Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I was screaming into my pillow. OH MY GOD I CANT WAIT TO SEE 4 TOWN!!!

I was obsessed with Aaron Z. I loved him. I looked around my room to see my walls painted with posters of Aaron... I looked up at my ceiling to see the poster that I loved the most... it featured Aaron, shirtless!! He's holding a basketball while sweat runs down his face and abs! He looked into the camera with a grin that could make you fall for him... I blush every time I see it. My wall mostly had Aaron, whatever I could find it was on my wall, magazine covers, flags, posters.

I had every CD that they released and I listen to it religiously 24/7. My most favorite and underrated song is U Know What's Up. I know all the lyrics and sing along. My closet is filled with clothes of 4 town! My favorite shirt is the one with Aaron Z obviously! I wonder how he smells like... but yeah anyways I GET TO SEE THEM TONIGHT IM SO HAPPY

I look at the clock and see that I had enough time to hide the bruises that I received from todays beating. I was too excited to sleep at all last night so I had bags underneath my eyes but that's okay nothing like a good monster can't fix! I applied the makeup on my face and any other visible place you can see. I looked better than ever. You couldn't tell that I barely got any sleep last night or that I received a hell of a beating...

I decided to wear my signature outfit that which was just blue shorts with a jersey and with my signature headband and don't forget the shoes. I looked into the mirror and I smiled, I look good as always. I decide to wear a zip up hoodie in case anyone from school sees me. I brought one of the albums that I had so Aaron could sign it and maybe the rest of the band.

I opened the window and quietly checked if I had everything that I needed. Ticket, checked. VIP backstage ticket, Checked. Money, checked.

I carefully crawled out of the window to feel the breeze of the wind in my hair. It felt nice, it wasn't cold or hot at all. I looked at the sky to see that the sun was now setting that which gave a nice orange tint in the sky while the other was dark blue. I carefully got down from the roof and started walking to the Daisy mart.

I walked inside of the familiar place, the bell above the door announcing my presence. I walked into the beverage section and got the monster that which I needed, I also got some chocolate because I love chocolate. I stood in front of the counter.

"Hey Devon, how you doing?" I smiled sweetly at him knowing that he works hard just to be underpaid. I mean it's all in the bags under his eyes.

"Hey man, I'm doing pretty good, what about you?" He lightly smiled at me.

"I'm good, about to go see 4 town!" I said excitedly.

"That's cool, I'm getting off my shift here in a bit so I'll be there soon" he yawned afterwards.

"Anyways that'll be $5.67" he said while I pulled out $6 and gave it to him while I grabbed my stuff that I needed.

"Hey is their any new 4 town posters?" I questioned

"Nah, I'll let you know first before anyone else" he smiled.

"Thanks Devon, we'll I gotta go, see you later"

I heard him say bye while I ran out of the store.

I made it to the sky dome while I see lights in the air that shined brightly now in the now dark blue sky. The moon was beautiful it was a blood red moon. I showed the guy my ticket and he nodded while opening the door for me to enter.

The dome was crowded with kids, boys dragged along by their older sister, teenage girls who brought along their boyfriend, and parents who were with their kids. Not many men or boys liked 4 town... that's okay because I love them! I walked through the crowd with caution and pushed my way to the middle of the dome. I smiled at the thought that I got a great view of the entire stage.

"TYLER?!" I heard someone say my name.

I jumped and hid my face with my monster.

"WHAT? IM NOT TYLER? WHoS TYLER?" I said while my voice cracked.

"You're a 4 townie?" She said while pointing at me while her and her friends had their jaws open.

They ran over to me and smothered me in a group hug.

"Welcome to the sister hood" Priya said while they all celebrated while hugging me.

We were all cut off as a huge hand showed up on the stage.

"Oh MY GOD ITS STARTING!"

The speakers started blasting

"1"

"2"

We were holding each other as our eyes filled with tears and we had huge smiles on our faces.

"3"

"4"

Then all the members showed up in cages while Robaire said "ARE YOU READY?"

As the members got out of their cages with an cool entrance. I seen AARON Z. We all started crying at the sight of our favorite boy band IN FRONT OF US AND LIVE!!

I wasn't thinking at the moment and I screamed.

"I LOVE YOU AARON Z.!!"

I was Instantly embarrassed because he definitely heard me. He looked around the crowd and he spotted me. He smiled at me and winked.

"HOLY-" I said almost collapsing while Mei grabbed me.

"AARON Z. JUST WINKED AT YOU!" The girls were squealing and jumping up and down.

"You want it?" Robaire said into the microphone.

"I WANT IT" everyone screamed.

"Louder" Robaire replied.

"I WANT IT" everyone screamed louder.

"1! 2! 3! 4!"

Robaire and the whole band had wing on their backs and started flying. They started coming down to the crowd and I looked up to see AARON Z!! COMING MY WAY!! I reached out my hand for his and he grabbed it and pulled me up to him. HOLY SHIT HES STRONG-
He carried me bridal style while I gripped onto him, he chuckled and I swore I seen him blush.

"What's your name kid?" He said while everyone down below was chanting.

"Ty-Tyler Nguyen-Baker!" I said while stuttering. I was so HAPPY that I was being held by my CRUSH. I looked into his eyes and lost focus. He smelled like cologne, AND I LOVE A MAN WHO USES COLOGNE!!

"Nice to meet you Tyler" he smiled and I blushed back. I hid my face in his chest as a way to hide my blush. I can't believe I'm TALKING TO MY CRUSH

"Cute" he said while I buried my head deeper into his chest.

"Looks like it's time I bring you back down" he said with a slight frown.

He settled me down gently on the ground while Mei and the girls were freaking out!

