#argyle angst

Argyle could feel it in his bones, that deep and persistent ache. It started in his left leg when he woke up that morning. A sign of what was to come later that night. That ache continued to spread and grow as the day went on. The hair on his body stood on end, his nerves on full alert. Every noise and smell overwhelmed him, blaring into his ears and evading his nostrils with a powerful punch.

He hated the day of full moons. As amazing as it felt when he finally shifted the hours leading up to it were almost agonizing. He did what he could on those days. A combination of some ibuprofen and weed helped to ease the pain for a little bit. He always had to cut himself off at some point in the day, knowing being high during a shift caused more problems than it was worth.

Years ago he made a deal with the head lifeguard at the local beach to use the lifeguard tower while the beach was closed in exchange for as much weed as the guy wanted. It wasn’t the best place to shift being so small, but it was private. Exactly how he liked it.

You hadn’t seen Argyle all day. He called to tell you he wasn’t feeling well but when you went to check up on him at his apartment that evening after work he was nowhere to be found. When you asked Jonathan about it it was clear that he knew something. It took awhile to pry the truth from him but once you did you went straight to the beach.

The sun was just setting over the horizon. You walked through the sandy shores, eyes peeled for a certain long-haired brunette. As you walked past the lifeguard tower you swore you could hear groaning, sounds of pain, from the inside.

With careful steps you walked up the ramp and opened the door slowly. It creaked slightly as you did. You peered inside to see hair. So much hair. The sounds from before turned from groans to growls, deep and animalistic in nature. You leaned closer to get a better look but your foot hit the bottom of the door and it swung open before you could stop it. Dark eyes looked back at you with a snarl. The hairy half-man half-beast was hunched over, a pile of familiar colorful clothes laid neatly in a corner. Argyles clothes. You stood frozen like a deer in headlights, struggling to process what you were seeing in front of you.

“Get out!” The beast roared. But you didn’t move as you realized you recognized those features. Those eyes. The very eyes you’d fallen in love with only two years ago. You’d know those eyes anywhere.

“Argyle?” You asked hesitantly, taking a step forward with your hand out to touch him.

He flinched away with a snarl, “Don’t look at me! Go away!”

Your head tilted as you examined his appearance. Long dark brown fur covered his body and wolven features began melting into his. But it was still him. It was still Argyle and he was in pain.

“How can I help?”

“You can’t! Just go!” He snapped.

His leg snapped and he fell with a howl, his back to you as his body contorted, changing before your very eyes. You couldn’t stand his screams of pain anymore as you rushed over to him, kneeling beside him. You stroked at the fur as he whined, speaking softly to him. When it seemed the transformation was complete, he turned his face to yours.

Now more beast than man he looked at you almost with shame.

“Didn’t want you to see…this,” he looked down at his appearance before curling in on himself and closing his eyes like a child trying to make themselves smaller, invisible.

Maybe you shouldn’t have but you thought this form was beautiful. He was beautiful. His fur shined in the moonlight, deep brown with red undertones. You caressed his hair, leaning in place a gentle kiss at his cheek. He mewled at the sudden and unexpected display of affection.

“You should have told me,” you whispered.

He scoffed, still refusing to look at you. “You wouldn’t have believed me.”

“You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here.”

“I’m a monster,” Argyle muttered. Your heart splintered at the broken sound of his voice.

“You’re Argyle, my Argyle. I love you, claws and all,” you tried to reassure him.

“I’m hideous.”

You’d never seen him like this. He was always one of the most confident people you knew. You grabbed his face then, forcing him to look you in the eye when you said, “You’re beautiful.”

He turned his body to face you then, laying his head on your thighs nuzzling into your soft belly. You knew he still didn’t believe you but you would spend the rest of your lives reminding him. You held him for what felt like ages, gently stroking at his back as sounds of content verberated from his throat. When he finally felt the pain of the shift had subsided he sat up.

“Walk with me?” He questioned hesitantly, not expecting your enthusiastic nod.

You followed him along the beach. The full moon shone brightly above the water making it glisten. You’d walked this beach with him so many times before. In this other form Argyle staggered over you in height and build, well over 6 feet. You had to crane your neck just to look at his face.

“Can I ask you a question?”

He looked down at you with a slight smile, “I wasn’t born this way, I was turned,” he replied. His voice was much deeper in this form, it almost entranced you.

“No, not that,” you shook your head and he looked at you quizzically.

“Is this why you have so much hair?”

Argyle laughed heartily and it was the best sound you’d heard all evening.

A/N: Thank you so much for the request anon! I was very excited to write this one, I hope you like it! And thank you for coming to Gia's Bar of Blurbs! Don't forget your reciept! ♥️

Gia’s Gems: @bettyfrommars @ali-r3n @devilinthepalemoonlite @aunicornmademedoit @allthingsjoeq

@etherealxwitch @steves-babysitter @starksbabie @lavendermunson

It was an instance where you and Argyle were alone. Like the time you made a friendship bracelet with him. He made one for you and you made one for him. Ever since you two made them, you both haven’t taken it off since. Or the time that you stole Argyle’s hair tie back in sixth grade and ever since then his hair has been down but he always kept a bunch of hair ties for you. All these tiny moments made your heart swell at the thought of Argyle. You appreciate him and formed a crush on him over the years.

Ever since Jonathan found out that you liked Argyle, you’ve always gone to him for advice. You would vent to him about Argyle and he would vent about Nancy. It was nice to console each other. 

One thing you didn’t know about Jonathan is that he had a different life when he came from Indiana. Especially with his sister. The five of you are driving to Utah to meet up with a friend's girlfriend. You’d never thought that you’d be spending your spring break going on a search for Jonathan’s telepathic sister. Then again, you’d thought you’d never leave your own house unless it was for groceries or going to work. 

Speaking of work, that’s how you got here. You and Argyle were on your way to drop off a pizza at Jonathan’s. Next thing you know, you have a man bleeding out in the trunk and you somehow made it to Utah. Stretching your weary bones, exiting the van; the five of you walk towards the door. 

“I can’t feel my butt,” Argyle says as he hops out of the car, rubbing said butt “ can’t feel my butt. Can you guys feel your butts?” 

“I can feel my butt.” Will says, rubbing his back. You nod at that statement as you finally feel yourself touch solid ground and finally walk.

“Everyone needs to be on their best behavior, okay?” Jonathan says, indirectly saying it to Argyle. 

“Okay, why are you looking at me when you say that?” Argyle chuckles out.

“I didn’t.” Jonathan reassures.

“They’re just really religious.” Mike says looking back at Argyle.

“Yeah, and I’m super spiritual dude.” Argyle says defending himself. You cock your head to the side weighing on the fact that they are a different type of spiritual. 

“Yeah, I think they’re spiritual too. Just in a different way.” Mike says facing towards Argyle before knocking on the door. You nod and hum in agreement and Argyle pushes you a bit, in a teasing manner. 

Once Mike knocked on the door, a little boy covered in what you hope is face paint, answered the door. 

“Oh. Hey,” Mike says confused as to why this little kid looks as if he came out of a Rambo movie, “ is Suzie here?”

The little boy shrieks and draws his arm back to release the arrow with a suction cup tip and aims for Mike’s head. Mike yelps at the arrow hitting him in precise accuracy while the little boy just walks away. As the five of you entered the house, you could hear an array of kids screaming. As Mike takes the lead into the house, you see two kids fighting on top of a dinner table. Argyle watches one of them speak in Old-English and you shake your head. 

