Chapter Text
Michael woke up to the cold winter air filling his room. Michael was confused until he realized the reason his room was so cold was because he left his window open. That sure woke up Michael as he rushed over to his window and shut it closed some of the snow got into his window though. Michael fell back onto his bed clearly defeated at the other day's stupidity.
He was lucky his room wasn't carpet. It would be easier to clean up but it would most likely have rotted some of the wood if it was snowing all night..
Michael looked back out the window to check trying to avoid the puddle on the ground. He peeked through the now fogged up window seeing at least 10 inches of snow.
Damn it.. Michael thought. With weather like this his mothers would be pissed that he left his window open and not to mention the floor was done for if he doesn't clean it.
Michael rushed up the stairs pretty glad his mothers were out doing who god knows what. Michael opened the closet and grabbed the towels when he heard a knock on the door. Michael panics but reluctantly opens the door to see Jeremy.
“Hey Michael.. Is now not a good time?”
Jeremy definitely saw the panicked look on Michael's face or maybe it was the fact he was holding five towels.
“Hey Jer yeah not the best time!”
“Did something happen? If you need any help i’d be happy too-”
“Yes Jeremy, I need help.. Badly”
Jeremy comes inside and Michael shuts the door and explains the situation to Jeremy which in turn makes Jeremy laugh slightly until they get downstairs and Jeremy see’s it.
“Oh my god michael you moms are gonna kill you”
“I know! Are you gonna help me or what!!”
The pair spend the next two hours cleaning the water and making sure they don’t ruin the wood or anything in michaels room at that. After they finish cleaning Michael puts the towels into the washer and the two lay down on their bean bags.
“I swear to god Michael if you ever do something like this again i'm not helping that was a pain.”
Jeremy said with a laugh causing Michael to laugh as well. Jeremy’s laugh was contagious at least for michael it always has been one time Michael cut his leg on cement and Jeremy didn't know what to do so he laughed nervously causing Michael to laugh and the too joked around until his moms noticed the giant bleeding cut on michael’s leg and went to go get him. Michael had always been thankful for Jeremy and his stupid laugh, it made everything bad about life go away.
“I know Jer next time it's on me! Thanks though I don't think I would be able to have this finished before my moms comes home if it weren't for your help!”
Michael then remembered Jeremy was stopping by meaning he probably had something to tell him, shit he had been a horrible friend making him do all of that and not even ask what he was up to.
“Oh did you mean to tell me something this morning?”
Michael says trying to sound nonchalant and not like he was stressed about being a bad friend. But Jeremy always saw right through him.
“Yeah I did! Nothing to worry about Michael I was just seeing if you were busy oh shit it might be too late!”
Jeremy checked his phone and sighed a sigh of relief then looked back up at a confused Michael.
“I was wondering if you wanted to go to the new indoor waterpark with me and some friends! I thought it would be easier to ask in person and you're pretty lucky I did!”
An indoor waterpark in the winter?? Who had the idea to do such a bizarre thing? Michael thought to himself. Yeah it was a strange idea but it sounded like a fun one. Michael continued to think for a few more minutes before agreeing.
“Great! It's gonna be awesome! If you want I'll add you to the group chat and I can text you when to be there!”
“Sounds great Jer, do you need a ride? I'd be happy to drive you there!”
“That would be awesome, thanks Michael!”
Just then the two bid each other farewell for now the two both excited to try something new together! As Michael returns to the basement and lays down on his bed hopefully getting some more sleep before the park he feels his phone buzz.
Michael checks it to see he’s been added into a group chat with seven other people called ‘Waterpark squad!!’ by Jeremy.
When Jeremy said some friends Michael thought two or three not six! But it was alright seeing Jeremy have so many friends made Michael happy Jeremy got what he wanted and that's what matters, to Michael at least.
Michael shoots a hello text getting a few other hellos back. Curious Michael goes to see if there are any numbers he knows.
Michael’s face lit up with a mix of joy and confusion when he saw Rich in the list of people in the group. Rich must have fixed some of his relationship with the rest if he was going with and that made Michael glad.
Bzzt Bzzt the sound of someone calling woke up the drowsy Michael. Michael saw it was Jeremy and he quickly answered.
“Are you ready yet Michael were supposed to be there in ten minutes!”
“Yeah yeah I’m on it”
Michael said with a tired, complacent tone in his voice as he wished Jeremy goodbye saying he was on his way.
