#ssohd

          Aleks was popular, he knew that. He had a lot of friends and acquaintances that thought he was really cool. He pulled pranks of all sorts and sizes that were the awe of the entire school, and the disdain of the entire school staff.  Sure, he spent a lot of time in detention, but he just made more friends in there than anything.

         Being as popular as he was, people often gave him gifts whether it is anonymous or in-person. What the gifts were ranged from love-filled confessions to bouquets and rarely small gift baskets that sat on the ground in front of his locker. What did interest him were the really colorful bouquets that he had started getting one day, and he kept them around in his room. Considering the amount that he got every day since then, his friend became a colorful sight, with each bouquet in its own container. Once he had run out of containers, he started giving them to other people as a way of cheering them up.

           While he had them during class however, he didn’t want anyone to touch them, because he somehow developed a sentimental value for the things, considering someone is spending money every day to give him the bouquets. They were all anonymous; no note was ever attached to them. However, one day there was, and it was typed, and on a note card, yet again anonymous. It made him smile though and also confused. Because was this a really weird way of someone asking him out? It was flattering, but he didn’t know who it was so he could thank them.

                                                            //////

             Aleks got invited and hosted a lot of parties that sometimes involved alcohol, which ended up with him wasted and doing things he would never do sober. Aleks always aimed to please and he also liked drinking, so he played a lot of games that involved both drinking and pleasing everyone.

           There was also a typical game that teenagers such as himself liked to play when they were at parties, drunk or not, and it was typical spin-the-bottle fare.  At the last party that he had went however, the game of choice was spin-the bottle Seven Minutes in Heaven, and the participants were all people he knew, but the ringleader was the rowdier-than-ever drunk and one of his best friends James Wilson. Soon enough, people started disappearing into whatever closets he could find, and eventually it became his turn, and he disappeared into wherever he didn’t notice for James was rushing him too quickly. After what felt like an eternity of just sitting on the floor, footsteps came up and there was a brief moment of light, someone being pushed in, and James’ trailing voice slurring “Have fun~.”

           The makeout session was one of the better ones Aleks had experienced during one of these parties, for the other had started it right away, taking him by surprise. He followed shortly after, and they developed a soft yet tentative pattern. They didn’t want to hurt each other, it would make this awkward, as if it wasn’t already. They gravitated closer and closer to each other, and they kissed more frequently as time went on. Only pulling away to catch their breath, returning to each other when they were done. It felt amazing, euphoric for once, as something was blossoming in him as it was happening. And it truly bloomed the next day, when he woke up this morning to have a mark on his neck that clearly wasn’t there yesterday morning. He then remembered that he had flirted with the other person, and they sounded like no one he knew, that sprung a curiosity in him, adding more to the curiosity he already had.

                                                      /////

Aleks never saw the person he was with in that game of 7 Minutes in Heaven ever again, not that he really did see them considering how dark it was in the closet. But he hadn’t heard about them ever again. He started to miss them in a way, they seemed really interesting. He was intoxicated, yes but this mystery person sounded like a nice person to become friends with. To get to know better, and what he can remember from their short conversation, whoever they were completely okay to get taken out on a date. If they ever found each other again, that is.

            He would ask around and get the answers quickly, that would most likely be suspicious and he felt self-conscious on what people would say. What would his friends say? What if everything that had happened before this revelation was connected? Aleks didn’t want to dwell on it too much so he pushed it to back of his mind as he made his way through school.

           School went as routine, Aleks pulling pranks on others and getting in trouble as usual, and it was all fine and he was laughing until he heard a somewhat familiar voice followed by his friend Sly’s whining, causing his attention to shift. He faced towards the direction of the voices, looking to see where they were. Soon enough the pair had caught up to where Aleks was, and Sly stopped his whining in turn of beaming at him. “Hey Aleks, me and Seamus were just gonna get some lunch, wanna come?” Sly asked, stopping in his tracks.

           Aleks took a minute to reply, unintentionally staring down the other person that Sly had called Seamus who had stopped as well, looking a mixture of irritability and indifference. Was this the person from the party? Seamus was blonde, and around the same height as Sly, and maybe even older. A senior, most likely, and if Aleks was going to be honest with himself, the other looked pretty adorable, and attractive. Without thinking twice, he blurted out. “If the cutie next to you wants me to join, then sure, if not, I don’t want to ruin his day.” Even though the realization hit that was so embarrassing to say, he smiled anyway, looking away from Seamus to Sly and then back again.

           Aleks swore that Seamus had smiled at what he said, but before Seamus could say anything to that, Sly burst out giggling, agreeing with Aleks. “Yeah, Seamus, do we let this fuck join us?” He asked after regaining his breath.

           “Before I was so rudely interrupted by you, I was gonna say yeah, but I don’t know anymore.” Seamus replied in a sarcastic tone, looking back at Aleks in silence for a few seconds. “Yeah, I guess he can join us. Is James coming?”

           “Nah he got lunch detention for flipping off that asshole in our class and calling him a rat bastard.”  

           “Damn, alright.”

                                                  ///////

          The walk to the cafeteria didn’t take long especially with Sly babbling on and on to the both of them on whatever it was to catch his interest, until they had gotten into the cafeteria. Sly didn’t stop rambling until they had gotten to their seats, but he didn’t sit down, saying that he just remembered that he had to do something at that very moment. And that he was sorry, but Aleks swore that Sly was smirking and holding back a laugh as he left. Seamus rolled his eyes, as he knew something that Aleks didn’t, going to eat food immediately, looking down at it, not paying him (Aleks) a second glance.

        “Sorry, but do I know you from somewhere? You just. I heard you talking earlier, and you sound familiar.” Aleks said after a few minutes of them eating food in silence, looking up at Seamus again.

        “I dunno, do you? Maybe you do. Maybe you don’t. You sound and look pretty familiar. Then again Sly and James talk about you a lot, so.” Seamus shrugged, looking up at Aleks finally. “That thing on your neck looks familiar too. Where did ya get it?” He added, a smile tugging the corners of his mouth up.

        “A game of drunken Seven Minutes of Heaven at a party by someone, they gave it to me. I don’t know who they were though. But I remember that if we ever meet again, we could go out on a date. Pretty weird huh?” Aleks replied, smile threatening to break on his face as well.

