Sleepover Final: Night ballade

Although the very first minutes had Wyatt cramped in his seat in anxiety. He was relaxing with time. He glanced every now and then at Matthew who had a soft gaze on the screen. Wyatt felt flustered, he wanted to look at him but...somehow it felt inappropriate. Matthew's voice made him jolt.

Matthew: "what's wrong? It is that scary?"

Matthew chuckled and leaned on the armrest on his side. Wyatt mumbled before speaking up while trying to hide his clear embarrassment.

Wyatt: "I feel like I had already watched it...but it might just be because I watch a lot of movies"

Matthew looked at him before replying.

Matthew: "oh you're bored?"

Wyatt quickly waved his hands dismissively before saying.

Wyatt: "N-no...I'm just...somewhere else"

Matthew: "you want to talk about it?"

Wyatt blushed before coughing then glanced down to his phone and a thought popped in his mind as he remembered something.

Wyatt: "Earlier I...sent you a text"

Matthew's stare showed his confusion before he straightened in his seat then replied.

Matthew: "oh the one you deleted right after? I thought you had made a mistake or texted the wrong number or something"

Wyatt scratched his hand in anxiety then spoke in his throat.

Wyatt: "I...Jørgen texted me"

Matthew frowned before looking away at the screen and used the remote to put a pause to it. He turned back to Wyatt and had a serious expression as he was listening. Wyatt continued after gulping.

Wyatt: "He apologized for what happened and wanted to talk it through"

Matthew didn't respond immediately and looked down before back at Wyatt with a softer gaze.

Matthew: "what do you think about it?"

Wyatt was taken aback by that reply because he expected a much more violent response.

Wyatt: "I don't know. Honestly, I had a panic attack again when he texted me...I am not comfortable talking to him now...but..."

Matthew sighed before speaking with a smooth tone.

Matthew: "Wyatt, whether you choose to talk to him or not after what happened, is completely up to you. Just know I will be there in case he tries anything funny"

Wyatt felt his heart tickle as he looked at Matthew, the lights of the TV screen tracing his facial features. He had never really looked at Matthew's face for this long. His eyes darted to the wound he had on his chin. He remembered the gator had gotten in a fight. His eyes went back to meet those of Matthew.

Wyatt: "Thank you...I feel really...I am suffocating"

Matthew looked at him and tilted his head.

Matthew: "What about? The shark?"

Wyatt: "No not him. (*inhaling then breathing out through the mouth in a sigh*) do you think I am insane?"

Matthew: "if it's about your terrible skills in games, yes you are"

Matthew held a chuckle before shaking his head and looking at Wyatt having embarrassment painted on his face.

Wyatt: "Fuck you. It's about my brother"

Matthew face drained out of his smirk and he looked at Wyatt with a concerned and apologetic gaze.

Matthew: "I'm sorry, I didn-"

Wyatt: "yeah I know, it's fine."

Matthew: "why do you think you're insane?"

Wyatt looked at the blank screen for a while as images from that day flooded his brain.

Wyatt: "I was there"

Matthew looked confused and tried understanding the context and picked up and put a hand on Wyatt's shoulder. The latter's eyes widened for a bit before they returned sorrow as they looked at Matthew.

Wyatt: "The car accident that took him and my mother...I was there, I was in that car"

Matthew looked at him with pain then let him continue.

Wyatt: "And my father always told me I wasn't...why? Why didn't he tell me I was...(*emotions mixing*) Why didn’t I die..."

Matthew: "Hey...(*searching for words*) Wyatt, I don't want to give your father reason...but you were just a child. The trauma it would have cause could have been horrible...maybe he just wan-"

Wyatt: "You don't understand Matthew...he lied to me. I am seeing a therapist for years now, I have these pills I take every now and then as you know...I am already as broken as it is mentally...but I wanted the truth. I was always confused about that day, how I ended at the neighbor's house, or how I couldn't remember a thing..."

Matthew looked down as he spoke with hurt.

