#fall first fall endless

If I was meeting anyone else today, I would be nervous about finding them in a crowd this big, but not Guy. As soon as my eyes scan over to the left side of the room, I see him sticking out clear as day.

How could I not? He stands taller than most people which makes his brightly dyed hair even easier to see. His usual piercings are all in place, and he's wearing a full black outfit even in the middle of a heat wave. Everyone else in the room seems to not get too close to him, but I walk straight forward with a smile on my face.

"Hey, Guy! Have you been waiting long?"

"Finally… I was waiting eons for you! I'm not sure how much longer I could stand here by myself. I was afraid you wouldn't show up, and then I'd have to take very drastic actions." Guy gives me a pout as if I hadn't shown up fifteen minutes early myself.

"I'm here now, so stop thinking weird things."

"I just don't understand why you didn't let me drive you."

I give him an incredulous look since we've talked many times already about what a horrible driver he is. If I ever get into his car, I'd have to prepare for it to be the last thing I do.

"Anyways…" I change the topic. "We should probably scan our tickets and head to concessions before the trailers start."

"I got two tickets for the best seats in the house right here!" Guy holds up the flimsy paper with a lopsided smile but moves his hand away before I can grab one. "And I'll give both of them to the attendant."

“Fine, fine. Whatever you say.” I probably shouldn’t humor him as much as I do. 

He was the one who bought the tickets, so I guess it makes sense if he holds on to them. Though I don’t know why he cares that much.

“Can I see your tickets?” An exhausted worker stands casually at the stand.

Without a word, Guy hands them over. He looks up at the ceiling impatiently, and I can already sense his irritation at the worker’s slow pace. I gently place my hand on the crook of his elbow to catch his attention.

“So, you mentioned something about the director’s other movies earlier?” 

Guy doesn’t say anything for a second, only looking into my eyes with a hard to read expression. When he finally moves his gaze down to where my hand makes contact with him, his face relaxes into a small smile.

“I did mention something, but it’s completely left my mind now. I’m more curious how you’re feeling about the movie. Are you nervous, my dearest?”

“Oh. Um… not really? Should I be?” I’m not totally unfamiliar with horror movies, but I don’t know much about this one. 

“No, I don’t think you need to worry. This director isn’t known for any extreme jumpscares or gore, sadly. If you need me to cover your eyes for you though, just let me know.” Guy places his hand over my own, and his touch is freezing.

“Theater 7 is on your right.” After fiddling with the scanner for a minute, the worker finally returns our tickets.

Guy mutters out a quick thanks and pulls me along to the concessions. Finally being inside the theater lobby proper seems to brighten his mood, that is until he spots the long lines for the food.

“I can’t stand lines…” He whispers it under his breath. “We’ll miss all the trailers at this point.”

“If you want, I can grab the snacks for both of us. That way you can head straight in and catch the trailers.”

Guy gives me an offended look, like I just said something completely unbelievable. “You’re asking me to leave you all by yourself?”

I can only give him a blank stare. “Yes? For just a moment.”

“The whole point of spending the afternoon together is to actually be together. And how do you expect to carry everything by yourself?” He huffs incredulously.

“Oh. I’m sure I could figure it out. I just wanted to help is all…”

“I want to watch the trailers with you, so don’t worry about trying to do anything by yourself.” Guy bends down to rest his head against my shoulder. It’s hard to understand what he wants sometimes.

“We could always watch any trailers we missed together, after the movie. I'm sure it's not too hard to look them up.”

Guy instantly perks up at the thought of spending more time together. Maybe this is exactly what he wanted after all…

We spend the rest of the time waiting in line talking about the other movies coming out this month, and in the blink of an eye we reach the concession counter. Guy debates getting nearly one of everything on the menu but settles for nachos and a rootbeer. He, unsurprisingly, ends up paying for my stuff too.

“I could have paid.” I give him my best earnest smile, but I know how this conversation ends.

“No, these movie theater prices are outrageous nowadays. You shouldn’t have to worry about it. Consider it my treat!”

With arms full of snacks, we head into the large theater on the right. The sign above the door reads “Bloody Pines - 4:30 Seating Now”. It seems like we are right on time as a new trailer has just started.

Guy insisted on getting seats closer to the back, a little out of the way while still getting a fully clear view of the screen. He never likes being in the center of any crowded room.

As I settle into the velvet red seat, horrific screams echo out from the surrounding speakers. The trailer is for another horror movie coming out later this year in October, and Guy immediately seems interested.

"God, that looks so ridiculous but I love a good zombie movie. Have you seen the previous ones?" He leans over, a little closer than necessary, and whispers straight into my ear with a deep voice.

I just turn to look over at him and shake my head. I'm not even totally sure what franchise this is specifically.

"I got them all on DVD back at my place." He gives me another one of his lopsided smiles before focusing back on the screen.

It's hard to tell how serious he is about anything, even after knowing him all this time. Was it just a statement or was he really suggesting I come over? I'm always a little nervous at the thought of going to his place after one too many 'I've redecorated the basement just for you' jokes.