"See you later Tyler" he said while he winked at me.

"OH MY GOD DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?"

I looked at him while he got back on stage I looked at him with a dreamy look, I'm so in love with him I thought while I ignored the girls questions.

"Bro I think you're in love!" Abby said while looking at me.

"Yes I am" I replied.

We watched them sing and dance while we enjoyed it.

The concert soon ended and we walked to a hallway that said "VIP BACKSTAGE" that which was protected by a muscular bodyguard.
We showed him our passes and he nodded and we replied with a scream and we ran off onto the hall to the backstage! I can't believe I'll get to see AARON AGAIN!!

Their was a small group of people who crowded the boys. I looked to see if I could find my mans Aaron Z. I looked to see him sitting on a chair by himself... I almost cried at the sight. Why don't everybody love him as much as they love the rest of the group? He had one of his legs crossed on the other one while he looked down, he looked sad. I stood in front of him. Tyler this should be easy I mean just don't freak him out!

He looked up at me while his whole face brightened up. He smiled at me while patting the seat next to him.

"It's so nice to see you again kid" he smiled at me. I blushed.

"F-for me it's always good to see you!" I said quickly. God I'm so awkward! He giggled.

"Also I'm the same age as you!" I said while rolling my eyes. He lightly laughed.

"Do you want me to sign anything?" I pulled out my CD while he grabbed out a marker. He wrote something down and handed me it back.

"xxx-xxx-xxx :) - Aaron Z."

I blushed deeply while I shoved it back into my hoodie.

"Thanks" I muttered.

"No problem, anything for a cutie like you" he yawned while stretched and I felt his arm around me. I was as red as a tomato. I laid against him as I felt my eyes getting heavier. I changed positions so my head was on his lap, he played with my hair that which made me comfortable. "It's okay I'll wake you up when you need to leave" I nodded as I feel asleep.

-

I felt the force of someone lightly shaking me.

"Wake up. Ty"

"5 more minutes mom" I mumbled half awake.

"I'm not your mom, I'm Aaron!" He laughed.

I shot up immediately to see that yes it was Aaron.

"You're cute when you're sleeping" I blushed again.

I looked over to see the girls waiting for me "come on Tyler!" They said at the exit.

"We'll I guess I'll text you later" I said rubbing the back of my neck. I looked at his face to see him frown. Come on Tyler do it! You only live once! I mustered up the courage to kiss him on the cheek. He looked shock! I ran quickly to my friends as they giggled "bye Aaron!" I yelled as I ran with my friends leaving him shocked while the rest of the boys looked as shock as well.

We walked out of the dome howling with laughter!

"Man that was so fun!" Miriam said.

"I know! I can't believe that Tyler has a boyfriend!" Mei said yelling.

"I don't!" I yelled back "not yet" I said with a sly grin.we busted out with laughter.

"Anyways I gotta go! Bye guys!" I said while waving bye to them while I walked home. Man I hope dad is sleeping still. I looked at the signed CD while I walked home, it still has the fresh smell of the marker. I smiled to myself. I mesmerized the number. I climbed back onto the roof and crawled back into my room. Man I'm so exhausted! I pulled out my phone and texted the number that Aaron wrote.

12:32AM

Ty- hey

Future husband- Hey shouldn't you be sleeping?

Ty- yeah but I rather talk to you

I texted while smiling to myself.

Future husband- that's sweet, do you wanna call?

Ty- sure <3

I answered the call.

"Hey Ty Ty"

"Shut up, Z-Bear" I said while rolling my eyes.

"I like that"

"I like you too" I blurted out while covering my mouth god why did I say that?! I heard laughing.

We spent most of the night talking and giggling back and forth. Soon it was 4am

"God it's so late already" Z said

"I know we've been talking for hours!" I said happily.

"We'll I gotta go to bed now, talk to you later Z"

"Goodnight, love ya!" I blushed did he really said that. It was quiet for a couple of seconds

"Love you too" I heard him sigh in relief while I hanged up.

I smiled like a idiot while I sat the phone on my chest.

All that hard work was worth it

I thought while I drifted off to sleep.

2067 words

June 30th, 2022

Chapter Text

My eyes fluttered open as I looked around the environment, I was in a car. My dad was driving while I sat in the back... what am I doing here? How did I get here?? I looked out of the window by me to see trees passing by, it was mid day. I listened to the song on the radio, it was dads favorite, he hummed to the lyrics while I nodded to the music slightly.

Try to hold the world they're sinking

Swimming in a paper cup

Try to own the one beneath the skin

Held up to the flame till singeing skin begins to draw and tuck

Never told there's a chance to win

What couldn't be, wouldn't be now

Swallowed the pill

Drank to the fill

All these things I carry now

In this bittersweet, in this bittersweet now

Bittersweet, oh, this bittersweet now

I looked at the review mirror to see my dads eyes glaring at me is he gonna hurt me? I start shaking in the back, please don't hurt me. He looked at me with worried eyes.

"Tyler, you okay?"

I started bursting into tears while he parked the car and got out. I felt comforting big arms around me, I miss the feeling of these arms around me. This was the dad that I missed and needed the most. "It's going to be fine" he hushed me while I weeped in his arms. I smiled at him. This was the dad that I loved the most.

In this bittersweet now

~

I woke up and got up quickly, sweat covering my face. It was hard to breath, tears prickled my eyes. I started crying, full on breakdown. I don't care if anyone hears me. I miss dad. The dad that used to carry me into the house when I was asleep, the one that made sure I was okay, the one that used to cheer me on during my basketball games, where was that dad now?
He lost himself in alcohol. The dad I once knew was gone. After mom died in that car crash he became a mess. Oh how much I miss him, how much I miss mom right now.

