Rated F for Fez

“Hey, little man,” you said, and Ash’s attention left his phone and went to you. Even though Ash had a growth spurt since you had first met him and was now taller than you, you wouldn’t stop calling him little man. Ash didn’t really mind it much. But don’t tell anyone else he felt that way.

“Hey.”

“You all ready to go,” you asked leaning against the wall at the entrance to his room.

“Pretty much. Fez ready?”

“Not at all,” you answered giggling. “I’m glad I came over early and ironed his shirt.” You walked closer to where he was sitting on his bed. “I’ve got something for ya,” you said, a huge grin on your face. You pulled the small giftbag you had from behind your back and held it out to him.

To say Ash was shocked was an understatement. Fez always tried to make due with what they had. Birthdays and Christmases were okay. He’d only ever got gifts from his brother until you came around. But this, a watch that you obviously had to save up for, was a lot. 

“Y/N, I can’t-,” Ash started to say but you quickly interrupted him. 

“You can and you will. You deserve it. Besides, it’s not like I can take it back.”

You could see Ash fighting to not get emotional. He stood up and hugged you. You’re eyes grew wide. You hoped he would like it, but never thought you would get a hug. The only times you got hugs from Ashtray was when you hugged him, and usually he didn’t hug you back.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” You held onto him for a bit longer soaking up the moment. “Now, finish getting ready. I’m gonna go bug your brother until he’s done.”

Ash just smiled and nodded.

You went back to your boyfriends room to see him finally throwing on the button down you ironed for him earlier. “Took you long enough.”

“We’re gonna be on time,” Fez said. “I don’t take an hour to get ready like you.”

“I may take an hour, but somehow I’m the first one ready,” you said. You flopped down on Fez’s bed watching him. “I gave Ashtray his gift.”

“Yeah,” Fez asked, glancing up at you as he finished up the last button, “he liked it?”

You smiled. “Yeah, he did. Even gave me a hug.”

Fezco’s eyebrows shot up.

“I know,” you said laughing at his response. “I was surprised too.” Before you bought the watch, you checked with Fez to make sure it was something Ash would like. Fez was shocked you were getting something so pricy for his little brother, but it just showed how much you cared for Ash. 

“Told you he’d like it.”

The three of you finally got out the door and made it to the convention center where the graduation was being held. Fez dropped Ashtray off at the front of the building and the two of you drove off looking for a parking spot.

“Rue better hurry up. They’re gonna close the doors before the graduates walk in.” Rue told you both she was coming so you saved a seat for her, but you hadn’t heard from her in twenty minutes. 

Before Fez could reply, you felt a body bump into you. 

“I’m here, I’m here,” Rue said, a little disheveled but at least she showed up. 

“You had us worried,” you said, leaning over to give Rue a hug.

Fez leaned forward a little so he could see Rue. “I wasn’t.”

You slapped his chest with the back of your hand. Just a moment later the band began to play Pomp and Circumstance as the graduates began to file into the auditorium. Despite how long Fez took, you arrived to the venue pretty early so you three had good seats so Ashtray would have to walk right by you. 

Normally, Ashtray had an annoyed or angry look on his face, but you saw the small smile on his face as he came around the corner.

“There he is,” you shouted and pointed. “Ash,” you yelled a little too loud for the people in front of you but you didn’t care. Ash was only going to graduate high school once. 

“Go Ash,” Rue shouted and clapped next to you.

You could see Ash fighting it, but eventually he let go and smiled big and bright.  After a few boring but a little inspiring speeches, it was time for the graduates to walk across the stage.

“Ash O’Neil.”

As Ashtray walked across the stage to grab his diploma, Fez, Rue, and you yelled as loud as you could to make sure he could hear you. 

“Okay, Ash!”

“I see you, Ashtray,” you screamed. You definitely got a few looks when you called Ash’s real name, but you didn’t care or notice. 

“Yeah, Ash,” Fez hooped and hollered. 

You knew Ashtray heard all of you because his smile was beaming. He shook all the hands he had to as he finished crossing the stage then turned and pointed to the three of you as he walked off the stage happy as can be. 

All of you sat back down as the announcer kept calling names. You grabbed Fezco’s hand as you tried to watch the rest of the ceremony, but Fez squeezing your hand had you glancing toward him. You did a double take once you saw his eyes watering.

“Baby, what’s wrong?”

Rue leaned forward at the sound of your voice to see what was going on then saw the tears on Fez’s face. “Are you crying?”

