#texting SB right now and i could not be more enamored.

[schillypokespe]

holy fucking shit i love my partner systems

[oh-theatre]

Sycamore High: Highs and Lows of the Midnight Stars  (Chapter 16)

A/N: I know its a short chapter but a very important one, Also I'm sorry that it's just four characters but I hope you still enjoy

summary: Ted and Tommys happy moment falls away as Henry and Chad have some unfortunate news to deliver

words: 1,676

warnings: Mention of death

Ao3 Link

Ted was extremely happy he couldn't sleep when his phone exploded with buzz. Being sent to bed 3 hours earlier by 2 very concerned professors, he was still unable to sleep. Many thoughts about the previous day had been racing through his mind, many occupied by a certain hot-chocolate loving nerd. Which would immediately send a knot of guilt when Bill crossed his mind. 

You can not be happy right now

Your friend is suffering

Bzzt

Ted bounces up grabbing his phone off of the guest bedroom nightstand rubbing his eyes that had been adjusted to the dark.

Hot Choco: Hey! 

The knot in his stomach slowly disappeared seeing the one-word text. He quickly opened his phone ready to text back. 

SB: Yo… What’s up?

HC: OH! You responded quickly, shouldn't you be sleeping?

SB: Shouldn't you?

HC: Touche dear, touche

Ted freezes at the nickname. They hadn't discussed anything after their...session. Having been interrupted by nervous texts from multiple friends and hadn't had time to talk about anything. Ted was sure he was taking too long to respond and he was sure it had meant nothing but the little word sets off a wonderful flutter in his chest. 

HC: Ted, you still there?

He looks down at his phone he was now holding to his chest and quickly typed. 

SB: Yeah sorry, just had a moment. 

HC: Sorry about… the whole ‘dear’ thing. 

He's apologizing? Ted thinks, he shakes his head absolutely enamored with the be-speckled boy on the other line. He swoons, yes swoons, and replies quickly.

SB: No no! It's ok! We just haven't had time to...discuss anything I guess. 

HC: Do you want to?

Ted thought for a moment, did he? Or did he want to forget everything, or-

SB: Yes...yes absolutely

~~~

“I found her” Henry whispers carefully closing the bedroom door after checking in on Ted for the fifth time. Chad sits up immediately ushering for his husband to come sit next to him on the bed. Henry slugs over feeling exhausted and curls up into his husband's arms. Chad strokes his head lovingly planting little kisses on his head.

“What is it, love?” Chad coos, still comforting the tired man. 

“Ted's mother” Henry says “I talked to the police and they called today. They found him” Henry explains, his voice falters a bit with each word. Chad furrows his brows but encourages him to continue. “Its… It's not good” He chokes back a hot. Chad sits up concerned, wiping away incoming tears forming in Henry’s eyes.

“Love?” Chad asks “What happened?” 

~~~

“Tommy?” Ted calls out feeling absolutely crazy. He wanders a little further into the park finally sitting down on a bench near a low hanging tree. He fidgets nervously constantly checking his phone when suddenly his vision goes blind he panics pushing the two hands off of himself. 

“Woah!” Tommy yelps startling back. Ted heaves relieved turning angrily towards Tommy, who simply smiles innocently and wraps his arms around Ted's neck. Ted tenses quickly but slowly melt into the embrace feeling a lot safer. “Hey, you” He whispers sweetly into Ted's ears. Ted feels an exciting shiver down his spine. 

“H...h-hi” He manages hearing Tommy giggle in response. He removes his arms much to Ted's disappointment and makes his way around the bench to sit next to Ted. He sits cross-legged on the bench and stares intently at Ted. Ted stares back almost lost in the shining boy's eyes. He clears his throat and sits up straighter. “So...um... I..” He tries. Tommy places a comforting hand on Teds. 

“Why don't I start?” Tommy offers, Ted nods “I like you. Like a lot” Tommy smiles sweetly, Ted feels his heart melt. “I don't know how you feel, but if the kiss was any indication, I think you might like me back but I'm not sure” Tommy teases releasing a chuckle from Ted. “But I also know you're going through a lot right now…” He continues, Ted nods. He is, and he had the same concerns about...starting anything right now. “So...I understand if you're not ready. And I'm more than willing-”

“I've never done this before” Ted interjects. Tommy tilts his head confused “Been in a relationship, like a serious one.” Ted explains Tommy nods willing to listen. “And I do like you, but I just...I don't wanna mess anything up” Tommy flushes light dust of pink. 

