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Jj's in the middle of complaining about his upcoming chemistry test when he stops and stares at the door, resulting in Ethan asking, "Who's Tobi with?"
Simon turns his attention from his phone to the door leading into the canteen and sees a (pretty) boy their age walk in with Tobi.
"I reckon he's the new kid," Vik answers, without looking up from his unfinished maths homework.
"There's a new kid? Since when?" questions Ethan.
"Clearly you guys don't pay attention to what's happening," sighs Vik, "It was announced in assembly last week that we'd have a new kid in our year."
"Hey guys," Tobi says as he walks up to their table with the new kid in tow, "What's up?"
"Same old, same old," replies Josh, turning his attention to the new kid, "Hey, you're the new kid, right?"
"Yep, that's me, heard much about me?" He shuffles ever so closely to Tobi.
"Fam you would not believe it," Jj quips, giving up on revising for his test and closing his book completely.
Vik snorts, "Like you didn't just find out about him ten seconds ago."
"Boys, this is Harry, I met him outside of the school office and saw how lost he looked and decided to bring him here and get to know us. Harry, what're studying?" Tobi smiles, taking a seat beside Ethan, Harry following suit and sitting between Tobi and Jj.
"Well, as you already know Tobi, I'm studying French as well as history, English and chemistry."
"Wait, who do you have for chemistry?" Jj questions.
Harry pulls out his timetable from his pocket and reads out, "Miss Mason."
"Aww yes!" shouts Jj, "I finally won't be on my own anymore and will have someone to blow shit up with!" Jj pulls Harry into a side hug, squeezing his shoulders.
"Glad to be of service," chuckles Harry, wrapping his arm around Jj, returning the hug.
"I wouldn't be too pleased to be with Jj, Harry," comments Vik, "You could've been in my science class with Mr Walker and get a good grade."
"Vik!" shrieks Jj, "No need to be so rude to Miss Mason. She's lovely and a good teacher."
"Something tells me that Vik isn't talking about Miss Mason," smirks Josh.
"Well unless he's on about the assistant who helps around the science block, I don't know."
Tobi and Ethan start to giggle between themselves, slapping the other on the shoulder, and even Harry starts to chuckle quietly, shoulders shaking.
"What's so funny? I don't get it," whines Jj.
"Keep it that way," replies Simon, "As you probably know Tobi does French so you'll be with him and Josh does history too, the old fuck."
"I am three days older than you. How am I old?" deadpans Josh, rubbing profusely at his temples.
"Dunno mate," grins Simon bringing his attention back to Harry sat across from him, "Unfortunately none of us do English but Mrs Malcom is an angel so you won't have any problems with her."
"Great, hope my awkward antisocial ass can make some friends in English," groans Harry, earning a few laughs from the others, "What are you guys all studying?"
Ethan's voice starts to drone out for Simon and he finds himself completely infatuated by Harry. God. He hasn't even been here more than ten minutes and Simon's already finding himself fall for the golden boy.
His messy, blonde hair atop his head makes him look like he has a halo like an angel. His sapphire like eyes a deep blue pool that Simon knows he'll get lost in time and time again. His smile that is the prettiest thing Simon swears he's ever seen and adds to his angel look. His lips that look as soft as honeydew and Simon finds himself wondering if they're as soft as they look and imagines himself-
"Simon?"
Simon is unfortunately brought out of his trance and turns to his left to be met with Vik waving his hand in his face.
Simon clears his throat, "Yes?"
"Are you okay? We've been calling your name for the past minute," Vik says, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm good, just dreading biology with you later," quips Simon, shoving Vik lightly on the shoulder, "What were you asking?"
"Harry was asking what you're studying."
"Oh well, if you couldn't tell, biology with my bestest pal Vik," Simon wraps his arm around the back of Vik's chair, "Psychology, PE and Spanish."
"Aw you're a Spanish donny?" Harry wrinkles his nose in mock disgust, "French is ten times better."
"My brother. You tell him," Tobi praises, resting a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Tobi you do French AND Spanish." Simon says, distaste lacing his words.
"That has nothing to do with it."
"Actually it-"
Before Simon can finish his sentence, the bell rang signaling them to make their way to form class.
"Oh shit, Harry, we didn't even ask who you have for form," curses Josh.
The boys like to hang out in the canteen in the morning since they were all split up for form but luckily form was only ever ten minutes long, fifteen at the max.
"Mrs Henderson?"
"You're with me and Vik," smiles Tobi, "We'll see you boys later."
Tobi, Vik and Harry make their way out of the canteen and head left, Josh and Ethan go straight ahead going up the stairs and Simon and Jj head right.
"You know," Jj starts, readjusting the straps of his school bag on his shoulders, "I really like Harry. I think he'll fit in well." Simon could hear the smile in Jj's voice.
Simon couldn't help but smile too, "Me too, Jide. Me too."
***
"Vik, I think I'm in a bit of a situation," Simon says, nudging Vik's elbow.
"Why? What have you done now, Simon?" groans Vik.
"Hey!"
"Vik. Simon." warns their teacher, Mr Ankin.
"Sorry sir." They say in unison.
"Now that we're ready, we'll start the dissection. Go get your goggles and take off your blazers," instructs Mr Ankin.
