Third year of college / Age 21...
"Hayden, if you really don't want to tell anyone, then you have to act the part," Vincent claims as they are walking down the street.
Hayden sighs, tugging Vincent tighter to him. "I know...I just hate pretending that you aren't important to me."
"Nobody is forcing you to hide our relationship," Vincent explains softly.
Hayden looks down in shame. If only it were that easy.
"Alright, I'll drop it," Vincent says. "I'm sorry."
Hayden nods but shivers when a particularly chilly gust of wind washes over them. He lets go of Vincent to protectively wrap his arms around himself as if it will protect him from the frigid December air.
Vincent instantly shrugs off his jacket because, unlike Hayden, he actually checks his phone before stepping outside. He's used to being the one who is always prepared and loves to subtly take care of Hayden.
He stops and tugs on Hayden's arm. Hayden turns around in question but displays a little fond smile when Vincent helps another jacket onto his shoulders. Vincent then adjusts the scarf around Hayden's neck, pulling the thick fabric over his rosy nose and cheeks.
Vincent then turns around and keeps walking, acting like he didn't do anything. Hayden quietly laughs to himself before catching up with his boyfriend and shoving his hand into Vincent's jacket pocket to find his fingers.
"Don't stress about it, Hayden," Vincent whispers. "It's a Christmas party. We are supposed to have a good time. It'll be good to have all our friends in one place."
"Yeah, but when I'm at a party, I just want to make out with your face," Hayden huffs.
Vincent lets out a laugh, turning his head to stare into his boyfriend's eyes that hold so much vulnerability and truth.
"It's only a few hours," Vincent declares. "After that, I'm all yours."
Hayden takes a deep breath and nods. He requested keeping the relationship on the down low yet he is the one most nervous about the event.
"I just won't touch you...or look at you...orâugh!" He throws his hands up in the air with a groan. "I hate this already!"
"Hayden, you not doing any of those things is suspicious as hell," Vincent chuckles. "You've sat on my lap and cuddled up to me well before we even had feelings for each other."
"Did not," Hayden pouts, looking away guiltily.
"Okay, Pinocchio," Vincent teases.
Before Hayden gets to say anything back, little white flurries start to fill the air and Hayden lights up like a ball of sunshine in the dark night. He pulls his scarf down so he can catch a snowflake on his tongue, and Vincent watches the childish actions endearingly.
With a small skip in Hayden's step, the two eventually see Cecilia's house at the end of the street. Hayden's mood immediately changes, knowing that he won't be able to be himself in those confines.
Vincent quickly pulls his boyfriend around a fence where streetlights are absent. He presses Hayden against the wall and carefully steps close to him.
"Stop worrying about it, stupid," Vincent says softly, his warm breath touching Hayden's face from their proximity. "I can see you freaking out about it, and I promise you it's not a big deal. And if at some point in the night, you aren't okay or need a break, then just step away and I will come find you. You're a fucking idiot for letting this dampen your mood. I'm surprised you aren't ecstatic that there's going to be alcohol and you are actually of drinking age."
Hayden snorts softly. "Just get me a cute, little Christmas drink and I'll be good."
"Deal," Vincent grins.
"Oh also...you think I can get Cecilia's dad to be my sugar daddy?" Hayden says seriously, scrunching his eyebrows in thought.
Vincent laughs with an eye roll. "You can try but I don't know how much you are going to get out of a married man, and a sane one at that."
"I think I can at least pry a couple hundred dollars out of him if I pretend I'm a new businessman who needs a little push."
"And in what world do you look like a businessman?" Vincent smiles.
"I'm a fucking phenomenal actor, Vinny. I can't believe you would undermine my talents like that just because you are jealous."
"Okay, okay," Vincent says, grabbing Hayden's elbow to lead him toward all the fun.
Hayden, however, dramatically collapses to the ground.
"Oh! It's so blinding, Vinny!" Hayden exclaims, shielding his eyes away from the house that has a max of ten Christmas lights surrounding it. "I suddenly can't go in! I feel so sick!"
"Hayden, get the hell up," Vincent wheezes, tugging on his arm.
"I don't wanna," Hayden groans, pushing back against Vincent.
"Hayden," Vincent reasons.