Matthew: "Pain sometimes is so great you wish you can forget..."

Matthew looked at Wyatt.

Matthew: "if your father told you the truth, what do you think would have happened?"

Wyatt didn't know how to answer to that and left Matthew hanging for a minute before his lips parted in words again.

Wyatt: "I don't know...I guess it would have been even harder...but, I remember now, and it's horrible the same..."

Matthew: "Wyatt, look at me"

Wyatt looked up to Matthew as tears fell.

Matthew: "Losing someone you hold dear is never easy. Sometimes you wish you had be dead instead...I know that feeling (*looking away before back at Wyatt*) but, see the cup half full...you have your dad still right? He is your last family, I know you might feel angry he didn't tell you the truth but keeping resentment won't change a thing. You remember that day...perhaps you should talk about that with him"

Wyatt was stunned and was lost at words. Matthew continued and his voice turned a bit more joyful.

Matthew: "and besides...I know it's not the same and that we know not for that long but you can consider me family, you don't need to go through this alone"

Wyatt closed his eyes as he tried catching his thoughts. He remembered his brother's words "We are brothers, I am here for you, you are there for me, always". His heart felt a sting as he looked at Matthew again.

Wyatt: "Sorry for sapping the mood"

Matthew: "Don't apologize for being sensitive. You feel what you feel, and as friend I shouldn't shrug it off and be there even if it's just to listen"

Wyatt looked away and blushed before Matthew kept speaking.

Matthew: "Besides, who else is going to crush your face in video games"

Matthew ruffled Wyatt's head before the latter spoke.

Wyatt: "Thank you Matt"

Matthew: "Always, Wyatt"

Matthew remembered something and smiled before speaking.

Matthew: "So, how do you feel about meeting new people?"

Wyatt was confused and his face showed his thoughts before his mouth could.

Wyatt: "Not interested?"

Matthew laughed before saying.

Matthew: "it's not that horrible. There's a small party, a teammate of mine is throwing in his dorm room with other teammates"

Wyatt: "huh...okay?"

Matthew: "He invited me if I wanted and I can bring a friend...so, what do you say? Perhaps we can still manage to make this sleepover funnier?"

Wyatt was a bit sad because he had wanted to just stay with Matthew but the latter's smile seemed to show how much he wanted that.

Wyatt: "Isn't the college close now?"

Matthew: "he said to call when we will be there"

Wyatt: "I don't know what to think about that"

Matthew: "it's okay if you want, we can still stay and watch this old horror movie or we can do something you'd like"

Wyatt felt his heart wave before he cleared his throat.

Wyatt: "N-no...it's okay. We can go to your friend's party..."

Matthew: "are you sure?"

Wyatt: "yes...besides, maybe they are not that bad company"

Matthew: "well, they are not bad. It's true I honestly speak mostly to the captain of the team. The others just every now and then but not much"

Wyatt: "so you guys are not friends...well, that's gonna be tough"

Matthew: "oh don't sweat it, I will be there. So you won't feel lost, and besides we can feel lost together"

Wyatt blushed again and tried calming his rising heartbeat. The gator's words somehow were making him feel all ticklish. He was confused at the feeling and simply nodded.

Matthew: "Okay, grab your stuff, I will call to say we are coming"

Wyatt nodded and got up and just now did he realized the hand of Matthew was on his shoulder all this time...his tail wagged as he went to grab clothes and bath stuff although he wasn't sure if he would even have time to get a shower or anything like that there.

Wyatt: "do I need to take shower equipments?"

Matthew: "huh?"

Wyatt: "nevermind"

Wyatt felt embarrassed and went upstairs.

.

.

.

