Archive of Our Own

It was a pleasant and warm afternoon at the Turbo Theater. A day like any other, with Fang selling popcorn by galore, Buster showing his best films to the customers flooding the cinema room, and Maisie taking care of a few small tasks here and there. Noises coming from everywhere as the day passed, challenging and exhausting.

« Maisie !! The popcorn machine is broken again. I’ll let you take care of it, okay ? »

« Hey Maisie, I could require some assistance at the cinema room. I accidentally unwinded the movie cassette and the customers are getting impatient. »

« Maisie !! Have you seen my snack ?? I swear I put it around here. »

« Maisie ! »

« Maisie !!! »

Said girl, who was focused on tightening the bolts on her rocket, and trying so hard to ignore them for the past half an hour, finally cracks and slams her hands on her workshop table.
« UGH !! Those idiots. They’re lucky I love them. »

At the end of the trio’s shift, they met up as usual in the « Theatre hall ». This room could easely be considered as Fang’s, Buster’s and Maisie’s headquarters, as they always meet here here at the start and end of their work day : Buster and Fang were training and filming their scenes here as well as storing the necessary equipment to make films worthy of their name.

Some costumes and cardboard scenes littered the ground, but since the space was almost as large and tall as a small warehouse the room didn’t seem chaotic but rather gave a feeling of home.

« Phewww ! Crazy day, right bro ? »
Fang sighed, wiping the sweat on his forehead with his wrist.
« Yeah bro, says Buster. Not my best day this week for sure. »

They both sit on some old chair sitting next to the wall, an ice cream in hand and simultaneously sighed in relief as soon as their rump touched the worn plastic. Maisie went home earlier than them, claiming she had something important to do.

It was around 9pm, The sun’s rays coming from the windows betrayed the presence of dust throughout the room, the warm summer atmosphere evoked nostalgia as multiple distant and muffled noises could be heard from the different areas around them.

« I can’t wait to go home and binge watch some movies man. What am I gonna eat tonight… »
Fang muttered, biting the wooden stick of the ice cream between his teeth.

« Bro, you’re lucky, I have to stay here to prepare the scenes and costumes for tomorrow. »
Whined Buster, stretching and touching the tips of his shoes with his hands.

« Tomorrow ? »

Buster looks at him with confusion.

« Yeah ? We’re recording the last scene of « Princess and fighter » tomorrow, remember ? »

Fang stares right in the white of Buster’s eyes. Buster looks at him. They both watched eachother for a solid 5 seconds, before Fang breaks the silence :
« I didn’t forget bro, like at all. »
« Bro… »

He indeed forgot. His plans for sleeping in the next morning were immediatly shattered. Fortunately he loved acting, so he didn’t stay sad for long.

They chatted up for a bit, speaking about how Mico tried to find Buster again to get back his video projector (but failed), and how some customers spotted Fang stealing some popcorn in the machine while selling a few buckets. Few small conversations here and there, until it was time to go home.

The sun was setting, giving way to an orange/pink gradient dotted with fluffy clouds. Fang was walking to his house, thinking about tomorrow. He truly loved making movies with his best buddy, Buster. Acting in various situations with him made his heart race of happiness. His favorites movies to act were kung fu and actions movies of course, so he could shine as the main actor.

But Fang had a secret. Something deep down his heart that he never told anyone, keeping it for himself for fear that bringing it out might change something forever.

 

He got his job at the Starr park 5 years ago, meeting at the same time Buster, Maisie, and Shelly.
His first encounter with Buster happened like butter on a toast : they were like two lost gloves from the same hand meeting again after many years.

They went from strangers to best buddies in the spawn of 5 minutes, since their personalities complemented each other so well. If you didn’t know them, you could’ve swore they were friends since birth. Didn’t take them long to organize movie/pajama nights with Maisie, whom they also considered their best friend.

Regarding Shelly, the first time their eyes met, Fang began to feel something toward her. The boy thought he finally had his first crush : he told everyone around him how Shelly was his ideal type, how her violet hair flew in the wind like that of a goddess and many, many more compliments, glazing her in a myriad of ways.

But as the time passed, Fang started to question himself more and more.
« Why do I even love her ? Well, it’s because she’s pretty. »
He couldn’t find any more reasons. The more he thought about it, the more his thoughts looked like :
« Why do I even love her ? Well, because she’s a girl. » As if he tried to justify himself of something that layed dormant within him, half unconsciously. Half because he already knew. He was in denial.

At the same time, he was spending more and more time with Buster. All his film ideas were more brilliant than the previous ones, and Fang was so happy to act in them. The little moments they shared, the meals they ate together, the pranks they played on Maisie… Buster was truly his best friend. Probably the person he loved the most in this world.

Fang’s thoughts were interrupted by him arriving at his doorstep. He put the key in the lock and sighed as he entered his house, scratching his head and stifling a yawn.

It had been dark for a long time already. As soon as he came home, the boy slumped onto his sofa, turned on the TV and started nibbling on some popcorn.

He talked about binge-watching some movies to Buster, but after reflexion, he wasn’t in the mood for it. Fang’s house was basic. A living room, a bedroom, a bathroom… He had two extra bedrooms that he used as guest rooms when Buster and Maisie came to spend the night here, even if they’re most of the time useless since the trio always end up falling asleep together on the sofa.

His living room looked like a teenager’s bedroom with a multitude of posters on the wall, a few clothes that had probably been there for a few days and a rug with some bits of popcorn on it.

After a while, Fang got bored of the television program the channel was offering. He would’ve preferred a kung fu movie ; maybe that would have cheered him up, atleast a little. Wait…

Why was he sad ?? He’s been feeling like that for some days now. There was something that eluded him, but he couldn’t get his hands on it. He had everything : Friends, pop corn, movies…

He sighs as he takes out his phone from his pocket. As he unlocks it, a notification comes on the top of his screen. It was a spam, suggesting in big multicolor letters the following sentence :

« THE ULTIMATE TEST : ARE YOU GAY ?? CLICK RIGHT NOW TO FIND OUT ! 100% FREE AND ACCURATE »

Fang narrows his eyes, wondering why even his phone suggested him something like that.