You glared at Rue and she quickly sat back in her seat.

You turned back to your boyfriend and wiped the tear that was falling down his cheek. “What’s going on?”

Fez just kept looking straight ahead. You just let him take his time before he responded. “I’m just... I didn’t think we’d get here. I thought he would’ve had to drop out or... I’d be dead.”

“Hey, hey,” you whispered letting go of his hand so you could wrap that arm around him and hold his hand with your free one that was further away from him. “He did it. You did it. He wouldn’t have been able to get here without you. You both did good.”

Fezco looked at you then just nodded taking in your words. He was so unbelievably proud of his brother. 

The three of you were fairly silent watching the rest of the graduates walked. Rue snickered at a few of the names. You just held onto Fez’s hand, your thumb rubbing back and forth on his skin.

"Presenting the class of 20-" The graduates stood and tossed their caps in the air as the room filled with cheers and claps. After they filed out of the room, the doors were packed with family and friends trying to get outside to greet their graduates. 

The sidewalk and blocked off street were filled with people and balloons. Moms with their phones pressed to their ears trying to find their kids. Dads with big bouquets of flowers in their hands.

"Come on baby," you said as you pulled Fez's hand through the crowd. Fez was trying to call Ash while you attempted to make you way to a clear area. 

"He says he's just steppin' outside now." Fez squeezed your hand to try to get you to stand still. "We're near the tree in front." 

"There's 5 different trees," you said looking around trying to find something that could be used as a marker for Ash to find the three of you. "Oh," you spoke, letting go of Fez's hand. You took a few steps and stood on a wobbling bench. Was it the safest option? No, but there was no way Ashtray would spot you in the sea of people unless you stood out. "Tell him I'm standing on a bench."

Fez stepped towards you, his hand held out to balance you. "You see y/n? She's standing on a bench."

"I see him," you shouted and waved towards Ash. You looked down at Fez, your feet wobbling a little. "Let's go to him, there's less people over there." 

"Wait there, we're comin' to you," Fez told Ash, the phone pressed between his ear and shoulder as he grabbed your waist to hoist you down. 

The three of you quickly made your way over. "There's our graduate," you said excited, a huge smile on your lips. You were leading Fez to Ash but thought Fezco should get the first hug. You tugged his arm forward, so he was standing in front of his brother. 

Fez clasped his brother's hand then pulled him in for a tight hug. They held each other like that for a moment, swaying a little, before Fez pulled back slightly and rested his forehead on Ash's. Your eyes filled with tears at love for one another as you quickly snapped a picture on your phone. 

"I'm so proud of you man." Fez said in a low tone, Ashtray nodding silently. 

They pulled apart then you went in for your hug. Two hugs in one day? This was a world record. 

"You did so good. And you look so handsome in your cap and gown," you said as you pulled away. You adjusted his tassel, so the year faced forward.

"Congrats, Ash," Rue said, holding her fist out for him. 

"Thanks, Rue," Ash replied, his fist colliding with hers.

"Okay, picture time," you shouted gleefully. "Fez, you go first."

You took a boat load of photos to remember the day. Ashtray and Fez. A close up of him with his diploma. Rue and Ash. You and Ash. Fez, Ash, and you. You stretched your arm out to get a group selfie of the 4 of you all together.

"Alright, alright. Can we go eat now please," Ashtray asked while he loosened the tie around his neck. He was over all this sappy hugging and photo taking. 

"Yeah, where you wanna eat at," Fez asked. He through his arm over Ashtray's shoulder as he lead him to the car.

Two hours and a full stomach later, you fell back on Fez's bed, tired from an overly active morning and afternoon. 

"I'm pooped," you said, eyes closed. "Please don't let me eat that much chips and salsa again, no matter how many time the waiter refills the basket." 

Your eyes stayed closed waiting for your boyfriend to reply. You popped one eye open to spot him looking at himself in the dresser mirror. "Baby?"

"What do you think about me getting my GED," Fez asked suddenly. 

You sat up quickly, eyes looking at Fez's reflection in the mirror. "What?"

Fez turned around, his eyes shy, "I was thinking about getting my GED. What do you think?"

"I think that's great Fez."

"Yeah," he looked at you questioningly, wanting your approval. 

"Yeah."

"I just...," Fez started as he walked to you and sat on the bed, "With Ash graduating, I thought maybe I could start studying, take the GED."

