An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapter 8 is up! Thank you so much for continuing to read and comment. I really hope you enjoy this next chapter. More to come!
Read this story from the beginning.
Zak tried to focus as he swayed lightly, ping pong ball poised at the ready. They were tied with Aaron and Erica, two games each and it all came down to this last cup. “Come on, Zak. You got this. Just focus.” Nick urged. “Miss it!” Aaron called from across the table, flapping his arms as a distraction. “You got this, Zak.” Nick repeated.
Zak took a breath, carefully releasing the ball with a flick of his wrist and sending it sailing directly toward the last cup. “No!” Aaron yelled, as the ball plopped into the cup, splashing beer on the table. Zak couldn’t help the excited scream that escaped his mouth. And before he knew it, Nick had him around the waist, lifting him up off the ground. “You did it!” he grinned, eyes sparkling and unfocused the way they got when he’d had too much to drink. “You did it!” Zak grinned back, drinking in the happiness on Nick’s face and the way his smile crinkled at the corners of his eyes. Laughter rose from the younger man, and Zak could feel the vibrations of it against his skin as Nick held him tight.
“God, you two need to kiss already.” Aaron said. “For real.” Zak chuckled awkwardly as Nick lowered him back to the ground. He dropped his eyes, taking a moment to readjust his shirt. “Don’t be mad because you lost. And now we’re the reigning champions.” Nick challenged. “Dude, you won by one cup.” Aaron argued. “A win is still a win.” Nick smirked. “Whatever…” Aaron said, dismissively. “You need another drink?" He asked, turning to Erica. “Sure.” she said, brightly. “I’ll come with you.” “We’ll see you losers later.” Aaron joked, wrapping an arm around Erica as they made their way toward the bar.
Nick chuckled, rolling his eyes as he turned to face Zak. “Sore loser.” “Well, he was talking a lotta shit.” Zak laughed. “Yeah, but we showed him.” Nick said, permanent smile etched on his lips. “Yeah, we did.” Zak nodded. Zak’s face brightened as a new song came on, booming through the speakers. It was a favorite of his from high school, and he grabbed for Nick’s hand, pulling him toward the dance floor.
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