“This is my kind of party.” Argyle says with a smile. 

“Jesus.” You mutter out just trying to keep on walking.

Next thing you know a little girl falls to the floor, exclaiming in pain. She holds her neck, screaming for help all the while her brother films her ‘dying’.

“Uh, excuse me,” Jonathan says, trying to get the attention of the brother that’s filming “uh, hey, we’re looking for Suzie.” The little boy snaps his finger in anger and faces towards the group. 

“Can you not see that we are filming?” The little boy says emphatically. Jonathan backs away and the five of you make your way past the filmmaker and actress. Soon you walk into the kitchen to see two more kids cooking something. 

“Hi, we’re looking for Suzie.” Mike says to the chefs. 

“Don’t know, don’t care.” Says the one with the braid. She continues to go one to ‘Peter’ about ‘how that’s too much salt and exclaims about father’s kidney’s’. This house is getting a bit too overwhelming. Then, the kid from earlier shuts the power down in the whole house from the breaker. 

“Cornelius,” shouts a dark haired lady. “, how many times do i have to tell you? That is not a toy.” She takes said Cornelius by the shoulders and leads him past you and the group. Yet, her steps falter as she walks past Argyle, making eye contact with him while she walks. Argyle looks at her star struck and makes her way upstairs.

The five of you make it upstairs to see her putting Cornelius in ‘time out’. Argyle was the first to reach the top and when she finally turned around she asked:

“Who the hell are you?”

“Argyle,” he huffs out in awe, “uh, and you are?”

“Eden.” She says softly. She seemed pretty chill and honestly, if you weren’t in the situation that you are in right now, you’d probably be good friends with her. 

“Like the garden.” Argyle whispers.  You and Jonathan looked at eachother and he could sense that you were a bit upset. You could feel something in your chest make you sick.

“Wow, hey, we’re looking for Suzie.” Jonathan interrupts, sneaking glances at you and Argyle. 

“Do you know where she is?” Will asks as he’s behind Argyle.

“Third floor, second door on your left.” Eden responds quickly. It’s nice how efficient she is. Jonathan, Will and Mike take what they need and quickly make it to where Eden directed. You, on the other hand, waited for Argyle as he stood there watching Eden.

“You see her, you make sure to give that selfish four-eyed shit a nice little shove for me.” She says as she slowly makes her way back down the stairs.

“Absolutely,” Argyle stutters “Eden, I will shove her for you. I will do anything for you.” She descends watching Argyle and he stutters speaking softly to her. Something bubbles in your chest and you don’t really like how it feels. You shake it off, walking towards where the other three are headed and Argyle’s behind you. As Jonathan opens the door, the five of you pile in and the room is surprisingly empty.

“Well, great, she’s not here.” Jonathan says. Mike took notice of the open window and it clicked for him. 

“Give her a shove.” He says quoting Eden from earlier. The four boys peeked their heads out of the window while you leaned against the wall next to the window. 

“Suzie!” Mike yells out.

“Yeah,” she says, “ Who the heck are you and what are you doing in my room?” You could barely hear her from inside but you consider it a bit dangerous that this girl is on top of the roof right now.

“Sorry, that’s–that’s fair.” Mike stutters, finally realizing that they did just barge in.

“No listen,” Will says, “ We’re Dustin’s friends.” 

“Yeah, we really need your help.” Mike pleads, hoping she’ll say yes. Soon enough, she comes inside and the three boys who know what they’re talking about fill her in about the Nina Project. To keep her safe, they tried to play it off as some sort of video game console.

“Okay, that is a lot to process. I mean, that might be seriously the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.” She says sitting on her bed. The boys across from her and you leaning against the wall.

“I know, it’s hard to believe.” Mike agrees. 

“But it’s true, it’s all true.” Jonathan says as an attempt to reassure her.

You tuned out halfway through the conversation because you know the truth entirely. So listening to these bozo’s dig a grave for themselves is a bit tiring. Especially after what’s already been happening, this lie is just not worth your two cents. The boys seemed to lie their ass off as they said the Nina Projects location’s would be helpful for ‘Dustin’s’ birthday. 

Then Eden busts in, raising her tone at Suzie, complaining about how she isn’t going to spend her entire day babysitting. To be fair she had a point. Argyle’s attention was solely on Eden’s again and that nasty feeling came back. Suzie pushes her out of her room and closes the door behind her. 

“Okay, so can you help?” Will asks.

“I would do anything for Dustybun,” you cringe at the nickname as she confesses, “ but I’m afraid there’s been an unfortunate development.” 

She continues on about how she changed Dustin’s grade and felt terrible with guilt ridden inside of her. She explains how her father saw that she was guilty and got her to confess that she did in fact ‘do something wrong’. Honestly, props to her for being internet savvy, way to go. She finally reached her conclusion about how her father took away her computer after hearing the truth. 

“Where is it?” Jonathan asks.

“His study. He uses it for work now and Father’s always working, and his door is, like, permanently locked.” She says shoulder slumping. The others huff out in disappointment.

“I’m really sorry. Truly. But it looks like you came all the way here for nothing.” She says.

Suddenly the power shuts down again and you could hear Eden yell all the way up from Suzie’s room. You could hear Cornelius shout as well and then in a split second the power comes back on again. Suzie suddenly has a realization that could help her access the computer.  Not really wanting to be in the way, you head to the nearest bathroom, trying to clear your head from everything that’s happened so far. 

Meanwhile you were in the bathroom and the others conducted a plan to get onto the computer. Argyle noticed that you slipped away and tried looking for you. He runs into Eden as he was looking for you.

“Oh sorry, dude.” He apologizes for running into her. 

“It’s–” She says patting herself “it’s fine.” She stutters. 

“Uhm– have you seen my friend? She’s about yay-tall and like super quiet.” He says trying to describe you as best as possible.

“Sorry but I don’t know where they went.” Eden says, shrugging her shoulders. Argyle nods as she admits to not knowing where your whereabouts are. Eden begins walking down the stairs and Argyle follows her. “Hey, you ever heard of the palm tree delight?” Argyle speaks up. She tilts her head to the side and squints, trying to understand what he meant. Argyle smiles down at her and told her to follow him.

The two of them headed inside the van and Argyle pulled out his bong and soon enough the two of them got high. As the two of them begin to settle down as they get high, Argyle lays in the back of the van, draping himself over Eden while she sits up. The music drowned in the mix of the two of them. Argyle watches Eden’s eyes as they look lower and lower at his lips. It was his turn to watch her lick his lips and soon enough she began to lean in.

Meanwhile, you step over a bunch of toys, making sure you didn’t break any of them. You turn the faucet on and splash your face with the cold water. You don’t know if you should use the towels but they were mostly decorative. You just wipe your face with your hands and shake the water off of your hands. As you're in the bathroom, the lights shut off. You hear someone scream for Cornelius and stomping down stairs. As you leave the bathroom door, you notice that the others left the room. 

With that, you go downstairs and wait for the others. Suzie’s dad is racing left and right to check on his kids and walks past you, looking confused. All you could do was a tightlipped smile and a nod. He couldn’t care about you considering you weren’t causing any harm or trouble. Soon enough, he finally goes up stairs and Suzie and the others are going down. 

Jonathan gestures for you to come along and the five of you head outside. As you walk out the door, you could already smell pot through the air and you turn your head towards the van. Pass the Dutchie plays through chaos and the five of you walk towards the van. Smoke fills up the van and you and Jonathan look at eachother. 

