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Chapter Text

Sunday, October 22nd

“Okay guys-I just barely remembered about Spirit week-so we need to talk costumes.” Spoon excitedly said to his friends.

They were in Mickey’s basement, with Mickey laying on his bed and Ema sprawled out on the floor with her head in Rachel’s lap. Rachel ran her fingers gently through Ema’s dark hair.

Spoon clapped his hands together to get their attention. Everyone’s heads snapped up to him.

“Okay, okay. What about it.” Mickey said, sitting up to face Spoon. Spoon appreciated him putting down the comic Spoon gave him to listen. It gave him little butterflies. But he quickly brushed it off in favour of discussing his Homecoming week plan. 

“Okay, so. Monday is tomorrow, and I have no one to do Rhyme without reason with! Oh wait, I have 3 wonderful friends who will be more than willing to do it with me, right?” Spoon said with a pleading puppy’s face.

Ema groaned and sat up. “Fine. What do you want us to do?”

Even with how annoyed Ema wanted to come off as she felt happy that she was being included. It was nice to have a real friend group for once. 

Spoon perked up and clapped his hands together. “Great! So, I was thinking maybe we could do Nerdy, flirty, dirty and Jersey? How does that sound to you guys?”

Rachel scrunched her nose. “Nerdy, flirty, dirty and…jersey? I don’t know Spoon, the last one doesn’t even rhyme that -besides, I know I’m going to have to be flirty.”

Spoon clutches his chest, offended. “Ugh-who’s to say I wasn’t going to be flirty! I can wear a red dress, some red lipstick and bam! I’m the flirtiest guy you’ve ever seen!” The whole group burst out laughing.

“Okay, okay, I looked up some ideas, how about, if you’re okay with another suggestion, Fairy, Cherry and dairy?”

Mickey said giving Spoon hopeful smile.”

Spoon purses his lips together in thought. “Hmm…fine. But who would be who-and also what would the last one be?”

“Oh! I wanna be fairy!” Rachel calls out.

Ema puts her arm around her girlfriend.

“I’ll be Cherry then.” She said leaning her head on Rachel’s shoulder.

“Okay…but why dairy? The other two are kind of just, self explanatory. Would I be dressing as a cow?”

Spoon paced around the room.

“Also, what are you going to be Mickey?”

He thought for a moment more, before he started calling out rhymes.

“Scary? Merry! No, there’s already too many Christmas songs playing on the radio right now. Terry, Larry, Hairy?”

Mickey laughed. “Hairy? What the hell would I be-a werewolf?” The whole group laughed.

“Okay, so maybe just be scary. Then you can just like wear a ghost face shirt or something.” Spoon said walking over to the bed to sit next to his boyfriend.

“Okay, that sounds cool. Now that we have that solved..” Mickey said before he leaned over to scoop Spoon into his arms.

“Hmm no, Mickey my dear, we still have to plan for the last 4 days.” Spoon said giving Mickey a smile.

Mickey groaned. So did Ema.

“Oh my god, what else are you making us dress up for? Dude-you know that I never do this.” Ema said folding her arms. Rachel put her arm around Ema, pulling her close.

“Oh, come on Ema! It’ll be fun! Besides, I actually have friends now who don’t think dressing up is totally lame.” Rachel says with a bit of sadness at the end, seemingly reminding herself of something.

Spoon nodded. “See! This is important. You two have to just suck it up because you love us!” Spoon says, pointing at Ema and Mickey.

Mickey waves his hands up. “Okay wait-what did I do? I already agreed to dress up!” Mickey says, looking at Spoon with a smile of disbelief.

“Sure, but you groaned!” Spoon said pointing at him.

“I did not groan-“

“Yes you did!”

“No, no I did not-“

“Oh my god, shut up!!” Ema says, finally getting the two boys to quiet.

“Okay..” Rachel starts. “So, Spoon. What are your ideas for the other days of homecoming. I know Tuesday is movie character day because Troy and I had been planning to be Troy and Gabriella for Halloween and movie day. But that’s out the window now, so what should we all do together? You know, as the fruity four we are.”

“Okay, I am never going to stop calling us that. From here forward, we are now pronounced the Fruity Four!” Spoon announces to the group, causing them all to laugh.

“Okay, okay. So what are we gonna be for movie day?” Mickey says smiling at Spoon. Mickey didn’t show it off, but he was also secretly excited to be dressing up with his friends. Since he was constantly moving he never felt the need to participate in any homecoming week festivities. And he was also more than willing to participate when it meant bringing that beaming smile to Spoon’s face. 

“Well…the Scooby gang. And don’t even ask me who’s who because that’s very obvious in itself.”

Ema and Mickey look at each other in confusion. “What?” Ema says.

“I’m Daphne, Mickey’s Fred, your Velma and Spoon is Shaggy!” Rachel says smiling at Ema.

Ema’s frown stays. “I’m Velma? Seriously? I’d rather be shaggy.”

“What! What’s wrong with Velma!” Spoon says offended.

“I, for one, would be honoured to be Velma.” Spoon says putting his hands on his hips.

Ema scoffs. “Fine, then you be Velma!”

Spoon rolls his eyes.

“Ugh-no! That’ll mess up the queer coding I’m going for in the group!”

“Wait-what?” Mickey says, confused. 

“I mean, it’s basically confirmed Velma is a lesbian. And Shaggy is def a weird stoner gay, and Daphne and Fred are your stereotypical pretty Bi people. I think that matches us pretty well, don’t ya think?” Spoon says, proud of his statement.

Rachel nods, she turns to Ema.

“Yeah, don’t ya think?” Rachel says, knowing Ema can’t say no to her smile.

“Ugh-fine! Whatever! What are the next days.” She says defeated.

Spoon punches the air dramatically to showcase his win. Mickey playfully rolls his eyes.

“Okay, then we have pajama day-which is not hard at all, so I don’t think we need to discuss anything there. Then Thursday has no theme because we’re just having games the whole day, and Friday is of course School Spirit day so you have to wear green and gold or just green and yellow-I don’t care about that day as much, it’s a half day anyway. I’m mainly focusing on the first two days cuz those are the most exciting. Any questions?”

The group collectively nod their heads and murmur their understandings. Spoon claps his hands together.

“Perfect! My plan is in motion. Operation, “have the best Spirit week” now commences! Or how ever you would say that.”

Chapter Text

Monday, October 23rd

Ema lent Mickey her old Ghost face tee from her “Scream is the best horror franchise” faze. (But Spoon is sure she never got out of it.) Mickey showed up to school looking relatively normal, just wearing a horror shirt. He met Ema by the front of the school, where Spoon had texted to wait for him and Rachel to arrive.

Spoon has woken up early to be picked up by Rachel so they could get ready together. (Rachel was the one who owned the best variety of makeup due to cheer competitions and such.)

Ema stood by Mickey. Her outfit wasn’t extravagant or anything, but she did put an effort. She wore little Cherry skulls as earrings with a matching necklace, and she had a baggy white tee with little cherry’s decorating it, and a black tank top underneath to meet school’s dress code. She wore blood red cargo pants and black combat boots.

She even had a touch of red on her lids,  it was placed on last minute over her normal black eyeliner. She looked like herself, just with a splash of color. Mickey complimented her, happy to see she appreciated it despite trying to act as if it didn’t faze her.

Ema pulled out her phone to text spoon.

-Ema 🖤🎨

Dude

Where are you guys

- 🥄 Spoon 🎭

Almost there

-Ema 🖤🎨

Hurry up

- 🥄 Spoon 🎭

Hold your horses

Ema rolled her eyes and put her phone away. Another five minutes passed before they showed up. Rachel parked her car next to Ema’s bright Lamborghini, and hopped out of her car.

Spoon jumped out of the car as well, they both sported proud smiles. Rachel wore a plain green shirt and a skirt she decorated to look like leaves, with green boots she hot glued white fluff balls onto. The fairy wings on her back were holographic, and hand made. The has little white fluffy balls on the tips to match her shoes. She had added some glittery makeup and then called it complete.

Spoon would argue that he didn’t look nearly as majestic or fabulous as Ema or Rachel, but Mickey begged to differ.

“Wow, you look great Spoon!”

Mickey said, admiring Spoon’s outfit. He wore a white shirt with black spots all over it and white pants with some plain black and white converse. He painted his face and neck white with black blobs to match the shirt. He even “borrowed” a cow bell from the costume room.

“Oh please Mickey, don’t try to flatter me. My outfit is no where near-“ Spoon was interrupted by Mickey shaking him by the shoulders.

“Spoon, you are the cutest cow I have ever seen In my whole life. And I’ve seen cows from all over the world.” Mickey said, sure of his statement.

Spoon never thought that he’d blush at a compliment like that, but coming from Mickey it made him swoon.

The group went inside and headed to the assembly in the gym where they would give prizes to those who dressed up and then a brief pep Talley would take place. Thankfully, the four of them were all in the same year so they got to sit together on the bleachers.

“Well, where haven’t you been?” Spoon said taking his seat. 

“hm..Russia? Yeah no-haven’t been there-“ 

“Yup. And there is definitely a Russian cow prettier than me. So..” 

Mickey glared at Spoon. Spoon just smiled back at the other boy.

“Well, to be fair, I did say “prettier” so, I’m at least acknowledging the fact that I’m pretty!” 

Spoon said throwing up jazz hands. Mickey playfully rolled his eyes and put an arm around his boyfriend. 

