Work Text:
“Timmy! You going to prom?” Derek asked as he tossed a rubber basketball in his hands with his dirty shoes on the table. Tim looked at them from his laptop, his glasses nearly slipping from their position. He smiled as his eyes trailed down to the table. What a feeling it would be to go to prom with her.
“I am.”
“With who? I bet she’s smoking.” Derek laughed and stood before coming from behind and slammed his hands on Tim’s shoulders. Thankfully it was just them and the librarian in the library, otherwise everyone else would be upset by Derek's loud mouth. The librarian didn't seem to mind though, for she was typing away on her desktop. Tim couldn't help but be amazed at how she never got distracted from her work. A small shake from Derek brought Tim back to reality.
"Dude. You good?" Derek asked and Tim nodded his head.
"Yeah. Im alright. Train of thought began to move. What'd you say?"
"All I said is that this girl is smoking hot if you like her."
“She’s definitely beautiful.” Tim whispered and felt his heart flutter when he thought of her. She was most certainly the most beautiful woman he’s ever come across. Tim sighed and Derek violently shook him while also hyping him up with a yeah and a clap.
“Let’s go, Timmy Turner! Finally gonna get some action! I gotta get this paper to Mr. Richardson, otherwise I'm getting detention. See ya.” Derek smiled and finally left, leaving Tim to his work. Grateful that Derek was gone, Tim sighed, although he was unsure if this was from relief or frustration.
He pulled out his phone, gazing at the picture he took of his cherished one the other day and the one he used as his lock screen. Her beautiful smile as she held the white flowers in her hands, the crinkles next to her hazel gems, her pale skin and chocolate strands shining in the sunshine, all of it he cherished. If Timmy were to tell you about her, he would automatically say that she is unlike any other, for she is not corrupted by the terrible side of social media. She didn’t have Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, nor Twitter. She instead focused on the world outside of the screen. Tim loved that about her, as well her golden heart. The only piece of technology she used was the website "Archive of Our Own", where she posted works that she poured heart and soul into making. Or at least her current ones she did. The ones before that? She tried, but even she said they weren't good, although Tim would beg to differ. Tim recalled how often she would dedicate every minute she could into writing The Knight with Glorious Purpose, her first ever "Dashingfrost" fanfiction. She was constantly on her laptop after she finished her work for the class, and when she wasn't on her laptop despite it being open, she was writing down brilliant ideas that popped into her head. During study hall she would do this, and even during lunch. She told him about the title of the work and he explicitly said that it was such a good title that it reminded him of the Disney+ series Loki. This was before she told him it was a Dashingfrost fic where the title had a double meaning: one where the knight would find his purpose of being a knight glorious and the other, the knight is in a romantic relationship with that "glorious purpose" who is Loki himself.
Tim recalled her being so excited to share these ideas with him and how she thought this was the best work she had done since, according to her, she actually came up with pieces of the puzzle that actually fit together. He didn't see how her other works didn't fit that statement, but he kept that to himself, since she would only dismiss it. She definitely had humility, even when he firmly believed that she was greatness, both in her writing and herself.
He wouldn’t say that this golden heart of hers is entirely a strength though. Again, she was humble even when it was quite unnecessary. She also would always be afraid of joking around with people, for the fear of them taking it seriously and despising her because of it. She would always joke around with him, but he’s heard stories about how she would say something and immediately apologize afterward for it (she even does this to him sometimes too, when their bond is unbreakable). It broke his heart to hear these stories, to hear that she’s scared of something so casual, even to her friends. He made a vow to himself that he would always be there for her, to always support her and comfort her when she needed it. But did he say this to her? He said something similar, but in a friendlier way without revealing his romantic interest in her. Definitely will go further once he gets the courage to ask her.
When Tim first heard about prom, he was excited to finally tell her how he felt, except he wasn’t ready for it. He already chatted with his friends Bradley and Ray about it, and they both said the same thing about how he needs to be himself and pop the question when it’s time. Tim thought that advice was the worst and most typical one he has ever heard. And pretty cliché if you asked him.
He shut his laptop and packed his belongings, frustrated by his predicament. He hated how difficult it was to tell someone your true feelings. Why couldn’t there be a better way to do that?
Just when he was about to push open the door, the librarian looked up from her laptop. "Tim? Can I see you for a second?" Tim went over to her without a second though, wondering what she could need or want from him. She stood straight, holding a camera. Tim recognized this camera; it was his beloved Summer’s prized possession. How bold of Tim to think Summer would ever be his. She deserved much better.
"Summer wanted me to give this to you. She's having a rough time recently, saying that stress is getting the better of her."