…

« Wait.. I kinda wanna test. Lol imagine it says I like men. »

*5 mins and a result later*

« Congratulations !! You’re straightest than a circle ♪♪ »
*Upbeat music coming from the phone as if he'd just won the lottery*

« …Huh ? »

Fang sat up straight on his sofa to observe better the result of the quiz he had just taken, an incredulous look on his face.

« Man, why is it telling me im 99% gay ?? Why even 99% ??? This is so stupid, im sure that quizz was created by Gus or one of his friends. Only a kid would come up with something like that. »

…

« This cannot be real. Im gonna do another one. »

He answers the questions carefully and with honesty.

-Who do you think about the most when you’re sad ?
« Uuh… Buster for sure. My best buddy. »

- What sexual orientation are your closest friends ?
« I..dont know.. We never talk about those things with Buster and Maisie. »

-Have you ever kissed a boy ?
« I HAVENT KISSED ANYONE YET, WHY AM I DOING THIS STUPID TEST. »

He closes his phone before finishing the quizz, throws it on the other side of the sofa and lies down. His mind starts to wander. « Have I ever kissed a boy ? Tss. What kind of question is that. »

…

« I mean… »

An image of Buster’s lips suddenly crosses his mind. Fang immediately tries to brush it away from his thoughts with his hands as if he were swatting a fly.

« Why is this dude in my head again. I feel like that girl in the movie I watched yesterday who was so inlove, the guy just wouldn’t leave her mind.»

 

He sits up instantly.

If he was being honest, he already knew since his earliest childhood. These feelings that he tried so hard to hide from the world and himself. A million thoughts collided in his brain and assembled like puzzle pieces long ago forgotten.

Of course he knew, even if he tried so hard to hide it. He preferred to stay in denial than to accept it. He tried to push the man out of his thoughts, but it was no use. He always came back, managing to find a small place in his mind.

-Bro, there’s no way…

The sounds of the tv game show coming from the television, as well as any other surrounding noise, seemed muffled. Nothing else mattered at that moment. But not in a good way. His legs felt like as if he hadn’t moved them for 2 hours. The realization hit him like a truck.

« I’m not feeling sad because I miss him, right ? Right ?? »

« Wait, I could miss him as a friend… But what kind of friend is that obsessed with someone else ? »

…

These afternoons with him that he didn’t want to end, this face that he was so weirdly drawn to and couldn’t stop looking at, this smile that could light up his entire day no matter how shitty it was before…

And the way he always found a way to stay by his side, no matter the situation.

He tried to ignore these both sharp and gentle feelings for years. He wanted it to be friendship so bad. What would his parents think ? His friends ? Everyone ?

And the most important, how would Buster react ?

He imagined the worse : a world where his best friend, the man he’s secretely in love with, turns his back on him after learning of his feelings, disgusted and betrayed looking.

Fang wiped his forehead ; large beads of sweat glistening on him

« No, no. This cannot be real. Im tired, that’s all. Nothing happened. »
He murmured, visibly panicked.

-Haha right !! Let’s imagine kissing Shelly. Let’s kiss her… Let’s… »

« … »

Nothing worked; despite his considerable efforts to imagine himself kissing the young woman, it was always that other idiot who appeared instead.

He starts calming down, convincing himself that everything that just happened was just the result of today’s exhausting day.

« I need to get to the bottom of this. »

He decides to go to sleep, turns off the TV as his hand trembles slightly. His wobbly legs could barely carry him to his bed. That night, he struggled to find sleep, the head full of doubts mixed with apprehension for what’s going to happen next.

The next day

Fang wakes up. He gets dressed, brush his teeths, skip breakfast (as usual) and leave his house to directly head to Starr Park, where Buster was probably already waiting for him. The gentle morning breeze softly caresses his face while the birds boast of their musical cacophony higher in the sky.
Outside’s environment was the complete opposite of what was happening inside him. That night, something in him changed. He feels different, distant from who he really is, like if an impostor moved in his body and mind to make him doubt. He walks, a knot in his stomach, apprehensive about what could happen next.

He finally arrives at the park and walks with hesitant steps to the Turbo teather after presenting his employee badge to Larry and Lawrie. After walking all the way here, he gently opens the door to the giant hall, believing he was the first to arrive since no one seemed to be here, until a voice from the back of the room suddenly snapped the boy out of his dreamy state.

« Yo bro you’re finally here ! Come help me Im having trouble putting that in place »

Turns out Buster was here, struggling to arrange the cardboard backdrops for the scene they were about to film. Fang felt his heart clench at the sound of his partner’s cheerful voice. He stayed at the doorstep for a few seconds before running towards him, gently slamming the door behind him.

« Sorry did I keep you waiting ? »

« Nah, all good bro. I just finished minor adjustments here and there. You came right on time ! »

This was one of the qualities Fang admired in that man. No matter what childish things he could drag him into, Buster could just as easily also be serious and hardworking when he wanted. A multitude of thoughts fought to find a place in Fang’s head :

« Oww man this is bad… What if the quizz said the truth ??? What if I really like him in that that way ?? No ain’t now way bruh. I must be totally normal around him. As usual. Yeahh that’s it. That’s the spirit man. Wait, why am I thinking about these things right now, this is not the time neither the place. Get a grip on yourself !! You have a movie to finish dude »

« Bro you good ?? »
« Huh ? »

Fang didn’t realize he’s been staring at Buster for a solid minutes here. Buster looks at him, a worried glimmer in his eyes. Even full of sweat and convered in dust from the old equipment that he had been putting in place since this morning, he still looked so… Appealing…

Fang quickly looks away, embarrassed. He was used to looking at him as a best friend, but upon discovering that he could have feelings for him, his view of things were now different.