I remembered the first time he hit me.

I was in the kitchen doing the dishes, I dropped his favorite cup by accident and it shattered all over the floor in millions of pieces. He walked into the kitchen to see the scene. He walked over to me

"I'm sorry da-"

I was cut off with a slap against the face. The slap made me fall to the floor while I touch the spot where he slapped me. I cornered myself against the wall.

"You stupid faggot"

After that he didn't care about me. He doesn't know how much pain he had caused me, a lifetime filled with hurt. I cried at the memories of being beaten.

I started screaming

"MOM I MISS YOU" I held onto a 4 town shirt that which my mom used to wear. It smelled like her. I started crying into the shirt. Who do I talk to when I want to talk to you? I never knew that day would be the last day I seen you. I miss you so much, my heart aches in pain when I think of you. You made me who I am.

My mom introduced me to 4 town, I remembered the first song I heard. Nobody like U me and my mom listened to it on repeat until we mesmerized the lyrics. We were jumping on the bed.

"You're never not on my mind, oh my, oh my

I'm never not by your side, your side, your side

I'm never gon' let you cry, oh, cry, don't cry

I'll never not be your ride or die, alright"

I smiled at the memory, we were going to see them together but now we couldn't...

"I miss you mom..."

~

On my way to school today I decided to visit my mom, I brought her some flowers, she rested by a tree that which gave her shade. I sat down by the grave.

"Hey mom, I got you these" I placed the flowers on her grave.

"I'm sorry I haven't visited so often... But I'm here now so it's okay! And I'll tell you everything I promised!"

I wondered where to start at. Maybe with the concert.

"I went to see 4 town! They were amazing! I'm so glad that I worked hard at my job. I wished you were able to see them..." I frowned
"They had these weird wings and they started flying! And AARON Z PICKED ME UP! And he called me cute" I blushed at the memory.
"I used to bully these group of girls... I know it's bad that I did but I think we're friends now! But I'll make sure to apologize to them"

"Aaron Z. Gave me his number and I think he likes me, I know it's so amazing! He is so nice and incredible. I love him so much, my room has more posters and flags since the last time you seen it"

After thinking for a moment i decided to talk about dad.

"It's been hard for dad ever since you left... it's been hard on me too but he needs more help than me... he hits me... and he drinks all the time, I miss the old him but I don't know what to do... I wanted to go to college but I don't think I can stay long with dad unless he changes... I'm making enough money for me to buy a apartment and my job is good! I love the cafe but some people are rude, this one women threw her coffee at me and burned me... but don't worry I'm okay! She was forced to apologize or my boss would call her in. Some guys try to get my number too... some guys are cute but now I have Aaron and I love him and I'm hoping we could be something" I said blushing.

I looked at the time and I seen that I was late, i got up and kissed my hand and put it on the headstone...

"Bye mom, I gotta go... I promise I'll be back" I left with tears in my eyes...

I looked back and I swore I seen a familiar looking lady waving at me... I blinked and she was gone. I smiled and headed to school feelings a little less heavy hearted.

-

To be continued

July 1st, 2022

1099 words

Chapter Text

I finally arrived at school, I walked through the gates of hell to see the girls run up to me like a moth to a flame.

"Hey Tyler!" Abby says while she jumps onto me.

"Abby get off of ME!" I screamed while she was holding onto me.

She giggles while I try to get her off of me. People looked at us weird.

"TAKE ME TO THE VENDING MACHINE, TYLER!" She said while pointing at the vending machine down the hall. She wasn't getting off so I said fine and ran towards the vending machine hoping she'll fall.

She pulled out a purse that was filled with coins.

"YOU WANT SOMETHING, TYLER?"

"GET ME A KITKAT PLEASE" I said yelling back at her.

She got off my back and put in the coins. She got a bag of chips while she handed me my KitKat.

"Thank you" I said while rolling my eyes.

"You're welcome" she smiled at me.

We walked back to the girls while I was eating my KitKat.

"Hey girls" I said.

"Hey Tyler" Priya said.

"Hey!" Mei and Miriam said.

I felt a buzzing in my pocket. I pulled out my phone and seen AARON IS CALLING ME. OH MY GOD WHAT SHOULD I DO?? I hushed down the girls.

"GUYS AARON Z IS CALLING ME!!"

We all started freaking out.

"WE NEED TO FIND A PLACE QUIET" Mei said while she turned into her red panda and shoved us outside. I'm so nervous I started shaking. I felt a warm hand on both my hands and I look to see the girls, they smiled at me.

"You'll be okay" Priya says while the rest nodded.

I sighed. Then I finally pushed the button.

"Hey Ty!" A deep voice said from the phone oh my god I could die I'm so happy right now.

"H-hi!" My voice broke.

I heard a chuckle on the other side.

"You're so cute"

I almost fainted at those words.

"Thanks"

"What you doing, Ty?"

"I'm at school, what about you?"

"I'm at the hotel, I've got some good news! We're taking a break before leaving to our next show, so we'll be here for a couple weeks! So we can hang out with each other"

Woah he sounds really excited to hang out with me. I blushed at the thought.

"Yeah that sounds cool, when do you think we can see each other?" I asked excited

"Maybe we can go see a movie tonight?"

"Is this a date?" I asked with a smug smile on my face knowing he couldn't see it.

"Yes, so now you have to come!"

"Okay, sounds like a plan, I gotta get to class so bye now!"

"Bye, love you"

He hanged up.

I blushed at the word, did he really mean that? I was interrupted by screaming.