“You are very, very pretty.” Mickey whispered in Spoon’s ear, making the pale boy blush. 

 Spoon’s leg bounced uncontrollably, and he chewed on his fingers. He was so excited to dress up with his friends, and now he was here in the gym actually doing that. If he was so excited why was he also so nervous? 

“Alright, anyone who participated in Rhyme without Reason day, please line up next to me where we will vote on winners.”

The vice principle called out.

Ema took Spoon’s hand in hers and led him down the bleachers to stand in front of the school. The group stood on far side by the gym doors while the long line stretched to the other side of the gym.

Only half of the School dressed up, so every person who even participated all got complimentary candy, making the crowd of undressed students groan in disappointment.

When the vice principal came to Spoon at the end of the line and held out the bowl of sweets to him Spoon felt an ache in his heart. Candy . He reached forward and picked out a sweet tart and stuffed it in his pocket.

None of the others seemed to notice how even the sight of Candy seemed to punch him in the gut. But how would they have noticed anyway. There was no way to tell when he was so determined to not let it show.

“Wow, we have a selection to choose from today, don’t we! We’ll pass the mic around and let you all tell us what you are, then we will vote on winners!”

Of course, the Mic had to start on the complete opposite of where our fruity four were, so Spoon anxiously waited for the mic to get to them.

“Prom Queen, pregnant teen…”

“Dad, Chad…”

“Plastic bag, Rebel Flag…”

Then the mic went to Troy and Buck.

“Mobster and Lobster!” Buck yelled into the mic. Troy looked unenthused, while wearing a tracksuit and sunglasses. And Buck was wearing a bright red lobster costume.

“Even I have to admit that’s a good one.”

Spoon says trying to take his mind off of that night by the water.

The tide got to her before I could.

He was anxiously biting his nails again. Ema grabbed the hand that he was chewing on.

“Hey!” Spoon whispers to her. Ema shakes her head.

“Knock it off, you’re killing your cuticles.”

Ema holds his hand firmly in hers. Mickey gives Spoon a concerned look from his side of the line. He mouths “are you okay?” And Spoon only nods.

The mic finally gets to them, and Rachel goes first, taking the liberty to introduce all of their costumes, which Spoon is grateful for.

“Hi guys! I’m Fairy, Mickey’s scary, Ema’s Cherry and Arthur is Dairy!!” She says, and the crowd claps.

The vice principle comes to take the microphone from her and heads over to the staff, where they briefly discuss who the winners should be. The Vice principle then returns to the middle and faces the crowd first.

“Alright Camels! Our winners are…Mobster and Lobster!” He pauses for the crowd cheers and the basketball team’s hollers.

“…and Fairy, Scary, Cherry and Dairy!”

Spoon feels his heart beating fast as the crowd cheers, mainly the theatre kids, the cheerleaders, the basketball boys plus Mickey’s “fans”. Surprisingly, more people cheered for them than than for Buck and Troy.

Buck looked at them with a bitter look.

“ Jeez , they still won. What’s his britches in a bunch about.” Spoon joked. He got the normal, amused reaction a joke would get from a group of friends excited about their win.

What if she’s all alone out there?

…

Buck threw off his Lobster costume and shoved it into his car. It was the end of the day, and he was thankful for it. That costume was sweaty.

He sat behind the wheel of his car for maybe 3 minutes zoning out, when he heard some familiar voices.

Ema, Rachel, Mickey and Arthur were huddled by Rachel and Ema’s vehicles.

Buck observed them. He noticed that Arthur reached out to touch Mickey a lot.

Sus.

Buck thought to himself. After a moment of watching the group laugh, a girl approached Bucks car, lightly knocking on the window.

Buck rolled it down, with an annoyed face.

“What, I’m about to go home.” He lied.

“Oh-sorry! I just-you play basketball with Mickey, right? So, I was wondering if you maybe knew if Mickey was single?” The girl fiddled with her hair in an anxious manner.

Buck sighed. “Don’t know, don’t care.” He looked past her and noticed how Bolitar’s arm was now wrapped around Arthur’s waist.

“But I can definitely tell ya he’s got something going on between one his little friends over there.” Buck said bitterly.

The girl turned around to see what Buck was looking at. She saw the group, and her eyes lit up. “Oh my gosh! Do you mean Him and Rachel?” She said, her interest peaked.

“Uhh…” Buck looked at her a bit confused, but didn’t say anything.

The girl took his silence as confirmation.

“Oh my gosh! That’s actually so cute! I totally support-omg I have to tell Kaitlyn there’s a new power couple!!”

The girl walks away with her phone out, supposedly texting her friend about her new “discovery”.

Buck made no move to stop her, or to tell her not to say anything. He just sat back in his chair and closed his eyes, and dreaded the fact that he had to go to practice with 3 out of 4 of the people he disliked everyday.

He got out of his car and jogged up the steps to go to the auditorium. He heard Ema and Arthur chattering behind him, and he rolled his eyes. He rounded the corner and entered the auditorium.

He ran through a couple songs with Ema and Arthur before he had to go to practice. Before he left he noticed two girls talking to Arthur and Ema. They looked agitated and the girls looked defiant. The two girls quickly left, and headed straight for Buck.

“Oh my gosh. Buck! So like, Arthur and Ema won’t tell us the tea on who Bolitar’s dating. So, we wanted to hear from you-you’re actually friends with Mickey Bolitar, right?” The brunette girl says hopeful.

“Yeah, those two freaks act as if they actually know Mickey.” The blonde rolls her eyes. “There’s no way he’s  friends with them.” The blonde girl says laughing at the end.

Buck quirked a brow. “Yeah…yeah no, I’m great friends with Bolitar. And actually..”

Buck looks up to see a frustrated Spoon glaring at him from across the auditorium. Buck smirked at him and told the girls while looking at Spoon.

“…he’s really going out with Rachel. Our captains Ex-girlfriend.” Buck turns around waltz’s out of the auditorium.

He feels heated-getting a rush from the drama he knows he’s going to cause. He’s still not over his best friend sleeping with his sister. And he hates how Mickey just came in and somehow beat him and Troy and all of a sudden he was being called the MVP of the team when he’s only been here for 2 months and now he’s magically the star player.

He hates Spoon-he’s always hated Spoon and his big mouth and how no matter how hard he tries Spoon snaps back. And he hates Ema, he hates her for taking back the name he gave her because now he can’t use it to hurt her anymore. And he hates Rachel-for no real reason actually-just like how he hates everyone because none of them know him and none of them care unless he’s giving them beer at a party or he makes the shot in a game.

So who cares if he knows what he’s doing. Who cares if he knows that by creating this rumor he’s going to make Troy mad at Mickey and Rachel. And who cares if he wants to make Spoon and Mickey and Rachel and Ema mad at him. And who cares that when the truth comes out people are going to be mad at him for lying about it. Who cares. Buck doesn’t. He doesn’t care. Not at all.

Chapter Text

(Still) Monday, October 23rd

The Fruity four made a trip to one of the local thrift stores to purchase what ever items could help them look like they were from the 70’s and also apart of the Scooby Gang.

Mickey said he already had a plain white sweater laying around his house and a blue button up, he was just looking for an orange scarf to use as his ascot.

Ema said she’d just wear her black skirt and brown tights with her black loafers and call it good with her old orange pumpkin tee. But Spoon insisted on letting her borrow his orange turtle neck, and his persistence was not to be messed with. He got his way. But not without Ema’s groaning about it, of course.

Rachel had a purple slip lying around along with a a short, light purple cardigan she’d wear over the top to appease the dress code. All she needed was some pink tights and a green ascot, but she if she happened to find one, a green headband would go great with the costume too.

Spoon already had everything he needed to be shaggy, being a boy who mainly wore earthy colours very much aided him in that.

“Oh my gosh guys-this is all coming together! Ema’s going to be such a hot, goth Velma. And Rachel! You’re going to be like the Sarah Michelle Gellar of the live action Scooby movies-she was such a badass!” Spoon said enthusiastically while he searched through the many racks in the thrift.

Rachel laughs as she does the same as him. “Thank you, Spoon. I think you will totally kill the shaggy look.”

Spoon smiles at her and continues looking through the store for anything the others need. Mickey runs up to him with something behind his back.

“Spoon! Oh my god, I don’t know what I’m going do-I can’t find any orange scarfs or bandanas or anything.” Mickey says, frustrated. Spoon gives him a sympathetic look.

“Hey, don’t give up Micholas! I’ll help you look for that!” Spoon then walks past Mickey, heading straight towards the sock bins.

Spoon rummages through the matching socks first, once he sees no viable options there, he moves onto the mismatched bin.

“Aha! Mickey, I’ve found yours and Rachel’s ascots.” Spoon turns around and holds up two, very long socks.

“…I’m going to be wearing a sock around my neck? Dude-seriously?”

Mickey says walking forward and taking the orange sock.

“Rachel, Ema! Come ‘ere!” Spoon called out, disrupting the elderly people trying to peacefully thrift.

Ema and Rachel appeared by their sides a couple seconds later. “What, Spoon.” Ema said plainly.

Spoon held up the bright green sock in front of Rachel and Ema’s faces. They both cringed, but Rachel took it.

“Okay…who in their right mind was walking around in a bright green thigh high sock?”

“Literally. I mean-what compels a person to do that?” Ema shuttered at the thought of a sane person willingly putting that on.

“Well, now you’re going to be walking around with a bright green thigh high sock. Around your neck. Who’s the crazy one now?” Spoon said, pleased with his joke.