He never liked anyone before, at least he realized he did, so all of these feelings are brand new to him. He doesn't know how to react. Fang brushes invisible dust on his neck while mumbling :

« O-oh uhh yeah sorry, I was thinking about my text for the scene… »

Buster lets out a little laugh of relief before clapping his hands :

« Oh right ! Speaking of the last scene, come here I have something to show you. »

Fang trots towards Buster, who kneels down and unfolds a large sheet of paper covered in hastily scribbles on the ground.

« Okay so. You see how the last scene was supposed to be something like, the princess escapes from the clutches of the villain and the brave fighter comes to rescue her and everything, right ? »

Fang nods, focused on his partner’s voice

« Well i was thinking… What if we added a kiss scene at the end ? I really think it would strengthen the emotional impact on the people watch- »
« WHAT ??? »

Fang had a sudden, involuntary reaction to the word « kiss » ; all his muscles tensed and he nearly choked on his saliva, swallowing his persistent coughs as best he could.

« Woah dude, you good ??? »
« Cough Y-yeah sorry… I swallowed the wrong way by accident. Cough «

Buster gently pats Fang’s back as if he was a baby waiting for his aftermeal burp :

« Easy man… There there »

A minute later

Fang, on all fours on the worn and cold ground, visibly embarassed now that there’s no trace of saliva left in his lungs, quickly straightens up. He mutters, his right hand on his lips :

« Do you really think this is a good idea.. ? »

« Bro trust me !! A movie cannot be complete without the final kiss, the moment when all doubts about the characters’ feelings shatter, giving way to this moment of pure happiness… »

Buster looks ecstatic about his idea, standing with his hands in the air, like an evil genie delivering his plan to the heroes who struggled to get there all movie long. This made Fang chuckle a moment, but the amusement quickly faded away to give place to the seriousness of the situation.

« But, are you really really sure about this, like…»

Buster turns around to look at Fang. He didn’t seem excited by the idea ; he would always grab his ponytail and twirl his hair whenever he felt nervous and apparently today was no exception.

Was he embarassed about the kiss scene ? Buster was about to tell him to fake a peck to give the impression it really happened, but before he could say anything, the urge of wanting to tease him a little came with a diabolic smirk on his face.

« Oooh~ Are you nervous because you never kissed anyone ? Don’t worry, your best buddy is here to give you advices. »

« We’re not going to fake it ??? »
Exclaimed Fang, pulling at the hair he already had within reach.

« Of course not !! Think about the movie, the resolution, the end… We can’t fumble this bro. We’re peak actors. We..hehe.. We have to give the audience what they need..hehehe…. »

Buster couldn’t hold his laugh any longer seeing Fang’s face literally melt infront of him. He finally bursts out laughing and reassures the poor guy :

« HAHAHA brooo… Of course we’re not doing it ! We’re just going to pose at an angle relative to the camera to give the impression that it’s happening. Sorry dude your face made me want to mess with you a little. »

Fang sighed in relief. He avoided disaster, but why did a pang of disappointment settled in his heart ? Deep down, maybe that’s what he wanted… His desires buried deep within himself. He takes a look at Buster, who went to get the costumes. He was acting normal, his usual self. If the man ever had a crush on him, it would be obvious, wouldn’t it ?

Fang crouched down with a sigh. There’s no way Buster would be in love with him. And there’s also no way Fang will say anything about his feelings. Why ? What if he lose the most precious thing for him, his friendship with Buster ? What if Buster, after hearing the new, decides to cut ties with him forever ?

The boy shakes his head vigorously. Yeah, everything is fine as it is. There’s no need to ruin everything. His feelings that are trying so hard to surface will remain buried. Forever.

« Bro… Bro ?? FANG »

Fang jumped, startled. Buster was standing in front of him, a princess’s and fighter’s costume in his arms, shouting his name repeatedly. He kneels down to reach his head level and proceeds to put the back of his hand on Fang’s forehead while laying the clothes aside on the floor. He says softly, a hint of worry in his voice :

« Hey, are you okay ? You dont seem good since this morning. Are you sick ? »

Fang couldn’t think of anything at that moment. His gentle voice, his attention, his soft hand on his skin, it was too much. Since when was he so sensitive about that man ?

In mind
« Oh my god stupid ass quizz it’s all because of YOU. »

« Y-yeah dont worry !! I just.. Didn’t sleep well tonight. I’m alright bro. »

He stammered, removing Buster’s hand and getting up with the fighter costume in his hand.

« Actually I’m gonna change, you do the same. Be right back. »

He immediatly runs to a room next to the big hall as soon as he finish his sentence, leaving Buster, still kneeling, looking at his hand and then at the boy who just ran away.

Sitting, his back against the door of the other room and hiding his face in the costume, Fang started panicking silently in fear of being overheard.

« Gosh what’s up with me today oh my god Fang you’re so dumb get a grip of yourself »

He started breathing deeply in order to calm himself. That’s right, he was all excited for nothing. After a few minutes he successfully calms down and quickly starts to put on the costume to prevent Buster from noticing he’s taking far too long to put on trousers and a shirt with few accessories.

« Im ready. »

Fang leaves the small room to join Buster, he too dressed in his costume which was a long pink dress with puffy short sleeves, all sprinkled with the most brilliant glitter ever ; princess material. The man even smeared some cherry red lipstick on his lips for more credibility.

The princess looks up from his text which he was reviewing and suddenly runs towards him, taking care to hold the ends of his robe so that he doesn’t trip.

