Kalmin was squished between Gabriel and Aaron on the ride back to Annie’s beach house. It was getting cooler, but not cool enough, so being crammed beside two sweaty boys in the back with all the groceries was killing him. The whipping breeze from the open windows and the coolness of his McFlurry did help, but with Aaron’s arm wrapped around his neck and Gabriel’s arm wrapped around his waist as the three of them sank down their seats to hide from the sun, did not help. The plastic bags whipped in the wind and the music that blared from Deimos’ blasted speakers was lost with the breeze.

Gabriel and Aaron at both of his sides were laughing, hugging Kalmin tight, and watched Mira sing dramatically to a shitty pop song on a shitty pop station. She used her spoon as a microphone and pointed it at Deimos enthusiastically to make him join in. He had this embarrassed grin on his face that melted into joy when Mira sang even louder. He chuckled and finally joined in with her to her ecstatic delight, singing into her spoon passionately. Gabriel and Aaron clapped and egged them on, their hype men as the couple poured their hearts out. Surprisingly, Deimos had a nice voice. Raspy as hell, but it was super fucking hot.

He pushed his sweaty hair out of his face and threw his head back to bob to the music, Mira laughing and holding onto the steering wheel as Deimos suddenly rocked out. Gabriel and Aaron banged on the doors to the beat and Mira harmonized with Deimos. Kalmin was amidst the craziest people he’s ever met. And it was utterly beautiful watching all four of them completely lose it. The setting sun turned them bronze and gold, the shadows casted across their faces dramatic. Mira’s smile glimmered brilliantly in the light. Deimos’ eyes shone golden. Gabriel’s skin was glittering bronze. Aaron looked like an angel with the sun behind his head a halo.

Kalmin knew he wasn’t going to forget this moment.

Crammed in the back overflowing with chip bags, cold meat, and fresh vegetables. Two beautiful men holding him tight. The sweet taste of Oreos and vanilla ice cream on his tongue. The thumping of the beat and roar of the truck. The wind and music dancing through. Four distinct voices screaming out to the tunes. Deimos’ raspy voice. Mira’s soft harmonies. Aaron’s voice crack. Gabriel’s shouting. His own laughter bubbling out of him, his own voice joining the crazy chorus. Mira’s sparkling stare on him when he sung louder. Deimos’ curious eyes from the rear view mirror. Kalmin’s thudding heart.

He fell in love with everyone and everything in this old truck.