The other three gave him unamused looks. Spoon nodded in defeat and took the socks from his friends.

“Oh! I also found these kind of magenta tights and this really cute green scarf!”

Rachel held up the scarf to her head. Ema smiled at her.

“It’s gonna look great on you.” Ema said, with heart eyes.

Spoon took the tights and the scarf and went to the cashier to pay. The old woman at the register gave him a look, a look that told Spoon he wasn’t going to be thought of very fondly by the old women from then on. But Spoon shrugged it off. Who cares what she thinks of him anyway.

Spoon hands Rachel her scarf, tights and sock before walking out of the door with his friends behind him. Ema’s walks faster to catch up to his side.

“Hey, what do you think Buck told those girls in the auditorium. They obviously didn’t wanna hear anything we had to say.” Ema says with an eye roll.

Spoon pursed his lips together. “I think he just told them what everyone else is already thinking.” He said, sounding almost sullen. He looked behind him, where Mickey and Rachel were laughing, with Rachel holding up her sock to her neck.

Ema looked back too, but knew what Spoon was really seeing. What the school see’s. The basketball player and the cheerleader. The boy and the girl.

Not the basketball player and the theater kid.

“Hey, if it helps any I know exactly how you feel. Nobody would ever think that Rachel would want to date me, of all people-“

“Hey. Don’t do that to yourself. Don’t put anyone else above you-you are so amazing Ema. And Rachel’s lucky to be your girlfriend.” Spoon said sternly. He looked ahead and clenched his jaw.

“It doesn’t matter if, the whole school wants to say it could never happen-because it did. It’s happening. You two are together and no one can change that.”

Spoon said, aware that he was also talking to himself in a way.

Ema nodded. “Yeah-I mean-yeah. You’re right, Spoon. You are so correct, in fact, I think you should really take your own advice.” She simpered.

Spoon looked ahead, his mouth twisted.

“Yeah…yeah I-I know. No, I will. Mickey!”

Mickey’s ears perked up at the sound of his name being called. He and Rachel jogged a little to catch up with Ema and Spoon who were already at the car.

“Yeah? What is it.” Mickey said gently touching Spoon’s arm. Spoon smiled. His heart swelled. He had a shy smile while he looked down at his boyfriend.

“Aw, you came running for me Mickey? We just needed the keys for the car.” Spoon laughed.

“No, I’m kidding I’m not driving this expensive ass vehicle. I wanted to ask you something. Or, tell you maybe? I don’t know let’s get in the car.” Spoon walked around to the other side and waited by the right back door. Rachel unlocked her car with a beep and everyone piled in, Ema taking shotgun and and Mickey piled in the back with Spoon.

Rachel started up the car and pulled out of the parking lot, careful to not hit any of the old people and the children.

“Okay, so what do you want to ask-or say.” Mickey said scooting Closer to the taller boy.

“Well, Mickey. I’m not sure if you or Rachel ,” Spoon says her name louder to get her attention to the conversation.

“know about the rumor going around. Apparently, you two are in love and dating and going to the dance together.” Spoon says wiping his hands on his knees with a smile. It wasn’t a happy smile, of course. He was actually sort of…mad.

Mickey and Rachel burst out laughing. Rachel has to refrain from slapping her knee so as to not crash the car.

“Oh-oh damn.” Mickey said coming down from his fit of giggles.

Spoon raised both of his brows. “Oh damn??” That’s all he says? Spoon  gives Mickey a clearly unimpressed look. Once Rachel stops laughing she sees Ema is looking at her with a frown.

“Oh, sorry guys. I thought-“ Rachel momentarily stopped her sentence in favor of slowing down for the red light.

The sat there for a minute in silence. Ema looked straight ahead-an anxious look on he face. Spoon had turned to face the window and focus on his breathing.

Okay, okay. Calm yourself. There’s no need to get all bristly, they didn’t mean any harm by it. Ema’s right. Take your own damn advice. Mickey wouldn’t have asked you to be his boyfriend if he didn’t feel anything for you. Right? Right. No quest mark needed. Mickey would never do anything like that. Breathe.

Once it turned green and they pulled forward again Mickey cleared his throat.

“H-Hey, Spoon?” He reached forward and softly touched the pale hand that was gripping the leather seat. Spoon turned to look at the concerned boy next to him.

“Hey, I didn’t mean to come off as rude-or like I didn’t care about the rumors or anything. I just-I thought it was funny, that’s all.” Mickey took Spoon’s hand in his. Spoon looked at the space between them.

“Spoon, I-“

“No, Mickey. It’s okay. You just thought it was funny. I-I did too actually. So let’s uh-let’s just carry on and play into the joke, yeah?” Spoon said with a false smile.

Mickey raised his brow the sudden change. The energy was still there but Spoon was masking it by smiling and saying it was fine. He clearly wasn’t.

Maybe he just doesn’t want to talk about it right now…

“O-okay. So like, we should mess with everyone?” Rachel said unsure as she sat behind the wheel. Ema nodded, a mischievous spark in her eyes.

“Yeah! Let’s mess with those fuckers shipping real people-just so we can see all of their faces at the dance.” Ema smiled, already imagining the shock.

The three laughed, and Spoon began laughing after a moment. It was hard to not laugh at the idea of the whole school in shock over two couples dancing.

…

Tuesday, October 24th

It was one of the rare days that Spoon wore pants that weren’t a size too big on him. He wore a pair of brown, corduroy, bootcut pants. He had bought them last year, but never wore them because it made him self conscious with the way they hugged his waist to his knees.

Maybe Mickey will like it…Spoon’s mind thought-but he quickly brushed off the thought of Mickey even liking how the fabric hugged certain parts of him. 

He pulled on a loose green shirt with little dark green leaves on it. And of course he had to put on a brown cardigan over that, he wouldn’t be Spoon without his cardigans and corduroy. Once he lugged on his backpack and grabbed an apple from the table he was out the door, headed straight to Mickey’s house.

After 15 minutes of listening to the playlist Mickey and him would add songs to, he was finally at the door of the Bolitar residence. He pressed pause on “ 🐻 M + S 🥄 ” and knocked on the door.

There was a clatter of dishes and he heard loud shuffling coming from the inside. After a moment of loud noises the door opened.

“Spoon!” Mickey said with an Eggo in his mouth. Spoon cringed with a smile.

“Oh, goodness Mickey. Please, keep the food in your mouth or on a plate.”

Mickey giggles and finishes eating the waffle. His “ascot” was askew and crumpled.

“Here.” Spoon said before stepping forward and undoing Mickey’s sock.

He smoothed the material before carefully placing it under the blue collar and properly tying it like an ascot. Spoon spent a moment longer getting the placement right before stepping away, admiring his work.

Spoon looked at the other boy like a God was standing in front of him dressed as Fred from Scooby Doo. Spoon couldn’t help gush. Mickey’s face held a bashful smile as he tried to hide from the bright gaze Spoon cast on him.

“Okay-okay! Let’s get to school now.” Mickey said hooking his arm around the taller boy’s waist.

…

Today, the assembly was later in the afternoon. So it was a long day to be filled with stares and whispers as the group walked down the hall.

Just before the assembly, a group of girls passed by and one said “I love the couples costumes guys!” While the rest giggled.

Mickey rolled his eyes and pulled Spoon closer to him. Spoon blushed, seeing how agitated it had also made Mickey. It eased his nerves a bit to know he wasn’t the only one.

Once everyone was called to the gym, the group chose an open spot where all the other juniors sat by the stairs.

“Oh my gosh-guys! Everyone here is either dressing up as single costumes or as duos! We’re so-totally gonna win!”

Rachel said excitedly. Spoon nodded, observing the competition. “Agreed. It looks like only a couple of people planned ahead-like, before us. Like that freshman over there. That is an amazing Clawdeen Wolf costume.” Spoon said shaking his head.

Ema turned her head to Spoon, with confusion. “Wait-you know
Monster High?”

“Yes. Of course I’ve seen monster high-what so you take me for, an uncultured Swine?!” Spoon said, offended.

Ema rolled her eyes. Rachel perked up.

“Wait-so which ghoul was your favorite? I loved Clawdeen and Cleo.” Rachel said resting her face in her palm.

Spoon scrunched his brows in thought.

“That’s actually hard to say. But, I think if I had to choose…Ghoulia. She’s so tech-savvy a literal genius. And also, you like never know what she’s talking about and her posture sucks. I think I modeled myself after her.” Everyone giggled.

“Oh my god, I love that. Thankfully I didn’t model myself after Cleo-or else things would be way different.” Rachel said shaking her head.

“Alright, alright students. Just like yesterday, we would like those who dressed up to come up to the front and make an orderly line.” The Principal said into the Mic.

More than half of the students got down from the bleachers this time. “It seems chocolate is a key motivator when it comes to getting hormonal teens to dress up.” Spoon remarked as they made their way down to join the line.

They lined up on the far end of the line again, this time next to a couple of giggling freshman poorly dressed as Mario and princess peach.

While the other kids from the opposite end of the line told what they were dressed as and were handed a piece of candy, Spoon leaned over Mickey and whispered to Ema. “Hey-who was your favorite ghoul?”

She turned to face him with a confused look. “What?”

The students began naming off their costumes.

“I-I’m Marty McFly.”

“Who was you’re favorite monster high character Ema!” Spoon whispered louder at her. Micky laughed, but once Ema shot him a deadly look he covered his mouth to stifle his giggles.