« Bro !! You good ?? »
« Yeah man sorry I just don’t feel like myself today… Idk why is that »

Buster scan Fang of his gaze, visibly worried :

« Y’know we can do this another time if you really dont feel like it… »

« Are you serious ??? Dude. »

They briefly look at eachother before Fang turns around and declares with a proud tone :

« We’re going to finish that movie once for all. »

He puffs out his chest and raises his head, a bright glimmer lighting up in his eyes :

« Dont forget your sunglasses, buddy, because your best friend is about to light up the whole stage. FANG THE FIGHTER IS BACK. »

Fang strides purposefully towards the middle of the room to stop in front of the scenery before striking a super cool and intimidating (According to him) pose.

Seeing his best friend getting back on track reassured Buster. THAT was his bro. He was worried something happened to Fang and he wouldn’t want to say anything about it to him like he always do, but maybe it wasn’t that deep anyway if he didn’t share anything.

On the other side, Fang’s thoughts traced in his mind like race cars.
« Good lord man, that was close. »

He slaps his cheeks with the palms of his hands as he thought nervously :

« You know how long he waited to finish that movie. »

He remembers the wide smile of Buster when he ever spoke about it. How he said the movie was going to attract a huge number of people because they both were the best actors of all Starr Park. The way his face lights up when he talks about making films… Fang doesn’t want to disappoint him.

Even if the boy acted so confident 10 seconds ago, he was actually extremely stressed because of the « kiss » scene, even if the whole thing isn’t real in any way.

Buster throws aside his cheat sheets and puts on his sunglasses, a confident aura emanating from him.

« Camera ? Ok.
Script ? Learnt.
Costumes ? »

*He quickly pats his dress to dust it off *

« Flawless. FANG !! FILMING STARTS IN 10 SECONDS »

They both were in the middle of the second hall, in front of cardboard sets, a camera pointed at them as they took their respective places.

The movie was taking place in an arid desert surrounded by bandits and their leader, which the Fighter, AKA Fang, was supposed to come and kick their asses to save his secret love. Buster lays down to mimic a damsel in distress, his hand dramatically placed on his forehead as he began to shout in a high-pitched voice.

The scene have been filming for about 10 minutes now. The script unfolded as planned. The fighter killed the villain and rescued the princess on a moving train.

Once out of danger, the fighter and the princess were both on the ground. The defenseless one was lying down while the heroic one was holding her head with a hand, as the other supported his weak self bashed up by the previous battle.

He gently places the head, adorned with a blonde wig, on the dirty and dusty floor while positioning himself in the correct position (which was established by Buster and aknowledged by him 20 seconds before the start of the scene (and which he also had no say in the matter over)), to record the final scene. In that way, Fang was on all fours above Buster, both his hands placed just between the head of the latter.

He was so focused on acting that he almost forgot the most important thing, the inevitable part. Buster’s face was just a few centimeters away from his own.

There was a moment of silence. A few distant and muffled sounds could be heard around the Turbo Teather as even if the park was closed to costumers today, a lot of the employees and others consider this place their home. But it was certain in any case that they were alone at a distance of at least 2 kilometers.

The distant shouts and explosions evoked a feeling of nostalgia, as if one could hear the sounds of children playing outside in summer holidays.

Buster’s face was a little flushed from exertion, and his makeup had run a bit down his lips. Wearing his sunglasses, it was a little difficult to assume what emotion he displayed until he poked on Fang’s shoulder whispering :

« Bro, the line !! »

Fang blinked really fast before jabbering his text :

« O-oh so- Ahem. Hey princess. Did I keep you waiting ? »

« Siighh…I thought you forgot about me… »

Buster turned his head in a pouty way before lowering his glasses and giving a suave look at Fang, shamelessely blinking in the cutest way he could.

« Im sooo sad right now… »

Buster’s silky voice triggered like a chemical reaction in Fang’s brain. He was losing his composure and started trembling a little. At that exact moment, he prayed his entire bloodline for his face to stay in shape. That was the first time in all of their friendship years that such a romantic situation was portrayed, and he didn’t know how to react.

Fang places his hand on Buster’s cheek, occasionally caressing it with his thumb :

« Let me help you get better. »

His voice wasn’t loud enough for a casual conversation, but he wasn’t whispering either, giving way to a soothing tone. Fang glanced at Buster, who was smiling awkwardly. He felt guilty for thinking such things about his best friend who was probably, more certainly not on the same side of his daring thoughts.

He slowly removes Buster’s glasses, puts them aside delicately and lowers his head until the two man’s lips are one centimeter away. Fang could feel his warm breath on his face. Buster’s gaze was captivating, Fang felt that if he looked for too long he might get lost in the intensity of his pupils.

1 second passed.

2 seconds.

3, 4…

In total, around 10 seconds passed while the two guys had their eyes closed, their lips about to touch, until Buster suddenly shouts : « PERFECT !!! »
Fang slowly opens his eyes, only to realize his princess slipped discreetly beneath him to turn off the camera (which was at some meters of the scene they were filming some seconds ago). Fang gets up with difficulty and turns towards Buster :

« What ?? It’s already over ?? »

Buster turns his head around, fiddling with some camera settings :

« Yeah ?? What ? Do you think the kiss scene should last longer ? But it’s already lasting like 10 seconds… »

« N-no ! I mean… »

Fang lowers his head and looks at his hand, who touched Buster’s soft cheek. Just before. Why was he so upset ? Since the other night, all his charming and confident aura he ususally displays seemed gone on vacation. He clenches his fist of frustration.

The boy was about to turn around to go collect the equipment until an idea emerged in his mind. This scene, the kiss scene : wasn’t it the perfect opportunity to confirm his feelings ? The perfect way to prove he wasn’t in love with Buster ? The opportunity was too good to pass up, and he wasn’t going to let it go like that.

