#i was fucking.. cooking my dinner and sb walked in with this man who had to be at least 6’3 and looked like someone had tried to build him

[fingertipsmp3]

I have a long and varied list of regrets, but possibly the funniest one is the time my former flatmate had a friend over and I saw that he was hot so I went “not today Satan” and hid in my bedroom until he left

[oh-theatre]

Sycamore High: Sound it Out (Chapter 19)

A/N: This might be one of my favorite chapters, but here's the end of the night and the return of a certain be-speckled boy so... ALSO, I FINALLY FIGURED OUT A NICKNAME THAT TED WOULD CALL TOMMY AND I FIND IT ADORABLE

summary: Ted and Tommys night takes an unexpected turn for the worse

words: 3,171

warnings: swearing, kissing, blood mention, punching, HOMOPHOBIA, HOMOPHOBIC SLURS, negative thoughts

Ao3 Link

“I really do not like musicals” Ted comments shaking his head, they laugh walking out of the theatre. Tommy smiles, playing with Ted's fingers in his own hand. He leans in a little closer, his walk becoming tired. Ted looks down “You ok there gumdrop?” Ted asks as they walk back. The beautiful sunny day, slowing its course becoming a calm night. A cool wind blows the pair as they walk through the silent streets. Tommy yawns leaning in a little more, eyes drooping.

“Mmhm” He hums in response “Just tired, dearest” Tommy yawns again, Ted chuckles softly watching Tommy's hair fall softly into his eyes. He pushes them out of the way and supports Tommy a little more. Happy to carry his boyfriend all the way home, offering his weight. Ted walks peacefully with Tommy practically asleep on his side. He hears the smaller boy humming softly, Ted recognizes the song from the musical they just saw. Ted listens hoping nothing breaks the graceful tune that plays. But alas, all good things must come to an end.

“Hey! Fag!” A sharp voice yells from behind the pair, Ted feels his heart drop. A perfect picture, in a broken frame.

No

No

No

Ted keeps walking, feeling himself pick up the pace still supporting Tommy. He can sense the people behind him, Tommy perks up a bit looking confused. He pauses, stopping the pair in their tracks. He looks up sleepily at Ted.

“What's up buttercup?” He yawns his words “Why are we rushing?” Ted shifts uncomfortably. He stares behind Tommy noticing two figures approaching out of the clear space. Tommy notices and looks behind him. “Who are they?” He asks more aware. Ted shakes his head and Tommy understands. He takes his hand once more and they continue walking, the men still trailing behind. The apartment feels as far away as ever.

“Hey! Didn't you hear us?” The men shout, Tommy feels Ted tighten his grip. They struggle to keep going as the men continue to call out to them, yelling slurs and insults left and right. “Hey, you two! Holding hands” Ted shuts his eyes tight but keeps going, he just wants to go home.

“Hey, I've got you, ok?” Tommy whispers soothingly, noticing Ted's face. Ted tilts his head, nodding gratefully. Ted feels his phone buzzes, and he quickly checks it. He shows the map to Tommy, who smiles reassuringly. “Look, we’re almost home” Ted nods. He checks his messages and responds quickly, in the small clearing they've gotten too far away from the men.

Chad: Hey kiddos! Just wanted to check in a see what your ETA on the movie was!

Ted feels a small weight lift from his shoulder seeing the normality return. He responds quickly.

SB: Just finished, walking home now.

He pockets his phone at the sound of nearby rustling and they continue walking. They slow their pace, still alert. The men are nowhere to be seen, the boys take a breath. The night rolls in faster now, the starless sky shining once more. Ted smiles up at them and counts as many as he can, just like mom said. They continue as Tommy returns to his dazed state and Ted counts as many as he can. His record was 126, his moms was 243. Although Ted still thinks she made that up. He laughs softly to himself recalling his mother. He feels his chest slow, returning to normal and his breath sounds at a manageable pace.

“Hey! Didn’t you hear me you fucking fag” The men jump in front of the pair, Ted can see their faces now. Ted jumps back instinctively taking Tommy who becomes alert once more. He examines the men and unexpectedly Ted can feel Tommy shy away. He puts an arm protectively around him, Tommy clutches on.

“Leave us alone” Ted manages, surprised at the own confidence from his own voice, Tommy nods in agreement still hiding. The men erupt into obnoxious laughter taking slow steps forward, Ted squints, the dark light makes it harder to see their faces.