        “Yeah I guess that’s pretty weird. I remember playing the same game and giving that someone that, after making out with them.  Pretty weird coincidence, I mean I do know who I made out with though. A friend told me before I came in there.” Seamus said, smiling even more.

        “You know who you made out with?” Aleks asked again, confused now.

        “Maybe when we’re finished eating, I can tell you.”  Seamus replied, a beam on his face disappearing only because he started to eat again.

                                                      ////////

           Soon after they had finished eating and found somewhere private, by the suggestion of Seamus. “What I have to tell is pretty sketchy; I don’t think the public deserves to hear it.” Aleks simply just followed Seamus’ advice and led them to a secret hiding spot he used when he ditched class sometimes, an abandoned classroom that no one checked on. After which, he locked the door when the pair had both gotten in.  

           “So? What is so sketchy that we have to be in private, are you going to shank me or something, I mean we just met, how do I know if-” Aleks’ words were cut off by Seamus placing his fingers on Aleks’ lips.

           “Shhh. It’s not that really sketchy. I just don’t want anyone to know. Oh, and I didn’t get the chance to give you this today. I was running late. I hope you like it.” Seamus said, taking his hand off before reaching into his backpack and pulling out an all-familiar colored bouquet. “It’s a little outdated, but…here…you might recognize this as well.” He added, beaming again, holding it out for Aleks to take, and flushing a little. But when Aleks didn’t take it right away, his smile fell completely back to its indifferent state, and he stepped back to a comfortable distance between himself and Aleks. “I….I figured that, that would happen. I guess judging from your reaction, you weren’t expecting me to have been giving these huh?” Seamus then said, almost with a dejected tone, falling silent soon after, breaking eye contact with Aleks now.

           Aleks tried to figure out what to say; being silent for any longer than he already had wasn’t going to make this situation any better. Seamus looked heartbroken, crushed, and alike to a kicked puppy all at once, and it was his fault for not saying anything right away. He also looked like he could bolt out of there at a moment’s notice. “I…..yeah, I guess you’re right. But hear me out here; it’s not a bad reaction. I swear to god, I was surprised really.” He started to explain. “Did you really spend all that time and effort doing that? What for? Did you write that note?” He added; curiosity in his voice.

           “Thank god, I was worried that you would react badly to it. I mean, I’m completely and utterly out of your league. It’s surprising that we’re even here now. But yeah, I really did, I work at a flower shop, part-time. So it didn’t cost all that much, and yeah I did, typed it more like. Didn’t wanna handwrite it or Sly’ll find out y’know and tell you.” Seamus explained, answering Aleks’ questions, relief in his voice. A smile started to creep back onto Seamus’ face to Aleks’ relief as well.

           “You know Sly? And I think you’re underestimating yourself, I think you’re pretty cute and good-looking; and completely and utterly in my league.” Aleks asked now, start to smile as well.

           “Who doesn’t? I know James as well. If Sly didn’t tell you, James would’ve; assholes.” Seamus replied.

            “You know Sly and James and yet I didn’t know who you were until today, wow.”  Aleks said in disbelief, laughing a little.

           “I mean, you do know a lot of people.” Seamus said, laughing too.

           “Hey I have a question.”

           “Yeah, what is it?”

           “Were you at the party I invited Sly and James to?”

           “If you’re asking me if I went by choice, no, by being dragged against my own will, yes. Why?”

           “Well, you said you knew who pushed you into the closet at a party, was it my party?” Aleks asked curiously.

           “You wanna find out?” Seamus replied, with a glint in his eye.

                                                /////////////// 

        After Seamus had said that, Aleks immediately walked over to him, hesitant at first before closing the distance completely between them.  And they began to kiss, and soon enough, Aleks had Seamus backed up against a wall as the pair made out.

         Eventually their arms started to wrap around each other, and pulling each other closer and closer as the kisses became faster and faster, more feverish, now that they had more room to work with than before. And since they were alone, they allowed themselves to melt into each other, their worlds becoming one.

       The noises they made melding together like a harmony and it was rhythmic when they were to pull away to breathe and come back to each other.

        Soon Aleks had stopped kissing Seamus on the lips, kissing down his neck up and down several times before settling on a resting spot. This only increased the intensity of the other’s noises to Aleks’ pleasure. He didn’t stay there for too long, after nursing the mark for a few minutes, he pulled away, panting, half collapsing onto Seamus, who in turn, half collapsed back on the wall. “So…was…was I the one at the party? Or…or what….I mean, I’m sober now but…” Seamus panted, as he caught his breath.

      “You’ve…you’re better…you’re better, uh…sober…taste better too…not like shit beer.” Aleks panted as well, as he caught his own.

      “I can…say the same for you. I remember…you owe me a date. You still up…you still up for it?”

       “I mean…we did hit it off quite well, I don’t see why we won’t.”

        “After we can breathe again, wanna go somewhere else that isn’t the school?”

Aleksandr Marchant, depending on who you ask, was a name that was either said in awe or annoyance. However, if you asked Seamus o'Doherty in particular, his lips would twitch up for a split second before falling back into its usual blank slate. It was like he was trying not to smile at the mere mention of the name. The teen, Aleks was rather attractive in the eyes of students and staff alike in a local Colorado high school, for he had the tendency to cause trouble quite often. And quite often was Aleks pulled aside and reprimanded for whatever prank he managed to pull off earlier that day. Seamus would watch as the rebellious teen would just nod his head yes. Or pretend like he was listening until the person scolding him either gave up or finished their tirade. It was usually the former Seamus noticed. Another option was Aleks getting sent to detention. Whether it be at lunch, after school, on Saturdays or a combination of the three. However, it did nothing to prevent Aleks from making them even worse for the staff,  pranks grew bigger and worse every reprimanding, every detention, every scolding.It was like that was what Aleks wanted, to be the center of attention, being the talk of the school for weeks on end. It was like he craved the attention.  Seamus and Aleks were as different as the poles of a magnet. And yet, somehow, Seamus was attracted to the other teen like a bee was to honey. Aleks, when he wasn’t being a showoff, he would often be found making his friends laugh and smile because of his jokes. The way Aleks’ face lit up after a successful joke made Seamus’ heart sing more than he can imagine.

   As much as Seamus wished he was, he was  not in Aleks’ circle of friends. There was no way, he could never be, he was too much of a bitch to muster up the courage to say hello. He feared he would offend Aleks by saying something in a dry tone and have his chances at friendship get even more slim.