“Hi, I’m Amy, I’m Alice in Wonderland.”

Ema rolled her eyes folded her arms. “I don’t know! All of them I guess.”

“Hey dudes, I’m the joker or whatever.”

“Oh, come on! You had to have at least a couple favorites!” Spoon poking her arm. She swatted his hand away from the orange turtle neck and groaned.

“No.”

“Uh-I’m Woody.”

“Let me guess-“

“No!”

“Uh-I’m Barbie.”

“Was it Frankie?”

“Shut up the mic is almost to us-“

“No! It was Twyla, wasn’t it!” Spoon said shaking her arm. She rolled her eyes and shrugged, hiding her smile.

Spoon’s eyes widened. “Oh. My. God-it was! I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!” Spoon said in victory.

Ema rolled her eyes and punched him in the arm. Princess Peach and Mario introduced themselves and finally it was time for Rachel to introduce them.

“Hey guys! I’m Daphne, Ema is Velma, Mickey’s Fred and Sp-Arthur is Shaggy! And together, we are Mystery Inc!!” The crowd cheered and the fruity four took their pieces of candy from the bowl.

The vice principal went off to ask the faculty who they thought should win.

It seemed that since most of the faculty had already seen the students that morning, most of them already had an idea of who should win. The vice principal came back and spoke into the microphone.

“Alright! The winner for the 9th grade class is Clawdeen Wolf!” He paused for the applause.

“And next Sophomores, your class’s winner is Alice in Wonderland!” Another pause for applause.

“And for the 11th grade class, your winners are…Mystery Inc.!” The theater kids went wild and so did the cheerleaders and Mickey’s “fans”.

“The Senior class winner is Marty McFly and the Corpse Bride!” The crowd cheered and clapped.

“Yes! Spoon, your idea was too good to not win!” Mickey said hugging Spoon. Spoon playfully rolled his eyes.

“Oh please, Mickey. Enough of the flattery. Our costumes could just be normal outfits if nobody knew who the Mystery gang was.” Spoon said pulling away with a smile.

“But yes, I will take the credit since I’m the one who made you guys dress up.” Ema rolled her eyes and led them back to their seats on the bleachers.

…

The rest of the day was (as expected) filled with “cute couple costumes” comments and “omg you and Rachel are so cute.” As they passed other students in the hall. Someone even came up to Mickey at lunch while the fruity four sat at their table and asked “Hey, do you have a date to the dance yet?”

The dark haired girl twirled her hair. Mickey looked back at his friends and his boyfriend.

“Uh…I-I mean yeah? I haven’t like formally asked or anything-“ the girl interrupted Mickey’s answer.

“Oh my gosh! So it’s true-you and Rachel are going together?” The girl said with excitement .

“Uh well-“ Mickey was interrupted again but by the girl squealing and basically running away.

Mickey rolled his eyes and turned back to his friends. “People believe want they want to I guess.” Mickey said, annoyance clear in his voice.

Spoon frowned as he took a bite out of his sandwich. He was trying his best not to let it bother him. But there was still so many things on his mind.

The Play. Am I good enough to really be in it? Yeah no-of course I am. I wouldn’t have gotten casted if I wasn’t, and besides, I have the drive.!

Will Buck flake out? No, no he’s too self absorbed to miss out on another opportunity to be cheered on.

What did Buck really say to those girls-is that why everyone thinks Mickey and Rachel are together now?

Ew, Is Ema’s mom going to make us kiss Buck? No, no, Ema already complained to her about that-we should be fine.

When is Mickey going to actually ask me to the dance? I mean-I know we’re together now but I still want to be asked to it in like-a really cute way. I’ve never been asked to a dance before…

“Hey, Spoon.” Mickey said shaking Arthur from his thoughts. Spoon looked over at Mickey.

“Hey um, we-we haven’t really talked about the dance-I mean I know we’re going-but like…” Mickey straws off in thought. After a moment of not finishing Spoon figured it was safe to assume Mickey hadn’t thought of how to continue. Or how to finish what he was trying to say.

“Well…you haven’t asked me to the dance yet.” Spoon said turning away taking another bite of his sandwich.

“Oh-well I thought-I thought we were just going together…because we are-we’re together..?” Mickey said, his confusion increasing with the glare Ema shot him from across the table.

Rachel rolled her eyes. “Oh my gosh, Mickey. Seriously? You need to give Spoon like-an official Proposal. Just because you’re together doesn’t mean that he has to go with you. I mean-that would be kind of weird if he didn’t-but still.” Rachel said giving him a certain look.

“Oh…I thought like, “Proposals” were for Prom…” Mickey said feeling very unaware of high school culture all of a sudden.

Ema let her head fall to the lunch table, dramatically. “Mickey, seriously? I mean come’ on-“

“No, no, guys-it’s okay, I can’t just expect him to know if I don’t tell him…right?” He said feeling slightly guilty.

Ema let out a huff and folded her arms.

Rachel smiled in defeat and let Spoon take over. Spoon turned his body to fully face Mickey.

“Yes, Mickey. It is correct that dance “Proposals” are for prom, but it also nice to make a shitty poster with a candy bar taped to it to ask someone formally the Homecoming dance. And I know that might seem stupid-because it is-but I want you to do that because I’ve never gotten asked to a dance before and being asked in that cheesy sort of way is something I’ve dreamt of since the 6th grade.”

Spoon said, letting his words spill out. He sat and stared at his mostly eaten sandwich while he waited for a response.

“Oh…” Mickey said, finally understanding. He scooted closer to Spoon. “Well, as you wish. I want to make your shitty homecoming poster dreams come true.” Mickey said with a smile as he reached forward to put his hand on Spoon’s.

Spoon blushed at his reference to the Princess bride, but also at how Mickey didn’t even think twice at putting his hand in his in the edge of the crowded cafeteria. He smiled back, an held a cheeky nod to show just how happy it made him.

…

Buck stared at the most obvious couple at Kasselton. Mickey reached over and placed his hand on Arthur’s with hearts in his eyes.

They’re all idiots-everyone here-fucking idiots. They’ll just believe any rumor won’t they?

Buck continued to eye the couple while he tore off a bite of his sandwich. Buck watched Mickey run his thumb over the soft skin while he looked into Arthur’s green eyes.

Buck felt his stomach twist and turn as he clenched his teeth at the sight. He’s had to peer into those eyes before, that just happens when you’re playing Christine and Arthur happens to be playing Raul.

It’s not his fault when his eyes linger for too long-that’s just apart of acting like you’re in love with the kid you’ve bullied for several years.

But right now…he burning. His cheeks flushed. But with anger. He’s angry. At what? That doesn’t matter. But he’s mad and he knows it. Does he want to figure out why? No! He’s a guy not a therapist. He doesn’t need to understand the underlying feelings making him mad.

Because he doesn’t care. Not at all.

…

Bonus

God Spoon amazing in those pants-I need to get him to wear them more often. 

Mickey thought as he watched Spoon walk in front of him to class. Mickey blushed at the thought of Spoon wearing those pants just for him-but brushed it off quickly once other thoughts threaten to rise. 

Chapter Text

Wednesday, October 25th

The day went by fast, pajama day was very uneventful besides the comments about the speculations on their romantic lives that seemed to be becoming the usual.

They went about their day in their pj’s, not having a care for the most part. They didn’t really try today, I mean who would. It was pajama day after all.

When it got around time for practice, the group split up, Rachel went with Mickey to the gym and Ema with Spoon to the auditorium.

Ema ran a couple songs with Buck, phantom of the opera, point of no return, then Spoon stepped up to sing his duet with Buck.

Spoon had already memorized his marks on the stage, even though he was one of the main cast he still felt that was just support for Ema and Buck. He didn’t mind it all that much, supporting his friends was one of his favorite things to do. Supporting an asshole on the other hand…that was not one of his favorite things to do.

He walked up to his starting mark behind Buck, and once the music started he waited for his cue. He sang, and he walked to turn Buck to face him like they would when the curtain was up.

Buck turned to face him, and they acted out the part while they sang. Spoon felt himself blushing as he sang the lyrics, knowing his feelings for Mickey were  coming through the song with the emotion he delivered.

“Let me be your freedom, Let daylight dry your tears. I'm here, with you, beside you. To guard you and to guide you”

The music was building, and they started to sing louder, preparing for the mark where the big kiss was meant to happen. They got closer, and closer. Buck gripped Spoon’s shoulders and Spoon mirrored this, he could feel him self getting into the part now that Buck was actively playing his own role.

It filled Spoon with a sense of pride at how well he was performing, he felt that this was his best performance in the whole time he’s been practicing. The music boomed and the two leaned forward.

Spoon, surprised, stopped his movement immediately. Buck did as well, halting himself just inches away from the other boy’s face. Both hearts were pounding in their ears, deafening the applause they got from crew and cast, and Angelica Wyatt herself.

Spoon turned away to look at the left stage wing. His eyes met Ema’s, her face equally as mortified as his. Ms. Wyatt jumped onto the stage, still clapping with a beaming smile on her face.

“Bravo, bravo! That was so well done boys! I could feel the passion, I could feel the love! My goodness, if I didn’t know any better I would’ve thought you two were together.” Ms. Wyatt said with a laugh at the end.

Both boys turned bright red. Both with embarrassment, but one felt more embarrassed than the other.

