Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/7467186.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      M/M
  Fandom:
      Rhett_&_Link
  Relationship:
      Rhett_McLaughlin/Link_Neal, Rhett_McLaughlin_&_Link_Neal
  Character:
      Rhett_McLaughlin, Link_Neal, Prom_Dates_-_Character
  Additional Tags:
      Pining, Love, Teen_Angst, Dancing, Prom, Laughter, Kissing, Mutual
      Masturbation, rhink, senior_prom, Light_Smut, First_Time, rhett_age:_18,
      link_age:_17_years_11_months
  Stats:
      Published: 2016-07-12 Words: 8285
****** It's Your Love ******
by Remembertherandler
Summary
     Senior Prom, a rite of passage, one every teenage boy both dreaded
     and dreamed of. But when the object of your affection is someone that
     you are sure you can never have, never love, it might be the last
     place you want to be.
Notes
     This is the last of my 200 Follower Giveaway Gifts. It was intended
     to be a 1000 word ficlet and it kind of exploded on me.
     Congratulations @Chiasquatch on Tumblr! I hope you like this beast of
     a ficlet.
     What? Don't look at me like that... I possess little in the way of
     self control when it comes to Rhink. I admit that it got a little out
     of hand, but I hope the end result will be worth it.
     Special Note: On April 19th, 1996... Link was 17 years, 10 months,
     and 19 days old... so I flagged this as underage.
See the end of the work for more notes
Rhett leaned against the doorframe of his bedroom, looking down at his tuxedo.
He reached for one of the tails of his jacket, toying with it, folding it
between his fingers before his gaze shifted back to Link.
Link was standing in front of the mirrored closet door, fiddling with his bow
tie. He’d made several attempts to fasten it and was growing frustrated. “Gosh,
Rhett,” he said, throwing his hands in the air in exasperation. “Do I have to
wear this freakin’ thing?” He ripped it from his neck.
Rhett pushed himself from the frame. No patience. He chuckled at Link’s
reddening cheeks.
Link’s long hair hung in his face. He blew the errant strands away and
continued fussing with the silk fabric in his hands.
“Here,” Rhett said, as he approached his struggling friend. “My dad taught me.”
Rhett grabbed Link’s shoulder and turned his lean body to face his own.
Link looked up at him, apparently annoyed, before a smile crept across his
features. His blue eyes were shining in the late afternoon sun slanting in
through the open window. It reflected off the small golden basketball trophies
and framed photos on the shelf over Rhett’s desk, glimmering treasures of a
childhood gone by.
Gosh… Rhett shook his head, clearing the thoughts he fought off each time his
eyes met Link’s, especially when they were mere inches apart. He was sure Link
would be able to hear his thudding heart. Rhett swallowed as he took the silken
strand into his hand and wrapped it around the upturned collar of Link’s shirt.
“Thanks,” Link said quietly, tipping his head down and watching Rhett’s hands
work the material.
Rhett chewed his lower lip in concentration as he completed the final knot and
straightened the finished bow. He pulled the collar down around it and dragged
his palms over the lapels, smoothing the fabric and feeling Link’s protruding
collar bones beneath. You look great.
“What’s the matter, Rhett?” Link tipped his head, his eyebrow cocked in
question. “Thinking about Stephanie?”
Rhett pulled in his smile, concerned he wasn’t masking his feelings. He sighed.
Of course he thinks that. He stepped back and looked Link up and down. “Yeah,
I’m thrilled to be taking her.” He rolled his eyes.
Link reached for his chin, rubbing at his dark goatee. “Look, Man. I know she
wanted to go with Brooks, but who knows.” He nudged Rhett in the shoulder with
his fist. “Maybe you can win her over with your charm and good looks,” he
laughed.
Rhett blushed as he rubbed at the place where Link had touched him. “Oh, shut
up!” he chuckled. “You’re such an ass.” And I love you for it.
Link continued giggling as he stepped by Rhett, heading for the door. He looked
back over his shoulder. “Let’s go pick up the ladies,” he said. He dragged out
the last word with a sultry tone and waggled his brows suggestively before
turning around and walking into the hallway and heading down the stairs.
Rhett winced as he stared at Link’s retreating back. Link was taking his
girlfriend Missy to the prom. The two had been getting closer and closer over
the last few months and each lingering touch between them drove Rhett crazy
with jealousy.
It was easier when he was dating someone, easier to ignore his feelings, easier
to shut off his thoughts. But it was getting harder and harder to watch Link
happy with someone that wasn’t him. Just stop thinking about it. Rhett willed
his mind to leave him be. He wanted to enjoy this night, not be plagued by
dreams that would never come to fruition. Link would never be his, at least,
not in the way the depths of his heart longed for.
Rhett drifted into memories of the soft and tender moments they had shared as
kids. Sleeping together in the bed that he stood next to, Link nuzzled into his
side. It had never been anything more than friendship then, but Rhett knew now
that the drumming of his heart and the excitement in his chest were indicators
of feelings he didn’t understand at the time. Love, true and deep.
”You comin’?” Link’s voice carried up the staircase.
Rhett looked himself over in the mirror, tugging at his lapels. “I’ll be right
down!” he called back, taking a final look at himself in the mirror. He ran his
hand over the top of his head. “You can do this,” he muttered to himself. He
turned and ran his fingers over the comforter of his bed as he headed for the
door. You can do this.
Rhett made his way down the stairs to find his mother thumbing at Link’s
lapels, brushing his hair from his face and smiling at him.
“You look very handsome, dear,” she said, pinching Link’s cheek.
He does. Rhett gripped the stair rail as he watched their loving interaction.