Jonathan opens the van’s back door and the smoke finally clears up. You see Argyle lying in the lap of Eden, out of his mind. The ugly feeling comes back and you instantly want to throw up. You snap your head down to the bracelet that Argyle made for you and you think for a second to take it off. “It’s time to leave.” Jonathan says, wafting the air that surrounds them. Eden frowns and gets out of the van with the help of Suzie. As she walks past you, she gives a nod. You nod back and watch as she walks into the house.

Jonathan took the driver seat while you took the passenger seat. Will and Mike hop into the back seat while Argyle is in the trunk. Jonathan starts the van and pulls out of the driveway. You face towards the window and you stay silent.  

▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂ 

In the first hour of driving you believe that everyone in the van, except for you and Jonathan, were asleep. You couldn’t sleep with the way your mind has constantly been on Eden and how she looked at you. Was she taunting you? How were you supposed to know, you were never going to see her again. More or less, what was the feeling you had every single time you saw the way Argyle acted with Eden. 

“You okay?” Jonathan asks softly. 

“What do you mean?” You say, turning your focus to him. 

“You know what I mean.” He says. You furrow your eyebrows, gears turning in your head. 

“Of what happened with, you know, Eden.” He says, trying to encourage you to open up.

“No, yeah. I’m fine–totally fine.” You say trying to reassure yourself. 

“You sure?” He eggs on and suddenly you start feeling yourself tear up. 

“Ugh–god, I didn’t want to talk about it but I guess I should before I go crazy.” You say fiddling with your bracelet. “I don’t like this feeling. It’s so stupid, it’s like my chest feels heavy and I get a headache. I feel so childish for this. When I saw the way he acted towards her, I never saw that before. It makes me feel shitty that I wish I was the one that made him feel that way.” You confess, eyes pooling with tears. 

“It’s not stupid to feel that way. It’s valid,” Jonathan reassures, “ it’s just jealousy.” He says, shrugging his shoulders. 

“God, that’s exactly what I didn't want to hear. I shouldn’t feel that way, it’s stupid.” “And that’s okay! It wouldn’t be okay if you tried to do some sabotage or something like that, you know.” He tries to joke, smiling and nudging you. You say smiling and face towards the window again. Unbeknownst to you, Argyle finally woke up. He heard you confess about how you felt when ‘he looked at her’. His mind was racing trying to think about what you meant and how you were feeling about someone else. He huffs out in acceptance, now it was his turn to feel that nasty feeling in his chest. 

It’s been about two hours now that Jonathan’s been driving and finally everyone’s awake. Mike mentions how he needed to use the bathroom so Jonathan finds the nearest gas station where you guys could refresh yourselves before finding their sister.

You all hopped out of the van to walk towards the gas station. Jonathan stayed behind to fill up the gas for the van while you four headed inside. You walk through the aisle, looking for something to snack on. You contemplate on what bag of chips to choose when suddenly you feel someone standing next to you. “Which–uh– chips you getting?” Argyle stutters. 

“Oh, probably gonna get these.” You say grabbing a random bag. Not really thinking about what it was and not really caring about what it is, you keep it with you. You make your way to the drinks and grab whatever you fancy at the moment. You see Jonathan finally came inside after he finished filling up the van and he made his way straight to you. 

“How you holding up?” He asks.

“I don’t know–I mean, I feel like it’s super awkward between us but I don’t know if it’s just me that thinks that or if he feels the same way.” You say sneaking glances towards him. Jonathan nods, understanding what you mean. 

Meanwhile, Argyle watches you two converse. He feels left out and a bit green watching you too. The way you smile at Jonathan makes him sick, ever since you guys arrived, it’s like you’ve been avoiding him. He could feel that you were ignoring him and he didn't really understand. 

You tell Jonathan that you’re going to go pay for your items so you head to the cashier. You place them down in front of the cashier and Argyle places his items down as well. He pulls out his wallet before you can bring yours out when the cashier rang up your total and paid for your snacks. 

You thank him, quite confused as to why he bought it for you. He has the bag of snacks with him and hands you your snacks. As the two of you walk towards the exit, you hold it open for him. You follow right after him and see that you two are the only ones waiting in the van..

Argyle wants to say something but he’s holding back. Jonathan soon comes out of the store and you smile at him. Argyle watches you as you smile at him and the feeling you described earlier was hitting him. Jonathan takes notice of how Argyle watches you. 

Will calls for Jonathan to ask him to pay for his and Mike’s snacks and he leaves you two alone. Now you and Argyle are back in silence.

“So, how’ve you been?” Argyle asks, trying to break the tension between the two of you.

“As good as someone who’s running from the government can be.” You say, opening your drink and taking a sip.

“Yeah, of course.” Argyle huffs out. 

“How about you?” You ask. 

“I’ve seen better days, you know.” He says and you hum in agreement. Then it went silent again. It was never this awkward between the two of you. By now, you guys would always talk about something random but nothing could be said between the two of you. Argyle sighs out feeling some sort of courage. 

“So.” He starts. 

“So?” 

“Did I do, like, something?” He asks. “What, what’re you talking about?” You say shaking your head, confused as to where this is coming from.

“Well I mean, ever since we got here, it’s been like a you and Byers show. Like, what about me?” 

“What about you?” You say not realizing how harsh it came out. 

“What about us?” He asks, shaking his head, facing towards you. 

“What about us?” You say, emphasizing on the us. 

“It’s always been us then suddenly Byers gets in the mix and it’s you two? I mean, it’s just crazy that the second he’s even near you, I become invisible.” He huffs out, shaking his head “What are you talking about? You introduced me to him and, trust me, you are not invisible.” You say, raising your voice a bit. 

“Well, it feels like it. Every single time Jonathan is even near us, it’s like you forget that I even exist!.” He says, raising his tone as well, tossing his arms in the air. 

“Jonathan and I just talk a lot.” You say, not trying to confess with the tension between you two. 

“We talk a lot as well, so why is Jonathan different?” He says, crossing his arms. 

“He just is, Argyle.” You say, shoulders slumping. He shakes his head again, not understanding. Of course he couldn’t, you thought to yourself. Argyle huffs out and feels his blood begin to boil a bit. 

“I’m just confused.” He says playing with his bracelet.

“I’m just as confused as you are.” 

“Do you like him?” Argyle says quickly. You snap your head towards him in confusion and yelp ‘what’. 

“I mean, the two of you always hang out, even without me sometimes–and don’t say you don’t hang out without me because I know you do. I mean I’m just confused as to what happened to us.” He huffs out. 

“Nothing is happening to us. What do you mean?”  You say, looking at him, furrowing your eyebrows.

“Maybe that’s the problem.” He said, slumping his shoulders. You start getting pissed off at all of this uncertainty. 

“God, what are you going on about?” You begin. Argyle watches you in confusion. “I don’t understand you, Argyle. I genuinely don’t understand what you are talking about. Jonathan and I are friends. I can have friends, you can have friends. You’re confusing me. What do you want from me?” You exclaim, talking with your hands, flailing them around.

“I want to know if you like Jonathan.” 

“Oh my god, I do not like Jonathan. He’s got a girl! Jesus, man!”  

“So then, who do you like?” 

“Why does it matter?” 

“Because.” He stutters. In the back of his mind, the interaction of him and Eden replays. As she began to lean in, Argyle sat up quickly. Regret fills his veins as he missed this opportunity but it was like his flight response kicked in. When he saw her lean in to kiss, all he thought of was you and what you thought of him. He fills a terrible guilt in his chest as he looks at Eden with wide eyes, trying to pat down on his jeans to get rid of his sweaty palms. He grabs the bong and hits it again before the van door opens, the two of them see the other five looking back at them. He was watching you and you had your eyes fixated on your bracelet, playing with it, trying to distract yourself. Eden watches Argyle’s line of sight and she sighs out. 