"OH MY GOD HE SAID HE LOVES YOU!" Abby said shaking me back and forth.

We received weird looks from everyone around. "We'll we gotta go!" Mei said while pushing us in her panda form. Then soon we were in class, we shared our first period together. I can't wait for tonight!

"Oh my god I can't believe TYLER has a DATE with AARON Z!!" The girls shouted. Everyone heard. Great now everyone knows that I HAVE a DATE with THEE AARON Z

Chapter Text

I was in the bathroom in one of the stalls, I looked to my side and seen some writing on the wall with some little doodles of Sailor Moon and one said "Your kiss seemed so real in my dream" I cringed at it. That had to be the most cringiest thing I've ever seen. "Bitch shut you're corny ass up 😂" I giggled while drawing the laughing face beside it. Maybe I should call one of my friends. Mei and Abby have math right now, Priya is stuck in history but Miriam has a free period! I look at Miriam's contact in my phone, it was a picture of her and her skateboard and the skateboard had a smiley face on it while she had her arm around it while she was wearing sunglasses and biting her lips, she wore a "I love hot moms ❤️" shirt. She named it Britney Spears because she always wanted to ride on he- yeah anyways.

"Heyyyyyyyy Ty" She said while I can hear her blow a bubblegum.

"Heyyyyyyyyyyyy Mir, I'm so bored." I said rolling my eyes and glancing at the graffiti on the stall.

"Boy aren't you supposed to be in class? You know what happens if Mei find out you're skipping- she's gonna flip"

"I know but I don't wanna go back in that bitch... Mr Samuel hates me! especially after I said "this is why your wife divorced your ass""

I can hear her laugh

"That was kinda fucked up tho"

"I know but he's always on my ass! Hell we even had a argument over FUCKING colors?! I wore my pink BLACKPINK shirt then he said pink is for girls and blue is for boys? I don't know what he's on but I'll wear whatever I want."

"Preach it!"

"Anyways, what you doing for your free period?" I said done rambling over me.

"I'm sitting here a little zooted" she said whispering into the phone. "Listening to 4 town, oh my god I can hear everything like who the fuck is on that violin?" She said moaning.

I laughed at how high Miriam is right now.

"We should smoke after school." I said.

"I'm down but what if Mei finds out?" She said kinda worried.

"Girl she ain't gonna find out- remember last time when we went to the aquarium high as fuck and we were watching the sharks for HOURS and we ate all the snack we bought and Mei had to drag us out" I smiled at the memory.

"That was so fun but she was on my ass for weeks" I can practically see her roll her eyes.

"I love Mei but oh my god I just want to get high! God put weed on this earth for me to smoke it up!" She yelled.

"I hear that girl but you know she loves you" I said smiling at how cute they are together.

"I know I love her so much too. Oh my god I had the fattest crush on her for years and I was too pussy to tell her but I'm so happy she loves me too." She said sounding grateful

"That's good to hear, we've always knew you two liked each other man it took forever for you two to get together"

I remembered the way how they looked at each other the way how they always were happier around each other, the way how they were so awkward too now they're together holding hands and all that lovey dovey stuff.

"Yeah it took forever but Tyler my phone is about to di-"

It cut off then I laughed, girl too stoned to remember to charge her phone.

I had nothing else to do, I pulled a sketchbook out of my bag, it was decorated with old 4 town stickers and writings from the girls like one said "Mei + Miriam 4 eva" and a huge red heart was around it and another saying "Abby was here! ❤️" I giggled at the memory of us sitting at a table outside, the table was littered with markers and they were decorating it. I looked through the pages of the book and seen a doodle of me and Aaron Z with a heart between us two with the caption as "they're really good friends."

Nobody knew it but I write lyrics and play them on my guitar, it belonged to my mom, she used to play songs to me while I lay my head on her lap. I remembered this one song that she made for me. It went something like this.

Oh dear baby boy, where did you sleep last night?

In the pines where the sun never shines, you shivered the night through but now I'm here.

Somehow my world seem brighter with you.

You'll never shiver in the night again, for I am here, you'll never be showed love like this from anyone else.

Through weakness I'm here.

Don't worry about a thing, mommy is now here.

When I'm gone please remember I'm always here

She always used to grab my hand and place it on my chest where my heart was.

I didn't noticed it but I felt tears roll down my eyes, god I miss her so much. I wiped away the tears knowing she wouldn't want to see me like this. I grabbed a mechanical pencil and started writing down some lyrics. After a while I looked at the process.

(When The Sun Went Away -)

I wonder how clear it looks from here from there. No fears and tears.

Wether I'm wrong or right, please keep my life in sight.

And never take your eyes off me.

As I look up at the sky today, I can feel you looking down at me.

It brings a smile to my face again.

Close my eyes, make a wish, kiss the sky, hey there, I see you.

My guiding light, shining bright, blinding light.

It bring a smile onto my face again.

It's truly one of a kind like star shine, beyond night time

Are you there?

That's good right? I mean it's not bad at all? I think, I don't know I'm so self conscious about this. I looked at my phone and holy shit it's almost lunch time? But I don't exactly wanna go to class? Fuck that class and FUCK MR SAMUEL!

I peaked out of the bathroom door to see that the hallway is clear from any teachers. Of course none of them bitches are out here, they're teaching. I walked down the hall like a bad bitch I am, if anyone asks I have a hall pass that which was written off carelessly by one of my shitty teachers. The hall looks different when you don't have depressed bitches walking all over it. I looked into the door of a classroom and seen Miriam knocked the fuck out in a weed coma while I'm assuming 4 town is playing in her ears. How much weed this girl smokes?? I slightly opened the door and seen a couple of kids in here, the teacher is sleeping too? Fuck what do I have to throw at her? I looked in my hoodie and found a rock, perfect.

