The Closet-a Ralbert Story

Chapter 18

"Hey, guys", Elmer greeted, glancing at his two best friends. He glanced at their clasped hands, smirking. "Go well?"

Albert smiled at him, squeezing Race's hand. "Very."

He couldn't be happier. Race was right beside him and holding his hand, things were good between them. Nothing could ruin this moment.

And he truly believed that.

"Congrats", Jack called, downing his fifth can of Coca Cola within three hours. "You guys worked it out."

"Turns out, we're both kind of dumb", Race shrugged, giggling when Albert punched his shoulder.

"I could of told you that", Crutchie laughs, getting the rest of the group to laugh with him. "Oh, yeah! The boys told you they couldn't come, right? I mean, Mush and Blink said they'd be by later, but-"

"Yeah, I know", Elmer waves the thought away, a smile on his face. "I'm just glad everyone is hanging with their families. That's what this is all about."

"Aw, Elmer", Spot sighs, wrapping an arm around his boyfriend. "Always the sentimental."

"Thank you."

"You kids hungry?" Fred walked up to the group, mostly looking toward Davey. "We still have plenty of food."

"I'm good, thanks", most of the boys said- in unison, no less- as Spot and Davey walked over. Albert shook his head.

"No, seriously, take some", he insisted. "If you don't, we'll be eating leftovers for weeks."

The boys laughed as Fred patted his son on the shoulder, glancing at Race's hand in his and winking. Albert smiled at him and winked back.

"Hey, guys", Mush greeted, taking his hat off of his curly hair. "Uh, sorry we're late."

"We had to drive in the snow", Blink shrugged, wiggling his toes in his sock. "I left my shoes outside, if that's okay."

Elmer nodded, checking the time. "Party's about to start winding down, so we can-"

Albert gasped. "Games."

"All the games."

——————

And they played all of the games.

Apples to Apples, UNO, Life, and even some Poker- nothing was untouched. However, they were teenage boys, and while some games are easier to focus on, others drain the fun out very quickly.

"Let's play Truth or Dare", Blink suggested, his head in Mush's lap. "This game is getting, like, boring."

"That's what happens sometimes, Blink", Davey sighs, tiredly. "But Truth or Dare sounds nice."

"I agree with Davey", Jack adds as Crutchie rolled his eyes.

"You agree with Davey on everything", he says amusedly. Jack shrugs.

"Race, Truth or Dare?" Race, who was stuffing his face with a chocolate covered marshmallow, turned to Spot, eyes wide. He swallowed.

"Truth."

"Most embarrassing moment."

"He checked me out in the locker room and didn't think I knew it", Albert answered, causing the boys to laugh. Race flushed red.

"You knew, huh?"

"Duh. I probably knew you had a crush on me before you did."

Race shrugged, accepting the probable truth. "Davey, Truth or Dare?"