Liam

”Yeah, I’ll be there in like- ten minutes Sophie! I’m driving there right now.” Dex lied, hurriedly grabbing his jacket off the coatrack by his apartment door. 

“I sure hope so.” She replied over the phone. “Everyone’s already here dude.”

Dex groaned, saying a quick goodbye and hanging up before shoving his phone in his pocket. He rushed down the stairs of the apartment complex, sliding into the front seat of his car and starting the ignition. 

The drive to the Vackers house was short, and traffic at this hour wasn’t bad. Dex let out a shaky breath, checking his hair in the overhead mirror. 

“Relax.” He mumbled, shaking his head. It was just a small party with some friends. 

And Fitz, but who cared? Dex didn’t.

”Dexy, hey dude!” He was immediately greeted at the door by Keefe. “Here, lemme just get this for ya.” He took Dex’s jacket, throwing it aside near some shoes.

Dex took the hint, sliding off his shoes and kicking them in the corner.

He took a quick look around the room and… wow. Biana and Fitz were rich of course, and there house made it very obvious. He wasn’t worried about that though, that was old news.

“Why’s there so many people?” Dex asked as Keefe put his arm around his shoulder and guided him to the kitchen.

Keefe shrugged, letting go to grab a couple bottles of beer. “Biana decided to go crazy and invite a bunch of people.” He said, cracking one open. 

Dex frowned, hesitantly taking the bottle that was handed to him so he’d have something to hold. 

“Where’s… where’s Fitz?” He asked once Keefe had a sip of his own drink.

“Why do you want to know?” Keefe smiled knowingly. 

“It’s nothing like that.” He replied, shooting him a small glare. 

Keefe laughed lightly and shrugged. “I dunno man, it’s not like I’m his babysitter.” 

“You’re his best friend.” Dex said, raising an eyebrow. 

“I know. Funny, right?”

Dex sighed, quickly giving up on that conversation and walking away before he had to deal with Keefe rambling about Sophie like he did every time he had alcohol. 

After shoving his way through partying college kids he got to the living room. 

Thank God. Sophie was there, along with Biana and Fitz. Dex froze, his heartbeat speeding up. 

Fitz’s wavy hair looked as soft as ever, and he had a simple teal button up with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Teal was his color and he clearly knew that. 

“Dex!” Biana grinned once she noticed him, eagerly gesturing towards an empty spot on the couch next to Sophie. 

He smiled gratefully, sitting down and ignoring Fitz’s eyes on him. 

“Did you see Keefe?” Sophie asked, sipping a can of Sprite. 

Dex sighed and nodded, wiping his hands on his jeans to get rid of the perspiration from the beer bottle. “He found me as soon as I walked in actually. He was in the kitchen when I ditched him.” 

“Typical.” Fitz chuckled.

Dex nodded, taking a nervous drink of beer. Gross. “So why’d you invite so many people?” He asked Biana. 

“Why not?” She laughed. “They’ll be talking about this party for a while. It’s a nice popularity boost.” She said, messing with a strand of her hair as she talked.

Please, like she needed popularity. Did that crap even matter in college? Dex hasn’t bothered talking to many people on campus beside the friends he already had. 

“Besides, my lovely brother needs to find a special someone, and this is the perfect place.” She grinned, ruffling his hair. 

“Oh really?” Fitz gave her a look. “I don’t see you with a partner.” 

Biana glanced at Sophie and looked down, her cheeks flushed. “Whatever.” 

She grumbled. She stole Fitz’s drink, taking a gulp before slamming it down on the  coffee table and pushing herself to her feet. 

Dex raised an eyebrow, finally noticing her silvery tank top and the red skirt she had on. “I’ll go find someone right now.” She declared, walking off into the bunch of people. 

Fitz chuckled, grabbing the bottle and putting it on a coaster instead. 

Sophie sighed, also getting to her feet. “I’m gonna go make sure Keefe’s not getting up to anything stupid.” 

Dex gave her a pleading look to not leave her alone with Fitz that she pointedly avoided. Dex scowled, taking a big drink of beer. He was going to need a lot more than this to make it through the night. 

“So how have your classes been?” Fitz asked, sitting back on the couch.

“Decent.” Dex shrugged. “I have a study partner- Tinker. She’s helpful.” 