   Even though he was practically infamous to the school staff, Aleks was famous and admired by freshmen to seniors alike. Seamus, having the locker across from Aleks, one of the advantages of this hell, would watch and listen as he would get things out of his locker. There was almost always people passing by Aleks’ locker whether or not the other was there. They mentioned parties and handed or slided invitations to him or through the slits in the locker door.

However, it wasn’t only invitations that were passed to Aleks; it was also bouquets, gifts, and letters. Seamus didn’t know what kind of letters they were,  but considering the flushed faces of the girls who had them, he assumed there were love confessions. It was a regular part of the routine for Aleks to open his locker and get his things, and not pay anything a single glance.

However, today was different, there was something different in the routine. And Seamus knew why,  and he felt a mix of excited and nervous emotions.

Every day, among the bouquets that were sent to Aleks, Seamus had started sending his own, anonymously. There were pretty much the same as the others but, today he had gotten the courage to write a note to go along with it. Having the nerve to flirt with Aleks as well.

“I pick flowers every day to give to you but, none of them are as gorgeous as you.”  It was a good idea at the time of Seamus writing it. Right now, though, Seamus was kicking himself for doing that in the first place. The note was also anonymous, Seamus not wanting to look desperate in Aleks ’ eyes if Aleks figured out who he was. It wouldn't be that hard, considering how many friends and acquaintances the other had.

He didn’t even handwrite it, for his scrawl would be too recognizable, and he would be put right on the spot. Considering by chance and coincidence only, his best friend had managed to push his way into Aleks’ inner circle and become Aleks’ best friend. And once shown the note, he knew that he would be exposed and then interrogated not once, but twice. Once by his best friend who would run at him yelling like a 5-year-old and the other by Aleks himself, after said best friend had pried the information out of Seamus.

As Seamus started sending more and more bouquets though. He noticed that Aleks took extra care with the ones that had piqued his interest. To his surprise, it was the bouquets that Seamus had placed had piqued the other’s interest, for there were handled with such a gentle hand, it was like Aleks wasn’t even holding them at all.

Everything else however, he dumped right inside without a single care, before ever so careful placing the bouquet on top. It didn't take long for Seamus to stop staring and start over analyzing. Turning back to face his own locker now, his face warmer than it was before.

Did that mean that Aleks like the flowers? Or did he do that to all of the bouquets he had received? Seamus didn’t know. This time however with this bouquet, Aleks looked at the note first, Seamus observed, and looked over it, not once, not twice, but three times as the other’s face furrowed in confusion. Aleks then pocketed the note and repeated the same process he had done with the others, gently after shoving everything else into the bag, before zipping it up.

Seamus turned back again, finally putting away the things he didn’t need. And when he was done, he shut his locker door and unsurprising to him, Aleks was nowhere to be found. Seamus figured that he had gone home already, but yet there was a sinking feeling of disappointment in his gut, that he didn’t know the reason for. He pushed the feeling down and started to go home, his thoughts growing occupied with a more recent topic, Aleksandr Marchant.

                                                         ////

Unlike Aleks, Seamus wasn’t all that popular with the student body at his high school. How he managed to get even the friends he had now was a mystery, but hey, they liked him, and didn’t piss him off too badly, so it was alright. What was odd, though, for, unlike Seamus yet again, his friends were loud and obnoxious and pretty much loved the attention that they managed to get from their antics. His friends were not as bad as Aleks could get, but they did get detention on occasion, leaving him in his lonesome.

That would mean that Seamus would more often or not get unwanted attention from people he didn’t even know. Harassers, he liked to call them, as they often taunted him and threatened him, called him names like the childish idiots that they were. Sometimes they would hit and kick him, attempting to get a reaction out of him.

It never actually worked, Seamus just stared at them blankly until they either got bored or shoved past him angrily. They never really bothered him when his friends were around for some reason, were they intimidated by them? Seamus wasn’t surprised if they were, they seemed like the type to pick on the ones who would not fight back or prove a threat. But then again his friends, at least one of them looked rather intimidating at first, Seamus was threatened by him at least when they had met. In all honesty, they were sweet and cared about him and their other friends a whole lot, especially Seamus for some reason. So Seamus enjoyed their company.

Although his friends can be a little pushy and invasive, always trying to get information out of him, that wasn’t sarcastic remarks and dry jokes. Today was no exception, for Seamus was distracted more than usual, he didn’t get much sleep last night, he rarely did get a full night’s sleep anyway. His thoughts kept him up more than anything or he would get caught up in finishing a video game that he needed to know the ending.

Last night, however, his thoughts at night as of late were annoyingly enough, of Aleks again. He was getting annoyed and mad at himself, his subconscious, in how desperate he was to have even Aleks just look at him. It kept him up most nights now after he had done all his homework, and he got into bed. And even after he had fallen asleep, his dreams were filled with situations involving him and the other teenager.

Situations as innocent as the two of them talking and laughing like good friends to ones that were so dirty and sinful that Seamus would have been taken to church if someone found out and then Aleks would start to avoid him like he was the second  plague.

Aleks was very versed in the student body, and it’s rumors, after all, especially with how unpopular Seamus was. Even now, he had spaced out and started thinking about him, it was aggravating, why won’t he leave his thoughts?

As cliche-sounding as it was, Aleksandr Marchant was extremely out of Seamus’ league, and it was possible that in all leagues Seamus was in, Aleks was in another one entirely.

Seamus sighed out loud unintentionally, after realizing that was the case, a sigh that sounded a mixture of pain and annoyance, and, unfortunately, caught the attention of his friends, particularly one that didn’t know how to keep a secret, a secret.

And Seamus had the misfortune of not knowing until a hand was shoved into his face, waving up and down, causing him to blink and refocus, focusing on the now-beaming form of one of his best friends, Eddie “Slyfox” Cardona. “What the fuck was that for Sly? Did you want something?” Seamus said snappily, sighing again.

A giggle, Sly as most of his friends including Seamus liked to call him, often did so after something or someone had caught his attention. And before he unleashed a 20-question interrogation session, or whenever. Sly was rather bubbly and friendly and had a circle of friends that not only rivaled Aleks’, but also included it, Seamus didn’t know how he became his friend, well he did, but he didn’t know why the other stayed, for Seamus was the complete polar opposite of him.