Buck rolled his eyes and folded his arms. His face contorting with his increasingly obvious embarrassment

“W-whatever. We’re just doing what we’re here to do. Which is act. We’re acting. Noting was real-I-I could never date him.”

Spoon nodded along until the last part.

“Well now, don’t be so sure Bucky boy. I’m a charmer.” Spoon said with a wink, amused by the look on Buck’s face. But even with his own remark, Spoon could still feel his heart pounding.

Once Ema got her legs to work she walked out onto the stage and grabbed Spoon’s arm, yanking him to the left wing offstage.

“What the hell was that?” Ema said, looking equally confused and almost upset.

“W-whatever do you mean, Ema dearest.”

Spoon said, fiddling with the bottom of his cardigan. “We were just doing what we’re meant to do. Christine and Raul, they are in love yes? Yes, they are and I think I played that very well. Might even be my best performance yet.” Spoon said, undoubtedly proud of himself while also feeling his nerves wracking through his body.

Ema gave him a look, one that said she wanted a different answer. “Spoon…you almost kissed him.” She folded her arms and looked around, Buck was already off the stage and heading to his Basketball practice.

Spoon adjusted his glasses and laughed nervously. “N-no, no. I was giving a beautiful performance-and he decided to lean in. Besides…that’s what we’re meant to actually do in the play anyway. But-But! I don’t think he meant to either-did you see how mad he was after?”

Ema rolled her eyes. “So you admit it-you didn’t mean to lean in but you did?”

Spoon paused for a moment, realizing what he said. Spoon straightened his shoulders. “Well…yes, yes I did. But I don’t know what to think about it Ema. Trust me-I do not like Buck, in any way, at all. I lo-I like Mickey. A lot. All I can really say is that I got caught up in the moment. Oh Jesus-that’s what every cheater says-oh my god, Ema-Ema please tell me I am not evil-you know I would never do that to Mickey!” Spoon said, beginning to spiral.

“No-no, Spoon! You’re not a cheater, I know you would never do anything like that-it just sort of freaked me out that you two almost did kiss-and I know that’s not cheating because it’s a fucking musical and you’re supposed to kiss but I don’t know! I don’t know! Im sorry I brought it up.”

Ema leaned forward and pulled Spoon down for a hug. Spoon gladly wrapped his arms around her.

“Please just tell me I did a good job.” Spoon said, a pleading sound in his voice.

Ema nodded into his shoulder. “You did a great job, Spoon. I think that was your best performance yet.” Spoon smiled and pulled away.

“You really think so? I do too, because the whole time singing all I could think about was Mickey’s pretty eyes and how I’m going to look at him in the crowd on opening night while singing those lyrics.” Spoon said with hearts in his eyes.

Ema smiled at him. “Of course that’s what you were doing.” She said with an eye roll.

Spoon gave her a mischievous smile before saying, “yeah, and when you’re singing music of the night make sure give Rachel those eyes so she knows you want to make the music-ow!” Ema punched him in the arm before he could finish. Her face was bright red.

…

Mickey led the drills and called out the shots when it came to practice. In the game, that was usually Troy’s job. 

But lately, Troy was letting Mickey take the reins. Troy was slowly giving up on basketball, on his school work, on his social life…ever since his parents put the divorce in motion he’s felt off.

Buck had joined them a little over an hour ago, he was in a sour mood, throwing extra hard passes and fouling more often than usual.

Mickey shrugged it off, and Troy didn’t engage. They just continued the practice as usual, preparing for the homecoming game that Saturday.

Rachel had been practicing with the cheer girls in the gym since Monday to get ready for the pep rally tomorrow and Friday, but also for cheering the whole game Saturday.

They had a new dance for halftime to prepare for, and there was a a stunt in the middle. Rachel needed the girls to nail it so no one got hurt.

Theater rehearsal was over, and Spoon and Ema made the trek to the gym so they could watch their significant other’s practice.

Spoon gladly swooned while he rested his chin is his palm. And Ema did not mind at all being able to watch her girlfriend do flips and twirls. Practice was over soon enough though, finally freeing the fruity four from school.

…

Thursday, October 26th

There was no dress up today, Thursday was mainly for games. Ema never participated in the games, she never cared to. Rachel was a Cheer captain, so her cheer girls always dragged her to play, Spoon and…an old friend he used to have…never participated in favor of trading Pokémon cards with other geeks on top of the bleachers in middle school.

And Mickey had never stuck around in a school long enough to truly enjoy a homecoming week.

This year, now that the fruity four were together and bonded, they planned to stick together. Rachel hooked arms with Ema and Spoon, and Mickey had his arm around Spoon’s shoulder.

They walked around and did the games together; stacking the red cups, pin the tail on the camel, stacking m&ms, and using chopsticks to move a bag of peanuts to the other plate.

It was a fun day, full of laughs and cheering, Mickey and Spoon being overly competitive with each other, and Rachel making Ema play the games with her.

They almost forgot about the rumors until one of the basketball boys pulled Mickey aside.

“So, man. How did you ask Rachel to the dance? I need tips man, I’m so scared to ask someone.” One of the boys said.

Mickey sighed. “Well, I haven’t asked anyone yet, actually. But! I have a great plan in motion. I’m doing it today-but you can’t tell anyone else!” Mickey said with his hand on the other boy’s arm, his grip tightened to show his seriousness. The other boy nodded and leaned in to hear Mickey’s whisper.

Mickey gave him the best advice he could, considering his limited knowledge on the subject. “Know what the other person likes, weather or not a formal or cute proposal is something they do or do not want. And find out what their favorite candy bar is to add to the already cheesy poster along with picking a nice place to ask them.”

The other boy nodded and eagerly wrote it all down in his notes app. He gave Mickey a quick hug and ran away. Mickey smiled, proud he could help one of his teammates despite his lack of knowledge.

He walked back to his friends and put his arm around Spoon’s shoulder. He checked the time, it was 3:00-he had gotten his aunt to sign him out early so that he could prepare his special date for Spoon.

“Oh-hey guys, it’s time for me to leave now!” He said, taking his arm off his boyfriend and beginning to walk away. Ema and Rachel seemed unfazed by this-but Spoon was confused.

“Wait-where are you going Mickey? School gets out in like, 30 minutes?” Spoon says walking back up to him, putting his hand on the shorter boy’s arm.

Mickey smiled and put his hand over the  pale one softly. “Yeah I know, I’ve just got to get something ready for you.” Mickey said with a wink. Spoon blushed.

“Meet me at the park by that cafe where we had those milkshakes.” Mickey finished before walking away.

Rachel ran up and shook Spoon by the shoulders. “AHH!!! Are you excited!!” She said with a beaming smile.

“Wait-you knew!” Spoon said returning the smile.

Ema scoffed.

“Of course we knew Spoon, who do you think helped him plan it?” Ema said, with a smile of her own.

Spoon smiled and pulled them both in for a hug. After a moment they pulled away and finished their game before going back to the bleachers to grab their bags.

The bell rang and the three followed the flood of students streaming out of the doors, eager to leave school. Rachel felt a buzz in her pocket and she pulled out her phone to check it. Her eyes widened a bit and she put her phone back in her pocket.

“Hey, Spoon. Don’t you still have theater practice today?” Rachel said, turning to him.

“Oh, well, yes I do but I figured I could blow off just one practice to see Mickey.” He said, giddy.

“Besides, Ema said she talked to her mom for me. It’s just one practice, that couldn’t hurt. Right?” Spoon said looking at Ema. The shorter girl nodded, but Rachel pinched her side.

Ema turned to Rachel with a confused and offended face-but then seeing the wide eyes Rachel was giving her, Ema furrowed her brow together.

“But… you have to go to practice now?” Ema told Spoon, simultaneously asking Rachel if that was what she needed her to say.

Rachel nodded and let out a relieved sigh. Spoon furrowed his own brow. “Wait-what? I thought you said you’d talk to her! Ema!” Spoon said disappointed.

Ema put her hands up I defense. “What! Don’t get mad at me-I did! Rachel’s just making me say something else-ow!” Ema winced at the next pinch Rachel gave her arm.

“Ema!” Rachel said with laugh. Spoon rolled his eyes and adjusted his bag as he headed to the auditorium with Ema.

Before they entered Rachel put her hand on Spoon’s shoulder. “Sorry, but you’ll thank me tomorrow for this. See ya!” She then ran to exit the school, even though she had Cheer practice.

Spoon smiled and he entered the auditorium with his arm hooked with Ema’s. Rachel’s mom instructed Buck and Spoon to run some lines together since their success yesterday was promising.

Spoon gave Ema a pleading look, before he walked to the stage with his script in hand he mouthed silently to Ema “help me” and she laughed, pushing him forward.

Spoon stood on the stage next to Buck, who held a stubborn expression. He did not look happy to be running lines. Spoon shrugged and stood next to him anyway. He cleared his throat and flipped to the page they would be rehearsing.

The Scene’s music starts, nearing the end of “Masquerade”. It bellows through the speakers. Buck starts, at first sounding unenthused.

“A secret engagement. Look, your future groom. Just think of it.” Buck glares a bit at Spoon, whispering the last part.

Spoon smiled, and walked closer to him.

“But why must it be a secret? What have we to hide? You promised me.” Spoon whispered the last line and put his hand on Buck’s face like they’ve rehearsed.

Buck quickly removed it from his face and put the lanky hand by his side. But to Spoon’s surprise he doesn’t let go of his hand.

“No, Raul. Please don’t do this.”