That would explain why she hasn't been responding to his text messages for the past three days. Not even a usual good morning came from her. "OK, but why is she giving me her camera?" Tim was left confused.
"She wants you to take pictures of yourself having fun at prom. She might not be there due to her work, hence why she hasn't been here for the past three days."
Tim's heart shattered. A perfect opportunity like this gone in an instant due to stress? Not on his watch. He nodded, his expression full of determination (not from fulfilling Summer's command, which he'll never do, but from making sure she gets to prom). "I'll do that for her."
"Thank you. She trusts you more than anyone else." The librarian smiled, the words from her making Tim reciprocate.
"You're welcome." Tim finally left the library with the camera in his hands as if he were holding a luxurious item that could shatter with one mistake.
He made it to his locker and put the camera on top shelf. His gaze made it to the printed picture of him and his beloved together on Orchard Beach in New York, where they spent their spring break. They had the biggest smiles ever while holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He smiled as he recalled the memory.
"Tim!"
He smiled once her musical words reached his ears. He turned around and found her running to him, her thin dress trailing behind. She held something in her hands behind her back, which Tim failed to see.
"What's that behind your back?" Tim questioned, in which Summer's reply was a small smile and her eyes peering to the chairs beside them. Her foot dug deeper into the and as she twisted it. She looked like a school girl with a crush from those movies he saw before and he found it hilarious.
"I...got these. For you." She pulled out a small bouquet of flowers from behind her back, each flower complementing another. The petals were a mix of the warm colors, making the bouquet look like a fire with how well they blended together.
Tim marveled at them, feeling the soft petals glide against his fingertips. "They're amazing, Summie."
"I'm glad you think so, Timmy," her giggles were like a perfect melody to his ears, as per usual. "I'm sorry that they'll wither one day, but...I thought it would be nice."
"They're amazing regardless. Perhaps I'll get them pressed into the journal you gave me before they wither."
Summer widened her eyes. "You still have that?"
Tim chuckled. "Of course I do! It will be be treasured, just like how I treasure you and your golden heart."
"Thank you Tim. I say the same to you," Summer giggled before she gasped and quickly grabbed her phone that rested on the chair. She inched closer to Tim, who still held the flowers. "Mind if I photograph this moment? I find it quite worthy of recalling."
"Not at all." Tim smiled and she outstretched her hand, smiling as her head rested in the crook of his neck. Tim blushed, for this was the closest her face had been to his. He tilted his head so his cheek could rest on the top of her head; her hair felt silky smooth and soft. His glasses were shoved upwards because of his cheek. He brought up the hand that held the bouquet, ensuring it got in the frame. She giggled again, his ears enjoying every sound.
"You look goofy, I hope you know that."
Tim chuckled. "I know."
His heart pounded as her free hand came to rest on his back. They smiled and she took the picture, the phone screen going dark for a brief second.
Tim smiled before the bell rang, signaling the beginning of the fourth class. Tim quickly gathered his supplies and took one last look at the picture of them on the beach.
'I'll get you to prom, Summer, just wait' is his last thought before heading to his next class.
Tim finally made it to Summer's house, carrying a bouquet of flowers with him. He took a deep breath before ringing the doorbell. He waited patiently, taking the time to recite his love confession, before her mother emerged from the other side of the door.
"Tim! Welcome!"
"Hello, ma'am," Tim smiled and bowed his head forward. "Is Summer available?"
"Of course! Come on in and I'll get her," she turned around and walked and Tim got settled at the kitchen table, which was the first room you would come across upon entering the house. "Summer!"
"Coming!" Tim heard her distant shout and he chuckled. He always found her replying to her summons funny.
"I assume those flowers are for her?"
"Yep. I want to ask her to prom." Tim blushed, hoping that he didn't cross lines.
The mother gasped before clapping her hands together. "Oh, Timmy! She would love to have you as her date!"
"I hope so." Tim said before Summer emerged from the room, hair disheveled and eyebags forming under her eyes. She looked as though she hadn't slept for days, and it broke Tim's heart to see her like this.
"T-Tim! What are you doing—" Summer panicked, immediately hiding herself behind the wall.
"Summer, please calm yourself." Tim set the bouquet on the table and went to her, which she shoved him away.
"Not a step closer. If you are here to spend time with me, I am fairly busy with my marketing work."
"That's not what I'm here for."
"Then what are you here for? And best step back since I haven't showered in two days."
"I'm here to help you with your work."
"Why? You don't even understand the material!"
"I took multiple marketing classes before coming here."
Her eyes brightened, even when they were in such a terrible state. "You...you did?"
"I did. I can help you."