“Why? So you can go back to holding hands?” Another man speaks up, the left one snickers at his own remarks. “Nah I don't think so, I think I need to teach you queers a lesson” Ted can hear cracking, the man was cracking his fists. Ted backed away still protecting Tommy. He scanned his surroundings, find a way out. Suddenly a giant pressure hits his face and he stumbles backward, losing his connection to Tommy. He flails helplessly for Tommy, he can hear a sudden ringing as he hits the ground. He can hear noises, talking, shouting, fear rises within him. He tries to call for Tommy, but his voice is hoarse. He shuts his eyes trying to ground himself, instead met with a heavy pressure and a struggle to stay conscious.

~~~

“Oh my god!” Emma laughs still recovering “That was hilarious!” Paul nods also laughing. They exit the restaurant thanking their host. They sigh making their way to the parking lot where Paul had parked. The cool night sent a chill down the pairs back, but it was refreshing. They settle back into the car still riding the high of that fulfilling dinner.  

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, I was pretty nervous” Paul admits, pulling out of the lot. Emma smiles coyly, she watches his movements, catching his eye.

“I loved it! I haven’t been out for dinner since…” she ponders for a moment “Oh gosh, since forever. It was my sister's favorite thing to do” she perks up excited, Paul scrunched his brows, sister? “Every Friday she would try and find a place we hadn’t eaten at before and we would have to go” Emma explains, cheery. “The last place we went was…” something falters as Emma pauses. She swallows hoping Paul was to busy driving to notice. He does but decides to focus on the empty road in front of him.

“How was your food?” He asks trying to divert the conversation, not wanting to make Emma unhappy. She smiles gratefully nodding.

“It was good, I definitely ordered the right thing,” She says checking her messages, quickly responding to her mother's texts. She also takes a quick moment to text Charlotte back, smiling all the way through their conversation. She tucks her phone away turning back to Paul. “So tell me, Matthews, what happens now?”

“Now, I take you home,” He says, she looks around recognizing her surroundings. Watching familiar neighborhood houses go by.

“Then what happens?” She asks as they pull into her driveway. Paul smirks getting out of the car, helping Emma out. She gracefully accepts and they walk silently to her front door. “Paul?” He takes a deep breath, looking around him. He meets her eyes once more smiling.

“Then,” He says slowly, leaning in closer. He takes her hands, ignoring the blush creeping upon his face. He pushes a loose strand of her out of her face. “Then...I do this” He says practically speaking upon her lips. He cups her face, slowly bringing it to his own and allowing their lips to meet. It lasts a short beautiful moment before the door swings open and they pull apart quickly. Turning away from the door, hiding their red faces.

“So you’re Paul Matthews...” A light but firm voice spoke.

~~~

“Oh, you are going down, Matthews!” Deb shouts jumping up ecstatically, ferociously pressing the buttons. Alice laughs delighted, swinging her controller around planting one final blow. She dances in the victory music that plays from the TV and seeps in the beauty of a disappointed groan from Deb.

“Haha! What was that dear Deb?” She teases. Deb stands up grabbing Alice pulling her down onto the bean bags tickling her mercilessly. Alice squeals delightfully, grabbing her mouth trying to quiet herself but to no avail. The girls shush themselves hearing footsteps coming up the stairs. The door creaks open, Alice looks up at her mom. She smiles silly, joined by Deb.

“Hi, Deb,” Alice's mother says, she looks at her daughter expectantly.  

“Hi, Ms.Matthews!” Deb says giddy, Alice shakes her head cheeks flushing.

“Hun, I've told you, you can call me Marley,” Marley says sweetly, Deb nods excitedly. “It's nice to see you around, I'm making some dinner would you like to join us?” She asks, instinctively folding up some things strewn around the room. Deb looks to Alice who shrugs. She looks back to Marley and nods, thanking her. “Alright! I call you down when it's ready!” Marley says leaving the room, closing the door.