Matthew was standing by the couch, staring at his phone on a social media. He was giggling while scrolling with his thumb single handedly holding his phone while his other hand was resting on the couch head rest. Soon, the dull cracking noise from the stairs made him look up from his phone to see Wyatt. The shepherd had worn casual clothes befitting his usual style, a hoodie and a simple plain pair of beige pants. He had also freshened up leading his fur to be quite fluffy looking and his amber eyes always sublimed by his natural smokey gaze. Wyatt was pulling a bit at his hoodie to go more down below then looked up at Matthew who was staring at him. It made the shepherd blush and quickly speak in anxiety.

Wyatt: “What? Does it look bad? I ca-“

Matthew: “You look great”

Wyatt stopped and looked at Matthew who cleared his throat before walking to the door.

Matthew: “let’s go then”

The door cracked opened and Matthew went out. Wyatt turned off all the lights and made sure nothing was too badly placed then head outside and closed the door then pocketed the keys. As he turned back, he couldn’t see Matthew’s bike and was confused as he walked closer to the road then lights flashed at him from his left side and he shielded his eyes before looking at its origin. He heard a voice he knew; it was Matthew.

Matthew: “Over here”

Wyatt got closer to the car’s side and looked through the lowered window at Matthew holding the wheel with one hand while his other arm was resting on the shoulder of the passenger sit with his hand beckoning Wyatt to get in with a swift motion.

Matthew: “Hop on”

Wyatt entered and looked at him with slight confusion.

Wyatt: “You have a car?”

Matthew’s arm went back to him when Wyatt was sitting. He grabbed the wheel with both hands and spoke.

Matthew: “It was my old man’s car”

Wyatt’s eyes widened and he felt apologetic then Matthew looked at him with a smile.

Matthew: “So, all set? You didn’t forget anything you would like to have there, did you?”

Wyatt: “Huh no? My phone is at 70 or something, and I have my charger so it’s fine. I have my keys and my wallet with my ID”

Matthew hummed with acknowledgment before bringing his hand down to start the engine. It took after the second try and the motor roared like a beast while Matthew checked his mirrors before bringing his hand to the gearshift. Wyatt couldn’t help but look at him with his hand slightly opened as his eyes followed his hands. He knew the gator had big hands but now that they were holding the wheel and the gearshift, he could see it even more. Matthew chuckled before speaking.

Matthew: “You good buddy?”

Wyatt quickly looked away with a blush. Matthew then started driving. Wind was brushing against Wyatt’s face as he looked outside through the lowered window. Streetlamps were lining in a hypnotizing trail as they drove for few minutes. They stopped at a traffic light. Matthew waited for the red to go green while feeling the silence was a bit boring. He opened the glove compartment and looked for something. Since he was leaning very much, Wyatt was feeling the gator’s shoulder and side against him then tried to get back as much as possible. He could see the gator from above. His heart was beating faster for being so close and having him so close was creating a natural reaction that Wyatt was trying to hold while looking away. Matthew found what he was looking for and dusted it before straightening back to his seat and Wyatt exhaled of relief while pulling his hoodie a bit more to cover his growing excitement. He looked at Matthew who had a sort of square plastic thing in hand.

Wyatt: “Is that a cassette?”

Matthew grinned before looking at him.

Matthew: “Sure is, this one has a great playlist of songs that I used to listen to growing up”

Wyatt: “How old are you again?”

Matthew: “There’s no age to like good music, okay? Besides aren’t we just as old as each other”

Wyatt: “yeah…gramps”

Matthew: “Don’t get me started”

Matthew chuckled before putting the cassette in the autoradio. He pressed buttons and soon, the speakers of the car started to tremble while sound started to escape from them. And the light went green so Matthew drove again while the music that was playing was making Matthew to hum before small bits of singing started. Wyatt look at him and remembered confronting the gator when he was at his place about the gator potentially singing and now he could hear bits of it, although mumbled, it was incredible to the ears. Wyatt’s focused attention made Matthew look from the corner of his eyes before his grip on the wheel tightened and he got embarrassed.

Matthew: “S-sorry, I j-“

Wyatt: “You CAN sing!”

Matthew lowered a bit his head as if getting shy and even blushing was not very visible, he had that reaction as he felt his face flush a bit.