"Is everything okay Simon?" Vik asks, his voice deep with concern, shrugging his blazer off, "You were like totally out of it this morning."
Simon takes his blazer off, setting his blazer on the ground, motioning Vik towards the back corner of the classroom where all the goggles are kept.
"Are you gonna tell me or have me waiting all day?" urges Vik, putting on a pair of goggles.
"Well... It's.. I.."
"You..?" Vik mocks, moving his hands in a movement to suggest Simon continues.
"I think I may or may not like Harry."
Vik blinks. Once. Then twice.
"Please don't make me spell it out Vik," pleads Simon.
Thrice. Forth.
"I have a teeny weeny crush on Harry."
"Jesus Christ Simon," sighs Vik, shaking his head, "The boy's not even here a day and you-"
"Like him. Yes I know. But I can't help it Vik," Simon reaches for a pair of goggles, "He just looks perfect. I just want to run my fingers through his hair, stare deeply into his eyes and listen to his melodic laugh which don't even get me started on. His laugh is like a choir of angels. It's like-"
"Simon," Vik places a hand on Simon's shoulder and ends his declaration for Harry short, "You're whipped."
Simon bites his lower lip, "I know."
"Vik. Simon. This is your last warning."
"Yes Mr Ankin," drones Vik, dragging Simon back to their shared desk.
"It's cute. You're cute," coos Vik.
Simon does his best to hide his blush.
***
Thankfully after biology it was lunch and Simon and Vik make their way to the canteen. Simon made sure that Vik promises not to tell anyone about what he told Vik during biology.
"You know I won't Simon, but I promise not to say a word," and Vik even went as far as to hold his pinky out.
Simon hooked his pinky around Vik's and gave him a brief hug and they left the classroom.
Vik was the first person Simon came out as bisexual to. Simon was even surprised himself that Vik was the first and not Jj, but it had slipped out so casually during one of their biology lessons when Vik asked Simon to hand him the beaker and Simon said 'I like girls and guys'. There had been a brief silence before Vik replied 'Cool. Now hand me the beaker'. Simon was shitting himself and shakily handed the beaker to Vik. Vik noticed Simon's shaken demeanor and rested his hand ontop of Simon's. 'This doesn't change how I feel about you Simon. Hell it doesn't change you' and gave Simon's hand a tight squeeze. Simon was close to tears when he croaked out a 'Thanks Vik'.
So maybe that's why Simon told Vik he fancies Harry. He knows that Vik won't judge him. To be fair the rest of the guys wouldn't judge him but they most definitely would tease him.
Once Simon and Vik get their lunch they walk up to their table to be met with Josh and Tobi.
"Hey guys," greets Tobi, "How was biology?"
"Alright. We were supposed to dissect a sheeps heart but Madi collapsed at the sight of it," replies Vik, taking a seat next to Tobi.
"Lovely. Sure you were disappointed," remarks Josh.
"No shit Josh," frowns Simon, "The only good thing about biology is doing the actual experiments. How was geography?"
"Mr Little was being a dickhead."
Vik giggles at Josh's response and Simon shakes his head in amusement.
"Where's Jj and Harry? Isn't their classroom in the same hallway as yours?" asks Simon, resulting in Vik raising a suggestive eyebrow in Simon's direction.
"To be honest, I thought they would've been out before us since Miss Mason always let's them out early the period before lunch," muses Tobi, taking a sip from his apple juice.
"Speak of the devils," notes Josh, his head turns towards the doors of the canteen and if you couldn't see them you could most definitely hear them.
Both Jj and Harry come barreling into the canteen in fits of laughter and Simon is once again hit by Harry's beauty.
The two boys arrive at the table and throw themselves into their chairs, still laughing every so often.
"Alright there boys?" asks Josh, "Something hit your funny bone."
"Oh it's nothing," snickers Jj. He takes a glance in Harry's direction and they're in stitches again.
Tobi, Josh, Simon and Vik all share a look, wondering what has them this cracked up.
"Alright lads? What's for- Are they okay?" questions Ethan, the last of them to arrive to lunch, "Did I miss something when I was taking a shit?"
"No they turned up like this," explains Vik, taking a bite out of his sandwich, "We don't know why cause they haven't stopped laughing since they've come in."
"Right..." Ethan mutters, "Someone come up with me to get lunch?"
"Anything to get away from these assholes," says Josh, though there is no real malice to his words as he smiles, standing up.
"Me too," huffs Tobi, scraping his chair across the floor and the three boys queue up for Ethan's lunch, leaving the other four boys, two of which have calmed down, shoulders shaking every so often.
"Care to explain what's so funny?" probes Simon.
"Well, good news, Miss Mason wasn't in today so we didn't have a test!" celebrates Jj, waving his arms in the air, earning plenty of glares from others in the canteen and a shake of the head from Vik, "Bad news, we had a cover teacher, Miss Jones-"
"Oh God," groans Vik, "I know where this is going."
"Well she was being a total bitch! Not just to me, but to Harry! Which is totally uncalled for seeing as he's new and all."
"She was probably assuming since Harry was with you Jj that he's gonna be a little shit," chimes in Vik.