“Well, you won't know if you don't try” Tommy shrugs hopeful “But Ted… it's up to you” Ted contemplates this for a moment gazing at the encouraging smile Tommy gives him. He thinks back on everything that has happened. The one constant had been Tommy, the kind stranger willing to give him a chance. An unexpected friend and possibly more. A boy so willing to give Ted whatever he needs. Ted stares at Tommy's eyes, the eyes he had seen so many times before. Beautiful, inquisitive brown eyes hidden behind wide glasses. Full of love and absolute excitement. He pushes himself forward meeting Tommy's lip kissing him gently, yet full of passion. Tommy buzzes and immediately returns the gesture cupping Ted's face. They pull away after a longing moment, desperate for air. They stare sweetly into each other's eyes.

“So that's a no?” Tommy jokes, Ted nudges him joining into his sweet laughter. 

“No...that's a yes” Ted says adding quickly “If you want to” Tommy practically jumps up nodding. Ted stands up wearily watching the animated boy lovingly. He grabs him gently calming him down. He pulls him into a hug feeling Tommy embracing him instantly. The moment is pure and everything Ted wants right now. Everything he needs, nothing could ruin the sweet moment held between two young boys under the moonlight. 

“Ted Michael Porker!” The boys jump apart at the call of Ted's full name. He turns toward the source of the noise, his eyes grow wide staring at two very angry professors. He backs up instinctively scared their anger would turn to punishment, Tommy places a protective border between him and the men. The men sigh resigned and approach calmly. Chad approaches first holding up his hands in a surrendering manner. 

“Ted? Kiddo? I'm sorry we didn't mean to startle you…” Chad speaks steadily, his voice softening “We were just very worried when you weren't in your bed” Ted quivers clutching onto the back of Tommy's shirt who places a comforting hand on him. 

“P-p-please dont hu-hurt me” Ted stutters all of his thoughts and control falling away as he feels himself resolve back into a scared little boy. 

“Oh god… Ted no... no never” Henry speaks now, the anger in his voice falling away. He approaches in the same manner as Chad “Ted we would never hurt you. We were just worried” He insists, Ted remains in his position still scared. Tommy turns to Ted holding him gently. He pushes the hair out of his eyes and strokes the tears away from his eyes. 

“They aren't going to hurt you, dear” Tommy assures keeping his eyes on Ted. Ted tries to speak but fails as his emotions crumble around him “I promise, they were just worried.” Ted nods and the pair turn to the ever-patient men. “We are very sorry professors, Ted and I shouldn't have snuck out” He apologizes, the men nod and approach calmly. 

“Thank you, we were just worried” Chad remains calm. Ted takes a deep breath and walks towards them standing a little straighter. Chad stays where he is, allowing Ted the first move. 

“I-im sorry” He sniffles “It won't happen again” Chad and Henry share an amusing look before letting out light chuckles.

“Ok…” Henry pauses “It better not mister” He teases lightening the mood. Ted joins in, followed by Tommy. “Ted we need to talk to you though” Henry admits reserving a serious tone now. Ted grabs Tommy's hand who quickly interlaces his fingers with Ted. “Its…” Henry looks to Chad, who nods “It's about your mother, Ted”

~~~

“Are you sure you want me to stay?” Tommy whispers to Ted as they sit on the couch in the apartment. Ted fidgets nervously waiting for the promised tea and the return of the professors. He turns dazed to Tommy taking his hands.

“Mmhm” He admits, Tommy nods squeezing his hands encouragingly. 

“Ok...ok” Tommy says as the professors return handing the boys some tea, they take it graciously. The two men and Tommy stare as Ted's cup shakes violently in his hands, he notices and quickly places it on the coffee table scared he would break it. Tommy assures him silently before they turn to the men. 

“We talked to the police and they finally got back to us” Henry begins, Ted nods listening intently. “They said… that they found your mother-” Ted jumps up relieved.

“They did?”

“Ted-” Henry tries

“When can I see her?”

“Ted-” Chad stands

“Where is she?”

“Ted” Both men say firmly 

“Is she ok?”

“Ted!” Tommy shouts taking the hyper boy in his arms facing him. Ted blinks before looking around.

“Sorry” He whispers “Sorry… I got excited” Tommy nods understandingly and sits them both down. They turn back to the professors.  “So… where is she?” Ted asks calmer this time. The professors share an uneasy look leaving an anxious feeling his stomach. 

“Ted…” Chad starts, Ted inhales a sharp breath

“Where is she?” he demands shakily. 

“Ted I am so sorry…” Chad feels himself lose control, Henry grabs his hand squeezing it. 

“No...” Ted cries softly, Tommy mimics Henry's gesture to Ted, a horrified look in his eyes. Ted turns to Tommy shaking his head in disbelief “No…” His voice weak and hollow. 

“Ted your mom…” Henry tries. Ted shoots his head over to Henry glaring

“Don't say it” He demands firmly “Just...dont” 

“She's dead… Ted I'm-” Ted stands shaking, he storms away into the hall. The three men jump at the sound of a door slamming. Hearing a loud sob choked back, the night slips away.