"Even so, I don't want to burden you with my work—"
"If I can lessen your burden even a small amount, it would bring me great joy. Not to mention you helped me with my English and helped me understand Othello. Let me make it up to you."
There was a long pause, no doubt she was debating on whether she allowed him to help her. Finally she sighed and smiled. "Thank you, Timmy," She whispered, making Tim reciprocate her smile. "But first, let me get washed up. I'm not having my stench gross you out while you explain things." She dashed off and Tim smiled, glad that he can put his marketing knowledge to use.
"Thank you for helping her. She has been stressed about it for two weeks now and I would've liked for her to get it done so she can go to prom." The mother smiled, and Tim nodded.
"Don't worry. She'll go to prom with or without me."
"Such humility when it's unnecessary. She will go with you, I have no doubt about it."
"Yes, but..." Tim paused, unsure if he should break it to her. "I want to go with her as a significant other."
The mother widened her eyes and covered her mouth with her hand, as if she was going to cry. "You love her?"
"I do, ma'am. More than I love everything else combined."
The mother sighed, her face now looking dejected. Tim's heart dropped. She put her hands on her hips. "You're really making me feel old, you know. Can't believe my little girl found love already."
Tim laughed, unsure whether it was from relief or the joke itself. "Is that's the case, then I'm sorry."
"It's fine," She chuckled before patting his back. "I'm just complaining. But seriously though, I do feel old. Might pop a hip soon."
"Oh dear." Tim laughed, before Summer emerged from behind the wall again.
"I'm back! And smelling much better."
"There you go," Tim smiled. "Now, shall we get this marketing work done together?"
"Yep! We go forth, Timmy! To victory!" Summer marched and Tim laughed as he followed suit. She definitely sounded like one of her favorite Fire Emblem characters. Not that Tim was complaining, far from it.
Tim was impressed by how much work she accomplished. Summer was in the middle of her project when she began, and it only took two hours for them to be nearly finished with it. All that was left was to explain to her why design is key to the marketing process and let her finish designing it.
"So that means that design elements are included in catching the eyes of others and that people who prefer style will purchase the product?" Summer questioned and Tim nodded.
"Precisely. Colors catch eyes of many people. Take a grey painting of a person in a suit versus a vibrant painting of an eye. Which would you go for?"
"The vibrant eye."
"And there you go. And your room is full of color too, is it not? All these colorful flowers and your red comforters and blankets as well as your colorful Squishmallows. They all have a color to them, meaning that color catches your eye. See where I'm going with this?"
"Yes! So I must make my product have more color in some way!"
"Precisely, since your target audience is for people who like color."
"Who knew that I would understand in an instant once you explained it to me?"
"Glad I can help."
"OK. I'm just going to adjust this really quick..." Summer typed away on her laptop, a determined look on her face and he couldn't help but smile at it all. One of the many things he admired: her work ethic.
After ten minutes, she slapped her laptop shut, putting it to the side and flopping down on her bed.
"My days that took forever." Summer groaned and Tim laughed.
"Again, glad I could help."
"Thank you so much, Timmy!" Summer leapt from her position and hugged Tim, nearly tackling him off her bed. Thankfully his basketball experience to withstand forceful contact came in handy today.
He hugged her back without hesitation, indulging himself in her scent of flowers, rose within her hair and lavender on her body. He would never grow tired of that smell. "Of course, SumSum."
"Heh. I never grow tired of you calling me that and I don't think I ever will." She smiled behind him and her grip on him never wavered.
His eyes made it to the large vase of flowers within. He frowned when he saw a few roses drooping. Hopefully these new flowers will be a good replacement. "I have to grab something real quick. Be right back." Tim despised himself for being the first to break the hug.
He noticed her body shift forward and arms still extended, as if chasing him. Tim smiled at the gesture, and made a silent promise to her and himself that he will return to hugging her again.
Tim rushed down the stairs, finding the bouquet still on the table. He quickly grabbed them and rushed back up. His heart pounded as he began to think of the question. He took a deep breath and entered.
Summer did not move from her spot on the edge of the bed. She turned her head, eyes widened when her gaze came to the bouquet.
Tim nervously smiled. He never felt nervous, not even before his basketball games started. Who knew that one woman would change everything for him, even make him nervous for the first time?
"Summer, my dearest," he began as he approached her. She quirked an eyebrow as she looked up at him.
"You're going to make whatever it is you're saying dramatic, aren't you?"