You scooted closer so you were sitting at the end of the bed with him. "As long as you’re happy, and safe, I'm down for whatever you want to do."

Fez nodded, thinking to himself. You could tell he was nervous about this. "I was also thinkin' after I finish I could, I don't know, try trade school or something. Go legit." 

You grabbed his hand, interlacing your fingers with his. 

"You know I'm gonna support you in whatever you do, but... why the sudden interest in going 'legit,' you asked, putting air quotes around legit. You knew who Fez was when you started dating him. It wasn't the safest occupation out there, but you were with him because you loved him. His job was just a part of that. 

"I only deal cause that's what Grandma did. She got sick and I had to take over. Now that Ash is done with school, I just thought I could finish what I started. And you..." Fez started but stopped, hesitating.

"What about me," you asked, squeezing his hand.

"You deserve better than a drug dealer. I wanna build a life with you. Have kids. I don't wanna have to keep dealin' with Laurie and worry about sellin' all of my supply."

Your eyes began to fill with tears, your voice soft as you spoke. "You want to have kids with me?"

A slight smile started to grow on Fez's face. "Yeah... I mean... if you want to," he answered, rubbing the back of his neck.

You bit your lip holding back a big grin as you nodded, "I do." Then you lunged forward tackling Fezco on the bed, your arms wrapped around his neck. His hand flew to your waist, his fingertips pressing into the fabric of your dress.

"I can't believe you wanna have babies with me. You want to get a day job and pay taxes and ughh-," you said before you muffled yourself into his neck. 

Next thing Fez knew, you were sniffling. "Don't cry, ma."

"They're happy tears baby," you said beaming, pulling back to look at him. "I love you so much."

During the movie you glanced at Fezco a few times to make sure he was paying attention and gauge his reaction. His eyes were glued to the screen, making you smile to yourself.

Two plus hours later, you were exiting the theater, your boyfriend's fingers entwined with yours. Once you were in the car, you felt it was safe to talk about the movie. You hated those people who started talking about a movie the second they walked out of the theater, while the next group were coming in to watch. The theater lobby was a spoiler free zone.

"Did you hear that girl saying she didn't like the love triangle," you asked Fez, clearly annoyed. "That's literally the catalyst for the rest of the movie! Without it, the Wizard of Oz story doesn't even happen!" To say you were passionate about Wicked was an understatement. Of course, no story is perfect and you're not going to enjoy every part of it, but you just hated someone talking bad about something you loved so much.

"She's entitled to her opinion, but her opinion is WRONG," you said. Fez was used to this. You had a lot of opinions, and you were always going to let him know. He already knew this was going to bug you for hours. "Seemed necessary to me."

"Right! It's not like when we watched The Vampire Diaries and Elena fell for Damon. There was plenty of plot without that happening."

"Some people just don't get it," Fez replied, eyes on the dark road ahead of him.

"They don't! And these are the same people that vote."

Fez just chuckled to himself. He loved how enthusiastic you got over the stuff you were a fan of, but that also meant you could get heated over it too. This was just a part of loving you.

You sighed, leaning further back into your seat. You looked over at your boyfriend, his face occasionally luminated by the streetlights. "Did you like it though?"

Fez glanced at you then let his eyes go back to the road. "Yeah. I liked when the monkeys took that lady away. I couldn't stand her."

You giggled. "Madame Morrible. Yeah, she had it coming."

"It was kinda sad though," Fez added. He rested his hand on your thigh closest to him.

"Yeah, I kind of forget that. The first act is so hopeful and fun. The second act… well it's a bit dreary."

"Fiyero was cool. I didn't realize he was the scarecrow. That was wild."

Naturally, you didn't tell Fez what happens in act two, and of course you made him watch The Wizard of Oz and part one. It was fun seeing the story through a newbie's eyes. Honestly, it made you love him more. Having someone in your life who didn't like everything you liked but still went out of their way to do things you enjoyed or listened to you talk endlessly about them made your heart full.

"It was. Ugh, I wish I could wipe my memory of it and see everything for the first time again," you replied. "How did you feel about Boq.?"

"He was mad annoying. He thought he was finna break up Glinda and Fieyro?"

"Right! I feel bad for him cause of what Nessa did, but he never had a chance with Glinda and he's delusional for thinking so."

"Fiyero leaving ol' girl at the alter was kinda funny though."

"Fez," you gasped, hitting his chest lightly. "I love Elphaba and Fiyero together, but that was mean."