While Sly was warm as the sun, Seamus was as cold as the winter’s breeze. Sly could make anyone his friend and would drop everything to protect and be with his friends and family, Seamus wasn’t as lucky, despite being Irish. “Oh, nothing~ It was just, my friend Seamus was sighing heavily, and he sounded like he was bothered by something. Do you know why, Seamus?” Sly asked, still beaming up at him and giggling again.

Seamus didn’t realize that he had actually sighed out loud, he mentally kicked himself, he was such a goddamn idiot. Now he had to face interrogation, and knowing Sly, he wouldn’t let up until he knew some of the details. But Seamus didn’t even want to tell him even the tiniest detail at that moment.

For all Seamus knew, if Sly knew that he was desperately pining for Aleksandr Marchant, the troublemaker who again was out of his league, and didn’t even acknowledge Seamus’ existence, Sly would have the entire school know by the end of next week. And Seamus would never hear the end of it, and that would now be his high school experience. The flower kid who fell for the troublemaker and most likely heartbreaker.

How would Aleks treat bouquets after that? Seamus had a feeling the other would  crush the bouquets like he had done to many hearts before, this time including Seamus', after inevitably rejecting him of course.

With all of this in mind, he looked up at Sly, who was getting rather impatient with him not explaining anything, with as blank as a look as he can manage. "It's nothing, I swear. I was just annoyed that one of my controllers broke last night and it's going to be a bitch to replace." He then said.

A complete lie, he hated lying to Sly like that, but it was for the better. He really didn’t want to talk about what was really bothering him. His controllers were fine, Seamus took excellent care of them. It could get expensive if he didn't.  "Don't worry about me Sly. You should worry about not getting into detention for the third time this week." He added, rolling his eyes.

Fortunately for Seamus, the additional statement managed to divert Sly’s attention, the other offended that Seamus even mentioned that in the first place. “Hey! I’ll have you know that I haven’t been in trouble all day today! I’m even having lunch with you, Seamus. Doesn't that count, even just a little?” Sly said, his tone going from teasing to defensive in under a second. Thankfully, Seamus knew that once you had interrupted Sly’s train of thought once, he will never bring it up again until something or someone reminds him. Which Seamus hoped neither would happen, and he wasn’t going to remind him anytime soon. Or ever for that matter. He rather deal with this on his own, or never deal with it at all and just let it sit there in his thoughts for the rest of his life. It probably wasn’t the best solution, just ignoring his feelings, but it was what made him comfortable.

“Yeah, you’re spending lunch with me, for the first time this week, great job.” Seamus said in his usual sarcastic monotone. “It’s been lonely without you and James around, and annoying. Assholes seem to notice I exist when you guys aren’t here. Thanks a lot.”

“Aww...Seamus, I’m sorry! I’m sorry, okay? Will you forgive me? Will I ever get forgiveness from my best friend? I don’t know if I can ever live again with my best friend Seamus hating my guts.” Sly said dramatically, feigning sadness in his expression for a few seconds before he broke out in a huge smile and giggles. Seamus rolled his eyes. Sly was kind of dramatic sometimes, but he always meant well. Seamus liked that about him, Sly never let anything bother him too badly. If something did bother him, he would let someone know via ramblings that not only increase in speed but also emotional output. Seamus usually was the receiving end of these ramblings, but he didn’t mind, he liked to just listen to people talk then talk himself often.

Seamus waited for Sly to calm down from his giggle fit before speaking again, contemplating on what he should answer. He decided to indulge the other for once. “Okay, I’ll let this one slide. I forgive you, but knowing you, you’ll probably say something stupid or pick a fight and skip out lunch and/or stay after. So why bother.” After saying that he looked up at Sly, whose eyes started to glow with happiness, his smile growing even more, if it was even possible.

“I knew that you would forgive me!!!” Sly said with a laugh.  “I thought I would have pissed you off forever! That would be the worst.”

“You? Piss me off to no end that is unforgivable? Nah, you have to do better than that.”

                                                       ////

Inevitably, Seamus’ desperation gnawed at him to the point that he would scowl or look away wherever Aleks’ name was mentioned at all. The scenarios he had started having got more severe and more detailed and it was like they were real. Seamus wanted to believe them, if not for the loud ringing of his alarm clock pulling him away and back to reality. Where Aleks did not even acknowledge his existence at all.

It took him a minute to stop the constant ringing that had woke him up, sitting up on his bed, and just sighing. Maybe he’ll skip out on school today, he wasn’t feeling up for anything, he was more tired than he has ever been. But knowing his parents, and eventually Sly, and maybe James in tow with the other will bother him and pester him on why he wasn’t at school that day.

After contemplating it for a few minutes, he decided that he did feel entirely like shit and did not want to even get out of bed. He then grabbed his phone that had been charging on the bedside table, typing and sending texts to his friends and parents that he was feeling sick and didn’t feel like he could go to the school that day. And that he was going to go back to sleep and would like to not have anyone bother him. He scoffed at that last part, rolling his eyes because knowing his friends, they would rather skip school as well, and bother him instead. Assholes.

But he did enjoy the company when he wasn’t feeling his best, it kept him distracted from his immune system failing him. Maybe the same will happen if they did come over, distracting him from his thoughts. Or it would just be worse for now they have full reign to interrogate him as long as possible with them being the only people in the house. Seamus wished and hoped with all of his might that it was the former, as he rolled onto his back. That unplugged his phone in the process, but Seamus left it in his hand as he stared at the ceiling. Soon enough, the sleep deprivation caught up to him, and he slipped out of consciousness and fell asleep again.

Seamus woke up a few hours later, with the sunlight trying to stream through the cracks in his closed blinds. He had needed more sleep, for he felt better than he was feeling earlier, that’s for sure. After his vision had refocused, he checked his phone, somehow managing to keep it in his hand as he slept. Sure enough, there were new text messages that he had missed during his nap. Some from his parents but the majority of them were from James and Sly. Some were asking, more like demanding where he was. A text from James read “Hey, we’re going to come over to give you your homework during lunch, so don’t look so gross alright?”

To this, Seamus replied, “Okay, just go back to school after, assholes. But thanks.” After the message had sent, Seamus finally rolled out of bed, sitting up and swinging his legs over. He then got up and went to his dresser for a change of clothes, planning on taking a shower before his albeit, unwanted, company came over.