I threw the rock at the sleeping girl.

"OW WHAT THE FUCK?" She looked around and seen me.

"Girl come on!" I said whispering not trying to wake up the teacher.

She got her stuff and put it in her pocket then she sneaked out.

"Ty what's up?" She said confused.

"Let's get out of here!" I whisper yelled

"Fuck yeah! That bitch was boring anyways! But how are we gonna get out?"

I smiled mischievously. "I got a plan"

We both got up and we're walking down the hallway. "Oh my god I had this weird ass dream that aliens took over the school!"

"Mir, you smoking a bit too much"

"I love those weed comas" she said smiling.

All of sudden we heard whistling.

"Oh shit" we both said in sync.

"What the fuck do we do?!" Mir whisper yelled.

"Act like I got up beaten up and you're helping me to the nurse!"

"Okay!"

I started fake limping while she supported me and I started crying.

"He ain't gonna believe that." She said covering her mouth with one hand while trying not to laugh her ass off.

"Hush!"

We seen the guard at the end of the hall.

"Hey WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING OUT OF CLASS?!" He yelled at us, he wore a gross brown outfit and it looks like he doesn't get enough sleep.

He noticed me crying.

"Hey what's the problem?" He said walking towards us.

"S-Shane beaten...me up in the b-bathroom" I said wiping fake tears.

"Miriam is helping me to the nurse" I said whimpering.

I look at her and seeing her trying so hard not to laugh.

"Oh my GOD! HE DID? Did he do anything else?"

"He had a v-vape" I said scared.

"And he knows I have asthma..." I said bawling out my eyes now.

"HES GOING TO BE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE"
He said running down the hall.

We watched him run away

"HOLY SHIT- BAHAHAHHA I CANT BELIEVE THAT WORKED." Miriam fell to the floor holding her stomach, I joined her too.

"Come on we gotta go before he comes back"

"Okay your majesty" Miriam said while bowing down.

"Shut up and follow me."

We walked down the hall until I seen a empty abandon classroom. Thankfully none of these rats locked the door. I dragged Miriam in and walked to the window.

"Damn is this Ms. Emily's room?" She said looking around at the old classroom that which had desks piled at the back and it was dusty.

"Used to be" I said sadly.

"She always used to be on my ass all the time but she was a fun teacher, I miss her" She said while wiping off some dust from her old desk. I pulled her into an hug.

"I'm sorry I get emotional when I'm high."

"It's okay I miss her too." I said comforting her.

"Damn, hopefully we could go all out like her."

"From a stroke?" I questioned confused.

"Ty no- what, from old age?!"

"Ohhh yeah hopefully we all do but we gotta go before they realize we're gone!"

"Oh yeah" I broke the hug and walked towards the window.

"Who's going out first" I questioned.

"Ty you dragged me out of class, you go first!" She lightly punched my shoulder.

"No!"

"Wait hold the fuck up-" we both stood in silence.

"Tyler and Miriam are missing" We heard from an radio.

"Oh shit- let's jump at the same time!" She said grabbing my hand while jumping, I felt the wind slapping my face.

"MIR WHAT"

We both landed safely on the green grass. We both looked at the window to see that the security guard was in the class.

We hid closely to the wall.

"Seems like it's all clear" He said while closing the window.

The two stared at each other while taking a deep breath. They busted out laughing

"We're gonna be in so much trouble" Miriam said while getting up and offered a hand to Tyler that which he gladly took.

"4 town 4 eva?" She said staring into my eyes.

"4 ever!" I said while we both walked off campus.

-

"Ty where are we going?" Miriam said bored while walking with her hands behind her head.

"We're going to the Daisy Mart then we're going to find a sweet place for a smoke sess!"

"But I don't got any mone-" I cut her off .

"I can pay for both of us"

She looked at me, "Really?" She said with her eyes wide.

"Of course we're besties!" I said grabbing her hands and we spin around in the sidewalk.

"We'll come on then, I want a Monster!" She said excitedly running towards the Daisy Mart dragging me into the store. The familiar sound of the bell alerted everyone of our presence. I watched Miriam grab a Monster and some candy with a bag of chips. Damn I know those stoners are hungry, I rushed over and did the same knowing I'll be hungry after our sess. We walked to the front counter.

"Hey Devon" We said while placing down our stuff with my slushee.

"Oh hey, Tyler and Miriam. How are you guys?" He said while scanning our stuff.

"We're doing good" We said in sync.

"That's good to hear, Hey I seen you at the concert with Aaron Z! Are you guys together?"

I laughed "n-" Miriam shoved her hand onto my mouth.

"They're in love! You should've seen them! They were all over each other!"

Devon laughed while Tyler was a blushing mess, making note to get some sort of revenge later.

"We'll anyways that'll be $26.43" Devon said giving me a smile.

I put down a $30.

"Here you can keep the rest" I said while grabbing our stuff.

"Thanks Ty!" He said waving.

"See you later!" I said while waving back at him.

Chapter Text

Me and Miriam found a dump, piles of garbage and junk littered the area but it was discreet and not too far from the city but no one would be out here unless they want to haul their old belongings and discard them.

I sat down on a old worn out tire while Miriam pulls up a box and sat next to me. The air is cool and crisp with a nice breeze to it. It reminds me of when I was little and when my mom would take me to the park where she would push me on the swings and she'd watch me climb the monkey bars and in which I was good at.

I look to the sky, what has my life become? I don't know but it's the happiest I've ever been since... my mom died, maybe my luck had finally turned around? Hopefully, it would've been 10x better if I did had a mom still.