Michael swifty rushed to the bathroom and splashed water on his face to wake up. There was no need for anything special as they were just going in water anyway but Michael grabbed a towel and got dressed before rushing to his car to go get Jeremy.
After picking up Jeremy they drove to the park, Jeremy pointing where to go. They were late but not by much, the duo were only five minutes late but they weren't really late if there was only one other person there yet.
That person just happened to be Jake.
Jake didn't say much to Michael; he was way more focused on Jeremy. Michael doesn't blame him, he didn't know Michael very well and Michael hadn't made the best first impression.
After a few more minutes of awkward talking Jeremy and Jake were anyway, others slowly arrived first Jenna and Chirstine then Rich and finally Chloe and Brooke.
Everyone was excited to go in the water so in no time that's where they were. Rich was floating near Michael as Jeremy wished them a goodbye as he headed to one of the waterslides.
Rich seemed awfully quiet only looking at Michael and speaking up when Jeremy left.
“I think I was only invited because you were..It really doesn't feel like anyone wants me here..”
“Well I want you here Rich! And besides I didn't know you were coming until I was added to the group chat so that must mean someone else wanted you to come along as well!”
Michael said with a smile. Rich hadn't been himself in a while and Michael kind of missed the annoying short guy so he’d do anything to make him feel comfortable being himself.
“Well I hope you right”
“Come on Rich stop mopping, let's go do something!”
Then the pair got out of the water and found the biggest waterslide in the park to go down. Rich seemed to be enjoying himself and that's all Michael wanted.
After they went down a few more waterslides the duo went to meet up with Jeremy who was about to go in the lazy river. The trio found one of those big floats for four people and they sat in it together and went in the river.
“You guys seem to be having a good time!”
Jeremy said with a laugh which in turn made Michael smile. Rich saw this and had a sly smile on his face which got him a nudge in the shoulder.
“It's been great Jer, we should definitely do things like this more often!”
“Yeah! No offence Michael but it’s nice not to be in your basement playing video games all the time!”
Rich didn't say anything not because he felt awkward, it was more like he was just listening to the two of them. Rich never seemed like the type to enjoy hearing what others have to say but Michael knew that this Rich is a lot different, a lot more real.
After a little bit Rich rejoined the conversation as they looped the river for the first time. As they did they saw Jake about to enter the river when Jeremy asked if he wanted to join them and he awkwardly accepted sitting across from Rich the two staring at each other.
Rich looked uncomfortable but he seemed to be trying to hide it.
The group went around the river a few more times, the conversations being more dry at least on Rich and Michael's side. Michael looked up at Jeremy who must have noticed the awkwardness between them. To try to help the duo Jeremy suggested getting out to grab a bite to eat.
The group agreed and they got out and went looking for the other half of the group.
The girls were all going down those four at a time waterslides together they seemed to be having a better time than them. Michael thought to himself as they walked over to the others.
“Hey guys! You four pooled out already?”
Said Christine as she waved and moved closer to them. As she did, the others spotted them as well and followed her. They were all smiles.
Jeremy offered the break for lunch which they all happily agreed to. After everyone dried off they headed over to the side of the park that had food stands.
There were many options for food. It was almost overwhelming how many more people there were at this side of the pool.
Brooke smiled and turned to face everyone.
“Anyone up for pizza? We could get two or three for all of us!”
Everyone seemed to like Brooke’s plan! They struggled to figure out what type of pizza they all like so they settled on two cheeses, one pepperoni simple and universally adored.
Chloe, Brooke and Jake went up to order as the other five went to find a table. Michael found two tables and Him and Rich pushed them together to make enough space for such a big group. And soon enough the three arrived holding the pizzas and a gallon of plain old Sprite.
As the group ate their pizza everyone broke off into talking in small groups. But Michael didn't really talk as he was more or less thinking to himself.
This is nice. Michael thought. It's not everyday you hang out with the stereotypical popular kids. It was cool.. They were cool..
Michael then looked over to Rich who was talking to Jeremy about something Michael didn't fully understand what but Jeremy did by their interaction.
Michael was then startled as he felt someone tap on his shoulder. He looked over to see Brooke. He had never talked to Brooke but even though she was Jeremy’s ex Jeremy tended to speak highly of her which made Michael feel slightly better talking to someone so pretty.
“Michael right? I’m Brooke, sorry I never properly introduced myself!”