“I think I like you.” Argyle says. Your mind finally stopped racing. It felt like tv static in there. The silence surrounded you two again as he confessed. You furrow your eyebrows, looking at the accessory that he made with you. In time where you thought deeply, this bracelet was the most comfort you got. It reminded you of the person that you knew cared deeply for you. That’s why you never took it off. Argyle thought the same with his. He knew that if he did, he wouldn’t have anything near him that reminded him deeply of his favorite girl. 

You look at him, eyes meeting and the two of you lock eyes. Your eyes scan all over his face, trying to see if he was lying. There was only one thing that was racing in your mind. 

“Why?” 

In Argyle’s head, he was thinking of all the times when you were together. How when the two of you were in sixth grade and borrowed his hair tie and noticed how pretty you were with your hair out of your face. Or the time that the two of you got high for the first time in ninth grade and how you were coughing so much that you nearly threw up. He was laughing his ass off but made sure to take care of you. Or maybe it was the time you had a camera and took pictures of him, and how the next time he entered your room, he saw the pictures hanging on your vanity.

Argyle had so many reasons to like you, he was just stupid enough to realize to super late. Or so he thought. Argyle wasn’t the best with his words and expressing himself to others, so he tried his best to express how he felt towards you.

“Do I need a reason why?” He says, shaking his head.

“What about Eden?” You ask.

“She’s not you.” He says, now avoiding your eye contact. “Do you like me?” 

“I do.” You say rather quickly. 

“Nice.” He says, awkwardly looking down. 

“God, we are not good at this are we?” You say as you chuckle. 

“Yeah, we suck.” Argyle says, slumping in the seat. You finally smile at Argyle and he wishes he could brag to Jonathan at how he made you smile. Like he was secretly winning for your affection, even though he already won it a long time ago. 

“Does this mean we’re like, you know, a couple now?” You whisper.

“Do you want to be a couple?” Argyle asks.

“Yes.” You quickly answer.

“Then, yeah.” Argyle says. You lay your head on Argyle’s shoulder and sigh out. He rests his head on top of yours and the two of you finally sit in comfortable silence. A smile etched on both of your faces, your snacks long forgotten because your stomach is now filled with butterflies. 

In the meantime, Jonathan, Will and Mike are all in the gas station watching you two. Looking through the glass windows and saw everything that happened. From the argument to the climax and finally the ending. 

“Are they done?” Will asks. 

      “Oh, hi Mrs. L/N. How are you?” He asked, trying to be polite. He knew your parents didn’t particularly like him though. They are pretty strict and Argyle is pretty chill to say the least. 

      “I’m doing just fine, Argyle, they’re a little busy right now. Maybe another time?” She offered, trying to shoo him off of the front porch. 

      “Oh well they asked to come over on the phone earlier.” He explained. 

      “Well, I suppose.” She decides it’s probably better if he came in anyway. You and Argyle have been friends for years now. She knows that if anyone could cheer you up and get you out of a funk, it was him. 

      Your father was effectively tearing you to shreds about your grades. They weren’t terrible, he just wanted more and better from you. Sometimes, a lot of the time, it became too much. Argyle was your escape. His natural goofy side comments, mannerisms, and random thoughts made things a little better for you.

      It made you forget. And the weed. But you kept a stash very well hidden and your father has  never found it. 

      Anyway, your grades weren’t that bad, but there was a C minus in science class and apparently it was unforgivable. You and your father finished the lecture from him lighting up your ass and you just stomp up the steps to your room as your mother lets Argyle in. He follows you up the steps to your room, and closes the door behind him. 

      “Thank god you’re here. How much of that argument did you hear?” You ask him, to be honest, Argyle didn’t need to listen to the argument to know what was being said. It has happened before, and earlier in the school day you had gotten your grades assignments back. It was one that you had been struggling with a lot, and didn’t have time to stay after school for some help.You had voiced your concerns to him at lunch after you got the paper back, knowing how your father gets on you about grades. 

      “To be honest, not much. I was talking to your mom.” He said, shrugging. Argyle was a very relaxed person, most of the time. Sometimes though, when he gets worked up, it’s a sight to see but it takes a lot. That’s why it’s so easy to be around him, it reminds you that there is no point in freaking out about some things. 

      You squinted at him, “My mom doesn’t like you.” 

      “Thanks for reminding me. If she doesn’t like that much, why hasn’t she yelled at me to keep your door open, hm?” She’s always on him about that. Argyle picks up something that was laying out on the desk to the side of the room, and inspects it. 

      “I guess she knows that I just need to cool off in private, I guess. Thank you for coming over by the way, it’s a good thing you didn’t hear some of the things he’s said.” You sigh, grabbing the thing from his hand and putting it back down on the desk. “Can I have a hug, please?” You ask him. As if he’d say no. 

      Argyle wraps his arms around you, and you wrap your arms around him. He gives you a big squeeze, resting the side of his face on the top of your head. Without a doubt, he gives the best hugs ever. You two fit together so nicely when you hug, resting your head on his shoulder and him resting his head on yours. 

      You let go of the hug, Argyle giving one last squeeze before brushing some of your hair back for a minute. It wasn’t something that he usually does. In fact, he doesn’t even know why he did it. He just knows that it felt right, and it gave him butterflies when you looked back at him. But then you turn around and plop down on your bed, laying down on your back, staring at the ceiling. Last summer, he helped you to put glowing star stickers on your ceiling. That day he wrote on one of the stars “A + Y/I” and placed it up there. 

      Every time you see it, it reminds you of your friendship together and how that relationship has changed over time. It also reminds you of your big fat crush on him. It’s cliche to fall for your best friend right? If it’s so wrong, why did he feel the same way you did? Of course, he’s never said anything to you. You never indicated your feelings to him anyway, so he didn’t bother. But you did indicate your feelings, he’s just not been able to pick up the hints. 

      Argyle plopped down on the bed too, laying down. The thought of knowing that he was always going to be there for you, no matter what, was a comforting thought. Mulling your father’s words over in your head brought fresh tears to your eyes, one escaping down the side of your face and into your ear. You reach up and wipe it away. He turned his head.  

      “Are you crying? Oh my god, I didn’t know the argument got that bad.” Argyle felt guilty. He felt like he should have been there. It’s not like he could have done anything, but he felt like you probably needed him there. He would have been if he wasn’t planning on what to say to you. 

      Argyle wanted to tell you his feelings for you so much. But he needed to know what to say. Usually, he would just let it happen, but he couldn’t this time because he didn’t want to mess it up. He was worried that he would say the wrong thing, or what he was saying would fly over your head. He just didn’t want to have to explain it, and then have it be awkward. 

      You sniffled, the stress getting to you now. And you nod, rolling over to face him, but he was a lot closer than you thought, and you ended up right against his side. You weren’t complaining, and neither was he. He lifts his arm and wraps it around you as you scoot even closer to lay your head on his chest. His heart beats faster, and you can hear it. You sling an arm over his middle and stay like that for a while. Your face is warm from crying, and the proximity, the dried tear stains making your cheeks feel tighter. He rubs up and down your back, and it’s the most comforting thing ever. 