"Anyway, as you guys are my friends you know that I can't quite exactly hold my tongue, so I did what I do best," Jj says with a little smile on his face that shows he's proud of himself.
"I know some people can't hold back but Jesus Christ Jj!" Harry exclaims, running his fingers through his hair, mesmerising Simon, "You didn't have to bring her divorce into it."
"Aww Jj," Simon tuts, "The divorce was hard on the poor woman, cut her some slack."
"That doesn't allow her to be a bitch to Harry!" shrieks Jj, his protective nature taking place.
"I know but did it never occur to you that just maybe she's a 'bitch' because of her divorce?" Simon says, eyebrows raising in question.
"Don't get me wrong a divorce is a tough thing to go through, but she's a major bitch at the end of the day," states Vik matter of factly.
"Fucking hell!" laughs Harry, Jj staring at Vik like he grew a second head.
"Vik! You're supposed to back me on this!"
"Sorry Simon, I had her for cover last week for maths and Jamie asked someone for a sharpener and she all gave us extra homework for 'being disruptive' which was bullshit because she's a cover teacher and shouldn't really be giving us homework," hisses Vik.
"Damn Vik, what's got you all riled up?" asks Josh, returning back to the table with Tobi and Ethan in tow.
"Miss Jones."
"The dumb cow, what's she done done?" squaks Ethan, sitting down.
The table is erupted into loud laughter, and Jj's giggle can be heard above all the others' laughter.
Simon can't help but look in Harry's direction and the skin by his eyes crinkle ever so delicately and Simon wants nothing more than to smooth it over.
Harry turns to face Simon and sends him a small smile as best he can through his snickering. Simon sends one back and Harry smiles even wider. Simon beams and feels like he's done something right.
***
A few months pass and next minute it's the beginning of December. Harry's fit in well with the boys, like he was a missing part of a puzzle. And in those few months Simon has fallen hard for Harry.
Extremely hard.
Despite not sharing any classes together, every moment Simon shares with Harry is like a breath of fresh air that he treasures.
During their breaks and lunch the two boys are often in their own little world giggling about anything and everything.
Vik will always take a quick glimpse at the giggling boys but never says anything and has a smile on his face, before turning his attention back to the other boys.
The others don't pay much attention to Simon and Harry and are usually too busy chatting about whatever's happend that day. Jj, however, has clocked on to the two boys and has noticed how when Harry isn't looking that Simon looks at Harry like he hung the sun and moon, and Harry looks at Simon like he painted the night sky with stars.
Jj decides to pocket this realisation and talk to Simon about it another time. Instead he takes one last look at them and joins in with Ethan's laughter.
***
Simon, Jj, Tobi and Ethan make their way out of the changing rooms and outside onto the pitch, ready for their PE lesson.
"Two laps and then start your stretching," announces their teacher, Mr Clark, "Tobi, Ethan, when you're done head inside and get some footballs."
The four boys run their two laps around the pitch and Ethan and Tobi quickly do their stretches and jog inside to the sports hall to collect some footballs.
Jj sees this as the perfect opportunity to ask Simon about Harry.
"So..." starts Jj.
"So..." mimicks Simon, stretching his hamstring.
"You and Harry?"
Simon quickly looks up at Jj and gives him an incredulous look, "What do you mean 'you and Harry'."
"Just you seem awfully close is all," replies Jj, stretching his arms.
"Okay and? Josh and I get along and I don't hear you asking about us. What's this really about Jj?" asks Simon, wanting Jj to get straight to the point.
"I know you like Harry".
Simon bites his lip and scratches at his neck, "What makes you think that?"
"Oh I don't think. I know." smirks Jj.
"Well you're wrong. Harry and I are just friends Jj, hate to break it to you," shrugs Simon.
"Don't 'just friends' me Simon! I see the way you look at him," Jj huffs, crossing his arms across his chest.
Simon looks Jj in the eye and sighs a heavy breath, "Okay, fine, maybe I like Harry more than a friend, but that's all we'll be. Friends. He doesn't like me like that, Jide," and Jj notices the sadness in Simon's tone.
"Si he definitely likes you. And I'm not just saying that to make you feel better," says Jj, sending Simon a genuine smile.
Simon looks at Jj like he's just spoken fluent French and does a fake laugh, "Ha ha Jj, don't think I'm falling for that."
"He does!" shouts Jj. The others in their class look towards the pair and Jj clears his throat, "He does."
"What makes you think that?"
"Not only do I see the way you look at him, but I also see the way he looks at you," smirks Jj. Simon raises his eyebrow.
"And I also see the way he plays with your ring on your finger at the table."
Simon full on blushes, "That's only because he sits between Vik and I and Vik doesn't wear rings. Harry just gets fidgety. That's all."
"I'm pretty sure if I went to play with your ring you'd drop kick me into tomorrow," comments Jj.
"Shut up, Jide," utters Simon.
"Yeah, Shut up, Jide," repeats Ethan, with Tobi beside him.
"What's Jj done now?" asks Tobi.
"Say, Tobi, Harry sits beside you in French, doesn't he?"
"Yes.." cautiously answers Tobi, sharing a look with Ethan.
"Does he ever play with your rings?"
"No. He usually plays with his pen when he gets fidgety. Why?"
