Fenner was sitting on his bed, and finally worked up the courage to call Albion, telling him the news. “Hi Fen! What’s up?” He smiled inwardly at the cheery voice on the other end of the phone. “Hey Albie. I passed.” A piercing screech emanated through the phone, causing Fenner to drop it on his bed. “What the fuck Albie my poor ears!!!” A soft giggle and a “sorry” followed.

“I’m just super happy, I knew you’d manage it but like…I was just a tad worried, I admit.” Fenner lay down on his side. “Wow you have no confidence in me,” he said with a smirk. “Shut up idiot,” Albion retorted, causing Fenner to chuckle lightly.

“Umm who are you, what’ve you done with Fen - pretty sure he’s never laughed in his life.”

“Imagine I’m elbowing you in the ribs, dumbass.” Another giggle came through the speaker. “You know you love me really,” Fenner froze. “Hmm,” was all he could manage in response.

Meanwhile, Albion was smothering himself with his pillow. WHY DID I SAY THAT??!!! He screamed internally.

“So how’s this weekend for that coffee?” Fenner asked, hoping he wouldn’t go invisible before then. The universe owes me this at least, surely, he thought to himself. “I can do anytime on Saturday?”

“How’s 11.30 then?”

“Perfect, I can’t wait.”

Fenner smiled; it lit up his face, making his usually blank and cold stare become warm and beautiful.

“Me too. See you then, I guess. Or tomorrow, actually.” He pulled his hair, feeling like a happy idiot.

—————

Saturday arrived, and Fenner was incredibly nervous. He kept telling himself this wasn’t a date, but he couldn’t help hoping that…it wasn’t just friends having coffee, either. Albion walked up to him, they chatted about their weekend so far before walking into the café. Albion chose a sofa booth in the corner, and to Fenner’s surprise, when he sat down, Albion sat beside him rather than opposite him.

Noticing Fenner’s surprise, Albion shrugged, grinning. “What can I say, I wanted to sit on the comfy sofa bit.” The opposite was also sofa cushions. Fenner smiled slightly, deciding not to mention this. “Woah woah, did you just…smile?” Fenner glared daggers at the other boy.

“I’m honoured, honestly - I managed to make you laugh, and now even smile. I’m quite incredible, actually.” Fenner rolled his eyes, before reaching for and tickling Albion’s waist. “Ssh, you’re disturbing other people by laughing so loudly,” he said with a smirk.

Albion elbowed Fenner hard in the ribs. “Ass. Leave me alone.”

“You deserved it.”

“You’re still an ass though.”

Their drinks and Albion’s cake was brought over, cueing the end of their banter. “Mm, this cake is amazing, you should try some,” Albion rested his head on Fenner’s shoulder. The latter decided that this was his chance to push the boat out a little.

“Only if you feed me some.” Albion froze slightly, then took it in his stride. “All right, mission accepted. Open up,” he smirked, and fed Fenner a forkful of cake. Fenner smiled internally, thinking to himself mission successful. He was determined to turn this in to a date to see how Albion would react.

After eating at the café, the pair decided to take a walk along the riverbed. It was cool in the shade; the dappled sunlight bathing the path in a golden glow. “Wow, it’s really beautiful,” Albion exclaimed, as they walked next to the river. Fenner glanced at the boy smiling sunshine next to him. “Yeah, sure is.”

As they walked next to each other, their hands would occasionally brush together. Albion’s ears turned pink, and Fenner smiled to the river on his right, not looking at Albion. Albion cautiously held on to Fenner’s pinkie finger, testing the waters. Fenner smiled a little wider as he took Albion’s hand in his, linking their fingers together.

—————

In the end, Fenner had walked Albion home wanting to extend their time together just a little more. He wasn’t sure if this was the last time he’d see Albion whilst he still remembered Fenner. After saying their goodbyes, as Albion turned to go inside, Fenner decided: it was now or never.

He grabbed Albion’s hand, pulling him towards him. He leaned forwards, placing a light kiss on his soft lips. Fenner pulled back immediately, releasing his grip on Albion’s hand. He turned to go, thinking he’d made a mistake, when Albion spoke up.

“Oh you’re not getting away with just a peck on the lips,” Fenner looked up, and Albion cupped his cheek, pulling him in for a proper kiss. Fenner froze, shocked. He thought he’d been entirely in control of the situation, yet somehow, Albion was the one in charge now.

After a moment, Fenner wrapped his arms around the other boy, holding on to him as they kissed. Fenner had never kissed anyone before, so he was glad that Albion took the lead, he seemed to know how it worked more than Fenner did, at any rate. He enjoyed the taste and feeling of Albion’s lips, it was sweet and gentle, and when they pulled back, both were blushing profusely.

“That’s a proper first kiss,” Albion breathed out. “How did you know it was my first kiss? Was it that shitty?” Albion laughed. “I have no clue stupid, it was my first kiss too.” Fenner was still clinging on to the other boy as he laughed brightly. “Oh, didn’t realise.”