      You look up at him, tears that are still stuck in your eyelashes fall cold now when you blink, so you wipe them away. Argyle blushes a little bit, truly realizing how close you two are right now. If you moved your head forward just a bit, your forehead would be touching his cheek. He takes a moment to think about everything he was planning on saying, and it is gone and out the window. 

      He clears his throat, so his next words don’t come out cracking, embarrassing himself. “Are you okay, now?” Really? Is that all he had to say right now? Apparently. You nod, and try to make a move by snuggling your head between his and his shoulder. He wraps his arms around you once again, and you sling a leg over his hips. Argyle is replaying all of the things he’s planned earlier, trying to remember them. 

      “Hey, I actually wanted to tell- uh to talk to you about something.” He whispers, trying not to startle you. The sun was now setting right outside your window, casting gold shadows everywhere, the dust flying around the room becoming more visible. You sit up and give him a nod to signal that you are listening now. 

      He sat up too, “Well… do you remember when we were hanging out in that open field one night? We had a bunch of snacks, it was like a picnic.” He let out a little laugh, it was a really fun night. In fact, it almost prompted him to tell you his feelings about you. But he backed out because he was way too high to say the right things. 

      You chuckle, “Yeah, we definitely got way too high that night.”

      “Yeah…” he fucking forgot again. He had to improvise now. “Listen, that night, I asked you to talk about something too. But I decided not to. Just because I knew I’d probably mess it up. But I really want to tell you about it, you know? Like…” He lets out a breath. He wants to rip it off like a bandaid. Why not? Why can’t he? 

      “I like you. You know, like romantically. I just never knew how to say it…” He trails off. 

      You let out a little giggle, he looks so sincere. “Well you could have just said it like that. Or any other way, I wouldn’t have minded. Because I like you too. Romantically. I didn’t want to say anything yet because of everyone teasing us, saying we’re dating. You always denied it.” 

      “I only denied it because I thought you were uncomfortable with it. I never knew you felt the same.” 

      “Well, I do.” He takes your hand and plays with your fingers for a moment, not knowing what else to say after this. 

      “What should we do now?” He asks. 

      “Well, a few things. We could sneak out and go on a date. We could sneak out and smoke. Or we can stay in and you can help me study to redo that science assignment.” You offered up. 

      “I like the first two.” He smiles with a little giggle. Your heart rate picks up. A date with Argyle, finally. You tell him okay, and toss a few things into your purse, lock your bedroom door, and grab your stash. 

      “Oh by the way, after this, no more buying weed. You get a discount from your boyfriend.” He said with a big, proud smile. 

      “What boyfriend?” You joke.

      “Me.”

      “I don’t recall you asking me out, you only confessed.” You smirk. He stands up from the bed, mouth open. He wants to kiss you, but you’re right. And it might be too soon. 

      “Just come on.” He says, rolling his eyes, heading to your window for your first, official, date. 

“So, he didn’t even want to spend the morning with you? The morning after he ‘asked you out’?” Robin hesitantly asks as she goes to take another bite of her sandwich. Her look of disbelief leaves a bitter taste in your mouth as the two of you lounge on the quad after your morning class. The cool October air nips at your cheeks while the two of you desperately try to enjoy the last sunny days before the approaching cold front settles.

“We both had other plans,” you shrug and drop some trail mix in your mouth, “He had to go with Johnathan to pick up Nancy from the airport, and I wanted to catch up with my old roommates”. Robin throws a grape at you in disgust from watching you speak with your mouth full.

“And Argyle doesn’t seem to be the only thing rubbing off on you. You’re picking up his gross habits now- not even a week into puppy love either,” she says with a knowing look.

“Robin,” you hiss, eyes darting around to make sure no one over heard. However, everyone is too preoccupied rushing to their next meeting or enjoying one of the last nice days of the semester.

Taking a sip of her fountain drink, Robin scrunches her face while swallowing. “So,” she uncomfortably begins, “you two are a thing? What does that even mean?”

“We’re together- obviously,” you respond, almost snippy with Robin’s confusion.

Robin fiddles with her lunch tote before she starts to pack up her belongings. “Not obvious. A thing is way too casual of a label. And besides, think about what you two were doing before he asked,” her voice sends shivers through you from her serious tone, “Argyle hasn’t dated anyone seriously in like- actually, I don’t know how long. That’s how long it’s been. Do you think he just meant it in a casual way? Friends with benefits, maybe?”

Robin uncrosses her legs and stands up, blocking the sun as she looks down at you. Her features are hardly recognizable from the shadow casting across her face. “I’m happy for you, really. Just talk to Argyle about what you guys actually are, okay? I know how much he means to you, and I don’t want to see you get hurt”. She offers her hand to help you up with a faint smile.

Her words constrict your throat and sit heavy in your heart. Hastily grabbing your bag, you stand up on your own and send a tight smile to your friend. Pin pricks sting your skin when you catch a glimpse of Robin’s hurt expression.

“No time like the present then, right?” you force out. Doubt floods your system when Robin casts you a sympathetic smile. She couldn’t be right. Argyle held you like you were the most important person in the world this weekend. As if he was trying to commit the night to memory. 

“Let me know how it goes, yeah,” she expresses while placing a hand on your shoulder to send comforting waves to try to ease you. “I’m here for you,” Robin drops her hand and nods to the campus center. “What’s the plan?”

“I’m pretty sure Argyle finishes at one, so I’m going to try to catch him before he heads off campus. Save me a seat, okay,” you shout, joining the crowd of students heading over to the academic buildings.

Your heart pangs with every step you take closer to the psych building. A whirlwind of anxious thoughts clouds your mind as the entrance approaches. Argyle would have said casual if that’s what he wanted, right? Tears threaten to kiss your cheeks with a tingle of anticipation, waiting for bad news to swing down.

Stepping onto the first stair, you slide onto the staircase rail to wait for your boy. The sea of chatter around you only stirs your nerves in a painful twist. Everyone looks so happy and at ease. Birds chirp in the distance with the hourly bell toll bringing a new flurry of excitement as students and faculty rush down the stairs. Your nervous gaze flits from eager face to excited expression as you try to spot Argyle in the moving mass. The knot in your stomach hardens with every passerby.

Focused on your search, a sudden force tumbles into you with a surprise force. The body clings to your side as a head presses against your neck. Nearly about to tell off the creep, a familiar smell of pine wood paired with aloe shampoo eases your pounding heart. “What a lovely surprise, honey,” Argyle hums into your neck, “Wasn’t expecting to see you here. Don’t you have a lecture this hour?” 

Argyle pulls his head from your neck to see you better and the small pout forming on your lips drives him mad. His mind feels hazy when your watery eyes shyly meet his. Argyle raises a hand to rubs your arm, “What’re you up to over here, honey?”

“Can I come over tonight? I have something on my mind that I wanted to run by you,” you breathe out. Argyle beams at you before placing a chaste kiss to your cheek like he always does.

“Course you can. We can have a night in if you want,” Argyle suggests. Excitement radiates in him, and he rests his hand on your upper thigh. He lightly bounces on his toes in eagerness for your lectures to end the day, so he can keep you all to himself for the night. Never in his lifetime did Argyle think you would be so forward. He can’t get enough of it. “I’ll see you after class, alright? I’ll have some food ready for you, so just come over after,” he promises while helping you slide off the staircase rail.

His touch sends you into a flurry as his words blanket you with reassurance. “Yeah, sounds perfect. I’ll see you later,” you take his lingering hand and give it a squeeze before setting off to class. See? Clearly nothing to worry about.