Link flushed pink and his gaze fell to the floor. “Thanks, Mama Di,” he said,
looking back up at her, placing his hand on her shoulder and giving a gentle
squeeze.
She smiled and stepped back, looking up at Rhett. “There’s my boy!” Her smile
was wide and gleeful.
Rhett walked down the remaining stairs and stood next to Link. “Yeah, yeah,
Mom,” he sighed. She always fawned over him, but whenever he wore a suit, it
was almost an unbearable level of adoration.
She reached up, clasping her hands to his shoulders. “Let me take a look at
you.” Her brows knitted as she reached for his chin, tipping it to the side.
“You’ve got a little something…” she licked her thumb and rubbed it over his
cheek.
”Ugh! Mom!” Rhett tried to pull away from her but she was surprisingly
steadfast in her grip on him.
Link began to vibrate with laughter, nudging Rhett with his elbow.
“Not helping, Neal.” Rhett looked sideways at Link through narrowed eyelids as
he finally freed himself from his mother’s vice-like grip.
“Sorry, it’s just…” Link pushed the corners of his mouth down, smoothing his
expression, “You’re such a Mama’s Boy.” He broke out into full-blown laughter.
Rhett tensed, turning toward his chortling friend, “Why you!” He jabbed at
Link’s ribs, pushing him toward the front door, tickling and prodding.
“Ahh!” Link reached for Rhett’s hands, clasping at his large wrists, “Rhett,
stop!” His back slammed into the wooden surface and his eyes settled on
Rhett’s. His mouth was agape, his sharp canines peeking out from under his lip.
Rhett’s heart leapt in his chest. Their bodies were pressed against each other,
Link was breathing hard from their scuffle. Can’t I just kiss you… just once?
“Now, now, boys,” Rhett’s mother scolded, “Enough. You’ll have your suits all
in a mess.” She patted Rhett’s shoulder.
Rhett tried to take a step back, but his body felt like it was glued to Link’s,
immovable. People often said that the two of them were like magnets-- for
trouble, and for each other. Never apart. He felt the pull now. He, the north,
Link, the south, drawn together. It’s always you. He swallowed the lump that
had formed in his throat.
“Yeah,” Link said, shoving at Rhett’s shoulders, “Wouldn’t want anything to
happen to those tails,” he teased, opening his mouth and flashing an
exaggerated wink.
Rhett pursed his lips, sighing at Link’s obvious attempt to taunt him. “Look
who’s talking, Mr. ‘I-should-have-kept-the-hair-on-the-side-of-my-stupid-
head’,” Rhett said, gesturing at his own temples.
“Pfffft!” Link rolled his eyes before turning to open the door and step out
onto the porch.
Rhett followed Link outside and a warm breeze washed over him. The sun was
still peeking out from behind the trees, the cicadas had finally quieted after
their day of singing.
Rhett’s father stepped out from the garage, wiping his hands with a cloth. “I
just finished shining her up, boys,” he said, gesturing to the shining red
convertible, “Now, don’t go driving like a bunch of hooligans!” He walked
toward the porch, tossing Rhett the keys. “And Link isn’t allowed to drive.” He
winked at his son.
Rhett’s mother came spilling out of the house, her eyes full of excitement as
she scurried down the stairs holding a camera.
Rhett rolled his eyes, nudging Link and pointing at his mother.
Link chuckled. “You had to know that was coming,” he whispered to Rhett,
shielding his mouth with his hand.
She slapped Link’s hand away, shaking her head, “Oh stop it you two!” She
grabbed Rhett’s shoulder and maneuvered him closer to Link. “I just want to get
a few pictures before you head off.” She stepped back from them, next to her
husband, and aimed the camera for a few shots.
“Jeeze! You boys could stand to look a little happier,” Rhett’s father teased.
“Taking two pretty girls to the prom… liven up there!” He laughed and pushed
his own mouth into a smile with his thumb and forefinger.
Girls… I would be happier if I was taking– Rhett blinked hard and subtly shook
his head. He wouldn’t allow himself to finish the thought.
“Sorry, Mr. McLaughlin,” Link said before flashing his bright white teeth in a
wide smile.
Rhett’s mother snapped a few more shots of the two before dropping her hands to
her waist and staring up at the two of them, an apologetic look in her eye.
“Alright, alright.” She gestured toward the garage. “Get going then!”
Rhett’s eyes gleamed at he approached the car. He was never usually allowed to
drive it. It had taken a lot of work, on his mother’s part, to convince his
father that he could be trusted to drive it, just this one time.
Link pulled the handle of the passenger side door and settled happily into the
seat, drumming his fingers on the dash.
“Remember what I said, Rhett!” His father called after them. “No shenanigans in
the Mustang!”
”Yeah, Dad!” Rhett said, throwing his hand over his head but not turning
around, “I got it!” He joined Link in the front seat. He gripped the steering
wheel firmly and turned to face Link.
“You ready for this, Brother?” Link asked, clapping his hand to Rhett’s thigh.
Rhett took in a sharp breath. His body responded as it always did when Link
touched him. The hairs on his arms stood on end, sending a shiver through his
entire body. His heart skipped before racing in his chest, hammering at the
inside of his breastbone, a flop sweat began to bead on his forehead. But what
he hated most was that he knew his cheeks were red, he knew they betrayed him.
Not now. He turned away for a moment to collect himself.
Link moved his hand away, trailing his fingertips as he did so.
Rhett hated the feeling of the lost contact but was grateful to be free of the
torture it brought him. He pulled his lower lip into his mouth, squinted his
eyes, and sighed deeply.
“You okay, Rhett?” Link asked, laying the offending hand on Rhett’s sloping
shoulder.