Heading into the bathroom, clothes in tow, he slipped into the shower after it had warmed up to his liking. He had deposited his clothes and phone on the toilet seat cover a few seconds before. He had regretted not playing music from his phone, for his thoughts started to race and rush around him. Pulling him more and more into contemplation. Soon enough, his body was on autopilot, monotonously washing his hair and body as his thoughts busied him.

Seamus knew the real reason he didn't want to go to the school that day, for he had an eventful dream last night, one that he wouldn't let go just yet. If he did, go to the school that is, he would have seen Aleks and that would bring him back to reality. A reality where Aleks never gave him a glance. His thoughts then got him to wonder if Aleks noticed that he was missing a unique bouquet in his vast amount of gifts. Seamus doubted it, but his subconscious still made him wonder such things.

Besides video games, Seamus really liked arranging and learning about flowers. After taking up a part-time job every day at the local flower shop, he slowly learned the language of the flowers.

And after falling for Aleks, he started mustering up the courage to arrange a unique bouquet, one that expressed Seamus’ feelings in flower form.

A bouquet of red roses, encircled by yellow acacias, and those then being surrounded by purple pansies, was what Seamus brought home every day after his shift was over. The bouquet stated that Aleks occupied Seamus’ thoughts and he loved the other, but it was a secret. He kept them in a vase in his room, so they’ll be safe until Seamus could place them in Aleks’ locker. He never let anyone find out that it was him with the specific multicolored bouquet, for Seamus often arrived earlier than the majority of the students, half an hour before the school day began. Seamus didn't like the less amount of sleep he got because of this, but it was better than how his already bad reputation would get even worse if someone found out.

Although it did leave Seamus with way too much time in the morning before class began. Quick remedies to this before Seamus started daydreaming, were finishing up homework or playing on a handheld. Either one usually ate up enough time for Sly or James to arrive, and then proceed to talk Seamus’ ear off, after settling in a seat.

After a few more minutes of thinking, Seamus had finally realized that the water had run cold. Was he really thinking for that long? He sighed again as he turned off the shower and started to step out, grabbing a towel and rubbing his hair and himself down before putting clothes on, pocketing his phone soon after. He then went to the sink, brushing his teeth quickly, before folding up the towel and hanging it up to dry. Stepping out of the bathroom now, he headed downstairs, and went into the kitchen, to raid the pantry for something to eat before company arrived.

It didn’t take too much time for Seamus’ friends to come, and Seamus was anxiously anticipating the doorbell after he had finished eating, dishes washed and all. He kept looking from his phone to the door until the doorbell finally rang. He jumped to his feet, almost instantly, he then took a second to compose himself before going to answer, he didn’t want to look suspiciously anxious. He unlocked and opened the door, smiling a little as he greeted them. “Hey. You know I could've just gotten it tomorrow? But come in, thanks for bringing it.” He then stepped aside to make way for the both of them. After they had both gotten inside, Seamus shut the door, relocking it. The pair shoved off their shoes before making themselves at home, slinging off their bags before settling on the chairs in the living room. Sly taking part of the couch and James, an armchair. Seamus took the seat that was across from both of them, so the conversation would be easier. “You guys are totally just not here to give me my homework, huh?” Seamus said after a few minutes of complete silence.

“Nope,” James said, looking up from his phone and pocketing it before crossing his arms.

“How did you know???” Sly said in a genuinely surprised tone, eyes wide as he swung his legs over to sit properly, facing Seamus now. “You’re literally psychic!!”

“I’m not psychic, I just know you guys wouldn’t just skip school to give me my homework. I also know that you guys will probably hold it hostage until I tell you whatever the fuck you guys want.” Seamus said, in a dry tone, rolling his eyes. Of course, his friends would interrogate him in his own home, why wouldn’t they? At least Seamus knew that they were going to do this beforehand, so he wasn’t too surprised that was, in fact, their real intentions for their visit. Seamus sighed silently, trying to figure out what to say next.

“Well, since you already know what is up. Mind explaining what’s wrong with you?” James asked, looking at him, a firm tone in his voice.

“Yeah! What the fuck, Seamus? You’ve been more quiet than usual, and like every time we asked what’s wrong, you brushed us off! Saying that it’s not all that important. Well, it’s fucking important now!” Sly added, his tone accusational.

Shit. They did notice. Fuck. Seamus cursed in his thoughts, growing anxious again. His friends were on to him, and that was bad.

He didn’t want them to, as much as they were his friends, some things Seamus was much more comfortable not sharing. His feelings about Aleks being one of them. Seamus sighed silently again, before looking at the both of them, trying to control his nerves from leaking into his voice. “It’s nothing, I swear to God. Stop worrying so much about me, it’s not like I got into detention or got suspended. I just haven’t been wanting to talk, is that illegal now? Do I have a particular talking quota I have to fill? I’m sorry I didn’t fucking get the memo.”

 “Jesus Christ Seamus, don’t be so dramatic. We were just wonderin’ about you. We’re your friends alright? You’ve been quiet lately, and now you skipped school. It’s like something has been weighing you down. Is there? We’re not mind readers.” James said defensively.

“Yeah, Seamus, James is right. We just want to help if we can, you know? It sucks dealing with something all by yourself.” Sly said in a sincere voice, his eyes filled with concern.

This is what Seamus didn’t want to happen at all, he didn’t want both of his best friends to notice that, yes something had been bothering him. Something was, in fact, weighing him down to the point that Seamus could snap at any moment. He didn’t want them to even mention that they wanted to know so they can help. What made things worse was the fact in how concerned they both were. He hated worrying his friends, he hated lying to them even more. And yet he managed to do both. He was such a fucking idiot. “So uh, anything happened at school today?” He asked, vainly trying to change the subject, to get Sly distracted enough so he could start rambling about that. Which he did, thankfully, but not as he expected.

“Uh, nothing really happened today. It was just some boring shit, until Aleks walked into class, all confused like usual, but surprisingly empty-handed for once.” Sly said, shrugging soon after. “Yeah, that asshole is usually carrying something, and wouldn’t let anyone touch it, and I mean no one. If someone did, he would bitch and hit them. It was like he really wanted to keep them safe. It’s pretty...I don’t know fucking weird???” James added.

Seamus took a minute to register what the pair had said, and confusion set in. Aleks wasn’t usually empty-handed? Being a year older than all of his friends, he never really had the chance to share any classes with them, let alone share any with Aleks, so this was new to him. “So, uh, what is he usually holding when he gets into your class? Just wondering.” Seamus asked, a slight curious tone in his voice.

