Chapter Text
As Anthony closed the door behind him, a wave of realization washed over him — he actually did it! He actually managed to ask out Adele! Well, not in those exact words, but still! Panic gripped him like a vice. What if she didn’t think it was a date? What if he had misread the situation completely? His heart raced as thoughts spiraled through his mind like a roller coaster.
Lost in his internal chaos, he barely noticed his older brother, Mason, who was sprawled on the couch amidst a graveyard of empty beer bottles. “Anthony! My good man!” Mason’s slurred greeting snapped him back to reality. His older brother was squinting at him, the corners of his mouth turning up in a crooked grin. “C’mon dude, you’re not even gonna say hi? What a pussy.”
Finally realizing his brother was addressing him, Anthony forced a smile, though it felt more like a grimace. “Oh, hi, Mason.” Consumed by excitement for his upcoming date (or was it?), he had absolutely forgotten that his horrible sibling was waiting at home. “Back from your ballet classes already, huh, ballerina? I thought you had a late-night practice with your imaginary girlfriend.” The mockery dripped from Mason’s words like honey gone sour.
“She’s not imaginary!” Anthony shot back, his cheeks heating up. “Well, she isn’t your girlfriend, either.” Mason’s smirk widened. Anthony sighed, feeling the weight of frustration settle on his shoulders. He could never reason with Mason; it was like arguing with a brick wall. All he needed to do was successfully take a shower, get dressed, and escape this chaotic circus. Simple enough, right?
No.
“Aren’t you going out? You said something about a party...” he asked, hoping to steer Mason toward the door. “Dude, what loser goes to a party at six pm?” Mason looked genuinely puzzled, his brow furrowing. “Don’t worry, if you need the house empty to, y’know, jack off to your imaginary girlfriend, I’ll get out.”
“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” Anthony snapped, the words bursting out before he could think better of them. “Language, Anthony!” Mason laughed, the sound booming in the small space. Watching his younger brother squirm was his favorite hobby. “You’ll see. You’ll end up just as screwed up as Dad and I, and your little dancing lessons won’t get you out of this dump.”
Anthony felt his blood boil, but he knew better then engaging in a fight with Mason - It definitely would only hinder his chances with Adele. With a reluctant huff, he turned and trudged to his room, the echoes of Mason’s football game drowning out his thoughts.
Only two more years ‘til college.
Once he was sure Mason had finally crashed on the couch, snoring like a chainsaw, Anthony slipped out of the house, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation. All he had to do now was clear his mind and hope that Adele felt the same way he did about this outing.
Arriving at the movie theater fifteen minutes early, he wanted to ensure he knew exactly where they were sitting — and, of course, to grab a fresh batch of popcorn that would burst with flavor. Everything had to be perfect in case it was a real date. And especially if it isn’t.
When Adele walked in, his breath caught in his throat. The chaos of the day faded away as he focused solely on her. She looked radiant in a flowy orange dress, her hair held together in a tight pony, drawing attention to her captivating, warm brown eyes.
“Hi!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up as she spotted him. She bounded over, wrapping her arms around him in a warm hug. “I’m so glad you could make it!” Her excitement was infectious, and he couldn’t help but smile back. “Wow. You look great,” he managed to say, genuinely awed.
“Thanks!” she replied, a shy smile playing on her lips. “Should we go in? The trailers are about to start.” “Ah yes, my favorites,” he said, his voice slightly wavering as he tried to keep the mood light. “I genuinely can’t tell if you’re making fun of me because that is literally my favorite part.” She chuckled, mischief dancing in her eyes.
“No, really!” he insisted, laughter bubbling between them.
This date was off to a promising start, with popcorn flying and playful banter filling the air. When the ticket reader chimed, “Have fun, lovebirds,” they exchanged a glance, the awkwardness hanging for a moment before bursting into awkward laughter - with neither denying it.
So it is a date.
But as the trailers faded and the movie began, Anthony’s anxiety resurfaced. He steeled himself, determined to appear brave despite the gory scenes flashing before his eyes. Yet when a particularly shocking moment occurred, he couldn't help but let out a high-pitched scream, sending his popcorn flying through the air like confetti.
Adele glanced over, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Anthony, are you afraid of horror movies?” she teased lightly, her voice devoid of judgment — well, maybe just a smidge. “What? No! No! I… like… horror movies!” His shaky voice betrayed him, and he cringed internally.
Adele laughed, her gaze returning to the screen, but Anthony couldn’t help but sit back and admire her. Her beauty, her courage, her effortless enjoyment of something that terrified him — it was all enchanting. Trying to channel her bravery, he steeled himself, only to fail miserably as the next jump scare exploded on-screen, causing him to emit an even higher-pitched shriek.
This time, Adele didn’t even turn to him, but just instinctively reached for his hand and held it firmly. Anthony’s heart raced. She was actually holding his hand, and neither of them seemed eager to let go.
So they didn’t.