The touch was almost too much for Rhett to take, he’d only just escaped. I’m
not okay. He pulled away. I have to be. He shook his head and turned to face
his friend. “Yeah, I’m fine. I…” Rhett stammered. “I’m just excited,” he lied.
Link nodded in agreement. “Me too!” He ran his hands over his own thighs before
gesturing to the road. “Onward! To the ladies!” Link laughed.
Rhett couldn’t help but laugh. Link had a way of distracting him from his
unwanted and intrusive thoughts. “Okay, Link.”
As they were pulling out of the driveway, Rhett’s mother called from behind
them, waving two plastic boxes in the air, the corsages. It would have been
just like them to forget to bring those.
Rhett shook his head at his own absent mindedness as he took them from his
mother’s hands.
She smiled at them. “I still can’t believe my boys are heading to their senior
prom.” She reached up and ran her hands over Rhett’s hair.
Rhett passed the corsages to Link and smiled up at his mother. “I know, I know.
We’re all grown up,” he teased. “But we may not actually get to Prom if we
don’t get on the road.”
“Yes, yes,” she said, taking a step back. “Have a great time!” She waved as
they pulled away.
The short drive to Missy’s house had been filled with jokes and reminiscing
about the year that had just passed. Link teased Rhett about being single,
Rhett insisted that Missy was only dating Link out of pity. The conversation
was peppered with silly jokes and playful jabs.
Rhett pulled into the long gravel driveway and the wheels kicked up a bit of
dust as he slowed to stop. He could see Missy and Stephanie standing in the
yard. Their parents were surrounding them, taking photos and laughing with each
other. Their arrival had yet to draw any attention.
“Would you look at those two!” Link said, rubbing his hands together.
Rhett looked at the two girls and smiled. They looked so excited. His eyes
traveled over his date, Stephanie. She was wearing a slim white sequined dress.
She looked beautiful, but Rhett couldn’t help but wonder why she had decided to
wear her hair up, why both of them had. “What is with the hair-up thing?” Rhett
asked, leaning in to Link’s ear, not wanting there to be a chance the girls
might hear.
“I don’t know, dude,” Link shrugged, bumping Rhett’s chin with his shoulder.
“Girls are weird.”
Rhett had opened his mouth to respond when a voice carried across the yard.
“The gentlemen callers have arrived,” Missy’s father said. His voice carried
with it a slight derisive tone, one a father had every right to have on Prom
night.
Rhett picked up on the subtle hint of a threat in his voice. “Ah, yes. I guess
we have.” He reached into the back seat of the car and grabbed the corsages and
he passed one to Link before taking long strides down the driveway toward the
greeting party. Link took hurried steps in an attempt to keep stride with
Rhett, who looked over at him and smiled . He loved when Link seemed to make a
concerted effort to remain close to him.
The girls’ fathers approached them with hands outstretched.and the four shared
what was easily one of the most awkward handshakes in the history of
handshakes.
After Missy’s father finally released Link’s hand, he pulled it to his chest,
cupping it with his other hand. Rhett could see that Link was trying to hide
his discomfort. Missy’s father had obviously won the handshake. Rhett couldn’t
help but laugh under his breath.
Link shot him a threatening and annoyed glare through narrowed eyelids. “Shut
up,” he muttered under his breath, gently elbowing Rhett in the side.
Rhett towered over his date’s father but the man had a way of making him feel
small. He stuck out his hand, awkwardly grabbing the shorter man’s. His palm
was slick with sweat. He was sure it would be noticed.
”Nervous?” Stephanie’s father asked, releasing Rhett’s hand and wiping his own
on his trousers. “You boys look…” He raised his eyebrows as he looked them both
over. “Ready.” He tipped his head, giving it a slight shake.
“Not too ready though,” Missy’s father added, looking directly at Link. He was
smiling but his eyes were narrowed. “Right, Link?” He said, punching Link in
the shoulder.
Link grabbed his shoulder, wincing. “Right, Mr. Stansel.” He clenched his teeth
and pressed his lips together into a line.
The four men headed back toward the group of giggling women, the older members
seemingly satisfied with level of embarrassment and intimidation they had
imposed.
“I think I’m going to have a bruise,” Link said, rolling his shoulder and
rubbing at it.
Rhett chuckled to himself, covering his mouth. “Don’t be such a wimp,” he
teased, leaning toward Link and bumping his shoulder.
Link squinted up at him, pursing his lips.
“Link!” Missy called, running toward him.
Link caught her in his arms, giving her a firm hug and planting a small kiss on
her cheek. He pushed her away and his eyes traveled over her. “You look…
beautiful, Missy.”
Rhett watched the smiling couple. Link’s mouth was wide, but his smile was
strange. What’s wrong?
“Hi, Rhett,” Stephanie greeted him with much less enthusiasm than her friend
had afforded Link.
“Hi,” he said simply, dropping his gaze to his feet. He kicked at the gravel
nervously. Why is this so freakin’ awkward. He thought he was going to collapse
with anxiety. He knew Stephanie really didn’t want to go to prom with him and
her tone only made that more clear. Not to mention, spending the day with Link,
watching him dress, inspecting him, it had stirred up feelings he was growing
tired of suppressing.
“Alright you four!” Missy’s mother called. “Picture time!”
Rhett felt a wave of relief wash over him as he was freed from the
uncomfortable moment. But then he realized it meant posing for more photos.
Missy pulled on Link’s hand, dragging him with her, positioning them under a
small tree. Link wrapped his arm around her back, cupping her waist.
“Oh! Here, dear.” Missy’s mother passed her the small box containing Link’s
boutonniere.