"Oh no reason," says Jj in a smug tone.
Simon hides his face in his hands.
"What's up with him?" Ethan asks, pointing a thumb briefly towards Simon.
"Beats me but come on lads, let's play some footy!" Jj announces in a sweet saccharine voice.
Jj just barely hears Simon's, "I'm gonna fucking murder him."
***
Later at lunch Simon is all too hyper aware of Jj's sly smile whenever Harry starts to fidget with Simon's ring while he rants about how much he regrets choosing English.
***
Simon and Tobi are stood outside their lockers, collecting their books for their next lesson Spanish.
"Do you think he'll just play us songs in Spanish to do with different household objects?" Asks Simon, closing his locker.
"It's Señor Sanchez, Simon. Of course he won't," grumbles Tobi, "Señoría Garcia would. Why'd she have to go off on maternity leave."
"Gone but never forgotten," reminisces Simon, placing a hand on his heart.
"She's on maternity leave, Simon. She's coming back."
"For a year!" reminds Simon, "A whole year without her bizarre songs to help us remember kitchen objects."
Tobi places a hand on Simon's shoulder, "How ever will we survive?"
Before Simon can reply a head of blonde hair comes round the corner and crashes into Simon, knocking him to the ground.
"Shit, sorry Si," apologises Harry, getting up and giving Simon a hand to help him up.
Simon feels blood rush to his cheeks, intertwining his fingers with Harry's. Even after they're both on their feet they still hold hands.
"Everything alright, bog?" Tobi interrupts.
"Yeah, well no," Harry pulls his hand out of Simon's and Simon's hand feels oddly cold, "You know the way we had that French translation for homework?"
"Yes."
"Well I was super busy last night analysing some soppy poem for English and didn't have time to translate it all and you know the way you're like my bestest friend in the world and introduced me to the guys, you wouldn't possibly let me have a cheeky look at your answer, would you?" smiles Harry, batting his eyelashes.
"Yes Harry, you can have a 'cheeky look' at the homework," giggles Tobi, getting his French book out and handing it to Harry.
"I owe you Tobi!" beams Harry, "You're a life saver."
"Just know I'll be taking you up on the 'I owe you' part."
"Yes, of course," Harry replies, "Looking forward to Jamie's Christmas Bash tomorrow?"
"Hell yeah I am," gushes Simon, "It's the only thing keeping me going this week."
"Being surrounded by you guys sober isn't exactly easy and being around you guys with alcohol in you definitely isn't easy and gives me babysitting duty which either Josh or Vik help with."
"Forever an angel," coos Harry, messing up Tobi's hair and pulling him into a tight hug.
Tobi hugs back and gives Harry a tiny squeeze. Harry goes to leave before turning around and heading towards Simon, "Don't think I'd forget about you, you lanky fuck."
"How could you when I'm this tall?" teases Simon, wrapping his arms around Harry's waist and burying his head in Harry's hair, that smells like vanilla and peppermint.
The hug lasts a lot longer than Harry and Tobi's and the two reluctantly pull away, "I'll see you in French later Tobi, see you soon Simon," waves Harry and turns round and makes his way to class.
Simon and Tobi watch him make his way to his next class until he bumps into someone that neither boy can recognize from how far away they are.
Harry drops Tobi's book and bends down to pick it up. Whoever he bumped into didn't even stop and is making their way down the hallway.
Both Simon and Tobi can hear Harry shout towards the person, 'Watch where you're going next time, asshole!' before turning round and going to his next class.
Simon looks at Tobi who simply shrugs his shoulders.
"I'm sure it was nothing, come on, before Señor Sanchez nos da dentención," says Tobi, pulling Simon's arm and dragging them both to Spanish.
***
Tobi, Simon and Jj pull up to Jamie's house and from within the car the music is pumping loud and lights flashing in every direction. The three get out of the car.
"I am so not looking forward to this," groans Tobi, locking his car, "At least Vik isn't drinking so that makes things more bearable. I'm going on in to meet him, see you guys around."
Once Tobi is inside the house Jj turns to Simon.
"You should tell Harry how you feel."
Simon looks up from where he was fixing his hair in the car window, "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. Tell Harry how you feel. You both flirt with each other during break and lunch but are just too far up your own asses to notice," grins Jj, showcasing his pearly whites.
"I- We- No we don't," stammers Simon, playing with the cuff on his sleeve.
"I- We- Yes you do. Stop being a pussy and tell him! It's painfully obvious," Jj whines, "Get some drink in you for a little confidence and you'll be set."
"We'll see Jj," replies Simon, heading to the door, "I'm not making any promises."
"I still think you should and then I can tell you 'I told you so'." Jj opens the front door for them and they head inside.
Simon is immediately met with the smell of alcohol and a faint hint of weed, as well as numerous bodies dancing agaisnt each other.
He turns to his left to ask Jj what drink he wants but Jj is no longer there, already on the far side of the room greeting someone from one of his classes.
Simon makes his way into the kitchen to fetch himself a drink and sighs a breath of relief when he sees Josh and his girlfriend, Freya.
"Hey guys," greets Simon, walking up to the pair.
"Hi Simon," smiles Freya, placing her cup down and wrapping her arms around Simon in a greeting hug.