You weave between students to haul across campus to make it to your lecture in the humanities building. Even though Argyle’s words eased the gnawing nerves growing in you, you can’t help but reflect on Robin’s concerns. Was it so odd that Argyle wanted to date you? Or was it just because he hadn’t dated anyone in so long? You make a sour face unaware of the slightly put off expressions thrown your way as you open the entrance door. Shaking your head, you quickly head over to the first floor lecture hall and quietly sneak into the multilevel space. Each row filled with vaguely interested students writing along to the professor’s animated voice as you scan each riser for Robin. Her hand raises to subtly wave you up to the upper row, and you carefully head up the side stairs to join her. 

When you sit down in the seat to her right, a note with Robin’s familiar scribble awaits you on the desk. You hastily grab your notebook and pencil bag before peering up at the lecture stand. The professor’s voice echoes in the hall as she shares a side tangent. Perfectly consumed by her thoughts. You focus on Robin’s note and cover your desk space from view with your pencil pouch.

How did it go?

Haven’t had the talk, yet. But, he’s going to order something for when I come over after I finish the day. A night in sounds perfect.

I have to hand it to him- that’s pretty cute. Very boyfriend material. *Wags eyebrows at you*

You did not just put a stage action in your note. Take it back.

I’m a playwright major, sue me. *Stick tongue out at you*

You have to bite down on your knuckles to silence the fit of laughter tickling you. Settling your seat, you redirect your attention to the ongoing discussion on rhetorical tools and their uses. The silent hall fills with pen scratches and the occasional snore, but a small smile grows on your face as you bounce your leg. Your eyes dart to the wall above the front chalkboards. Just a little longer until you can settle your unease once and for all.

However, you can’t help but hesitate when you raise your hand to knock on the chipped door to apartment 42C after your classes for the day. Come on, there’s nothing to worry about. You try to hype yourself up to announce your presence to the residents, but you teeter on the edge. It’s as if a string is tied to your wrist tugs your arm bag everytime you gather enough courage.

“Stop shitting your pants in front of my apartment,” a voice laughs behind you.

“Fuck,” you shout and whip around in a tizzy.

Nancy and Johnathan look at you with a mix of mild amusement and confusion. Your heart races from the unexpected appearance of your friends as embarrassment stings your cheeks. Leaning against the door, your chest rapidly rises and falls. As you open your mouth to somehow explain what you were doing, the door swings open and startles you with a stab to the heart when you start to fall backwards.

“Jesus Christ,” you exclaim while trying to catch yourself. Your sweaty palms slip past the door frame, and you squeeze your eyes shut in anticipation of the wooden floor.  The terrifying moments of free fall now come though as you’re carefully embraced by a warm hold.

“Nope. Just Argyle, honey,” he chuckles.

Slowly fluttering your eyes open, you crane your head upward to be met with Argyle’s lazy smile. “I wish you were Jesus Christ. I’d be able to die of embarrassment in peace then,” you huff and push out of his hold. Shoving past him, you make your way into the living room and fall onto the beat up couch directly in front of the entrance. The faded off white, dry walls are covered from floor to ceiling with scattered tour posters and polaroids. A string of burnt out holiday lights decorate the molding with a fresh line wrapped around it and the three windows that make up the far wall. Sitting on a stack of milk carts past the homemade coffee table in the middle of the room, a tube tv teeters with its warped entni. The sound of your friend’s laughter fills the room with a soft ambience as you try to suffocate yourself with a pillow.

“Nice to see you again,” Nancy calls from the kitchen in the next room over.

You groan in response hoping Nancy will understand as you shift to your side and shrink into the couch’s backing. Hidden from the world, you try to start to relax for the evening. Your heart beat slows as you release the tension from your shoulders. Slowly the muscles in your face unscrunch themselves and your jaw slackens. Everything feels calm.

Until a body sits on the couch and leans into your back, pushing you further into the couch. You wrestle your arm free from being pinned and playfully hit the body. Your voice muffled by fabric, you yell, “You’re an asshole, Argyle”. 

“Kinda offended you thought of me first to insult,” Argyle scoots forward with a laugh. “Want some food now? The couple should be leaving soon. Got dinner reservations somewhere,” he explains while trailing his fingers up your arm and lightly squeezing your shoulder. How he said ‘the couple’ makes you freeze under his touch. As if they were different from you and Argyle. As if they were actually together.

Argyle couldn’t quite figure out what was going on with you. Over the weekend, time with you left him in a prolonged state of bliss. Earlier today, it seemed like you were jittery with anticipation to see him again. Now? Now, it feels as if he did something wrong. The back of his head tingles as his face bunches together in concern while taking in your shy figure. 

“What’s wrong, honey,” Argyle mumbles while rubbing your arm. His stomach stings while waiting for your response.

It takes a minute for you to decide if you want to have this conversation while Nancy and Jonathan are still home. Your churning emotions make you spit out your doubts, “What are we?” Your voice wavers as you pick at the pilling fabric. Distant laughter from the kitchen makes you sink further into yourself.

Argyle can’t help but feel a bit taken aback. Gently pulling your shoulder so you face him, Argyle’s heart drops at how worked up you look. With his other hand, he smoothes out the wrinkles on your forehead with a light touch and thumbs your pouty lip. Argyle softly clarifies, “We’re seeing each other. What brought this up?”

Looking up at Argyle’s concerned expression, you ease into the couch as your muscles relax from their tense hold. “Can you just hold me tonight?” you quietly ask, almost afraid it was too much to ask.

The already heavy feeling sitting poorly in Argyle shatters inside him when you look at him so nervous to even ask for your best friend’s comfort. “Of course I can, honey,” Argyle lovingly pats your head and thumbs your hairline, “We don’t have to do anything you do want to and vice versa. How about I grab our food and put on a movie for background noise, hm?” At the sight of your little nod, he bends over to press a sweet kiss just above your eyebrow. 

Another on your eyelid. 

To the tip of your nose.

And finally gracing your cupid’s bow.

His featherlight touches tickle you in glee, and you can’t help lightly laugh at the sensation. When Argyle leaves you with one more squeeze to the shoulder, you sink further into content. A small smile blooms onto your face. The sound of city life hums behind the curtained windows as street lights paint the fabric with blurry patterns. Argyle’s faint humming can be heard through the doorway as cars pass on the streets below. Quiet footsteps creep behind you as the couch’s back shifts from new pressure.

“We’ll be back later tonight, but let us know if we can get you anything. You can just call Mezcal’s,” Nancy softly says.

“I wouldn’t worry too much about whatever’s stressing you out. You’re in semi safe hands with Argyle,” Jonathan jokes with a shake in his shoulders.

“Thanks you guys,” you push up to give both of your friends a hug, “Now hurry up and get out of here. Go have fun. I’ll have to steal you later, Nancy. You, me, and Robin need to catch up”.

“Have a good night, guys,” Argyle hollers from the kitchen. With the click of the door, your plans are set for the evening.

42C has always had a welcoming warmth when you visited, but it now sits differently inside you. Once banging on the door, yelling up at the cracked windows for one of the boys to open up, you now feel like it’s a home of your own. Your spare windbreaker sits on the coat rack. Extra snacks that you bought and dropped off to fill the odd empty spot in the rickety cupboard. A faded photo of you and your entire friend group beams at you from the side table on the couch end. Over the course of a year, you have pseudo signed the lease for the apartment.

“Alright, got a meat lover’s pizza and a baked white sauce ziti from Surfer Boy,” Argyle announces and sets your food on the coffee table with a goofy flourish. “Whaddaya want to drink?”