“It’s all good I didn't do that either…”
Brooke laughed slightly which eased off the rest of the nerves Michael had bottled up. He was still so nervous talking to these people but he knew they saw Michael as just a guy so he should do the same.
Michael talked to Brooke a bit more. She seemed to be a very polite and kind person. Michael really liked it when she talked about fashion. She seemed to know a lot about it. Maybe she wanted to be a fashion designer.
Around ten or so minutes later the group had finished eating and went into the pools for around two more hours before deciding to call it a day.
Michael was thinking of going home getting high then passing out but his plans changed when Jeremy walked up to him.
“Hey Michael, sick of hanging out with me yet?”
“Never why??”
“Well I was wondering if you wanted to hang out tonight at my place? My dad’s working nights so we could stay up late…”
Michael thought for a few minutes yeah he was mentally out of it but he wanted to hang out with Jeremy. He could never get tired of spending time with him. Jeremy was his favorite person so he knew he would accept the invitation. Why wouldn't he?
So then after everyone else had left Jeremy and Michael piled into the car as they drove to Michael’s house to drop off his swimwear and to grab a bag for the night.
When the boys arrived at Jeremy’s they rushed immediately to his room and booted up Mario kart.
The weekends were always Michael's favourite time not just because that's when he can sleep in and stay up late, but because he gets more time with Jeremy he doesn't care what he does as long as Jeremy’s there and having fun.
As Jeremy passed Michael in the race Jeremy laughed and nudged Michael which made his face turn to a slight soft pink.
Jeremy looked so pretty when he was laughing it made everything else in the world almost feel pointless. Michael thought to himself which in turn made his face turn even redder at the thought. Come on michael pull yourself together you've lasted this long without telling him you can keep up the act. Wait what am I even thinking? I can't believe this. I can't ruin this with my stupid thoughts.
Just then he felt jeremy tap on his shoulder. Which in turn made Michael snap out of it and look up to see the game paused and Jeremy staring at him. His eyes were filled with a look of worry which startled Michael. He was confused why Jeremy was looking at him like that? Did he do something wrong?
“Mica? You okay dude?”
“Yeah? Why?”
Jeremy laughed and smiled. The damn laugh. It made Michael too happy, Jeremy made Michael too happy.
“Well you were off in your own world.. If you're too tired to play games we don’t have too. I want you to be happy, man.”
Michael just stared at Jeremy. He felt so guilty he didn’t mean to make him worry, well he was off daydreaming the daylight away. Michael couldn’t think of what to say, he wanted to say something but nothing came to mind so he just smiled. Jeremy looked at him weird which made him laugh.
The two laughed for a few more minutes before putting on a new game and playing it for the rest of the night.
Unlike at Michael's Jeremy’s bed is the only place to sleep which normally would be fine. But since Michael is overly aware his feelings are on overdrive at the moment he knew he would panic at even an attempt of sharing a bed, so Michael offered to sleep on the couch.
This in turn got a laugh out of the confused Jeremy who then spoke up.
“There is no way I'm letting you sleep on the couch. You always sleep on the most uncomfortable things when I'm over so it’s only fair! I’ll sleep on the couch!”
Michael wanted to argue he didn't want to sleep on Jeremy’s bed. He felt bad, Jeremy deserved a good sleep. Jeremy was stubborn and Michael knew he wouldn't let this down. That's when Michael got an idea!
“Hey, how about we play a round of Mario Kart. The loser sleeps on the couch.”
Jeremy laughed before agreeing with michael. They played a very competitive game on the dreaded rainbow road. Neither of them were particularly good at rainbow road so it made the most sense that would be the one they play.
Michael laughed when Jeremy fell off the map which in turn made Jeremy playfully shove Michael who then also fell off the map.
Around thirty minutes later the round was done and Michael won naturally. Michael then realized he was supposed to sleep on the bed. It was a fair game so Michael decided that it would be fine for one night. They're just friends, friends do this sometimes, right?
They duo wished each other good night and Michael tried to sleep.Which he couldn't do how much he tried. Everything smelled like Jeremy, Michael liked it but it made him worry he didn't want Jeremy to think he was gross for thinking this, but he also didn't want to keep things from Jeremy.
“Michael.. Michael..”
Michael who was having a great sleep groaned at the fact he was being woken up, it took him so long to fall asleep so to be forced awake already was irritating to say the least.
“..Yeah Jer what's up..?”