Matthew: “No…I am not that good, I just…”

Wyatt: “Shut up, sing already! I don’t know the song so I can’t really follow and my voice isn’t as pretty as yours, but goddamn you have a nice voice!”

Wyatt blushed at his own words and even Matthew was taken aback and there were few seconds of silence as Wyatt leaned back in his seat. Matthew’s fingers tapped against the wheel as his head was moving a bit in rhythm and he was slowly mumbling the lyrics of the song then to the surprise of Wyatt, he started singing.

“When you were here before…(*inhaling briefly as his voice wavered in majestic high tone*)

Couldn’t look you in the eye…(*hands tightening on the wheel*)

You’re just like an angel (*descending with powerful deep tone*)

Your skin makes me cry

(*listening to the music going while slightly moving his fingers and head*)

You float like a feather

In a beautiful worl-AA-UH-AAAAAaaa~d (*the drift between ranges made Wyatt shiver*)

I wish I was special…(*eyes looking a bit sorrowful as the suspense was rising in the song and Wyatt was longing for more*)

You’re so fuckin’ speciaaal…”

Matthew inhaled as the cars speakers were preparing the chorus, Wyatt held his breath in anticipation and then the chorus started with Matthew unleashing a powerful yet controlled voice going high without being broken which made Wyatt blush and mumble “damn”

“I’m a weirdo-oooo-uh~

What the HELL AM I DOIN’ HEEEEEEEERE? (*Shaking his head a bit*)

I don’t belong here…”

Wyatt listened to Matthew continuing as his eyes were filled with admiration. The gator had harmonies and such a unique control of his voice. Wyatt had forgotten to breathe and exhaled before breathing fast, his heart beating faster. The voice of Matthew, the wind brushing on the side and the occasional shivers that the switch in ranges that Matthew’s voice was provoking in him made Wyatt blush and feel dozens of things in seconds. Then the built up started and the already great voice of Matthew got a level beyond when he reached the bridge of the song…then after slowing down on the end of the music in a melancholic tone, he was reaching the last part of the songs and Wyatt could feel it and they soon also reached the college.

“But I’m a cre-ee-p…(*inhaling shakingly*)

I’m a weirdo-oo-uh…

What the hell am I doin’ here…

I don’t belong here…(*switching the engine off*)

I don’t belong….here…”

The music stopped after some instrumentals and Matthew was breathing hard as he kept looking at the wheel then he looked at Wyatt whose ears were perked up and his tail was wagging furiously. The gator felt his face flush again and he scratched his neck.

Matthew: “Sorry I got too into it”

Wyatt: “Matthew…fuck you, sincerely, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! DUDE, you sing like you were a professional, that’s fucking talent!”

Matthew felt a bit proud to hear that and then spoke with a bit of embarrassment.

Matthew: “You like it?”

Wyatt: “What do you mean I like it? I fucking feel it!”

Matthew: “I don’t sing much around people, I did it only once”

Wyatt was still shaken by the voice and didn’t mean to but asked something.

Wyatt: “Damn, you sang to only one person? Your father?”

Matthew looked away a bit before speaking with bitterness.

Matthew: “My girlfriend”

.

.

Wyatt’s heart sank in his knees and he felt like the world got quiet. He was in shock so much that his jaws were a bit opened as he looked at Matthew and dare not to say a word. Matthew was about to speak when he got a text from Haufiku saying to get on foot and walk around the gates, he was waiting for them. Matthew had texted him earlier before they got on the road so the hyena was already going out to fetch them before security notice something. Matthew looked up from his phone and Wyatt had a neutral expression as if his emotions got suppressed.

Matthew: “hey, huh, My friend is waiting for us. I texted him before we got on the road an-“

Matthew noticed Wyatt was not very showing any signs of joy nor was he showing anything at all. The shepherd looked at him a smile that seemed crafted.