« Buster !! Hold on. »
« Huh ? »
« Lets redo the scene. »

Buster shakes his head in confusion :
« What ?? Why ? I think we did great… »
Fang looks away, arboring a both innocent and self-assured face.
« Trust me bro. I wasn’t at my max. And we still have some time before lunch. »

Buster looks away and shakes his head again, but this time with a resigned air :

« No bro, our acting was fine. Lets not lose time, we still need to re arrange the cuts and add sounds effects and everything. »
« C’mon man !! It’s just a single scene ! »
« Nuh uh. »

Fang found it weird. Buster usually approved of all his ideas and always re-filmed any scene when necessary. Why not this one ?
He stood up here, arms dangling, looking at Buster who seemed to still have his attention on the camera, watching him for some seconds before piercing the silence :

« Is it because you’re embarassed by me ? »

« What ? »
The redhead slowly raises his head in direction of his partner.
« What do you mean by that ? »

« You dont like the idea of us kissing, do you ? »
« Literally what are you on about dude. »

As they spoke, Fang approached slowly, forcing Buster to move back until his back touched against the nearest wall.

« Then why don’t you want to re film the scene ? Is our lips being appart of some centimeters really that uncomfortable to you ? »

Fang’s casual tone gradually turned more… Oppressive. At first he just wanted to confirm whatever he was feeling toward Buster, but the realization he may have something for him made him impatient, and seeing this man now makes him a thousand times more sensitive than ever. He couldn’t think straight when he was around him. Everything is going too fast in his head :

« Oh my god Fang shut up shut up why are you getting angry at him now, corny ass what did he even do to you ???? Back away, stop it NOW »

His brain sounded every possible alarm to prevent him from speaking more, but his heart still had a lot of unsaid stuff.

« I already told you, we can’t afford to lose more time. Gosh what’s up with you today ??? You’ve been weird since this morning, are you sure you’re okay dude ?? »

« What time ?? Be so for real, we both know we dont do shit at work. We have all the time we need. »

« Yeah but hear me out… What if Shelly walked on us like that ? Wouldn’t it be an ambiguous looking situation ? It would be tough for you to explain it to her. I only want your good man, I dont know why you’re being salty about all that. »

Fang’s heart dropped to his feets. He glared with a shocked expression at Buster, which made the boy shiver. The latter never saw Fang like that. What did he do to make him so on edge ? Something definitly happened to him.

« Why are you suddenly speaking about her ? »

« Well dont you have a crush on her ? You’ve been bragging about her beauty and many, maaanyyy things since I dont recall when dude… »

Fang slowly approached his face to Buster’s, saying softly but still with a bitter feeling down the throat :

« So what ? Are you jealous ? »
« Jealous ?? Of Shelly ??? D-dont be silly man… »

Buster turned abruptly his head, avoiding Fang’s staring, which made him immediatly look suspicious.

« Okay bro I think you may have a… Fever or something. I’ve never seen you like that, you should see yourself it’s crazy. Yk what, lemme just get you some meds. »

Buster placed his hand on Fang’s shoulder, who’s hand was pinning him to the wall, and tried to escape from his ambush. Fang quickly placed his hand on his chest before gently slamming him against the wall.

« Okay Fang what the hell did I do to you ?? If it’s because of the kiss scene, here ! Ill delete it. Happy now ? »

Buster started to sound annoyed by the situation, asking questions and not having any proper response back tickled him slightly.
Fang, on the other side, was having a crisis. Not visible, but if his brain could clear all the thoughts he had at that moment, the repetitive words bouncing in his mind would fill the entire hall. He thought :

« Dang it, why is he hot. No dude, I know what you’re thinking. Dont do that. You’re going to ruin everything. Hey seriously don’t do it. But what if that’s what I really want right now ? I have to try. No, hold back. HOLD BACK FOR CORN’S SAKE. »

« Fang, are you even listening ?? FANG HEY »

Buster didn’t even have time to finish his rant to Fang before the latter suddenly brings his head closer and press his lips against his.

It was as if time stopped. As soon as their skin met, Fang got a sensation of electricity throughout his entire body. His fears proved to be true.

He liked him.

He was crazy about that man.

He kisses him tenderly and very awkwardly, since this is his first kiss ever. He tries to move haphazardly his tongue on Buster’s while a trickle of drool begins to run down his chin, before starting to nibble the tips of his lips and whimper :

« Ngh..I want you… I want you so bad dude… »

Both of them seemed out of breathe. He felt like his heart was about to burst of his chest and run away as an intense burning sensation ran through his entire body. It felt like dying, but happily. And Buster didn't seem to be pushing him away by any means.

About 10 seconds passed until Fang finally pulls his face away, and reason returned to him like a piano crashing on his body.

He definitly fucked up.

Seeing Buster slumped back against the wall, covering his mouth with the back of his hand while the other one hides as best he could half of his extremely red face gave him an intense feeling of panic.

« I… »

Fang’s whole body felt as if a colony of ants had built a nest there in the meantime. His heart was beating so hard he could swear anyone could hear it from several meters away. He tried to formulate an apology, to explain, to say that he hadn’t done it on purpose. But nothing came out.

Buster was staring at him, completely lost. Atleast he didn’t look angry, but Fang was too shocked to notice.

« I’m so sorry. »

Those were the only words he managed to stammer out before suddenly dashing off toward the exit door.

« FANG WAIT ! »

Buster tried to get up as best he could while throwing his arm to catch Fang’s wrist before he could sprint away but failed as his fingers barely brushed his skin. He remains here, alone, rooted to the spot on the side of a room too large for him, the fresh memory of his best friend’s skin against his already looping in his mind .

« Oh dude, he’s such an idiot. »

He sighs, scratches his head, and slowly folds in half as his arms started shaking from excitement, both his hands on his face.

He couldn’t stop smiling.

 

*FLASHBACK*

2 years ago

Maisie sighed and slumped across the table, her hands on her head.