“Some weird colored bouquet of flowers honestly. Purple, yellow and red, one of them look like roses. I dunno the rest. I’m not the one who works at a flower shop.” Like who the fuck gives someone different colored flowers?” James replied, rolling his eyes and scoffing.

I do, asshole. Seamus said to himself, not wanting to reveal that he was in fact the person that in fact made that  ‘weird colored bouquet of flowers’. Not wanting to ask anymore questions for that would cause suspicion, he went silent.

“Hey, maybe like there’s a specific message that only the person that gave Aleks the flowers knows, I mean, they’re kind of arranged in a certain way. Like every damn day, it’s the same thing. Red in the middle, then yellow, then purple! Seamus! You know flowers, what does that mean???” Sly said,  in a half-defensive tone before it turned demanding, and staring fiercely at Seamus now.

Seamus paled, becoming paler than he usually was, and sighed, knowing he couldn’t lie his way out of this one. “Well, if it’s red in the middle, roses? You said James?” He started as he looked at James for confirmation of what he had said earlier.

“Yeah, they were roses. The ones you give to someone when you want to be fucking cliche.”

“Alright, so if they were roses, and yellow flowers, I don’t know what kind they were because I haven’t seen them, so they could mean anything. But the roses mean I love you. And purple flowers can mean anything as well. So unless you can take a picture or like remember what they look like, I can’t help that much. Sorry Sly.” Seamus said, color returning back to his face, sighing out of relief silently. But then the relief was replaced with some weird mix of hopefulness and worry. He was feeling hopeful, for what he had gathered, Aleks even though he seemed confused, did really care about the bouquet. And yet,  he was worried for some reason. Like it was like he couldn’t accept the fact that he might have a chance. His own stubbornness was acting against him, and god was it annoying. Was he really this stubborn?  He hoped not.

“It’s okay Seamus, thanks for helping! But really dude, Aleks was like, super into the flowers. The teacher threatened him to like put them away or they’ll get confiscated and Aleks like totally put them back into his bag. Like, he really doesn’t want to let them go. And he like gets them everyday! Like what the fuck?” Sly then said, laughing now, and Seamus only assumed that Aleks’ behavior towards the flowers was pretty hilarious.

Seamus only shook his head, and fell silent, and the conversation soon died off there. Sly and James eventually had to take out the homework that they had tried to hold hostage in exchange for information, but obviously that didn’t work fortunately for Seamus. Soon enough, homework was given to Seamus and the pair made their way out of the o’Doherty household, as they actually had to get back to school. Seamus rolled his eyes as he watched them leave, waiting on the front porch until their forms disappeared before heading back inside.

                                                       //////

Sometimes on weekends, Seamus was invited or asked to have him and his friends over to his house to get completely and utterly smashed and wasted to all hell with really shitty alcohol. It started when someone’s parents, usually Seamus’, went out of town for the weekend, asking to “watch the house”. Which Seamus usually did, but soon after Sly and James found out that the o’Doherty household was empty, they started to pester Seamus endlessly, urging him to say yes, and to get the video games ready for a night of shitty alcohol and Seamus literally destroying them all. It didn’t take Seamus too long to say yes, for he absolutely needed to be drunk and just let go. His desperation and sleep deprivation had taken quite a lot out of him. So here he was, with Sly and James on either side of him, the click clacking of joysticks and the pressing of buttons filling the air. Seamus was most likely very far from sober, but he was very surprised that he was more than holding his own against Sly and James as they were playing. Sly and James weren’t that far behind in drunkenness, so it wasn’t all that impressive that Seamus was beating them. And soon the round they were playing was over, and unceremoniously Seamus put down his controller, and picked up his drink, just watching the tv screen, his eyes glazed over.

“God fucking damnit Seamus! What the fuck?? You’re like, fuckin’ as drunk as we are, more even, even more drunk than we are!” James exclaimed, more like yelled at him, slamming his controller down onto the ground. His voice was slurred, but the anger still was there.

The outburst just made Seamus look over and just chuckle. James usually was the one who took the most offense in how Seamus played when they were all like this. The other didn’t mean it, but it was always entertaining to see. “ ‘s not my fault you two suck dick. Can’t believe I still beat you guys and I’m fucking wasted over here.”

“I mean, you can’t blame him, like Seamus is so good with video games, dude! Like literally the best, like godlike. Seamus is a god. Aleks could beat you though, probably. ” Sly chipped in, slurring, his accent thicker since he was intoxicated.

At that comment, Seamus rolled his eyes, for some reason, Sly usually complimented him more often drunk than sober. But he appreciated it. “So what do you guys want to do next? And what was that....what was that about Aleks?” He slurred, asking, his gaze focused on Sly now.

“Aleks could fuckin’ beat your ass in all ways that’s what he said. It’s like super fucking obvious you want somethin’ to do with ‘im. I don’t know what yet.” James barked before Sly could figure out a reply, sending Seamus’ gaze toward him now.

“Yeah, like at lunch and whenever, we, we uh are eating. You’re always asking and looking for Aleks, for some reason. Do you like him???” Sly said, giggling.

When Sly had said that, Seamus is in the middle of taking a drink, causing him to drink it too quickly because the question had surprised him, making him choke. It took him a few seconds to recover, when he gathered as much as his bearings he possibly could, being intoxicated and all.  

All Seamus could get out as he was recovering was “What....what makes you say that....you made me choke, Sly, what the fuck! He didn’t quite get the reason why Sly had out of the blue just asked him that. Surely, Seamus asked about Aleks a lot, but to him it didn’t seem all that suspicious.

Maybe they figured out Seamus’ ulterior motive to all the questions? They couldn’t have, could they? Seamus was too drunk to try to think of a reason, so he just pushed those thoughts aside.

“Just answer the question Seamus, my god.” James urged him, staring at Seamus firmly now.

“Yeah, do you like Aleks or not? Do you want us to introduce you guys? Aleks isn’t all that bad once you get past the whole, I’m going to wreck the entire school because I can attitude.” Sly said, encouraging him as well.

“Surely you two can like get along somehow. Come on Seamus, spit it out already!”  James then said, growing impatient.

Seamus just stared back at them, silent, and holding his breath for a while before letting it go in a drawn out, long sigh. For some reason, he felt like telling them the truth, to get it over with, to lay it down on the table. So that the desperation and the burden could be lifted from his shoulders.

