***Deklyn's POV*** (Elik pic at the side)

Six week's have passed in the blink of an eye. My group of friends have mostly stayed with me the entire time. All affairs are now in order, my finances are secured along with any matters pertaining to my parent's death.

Today is graduation, from high school, and I have to deliver my speech as Class Valedictorian. Surprisingly, I was able to focus on my studies during this transitional phase of being without my parents. Elik, Chance, Broady, Zaya, Cherry, Yani and Cali have been my support beam through this all.

As the seven of us will all be participating in the ceremony, that left Elik to attend. Uncle Ian and his wife, along with my grandparents, will accompany Elik while we endure our last assembly as high school students.

Honestly, Elik has been a godsend. His presence in my life has become vital. Elik is the kind of guy that's single by choice, leaving you to wonder how anyone has not convinced him to leave the market.

Secretly, I hope to be the one who changes his status from single to taken. Although, it seems unlikely. During the last 7 weeks he has been nothing but a gentleman, to my displeasure.

This may be my fault entirely. I have not openly announced my desire to be his claim, and maybe he isn't good at reading the subtle hints I have been laying down. Anything is possible at this point.

As we line up in order of GPA and then last name, I stand on shaky feet, ready to end this particular chapter of my life. So many things have changed too quickly in my life. I am ready for new beginnings. I haven't decided on college yet, though Elik has been encouraging me to join my friends to partake in the experience.

We slowly proceed to our seats, on our high school football field, that is surrounded by bleachers full of excited parents and family members. I scan the graduating class, making sure to acknowledge my besties with a smile and a nod. I move to the crowd seeking out my group of supporters, who are standing in place of my mom and dad.

A wave of emotion hits me as I think of the two most important people in my life who could not attend. However, I can't help but be thankful for the replacements. Life doesn't always give you what you ask for, but you always get what you need. At least in my case.

The principal takes the stage as he greets the graduating class. He gives the usual speech, complimenting us on our accomplishments and wishing us luck on our future endeavors.
The vice principal echoes his sentiment before announcing the recipients of the major scholarships that have been awarded.

I'm not surprised as my name is called. I have been offered too many to list. Being a perfect student affords me those luxuries. However, I already declined each one with thank you cards, requesting the scholarships be awarded to students who were not financially stable.

My newly found fortune guarantees me the ability to attend without aid. I don't believe in accepting charity for the sake of it. Scholarships exist to assist those who would not usually be able to attend such expensive institutions.

The drum of the ceremony moves on with a usual pensive atmosphere. One that I am not entirely focused on, as I am lost in thought. I pay just enough attention to clap at the correct times and stand when I am called to deliver my speech.

I walk the stage with pride knowing I have earned my place at this podium. A series of woof whistles and cheers are directed to me both from the stands and field. The loudest, shockingly, coming from the tall Greek god who is standing in for my parents, Elik.

My heart doubles in size and butterflies explodes in my stomach at the attention he is once again showering in my direction.

I address the crowd as I begin delivering my commencement speech:

"To the class of 2019, I congratulate my fellow peers on our completion of our high school studies." I begin.

The class breaks out in cheers so I wait patiently for the noise to settle before going forth with my spill.

"Many of you will move forward in your quest for knowledge, attending various colleges and universities. For you, I say good luck and enjoy. Our lives will never be as carefree as they have been in these years we classified as torture."

Laughter breaks out . Even the teachers behind me can be heard chuckling.

"Others will seek to secure your role in various trades. To you, I say Go Get Em, Take No Prisoners and Show Them Who's Boss! This world will devour you whole if you allow it. Don't! Instead, decide what goals you chase to obtain and give them absolute hell on your way to achieving them."

Tsks can be heard at my use of the word hell, but I could give a fuck less.

"Thru the years of this journey to freedom we have met many new faces and befriended others. Hold tight to those around you who lift you up in your time of despair and chastise you with love when you fall off the beaten path. Strive only to acknowledge those who value you. Disregard anyone who seeks to tear you down. You are only as strong as those you associate with, but do not disregard those who are not yet on your level."

The crowd soaks in my words of wisdom. They keep their attention towards my person. I am honored to hold the eyes of so many as I give out the words my parents had always ingrained in me.

"So as we say goodbye to mundane walls that we have walked for the majority of our days, let's remember the gains and losses we have endured along the way. Let us cherish the friendships, memories and lasting impressions. Do not forget who you are and what you want out of this thing we call life. Above all else, remember to love and accept love in return. It's free for God's sake."

I salute my peers with my middle finger, a final act of rebellion. The gesture is mimicked across the field and by a few in the stands, one being Elik. His blinding smile blitzes my way as I jump off the stage and return to my seat.

Series of similar speeches bellow out across the fields as the chosen students belt out their final words. The diplomas are handed out and we sing our Alma Mater before being congratulated, one final time. As we are dismissed, we throw our caps into the air and discard our gowns into our parents awaiting arms. Uncle Ian is currently holding my garbs.