“What’re options?” you hum with a lazy smile.

“You probably know better than me, honey. You and Jonathan were the last to pick up mixers,” Argyle scratches the back of his head and shuffles back to the kitchen.

“Just a ginger ale then, if you don’t have anything new,” you shout back. You sit up and cross your legs on the cushions. Setting three slices and a scoop of pasta on one plate, you take the other plate and dish yourself some college comfort food.

“So,” Argyle grunts, sitting down across from you, your legs tangle across the couch like second nature, “Gonna tell me what’s going through that head of your’s?” He hands you a plastic cup of soda and nudges you lightly with his leg as he takes his plate.

You swallow a bite of pasta and wash it down with a glug of pop. The carbonation hits hard and stings the back of your throat. “I don’t know to be honest. It’s been a bit since I’ve been with someone, and I guess I needed reassurance,” you slowly share.

“Well, I am more than happy to give you that in any way you’d like,” Argyle shoots you a cheeky wink while taking a bite of pizza. “No, but seriously,” he swallows his mouthful, “You’re the most important person I have in my life. Don’t tell Johnathan that, alright? Stays between you and me”. Argyle puts his plate on the coffee table before resting his hands on your knees. “Anyways, I just wanted to remind you of that. Regardless of relationship, I want us to feel like nothing’s changed in the way we act around each other. I couldn’t bear it if I hurt you or overstepped, because of a lapse of communication or an unknowing emotional block. There’s nothing to force or hide, alright?”

“Thanks, Argyle.” you murmur. His tender gaze makes your cheeks flush, and you focus on picking your pasta to hide your smile. Absolutely nothing to worry about. “How are you feeling?” you genuinely ask.

“I’m excited,” Argyle nearly jumps out of his seat, “Like you are- fuck, you are just the most amazing person in the world to me. I’m floored that you ever agreed, and there’s not a single person I trust more than you. Are you kidding me, baby? You’re a showstopper, and you get me. It’s so nice to know that I can just call you and feel safe in your arms”.

Argyle launches himself into your lap and presses his face against your lower stomach. His unexpected movement jostles you and panic shoots your stomach while trying to balance your plate.

“Argyle,” you chuckle as he nuzzles closer to you. His amber eyes peer up at you past a frizzy, curtain of hair that tickles your warm skin. “I’m excited too,” you voice.

Your soft gaze makes Argyle’s mind hazy as a dopey smile widens across his face. Even nights like these where intimacy is shared with laughter and vulnerable thoughts make him tingle. Unable to contain his energy, Argyle nips at your waistband and reels from how your breath hitches.

“Still wanna watch a movie? Or do you wanna stay like this?” Argyle offers.

“How about some music? I have my Walkman in my bag,” you suggest.

“Depends on what you’re listening to,” Argyle squints his eyes at you. It’s not that he doesn’t like your music, but he’d much rather sit in silence and make you giggle than listen to some Top 100 at the moment.

“The Smiths. And I don’t even want to hear it, okay,” you lightly tap his head when Argyle groans. The vibrations tickle you lightly. “It’s the closest music or background noise we’ve got without having to get up and put something on”.

Holding your plate and fork into one hand, you grab your bag to rummage around for your cassette player. Slowly being pulled by gravity, you hardly notice just how much you’re leaning off the couch to try to look into the bag until a pair of hands hold your waist firmly to the seat cushions. Your heart beats harder sending a rush of blood to your ears as your lungs constrict from the straining position. Pulling out the player, you shuffle back onto the couch and click play. Morissey’s voice and the warm guitar trills blanket the apartment in wistful relaxation. 

“Feed me?” Argyle asks with a pleading look.

“You’re awful, Argyle,” you laugh, but indulge his slothful soul. You reach over to grab a slice of his pizza with much resistance from Argyle’s dead weight laying on you.

His fingertips gently squeeze you in thanks after taking a bite from your hand and grabbing the slice with one of his own. The evening is spent lounging in each other’s embrace. Legs tangled in a heap. Quiet voices sometimes break over the Walkman. A night of reassurance and devotion to fill your heart with warmth.

Thunder rumbles and lurks behind dark storm heads outside of Argyle and Johnathan’s shared apartment. Sopping wet rain coats and boots pile beside the entry way as hushed laughter warms the late hours of the night. Wandering hands pull you further into the dark hallway as you push off Argyle’s denim overshirt.

“Gotta be quiet, alright?” Argyle lays his pointer finger on your lips to try to stop the trickle of chuckles falling. Although, he’s not much better with his smile lighting up the small corridor. The twinkle in his eye that catches your breath. How soft he holds you with his calloused hands. You could easily spend the rest of your days admiring Argyle as a work of art.

“Why did Johnathan skip tonight?” you mumble against his jaw and lightly hold onto the hem of his graphic tee. The scent of pine wood and rain make you go lightheaded as his skin warms you.

Argyle shrugs and pulls you into his cluttered room, “Nancy’s coming tomorrow. Guess they get some sort of holiday special to Boston? Something historical and important, I’m sure”. Snickers break the silence of Argyle’s room. Turning on the fairy lights strung up along the ceiling, Argyle kicks the stray clothes laying on the floor to the side before flopping onto his bed.

Posters scatter the wall ranging from Back to the Future to Queen. A simple full bed takes up most of the room with the exception of a homemade night stand, dresser, and desk that basically connect as one surface in the corner. The first week of your sophomore year of college, you found yourself drinking a beer with the boys as Argyle built some pieces of furniture to fill up his new apartment room. Beginning your first semester a year later, the tables are covered with books, pencils, journals, and each has their respective lava lamp. Even though the worn wood slab door sign declares this space “Argyle’s Hideaway”, it’s become your hidey hole just as much.

“C’mere, honey,” he grunts while reaching for the rolling tray on the bottom shelf of the nightstand.

You habitually turn on the lava lamps and a warm light show of blues, greens, and oranges cast over the room. A crack of lightning outside of the window reveals the stream of pelting water that targets anything in its vicinity. You weren’t going anywhere tonight. You wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, you think to yourself.

As Argyle focuses on rolling a few joints to share, you move to the corner of the room where his dresser sits to put on a record. Shuffling through the small stack he keeps, you hum when you find the perfect album. The drop and scratch from the record needle hums through the room before Joy Division crackles through the shitty little speakers.

“Honey.” Argyle drags out with a joint placed between his plush lips. He tilts his head to gesture you over to join him. A little pout causes flutters to sting inside of you.

Careful to toe over the abandoned shoes and lonely hoodie laying in your path, you shuffle over to the bed and sit cross legged in front of Argyle. 

“Nope,” Argyle places the tray on the stand, and pulls you into his lap. Your breath hitches as you practically straddle him.

“Argyle,” you hiss and arch your back away while trying to push off of him. “What the hell,” you swallow the lump constricting your throat. The palms of his hands pull you back against his chest, so you feel his quiet laughter bubble. A couple of clicks before a hissing sound announces the evening’s activities start.

You crane your neck and rest against his shoulder to watch Argyle the first hit. His pillowy lips carefully hold the joint in place as he inhales. Eyelashes flutter when he closes his eyes to relax in familiar ritual. Parting his lips, he sighs in content with a small wisp of smoke. Argyle’s velvet, brown eyes peer down at you through the soft curtain of lashes.

“You alright? Hardly said a word since we got back from cram sess, and your face is all warm,” his voice quietly rasps. He casually parts your lips with his thumb before placing the roll between your lips. Your shoulder burns as waves of warmth strike through you as his other hand squeezes your waist.