“I can't sleep…”
Jeremy muttered, he sounded tired, it was sad to hear him like that. Michael rolled over to face Jeremy before speaking up.
“I told you to sleep on the bed… sleeping on the couch sucks.”
Michael laughed quietly before doing something he would soon regret. Michael moved farther in the bed to make room for jeremy. He didn't say a word. He knew how much of an idiot he was for doing what he did but he knew it was now or never.
Jeremy hesitated before crawling into bed laying next to Michael. Jeremy then turned to face him and did a sort of awkward smile.
“Now we both get to have a good sleep… Why didn't we think of this sooner?”
Michael’s face went flushed; he was thankful it was too dark to see. Michael waited for a minute before responding.
“I don't know.. I guess we both wanted the other to be happy?”
“Yeah maybe…”
Jeremy then turned his back to Michael and closed his eyes. Michael was relieved he wouldn't be stared at all night. Not that he’d mind.. Michael blushed even more at his thoughts he's just gotta shut up and go to bed. But then right before Michael closed his eyes he heard Jeremy speak in a soft tone.
“Goodnight Mica… I'm sorry for waking you up..”
“No it's all good Jer sleep well alright?”
Michael woke up feeling pretty groggy from being woken up in the middle of the night earlier but that feeling washed away when he saw Jeremy fast asleep next to him.
Thanks to the blinds the light was shining onto Jeremy making it look like he was glowing. Jeremy seemed to be having a nice sleep since he was smiling and it made Michael happy. He loved seeing Jeremy like this, nice, happy, calm. After everything he's been through he deserves it more than anyone.
Just then Jeremy slowly woke up, and when he opened his eyes and saw Michael. He smiled even wider; he still sounded exhausted when spoke to michael.
“Good morning Michael, have a good sleep?”
Michael smiled as his cheeks turned a soft pink. Michael was laying right next to Jeremy, Michael was looking at Jeremy's soft caring features, everything was perfect, he was perfect, Michael thought to himself.
“Yeah I think so…”
After Michael talked there was a silent moment between them. Time seemed to stop as the two stared into each other's eyes for what only was a minute, but Michael savored the entire moment between them. This vulnerability between the two of them was something Michael never felt before yet it felt almost right.
Michael loved Jeremy he couldn't keep that hidden forever… he already was struggling now, what if the feelings just got worse. Michael cut those horrible thoughts off. He didn't want to think that right now he was busy with Jeremy. He would rather stay just friends than ruin everything they had.
“Michael? Is everything alright? You're just staring into space again..”
“Yeah sorry I’m just tired.. Did you get a good sleep?”
Jeremy gave Michael a skeptical look before laughing slightly.
“Yeah thanks to you..”
Everything went quiet again as neither boy knew what to say next. They had never done anything like sharing a bed. Michael felt his face heat up as Jeremy's eyes locked onto his once more. Michael didn't want to break eye contact first since that would be rude.. But he didn't exactly want Jeremy to see how much he was blushing.
Jeremy smiled and laughed once more. That damn laugh. Michael thought to himself. God Jeremy was perfect, he loved him so much and so much he made the biggest mistake of his entire life.
Michael pulled Jeremy close and kissed him. Michael knew it was all over he ruined everything they had but he couldn’t hide this forever he loved him so damn much for that.
Jeremy’s lips were soft and sweet as Jeremy kissed him back. Michael couldn’t see Jeremy since he closed his eyes out of fear of seeing the others' anger. Jeremy kissed him back but Jeremy wasn’t really good with emotion so Michael didn’t know if it was because he wanted to or to make sure Michael was okay.
But then what Michael feared yet knew was going to happen, Jeremy pulled Michael away from him. Michael opened his eyes and panicked, starting to rant about how he was sorry he hadn’t meant it. That he cared about Jeremy but only as a friend.
He couldn’t lose him not after everything.
Jeremy was silent hearing everything Michael had to say and once Michael calmed down, still visibly panicked but calmer Jeremy spoke to him.
“Michael I need some space..”
Michael’s heart broke, it was a simple statement yet it held so much weight to it. He knew he ruined everything and he wanted to fix it more than anything. But Michael cares about Jeremy and would rather him be happy over his feelings in a heartbeat.
Michael then got up and grabbed his things and before leaving looked back at Jeremy and apologized one last time hiding the fact he was on the brink of tears not because Jeremy didn’t feel the same.
Because he knew he had ruined the years of friendship and in turn lost his best and dearest friend.