Tyler felt a hand on his shoulder and looked back at Miriam, she knows that Tyler struggles with his mental health. It's what drawn the two together. With her troubles at home with her parents constantly fighting all the time and his homophobic dad it seemed they helped each other out.

"Hey man, what's wrong? You wanna talk?" Miriam said while holding the neatly rolled up blunt. Weed is not a drug but a medication for them, a way for them to stop overthinking and focus on the now and enjoy their youth while they still have a chance.

Tears started forming in Tyler's eyes as he thinks of his mom, how much he misses her. Fuck I was just happy a moment before, why do I have to think about her now?

Miriam noticed and brought Tyler toward her to embrace him in a hug. She rubbed his back and let him cry. She just knew that she needed to be there for Tyler during his desperate times. Tyler just sobbed and sobbed until he couldn't anymore. Salty tears were staining Miriam's jacket but she could care less right now.

After a couple minutes of Miriam comforting Tyler he finally calmed down and let go of Miriam.

"Fuck, I'm sorry I just really miss my mom right now." Tyler says while rubbing away the stains the tears left on his cheeks.

"It's okay Tyler, I get it. Do you wanna talk about her?" Miriam smiled at him while placing her hand on his shoulder again just to reassure him that it's okay.

"I just miss her you know... it's been a long time since I seen her. I'm scared to live in a reality without her, I don't even know how I'm still here. I never ever wanted to live in a reality without her and it's just seems like everything went to shit!"

Miriam kept looking at Tyler with caring eyes while he talked about his feelings, her hand was still placed on his shoulder providing him the comfort he needed.

"I keep looking back into the past because in my past there is a mom but there is none in my future. Do you know how it feels to wake up everyday just to remind yourself that the person who truly loved you is gone? I miss her so bad and I just wish that I could see her again one last time to say how much I appreciated her and apologized for each time I hurt her before. But I'll never ever get that chance."

Tyler started getting emotional again and he continues on even though his voice cracks.

"Every day seems to pass like a blur and I'm scared I'll forget her, the way how she talks, how she smells, how it felt to hug her. I felt a lot of pain before but not pain like this."

Miriam acknowledges everything he says and says, "Dude I know it's hard for you right now. But you're allowed to feel sad. The one thing I've learned about life is to accept it, the bad and the good. There's going to be bad days and good days. Instead of fighting the sadness embrace it and feel it, this moment is not going to last forever and so aren't your feelings. I know you truly loved your mom and literally every child's nightmare happened to you. You're a tough guy Tyler. I know your mom loved you and I hope you know that, she loved you no matter how much you both argued or had a disagreement. You would never ever forget her, you're her son! She lives on through you! You're still here because she would've wanted you to be here with us, me and the gang! I just hope you know that you're loved and me and the girls love you."

Miriam said the entire thing while looking at the sky, Miriam is surprised to feel Tyler hugging her. They hugged for a while until Tyler spoke,

"Can we smoke now?"

"Of course!"

Miriam rolled a tight joint and got a good smell of it making her sigh in relief. She lit and took a hit then passed it to Tyler.

Chapter Text

Long before now, Tyler used to live in hell. Getting a hell of a beating everyday but he always held some hope, hope for a better life, hope for a better tomorrow.  No matter the situation, wether if he got to hide the bruises that paints his back, or hide his black eyes. He always tried to look for the better, but sometimes it's just so hard for him to do that.

-

It was a cold and rainy day, Tyler's parents were fighting again and Tyler got caught in it. He tried to pull his father off of his mother but ended up getting hit by his elbow that which will leave a nasty bruise later on. With no choice and a quick decision he bolted out of the door, holding his face where he got hit while tears streaming down his face.

After a few minutes of roaming the cold streets with no one around, the rain started pouring. Tyler put his hoodie on and walked slowly with his head down. He had nowhere to go.

Why do mom and dad have to fight so much? Tyler's parents nearly fought everyday, it seems like it's been normalized even though Tyler hates it. He normally hides under his bed which he decorated with 4 town merch. He was small enough to chill down there and blast his music through his headphones so he doesn't have to hear what goes on downstairs.

With defeated eyes his gaze met with a 4 town poster. They had just released their new album today! There was posters nearly on every block promoting it. Tyler looked around to see if anyone's around then he quickly and carefully tore it off of the wall and rolled it up, shoving it inside a locker inside of his jacket. He plans to hang it up in his own room later.

Tyler speed walked towards the Daisy Mart to hopefully find the CD. He just hopes that he had enough money to buy it for himself. Hell he doesn't even care if anyone seen him fanboying for a boy group. Tyler crossed his fingers for a second until he had to open the door to the Daisy Mart and there it was.

One last copy of the CD was sitting in all of its glory. Tyler's eyes lit up and it seemed like there could be stars in his eyes with how excited he was. He started walking down the aisle where the CD is at but tragedy struck.

While Tyler was walking down the aisle none other than Meilen Lee and her friends came and snatch it.

"Oh my god! I can't believe we got the last copy."  Mei said while she held it up in her hand like a trophy.

"Thank god, it's a miracle." Priya said while holding her hands together.

"THE 4 TOWN GODS ARE LOOKING DOWN UPON US." Abby screeched.

"We are so lucky." Miriam fake sobbed.

Tyler didn't want Mei to know that he was a 4 townie so he looked down the aisles to hide and ditched down into one of them hoping they wouldn't find him. Tyler normally bully's Mei and her friends but that's only because he thinks they're the coolest people and he somehow just wanted their attention. He didn't mean to but he's just bad at socializing with people especially when he's always by himself. If they found out that Tyler was a 4 townie they'd probably bully him as payback for the the times he harassed them.

