The sweet Summer air was turning into a brisk, August breeze. The sky was partly cloudly, but that didn't stop the sun from beating down on the Dulaney High School parking lot, where Alex was currently located, leaning against the same piece-of-shit car he'd begun the Summer in. He had his hands stuffed deep in his tight pockets, and he was letting the sound of Blink 182 burst through his ears. Everything seemed so different to him now. As he stared at the large, brick building, he no longer felt obligated to fit in. The years would quickly fly by now, knowing that he had a secure job ahead of him, doing what he loved most and bringing joy to other people- The way Blink had to him. All of the females that had once thrown themselves at him, he would turn the other cheek to, understanding now that he could love, and be loved in return. And from now on, whenever anyone told him he had nothing but pipe dreams, he could simply beam with confidence that his hard work had paid off. Yes, this year would be different for him in every single way.

Alex pulled the ear buds from their cozy spot and placed them in the pocket of his hoodie. He exhaled a calm breath and slowly began his walk towards the double doors. He was a brand new man, and he wasn't afraid to show it. Skipping up the steps, he flung the doors open, and smiled as he saw Jack and Rian waiting for him by his locker. Rian was still so deeply wounded, but for the promise he had in the near future, he smiled like nothing could stand in his way. He was a strong one, Rian Dawson, one in a million. As for Jack, he still looked like the same, goofy nerd. However, he didn't seem afraid of what people would call him today, because no matter what they said, he'd have Alex by his side, and that was worth all the rude remarks in the world. Jack opened his arms wide, laughing lightly to himself as Alex seemed to fit perfectly against his chest. It was a much needed new beginning.

"Are you sure you're ready to let everyone know about us?"

"I don't mind if they know, but I don't think they will. Not really. We've always been this way, Jack, it's just never been official."

"Too right you are," Jack sighed, kissing Alex's soft cheek. "Fuck 'em. I don't need them to know for me to know this is real."

"Not to rain on the parade or anything, dudes, but I don't think anyone cares. Word spread pretty fast that All Time Low got signed.. We're like royalty now."

Alex snickered, grabbing on to Jack's hand tightly as the three of them began to walk through the hallway. Around every corner, someone was there to greet them, and congratulate them on the record deal. Rian was right- There were no dirty looks, and no one had gone out of their way to put Jack down. That nearly made Alex squeal with excitement. It was another amazing thing to add to the list, Jack would no longer be miserable when he stepped into Dulaney High School.

Rian had fallen back from the group. Jack could faintly hear him mumbling a few words to who he could only guess to be Zack. From the sounds of it, he and Juliett were getting the same kind of attention over at Towson. Jack grinned to himself, hoping that now Juliett would follow a career in music, too. She was beyond talented enough for it.

It was when they heard a loud crash from behind them that Alex and Jack stopped walking. Still holding hands, they turned their bodies to face the messy floor. Rian was rushing to put someone's books back in a pile, while the smaller body apologized over and over again.

"I'm sorry, it's my first day here and I'm so confused. I was looking at the map I got in the office. I'm such a clutz."

"Don't sweat it," Rian smiled at the girl, handing over her books. "I remember what my first day here was like."

"Here's your phone," the girl blushed as she handed it back to him. It was still showing that he was on a call. "I hope I didn't hurt it too bad."

"Nah, it's built tough," he laughed lightly, glancing at her face as he hung up on Zack. "I'm Rian, by the way. Rian Dawson."

"Nice to meet you, Rian. I'm Cassadee. Cassadee Pope."

Alex watched the two closely. Sparks were already flying, but there was a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach as he noticed a familiar face watching the scene. Her eyes had dark circles under them, and she looked oddly thin, but she was smiling at him. Kara closed her locker loudly, and just as Alex thought she was going to cause a scene, she smiled at her ex-boyfriend. Rian smiled back, nodding in approval, but quickly averted his gaze back to the new girl.

"Do you want me to help you find your way around?"

"Oh, would you?" Cassadee sighed happily, standing up with his help. "You're an angel."

"Nope. Just thoughtful."

Jack nudged Alex in the side, giggling like a little girl. He rested his head on Alex's shoulder, feeling content as Rian began to weave in and out of people with Cassadee, the two already seeming lost in conversation.

"That kid is gonna be okay."

"I give him a week before he's madly in love with her."

"A week?" Jack joked, turning back around so he and Alex could make it to their first class on time. "By the end of the school day he'll be ranting about her non-stop."

"Hey, as long as he's happy, I'm happy."

They stopped walking just in front of the door that would force them to part for the day. Alex awkwardly scratched the back of his head and shifted his weight. He and Jack hadn't talked about how they would say goodbye for the day, but there were so many other couples around them lingering behind with sweet kisses and promises to miss one another.

"I love you, Alex."

"I love you too, Jack."

"Would it be okay if I kissed you goodbye?"

"Only if you promise to kiss me hello."

Jack snickered, leaning in to gently touch his lips to Alex's. He welcomed the butterflies and fireworks, and he didn't give a shit who was standing by to watch them. It was a new day, a new year, and Jack Barakat was on top of the world.

Fate fell short this time, your smile fades in the Summer.
Place your hand in mine, I'll leave when I wanna.

Notes

And that's the end! I hope you all enjoyed this story. It has been an honor to write it! I love you guys sososososo much! Still considering a sequel- watcha think? Also, a shout out to everyone who kept me writing this. You guys are rad!

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