"You just arrived?" Josh asks, taking a sip from his drink.
"Yeah," replies Simon, pulling away from Freya, "I've just arrived with Tobi and Jj. Tobi went to find Vik and Jj's talking to God knows who."
Freya and Josh chuckle, "You seen Harry?"
Simon gives Josh a quizzical look, "No. I've just arrived. Why?"
"Oh no reason," smirks Josh. Freya has to hold a hand to her mouth to conceal her high pitch giggles.
"What's going on?" Simon looks between the couple, mind racing.
Freya looks at Josh and he gives her a nod, "We know about your little crush on Harry."
Simon's jaw drops, "What the fuck? How? Who told you?"
"Well Josh told me because we tell each other everything," smiles Freya, wrapping her hand that isn't holding her drink around Josh's waist, "And I spend every break and lunch with you two idiots. You're not very discreet." finishes Josh, wrapping his free hand around Freya's shoulder.
"Fuck me." Simon grumbles.
"I'm pretty sure Harry would be happy to."
"Fuck off, Josh," whines Simon and Freya has given up and concealing her laughter, "Do the others know?"
"I mean if I found just by observing you two then it wouldn't surprise me, but the others are dumbasses, " notes Josh.
"Fucking hell, I need a drink," Simon moves behind the couple and starts to pour himself a drink.
"If it makes you feel better, Harry doesn't know because he's just as oblivious as you," Josh tries to comfort.
Simon squints at him, "What's that supposed to mean."
"It means he's just as oblivious to your pining as you are to his," consoles Freya.
"Harry? Pining over me?" queries Simon, pointing a finger at himself.
"Yes. Every lunch time when you talk about the most boring shit ever he looks at you like you're waxing some poetry shit that he has to study," explains Josh.
"He hates English."
"You know what I mean. Besides, in history he's always talking about."
Simon's heart skips a beat and he feels butterflies flutter about in his stomach, "Really?"
"Oh God, it's always 'Simon this' and 'Simon that' he will not just shut up about you," groans Josh, "No offense."
"None taken," Simon says ever so quietly, his cheeks going a dusky pink.
"Aw look he's blushing," adorns Freya.
Simon hides his face in his hands, "No I'm not."
"Are too."
"Are not."
"Are too."
Simon takes his head out of his hands as it wasn't Freya nor Josh who had spoken, he looks to his right and none other than Harry is standing there ever so proudly.
"Hey Harry," waves Josh, "This is Freya, my girlfriend."
"Oh so you're Freya! Nice to meet you," Harry sticks his hand out for Freya to shake.
"Please Harry, none of the formalities," Freya rolls her eyes and gives Harry a hug, which is quickly reciprocated.
Josh gives Simon a teasing look and Simon shushes him.
"How do you like the school? Are the boys giving you any trouble?" asks Freya.
"Schools school," shrugs Harry, "But it's a lot better than my last shit hole of a school."
Simon perks up at this, "Oh? Why so?"
"It was just a pathetic excuse of a school and everyone there were dickheads, unlike these boys. They've been nothing but good to me." Harry grins.
Simon falls a little bit more in love with the boy.
"I'm glad to hear that," Freya states, a soft smile on her lips.
"That reminds me," Harry turns to Simon, "Vik wants to ask you something. I told him I could just ask for him but he wanted to ask you himself."
"See you boys around," waves Josh.
"See you," and before Simon can wave goodbye to the couple, Harry has clasped his hand over Simon's, dragging him out of the kitchen.
Simon doesn't miss Josh and Freya's smug little smirks, eyes fixated on his and Harry's hands.
Simon let's Harry drag him through the house until he's brought to an abrupt stop in front of Vik who's sitting on a sofa.
"There you are!" beams Vik, "Sit beside your best pal," Vik pats the space next to him on the sofa in invitation.
Simon slowly and warily sits next to Vik.
"Harry? Shots?"
"I thought you'd never ask," Harry disappears into the crowd on the hunt for Sambuca.
"I thought you weren't drinking," quizzes Simon.
"Shot will do no harm," grins Vik, "Don't tell Tobi."
"You're overly happy to be at a party. You high or something?" Simon asks, narrowing his eyes at his tiny friend.
Vik wrinkles his nose in disgust, "What?! No! I'm offended you thought that. But a little birdie told me that you're telling Harry about your feelings." Vik nudges his elbow into Simon's side in a suggesting manner.
Simon swears he sees red.
"Who, if I may ask, told you this."
"Jj."
"Has he just told you or..?" Simon trails off, leaving the unsaid question in the air.
"I'm not too sure, sorry Simon," frowns Vik, "But I'm proud of you for putting your big boy pants on."
"I- No Vik. I'm not telling Harry tonight," Simon breaks the news to Vik and he visibly deflates.
"You're not? Then why would Jj tell me that?" Viks eyebrows are scrunched in confusion.
"He told me I should tell Harry tonight but I said 'we'll see' so he's ran with that answer as an obvious yes which was me politely saying 'no'. I'm just hoping you're the only person he's told," huffs Simon, sinking into the sofa.
"Oh," mumbles Vik.
"Yeah. Oh."
"I'm sorry," apologises Vik.
"Not your fault."