Spoon brings the hand that Buck didn’t let go of to his chest, gripping the bigger hand. “Well then let them see. It’s an engagement, not a crime.”

That’s where they were meant to end, but Spoon felt another surge of confidence as he pressed on to sing.

“Christine, what are you afraid of?”

Buck followed his lead without missing a beat. “Let’s not argue.”

“Let’s not argue.”

“Can we pretend?”

“Must we pretend?”

“You will understand in time”

“Will I understand in time?”

Buck and Spoon made their way to center stage and they began dancing the same way they had rehearsed. Buck broke character a bit in favor of looking down at his feet to not miss a step.

Spoon smiled and lifted Buck’s chin, giving him an encouraging nod. Buck flushed, which Spoon took notice to as he lead Buck through the rest of the song.

Once the music ended the cast and crew cheered again. Ms. Wyatt clapped as she approached the two boys. “Well done! My goodness, I was afraid this casting choice was a mistake-but it seems it was a perfect after all!!”

She says excited. It seemed her hope in the play was being restored, with it being only a month away it needed to be moving faster than it was. And It felt like   something was in motion.

Eventually Buck left, and the background dancers practiced and continued to perfect their moves to the various songs through out the play. Ema had been avoiding hair and makeup the entirety of the time they’d been rehearsing since Whitney spilled her secret.

Ema described it as, “Every time I happen to look her way, she’s already staring at me like a kicked puppy. I’m the kicked puppy! She betrayed me-I don’t know why she has the audacity to look at me like I’m being unfair.”

Which, to Spoon, it was completely valid that Ema avoid Whitney given their past-he threatened on multiple occasions to break her nose while Ema said that would’ve been lovely if he wouldn’t be suspended again.

It was about 4:30 when Ema got a text from Rachel.

- 💙 Rachel 🦋

Okay, it’s ready. Send over the Utensil to the Bolitar residence 🫶🏼

Ema smiled at her phone and tapped Spoon’s shoulder. “Hey. Your date awaits. Want me to drive you?”

Spoon’s eyes widened, then he jumped and grabbed Ema by the shoulders shaking her. “AHHH!!! Wait-yes, please! I want to pull up looking majestic coming out of your Lamborghini!!”

Spoon ran and grabbed his bag off of one of the front row seats and ran to the theater exit. Ema quickly informed her mom where they were going and how she would be back to finish rehearsal but Spoon wouldn’t, and then she was out the door.

Ema unlocked the car and Spoon quickly clambered in the passenger seat. Ema started her car, and just before she pulled out of the parking lot she pulled out her phone.

- 🖤 Ema

Cool. The Utinsel is on his way.

…

Mickey smoothed out the picnic blanket that sat unevenly on the grass. Rachel tinkered with the twinkle lights that hung above on the low branches of the tree.

Mickey had scouted out the park the day before, searching for the perfect spot to give Spoon the cheesy proposal of his dreams. But when he left school early to go set up at that spot-another high school couple had the same idea, they had set up a picnic in the exact spot Mickey had planned to.

In a panic he texted Rachel, asking her to buy him some time since he now had to search for a new spot to set up at, and then he had to fully set it up in the mere hour he had. Rachel came to his rescue, though.

She pointed out how he already had a prime “make out” spot in the back of his house. She drove over after stopping to grab some snacks Mickey said Spoon liked. She helped Mickey move the chairs to the side so that they had enough space to lay down.

Mickey brought out his switch and he set out the snacks on the metal table. He lit the candles his aunt let him borrow. He set them far enough away from the picnic blanket so that they weren’t a fire hazard, but also so that they were a resemblance of the Phantom of the Opera vibe that Spoon absolutely adored.

Mickey was anxious-his poster board wasn’t anything amazing, but Rachel assured him that they never are. He hid the poster with the Snickers bar taped to it behind one of the larger bushes. And set the pizza box on the table, figuring he could just grab when it was time.

He wiped his sweaty hands on his knees and tugged at the collar of his shirt.

“Should I change? Should I put on a suit or something? Do you know if he wants me serenade him with the guitar-because I can only play that one Elvis Presley song and it’s not even that good-“

Rachel shook him by the shoulders. “Breathe! Mickey, it’s going to be okay. Besides, Spoon would be the one to serenade you anyways. He’s the one who plays guitar.” Rachel said giving his shoulder a pat.

Mickey’s eyes widened. “Wait-I thought he was joking about that?” Rachel laughed and turned around to mess with the bowl of chips.

The two turned their heads once they heard a car pull into the driveway. “Your boyfriend is here! Ahh!! I’m so excited for you-go get him!” Rachel pushed him forward to the sliding doors and he ran through the living room.

He opened the front door before his aunt and was greeted with a beaming boy wearing a soft cardigan. Mickey leaned forward and took Spoon’s hand in his. He pulled him forward with a smile.

Mickey’s aunt smirked at the two boys and grabbed her jacket from the coat rack.

“Alright we’ll I’m off, got to…meet up with Hannah. And If you plan on having him sleep over then please be safe and make sure to use a-“

“Oh my god Shira! We’re not-no! Please just go!” Mickey said mortified. Shira laughed as she walked out of the door, they exchanged goodbyes and Mickey locked the door behind her.

Spoon had managed to hold in his laugh till then, but he let it out once the door locked. “Oh my god! We’ve barely been together a week and she already thinks we’re gonna…hah!” Spoon said to cover how embarrassing that interaction was.

Mickey rolled his eyes playfully and took Spoon’s hand back into his. He covered the other boy’s eyes and carefully led him through the kitchen and out to the patio.

“Okay…I hope I did your dream justice. You can look now.” Mickey removed his hand and braced for what ever Spoon’s reaction would be.

Spoon opened his eyes slowly, and when they were fully open his jaw dropped. The sun was setting-the golden light peeked through the leaves that were about ready to fall. The sky was bruising, with pink clouds popping out on a soft purple and blue canvas.

He noticed the twinkle lights hanging in the tree, he was eager to see how they would look once it got darker. He squeezed Mickey’s hand when he saw the picnic blanket laid out on the grass by the concrete.

And the candles…oh the candles. They were laid out 3 inches away from the blanket, sitting on the concrete-they hadn’t been lit long, wax had yet to leak down the length of the candle.

Spoon felt his heart swell. He reached out for Mickey, and pulled him close to his chest. Spoon buried his face in the crook of slightly shorter boy’s neck, and steadied his breath. He could feel tears rising-but he pushed them away in fear of ruining the moment. Mickey gladly hugged him back, relieved his efforts were appreciated.

Spoon pulled away, and Mickey led him to sit down on the blanket. Spoon felt the blades of grass underneath the soft material once he sat down. Mickey gave him one of the lemon fizzy drinks he liked from when his aunt threw him that little party after the game he couldn’t play.

Mickey sat down and popped open the lid for the two of them. He poured the yellow drink into two champagne cups he stole from his aunts wine cabinet.

Spoon giggled as Mickey handed him his drink. They clinked the glass’ together and took a sip, the fizz hitting them first-but then the lemon settling in on their taste buds.

Spoon never felt this way before. He’s never had this big feeling while having a picnic with someone. He knew it was love, of course it was. And it’s not like he hasn’t felt love, he loves musicals, he loves Ema and Rachel. He loves his dad.

But with Mickey it’s different. It’s always been different. Since the first day he laid eyes on the beautiful boy sitting in front of him he’s been head over heels. He’s done some really stupid shit in the past 2 months for this boy that he’s barely known a couple weeks-yet he feels like he’s known him forever.

They fall into each other like they’ve been doing it all their lives. Sure, it took some time to get there-but there’s always been a sense of familiarity whenever he’s been by Mickey’s side. It’s like he said to Ema those weeks ago; time is an unfair way to qualify a connection.

And they certainly have a connection. He’s had his fan girl dreams of having an open marriage with Angelica Wyatt-but that promptly fell off once he found out that she was his best friend’s mom and Ema greatly protested him even looking at her longer than 5 seconds.

But he’s never had this deep yearning, this want-no-need to pull someone close to him and smash their lips against his. He feels almost like he might die if he doesn’t get to taste those lips in the next 5 minutes.

Mickey did all of this…he left school early-missed practice even when we’re so close to the homecoming game-just so he could set all this up for me. Little ol’ me.

Spoon set down his drink on the concrete next to them. Mickey mirrored this. “Spoon…I want you to close your eyes again-just for a second! I want this to be a fun night, so I wanna start it off with why you’re here.” Mickey got up and went behind one of the bushes.

Spoon obeyed and closed his eyes. “You aren’t going to jump out with your shirt off are you? I obviously wouldn’t mind but-“

“No! Oh my god, open your eyes.” Mickey said laughing. Spoon opened his eyes and he was face to face with a large white poster, with a gold boarder, and green bold letters reading “I know this is Cheesy, please don’t” a snickers bar was taped on to replace the word in the sentence, “but would you please go to the Homecoming dance with me?”

Mickey set the poster down on the blanket in front of Spoon, and quickly grabbed the pizza box off of the table and opened it, revealing a heart shaped supreme pizza.

(But with no mushrooms, because he knows how much Spoon despises them.)

Spoon had no words, his jaw was on the floor and he could feel his blush rising to his ears. He felt his heart swell. “Mickey…all this-for me? You really did all this…” Spoon leaned forward and gently pushed the poster board to the side, and closed the pizza box, setting it down on the concrete beside them.