Rhett watched as Missy pinned the white flowers to Link’s lapel. He noticed how
tender Link was as he took her hand in his and slid on the corsage. Rhett felt
his heart sink and he began to feel angry with himself. This was meant to be
one of the best nights of their lives and he was moping. Get it together,
McLaughlin. A small voice cut through his trance.
“Are you going to put that on me, or what?” Stephanie’s voice was heavy with
apathy.
Rhett felt awful, and not only for her. Neither of them wanted to go with the
other to this dance, he knew that. He was hoping that she wouldn’t be able to
detect his trepidation; he was determined to show her a good time. He painted a
smile on his face and tried to divert his attention from Link, who was now
happily taking photos with Missy. “Sorry,” he apologized before popping open
the plastic container and freeing the corsage. He placed it on her wrist and
she smiled for the first time since he’d arrived.
“Come on,” she said, taking his hand. “Let’s try to have a good time.”
They joined the other couple under the tree and Stephanie pinned a matching
boutonniere to Rhett’s tail coat.
“Hey,” Link jeered. “We match!” He tugged at Rhett’s lapel, sticking out his
tongue in jest.
We do. Rhett ran his fingers delicately over the white rose on his chest. In
every way. He felt the heat rising in his cheeks. Stop it. He bit the inside of
his lip to distract himself from his wayward thoughts.
After what felt like several hundred contrived couple poses and groups shots,
Rhett found himself longing to escape.
“Hey, Rhett?” Link patted him on the shoulder. “Want to get a couple of shots,
just the two of us?” His mouth was turned up into a lopsided grin, and his eyes
were wide.
“Sure!” Rhett responded instinctively to the request.
The two stood back to back, arms crossed, under the magnolia tree, listening to
the sounds of camera shutters and soft giggles from their dates.
Link turned, and thrust his hand forward. “Let’s get one of us shaking hands,”
he said, miming the motion with his outstretched palm.
Rhett narrowed his eyes skeptically. “Isn’t that kinda lame, Link?” he said,
running his hand over the back of his hair.
“Of course it’s kinda lame, that’s half the fun,” Link said, laughing and
poking at Rhett with his forefingers. “Now, come on! We can like… raise one of
our feet or something, if you want to keep it interesting!”
After several more photos and few pointed comments from concerned parents, the
group piled into the convertible and made their way to Harnett Central High.
They arrived at the school to find that most of their classmates had already
arrived and were gathered outside. The air was full of excitement, laughter,
and flashing cameras.
Rhett pulled the car into one of the only empty spaces and they clambered out.
Rhett was the last to exit the vehicle. He stood next to it, watching as Link
walked side by side with their dates. His eyes were drawn to only Link,
dropping to his waist and round bottom. Stop staring at him! What is wrong with
you?
Link turned back and called over his shoulder. “You comin’ or what?” He put his
arms over the shoulders of both of the girls. “You’re about to lose your date,”
he winked.
Rhett sighed. You need to try to have a good time. He looked around at his
other classmates, all wearing wide smiles, their excited voices and laughter
carrying through the air. Don’t ruin this for him. He shook his head as he
watched after his best friend, his arms still wrapped greedily around both
girls. Freakin’, Neal. He jogged to catch up.
                                     ~ * ~
Link walked through the doors, entering the foyer of the school. Lights were
slung over the banisters and draped fabric hung from the ceilings.
“Hey, Neal,” Rhett called from behind him. “You think I could get my date
back?” Rhett’s voice was breathy.
Link turned to see that Rhett had caught up to them and was slightly out of
breath. “I guess.” Link dropped his arm from Stephanie’s shoulder. He smiled,
trying to make it seem genuine. But he’d spent the earlier part of the day
convinced that Rhett seemed uninterested in his date. He’d even gone so far as
to think Rhett had been expressing a genuine interest in him. Don’t be such an
idiot.
Link had spent the entire day flashing false smiles. Making jokes. Trying to
convince Rhett, and if he was honest, himself, that he wasn’t infatuated with
his oldest friend. Every day was a struggle, trying to hide his feelings,
trying to be a good friend, the friend Rhett deserved. Today had been
particularly difficult. He was sure Rhett had noticed the rapid drumming in his
chest when their bodies were pressed together, that his pathetic attempt to
touch Rhett under the magnolia tree were incredibly transparent. He must have
sensed that. How could Rhett have missed the forced smiles as Link had stood
taking photos with Missy? He wished with the deepest parts of himself that he
could reveal what his heart wanted so badly. You can’t.
“Looks like everyone is making their way inside.” Rhett looked back over his
shoulder. “This is it, man.” He shoved at Link’s shoulder. “Senior Prom.”
Rhett’s face lit up as his mouth arched into a wide smile as he tucked
Stephanie under his arm, pulling her body close to his own.
Link’s eyes traveled over the couple and his heart sunk. Stephanie fit
perfectly and he couldn’t help the jealous wave that passed through him. It had
been so much easier when Rhett had been basically ignoring her. Now, Rhett’s
once unenthused date was staring up at him with adoring eyes. Don’t wreck this
by being stupid. Link spun Missy and drew her close. “Senior Prom.” He
maintained eye contact with Rhett as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
Rhett looked as the rest of their classmates flooded the space. “Let’s head to
the gym,” he said, gesturing down the wide corridor. He rubbed his hand over
Stephanie’s waist a few times before leading her forward.
Link watched as they began to meander down the hall. His eyes were greedy for
Rhett, lingering where they shouldn’t. What is wrong with you!? He grabbed
Missy’s hand and followed after Rhett.