"Yeah, and funny," Fez chuckled. You just rolled your eyes. "He ain't really love her anyway."

"No… him and Elphaba are cute together. At least she has him in the end." Fez squeezed your thigh at that. To everyone else, Fez came off as this scary but nonchalant drug dealer, but secretly he was a big softy. He'd watch romance movies with you he wouldn't normally watch on his own, and he was always into them. Don't get him started on Me Before You. You both were a wreak after that one.

You were glad Fezco went to see the movie with you, and enjoyed it. But one thing was on your mind since you walked out of the theater. "Baby?"

"Yeah, ma?"

“Y/N? When did you get back,” Fez asked, surprised but very happy to see you. 

“Late last night,” you answered. You began to fiddle with your hands in front of you. “You gonna just stand there, or hug me,” you asked awkwardly watching Fez just stand there, hand still on the doorknob, his mouth slightly open out of shock of seeing you.

Fez’s smile grew bigger as he let go of the door. “Come here, ma,” he said opening his arms and stepping towards you. Your smile reflected his as you wrapped your arms around his waist pulling him in close to your body. His arms wrapped around your shoulders, his beard brushing against the top of your head. 

Slowly, you pulled back from Fez. He was more hesitant to let go, his arms lingering against your skin, but you tried not to think too much of it. Fez stepped back making space for you to walk into his room. Glancing around as if anything would have drastically changed in the long month that you had been gone. His bed was made. His French fry pillow lay on his preferred side of the bed. Some jewelry laid out on his dresser. A photo that you took of the two of you on your polaroid camera shoved in the space between the dresser wood and the mirror.

“Why you ain’t tell me you was comin,” Fez asked.

“Wanted to surprise you.” 

“Shit, I’m surprised,” Fez said, chuckling a little. He was so glad you were back. It wasn’t the same with you gone. 

You plopped down on his bed, smiling up at him. “So, what’s the plan for today?”

The store looked exactly the same. Not that anything ever really changed at the store. It felt good to be in such a familiar place after spending a month in whole other state. You leaned against the counter, finishing a blue raspberry popsicle, discarding the wrapper in a nearby trashcan when you heard someone walk in. 

“Finally,” Rue said exhaustedly as she walked up to you then threw her long arms around your shoulders pulling you in for a hug.

There was a beat before you wrapped your arms around the girl, surprised at her actions. “Hey, Rue. If I knew I was missed this much I would have came back sooner.”

“I’m not the one that missed you,” Rue replied pulling away from you. “Well, I mean I did- it’s just, Fez has been an asshole since you left.”

“Fez,” you questioned confused. To the ones that didn’t really know Fez, he came off as cold, even scary to some. The big bad drug dealer sitting alone at parties just waiting for his next customer. But Rue knew better. Fezco was like a big brother to her. Kind and gentle. Always looking out for her.

“Yes, Fez. Next time you leave for a month take him with you...,” Rue said. She glanced around, her hands sliding into her jean pockets. “I’ll just get my drugs from Ash.”

Your brow furred as you tilted your head. “What was he doing?”

“I came over when I always do. It wasn’t even that late. And he acted like I woke him up out of his sleep or something. Just being a bitch for no reason. And I actually had the money to pay him this time and he was still grumpy!”

“Okay... that doesn’t mean he was like that because I was gone,” you replied confused how that one situation applied to you. “He could have just been having a bad day.”

“It was a bad month,” Rue corrected. “I could give you more examples, but you’re so oblivious to how he feels about you, it wouldn’t make a difference.”

You laughed awkwardly shaking your head. “Uh, I know how he feels about me. We’re friends. That’s it.”

“Yeah, sure,” Rue said, rolling her eyes. Then she began walking to the fridge doors, “Ash back there?”

“Yeah...,” you answered softly. Was Rue not going to elaborate? She didn’t know what she was talking about. Yeah, Fez was nice to you, but he was just your friend, and that was mostly because you actually took the time to get to know him. He wasn’t in the business to make friends, but you were an exception. 

While you were overthinking what Rue said to you, Fez walked back in pushing a stack of boxes on a dolly. 

“What’s that look on your face for,” Fez asked.

“Huh? Oh, uh nothing. Rue just came in. She’s back there with Ashtray.”

“Anything happening while I was gone?”