They were all differing levels of drunk, so Seamus figured that if he told them, they wouldn’t remember. Seamus knew that he wouldn’t remember what he said, so it was like wiping the slate clean without anyone knowing. “Spit it out? Alright I’ll spit it out. Well, you guys are right. I do want something to do with Aleks. I don’t remember how it started. But fuck. I just. I love him so goddamn much. It’s kind of stupid really. I got so desperate, I am desperate. I’m desperate because I know that I’m way out of his goddamn league and yet I still fucking try. I might be stupid, but I’m not stupid enough to even try and say it to his face that I like him. Those weird colored bouquets you said Aleks carries around like  it’s his own goddamn child? I place those in his locker every day before anyone gets here. I take them home from work and keep them in my house beforehand. They mean that I’m in love with him secretly and he’s the one thing that is in my thoughts. All the time. Did he show you guys a note that was typed with a pick-up line once? That was me too. All that effort, and it’s all because I’m too much of a bitch to tell him. I couldn’t even tell you guys because I was afraid that you would tell him for me. Go ahead, call me a liar, Sly, because when I said my controller broke that one day, I lied. I was thinking about Aleks. The day I skipped school? I had a shitty realistic dream and I didn’t want it to end because I would see Aleks and it would have made me feel like shit. And the fact I had been sleeping even less now because of him. God...out of all people why him? He doesn’t even know I fucking exist, ”  Seamus rambled, his voice growing more and more bitter and angry as he went on, expression matching it soon enough, and he was finished, he let out another sigh, breaking eye contact and staring at the floor now. “You guys wanted to know, so....are you happy now?” He then added, his voice softer and pained.

Neither Sly or James having anything to say after that, so a silence set upon them after Seamus had fallen silent. It was also tense, so tense you can cut it with a knife, and it only made Seamus feel much worse. God did it only make Seamus feel terrible.  He wished that he could say something, that his friends could say anything.

Anything at all.

He even wanted them to laugh at him for being stupid. Tell him that he’ll never have a chance, since they did actually know Aleks on a personal level. Crush his hopes and dreams so he wouldn’t have to do it himself. He didn’t know what else to feel honestly other than an intense mixed feeling of sadness and anger that was directed against himself mainly. He looked up now,  and what he was met with was unexpected. Looks of concern and sadness and guilt. “.........Dude, Seamus.....I’m sorry for making you say all that. I really am....what a great friend I am, huh?” James spoke first. in a serious yet sympathetic tone.

Even though James had broken the silence, it didn’t help cut the tension that was still had them all in a chokehold.

“Yeah, sorry that we sort of...forced it out of you, dude. That’s really shitty of us. You want to know something, you’re really fucking awesome, Seamus! And like... the best, and anyone would be great to have you. Sure you can be grumpy as fuck and I mean grumpier than grumpy cat itself but....I think it would be nice to date you.” Sly then said, smilin sympathetically, serious tone at first before getting happier. Seamus rolled his eyes at the compliments, they necessarily didn’t make him feel any better. It just made Seamus feel like they were taking pity on him. Which was really shitty.

“Thanks for trying to make me feel better, I appreciate it.” Seamus said, trying to force a sympathetic smile. He did appreciate them trying to be sympathetic and understand, but they weren’t necessarily all that helpful. Seamus sighed, and picked up his drink, taking a long drink out of it before putting it back down.

                                                          ///

If someone asked Seamus if he regretted anything, he would most likely list off a couple of things.

Being harassed, and peer pressured into going to a party that everyone that wasn’t Seamus got invited to was one of them.  

Sly and James were the usual culprits , who dragged him along because he “needed to have fun for once”. His friends had different definitions of what fun was, and this? People did not even know what the fuck was personal space and tried to shove him past and out of the way. This wasn't fun in the slightest, in Seamus' opinion.

Although, once alcohol was introduced, it gave Seamus at least something to do that wasn’t dodging and getting out of the way of people. And that was getting himself fucking smashed yet again that week. Currently, he was nursing his drink as he stood near the refreshment table, where he was since the beginning of this party. Sly and James had abandoned him soon after they all had arrived, distracted by their other friends calling them over, which Seamus did not take offense to since that was what usually happened during parties. It was quite entertaining watching them try to show off, though, especially after they both had a few drinks. The pair growing more and more obnoxious as the night went on.

Then people started disappearing into rooms and closets, and Seamus just rolled his eyes, for it didn’t surprise him in the slightest.

It was usual fare for people to do that sort of thing, but what he was surprised by James bumbling over to him. “Hey, hey Seamus. We’re playin’....we’re playin’... seven minutes in heaven. And I uh, Aleks uh, got picked, got picked to be in the closet y’know.” He slurred, his face flushed from alcohol, blank look soon becoming a knowing smirk.

“What the fuck does that mean to me, James? Go bother Sly or something if you want Aleks to make out with someone that isn’t me.” Seamus retorted, glaring at him. And yet internally he began contemplating on whether or not to accept the offer. James was practically handing a chance to do what he had wanted to do for such a long time on a goddamn silver platter. And that was make out with Aleksandr Marchant, but there had to be a catch, there was always a catch.

   “If you want Sly to make out with your crush then by all means, throw all chances under the bus, fine Seamus,” James said as if he was scoffing at him. “I was asking you because you obviously want it.”

   “Who the fuck told you that?” Seamus said, growing defensive. He was surprised that James had that information, to Seamus’ knowledge he hadn’t told anyone about his crush. Was this the reason James specifically sought him out? Knowing James, it probably was. Son of a bitch.

   “A drunker you. Earlier this week. So do you want to do it or not? Don’t want to keep Aleks waitin’, y’know.” James said impatiently, but he still was smiling at him. Seamus cursed himself; he always did something that would bite him in the ass when he was very intoxicated, this being one of the many times it had happened. He started contemplating again, weighing the consequences of what he could do. He could accept James's offer, and make out with Aleks and just leave quickly and hopefully hide away in anonymity or decline it and not do anything. And just let everything slip through his fingers. He hoped he wouldn’t regret what he was going to say to James anytime soon.

   “Where.....where is he?” Seamus asked, his tone a mixture of curiosity and nervousness. He was curious in where James was going to take him after the other had realized that Seamus was accepting the offer, and yet he was nervous about what would happen after the deed was done.