They walked into the fully decorated gymnasium. It looked dramatically
different than when they’d last seen it. The walls were covered in bright reams
of fabric and decorations. Round cloth-covered tables surrounded the brightly
lit dance floor, greens, pinks, blues, and yellows spraying over the wooden
floor. A mirror ball hung from the ceiling, sending flashes of white cascading
around the room, covering every surface in glimmering squares of light.
Rhett turned to Link. “Look at this place!” He lifted his arms and gestured
openly.
Link could only stare, stare at Rhett. The lights were coating him in bright
hues; his eyes gleamed each time the rotating flashes danced over them. Look at
you. Link felt his cheeks heating as he tore his transfixed gaze away. Just as
Link had gathered himself enough to respond, the air began to fill with music,
the volume of it quickly making it difficult to hear anything but.
Stephanie placed her hand softly on Rhett’s shoulder and he bent down to her
level. He smiled as she spoke into his ear. He looked up at Link and gestured
toward to dance floor, his eyes brows raised in question.
Link nodded and the four of them made their way into the beams of the colourful
lights, their bodies moving in rhythm with the music as their classmates joined
them, crowding the dance floor.
The music was upbeat and they all danced jovially together. Link felt his body
jarred as someone bumped into him from behind. His body tumbled forward into
Rhett.
Rhett stumbled backward, clapping his hands around Link’s upper arms. “Woah
there, Link,” Rhett said, staring down at him.
Link looked up at Rhett’s smiling face and he felt his pulse quicken. He
swallowed, sending his adam’s apple bobbing up his long neck. “Uh, sorry.” He
brushed himself off and stepped out of Rhett’s grasp.
Missy reached for him, taking his arm in her hand and whispering in his ear.
“Do you think we could go get some punch?” She spoke in a raised voice, only
barely audible over the loud bass.
Link’s eyes were still on Rhett’s as he nodded. That’s probably a good idea. He
dropped his gaze to his feet and sidestepped Rhett’s large frame. He ladled out
a large glass of punch and downed it quickly. It did nothing to quench his
thirst. It’s not a drink you need… it’s him. Link slammed the glass down on the
table, angry with himself, with his thoughts.
“Link?” Missy asked, “What’s wrong?”
Everything “Nothing, Missy,” he lied. Link turned back to the dance floor and
watched Rhett laughing and dancing with his date and their friends. “It’s fine.
It just slipped.” He had to look away from the happy scene playing out in front
of him. He thought about each and every time he’d felt these same emotions and
how every time he forced them back into the recesses of his mind, it was harder
and harder.
“As long as you’re sure,” Missy said, tipping her head and running her hand
over his arm. She looked past him and her eyes grew wide. “Let’s get our
picture taken!” she cried, gesturing over his shoulder.
Link turned to see the staged hanging backdrop and blue stars propped up on
pillars, and balloons covering the floor. Great… more pictures. He sighed
deeply but conceded.
Missy grabbed his hand and hauled him onto the photoset.
Link assumed his usual position for such photos, standing beside her, cupping
her hands in his, wishing they were someone else’s. He looked over the camera
lens and saw that Rhett was approaching with Stephanie and a rather large group
of their friends. His breathing grew ragged and he panicked, dropping Missy’s
hands. Are you worried he’ll be jealous?
”Can’t get enough of the cameras today, can you, Link?” Rhett smiled at him,
tipping his chin back. The teasing tone elicited laughs from their friends.
Link paused only a moment before responding. “You know me…” He struck a pose,
one hand on his hip, the other behind his head. “I’m practically a model.” He
pursed his lips. It was all just a show, a diversion, for himself and anyone
who might be watching. He used humor as a way to distance himself and others
from his true feelings.
The music carrying through the air suddenly shifted, slow plaintive chords
began to fill the room.
Missy clapped her hand to Link’s chest a few times before she spoke. “Link,
dance with me!” It wasn’t a question, and she certainly didn’t give him a
chance to respond before she dragged him back onto the dance floor.
Rhett nodded at him, smiling, as they passed.
Missy grabbed Link’s hand in her own, taking his other and placing it at her
waist.
Link looked down at his feet as they began to sway together. Missy laid her
head against his chest, and he rested his chin in her hair, his eyes seeking
Rhett with each rotation. He watched as Rhett and Stephanie took their place in
front of the camera, stared as he took her hands in his. Stop torturing
yourself, you masochist.
Link tipped his head, pressing his lips into Missy’s curly blond hair, closing
his eyes, needing to free himself, desperate for a reprieve. I can’t take this.
He’d spent every day with Rhett, but something about this night was different.
He felt like his insides were burning with need for his friend, the desire more
intense than it had ever been. I can never have him. He felt the burning that
had been isolated to the pit in his gut begin to build in his eyes. Don’t you
dare cry.
Missy took in a long contented breath, exhaling it into his jacket, warming his
chest beneath.
Link lifted his head, opening his eyes. He jolted upright when he was
confronted by Rhett, who was now standing mere feet from him, swaying back and
forth, his date clung to his chest.
Rhett nodded at him and laid his hand over Stephanie’s back.
Link’s heart was rattling his ribs with the strength of its beating. He took
wider steps, increasing the speed of his rotation. I can’t. But inevitably,
their eyes would meet, and each time, Link felt a magnetic pull, drawing him to
Rhett, one that he needed to consciously counteract. As the song built to a
crescendo their eyes met once more and the tears that had skirted the edges of
his eyes were now threatening to spill out.
Rhett smiled at him, wide and true.
Link’s heart shattered in his chest. That was it, all he had left, all of the
resolve, all of the inner strength that he had drawn on for years, used up in a
single instant, burned away by a single, simple gesture. Oh, Rhett.