Vik places a reassuring hand on Simon's knee giving it a tight squeeze and Simon feels all the tension leave his body.
"Who's ready for a cheeky sambuca shot?!" Harry announces his arrival with a bright grin and tray of six shots.
"Bring it here, bog."
***
A few hours pass and Simon is feeling pleasantly buzzed, can feel the alcohol running through his veins.
He hasn't left Harry's side since arriving. The two dance clumsily to the music, not caring how stupid they look.
"I'm gonna get a different drink," announces Harry, "This one tastes like ass!"
Simon let's his head roll back and barks out a laugh, "I'll be here."
When Harry turns around he unfortunately bumps into someone, resulting in Harry's drink to splash all over the person.
The person turns around and stares daggers at Harry. Andrew. Harry split his drink on Andrew fucking White. Simon gulps and he isn't even the one who spilt his drink.
"Shit!" curses Harry, "Sorry, let me go get you something to clean that."
Simon watches Harry head into the kitchen and come out moments later with tissues in hand and hurries back to Andrew.
Once Harry's in front of the Andrew, he quickly wipes and rubs at the dark stain on the hoodie.
Satisfied with his job, Harry stands up straight, "Sorry about that. It should come out in the wash," and Harry makes the mistake of patting Andrew's shoulder, which spills his drink on himself.
Harry winces.
"What the fuck!" exclaims Andrew.
"Hey, that was on you," defends Harry, "I barely touched you and the drink went flying."
"Oh you think you're so great, don't you."
"Andrew, it's a drink."
"Don't 'It's a drink' me!" roars Andrew, "That's the second time you've bumped into me in the span of twenty four hours," Simon is painfully reminded of Harry bumping into someone, now knowing it was Andrew, in the hall yesterday, "You think that since you're new you can waltz your way into this school and act like you're the shit. Well let me tell you, Lewis. You're not."
"Andrew, don't say that. You'd miss me too much if I left," sweetly smiles Harry.
"The only person missing you would be your wannabe boyfriend, Minter. News flash. He doesn't like you."
"Pick on someone your own size, Andrew," Simon's interfering before he's even realised it, "Get your head out of your ass."
Andrew glances between Simon and Harry and a devilish look is in his eyes. Simon shrinks into himself.
"Speaking of the boyfriend. Maybe I was wrong. You fags do like each other," snarls Andrew.
"Leave him the fuck out of this, Andrew," Harry says, voice dangerously low, "This is between me and you." Harry puts his hand in front of Simon and steps in front of him.
"Just go suck him off in the bathroom will you," Andrew does crude hand gestures with his hands.
"Sounds like you're jealous."
"Fuck off."
"If I'm not mistaken, most guys like you are too scared to admit that you're gay and are too scared to come out and just take it out on guys like me, am I right?" asks Harry, cocking his head to the side.
"Hell no."
"Well I hate to break it to you Andrew, but I'm off limits, and like you said, I'm gonna go suck Simon off in one of the many bathrooms."
Harry turns to leave with Simon's wrist in hand but quickly turns back round to Andrew, dropping Simon's wrist.
"If I ever hear you say something like that to Simon or anyone for that matter again, God help me because I will destroy you."
It's like everything and everyone pauses. The music is a soft hum now, the chatter of people have died down and everyone is watching carefully at Andrew and Harry, waiting to see what happens.
Andrew swings first, his fist colliding with Harry's left temple, staggering Harry back.
"So that's how it's gonna be."
And then Harry punches Andrew's abdomen, knocking Andrew onto the ground and crawls on top of him.
Simon is frozen in place, helplessly watching as Harry and Andrew beat each other till they're black and blue. The two roll around on the ground for a bit, landing nasty hits on one another, until Harry has Andrew in a chokehold, pinning him to the ground.
"How do you like that, White? Probably turned on at the fact a fag has you pinned down?"
Andrew honest to God growls and manages to get out of the chokehold and the two are at it again.
It isn't until Jj and one of Andrew's mates, Jason, pull the two away from each other.
"Harry, you need to chill the fuck out," Jj warns.
Harry nods quickly and breathes through his nose and out his mouth.
Jj's sterness only lasts a few moments because he grins and says quietly, "You got him good, bog. Don't tell Josh but I'm proud of you. The prick had it coming."
Harry grins back and wraps his arms around Jj's neck, nestling his face in the part where Jj's shoulder and neck meet.
Jj wraps his arms around Harry's waist and buries his face in Harry's disarray hair.
"It's okay," Jj whispers into his hair, eyes closed.
They stay like that for a few minutes until a quiet sniffle is heard from the blonde mess and Jj's eyes shoot open and stare straight at Simon.
"Want us to go clean you up?" Jj asks, "As much damage as you did, you did take quite the beating."
If it wasn't for Simon being madly in love with the boy, he would've missed Harry's quiet, "Yes."
Jj and Simon take Harry to the nearest bathroom and are unfortunately met with a locked bathroom.
Jj untangles one of his arms from around Harry's waist and bangs on the door, "Break it up in there! There's plenty of bedrooms about this place."
The door unlocks and a flustered couple emerge and quickly scurry up the stairs.
"Dirty animals," tsks Jj.
"You're no better Jj," reminds Simon and that gets a laugh out of Harry.