“Eeek! I love your mom's food!” Deb exclaims, Alice nudges her glancing back to the tv. “Oh you're on” She grabs her controller and they begin once more.

~~~

“Mmm,” Chad hums dancing around the kitchen, circling Henry as they cook. “I don't know if its the food, or you, but something smells good” Chad giggles placing a kiss onto Henry's neck. The professor shakes his head, struggling to keep his smile under control.

“You are being very unprofessional Professor Hidgens” Henry comments lovingly, Chad bites his tongue giggling. Henry pauses stirring turning to his husband, he pulls him into a kiss. Chad holds his bowl kissing back, he pulls away biting his smile. They continue dancing around each other, a beautiful routine as they swirl through and around cooking up a storm. Henry hums a tune, finally pouring the finished meal into a setting bowl. “Love, will you set the table? I’m just not as good as you are with it” Henry coos, Chad nods setting to his task excitedly. Henry pouts suddenly, an awkward feeling settling him. Chad turns noticing, he strokes his husband's cheeks examining the man's face.

“Everything alright dearest?” Chad inquires

“Have you heard from the boys? The movies-”

“I have, they are on their way now” Chad comforts, Henry nods still doubtful. “Henry? Are you alright?” Chad continues, noticing the still unsure look Henry has.

“Something is wrong” Henry frowns “I feel...like something is wrong”  Chad tilts his head still cupping his husbands face. They stay like this before Henry waves it off and continues on dinner. Chad watches before setting the last placemat, making sure there are four in case Tommy wants to eat with them. The music continues playing through the house putting both men at ease. Finally, Henry finishes sitting down at the table, watching his husband affectionately. His attention pulled away as the door swings open, both men stand and turn towards it.

“Help!” Tommy cries, rushing in supporting a large figure. The professors scramble over to him taking an unconscious Ted and leading him to the couch. They set him down, Chad goes to grab a first aid kit. Henry turns to Tommy, he didn't mean to glare but...he did. His face softens at the redness surrounding the boy's eyes, and the glasses inked with dry tears. He tries to speak but can't manage anything. Chad returns and immediately begins working on Ted's face, cleaning up the blood, working on his nose. “I'm sorry” Tommy whispers frightened. Henry and Chad pause looking to the be-speckled boy. “I was s-so tired and I didn't...I d-didn't see anything…” He chokes back a sob, his eyes never leave Ted. Henry stands carefully, walking towards the boy. He places an arm around Tommy comforting him, Tommy cries into him, Chad sighs going back to Ted.

“Its alright Tommy, come sit,” He says leading the boy over to the couch. Tommy wipes his eyes, he places Ted's head in his lap, stroking the boy's hair, scared. Chad keeps working, feeling Ted stirring he backs away. Ted blinks his eyes open tired, he nestles into Tommy who gasps softly kissing Ted's forehead.

“Mmm, what's going on?” Ted mumbles, Tommy tries to speak but can feel the incoming tears. Ted hears the small noise coming from his boyfriend, he sits up. “Gumdrop?” He yawns, suddenly feeling a load of pain. He rubs his nose, wincing at the pain. His eyes grow in horror as he remembers the incidents of the evening. He shies away unable to meet the professor's eyes. “Oh…”

“What happened boys?” Henry asks returning from the kitchen handing the pair glasses of water. They take it gratefully, sipping on it to avoid conversation. They share a look before nodding. Ted turns to Chad, hoping his reaction will be softer. They recount the events that had happened bouncing back and forth between the pair. By the end, the apartment falls silent, save for Chad trying to stop his sniffles.

“Henry, can I talk to you?” Chad asks coldly. His husband nods and leads them out of the room. The two teens look to each other, frightened. Tommy takes his hand, biting his quivering lip. Ted sighs taking him into a hug.

“I was… I am..” Tommy tries but can't get the words out. “I-im so sorry!” He blurts sobbing into Ted. Ted tightens the embrace, rubbing soothing circles on his back.

“It's not your fault Tommy” Ted reassures “It’s those...those…” He pulls away angry “Monsters” Tommy chuckles at his sweet frown. He wipes away tears from his eyes. “Are you ok?” Ted asks, his voice softer now. Tommy nods, gasping cautiously.

“You got punched, and you're asking me if I'm ok?” Tommy shakes his head, disbelief running through him “I love you” Tommy says, the words rolling off his tongue so smoothly. He doesn't go back, he stays confident but Ted? Ted has never felt so much before. He pulls Tommy into a kiss, sweet and loving. The boys melt into each other, two pieces fit perfectly together.

“I love you too, by the way,” He chuckles “If that wasn't clear” The pair giggle together. Ted takes Tommy into another embrace resting on each other. They take deep breaths feeling their eyes grow heavy. Ted feels an everlasting flutter, but it's comfortable. I could get used to this.