He pulled Mickey by the hand, Mickey got down on his knees and Spoon pulled him into his arms. He felt the shorter boy’s strong arms wrap around his midsection, holding him tightly. Spoon let little tears slip from his eyes. He felt loved. Truly loved. It was just a stupid poster and a heart shaped pizza-but he felt loved.

He sniffled a bit, causing Mickey to pull his head away to look at the taller boy. “Hey, what is it?” Mickey said, his hand rubbing soothing circles onto the other boy’s back.

I love you, I love you so much.

“Thank you for doing all this for me. You don’t know how much it means!” Spoon pulled Mickey back into the hug, giving him a tight squeeze for good measure.

They pulled away from each other and Spoon knew his face held a worried look.

“Spoon…are sure that’s all?” Mickey said, knowing that there was something more simmering under the taller boy’s skin.

“Spoon-“

“-it’s just that-we’ve only been together for what, a week now? And already people are basically saying that I don’t belong with you-that you shouldn’t be dating the weird theater kid who wore a cape to school until a year ago-“

“Spoon-“

“A-and I don’t want to think their right. I don’t want to think that maybe you should be dating a cheerleader or a popular girl-“

“Spoon! No, no stop! Listen, I understand what you’re saying, okay? But I don’t want to date a popular girl or a cheerleader-I want to date you . Because you carry a Spoon in you’re pocket and you have a M.I.L.F. Club which is horribly named and you know that-and you love so fiercely and you are the cutest ball of rage I have ever met. Okay?” Mickey brought one his hands up to cup the pale boy’s cheek.

“I want to date you . No one else. That’s why I laughed in the car Monday, I thought it was funny that people could think that I loved anyone other than you. Because-quite frankly-they aren’t looking at what’s really here, they just see what they wanna see. But I don’t owe them that and neither does Rachel, or Ema or you. We don’t owe them an ideal Hetro couple. We don’t owe anyone that-and you know it.”

Mickey took in a much needed breath.

“Now do you want to go to the dance with me?” Mickey said with a smile, seeing the positive change on Spoon’s face. Spoon smiled and nodded, squeezing his eyes shut to stop the tears. Mickey brushed his thumb against the other boy’s jaw. It started with a soft giggle from one of the boys-which ended with them dissolving into carefree laughter.

Spoon leaned into the warm touch from the other boy’s hand on his cheek. His eyes were no longer blurry with tears-he could see clearly see the beautiful boy in front of him. His eyes flickered down to the soft lips in front of him. Before he he knew it, he was closing his eyes and leaning in.

It wasn’t much of a leap of faith-it was more, jumping into the arms of someone who you knew with every bone in your body would catch you. Which made the moment even more romantic to Spoon. Mickey used the hand that was already on Spoon’s face to pull him closer.

It was a soft, delicate kiss. The two soaking in the moment as the sun set behind the trees. Mickey slowly leaned forward, simultaneously pushing Spoon onto his back and moving in between the other boy’s legs, deepening the kiss.

Mickey moved his hand from the taller boy’s cheek to the back of his neck to hold him even closer. Spoon let his fingers trace over the curls in Mickey’s hair, then trail down to his neck to his chest. He could feel the pectoral muscles through the shirt. He felt a blush rise to his cheeks when Mickey’s free hand delicately trailed down his side, making him shudder.

He still counted his fake-kiss with Ema his first kiss, because it was, fake or not. But also because he knew that for most people, first kisses were either horrible or forgettable. He was anxious that his and Mickey’s first kiss would’ve been one of those-but he was proven incredibly wrong.

He was hot. Not sweating-but his blush felt feverish and he was warm in places he didn’t want to acknowledge. It wasn’t intense, but you could feel the want they had for each other-a hint of neediness, you could say. And it was in the most romantic setting Spoon could’ve possibly thought of for a first kiss with his boyfriend. It was perfect. Everything felt perfect and he felt so loved and he felt-

Oh no-

Spoon knew Mickey didn’t mean to do it on purpose, he was just trying to adjust himself so it was a more comfortable position. But Mickey had moved against Spoon’s hips in a way lay licked flames against a part of him he’d rather lay dormant in times like this.

So fucking embarrassing-

Spoon pulled away from the kiss-he chose to ignore the soft whimper that came from Mickey’s lips once he did so that he wouldn’t die right then and there.

“Mickey! Let’s uh-let’s get to eating that pizza before it gets cold, yeah?”

Mickey raised an eyebrow at the boy underneath him, but smiled pulled them both back into a sitting position.

“Yeah okay, I’ll give you the first slice. But please tell me first…was it bad?”

Mickey said laughing nervously as he pulled off a cheesy slice from the heart shaped pizza and set it on a plate.

Spoon laughed and took the plate. “No! No, I love everything you did tonight-and the poster and pizza really made it ten times better.” Spoon took a bite of the pizza-thankfully  the flavor pulled his thoughts away from what just happened.

Mickey put his own slice on his plate. “Yeah-yeah no, thank you, but I meant like…the kiss. Was it alright?”

“Oh! Hah-yes, Mickey bear, it was perfect, along with everything else tonight.” Spoon said, his blush still present. 

“Oh…okay..it’s just-you had like this look after-and if I did something weird or anything-“

“No! No, you didn’t do anything weird it’s just..”. Spoon cringed at himself.

“My uh-my little friend, he got a little happy when you were on top me, and I uh, I prefer him sad. So, ya know.”

If Spoon wasn’t bright red before, he was now. Mickey couldn’t hold in his laughter. He clutched his chest and he threw his head back and laughed. Spoon buried his head in hands.

“Hah-does he not get excited often?”

Mickey said, catching his breath.

“No! He doesn’t actually-I think it’s just when handsome basketball boys give me a heart shaped pizza and climb on top of me!” Spoon said giving Mickey light shove.

Mickey laughed again.

“Duly noted. And I guess I can take it as a good sign that your “little friend” enjoys my presence as much as you do.” Mickey says with a wink, taking another bite of his pizza.

Spoon covered his face with hands in embarrassment and dramatically fell backwards, only sending Mickey into another fit of laughter, nearly causing him to choke on his food.

Chapter Text

Friday, October 27th

Mickey woke once he heard the call from his bedside table. His aunt phoned him on his receiver.

“‘Kay, kiddo. Breakfast’s ready. You better be up.” She said, a tone in her voice telling him she knew he was very much still sleeping. Mickey stretched and blinked the sleep from his eyes.

He pulled himself out of bed and began to get ready. Today, since it was spirit day, he needed to wear his Letterman. The whole team would be wearing them just like the girl’s basketball team (which barely gets any recognition) will be wearing their shirts. 

He went to the restroom to fix his hair and brush his teeth. When he reached over to open the container of moisturizer he was instantly brought back to when Spoon had spent the night and they watched “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” He smiled to himself as he reminisced.

He pulled on a pair of sweatpants on and a light hoodie. He tied his shoe laces and grabbed the letterman off of his chair and proceeded to head up the stairs.

His aunt had a plate of two eggo waffles with whipped cream and some strawberries on top ready for him. He smiled and sat down at the kitchen island.

He grabbed the syrup from across the counter. “So…why’d you come home so late last night?” Mickey said casually as he poured the syrup on his waffles.

Shira nearly choked on her waffles once he mentioned last night. “Uh-w-why are you asking?” She said, defensively.

“Geez-I was just trying to make some conversation.” Mickey said, laughing.

“I don’t see the big deal. Just asking.”

Mickey took a bite of his waffle, and his aunt clearly looked uncomfortable with him bringing up her night.

Wait a damn minute…is she blushing?

He was in the middle of eating the last eggo when the door bell rang. He jumped up to get it before his aunt could, knowing who it was.

“Hey! You’re early.” Mickey said smiling at the taller boy. Spoon smiled sheepishly.

“Yes, well I was just eager to see your pretty face again, that’s all.” Spoon said, a soft pink blush dusting his cheeks.

Mickey smirked at him and took his hand leading him inside. “Hey, can you make him a plate too?”

Mickey said before taking his seat. Shira nodded and placed the 2 eggos that just popped out of the toaster onto a plate for him.

“Oh-oh you don’t have to Ms. Bolitar, I already ate.”

Mickey raised a brow. “Really? What’d you have?” He said, taking a bite of his eggo.

“Well…my Apple was very filling! Please, I don’t want to be much of a bother, Ms. Bolitar.”

Shira rolled her eyes.

“Oh, nonsense! An apple isn’t a good enough breakfast and you know it. And just call me Shira, okay? Now sit down, your box waffles are gonna get cold.” She said, sliding the plate over to Spoon.

He sat down, taking the fork off the napkin and he bit into the plain waffle. He scrunched his nose. Mickey rolled his eyes with and smile and poured some syrup in the other boy’s plate. Spoon smiled at him gratefully, before taking another bite.

The boys finished their plates and headed out to school. Mickey and Spoon walked closely together, as if they were attached at the hip. They giggled to themselves as they shared AirPods, listening to the playlist they created.

Once they got to school, they met the others in the boiler room to talk before the early morning pep rally. When the two boys walked in Ema and Rachel were openly cuddling on the couch. The two girls lit up with excitement once they saw the others enter the room.

Ema jumped up off the couch and Spoon ran to her. “Ah! Oh my god, Ema!” He turned to Rachel and shook her shoulders. She continued to sit instead of giving him the enthused response he thought he would’ve gotten.