Hayden crosses his arms, turns his head away with defiance, and closes his eyes, letting the snow cover him.
"Hayden, we are already late," Vincent sighs, rolling his eyes. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way. You choose."
Hayden smirks, "What's the hard way? I like the sound of that."
Hayden screeches in shock when Vincent grabs his foot and starts dragging him down the street like a literal rag doll.
"Vinny! Stop it!"
"No, because once I let go, I know you aren't going to get up and walk over there yourself."
Hayden, just to be a menace, grabs onto the stop sign nearby. Vincent is left confused as he continuously tugs on Hayden's leg but he remains in the same place. He looks down to find a smug Hayden with his arms tangled around a metal pole.
Vincent easily drops Hayden's leg and dusts his hands off. Hayden looks confused at Vincent giving up so quickly, but when Vincent spins around and says something quietly, the statement stings Hayden's ears.
"I'm not kissing you for a month."
Hayden immediately springs back to his feet. Vincent smiles because Hayden loses every single argument whenever he says that sentence.
Hayden flings himself at Vincent's back, wrapping his arms around his waist and planting dozens of tiny kisses on his boyfriend's neck. Vincent playfully swats Hayden's face away, a laugh bubbling out of him at the sudden switch-up.
"I'm ready now," Hayden beams, placing his chin on Vincent's shoulder as they waddle to their destination. Hayden should be worried about someone catching them right now, but Hayden loves Vincent too much to care.
"God, you are so ridiculous sometimes," Vincent chuckles.
"But you love it," Hayden chirps.
"Sometimes," Vincent says shortly as they finally make it to the doorstep.
When Vincent opens the door, Hayden's hands immediately slip off of Vincent's body as their jaws drop from the spectacle.
This isn't a little get-together; it's a full-blown Hollywood-esque party. Although to be fair, Vincent and Hayden shouldn't have thought anything less than this at an event thrown by Cecilia's parents. Even though they handed their company off to Cecilia, it's pretty clear that they are still living lavishly.
Nearly every square inch of the ceiling is covered in garland and decorative icicles galore. Little Christmas pieces and statues are evident throughout the entire home. Each piece of food has a festive spin and Vincent spots at least fifty ugly sweaters as light Christmas instrumentals play in the background. Vincent feels a tad bit overwhelmed when he sees a famous CEO that he has recently seen in the headlines, but Hayden is living for the event full of laughter and cheer.
When Vincent takes the lead to find their friends, Hayden reaches out to clasp his hand so he doesn't get lost in the crowd, but his arm immediately shoots back to his chest when he realizes that they are just supposed to be friends for tonight.
Vincent peeks behind him to check on his boyfriend and doesn't like the downcast look he finds on his face. He makes a quick beeline to one of the servers holding platters of drinks and grabs a martini with a candy cane hanging from the glass.
"Hayden, here," Vincent says softly, handing his boyfriend the drink for a little distraction.
Hayden accepts it gratefully, smiling at Vinny trying to do something sweet for him, but he still feels under the weather. Vincent notices that his expression doesn't change so he swiftly puts a hand on his hip and whispers in his ear.
"I miss that smile of yours."
Hayden's lips quirk up shyly as Vincent starts walking again and Hayden follows closely behind.
After a few minutes of searching, just when Vincent begins to lose hope of finding the crew, he spots Sawyer and Leo's towering forms headed toward the living room. Vincent quickly follows, discreetly grabbing one of the loops on Hayden's jeans because Hayden tends to get distracted and wander off.
Vincent and Hayden finally spot their friends forming a small circle near the couch and coffee table.
"Little hottie," Hayden announces with open arms, getting the attention of everyone.
Asher giggles but briefly stands up to give Hayden a little hug. Asher sits back down in his spot as Leo's hand gently rests on his thigh.
"Hayden, why are there a bunch of twigs in your hair?" Jordan laughs.
"Why don't you ask Vincent?" Hayden huffs, squeezing himself beside Cecilia on the coffee table.
Everyone's gazes shoot toward Vincent. He shrugs innocently before taking the open spot next to Leo.
The friend group's heads swivel back toward Hayden, awaiting an answer.
Hayden jumps up dramatically, holding his hands out in front of him. "Oh, god! Vincent just couldn't handle the fact that I'm so stunning, like an absolute angel from the heavens!"