~~~

“Thank you Mrs.Perkins! Sorry for kissing your daughter” Paul shouts as he leaves the house, causing Emma to giggle. She walks him to the car, holding his hand comfortably. She tries her hardest to ignore the obvious blush Paul holds. He turns to her, placing another kiss on her cheek. “I hope we got to know each other enough tonight,” He tells her, She nods biting her lip.

“I think we did,” She says, pushing a hair out of her face “I really enjoyed tonight Paul, seriously” she pokes his stomach as he listens “And I'm excited to continue this...getting to know each other thing” He laughs nodding in agreement.

“I should go” He admits disappointed “I'll see you Monday” He informs. She nods waving goodbye as he gets into his car, waving goodbye. She goes back to her house, smiling uncontrollably, much to her mother's notice.

“So I guess your night was awful?” Her mother teases. Emma groans plopping on to the couch. “He seems nice”

“Did you have to invite him in?” She asks defeated “I mean I really like him! And you totally embarrassed me” She moans kicking off her heels. Her mom chuckles gesturing her upstairs, she nods and goes to get ready for bed. She nods happily humming, what is wrong with me?

~~~

“Dinner was wonderful Alice, but I should really head home” Alice sighs nodding, She waves a sweet goodbye to Deb who disappears just as quickly as she came. She walks to the kitchen to help her mom clean up, hearing the door open she turns.

“How was your date?” Alice asks as Paul walks in almost immediately throwing off his tie.

“I won't say I'm in love” He hums quietly to himself, before leaving to go upstairs. Not before shooting his sister a quick glance. She rolls her eyes so far back she sees inside her head. Marley chuckles finishing the last dish and placing it carefully to dry. She kisses her daughter's forehead and starts to make her own way upstairs leaving a very empty feeling in Alice. She sighs checking the time shrugging she turns on the tv. Caution, she lowers the volume and makes sure the subtitles are on, watching hours of TV throughout the night. She finally falls asleep, dreaming of a certain beanie-wearing, flannel rocking girl. 

~~~

FU: You really said the words ‘I love you’?

SB: Yes, Paul. I don't know if you know this but that's how relationships work.

FU: Ok, uh...fuck you first of all. Second, whatcha up to?

SB: Nothing much, just chilling on the couch, Tommy and I are watching some TV

FU: He's still there? It's like 4 am

SB: Its 12 am, and there was an incident so he's staying here

FU: An incident?

And so for the second time that night, Ted recalls the evening's events in detail, shivering at the thought. And for the second time that night, he leaves someone speechless.

FU: I'm going to commit murder

B: Can I join you?

Ted freezes, he darts his eyes up realizing he had been texting the boy's group chat the entire time. He feels his eyes sting as they threaten him with tears. He tries to type a response but his fingers can't stop shaking. He feels Tommy take his hands and squeeze them, he shows them the texts. Tommy nods and helps him through the rest of the conversation.

“Don't mention it, ok?” He advises “Just continue on like normal, you can talk about it another day” He continues, ted listens “But right now, everything is alright” He finishes planting a kiss on Ted's cheek. He nods returning to his phone.

SB: Alright Moriarty, no need for the dramatics

FU: If he's Moriarty, what does that make me?

B: …

SB: …

FU: Ok, moving on then. So then what happens now?

SB: Idk dude, the professors left to talk awhile ago and haven't come back. Anyway… how was your date with Emma?

FU: Oh.. it was ok...nothing special. We went out to dinner, drove around...the usual. And we kissed!

SB: No fucking way

B: Language! But also congratulations Paul

FU: Ah why thank you!

SB: No fucking way did Emma kiss you

Fu: Don't be jelly Teddy

B: I hate to remind you but Ted is in a relationship, he's far from jealous

FU: …

FU: Point to Moriarty

SB: Yeah loser, I'm in love remember?

FU: In love with yourself?

SB: Definitely not

B: Can't relate

FU: Self-love? Whos she?

Ted chuckles to himself, he spends the rest of the night reading over the texts, going back through feeling infinitely happy. Tommy yawns next to him, he leans into Ted nestling himself into his shoulder. Ted smiles placing a kiss on the smaller boys forehead I love him, He sounds it out to himself. I, as in me Ted, Love, as in care so much for, Him, Tommy. Yeah, things are going to be fine.