« Dude. Just TELL HIM ! »
« I CAN’T. »

Buster and Maisie were both in a cafe place in the middle of the afternoon. It was their day off and Buster took advantage of a day when Fang was busy to invite Maisie and announce something important to her.

« I dont get why it’s so hard for you to just… I dont know man… »

She swirls her teaspoon in her cup of black coffee with a nonchalant air, but not uninterested however.

« Invite him to see a movie ?? »

« Maisie we already do movie nights like thrice a week… Besides, he loves movies so much that he’s always focused on the screen and nothing else. If only I could matter, just one night… »

He sighs and places his head on the palm of his hand, looking out the window.

« How did you even notice you like him ? »

« How can I not like him ?? He’s just… So bright. One word and he manages to illuminate my days like the type of lightning you use to depict a hot summer day in the garden of your childhood home. »

« Sure, whatever… »

The girl audibly sips some coffee before both of them goes silent for a minute, until she looks at him dead in the eyes.

« So ?? »

« So ? »

« Are you going to just stay like that ? You know he has a crush on Shelly right ? Arent you scared of her stealing him from you ? If I was you I would… Mmh.. Wait nevermind, I lowkey dont know because I’ve never been in love. But broski, you better get your man fast before he flies away. »

Buster doesn’t say anything, still staring out of the window.

« I dont know Maisie. Im scared. »

Maisie looks through the same window as Buster and sighs. That wasn’t like him. He always used to be so confident about whatever was facing, and seeing him so hopeless made the girl wanting to confort him even more.

« It’s okay Buster. It’s normal to be scared. »

She then gently focuses her attention on him.

« But you know, I’ll be happy to help with whatever idea you have. I may not be clever in love but executing plans is my thing ! »

Buster chuckles softly.

« Thanks Maisie. For listening and… Everything. It means a lot to me. Really. »

Maisie gives him a radiant smile full of mischief and cunning.

« No probs buddy, that’s what friends are for. Besides, if Im being really honest, Shelly doesn’t seems interest in him to say the least. And I feel like Fang is too stupid to notice a single thing going on with you at the moment, so we might take things slowly. I really think you have your chances. »

« He’s not stupid, I’m just a pro at hiding things. »

Maisie slowly turns to him and give him a side eye with a hint of a dirty look. Buster starts giggling and they both burst out laughing.

« Okay okay… I guess he is kind of stupid. But he’s my idiot. Did you see his smile ?? I just want to grab his cheeks and kiss him everywhe- »

« Euuurghhh okay blud i think that’s enough, whatever floats your boat I guess. »

They laughed together for a while until it was time to leave. Once out of the cafe, before each one goes their own way, Buster turns toward Maisie and remarks :

« You know, even if he doesn’t love me…

Im good with it. Spending my days being by his side makes me happy enough. Even if he ends up with Shelly… »

Maisie lowers her gaze to Buster’s fist, that she notices clenching and trembling slightly.

« I just want him to be happy at the end. »

 

Buster hugs Maisie and starts walking away, waving his hand and sporting a confident smile. The girl waves back and turns away before muttering, not loud enough for Buster to hear :

« Liar. »

 

*BACK TO PRESENT*

 

Fang didn’t know how long he had been running. As soon as he got out of the Turbo teather, his only thought was to flee as far away from that place as possible. No matter where he would land. He even considered immediatly returning his employee badge to Larry and Lawrie before blocking everyone on his phone and never showing up in this town again.

He didn’t know how much time had passed since the accident. His legs, which were usually so strong and reliable, were starting to get tired. He finally ends up infront of one of the park’s toilets.

He quickly takes a look behind him to check if a redhead wasn’t following him and rushes into the small building, slaming the door behind him. He hurries into a stall and sits on the toilet after lowering the lid.

His breathing wouldn’t calm down. He was gasping for air. It felt like a panic attack. Maybe it was one ? He curls up and starts scratching his hair and face hoping it would make him shut up.

5 minutes passed, and the heavy breathing turned into bursts of sobs. Not only he ruined his 5 years friendship over an impulse act, but now Buster might already be telling everyone what happened and how a weird and horrible person he is.

Random flashbacks of Buster calling him charming and so sure of himself no matter what happened suddenly surfaced.

« Perfect timing, isn’t it… »

He looks at his tear-stained gloves and whispers :

« I already miss him, bro what’s happening to me. »

He sniffs and wipes his face.
He was never made for love. He will quit his job and apologize properly to Buster. That was the only right thing left to do.

Approximately an hour had passed since he hid in the toilet cubicle. When he finally gets out, he directly see his face on the mirror hanging on the wall infront of him. Puffy red eyes and snot coming out of his nose.

« What the helly… »

Last time he cried that much was at the end of a tragic movie marathon with Buster and Maisie. Fatigue made them vulnerable and they all cried half of the night, even if Maisie denies dropping a single tear to this day. But now doing these kind of things with his best friends won’t be possible anymore.

Fang was about to take some water from the tap below the mirror to clean himself a little until a voice filled with pity was heard :

« Oh baby what happened to YOU. »

He jumped at the sound of the voice because he thought he was completely alone, and look in the direction the sound came from.

Angelo was standing there, leaning on the sink, judging him with their eyes. Since when were they here ? Did they notice Fang crying ? The mosquito suddenly claps their hand and approaches Fang, which made him back up slightly.

