckin’ gala, bruv. Y’know, ‘ts just bit tacky.. But sure, fine, fuck it, we’re in it now, and that’s sick.” he nods at her words, brows furrowed. The beer can is brought back to his lips. He takes a big gulp, then, as if on cue, slaps his own thigh. A signal. An idea, ‘cause, he seems to be getting pretty, I dunno, excited? “Dude, ya’ know what we should do? Rap. Yo, it’d be pretty fucking fire, man.”