Fez shook his head stirring the pot of mac and cheese on the stove. He was making your favorite meal since it was your first day back. Well, your favorite thing he made. “Nothing new. Same ol’ same ol’,” Fez replied.

“Huh,” you said, fidgeting with your necklace.

Fezco glanced at you and saw the curiosity in your eyes.

“Why? Was something supposed to happen?”

You looked up just as he was looking away from you again, shaking your head. “Oh, uh, no. Just something Ash and Rue said.”

“What they say?”

“Nothing really. You know Rue. Always going on about nothing.”

Fez stopped stirring and put the lid back on the pot, turning the stove down so the cheese wouldn’t burn. “Yeah, but it must have been somethin’ if you askin’ me now.”

You swung your feet from where you sat on the kitchen counter. Fez now leaning against the counter directly across from you. 

“It’s just... they said you were really grumpy while I was gone. So, I wasn’t sure if something happened you didn’t mention when we talked.”

Fez just shook his head. “I wasn’t grumpy. But nothin’ happened for me to be like that anyway.”

You rubbed your elbow, your eye contact drifting away so you weren’t looking directly at him anymore. “I mean... I left. That happened.”

Fez was silent for a moment. “Yeah... but we talked all the time.”

“Not the same as me being here.”

“It’s not but... what you gettin’ at?”

“It just,” you started, flustered to even be bringing this up in the first place, “they made it seem like you were grumpy because I was gone.”

Fez just eyed you while your face grew unbelievably hot. Might as well get this over with now. “Because you like me... as more than a friend...”

“Oh,” Fez replied. His eyes blinked slowly. Every millisecond feeling like an eternity.  

You couldn’t take it anymore, you hopped off the counter as you said “Well, I just made things hella awkward between us. I’m gonna kill Rue.” You tried to walk pass Fez out of the kitchen, but he grabbed your arm stopping you. You glanced at his hand wrapped around your forearm, then looked up into his eyes.

“They weren’t wrong.”

“They... weren’t,” you asked hesitantly.

“Nah...,” Fez replied slowly. His thumb rubbed back and forth on your arm sending goosebumps up your skin. “I just ain’t wanna say something and make things awkward.” He let go of your arm refusing to make eye contact with you. He felt an odd sense of embarrassment. He wasn’t used to that.

It was weird seeing Fezco nervous. Usually he seemed so sure of himself. Not worried what others thought. But now, it was clear he cared what you thought.

“Why would things be awkward,” you asked.

“We’re friends. I ain’t wanna mess that up if you didn’t feel the same.”

“Well...,” you replied hesitantly, reaching out to grab his hand, “I do feel the same.” 

"Yeah...?" 

"Yeah," you replied nodding, a little smile on your face. This moment felt surreal. Fez had feelings for you! You could melt right then and there.

Fez took a step closer to you, his eyes staring into yours. Your cheeks grew hot, and your stomach was doing flips.

"So," you said, filling the silence.

"So," Fezco mirrored you.

"I think this is the part where you kiss me," you said shyly, but still feeling bold.

A smile grew on Fez's face. "I think so too," he said before he gently took your face in his hands, leaned down, and kissed you soft and slow. Fez waited a long time for this, but he wanted to take his time with you. He kissed you like the two of you had all the time in the world, but he hated that this took so long for the two of you to do.

"About time," you heard, making you and Fez jump apart. Ashtray was standing in the doorway. "Now he can get that stick out of his ass, and stop being in such a pissy mood." He bypassed the two of you then went straight to the food on the stove. "Is this done?"

"Yeah," Fez replied. "You couldn't wait 5 more minutes?"

"Why," Ash looked over at the two of you annoyed. "Y'all can smush faces anytime. I'm hungry."

Once again, your face grew hot. Did Ashtray have to be so blunt?

Fezco just shook his head at his little brother's antics. The two of you stood there awkwardly until Ash made his plate then made his way back to his room. Fez took the first step towards you, a slow smile spreading across his face. You smiled in return as you met him in the middle..

"Now what do we do," you asked, curious about the next step in your friendship.

 "Now," Fez answered softly as he reached for your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours, "I ask you out on a date."

"Yes," you answered excitedly. Your face scrunched up in slight embarrassment. "Um, I mean, yeah, that sounds good to me," you said, trying to sound more chill.

Fez just chuckled at your answer. "Cool."

You moved in a little closer, so you had to look up through your lashes at him. His eyes low but focused on you. "And if I want to keep kissing you in the meantime?"