Vincent scoffs, "That's not whatâ"
"He threw me to the ground!" Hayden exclaims, demonstrating by using his entire body to reenact the fake scene. "He started throwing punch after punch after punch!"
"I hope none of you are buying this bullshit," Vincent mutters.
"And me being a black belt in jiu-jitsuâ"
"You're not a black belt in jiu-jitsu," Sawyer interjects.
"Me being a black belt in jiu-jitsu," Hayden continues. "I kicked Grumpy bear in the face so hard that he turned into Funshine bear!"
Leo's eyebrows furrow in confusion. "Wait...was that supposed to be a Care Bears reference?"
"That's why Vincent's face is so fucking ugly," Hayden finishes smugly. "And to think, I didn't even get an apology."
Cecilia briefly leans over to her boyfriend and quietly says, "Did he take something before he got here?"
Sawyer shrugs.
"Sorry," Vincent muses, rolling his eyes.
Hayden sticks his tongue out like a brat but nobody else is even paying attention to the ridiculous boy as all eyes are glued to Vincent.
Vincent instantly gets defensive. "What?" he scoffs.
"I'm sorry, what was that again?" Cecilia smirks. "You can say sorry? Damn, this is one for the history books. Would've thought your big ass head didn't have that word in your vocabulary."
His eyes widen as he unveils his little hidden soft spot for Hayden. "I-I mean fuck you," Vincent stutters at Hayden while simultaneously flipping off Cecilia.
Jordan thankfully breaks up the awkward moment when he asks, "So how has everyone been?"
Vincent breathes a sigh of relief. Hayden, however, loses track of his focus and out of habit, wanders toward Vincent to sit on his lap. Vincent dramatically clears his throat while everyone else is immersed in conversation, and Hayden finally snaps out of it.
Wanting to be subtle, Hayden drops to the floor and starts doing push-ups like it's the most normal thing in the world at this moment.
"Okay, someone needs to drug test him," Cecilia mumbles.
"I am high on life, Cece," he winks, strutting over to the girl. "And you look like you need a hug."
"Don't touch me," Cecilia snaps playfully, holding a finger up.
Hayden huffs, "Guess it's you then, Soybean."
Hayden instantly strolls over to the curly-haired man and comfortably hugs him. Even though he loves showing affection to all his friends, Hayden makes eye contact with Vincent the whole time, knowing that he would much rather be engulfed by his strong arms. Vincent tosses Hayden a weak smile, knowing how much his boyfriend is struggling.
Asher says, "Jordan, so howâ"
"If you guys keep asking about the boyfriend that I don't have, I'm going to block all of you," Jordan claims shortly.
"That means he totally has a boyfriend," Leo whispers cheekily, causing Asher to smile while Jordan only glares at him.
"Just because you two can't seem to keep it in your pants when you're at home doesn't mean I can't," Jordan shoots back, knowing that he has walked in on Asher and Leo more times than is considered healthy. Asher's entire body turns red.
"Woah, girls. Stop the violence," Cecilia grins.
"Stop the violence," Sawyer mocks, teasing his girlfriend, who instantly answers by shoving his shoulder.
Hayden has to tap his fingers on his thigh to keep him from reaching out to Vincent in the way that the other couples can freely touch each other.
"How's your dating life, Hayden?" Leo questions curiously, intending to cause no harm.
"Probably extensive," Cecilia chimes, tossing the boy a smug wink only to get a look of disbelief in return.
"Jokes on you, it is!" Hayden shouts, crossing his arms.
Jordan says, "How is that joke on usâ"
"My girlfriend is the hottest out of all of us...right behind me," Hayden declares haughtily.
"Her name?" Sawyer asks.
"Huh?" Hayden mumbles stupidly, not even thinking that far.
"What's her name?" Sawyer asks with a little chuckle.
"Vâ"
Hayden and Vincent's eyes simultaneously widen, but thankfully Hayden catches himself.
"Vermin."
"Your girlfriend's name is Vermin?" Asher says with a little muffled giggle.
"Ha, that's what I used to call Vincent's ass," Cecilia announces with a laugh, earning yet another middle finger from the boy.
"Yeah, that's right! I don't judge her for her name but her inner beauty," Hayden nods.