« Oooooh I smell love. And dramaaaaa ♪♪ ! Hahaahahahha »

Angelo twirls happily around themself, observing their nails and exclaims :

« Oh darling, who broke your heart like that ? Tell me everything, I want to know all the juicy details. Dont forget the crispy news. I want to know EVERYTHING ! »

Fang didn’t know what to think. He heard about Angelo maximum twice in all his carreer at the park, and it was always something concerning dramas. He lifts up his hand and mumbles an apology :

« Uhm… Sorry Ma’am- Sir… Nothing happened. Nothing at all. I was about to go home anyway. Have a great day. »

Fang prepares to flee once again until angelo exclaim with a complaining tone :

« Oooh baby… You think I dont already know ? What a shame, I really wanted to hear the part of the story from your perspective and everything… You really underestimate my gossip skills, sweetheart. »

Fang stopped abruptly and gave them a fearful look. Angelo, on their side, looks at him with a mocking smile. They gleefully pulls out a bow with a heart-shaped arrow from who knows where and point it toward Fang.

« I could shoot that redhead, your lover, for you if ya want~ »

« He is NOT my lover. »

« Why do all the gays lie ? Darling, you kissed him raw an hour ago, dont play with me. »

Fang twisted his face in surprise and shame.

« How do you know ??

Oh, he already told everyone, didn’t he… »

Angelo wears a sulky face and lowers his bow, sighing :

« You’re a lost case, it’s not even funny anymore. »

Angelo put away his bow, gets closer to the boy and takes his chin in his thin hands, which made Fang grimace.

« Mmmh… Fabulous… »

« What are you doing ?? »

Fang breaks free from the mosquito’s grip, carefully stroking his face. Angelo innocently raises their hands and wears a radiant smile.

« No, I was just thinking I had nothing to worry about. I thought I should intervene between your little game because, you see darling, I’m in a cruel need of gossip right now… »

They sassily leans on the sink and looks at their nails once more.

« Willow and I are getting awfully bored at the Swamp of Love… Speaking about Pam’s hyperchage isn’t funny anymore since she got one. Blegh… »

Fang eyed his interlocutor suspiciously, doing his best to maintain a safe distance. The insect continued :

« But seeing how things are going, I won’t even need to use one of my arrows. Lucky you ! »

« Why are you saying that ? »

Angelo doubled over in exasperation, audibly giving their best annoyed sigh.

« Honey, despite being kinda cute, you really are a lost case. »

« … »

« Im going to tell you something, but it’s a secret between us. Consider yourself lucky, I usually dont gossip with people like you. Seeing you like that just makes me so sad…»

Angelo moved slowly towards Fang until they reached his ear, whispering mysteriously :

« I heard somewhere that Buster have a crush on someone in this park… »

Fang’s heart suddenly turned into an anvil and brutally fell to his feets.

Wait.

Why would he even care anyway ? His friendship with Buster was more likely over. He probably wouldn’t want to see him again in his life ever after what Fang did today. Just to think of it made him nauseous. Just what has gotten into himself at that moment ?

If Buster loved someone, well… Good for him.

Fang lowered his head. His face instantly darkened.
« I need to apologize to him. »

Angelo put their hand over their mouth and exclaimed in surprise :

« Olala darling, I didn’t think you’d react like that ! You’re such a pessimist romantic, I’m feeling blue now… Jeez, im outta here ! »

Angelo disappeared as quickly as they appeared, flapping their wings and leaving the toilet in no time, leaving Fang completely lost and in a worse state than before.

« He likes someone, huh… »

Fang leans against the sink and sighs deeply. He needs to find Buster.

…

He left the toilet and walked with scared steps towards the Turbo theater. Every instinct in his body screamed at him to turn around and run far away from this place, but he needed to clear things up with Buster and apologize.

« I hope he’ll let me speak to him… »

He had been walking for 5 minutes, making several round trips in the way. He didn’t want to go like, at all.

He hesitated to go home once and for all when Buster suddenly reveals from behind a corner. The redhead was out of breath, as if he had been running for hours. He immediatly notices Fang.

As soon as he spots him, he doesn’t even need a second to think before he rushes at Fang. The latter, which sees his friend getting closer and closer without slowing down, starts to worry :

« Hey… Hey… Be careful… BRO »

Buster finally reaches Fang’s body and crashes into him, hugging him with all his might. This altercation nearly caused both of them to fall down. Buster hugged Fang so tightly that he couldn’t escape by any means. He murmurs with a trembling voice :

« I thought you left forever dude… Where were you ?? I searched for you for so long… Please don’t run away like this again. »

Fang could feel the heartbeat of his companion resonate against his own. It felt like a comforting hug, promising only sweet things for the future, which made him astonished :

« You’re… Not mad at me ? »

Buster finally released him from his grasp, but didn’t let go completely as his hands were still holding onto Fang’s arms.

« Mad at you ? Why ? »

« What ??? What do you mean why, I literally kiss-«

Fang couldn’t finish his sentence, a strike of embarassement hitting him on the spot. He lowered his head in shame.

« About that… Im sorry. Listen, I dont know what has gotten into me at that moment. I understand that you would hate me after what I did to you. »

Buster listened carefully to his words before asking him, intently staring into his eyes :

« Fang. »

« …Yeah.. ? »

« Do you like me ? »

Fang looked away, embarrassed by the situation. He had nothing left to hide anyway.

« Aahh haha… That’s a good question… Do I ? »

He didn’t even have time to turn his head completely before Buster lunged towards his face to kiss him. Fang’s brain is spinning at full turbine speed as both of their lips collided passionately.

Buster hands were gripping on Fang’s cheek to make sure the man couldn’t run away again, and Fang’s hands who seemed too shy to land anywhere were twirling around haphazardly.

They both wanted time to stop, wishing this moment could last more and more. The moment came when they finally pulled away from each other, catching their breath.

« You dont know how much I waited for this moment. Buster confessed. I thought I would have to content myself to stay by your side as your best friend forever and play best man at your wedding with Shelly… »

Fang felt his cheeks burning at his words. He shrugged and looked away :

« Oh well… About Shelly, huhh you know, I think I never really had a crush on her. Now that I think about it, it looked more like… Admiration ? Y’know… »

He paused before continuing :

« And maybe it was my way to stay in denial. »

Buster felt a wave of relief. He couldn’t help but want to tease him a little again. What could he say ? Fang was so easy to poke fun at. He brings his head closer.