He just has an old sense of humor is all... At least that's what I keep telling myself.

The lights go completely dark and the music slowly builds up as the opening credits begin to roll. A few familiar production company logos appear before an unsteady camera focuses on an old wooden sign. In dark red, it read 'Bloody Pines'. Then a sudden smash cut to a car full of young adults on an old mountain road.

I think I can already tell where things are going, but I feel a bit on edge nonetheless. Peeking over to Guy, he seems entirely engrossed into the movie already. I knew he liked horror a lot, but this is my first time seeing him so relaxed.

It takes about half an hour for the suspense to really pick up. The first kill is pretty brutal, and I feel like Guy slightly understated how bloody this movie would be. And with a few surprising twists in the plot, I feel my fear building more than I expected.

Looking for a distraction, I turn back to Guy who is still completely focused on the movie. It takes me another second to notice, but he seems to be shivering slightly. There's no way he's scared so… he must be cold?

The temperature is pretty chilly in here even with a few dozen people in the room. This movie theater always ends up feeling like a fridge during the summertime, and Guy has easily gotten cold in the past. His black t-shirt and ripped jeans really don't seem to be helping much.

An idea suddenly pops into my head, and before I can rethink it my arm is already moving. I quickly stretch out until my hand is on his far shoulder and my arm is around his body. I try to keep my touch gentle, but I feel him flinch slightly at the contact. Guy quickly relaxes and turns to meet my gaze.

He gives me a shocked look as if to say 'Why?' and I lean into him further to whisper into his ear.

"You seemed cold. Were you?" 

He gives me a quick nod before hesitantly looking back towards the screen. Despite how freezing Guy felt earlier, a warm blush slowly blooms across his face. It doesn't take long for his shivering to stop, but he never pulls away. In fact, it seems he moves even closer as the movie goes on.

I feel like I can't pull back now, and his presence is comforting during the more extreme scenes. The movie seems a lot less intense now. Before I know it, the final girl is standing in front of the killer and strikes him down with his own fire axe. The credits roll as a heavy rock song starts to play.

"Wow. That was surprisingly good." I turn to Guy who is now refocused back on me since the movie has finished. "What did you think?"

"I think it was the best I've seen in a while. Could have used a few more kills though." He gives a wistful sigh. I wonder just what kind of horror he is used to at this point…

More and more people leave the theater as the lights slowly turn back on. I start to pull away to sit up, but Guy stops me.

"Hey, where are you going?" He gives me another pout.

"I'm… leaving? The movie is over and the credits are almost done."

"Can't we stay just a little longer? Just to give respect to all the amazing people who worked on this movie, of course." Guy now fully wraps his arms around my shoulders into a tight hug. It's very clear he doesn't actually care about the credits.

Yeah, I should have seen this coming. His needy behavior always ramps up at the end of our hang outs. Though…

"How about we get some dinner? Plus, we still need to watch those trailers we missed at the start. I don't want to hold the workers up." I give him a placating smile and am only met with a sigh as he finally relents his hold.

We both stand up, gathering what is left of our snacks and drinks, and move down to the bottom of the theater stairs to exit. The same tired worker is there to wave us out, and soon we are back in the crowded lobby.

"Here. I don't want to lose you." I hold out my hand to Guy.

He instantly jumps forward, almost running into me, to grab my hand. It really doesn't take much to make this guy happy, huh?

He looks completely giddy, as if on cloud nine, as we walk outside into the blazing summer heat. Guy perks up looking around, but I quickly stop him.

"No, you are not driving us to dinner."

Guy suddenly appears completely heartbroken and rejected yet again.

~ END ~

The wooden stairs gently creak underneath us as we ascend to the second floor. Cole takes his time, matching the pace of my footsteps while rummaging through his bag to get the keys.

"So… Is there actually spaghetti up there, or is this all an elaborate plan to get me alone and at your place?" I try to say it lightheartedly, but I can't help my assessing stare. Sometimes Cole acts so laidback that it's hard to tell what he actually expects from me. This feels a little more serious than our previous dates.

"Don't think so little of me. As much as I do like being alone with you, I really am a pretty decent cook." Cole responds quickly but doesn't exactly deny it.

"Really? Just decent? You said this was the best pasta in town."

"Well… It's definitely the best I've had the whole time I've lived here. So, you might just end up eating your words." His smile is confident, borderline cocky.

"I'd rather eat my words than subpar spaghetti."

"You wound me." Cole holds his hand to his chest in mock pain. He bats his eyes teasingly before a small smirk eventually overtakes his expression.

We pass through one hallway and then another until arriving at Cole's door. I'm not sure I'd easily remember my way back by myself. Luckily Cole is here to help me navigate, but he seems distracted combing through the million things on his keyring currently.

With a short "aha!", it seems he finally found the right one. Two separate clicks and then the door swings open. The lights are already on as a modestly furnished living room comes into view. The subtle smell of vanilla and fresh laundry seems to carry through the air, which doesn't surprise me. 