Tyler let out a sigh of relief when he heard them leave but a wave of sadness hit him as he realized that was the last CD. He put his head down in shame while a few tears rolled down his already stained cheek. He ran into the heavy rain with his tears blending in with the rain drops.

-

Tyler woke up from the sun hitting his face, he was still in his clothes from the previous day. He remembered that he ran home after leaving the storm then managed to sneak into his room, he felt his pillow as it was still wet from the tears.

Shit I still have school today... I already missed too much days to be excused. Let's see how bad I look.

Tyler looked into the mirror and examined his face, a new bruise formed since yesterday. Tyler had bags under his eyes.

"Shit it looks like my bags have bags." Tyler mumbled.

He put his hands up to the bruise just to get a feel but he winced in pain, he grabbed the brush and a familiar bottle that had the shade tone of skin as his then went to work.

Boom, Tyler looked pretty decent. He grabbed his bag and headed to the door. I reached for the door knob but hesitated. Do I really wanna go down there? What if I get hit again?

Tyler walked over to his window and opened it slowly. He dropped his bag on the ground, he carefully climbed down to the edge of the roof and put his hands on the edge then lifted his body down. Hanging by just his hands he let go and found himself safely on the ground.

Phew, I wiped the sweat off of my forehead and started marching my ass down to hell. I'm still kinda sad about yesterday.

-

Tyler spent his days alone at school, he felt like he didn't belong as he didn't fit in. He didn't fit in with the straight boys or the girls. Especially when he was gay and a 4 townie he was scared of being bullied, he heard stories of how gay people were tortured and tormented and sometimes even killed. It was scary enough to make him stay in the closet, he only fanboyed for the one and only Aaron Z when he was alone in his room.

Tyler reached the entrance to his school, he gulped and pushed the door. The second he walked in it felt like a thousand eyes pierced him, why can't all of you mind your business? He gushed as he tried not to be overwhelmed by his anxiety. Everyone's interest strayed away from the boy and he freely made his move to his locker.

He opened his locker to be hit with the picture of his celebrity crush, Aaron Z. He kissed his hand and planted it on the picture. Quickly putting his bag away he started his day with his first class.

From class to class it was finally lunch time, Tyler sat in the bathroom, notebook in his lap and a half eaten candy bar in hand. He drew his crush, the thought of him got him through many days when he was at his lowest. He honestly owed his life to him but he doesn't even know he exists, i wish I get to meet him at least once...  Tyler thought. He closed his notebook and decided to go to the vending machine by the court yard.

Tyler was in front of the vending machine, he scrounged up the loose change in his pocket but a quarter dropped and rolled its way underneath the bleachers where Mei and her friends were at.

"Fuck" whispered Tyler as he quietly walked underneath the bleacher but something caught his eyes. A shiny CD with the sun reflecting off of it met his eyes. Could this be? The CD that Mei and her friends stole from me?

Should I steal it? No Tyler they bought it with their own money... and that would be evil.

Tyler fought with himself. And a moment of weakness hit him as he grabbed the CD and ran back to where the vending machine was, completely forgetting the coin.

Holy shit, here it is in front of me. Tyler was excited as a fat smile plastered his face. He opened it.

The biggest fat fucking lie hit him in the face as the CD was nowhere to be seen.

Tears prickled his eyes as his smiled faded.

Chapter Text

"Abby? I gotta get going." Tyler says as he looked at the orange sky clashing with a pink hue.

"Yeah man, you sure you're sober enough to walk home? Don't want you getting lost again" Abby laughed as Tyler remembers the time he was too high to walk and operate and on his way home he got distracted by a stray cat.

"It's not as bad as when you mistaken your grandmas life support as your charger."

"HEY IT WAS ONLY FOR A SECOND AND ITS NOT MY FAULT THEY LOOK SO SIMILAR."

Tyler laughed as he gave open his arms for a hug that which Abby accepted, "thanks for today, I really needed it."

"No problem dude! I'm always here for you." Abby smiled while she rubbed circles into Tyler's back.

They departed and Tyler started making his way home, high and fascinated with the moment he quite enjoyed the scenery around him. He looked at the streets and seen kids playing.

Life is so crazy right now, I went to my first concert. I'm taking to the boy of my dreams. What the hell is going on? It's like I'm stuck in some shitty Wattpad story or something. Maybe this is my Y/N moment.

He turned his Walkman on and his favorite song started playing, he smiled to himself as his eyes lit up.

A scrub is a guy that thinks he's fly
And is also known as a busta
Always talkin' about what he wants
And just sits on his broke ass

I remember listening to this with mom. Tyler's eyes became watery but he still held his smile as he hummed along to the lyrics.

So no, I don't want your number
No, I don't want to give you mine and
No, I don't want to meet you nowhere
No, I don't want none of your time

Tyler closed his eyes as he imagined a younger him dancing with his mother in the living room while the radio played their favorite song as they sang in sync.

"Come on Tyler!"

They locked hands and started jumping in a circle while still singing along and soon they started spinning in a circle with each other while giggling filled the air.

SLAM- suddenly Tyler was slammed out of his trance.

Fuck- Tyler thought but before he fell to the ground he felt an arm grasp around his waist and force them into the strangers chest. Tyler feels the heat coming to his face, man this guy works out.

"I am so sorry!" Tyler says while looking at the man in fear, he was tall so Tyler had to look up a bit. He was wearing all black with his hoodie up, shades and a mask.

Am I about to be fucking murdered right now? I am so high I don't even mind right now, as long as I am high.

"Hey, if you wanted to dance just say that." the guy said, he sounds kind of familiar?