« In denial ? »

Fang side eyed him and looked away, turning his face at the same time.

« You know damn well what I’m speaking about »

« No, im so so stupid… »

Buster joyfully positions himself in front of Fang’s face and wears a hangdog expression.

« Bro… »

Fang’s gaze softened and his attempt to resist his teasing failed once more as he strokes his head, hesitant. Buster seemed surprised by the unexpected move, but didn’t complain because the feeling of his lover’s fingers between his hair could easely enter his top 5 « Best feeling ever ».

« I love you so damn much bro »
Buster murmured.

« I… »

Fang can’t help but try to hide his embarassement with his free hand by placing it on his tomato colored face and look away.

« I love you too dude. »

They found a bench not far from the place where they confessed not long ago, having a good time while talking about everything and nothing and enjoying their reunion after the « accident ».

« You know I met Angelo in the toilets. »

« The mosquito pal ?? »

« Yeah, they has a strange aura emanating from them, I dont trust 'em… »

« Did they tell you anything ? »

« Yeah but it was all bullshit… Y’know they told me you had a crush on someone in this park ? »

Buster nearly choked on his saliva, swallowing his coughs as best he could.

« What ???? How did they even know about that ? »

« BECAUSE IT’S TRUE ??? »

Fang stood up from the bench, looking at Buster with a betrayed expression.

« Bro I thought you loved only me… »

« Dumbass you’re the one he was speaking about. »

« Oh. »

« … »

« Ooooooooh…. »

Fang sat back down shamefully.

« It all makes so much sense… That’s why they said that to me. »

« Yeah but I dont know how Angelo knew about that, I only talked about it to Maisie. Guess the rumors about them were true, they're really hooked on gossip, that’s crazy. »

« Maisie KNEW ??? »

« Yup, I had to listen to his hopeless romantic rants at 3am after his 56th attempt of inviting you on a date and you idiot kept thinking it was a bro sleepover and smacked him with a pilllow everytime he tried to have a serious discussion. »

The two men turned their heads in unison after hearing a woman’s voice coming from behind them. Maisie was standing there, three tubs of popcorn in her arms.

« Sup gays. »

« Maisie !! Since when are you here ? »

The woman grabbed a piece of popcorn with her mouth and chewed it nonchalantly before mimicking :

« Bro… I love you so much… My alpha male… Oh em gee my sweet kitten whiskers !! I love you too, get me pregna-«

« OKAY THAT’S ENOUGH. »

Fang stood up abruptly and freed the young woman from her popcorns, quickly inviting her to sit next to them. Buster bursted out laughing at Maisie’s imitiation to the point he was folded in half. She added :

« Okay but more seriously, I’m happy for y’all. Fang, dude. You’re so oblivious it’s crazy. »

Fang turned to her, a look of pure incomprehension on his face :

« What did I even do ??? It’s not like he was… Sending me flowers or something. Leave me alone !! »

« Actually, I did send you flowers. »

« WHAT ??? »

« Yeah, for valentine day, two years ago. I didn’t gather the courage to sign the bouquet and you ended up thinking it was from a secret admirer. »

Maisie took on a desperate look and sighed. Fang, on the other hand, retorted with a sad and guilty look :

« That was you ? Why didn’t you tell me ? »

« I dont know, you looked so happy. I didn’t want to possibly ruin it. Seeing you smile was the best possible reward anyway. »

Fang felt tears filling his eyes :

« Bro… »

« Bro. »

They looked at eachother and interlocked hands. Type shit. No homo.

 

Night had recently fallen when the trio returned to the hall. The room was just as Fang and Buster had left it previously, with the exception of Buster’s dress which was laying on the floor amidst the cardboard scenery.

« I had to remove it to run after you, it’s pretty, but pom-poms aren’t really practical for running. »

Fang laughed, imagining Buster sprinting around in a princess dress. He placed his hand on the redhead’s shoulder :

« By the way, I apologize for kissing you without asking. Even if you did love me, that doesn’t make it any less serious. I’m sorry, I should’ve asked. »

Buster looked at him for a moment and giggled.

« Remember when I kissed you when I finally found you back ? I didn’t ask either, sorry. »

He sticks his tongue out mischievously before adding :

« That way, we’re even~. »

Fang couldn’t believe his eyes. He had only recently realized that he loved him, but it seemed that his affection for this man grew with every second spent by his side.

Buster leaned towards his ear and confessed :

« You know, that was my first kiss. »

Fang blushed at his words and grabs his face, murmuring in a soft voice :

« And that won’t be the last. »

All his confidence was finally back for a new purpose. Charming and confident, that was his thing.

« Can y’all two lovebirds atleast wait until I leave ? »

Maisie called out from across the room, tidying up the mess on the floor.

« Get your ass over here and help me clean up ! I wasn’t even in your movie and I’m the one doing all the work. »

The two bros looked at each other until Buster shouts to Maisie :

« You can go home ! We still have a last scene to record, so don’t worry about it !! We’ll clean up everything after. »

« Oh ? Okay well, you don’t have to tell me twice. Im heading off !! »

She grabs her bag and stops at the doorstep, turns around and warns them :

« This room better be cleaner than my rocket’s body when I step in tomorrow morning, got it ?? »

Buster gave her a confident smile and waved his hand in a « got it !! » way. Fang then looks at him with a surprised expression and asks :

« A last scene ? I thought we were finished with everything. »

Buster grabbed his camera and started adjusting the settings before exclaiming :

« After all, you were right. Go grab your costume, we gotta re-do that kiss scene. »

They both looked at each other mischievously, sporting a silly smile.

These guys were undoubtedly soulmates.