Cornelius felt Static grab his hand after practice. It seemed innocent. It seemed light hearted as it’s not even really a kiss. They were putting stuff away and Cornelius was sighing as he was about to head back home. Static was just trying to reassure him.
But Cornelius knuckles’ screamed his insecurities. He pulled his hand away subconsciously and turned pale. The scarring tissue from his hands felt rough and disgusting. The calluses felt disturbing and the thought of his crush even feeling them made his stomach flip. Static had a bit of shock and sadness in his eyes. He immediately tried to change the subject. “Hey, so me and Harvey were thinking about all of us getting lunch on s-Saturday. Would you. Come. With us.” Static was staggering with words. The pain from Static’s voice alone would break him. Static never really was the one to initiate something. Well it was more mutual. It was complicated. Everything was so complicated and Cornelius couldn’t figure out the words to reassure Static.
They both sat in an awkward silence and Static headed back to his drum set and pushed it into the corner that he was allowed to keep it. They borrowed the school’s stage thanks to Harvey’s brother, Aspen, being the school’s band teacher. However, Cornelius always took his keytar and put it in Aspen’s office so it was safe. He wasn’t able to take it home or else his parents would be upset. They both met again outside and Cornelius waited for his parents and Static just waited with him so he wasn’t lonely. He could walk home any time. But he chose to be near Cornelius. They said they were dating each other but it felt confusing what to do or say. Static got on his phone and showed Cornelius a funny Let’s player he found to pass the time.
But Cornelius decided to just chat. He was sitting on the ramp railing. He had put on the outfit his parents last saw him in. Usually he came in a nice dress shirt and would change to something less formal. Usually he has a checkered hoodie but it was too hot for that. “So what are - you going to do for the weekend?” Static looked away. “I don’t normally have weekend plans. It’s hard since I don’t have an income. Just what my parents left me…” Cornelius is scared, but asks. “Do you live with anyone else? Like extended family?” Static gives a small smile. “Sometimes my uncle that used to run the mechanic shop with my dad comes over but he has his own family, and he’s pretty far out of town.”
Cornelius feeling a pinch of guilt blurts out. “ W-want to come over to my house and work on that one project - …” his voice was shaky. Static smiles and says sure. At that moment Cornelius’ driver comes to pick him up.
Cornelius turns back and grabs Static's hand and brings him to the passenger window. “Hey I was wondering if Static could come over and work on a school project ? Could you let my parents kno-“ The driver responded, “Your parents are out of town sir. Would you like me to deliver that message or just invite your friend over?” The driver smiles. He had known Cornelius for years and knew how badly he always wanted friends. Cornelius smiles back, his heart racing and he tightens the grip on Static’s hand then releases.
“Here let me-“ Cornelius’ open the door and they both slipped into the car. Static smiles from the back seat and secretly hold each other’s hands. This time Cornelius doesn’t let go. The driver smiles from the front seat.
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