“Rachel! You were so Correct-thank you, thank you, thank you!” He leaned down to hug her and she softly hugged him back. He could feel his heart stutter-like something was wrong. He moved away to look at the other girl’s face.

“Rachel…Rachel, what’s wrong?” Spoon asked, taking a seat beside her. Ema sat down next to him and hugged herself.

“Yeah…Rachel-you want me to tell them or do you want to?...” Ema said, clearly understanding the source to Rachel’s overall glum mood.

Rachel shook her head, straightening her back and taking in a breath. “No…no, I want to tell them.” She looked to the two boys who now held concerned looks.

“I-it’s nothing serious…but Mickey-you should maybe sit down. Again-nothing crazy, it’s just gonna take a minute to say it all.” She said, pushing the well placed strands of hair behind her ear.

…

Re-wind to Thursday, October 26th

After Rachel helped Mickey set up, she drove back to the school to catch the last bit of cheer practice to see if any of the girls needed help with the stunts.

She entered the school and found Troy, sitting on the bench with his face in his palms, crying in the hallway. She immediately felt her heart tug, and she knew she didn’t have it in her to just walk away.

She walked over to him, and gently placed her hand on his shoulder, startling him. He jumped away from her hand, sliding to the opposite end of the bench. He quickly wiped away his tears.

“W-what do you want.” He said, immediately putting up his defenses. Rachel sighed, and took a seat next to him on the bench.

“Well, when I see someone I care about crying I’m not one to just look away.” She looked down at her feet. The breakup was hard on her too, even if she was able to move on quicker with Ema, it still hurt a lot .

Troy wiped another tear off his face with his palm before it could run all the way down. “Just…why would you still care? I was such a dick-“ Troy cried out at the end of his sentence-putting his face back into his palms, sobbing silently.

Rachel hesitated, but still put her hand on his back. “Believe me, I know. But you were still my boyfriend for like, nearly 3 years. That doesn’t just go away in one night.”

Rachel said, feeling guilty once the words left her mouth, knowing that she’s happier than ever with Ema.

“Oh really? Then why are going with Bolitar?” Troy said-a sob escaping his throat.

“what? God , I hate that damn rumor.”

Rachel said hitting the wall with the back of her head. She rubbed her face with her hands, knowing she’d smudge her mascara.

“But it isn’t just a fucking rumor, Rachel. “I would never do that to you.” Yeah, what a load of shit that was!” Troy said, sudden anger poisoning his voice. He quickly stood up off of the bench and raked his hands through his disheveled hair.

Rachel stood up, rushing to her own defense. “W-you’re the one who broke up with me! And yeah-I never did that to you! You’re the one who hooked up with Whitney like 2 seconds after you called it quits!”

Troy paced back and forth as she spoke. He pointed a finger at her and yelled. “Because I knew you had a thing for him from the start-I was right to be scared! I knew you’d leave me for him so I-I left you first.” He said, crumbling on the floor, his palm in his hands.

Rachel felt her heart wrench for the boy in front of her. She went over to him, and kneeled down to his level, where he sobbed on the floor. She pulled him so that he could cry into her shoulder.

“Everyone in my life lies-and somehow… I’m the worst one?” He sobbed. It was a bit odd, her being the one to console him over him breaking up with her . But she had known something had to have been wrong that night for him to be drinking. What really happened?

“Troy…why were you really drinking that night. I mean-I could’ve hold a conversation with you-what the fuck were you doing?” Rachel lifting his head off of her shoulder.

Troy wiped his eyes again. “Fuck…Rachel-my mom and dad…here getting divorced and I thought it was cuz he was getting with Bolitar’s aunt and him…but it was her and my fucking mom. How could she do that?” Troy sobbed.

Rachel’s eyes widened. Her jaw dropped as she processed and realized what Troy was saying. “Holy shit…” she muttered to herself.

Troy blabbed on about how he knew something had been wrong with their marriage for a long time-and how his dad has always been asshole, but he never knew that it would end up like this-with his mom being the one to cheat.

Rachel just nodded along, trying her best to console him. He clearly was cracking under all the pressure. The homecoming game was tomorrow and everyone thought he sucked at basketball now.

Plus, his home life was crumbling around him with every new signature on the divorce papers and box that his mom moved out the house. On top of that, he’s managed to push away the people who care about him most in the midst of it all.

He stopped hanging out with all the basketball boys, he’s ignoring his mom and dad, he hurt his best friend and he broke up with his girlfriend of almost 3 years.

Rachel lifted him up by the shoulders so that she could face him. He leaned forward, chasing her lips. She quickly pulled away, and his head slumped on her shoulder.

“No-no, I’m not… Troy …” she pulled him back up to face her. “Troy…I’m sorry-I’m not getting back together with you.” She said looking at him, feeling pitiful.

“…so you…you really are with Mickey?” He said, sounding defeated.

Rachel sighed. “No, I’m not with Mickey …I’m with someone else.” She said, testing the waters. Troy raised a brow at her.

“Wha-really? Then who? I mean he’s all you hang out with now.” Troy said rubbing his face.

“No-you obviously haven’t been paying as much attention as you say you have…” Rachel says with a laugh, knowing that’s what half the school has been doing.

“What-what do you mean? Come on Rachel, please just tell me. I wanna at least know who he is.” Troy said, practically pleading.

Rachel sucked in a breath between her teeth. “Well…” Rachel looked around the hall, then back to his eyes. She smiled to herself. “…it’s Ema.”

Troy’s jaw dropped-then he abruptly shut his mouth and swallowed. He looked dazed, running his hands though his greasy hair. He looked back to her face-he wanted to ask if she was joking…but she knew that her smile was genuine.

“Oh…you…” his mouth felt dry, and he lacked the words for what he wished to express. He felt his heart sink.

Rachel stood up, fearful of what he might say next. Would he react rashly? Would he tell the whole school the minute she left him? Or would he tell Buck and let him do all the blabbing. She didn’t know. She just knew she was anxious for what he would say next and wanted to leave the hallway immediately.

“L-look Troy, I’m sorry that this is all happening with you-I’m sorry about your parents being stupid. But I hope you know it’s for the best that we broke up…okay? I’ll be here for you…but only as a friend.”

Rachel held her hand out to him. She was a safe enough distance away, so that if he were to do the extreme and lash out right then and there, she could jump away.

But it was also an olive branch of sorts; he could take her hand and they could continue on as friends. Or, he could push her away and burn the bridge in front of him, never having her in his life again.

It seemed Troy didn’t want either. He stood up off the floor on his own. He took another look at her hand, and then at her eyes. Her eyes that were pleading, please don’t do this. Let’s at least stay friends. She continued to hold her hand out firmly in the space between them, still hoping.

Troy shook his head blinking another tear away. “I-I can’t…” he took a step back. “…I love you, Rachel. But being friends with you now would just hurt too much.” He turned away, and quickened his pace to ignore Rachel’s protests. He couldn’t bare to just be her friend-even though he knows it’s his fault-that he had been putting the cracks int heir relationship since the beginning-he couldn’t do it.

…

“So…yeah, that happened.” Ema said, after Rachel had finished telling them what went down. Ema rubbed her girlfriend’s back.

“Wow…he seriously just-ran off? I mean-he should feel grateful that you were willing to still be his friend after all that.”

Spoon said, feeling very strongly about the situation.

“Well I mean-he is going through a lot-and hey-don’t start calling me a Troy defender, but that’s pretty fucked to have your mom…uh..” ema stopped talking when she realised what she was bringing up.

Mickey sat silently in his chair. His chin rested on his fist. He clearly lost in thought, a deep furrow resting in his brow.

Spoon looked over at him, clearly concerned as to how he was taking the new information.

“…Mickey?” Spoon said concerned. He stood up and walked over to where Mickey was sitting. He lightly tapped the other boy’s shoulder, startling Mickey from his thoughts. The heavy furrow left his brow.

“Yeah-yeah.” He sighed. The two girls sitting on the couch shifted uncomfortably. Rachel weaved her hand together with Ema’s.

“Mickey? Hey, I’m sorry you found out this way-I mean-that’s assuming you didn’t know…” Ema said breaking the silence. They all waited in anticipation of what Mickey would say. He stayed silent.

“Did you know, Micholas?” Spoon asked gently. He set his hand on the other boy’s shoulder, giving him a light reassuring squeeze. Mickey shook his head no.

“No…no I uh-I should’ve thought, if I’m honest. Shira’s always hanging out with her and she’s act sort of weird and awkward whenever I tried to bring it up or ask. And that’s not the normal reaction someone gives when you’re just going out with a friend.”

Mickey said, reaching up to pull Spoon’s hand off of his shoulder. He instead held Spoon’s hand in his, running his thumb over the knuckles, pink from the cold. Spoon nodded.

“Yeah-no. That sounds like whenever my dad would ask what you and I did after school, and I felt like I couldn’t talk about it without gushing.” Spoon said absentmindedly. Mickey let out soft chuckle at the other boy’s remark.

“Yeah well…same.” Mickey said standing up from the chair. “I don’t know how to feel guys…it’s a surprise but-I mean, it’s her business and I don’t really care if she wants to be with Troy’s mom if I’m honest. I mean-I understand why his mom would cheat. His dad sucks.” Mickey said, grabbing his coat off the back of the chair.

The bell rang and everyone excited the room-and uncomfortable feeling sticking to all of them as they walked to their classes.

The rest of the day flew by-filled with jittery nerves and anxiety filled practices as they all waited for the day to end.