"Didn't you dump a girl just because her name was Gertrude?" Jordan questions, not knowing where exactly Hayden's values lie.
"I-I...um, I n-never," Hayden stammers, realizing that he is crumbling under his own lie. "Stop pressuring me!"
Hayden hides his face into Cecilia's shoulder. He starts dramatically fake weeping and Cecilia flicks the boy in the forehead to get him off of her...and so he doesn't ruin her flawless dress.
Vincent spots one of the servers nearby and reaches out to grab another drink for Hayden without even thinking. Hayden smiles when he spots the little action, but in a flurry of panic for being too obvious, Vincent offers it to Asher.
"Oh, thank you," Asher grins cutely, sipping at the holiday beverage.
Leo kisses his cheek and whispers, "Let me try."
Asher complies and tips the glass up for his boyfriend, Leo's arms winding around him gratefully.
Hayden observes the action with a notable pout. Thankfully, nobody notices. However, Hayden starts to weaken as he looks at the rest of his crew.
Sawyer is now hovering over Cecilia's shoulder, fixing her jewelry for her as they teasingly whisper sweet nothings to one another. Even Jordan is looking down at his phone with lovesick eyes as his fingers tap away at his screen.
Just when Vincent is about to open his mouth in an effort to distract Hayden, his boyfriend beats him to the punch.
"Bathroom!" Hayden screams, jumping up from the couch.
With the exception of the light Christmas tunes playing in the background, the strange yell silences all conversation and even startles a few people. Everyone in the house turns toward Hayden, giving him questioning looks.
"I need to go to the bathroom for a really, really, long time!" he announces before darting through the crowd to his desired destination. People part like the Red Sea for the boy who apparently seems to be having digestion problems.
Vincent assumes that was his cue to follow him, but Vincent can't help but cover his laugh as he puts his hand to his forehead in disappointment.
Way to be subtle.
"I'm going to go get a snack," Vincent reveals, standing up. "Anyone want anything?"
"If you could get me a hot chocolate, that'd be great," Cecilia winks.
"Got it, so no one wants anything?" Vincent smirks.
The group breaks out into laughter as Vincent finally slips away. He swiftly pushes through the crowd to get to his boyfriend, but not before grabbing a special plant from the surrounding decor.
Meanwhile, Hayden is in the bathroom, staring at his reflection in the mirror and hyping himself up.
"You did good, Hayden," he chimes, smoothing out his eyebrows and winking. "Nice and cool. Nobody suspected a thing."
By the time Vincent is pushing open the bathroom door, Hayden almost shrieks in surprise but only lets out a sigh of relief as he strolls over to hold Vincent's face in his hands.
"God, I'm so sorry!" he exclaims.
"Uh...what for?" Vincent mumbles in confusion, making sure the door is locked behind him.
"I don't think you have an ugly face," Hayden says genuinely with a little pout. "I just panicked."
Vincent chuckles lightheartedly, gently grabbing Hayden's wrist and moving his hands from his face. "It's okay."
"I want to go home," Hayden whines, letting his head drop somberly. "I want to be laying on the couch with you, watching a Christmas movie."
Does Vincent think that Hayden is being really dramatic about hiding their relationship? A million times yes, but at the same time, Vincent finds it loveable that he cares so much.
"Look up," Vincent claims shortly.
Hayden easily follows his instruction, and nearly melts with affection when he sees Vincent holding mistletoe over their heads.
"I can't believe that a romantic side is actually coming out of you," Hayden says softly.
Vincent scoffs, "I can't make any promises for the future."
Hayden laughs loudly before pressing their lips together so delicately but so meaningfully. Hayden feels his entire body go slack in the hands of Vincent and he can't help but let his fingers caress the ravenette's neck. Hayden happily lets his other hand wander across Vincent's body while Vincent doesn't mind the enthusiastic actions one bit.
Not realizing how much their soft kiss is controlling his actions, Hayden loses his balance when he leans too strongly into Vincent. Vincent instantly catches him. The two can barely make out the other's pupils as their crinkled eyes reveal how in love they are. They smile into their next smooch, their teeth slightly colliding.
Vincent tentatively circles his arms around Hayden, not used to touching him when they kiss but knowing that Hayden loves it. Hayden happily hums into the kiss and Vincent continues to softly lead their lips at a peaceful pace.