   “Here I’ll show you,” James replied, his expression softening now, starting to walk, more like wade through the vast amounts of people that were crowding the closet door. Seamus followed suit, his nerves growing with every step. “Are you sure you want to do this Seamus? I’m not forcing you or anythin’; I can easily get someone else.”  He then asked as they were approaching the closet door.

   “I’m sure, I’m sure James, don’t worry about me. You’ll probably know firsthand tomorrow if I fuck up. Whether it be from me or someone else.” Seamus replied, laughing a little.

   “Alright, if you say so....have fun,” James said as they approached, not even giving Seamus time to like brace himself as he was quickly shoved into the closet, door opening and shutting behind him before he can even protest.

                                                      ////

Once Seamus had settled and readjusted to the darkness of the closet, it didn’t take him long to move forward and close the distance between him and Aleks.

It was like all the anticipation and desperation took over, pushing away all and any nervousness he had before he was pushed in. Likewise, it did not take Aleks to follow suit, and they began exchanging kisses. Seven minutes in heaven was the right name for this game, for Seamus was pretty much in heaven that very moment.

As time went on, they had developed a pattern, a pattern that was soft and tentative, as if they didn’t want to hurt the other, considering visibility was low in the dark closet. Also, as time went on they gravitated closer and closer to each other, arms winding around waists, kisses growing more and more intense, more frequent.

They only pulled away for a few seconds to catch their breath before returning to each other.

Seamus felt euphoria rush through him, this being the best thing that has ever happened to him in that week. The session seemed like an eternity, it was like James was allowing Seamus to take advantage of this occasion. Seamus took a mental note to at least treat him to something after this was all over, for he was grateful for his best friend.

Hope also began to rush through Seamus, as he started to think if this didn’t go horribly, horribly wrong, that he would have a chance with the other, to actually live out the situations that were procured from his imagination as he slept. But he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on returning the kisses Aleks was giving him with his own.

The kisses had become more feverish now, it was almost too much for Seamus to keep up, but he kept through it. He contemplated on pulling away, to move down to the exposed skin below, to kiss that, to leave a reminder for both himself and Aleks. He eventually did pull away, kissing down to Aleks’ neck, soon starting to kiss and bite at that, hard enough to leave a mark, but not so much that it would actually cause pain. He kept at it until he pulled away again, trying to see his work in the low light, he couldn’t see much, but he was satisfied with it, smiling a little.

A few seconds later, Aleks caught Seamus’ lips again, and they started kissing yet again, this time softer and more passionate than before. But it was shorter, and the pair pulled apart, opting to completely catch their breath. “Heh, hey, you’re a good kisser. Did....did you know that?” Aleks panted at him, his voice breathless, but it sounded like Aleks was giving him a compliment.

Even if it wasn’t, Seamus blushed all the same, his face flushed even more than it was. “I can say the same for you.......” He panted as he laughed breathlessly soon after. “Where did you learn how to kiss like that? Maybe if we see each other again, you can teach me.”  Seamus did not know why he was flirting with the other, he didn’t even know if Aleks knew who he was, and was about to mentally kick himself until Aleks’ laughter cut through his thoughts a few seconds later.

“Maybe I can give you a few lessons if we do. Who knows, we might even go to the same high school.” Aleks said after he had calmed down from laughing. That made Seamus even more hopeful, and he smiled even more, not caring if it wasn’t visible. There was a chance, he deemed, maybe fate would be nice to him for once.

“Who knows if we do meet up again, you can take me out on a date? I’m usually free after school. All depends on you.” Seamus then suggested, smiling even more.

“Would a date mean I’ll be able to make out with a good kisser like you? Maybe even know who you are. I don’t seem to recognize you, but then again it is fucking dark in here. Who knows, we might hit it off, get lucky.”  Aleks said, and Seamus swore that the other had begun smiling as well.

“Yeah, it is dark, but I don’t think you know me. I was pushed in here because of a friend you might know, though.” Seamus then said in a matter-of-fact tone, a hopeful feeling starting to burn in his chest after the last comment of Aleks’

“So do you want to go out first? Or do you want me? I’m surprised that no one has checked on us.”  Aleks then asked after a few minutes had passed, cutting the silence that had set between them.

“I’ll go out first.....see you around? Whoever you are. It’s been nice, you know...” Seamus said as he flipped up his hood of his jacket, opening the door to closet, holding it open for Aleks to go through before quickly leaving.

                                                      /////

“So? How did it go?” At the question, Seamus looked up confused and was met with a beaming Sly sitting down and settling in the chair in front of him. It was lunchtime and the first day after that party that was the talk of the high school. According to what he had gotten from the morning hallway gossip, that is.

“How did it what go?” Seamus repeated the question in a clarifying tone. He didn’t remember most of what happened, for it started to blur together after James had pushed him into a closet. Maybe it was because of the mere fact that he did actually achieve his dreams. But he did feel pretty happy that he did do that, and since it did work out in his favour.

   “Seamus! You know! The party! The game, James practically left him on a fucking a silver platter for you to take! Did you take it???” Sly replied excitedly, staring at Seamus intently. “I mean James sort of left you guys alone for a while.”

   Seamus sighed, of course, Sly would want to know what had happened between them after Seamus had disappeared into the dark closet. “Well, all I can say is it didn’t take us too long to start eating each other’s faces, that’s for sure. And that’s pretty much what happened. That isn’t all that exciting. “ Seamus said in a dismissive tone, shrugging.

       “Oh come on, Seamus, that’s it?? Something must have happened! At least, like come on. You don’t just be handed a chance to make out with someone every day and you don’t do anything!!” Sly huffed, upset at Seamus’ response.  

   “Besides making out and catching our breath, I guess we did flirt a little. If we ever see each other again, we might date. I doubt it, though. But it was nice leaving flowers at his locker after what happened. I added a couple of new flowers in there. Mostly just thanking him that he did take the time to kiss and talk to me afterwards and that I’m hopeful.” Seamus then explained further, smiling now. “If he doesn’t know who I am, I guess that’s alright. At least I got the chance to even do that. He doesn’t seem all that tough when you’re alone with him, I guess he is pretty sweet.” He then added soon after.

   “Yeah, even though Aleks may seem like the biggest jerk, but he’s actually not that bad,” Sly said, agreeing. “But he’s probably going to be curious and look for you, especially if he catches you putting those bouquets in his locker one of these days.”

   “Pff, who knows, but maybe he and I will bump into each other one day.”