Link shook his hand free of Missy’s and stumbled away from her. His eyes darted
wildly around the room, searching desperately for an escape. His head was
spinning and covered in beads of sweat. I need to get out of here. He pushed by
Missy, running his shoulder into hers, not caring if hurt.
Rhett reached for him as he passed. “Link, wait–”
Link snapped. “Don’t touch me!” The tears began to flow out of his narrowed
glaring eyes. “Don’t!” He pushed Rhett’s reaching hand aside and stormed off,
jogging for the doors.
Link spilled into the hallway; he felt like he couldn’t draw breath. His lungs
felt tight and heavy in his chest, the lights seemed to blur overhead, the
buzzing of the florescent bulbs sounded like it had been amplified a thousand
times, filling his head. He covered his ears with the palms of his hands,
squinting his eyes as he tried to slow his heart rate and deliver much needed
oxygen to his clouded mind.
He staggered down the nearby hall, falling against the wall on his shoulder
before turning to rest his back against the cold cinderblocks, looking down at
his trembling legs. He gritted his teeth as he lifted his gaze to the door in
front of him. He pushed himself from the wall and fell into the swinging
bathroom door. He reached for the light switch, flicking it off, his head
suddenly quiet, free of the incessant hum. In the darkness of the bathroom, the
din of the dance was quieted, only a faint hint permeating the walls. Link felt
his body begin to relax.
He took hesitant steps forward, still blind in the darkness, feeling for the
counter in front of him. He clasped the edges and felt for the familiar shape
of the metallic sink and faucet. He turned on the water, letting the cold
liquid spill over his hands. He brought his now cool, dampened hands to his
face, but they were instantly warmed as he pressed them against his flushed
cheeks and forehead. He looked up to where he knew the mirror hung, glad that
in the darkness he would not have to look at himself. He wouldn’t be forced to
see the pain in his eyes caused by his ridiculous desires. It didn’t stop his
mind from confronting him with flashing images and moments, all of them filled
with Rhett, of their life together.
He tore his jacket from his shoulders, throwing it onto the counter. He stared
ahead, listening to the water flowing from the tap, running down the drain.
What is wrong with you? He reached for the tap and turned off the flowing
stream. Get a grip! He shook his arms and rolled his neck. He looked back to
the mirror; his eyes were beginning to adjust to the darkness and his form was
coming into focus. His hair had fallen into his face, his bow tie sat askew
around his neck. Pathetic. He dropped his hands to the counter, hanging his
head between them, trying to gather the strength to go back, to stand in front
of the firing line once more.
Link chewed on his lip, drawing in slow, deep breaths. You need to try harder.
He reached up and drew his fingers through the long hair that hung in his face,
pushing it aside. You need to do this. As he reached for his jacket, the door
behind him swung open slowly. Yellow light spilled across the floor and up the
walls before a dark figure blocked the intruding rays.
“Link?” Rhett’s voice was tentative and small.
Link inhaled sharply. Seeing Rhett in the reflective surface of the mirror had
all of the feelings and sensations he’d only just freed himself of flooding
back in. Rhett’s face disappeared into darkness as the door swung closed behind
him.
“Link, I…” Rhett’s voice trailed off, swallowed up in blackness.
Link could feel him moving closer, he could sense electricity in the air, heat,
like his body was designed to respond to Rhett’s. He couldn’t speak. His
breathing was ragged and had dried his mouth, leaving his throat burning with a
thirst he did not recognize, one for more than water could relieve.
“Are you… Are you okay?” Rhett asked, placing his hand on Link’s shoulder.
Rhett…don’t…you don’t know what you are doing to me. “Ye… yeah.” Link’s voice
stumbled out of his parched lips. The place Rhett was touching him felt like it
was on fire, like it might cause his entire body to combust.
Rhett placed his other hand on Link’s opposite shoulder. “Link, I know you.”
Rhett squeezed gently, pressing his thumbs into Link’s tense shoulders. “Don’t
lie to me.”
Gosh, that feels good. Link tipped his head to the side and his cheek brushed
against the back of Rhett’s hand, and it felt like an electric charge shot
between them. Link gasped before calming himself to speak. “I just needed some
air.” He pulled himself from Rhett’s grasp, pushing Rhett’s hand away with the
back of his own. He leaned against the side of the metal bathroom stall.
“Link, I saw you.” Rhett took a step toward him, but stopped when he felt
Link’s hand against his chest. “I saw you… I saw you cryi–”
“Rhett, please,” Link interrupted. “Don’t.” Please… I can’t.
Rhett shoved Link’s hand from his chest and closed the gap between them. “Don’t
push me away, Link.”
Link sidestepped him and moved to the wall in front of a large stall. “You
wouldn’t understand,” Link muttered.
Rhett pressed his fist into the metallic surface Link had just moved from.
“Link…”
Link brought his hands to the hair at his temples and squeezed it tightly in
his fists. “You won’t… you don’t know…”
“What, Link?” Rhett’s voice grew louder, a hint of anger detectable,
frustration evident. “What don’t I know?” he almost yelled as he moved to stand
in front of Link.
“Anything!” Link screamed back, throwing his hands in the air and clasping them
together on the top of his head. “You don’t know anything…” His voice dropped
to a whisper.
“Don’t you… don’t you dare!” Rhett’s voice quaked, not with rage, but something
different.
Link peered through the darkness, trying to discern the details of Rhett’s
expression, trying to place the emotion he detected, when he heard Rhett begin
to sob.
“Y… you… have no idea…” Rhett’s words escaped between sharply inhaled breaths.