A few different bookshelves line the walls carrying a variety of thick textbooks, novels, and knicknacks. One of his shelves is completely filled with Sweet Destiny vinyl figurines. I didn't even know they had those.

The rest of the furniture looks well used but well kept. There is less seating than I would have assumed as the singular couch is set up perfectly in front of the old school TV. Everything seems to have its place, and I have no clue where to stand.

Cole seems to notice me idling and speaks up. "Feel free to look around or relax on the couch. My home is your home. I just need to prep some stuff in the kitchen real quick."

He waits until I give a small nod then walks through the open archway leading to the next room. 

Now by myself, I feel I can be a little more noisy. Taking a closer look at the books, most of the larger ones seem to be from Cole's college days. Massive tomes about Psychology, Ethics, and Law. One titled "Human Behavior: Who Are You Really?" seems to be riddled with bookmarks. My fingers trace along the edge of the cracked spine.

Just as I'm about to take a closer look at the rest of the shelves, Cole comes waltzing back in.

"Back already? That was fast." I turn away from the books to face him once again.

"What can I say? I'm just that good."

"Or maybe just that prepared…"

"Isn't that the same thing?"

I can't really deny him there. Cole always seems ready for anything, and it makes me want to trip him up just once. Oftentimes I'm the one who ends up tripping and falling flat on my face, in a metaphorical sense at least.

I'm not sure if it's bad luck or my feelings are just written clearly on my face, but exactly on cue Cole begins moving towards me with a determined grin. It's like bleeding with a shark in the water. I can tell he loves to draw out these tense moments.

The living room isn't that large, but the distance between us feels massive as he slowly walks over to where I'm standing. Too far and then too close. My heart can't seem to make up its mind.

Cole's eyes sparkle as his hand slowly encompasses my own. Our fingers interlock in a warm and gentle hold. I feel the heat rise up my arm and onto my face.

"Wanna sit down?" Cole motions over to the couch. "Or would you want to watch me finish dinner?"

"I… I'll follow you." The words feel so shy and pathetic, but Cole seems more than pleased. He really doesn't have to do much for me to crumble. I hate his gorgeous face sometimes.

He pulls me by the hand and we walk over to the kitchen. Pans and knives line the wall in an orderly fashion as the small counter is covered in the remains of Cole's prep work. The smell of pasta sauce suddenly hits my senses, and it's undeniable…

It smells really delicious.

My stomach clenches at the increased hunger, and I silently hope it doesn't start growling on me. Lunch feels like it was an eternity ago now as my mouth begins to water. Dinner really can't come soon enough.

Cole stirs a pot, adds a few more ingredients, and starts opening the cabinets. 

"Do you need any help?"

"Nope. I just finished actually, and it's probably best if I plate it myself."

"It's done? Just like that?"

"House Durand has only the most timely service." Cole gives a flourishing bow that would be extremely cheesy coming from anyone but him. His movements are somehow both naturally fluid and precise.

"Do you often invite people back to your place?" I'm not sure what made me ask that, but I'm too curious to back out now.

Cole seems to think over my question for a few seconds before answering. "Not really… Ever since I got my own place, I've never been too interested in having people over. It's a bit cramped in here anyways."

I shake my head. "I think it's cozy." 

Cole doesn't say anything in response but gives me a bright smile before turning back to the stove. With a ladle in hand, he scoops up some sauce and drizzles it softly over the noodles. I quickly take a seat at the nearby table with barely hidden anticipation.

"Dinner is served." Cole sits down the first bowl in front of me then a second one at the seat right next to mine. Though with only three chairs, there weren't many options.

"Thank you. It smells wonderful." I can't lie, especially now that the rich aroma is even closer.

"Don't be shy. Dig in." Cole doesn't move to take his own bite, just stares at my fork as I lift it to my mouth.

I don't really want to wait any longer… So, I just start eating.

The sauce is robust with flavor. Salty, savory, and buttery all mix together with the right level of garlic and herbs. It perfectly coats the noodles with the perfect texture. I have to hold myself back from inhaling the entire thing. I do my best to take a reasonable, classy bite as if Cole really did take me to the fanciest restaurant in town.

"I was going to ask what you think, but it's written all over your face. That good, huh?" Cole sits with his food untouched just smirking at me.

"It's good enough I suppose… But why aren't you eating yours?" I give him an incredulous look.

"Mine just doesn't look as tasty as yours does. I guess I gave you the best scoop."

"That doesn't even make any sense-"

Before I can finish my sentence, Cole leans over and kisses me. It's quick, quicker than all the ones we've had in the past. I barely have time to register it before he's already pulled away.

"What was that about?" I feel the blush blooming across my face making even my ears heat up.

"I was right. The bite you took was definitely the most delicious." He gives me a satisfied grin before licking his lips.

"You're unbelievable, you know that? Let's just switch bowls then."

"Okay, okay. Whatever you say." Cole just laughs before finally starting to eat. But I can't help but feel that kiss on my lips throughout the rest of the meal.

~END~