Fitz nodded softly, swirling his bottle absentmindedly. 

“How’s it’s been going for you?” Dex asked.

“Same as usual.” Fitz sighed. Dex nodded sympathetically. He knew Fitz hadn’t exactly wanted to go to college, but Alden hadn’t given him much of a choice. It was silent for what felt like an eternity, as Dex tried and failed to sneak glances at Fitz. 

“Ugh, I see my sister.” Fitz sighed, and Dex followed his gaze to see her talking to a random guy with a clearly forced smile. 

“I’m gonna go save her ass.” He said, nodding to Dex before walking off. 

Dex scowled, finishing off his beer. “‘Come to the party!’ they said.” He grumbled, getting up. “‘It’ll be fun!’” He rolled his eyes, going back to the kitchen. 

Surprisingly enough, Keefe was still there with Sophie besides him. Keefe lit up once he saw Dex, waving him over. 

“Hey Keefe.” Dex said hesitantly, trying to determine how drunk he was.

“You good?” Sophie asked with a frown. 

“I’m fine.” Dex said with a sigh, leaning against the counter. 

“You don’t look fine.” Keefe giggled, poking his cheek. “Who pissed you off?” 

“Keefe.” Sophie said, giving him a warning look before turning back to Dex. “Was it Fitz?” She asked with a frown. 

Dex rolled his eyes at her pity. “Maybe.” He admitted. 

“You need some alcohol!” Keefe declared. “It helps with the sadness.” He slurred knowingly, handing Dex a bottle. 

Dex rolled his eyes, although he did have a drink. 

Sophie noticed that, raising an eyebrow. “Tell me if you need a ride home.” She said, nudging his shoulder. 

“I will.” He promised, hesitating before grabbing another bottle and going back to sulk on the couch. 

“Dex?” A gentle shake on his shoulder made Dex sit up and rub his eyes. 

“Huh…?” He looked up slowly, smiling when he saw Fitz leaning over him with a concerned frown. “Hey there.” Dex smiled weakly. 

 “I didn’t think you out of all people would get drunk.” Fitz said. 

“Keefe’s idea.” Dex slurred, laying back down. 

“Ugh, of course it is. Cmon, I’m not letting you sleep on the couch dork.”

Dex chuckled, not bothering to move. 

“I’m serious.” Fitz said, straightening and crossing his arms. 

Dex giggled at his serious pose, closing his eyes again. “You’re not my mom.” He yawned. 

He heard Fitz’s sigh and ignored it. 

“You’re lucky I’m here…” Fitz said, before carefully picking Dex up in a bridal carry. 

“Ughh don’t touch me.” Dex said, burying his face in Fitz’s neck and relaxing at the familiar scent of his cologne. 

He felt Fitz’s grip on him tighten before he started walking. “Just stop talking.” Fitz grumbled. 

“Okay.” Dex replied lazily, content to relax in his arms. 

Fitz eventually stopped, setting him down on a mattress. 

Dex frowned, looking around and recognizing Fitz’s room. “Why not the guest room?” He slurred. 

“Thanks to Biana, there’s probably kids in there making out.” Fitz huffed, sitting down next to Dex’s head. 

“No funny business then. My mom won’ lemme.” Dex managed, turning onto his side and closing his eyes. 

“I wasn’t planning on it.” Fitz snickered. 

“Mhm. Whatever.” Dex mumbled. He opened his eyes after a moment of silence, looking up at Fitz quietly. 

“What’s wrong?” Fitz frowned. 

“You’re pretty.” 

Fitz blinked at him, his widened eyes being the only thing showing his shock. 

“Well you don’t have to just sit there.” Dex mumbled, frowning at Fitz’s hand that was lingering near his head. 

“I thought you just said no funny business…?” He reminded Dex with a gentle smile. After a moment though his dark fingers moved, gently smoothing Dex’s hair. 

Dex hummed approvingly, closing his eyes again. “I love you so much…” he said contently. Fitz’s fingers stilled, and Dex let out a small noise of protest. 

“No you don’t.” Fitz said softly. 

“Liar.” Dex grumbled, pushing his head up into Fitz’s hand. 

“I think I know what im talking about Dex.” Fitz said, making Dex let out a sigh.