“It’s you… you who doesn’t…”
Link’s anger, resentment, and self-hatred evaporated as Rhett’s pained words
filled the small space. No… He wanted for nothing in that moment but for Rhett
to be free of whatever burden plagued him. “Rhett… please don’t cr–”
“Link, I love you.” Rhett’s booming voice, steady and firm, cut him off.
Link’s heart stilled in his chest, before beating more rapidly than it ever
had. What? Link’s thoughts were jumbled and confused. Oh course he does… as a
friend... He calmed his breathing and spoke “Of course, Rhett. I…lo–”
“No, Link.” Rhett stopped him before he could finish the reciprocating
sentiment. “I Love you.”
Link was stunned. His head fell back against the wall. What is he saying? His
eyes had once again adjusted to the darkness and Rhett’s hunched shoulders and
hanging head were front and center. He opened his mouth to speak but Rhett
continued.
“I think I always have.” Rhett picked at his nails and interlaced his fingers,
not making eye contact. “It’s always been there… you have always been there…”
Rhett turned his back. “I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have… this is wro–”
“I love you too,” Link said, reaching for Rhett’s shoulder before stopping
himself and pulling his hand back. He drew in a shuddering breath before
revealing the depth of his feelings. “Rhett, I’ve loved you every minute of
every day since I met you.” He pulled gently at Rhett’s shoulder, encouraging
him to turn.
Rhett’s body gave way and he turned around. “Link, I–”
“Shhh.” Link laid his index finger over his own lips, leaving it there as he
gathered his thoughts. “I need to say this.” Link dropped his hands to Rhett’s,
holding them tightly. “I have spent my entire life pretending.” His voice
caught in his throat as the realization of the words he was finally saying
washed over him. “Pretending to be someone I’m not, pretending to be happy,
pretending I could live without loving you.” Link smiled up at Rhett. His face
was wet with the tears that streamed from his eyes. “Watching you tonight,
happy without me, it felt like someone punched me in the gut.” He winced,
remembering the anguish he’d felt, the pain that had drove him to this very
place.
“Link, I was only trying to hide,” Rhett explained. “I didn’t want to ruin
tonight… It took everything I had to keep a smile on my face.” He squeezed
Link’s hands in his own. “Seeing you dancing, laughing, knowing I could never
touch you like that, never dance with you.” Rhett released one of Link’s hands
and brushed the knuckle of his index finger over Link’s cheek, wiping away a
newly formed tear. “It was like torture.” He cupped Link’s cheek.
Link lifted his hand, covering Rhett’s. “Why?” he asked. “Why didn’t you tell
me?”
Rhett raised his eyebrow. “Why didn’t you?”
Link looked down at their joined hands. “I guess I was afraid.” He traced his
thumb over Rhett’s. Afraid that I would lose everything.
Rhett tipped Link’s chin, looking him in the eyes. “Me too.” Rhett’s eyes moved
back and forth between Link’s before his gaze dropped to quivering lips. “But
we don’t need to be afraid anymore.” He leaned in and pressed his lips to
Link’s.
The first contact of his mouth to Rhett’s had Link’s limbs tingling and
trembling. He felt like he was bracing himself against a torrent of water,
rushing over him as if freed from a levee, weakened by years of suppressed love
and emotions, weathered beyond repair. He released his hold on Rhett’s hands
and brought them to his waist, sliding them under Rhett’s tailcoat. The feeling
was more than Link had ever dreamed: warm, loving, perfect. Everything. I was
made to love you.
Rhett brushed back Link’s long dark strands, tucking them behind his ears and
cupped his face gently between his large palms. His mouth was tentative and
careful.
Link longed for more. He parted his lips and breathed into Rhett. I need you.
Rhett responded to the invitation, probing Link’s mouth with his small tongue.
Link moaned contentedly as his tongue met Rhett’s. Blood rushed through his
veins and he felt desire that he’d never experienced. Link growled, low in the
back of his throat as he shoved Rhett backward into the stall door. It flew
open, slamming into the inner wall as they stumbled into the stall.
Rhett reached out, grabbing at the top of the short wall to keep from falling
over as Link’s weight fell against him, their mouths parting only long enough
to steady themselves.
Link kicked the door closed behind before Rhett shoved him backward until his
back was pressed against the cold metal.
Rhett pulled away from their kiss, panting. His eyes were black, his heavy brow
obscuring any details Link might glean. He groaned loudly before dropping his
hungry mouth to Link’s lean neck.
“Rhett…” Link moaned as he felt Rhett’s tongue flatten over his throbbing
artery. His body was responding to each touch like it was the first he’d ever
felt. He could feel his impatience building as he stiffened in his pants.
Rhett pressed his body against Link’s as his thumbs traced over Link’s
protruding clavicles. “Link, I want you so badly,” Rhett purred into Link’s
soft skin.
Link could feel Rhett pressed against his abdomen. “I want this,” he whispered.
The unfamiliar sensation was exciting, exhilarating, exactly how he’d hoped and
yet, nothing like he’d imagined. It was so much more than he’d ever dreamed
loving someone could be. “I want you.”
Rhett trailed his hands over Link’s torso, unbuttoning his vest and beginning
to work the buttons of his shirt, worming a hand inside, running it over the
soft skin beneath as he captured Link’s mouth with his once more, this time
with more fervor, his previous trepidation vanished.
Link’s hands wandered over Rhett’s broad back as he rutted against his thigh.
Driving his hips forward, needy for friction, needy for Rhett. He brought his
trembling hands to the clasp of Rhett’s belt. He struggled as he unfastened the
leather strap.
Rhett pulled his lips from Link’s, staring down his own body at Link’s frantic
hands. “Are you sure?” he asked as his chest heaved.