Suddenly, there is a knock on the bathroom door. Hayden and Vincent's lips break with a small smack and they look into each other's eyes with expressions full of question.
"Hey, Hayden, are you almost done in there?" Sawyer says from the other side of the door. "Other people have to use the bathroom too, man." He knocks again.
"I-I'll be out in a second," Hayden replies, a pout growing on his face for him and Vincent's interrupted affection.
Hayden gives Vincent a long kiss on the cheek before shoving his hands into his chest.
"What are youâ"
Vincent's calves hit the smooth porcelain of the bathtub and he unfortunately goes tumbling in. Vincent brings the entire shower curtain and rod with him, getting whacked across the head by metal.
"I'm going to fucking kill you," Vincent grits, not knowing why his boyfriend couldn't just say the command.
"Vinny, I'm so sorry!" Hayden whispers. "But make sure you get comfortable. We can't exit the bathroom at the same time. I love you~"
Vincent only grunts in response, trying to adjust the shower curtain covering his body as he slouches in the bathtub.
"I'm not leaving until you say it back," Hayden huffs.
"Love you too," Vincent grumbles uncooperatively, but Hayden will take it.
He finally steps out of the bathroom to make it back to his friends, not-so-subtly running past Sawyer because if he says something, he knows he'll blow his cover.
Vincent thinks that everything is fine once he hears the door shut, but the first thing Sawyer does when he sees the fallen shower curtain is peek at what's underneath.
"Oh, I fucking knew it," Sawyer smirks while Vincent avoids eye contact, grumbling to himself.
âââ§âââââââ§ââ
Sawyer thankfully keeps his lips shut for the rest of the night.
The crew talks for hours and hours, just catching up and having fun until very few people remain in Cecilia's house. The night has been full of games and ridiculous commentary provided by none other than Hayden Williams, but the energetic boy still doesn't feel like himself when he can't openly dote over his boyfriend.
"Hey, do you guys want to spend the night?" Cecilia offers as her parents are doing light cleanup in the kitchen. "We have plenty of extra rooms."
"You miss us that much, Cece?" Hayden says, oozing smugness.
"Well, I definitely don't miss your ass that much, but you guys unfortunately move like a swarm of fucking bees," Cecilia laughs. "If I get one of you, I get all of you."
"That's right, honey," Hayden coos just to be annoying. Cecilia stands up and puts her fist up, but Sawyer instantly tugs her back down with a laugh.
"Alright, I'm hungry," Cecilia chimes. "I'm going to get some takeout. Vincent, you are the strongest so you are coming with me so you can carry all the shit. Asher, you too."
Leo says, "Can Iâ"
"If you are going to pout then just come along, big guy," Cecilia teases. "Oh, and Jordan you are coming too."
"Why?"
"Because I said so, now let's get a move on people!" she shouts, ushering everyone out of the door within a matter of seconds.
Hayden grabs the remote and plants himself on the couch next to Sawyer when quietness finally surrounds them. He flips through TV channels until finally settling on his favorite Christmas movie, but the fact that Vincent isn't here almost makes it feel less exciting. Hayden pulls his legs up to his chest protectively.
"So how long have you and Vincent been dating?" Sawyer asks.
"W-What?" Hayden's head snaps right up in shock. "We aren't dating."
"Please," Sawyer chuckles. "It's clear as day."
"We aren't dating," Hayden repeats vigilantly.
"Let me put it this way," Sawyer muses. "Leo and Asher are too busy making lovey eyes at each other to notice how weird you and Vincent are acting. Jordan is too preoccupied with his phone and the person he claims is not his boyfriend. Cecilia has always thought you guys were secretly dating, and I thought she was crazy, but I see it now."
"I-I don't know what you are talking about," Hayden says smally.
"What I don't understand," Sawyer continues, "is that the Hayden Williams I know would shout it from the rooftops if he had a boyfriend. Not only that, but Vincent Russell of all people? His best friend, the one he leans on the most, his ride or dieâI don't get why you are keeping it hidden. You know we all love you, and nobody would judge you guys for a single second."
Hayden looks away and mumbles something under his breath.
"What?" Sawyer asks softly, squeezing his shoulder.