"Well. You'll see," Tim cleared his throat and retold his confession. "Fairest love, doth thy know of the tempest within my breast? A storm of passion, devotion, for thine eyes it is addressed. Like to a star on a moonless total darkness, thy beauty shines, a beacon ever so bright despite the sky's farness. I am no hero, nor knight of fame, Yet for thy sake, I'd climb the highest peak. Doubt may fog my mind and whisper blame, yet thy love, my light, shall banish shadows bleak. So take this love, unvarnished and sincere. A gift imperfect, yet for thee most dear."
Tim relaxed his shoulders and found Summer, mouth agape and eyes widened even more. Tim tapped his index fingers together, hoping a response would come quickly, since his heart is tearing apart at the seams the longer this pause dragged on.
"That was great!" Summer clapped, eyes showing all joy. He quirked an eyebrow.
"Thank...you—?"
"Whomever you'd climb the highest peak for will no doubt be swept off her feet!" She still smiled and Tim was quick to correct her.
"No, SumSum. This is directed towards you."
"Oh, don't be ridiculous, Timmy! Why in the nine realms of Norse Mythology would thou ever say something so beautiful, so precious to me?"
"Because it's true and you are beautiful."
"Oh please," Summer swung herself off the bed and walked past Tim to her window. OK, this was getting a bit annoying now. "Only in my dreams would you say something so sweet and actually mean it as my significant other. Reality says that I am heartbroken because thy words are not meant for I."
"I do mean this! I want to go to prom with you as your boyfriend, not your guy friend!" Tim followed her to the window and stood next to her, baffled by her unusual behavior.
"Again Timmy, this is all too good to be true. Even if I were to devote myself to thee—"
Tim's had enough. He took off his glasses and set them on the windowsill before he turned her head to him using his right hand. He wasted no time smashing his lips into hers, making her drop her phone. His eyes closed before initiating the kiss, making it impossible to tell what she was doing.
She finally placed hesitant, yet so gentle hands on his chest, no doubt feeling Tim's pounding heart. He made his move, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her in closer. He was afraid that should he open his eyes, everything around him will be erased, just like all dreams do. And this certainly felt like a dream. Too good to be true as she said.
He decided to indulge himself in this moment, feeling her soft skin in his hands, and tasting the sweet mouth that said so many brilliant things and gave equally sweet compliments.
Summer then giggled, causing him to pull away with a quiet 'mwah'. He looked at her face, cheeks flushed red like a tomato as she still held on to his pectorals.
"Desperate, aren't you?"
Desperate? When she was the one who drive him mad? "Desperate? You didn't believe my words were meant for you!"
"Oh, I did know those words were meant for me, don't get me misinterpreted. I just wanted to see your reaction."
It was Tim's turn to be flabbergasted. His eyes went wide and his jaw dropped before he shook his head. "You devil."
She giggled again. Never had she tricked him before. "Even so, your words were so sweet, I couldn't tell if it was sweeter than that moment we shared."
"Well..." Tim smirked. "I'm sure there will be a time that is much sweeter than that. Such as prom night," he pulled her in by the hand, his other going to hold her gently at her waist. He guided her across her room while barely saying above a whisper. "Beneath the shimmering light, we trip the light hand in hand. Melodic strains, a balm upon the night, shall permeate the air while the music takes command," he began to dance with her, despite no music playing. "And thou, dearest love, with a voice surpassing the angels', shalt join the song. A sweeter concert, may the world ne'er meet nor label," he pulled her in and pressed his forehead against hers. "As stars look down upon love forever strong."
The lights twinkled above the pair as they danced in the middle of the floor, hand in hand. A romantic song playing in the background, his beloved sang the lyrics, yet she stopped occasionally due to being out of breath. He smiled through all of it, forever proud and honored to have this woman in front of him, wearing a beautiful red gown with matching lipstick to call his beloved. Of course he had to match with her, so he wore a red bow tie with a red boutonniere peeking from his breast pocket.
"Might I ask you something, Timmy?" She asked.
"Anything."
"Might I have your help with a new work?"
"Of course." He nodded, smile never wavering from his face.
"I need you to write down your thoughts and feelings about how we got together as well as the events that lead up to it."
"So..." Tim looked up into his brain for a second. "Write down the events that lead to me asking you out to prom and my thoughts and feelings about it?"
"Precisely. Oh! And I'll be using your first name as well, if you don't mind."
"So I'm your main character." He smirked.
"Precisely," she smiled as he spun her, just like in those Disney films. "I'm writing about how our dreams came true tonight."
"Will you show me this work once it's finished?" Tim said, intrigued about how this work about them will turn out.
"I plan on it."
"Run wild, sweetums. And make sure you let your readers know that I love you so much." He sighed before leaning in for another kiss in which she happily returned without hesitation this time.
And indeed, this is that exact work.