Caught up in the Argyle’s touch, smoke tickles your throat before choking you. Coughs rattles through you and tears well in your eyes.

“Shit, hold on,” Argyle pulls a way and causes a whine to pull from your mouth as well that sets off another coughing spree. He bends over the bed and returns fumbling with a water bottle, “Here, okay. Take it easy, honey. It’s okay- it happens to the best of us”. Argyle grasps the back of your neck and helps you drink some water. The pit of embarrassment deepens when you splutter from a final cough and water spills.

“Fuck,” you heave and wipe your mouth with the back of your hand, “Didn’t mean to get water all over your bed. Do you have a shirt or something I can change into?” You pull at the soggy shirt that clings to your body, and when your eyes dart to meet Argyle’s, you weren’t expecting him to be intently taking you in.

“Dingus,” you slightly raise your voice, “Earth to Argyle? Shirt? Something to not make me cold? That I can wear to bed?” 

Argyle snaps out of his daze and gulps as he stumbles out of bed, “Uh, yeah. One sec- wait. Bed? My bed?” His voice raises slightly at the thought. His cheeks burn as he swallows his excitement while pulling out a band shirt from the dresser.

A tremor of thunder shakes the building as white light blinds the window. The heavy downpour of rain engulfs all that stand in its way. Droplets pound against the window panes and echo through the room. None of that causes the flood of tingles biting at Argyle. No it’s you- his best friend- who sits so nicely on his bed with a damp shirt asking for one of his own to sleep in.

“I feel like that answers for me,” you weakly joke, “Shirt, please?” You move from the bed and trade the joint for the shirt in his hand. Lightly pushing him away and towards the bed, you shiver as Argyle’s arm brushes your own. Butterflies flurry your stomach and make their way to tickle your heart.

Trying to force himself to breathe, Argyle pushes onto the bed and lazily lights the roll again for another hit. The faint buzz of THC only vaguely clouds his mind as he tries to stay focused on anything but the soggy shirt that grips to your skin. Or how small droplets trail down the plane of your back and creep closer to your waistband. Would you shiver if he ran his hands down your back like that? Or would you squirm? Argyle’s heart hammers in his chest when he sneaks a peek and sees you pulling on his shirt.

When you turn around, Argyle desperately tries to play it cool. Clearing his throat, he takes a sip of water and grabs the tray as you fall into bed once again. He closes the bottle and tosses it to the foot of the bed as he shifts to his side. His eyes catch how his shirt easily drags up and shows a little peak of your hip bone.

Bouncing against the bed, you land on your side with a soft thump, “By the way, while Nancy is visiting, you’re more than welcome to pop by my place at any time. More of a gift for Johnathan than escape for you”. Taking the joint once more, you breathe in the light musky herb and settle into the warm duvet beneath you. 

“Perfect,” Argyle breathes out at the same time a little smoke cloud kisses your lips, “Hey, um- you want to try something?”

You quirk your eyebrow. Curiously eyeing his fidgeting fingers and watch as he hesitantly fiddles with the hem of your new favorite shirt to wear. “Like what,” you whisper. The pounding of rain deafens the music as you drown in Argyle’s blissed out gaze. His deep eyes flicker from your own to your parted lips.

“You have to promise that if this doesn’t end up working out, that we’ll still be best friends,” Argyle scooches closer to you and presses his chest against your own. Hearts hammering against each other, Argyle can’t tell if it’s the curves and planes of your body so close to him that makes him spiral or the fear of losing you. 

Shivers tingle where Argyle drapes one of his legs over yours and wraps an arm to hold the back of your neck. Even the sweetest of daydreams didn’t come close to what it feels like to be held in Argyle’s embrace.

Tender warmth floods your chest and licks at your cheeks. You let yourself to be pulled into his enticing gaze.

Callous fingertips tease you as he lazily traces little doodles across your skin. Wondering how they would feel if you let them wander, knots fill your stomach in anticipation.

Every muscle twitches in response to your body. Pride blooms with your smirk from how Argyle reacts to being so close to you.

“What did you have in mind?” you ghost your lips over his jaw.

Argyle swallows a groan and begs, “You have to promise me, honey”.

Hovering over his lips, you feel his hot breath when he bites down on his bottom lip. With a pang, you instantly recognize the stoner’s nervous habit.

Before Argyle can even subconsciously think about poking his tongue out, everything stops when you dart your tongue across his chapped lips. Watching you frozen in place, Argyle struggles to process that you crossed the line so easily when he’s fumbling around it. Only when you bite down lightly and take his bottom lip between your own teeth does he snap out of his daze. A deep groan rumbles past his tongue, and Argyle pulls you impossibly closer- practically straddling on top of him.

Leaning down, you admire how stunning Argyle looks with his hair fanning across the pillows and how his chest heaves from such a little tease. “There has not been a day that I didn’t trust you, sunshine,” you affirm, gently holding his face in your hands. “What did you want to try,” you ask.

Shakily holding the joint to his lips, Argyle watches as the lighter faintly illuminates you in the softest glow. How alive you seem to look as you peer down at him. Though the confident expression that paints your face makes him feel hot, Argyle feels how jumpy you are as you squeeze your thighs around him. Tapping your thigh to try to comfort you, Argyle drags his hand up your body, desperately trying to commit to memory how you feel, just in case this does blow up in his face in the morning.

As his hand leaves your side, he pulls a quiet whine from your mouth, “Argyle, please”. 

You barely register the small pressure his other hand places on the back of the neck, not needing his guidance. Closing the gap between the pair of you, you drink in the intoxicating sensation of his THC kisses. Your mouths slowly move together as you begin to ease into each other's touch. The familiar reassurance of his hand returns to your hip as he paws at your body. Both wanting to drown in how you feel in your hands. His jaw bone juts against your hold when Argyle sloppily deepens the kiss. Smoke snakes past your throat and roots itself to burn your lungs as they beg for relief. 

With a wet click, you pull away from Argyle and admire the view. Glowing underneath the shifting shades of warm hues from the lava lamps, Argyle looks up at you with a dopey smile. Lips swollen and slightly raw, you swoop down and place a chaste kiss to his lips while you each catch your breath.

“I was right,” Argyle sighs. Both his hands firmly rest on your hips and press little circles into the soft skin he easily lets himself crave.

“Right about what?” you ask as you lay down on his chest, settling in for the night.

“You are honey,” Argyle hums while he places the tray and smoldering joint onto the night stand’s teetering pile. “Super sweet and leaves me wanting more,” he teasingly nips at your cheekbone.

You shoot up trying to put space between your bodies as both of you burst into laughter. “You’re disgusting, Argyle. Absolutely awful,” you squeal.

His arms tighten around you as bubbles of excitement sting you. When did his feelings change to match your growing crush? The thought of lost time can’t even dampen your sunny hideaway as Argyle rolls you onto the bed, so you face each other.

Your foreheads brush together as you try to lay as close together. His breath tickles your nose when they accidentally bump causing a chorus of giggles.

“I trust you completely as well, you know,” Argyle’s low voice makes something stir in you. “I, um, was wondering if you- if I didn’t read into things just now- if you wanted to make this a thing?” he nervously suggests. He really just wants to be able to enjoy casual intimacy with someone he trusts, and he can’t believe you’re even musing the idea. Let alone with him.

“There’s no one else I’d want to be with than you, sunshine,” you beam. Your heart soars, unable to believe that Argyle wants to date you. You didn’t think he would ever want to have a relationship. Let alone one with you.