"That is besides the point," Jj says, setting Harry on the toilet, "I'm gonna try and find either Vik or Tobi, okay?"
"You'll probably want to find Tobi. Vik's been drinking. Not much but still drinking," croaks Harry.
"Right, thank you," Jj closes the door softly and leaves.
Simon locks the door and searches under the sink, "Theres gotta be a first aid kit here somewhere," Simon mumbles under his breath.
He's brought out of his train of thought when he hears the boy beside him sniffle.
Simon sits up so fast he hits his head against the counter but that doesn't matter when he's met with the sight of Harry's face contorted in pain and eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"Harry..?" Simon asks cautiously and that breaks Harry.
Harry brings his hands to his face, hiding it, and quiet sobs escape his lips. Simon feels his heart break.
"Harry, love, why are you crying?" Simon rests his hands on Harry's thighs, the pet name slipping out easily.
Harry says something but Simon can't make out what he's saying due to his hands muffling his words.
"I can't hear you, love,"
Harry removes his hands, eyes red and raw with emotion.
"I'm sorry."
Simon double takes, "You're what?"
"I'm sorry," sobs Harry, rubbing profusely at his eyes.
"Why on earth are you sorry?" Simon rubs his hands up and down Harry's thighs in what he hopes to be a soothing manner.
"For this whole mess. You should be out there having fun but instead you're in some dinky bathroom with me, having to clean me up for a fight I caused," Harry frowns, voice cracking midway.
"Harry," Simon coos, "You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about." Simon reaches under the sink and grabs a face cloth, running it under the tap.
"But I dragged you in to it," whimpers Harry, biting his bottom lip.
Simon turns to Harry, wet face cloth in hand and brings it to the unpleasant gash that sits above Harry's eyebrow. He uses his free hand to wipe away Harry's tears.
"Harry, you didn't drag me in to anything. I got involved," Simon cleans up the already dried up blood, "I made the mess even bigger and you still defended me."
"Well yeah, I wasn't gonna let that asshole talk to you like that," Harry says it like it's the most obvious thing on earth.
Simon finishes cleaning Harry's left temple and turns his attention to Harry's cheekbone.
"Jesus, he really went for your face," grimaces Simon and it's when Simon's this close he can really see the scratches Andrew made all over Harry's delicate face.
"Yeah well he doesn't look any better," smirks Harry.
"True true," agrees Simon, "You're still beautiful though."
Simon realises what he said and snaps his eyes to look at Harry. Harry only smiles softly, light blush on his face, "Thank you."
Simon goes about cleaning up Harry's face and arms cause him and Andrew really went at it on the ground.
When Simon finishes cleaning Harry up and starts wrapping his right hand in a bandage, he asks Harry the one question that's been on his mind ever since the fight started.
"Are you.." Simon chews on his lip, "Are you gay?"
Harry scans Simon's face, almost like he's looking for insincerity but sees none.
"Bi."
"Ah."
"Are you?"
"Bi too."
"Cool."
Simon snorts, "Nice."
He finishes wrapping Harry's hand up and decides he's already this far in.
"Did you mean what you said?"
Harry raises an eyebrow and quickly and silently grimaces in pain, "Mean what?"
"About being off limits... by me?" Simon looks Harry directly into his eyes and finds Harry staring straight into his soul.
"I-" Harry starts and Simon can feel Harry's raging thoughts from where he's sat on his knees in front of Harry. Harry's mouth straightens out before taking a deep breath, "Yes."
Simon loosely grabs one of Harry's hands, "You like me." Simon says it more of a statement rather than a question.
Harry nods his head, "Yes." He says again, intertwining his and Simon's fingers.
Simon feels himself inching in closer to Harry's face, and Harry doing the same before the two are mere centimetres away from each other.
"I'm gonna kiss you if that's okay," Simon whispers, lips brushing against Harry's due to their close proximity.
"Please do," Harry whispers just as quietly, both worried that if they speak too loud it'll ruin the moment.
Simon leans in a little amount before pulling away.
"It's not gonna hurt is it? Not with the cut at the corner of you mouth because I don't-"
Simon is quickly cut off when Harry wraps his hand around the back of Simon's neck and pulls him in, pressing their lips together.
Simon sighs into the kiss and this. This is what he's been waiting all those months for. Months of pining has lead him to Harry's lips that still have the taste of whatever fruity concoction Harry's been drinking. Simon forgets about the dull pain in his knees from being sat on the floor when Harry bites his bottom lip.
Simon brings his free hand up to Harry's cheek, rubbing his thumb along his cheekbone, being ever so careful and gentle.
They pull away, shallow breaths leaving their mouths, Simon opens his eyes to stare at Harry's heavy lidded ones and Simon thinks if Heaven is anything less than Harry looking up at him like that, then he doesn't want it.
"Up please," Harry instructs, pulling Simon's hand up and Simon thinks he'd just about do anything Harry asks him to.
Simon stands up on his feet and Harry fists a hand into Simon's sweatshirt and pulls him down into his lap so Simon's straddling his thighs.
"God I've waited so long for this," keens Harry, kissing Simon's lips again only with a lot more force this time round, a clash of lips and teeth.