He took off his mask and lifted up his glasses revealing his smirk on his face.

Chapter Text

AARON? WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT HERE?" Tyler screamed in awe as it seems like there is sparkles in his eyes

Aaron quickly placed his hands over Tyler's mouth.

"I like to sneak away from the group sometimes" Aaron Z smiled at Tyler that which makes him blush. "How about you kid, why are you alone?" Aaron's eyes kept focus on Tyler that which makes the butterflies in the curly haired boy ooze. Tyler smiled and softly hit Aaron and said, "I'm the same age as you" while rolling his eyes.

Aaron softly laughed, "you're still short"

"Yeah and don't be mad when I twin tower your tall ass." Tyler said while rolling his eyes while readjusting his hoodie, trying to discreetly look decent.

Aaron can't help but laugh, it felt good to be actually treated like a normal person, that's why he liked Tyler, it felt like a breath of fresh air from all the fans who treat him like a object and the photographers that don't know personal space.

Aaron was cut from his thoughts from the hint of weed in the air, he smiled and bent down to hug Tyler, which surprised him but he isn't complaining, the feeling of the short boys arms around his neck makes him blush, Aaron took a swift sniff of his hoodie.

"I fucking knew it!" Aaron said out loud separating himself from Tyler's embrace, forgetting where he was

Tyler looked confused and dazed, "knew what?"

"You smoke weed" Aaron smiled at Tyler, "you jealous?" Tyler replied while smiling with a smug look.

"Maybe...", Aaron took another sniff and Tyler can't help but giggle by the sudden affection he's been receiving, "you got a smell kink or what?" Tyler said jokingly.

Aaron laughed, "no it's just that I haven't been able to actually smoke, the label is so strict about it and I took a break for my voice to heal." Aaron looked kinda sad, Tyler couldn't help but feel bad, then Tyler says, "well would you want to take an edible? No coughing or anything- I mean it's only if you want to."

Aaron smiled at seeing how thoughtful Tyler could be, "you know it's been awhile but sure."

Tyler pulled out a baggie, it looked like a rice Krispy treat and split it in half giving the other to Aaron, "you sure you aren't drugging me right?" Tyler rolled his eyes and said, "yeah I'm gonna drug you and keep you in my basement forever."

"Can you at least cook?" Aaron asked.

"Yes" Tyler smiled.

"Then I want to stay forever."

They both laughed and took a bite out of their edibles, Aaron can taste the weed in it but it was mostly in disguise of the marshmallow goodness, they both ate it down in seconds.

"That was so good." Aaron said while licking his fingers.

"I love edibles" Tyler said while burping causing both of them to giggle.

"So, when did the great Aaron Z start smoking?" Tyler says while his eyebrow raised in curiosity while they both walked towards a bench and sat comfortably on it while they watch the sunset casting the last of its warmth on the both of them.

"Well, I started smoking before 4 town was a thing, I was at a party and everyone was smoking and drinking and I wanted to try it and I was hooked ever since but nothing will ever feel like that first high, I was tripping balls that entire night" Aaron said while thinking to himself reminiscing on that night, He looked over at Tyler and said, "how about you, when was the first time you smoked?"

Tyler looked up to the sky and started thinking, when did I stared smoking? It seemed like everything was hazy, "well from what I remember, I had a bad day at school, I remembered that when you guys released your new CD, I was at the Daisy mart and I was about to get it but I was too late, I was sad and I had a friend who had a pen and I took a hit and I wasn't so sad anymore, I guess that's when the smoking started."

Aaron can't help but feel bad for him, he placed his hands on Tyler's and smiled, "you know what? How about we have our own concert?"

"What do you mean?" Tyler looked confused.

"You got your CD player right?" Aaron asked, Tyler nodded and gave him it, he unplugged it and turned up the music and placing it on the cold bench.

"Come on!" Aaron Z said while grabbing Tyler by his hand getting him up.

The instrumental of "Nobody Like U" started playing, Aaron was dancing, putting on a personal private performance just for Tyler,

"I've never met nobody like you, had friends and I've had buddies, it's true. But they don't turn my tummy the way you do." Aaron sang while pointing at Tyler making him blush.

"Come on it's your turn now." Aaron told me but I'm so bad at singing but I don't wanna ruin a chance like this.

"I'm never not by your side, your side, your side. Never gonna let you cry, oh cry, don't cry" I sang while trying my best but I can't help the fact that my voice was cracking from how nervous I was but even though Aaron smiled at me, his smile makes me feel okay.

"Okay now both of us" Aaron said while trying to guide me through his dance moves, it was like we were a couple dancing at a ball for rich people. The sunset lighting up Aaron's handsome face, I can't help but smile.

" I'll never not be your ride or die, alright." The two young boys were smiling as they sang together, it felt so right. Tyler wanted this moment to last forever.

They were both having fun while singing along to the lyrics while dancing together, this was better than any concert.

I was laughing and dancing until I took a wrong step and realized I was gonna fall, I felt myself lose balance but I felt a strong pair of arms around my waist, I was pulled towards Aaron. Our faces meters apart, our hot breathes on each other's faces. My face painted with a dark red while the sunset highlighted both of our faces. We leaned in closer, closing in the distance between us. The feeling of Aaron's lips makes me crazy as I melted into his arms. After a minute we separated trying to catch our breaths, I didn't even realized that the CD stopped.

I smiled, "maybe I should try being clumsy more often?"

Aaron chuckled, "I'll always catch you." Smiling at Tyler with nothing but admiration. Tyler couldn't help but smile, I grabbed my CD player and we both left the bench hand in hand.

-

(AUG 3, 2024)