“Yes,” Link whispered. I don’t think I have been more certain of anything in my
life.
“Link… I…” Rhett pulled his jacket off and slung it over the top of the stall.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” he panted, reaching down and working the
clasp and zipper of Link’s pants before slipping his hand inside and palming
Link’s firm erection through his cotton boxers.
Link moaned loudly, the sound echoing off the walls as Rhett’s hand groped at
him. He’d never been touched like this, never felt someone else’s hands working
his flesh, never expected to ever feel Rhett’s hand wrapped around him,
pleasuring him. “I… I can’t… either.” His words were accentuated by gasps and
groans. Lost in his own pleasure, his hands had stilled on the zipper of
Rhett’s pants. He tried to focus, he wanted to feel Rhett, and for Rhett to
feel him but instead, he rocked his hips, pushing into Rhett’s strong hand, his
head swimming in pleasure and lust. It was all he could do to grab at Rhett
though his pants.
Rhett released his grip and Link squirmed and whined. Rhett smiled, as his
tongue darted out, moistening his lower lip. “I’m not going anywhere,” he
sighed, bringing his fingers to the elastic waistband of Link’s boxers,
slipping his hand inside and taking Link in his hand once more, no barrier
separating their heated skin.
“Rhett!” Link cried out. “I… My… Dear God.” He tightened his grip on Rhett, his
nails dragging over the fabric of the thick trousers.
Rhett dropped his hand to his own button, popping it open and pushing down the
zipper. He took Link’s eager hand in his own and placed it over his throbbing
erection, groaning deeply as Link’s hand made contact.
The fabric of Rhett’s boxers were moistened near the tip of his length; pre-
come had soaked through, Link could feel the dampness. So perfect. He reached
up with his free hand, clasping it around the back of Rhett’s neck, pulling his
face down kissing him deeply. It was wet and noisy, a kiss years in the making.
Link slipped his hand between Rhett’s firm abdomen and tight underwear; his
fingers teased the flesh beneath for only a moment before encircling Rhett’s
impressive girth.
Their hands were frantic, moving with purpose over each other’s bodies,
discovering each other for the first time, being pleasured by another, by the
one they loved most. Their throaty whimpers and desperate moans echoed around
the empty room. Any fear of being discovered was lost in the ecstasy of the
beautiful moment they were sharing. Everything felt as it should, their bodies
made to love one another, their souls connecting, utterly and completely.
They moved in rhythm with each other, their cheeks pressed together, incoherent
admissions of love and devotion passing between the two. Their breathing was
erratic but in step, like two bodies, truly one.
Link’s eyelids fluttered as the pressure in his abdomen built. Rhett’s powerful
and talented hand had him on the cusp of orgasm, he tried desperately to hold
back, never wanting this moment to end but his vision filled with darting
lights as his climaxed rocked through him. “Oh, Rhett!” he cried out, his mouth
slack, his head tipped away, his breathing rapid and labored. He felt himself
spill over Rhett’s still pumping hand, the movement slickened by the addition
of his silky come. He felt his grip on Rhett loosen, the pace of his stroking
slow as he tried to recover from the pleasure that flooded his veins.
Rhett bucked his hips in time with the movement of Link’s hand, seeking the
same beautiful release. Rhett grabbed the back of Link’s hair in his hand and
brought their mouths together, crashing his lips into Link’s and continuing to
push himself into Link’s palm.
Link could feel Rhett’s pace becoming irregular, his breath hitching and
catching with each thrust. He knew that he must be close and he wanted more
than anything to give Rhett the same pleasure that he had just been afforded.
He tightened his grip and pulled away from Rhett’s desperate lips. “I love you,
Rhett,” he said, as he looked directly into Rhett’s dark, hungry eyes.
Rhett’s body stiffened and he threw his hips forward a final time. He tossed
his head back. “Link!” he called out as he covered Link’s eager hand in the
evidence of his passion and desire. “I love you too.” He dropped his forehead
to Link’s chest, slowly regaining control over his breathing.
Link pressed his swollen lips to the top of Rhett’s head, cupping the back of
his neck with his free hand. This is what love is.
They stood together, pressed against the wall, their sweaty, trembling bodies
intertwined and encircled in each other.
They laughed and smiled as they refastened their pants and straightened shirts
and bow ties.
“Any idea how we are supposed to go back out there?” Rhett asked, reaching for
his jacket and pulling it over his long arms, smiling down at Link.
Link grinned weakly, traces of pleasure still causing his fingers and toes to
twitch. “No.” He reached up and laced his fingers together behind Rhett’s neck.
“But I do know that we can’t spend the rest of our life in this bathroom
stall,” Link teased.
Rhett chuckled. “Oh, I don’t know,” he said, his head tilting side to side.
“It’s pretty spacious…I think I’ve grown rather fond.” Rhett grinned widely
before placing a gentle kiss to Link’s sweat-dampened forehead.
“I can see the appeal,” Link said, appraising the space. “But we should really
get back out there… dates and all,” Link sighed.
Rhett pulled him into a tight hug, tucking Link’s head under his chin. “Just as
long as you know I will only be thinking about you.”
“I’ll be thinking about you too,” Link said softly. He was still in shock,
unable to fully grasp the gravity of what had just happened, but was certain of
one thing. I will always love you.
They belonged to each other in this moment and would remain so in every moment
from now until forever.
End Notes
     Thanks for reading! As always, comments and kudos are welcomed and
     appreciated!
     RTR <3
     Follow me on that Tumblr thing Remebertherandler
     Suggested Listening:

     Tim_McGraw_-_It's_Your_Love
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