"I feel like I'm not good enough for him."
Sawyer instantly feels saddened by the statement. "Why?"
"I always imagined Vincent with this gorgeous girl who was just as organized and put together as he was. I feel like he would never have to worry about what she is doing because she would be able to provide for herself and solve her own problems and be everything that I'm not. And I'm finally at a point where he has given me so much confidence and safety to be myself, but I can't imagine him being proud of me. I can't picture him happily showing me off, and I justâ"
"Has he ever said that?" Sawyer interjects.
"Well, no."
"As another person who has known Vincent since we were practically fetuses, I know he would never settle. He knows what he wants. That man is stubborn, strong-willed, and temperamental, but would never lie just for the sake of someone's feelings. I only began to grow suspicious today because Vincent wouldn't stop staring at you. I didn't think I'd ever see the day that Vincent's eyes are glued to someone," Sawyer chuckles. "And to think it's you is just fucking wild."
Hayden lets out a small laugh.
"But, Hayden, did you ever think that Vincent needs someone like you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Someone who could slowly break him out of his shell, someone who could get past his defenses, hell, someone who can even make the dude smile more than once a day. A person who can laugh off his insults and handle him at his worst. Why would Vincent want someone any different than that?" Sawyer smiles.
Hayden shrugs, not knowing what to say.
"Do you know how many times I've heard people tell me that I'm not good enough for Cecilia; that she deserves someone as badass and driven as her? People keep telling me that her being the breadwinner in our relationship is going to drive us apart, but nobody really knows us if they think that we aren't mature enough to get past silly things like that. If I know my worth and I know that she loves me, then nothing else matters. It really doesn't, Hayden. And when has Vincent ever given a crap about what somebody else would have to say? Sweet, calm, innocent little Vincent has almost gotten in fights on behalf of Leo and me, so I can't imagine what he would do if someone else voiced your same negative thoughts toward you. Truly, Vincent wouldn't be with you if he didn't adore the hell out of you. Don't you get that?"
Hayden chuckles shyly, "I feel kind of stupid now."
"You should," Sawyer remarks, elbowing him playfully. "You're pretty great to be around, Hayden. Although I would never date your crazy ass if you were a girl, I can definitely see why Vincent needs to be with you."
Hayden takes a deep breath and nods. "I don't know, though. At the same time, I like the special space we have formed. I almost don't want to share it with anyone else."
"Then don't," Sawyer shrugs. "Who do you owe it to?"
"The other people in our friend group who are gay as hell," Hayden explains.
Sawyer snorts, "They may be just as fruity as you, but that doesn't mean that you need to tell them. I mean, I'm sure they'd love to know, but they are also understanding. If you want to continue keeping it to yourself, I'm telling you it's okay to do that."
"Awwww," Hayden breathes, throwing his arms around Sawyer for the second time today. "I love you, Soybean."
"Love you too, man," Sawyer chuckles, patting Hayden's back. "I have a question, though."
Hayden pulls back and asks, "What?"
"How did I end up being the only straight one in the friend group?"
"Pfffffftttt, you got me there," Hayden laughs.
"So are we good now?" Sawyer questions. "Can you stop pouting every time Vincent leaves your sight because I'm starting to feel really underappreciated."
"Yes," Hayden sighs. "Ugh, when did you become so demanding?"
"When you've seen your girlfriend order people around as much as I have, it starts to rub off on you," Sawyer smiles, knowing that Cecilia is the most competent businesswoman he has ever seen...and he loves that about her. "By the way, I still expect updates on your relationship because I know Vincent isn't going to tell me shit."
"Deal," Hayden says, his head falling onto his friend's shoulder.
The two watch television for a few minutes before Sawyer hesitantly says, "Vincent isn't going to kill me for us being this close, right? I'm not trying to fight him because I know he would easily win in like five seconds."
"He'll survive," Hayden smiles. "If anything, I think he'll be grateful to have some time to himself where I'm not clinging to him."
Sawyer smiles as Hayden begins to go on and on about how great his boyfriend is. Just by the sparkle in Hayden's eye as well as the toothy grin that never slips off his face, Sawyer can tell that the two are in for the long run...and he couldn't be happier for them.
Yeah, he couldn't think of a better match.