Harry runs his hands underneath Simon's sweatshirt and skims his fingers up and down his sides, making Simon shiver.
Simon runs his fingers through Harry's hair and tugs hard, resulting in Harry moaning softly into his mouth which Simon swallows greedily and needily. The two press even closer which seems impossible seeing as their chests are already pressing against one another.
Simon presses his tongue against Harry's lips, asking for permission, and Harry opens his mouth allowing Simon access.
The two fight for dominance for a while, and Simon ends up winning, when Harry removes one of his hands from underneath Simon's sweatshirt and presses it firmly onto Simon's crotch.
Simon let's out a loud moan, breaking away from the kiss, "Fuck, Harry."
"I want you Simon. Please," Harry whines, squeezing his hand.
"You can have me all you want, love."
The two meet in another frantic kiss, Harry unbunttoning and zipping Simon's jeans down when there's a loud knock on the door.
"I know Harry said he was gonna suck you off but can you guys save it for later?" Shouts Jj, "I found Tobi like five minutes ago and he wants to take Harry to A&E to make sure he's not concussed. I told him I'd find you guys and here you are as bad as that couple from before. I am disappointed."
Both Simon and Harry groan loudly, "Are you fucking kidding me?"
"No. Now come on before Tobi whoops my ass."
Simon and Harry turn their attention from the door and look at eachother. Their lips are love bitten, cheeks red, eyes glazed over, Harry's hair a mess and Simon's sweatshirt tousled. Both erupt into loud laughter.
"Well we wouldn't want that now would we Jide?" Chuckles Simon, standing up and pulling Harry up. Simon buttons up his jeans while Harry tries to tame his wild hair.
"No we wouldn't." replies Jj. Simon laces his fingers with Harry's.
Simon unlocks the door and is met with Jj, "Ready?"
"Yep," Jj looks down and sees Simon and Harry's intertwined hands, "I told you so."
"Shut up, Jj," whines Simon, hiding his face in Harry's neck.
"Glad you guys pulled your heads out of you asses. Only took Harry to get his ass beat for you both to realise."
Harry giggles, "Thanks Jj."
***
After a quick visit to A&E Harry is told that he's okay and can go home.
"Where to, boys?" Asks Tobi as the four climb into his car, Jj in the passenger seat and Simon and Harry in the back.
"Take Harry and I back to my place, Tobi," smirks Simon, "We have some unfinished business to attend to."
Harry smirks right back at Simon, hand placed dangerously high on Simon's inner thigh.
"God you two are already fucking insufferable." Jj shakes his head.
Simon and Harry burst into laughter and Tobi looks between the three, a look of confusion on his face.
"What's so funny?"
***
It's Christmas Eve and the seven are at Ethan's house, exchanging their secret Santa presents.
"Thank you Josh, that was really thoughtful," smiles Vik.
"Perfect! Time for Christmas dinner! Great gifts, lads, thanks again Tobi," beams Ethan, "I'll be right back." Ethan is quickly up and out of the room.
"I still think it's funny how Simon and Harry got each other," remarks Vik, eying Jj suspiciously.
"Yeah now that you mention it, it is a bit funny how that worked out," agrees Simon, sending a look Jj's way.
Jj's eyes fleet between Vik and Simon before he sighs dramatically, "Fine. I'll come clean. I rigged it so Simon and Harry would get each other. I did it so it would push them both in the right direction in the hopes they'd confess but they did it all by themselves a week and half before our presents were due. I'm so proud of you both."
Jj pulls Harry, who was sat next to him, into a big bear hug before roughly messing up Harry's hair.
Harry pulls away from Jj, cackling like a witch, punching him lightly on the shoulder and Jj dramatically falls backwards crying out in pain, "I've been shot!"
"And you say you're not dramatic," quips Josh.
Jj quickly sits up, "But I'm not."
"Then I'm not gay for Harry."
The group burst into loud laughter at Simon's witty comment, all going red in the face.
Ethan pops his head back into the living room, "Foods ready," and just as quickly pops back out.
The six get up and head into the living room, Simon and Harry at the back of the group, Simon's right hand in Harry's back trouser pocket.
As they enter the dining room Tobi gasps softly.
"What?" Harry asks.
Tobi says nothing but points up towards the doorway. There hanging between the two is a single piece of fucking mistletoe.
"Pucker up, Harry!" roars Jj.
"Get in there, Simon," laughs Josh.
"On the tippy toes, bog," teases Ethan.
Harry sends an incredulous look at the boys sat at the table, "I find it funny how you guys think Simon's the man in the relationship. If it's anyone it's me."
Harry pulls Simon down by the shoulders and presses his lips messily to Simon's. Harry can feel Simon smile agaisnt his lips and Harry smiles even wider. Simon rests his hands on Harry's hips and Harry cups Simon's jaw, thumbs resting on the apples of his cheeks.
The other five start to holler and shout and Jjs smug 'Keep it in your pants!' can be heard above all else.
They both pull away and smile softly at one another, taking their seats at the table.
Ethan's mum brings in their plates stacked high with yummy Christmas dinner and Simon thinks to himself how life can't get any better than this and how thankful he is to have these six idiots by his side and just the love he has for them.
And when he shares a look with Harry, he knows Harry's thinking the same.