Pictures ware taken, hands are shaken. A series of hugs, kisses, squeals and breaths are released. The seal is stamped on our days as high school students. I feel the weight of school lifted from my shoulders. It feels good to have it gone.

My body is suddenly the target of pats and hugs from Uncle Ian and my grandpas. My grandmas and aunt smooch my cheeks while dabbing ridiculous tears from their eyes. I roll my eyes, laughing at their antics. I see no reason for tears when I am so happy to be finished with this place.

I look around for Elik, but to my dismay, I can not find him among my family. So I stalk off towards my best friends. The group is huddled together as I approach. I greet them with my childish ways.

"Alrite, Alrite, Alrite. Who's ready to forget the night." I announce as I plow into the huddle.

"For fucks sake, did you have to go all Ghandi on us during your speech?" Broady whines.

"Ah, suck it. You know I was given an outline to almost follow." I refute.

"Was the term give them hell included in that outline?" Chance guffaws.

"There's always room for improvement." I smirk.

"I thought it was brilliant." Cali whistles before kissing my cheek.

I kiss the ladies heads as I hug Chance and Broady.

"Cali?" I call ourt for my oldest friend.

"Yeah babe?" She answers. A gorgeous smile shines from her sweet face.

"Where's Elik?" I question. Concern is dripping from my lips.

"He said he would find us, he ran out to his car." She confirms as if that should quell my every nervous fear.

"Are you guys about ready to head to the after party?" I suggest. I really want to find Elik.

"Yesss" they all cheer. I smile knowingly. We need this.

"I will meet you at the house. I'm going to say goodbye to my family." I wave as I walk off.

I go back to the family that has sacrificed their evening to watch me take the stage. I thank them and listen to their eternal rants of wisdom. Kissing and hugging them once again as each one states how proud they are of me, we say goodbye.

I scan the crowd once again as I search for Elik. Coming up empty, I walk back to my car, slightly disappointed.

As I near my space in the parking lot, I hear my name. I turn to the direction of the announcement and smile widely at the person who has made the call.

Propped against my 370z is the man I have searched for all night. In all his sexy glory, Elik leans with his black button up, rolled to his elbows, his dark wash jeans and combat boots. His dog tags hang low against his chest which is exposed by his unbuttoned shirt.

He is completely drool worthy.

"Elik" I beam. I'm sure my smile shows off how much his presence effects me.

"Hey babe." He winks.

My heart bursts as he reaches out and snags me into a hug.

"What are you doing out here?" I ask. I want him beside me.

"I wanted to congratulate you." He shrugs as if it's so very apparent.

"Thanks." I claim as I scratch the back of my neck. Embarrassment for my obvious obsession leaks into my movements.

"You coming to my house for the after party?" I ask, making conversation.

"Of course." He promises. That makes me happy.

"Awesome." I reply. The feeling of success isn't lost to me.

I feel a bit uncomfortable, which was weird for me. I'm quite the extrovert. But, it seems like unspoken words are hanging in the air.

"Dek?" He addresses as he pulls me snug between his spread legs.

I shuffle closer to him and wrap my arms around his waist. I have no issue being in his arms.

"Yeah?" I whisper, hoping that I speak louder than the constant drumming in my chest.

"I have something I want to give to you." He states softly.

"What is it?" I ask with a sweet smile.

"This" he offers.

He cranes his head to the side, lowering his pink full lips, before lightly brushing them across my pale lips.

I hold my breath as our lips connect.

The kiss is short, too short, but sweet. However, the tingles his touch leaves behind are nothing short of amazing.

I look up into his eyes thru my thick lashes, smiling at the beauty who holds me in his arms.

He moves his hands to either side of my face as he pulls me back for another kiss.

I expect another sweet, soft, short peck. But, I am pleasantly surprised.

His lips part just as my own do. He completely encompasses my lips with his. I gasp in delight as his tongue delves into my mouth. There is no fight for dominance, as my tongue chases his in a game of cat and mouse.

The kiss is deepened. I feel my breath hitch while my knees buckle causing me to rely on Elik's legs to keep me grounded. His tongue massages every inch of my cavern, leaving a sweet minty taste behind. My hands move from his hips to his hair. I entangled my fingers in his nape while I hungrily accept every second of passion he delivers.

When oxygen becomes a necessity, we reluctantly pull back, Elik softly kisses my lips, retracting the sheen of saliva that is left behind.

"Wow" Elik breathes out. His fluttering lashes make him seem dazzled.

"Yeah." I echo. I am quite taken aback.

I bury my head in the crook of his neck and lay small kisses along his skin. He holds my head into place as his other hand rubs the small of my back.

We stand in that position as our thundering hearts find their normal rhythm.

"Dek?" He asks.

"Yes, Elik?"

"Would you date me?" He asks with a real questioning tone.

"Of course, I will go on a date with you." I answer. Duh.

"No, I mean, will you date me, exclusively?" He clarifies.

I swear to god, the actual fucking stars burst into fireworks as his words caress my ears.

I look back at Elik and give him a wolffish grin before smashing my lips back onto his own.

I pull back and answer with a deeply seated smile.

"I thought you would never ask. Yes!"