Wyatt: “Yeah let’s go meet new people”

Matthew: “Are you okay?”

Wyatt shrugged and laughed before opening his door and getting outside while stretching. Matthew was confused and went out then walked closer to Wyatt who straightened.

Wyatt: “wooo I had cramps from sitting. But seriously though, you should totally get to the Voice or something or maybe even start a career. You are in Music course so you can probably do that quite right, can’t you?”

Wyatt seemed enthousiastic while his hands met his hoodie pressing his fingers and squeezing them in frustration and in a sentiment Wyatt was new to. Matthew was a bit confused at the switch of mood but decided to talk about that later then he nonchalantly spoke while scratching his neck and looking down at the shepherd.

Matthew: “No way, I don’t sing…”

Wyatt was about to say something but Matthew reached for his hand and started running closer to the wall before Wyatt asked confused with a slight blush.

Wyatt: “What is th-“

Matthew shushed him with a finger then pointed upwards. Wyatt lifted his head and could see a boar night guard looking around from the wall. The guard moved and they both heard a noise next to them coming from a bush that was one of the many decorating the area. A hand came out of the bush and Wyatt gasped before Matthew covered his mouth with his large hand. The hand from the bush beckoned them to get closer and Wyatt looked at Matthew who mumbled “Haufiku? Is that you?”

The hyena replied from the bush.

Haufiku: “Hurry up before the night guard comes back”

Matthew removed his hand from Wyatt’s mouth and the latter spoke.

Wyatt: “You didn’t tell me your friend was a bush?!”

Matthew: “Don’t be silly, he is hiding IN the bush”

Wyatt blushed in embarrassment.

Wyatt: “yeah… I totally knew it”

With that, both Matthew and Wyatt got to the bush before being pulled by strong arms. Branches poked at Wyatt’s nose as he was forced in the bush then he opened his eyes to see there was a hyena in front of him. The latter spoke almost mumbling.

Haufiku: “You must be Wyatt, nice to meet you. I am Haufiku, the captain of the swimming team”

Wyatt felt it rather peculiar to be in a bush in the middle of the night next to his college talking to a swimming athlete, what were the odds for something like that to happen. He chuckled before speaking also mumbling.

Wyatt: “Nice to meet you too…so huh…what now?”

He turned to Matthew who had issues bringing his heavy body so low to the ground. The latter shrugged and they bith turned to Haufiku who smiled before saying.

Haufiku: “We are going below the wall”

Wyatt: “What do you mean below?”

Haufiku chuckled before turning to the portion of the wall they had in view and Wyatt noticed the big hole in the bush on the ground just next to the wall. Haufiku crawled inside and said “Come on, fast”

Wyatt hesitated before following in the tunnel that was weirdly well done and somehow not dirty as there was something all over the tunnel like a pipe or something. He followed Haufiku through the dark tunnel and he could hear Matthew following behind, thankfully the tunnel was wide enough for the gator to pass his shoulders. They crawled for few minutes before Wyatt would see light in the distance as it enhanced the frames of Haufiku before him…he was now staring at the hyena’s ass and he gulped before trying to look down or elsewhere but almost stumbled and he heard Matthew.

Matthew: “Wyatt? Are you alright?”

Wyatt relied fast.

Wyatt: “yes! I am…just a cramp”

Matthew: “Sorry about that…Are we still far Haufiku?”

Haufiku: “Nope, just few meters, are you both okay?”

They replied together as they continued. As they reached the surface, Haufiku helped Wyatt to get out and then Matthew. They both look around to see they were behind the gymnasium. Before them, were the fields of sports and past those they could see the mall of the school and just next to it the Uni dorms. Haufiku then smiled while looking at Wyatt properly and the latter could see how tall the hyena was.

Wyatt: “You are tall”

The hyena chuckled before leaning a bit.

Haufiku: “Aren’t you sweet? Come on guys, we still have to get to the dorms”

They then proceeded to make their way towards the dorm while also avoiding the night guards walking around.