Um.. so hello Rocky here. Welcome to our very first oneshot! Yes you read that right, I said our because my fren the lovely @disneyintrovert is co-writing this entire book with me. We had this idea to create this book and share our love for the amazing musical that is Be More Chill because wHy nOT. This first story was an idea I had that Virgil (@disney) really liked about our favorite Boyfs having some good fluffy times in the cold.

    Indeed! Hey, this is Virgil heere (the puns start now people) and as Rocky said, welcome to our first oneshot! I’m super excited to be writing this thing with Rocky, when she first asked me about doing a book I freaked lol. The art at the top was drawn by @_sophies_writing_, so thank you dude! Okay, enough rambling for now. On with the oneshot, I hope you like ‘Cold Conversations!’

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    Jeremy checked his phone for the thousandth time it seemed. He was waiting for a text from Michael, letting him know that he was ready to go. It was the middle of January, and Jeremy had suggested the two of them go out for a bit. Like a date almost, at least that’s what Michael was calling it. Jeremy liked the sound of that, but he wasn’t quite sure if it seemed fitting. The two had recently shared their feelings towards one another but nothing really well, happened yet. Still, he had hopes that this day would act as a little nudge in their growing relationship.

    He was making sure that he at least looked half decent. He knew that Michael wouldn’t mind. The two had been friends for years, so they’ve seen each other at their best and worst. Jeremy wasn’t sure why he was so nervous, they were just going to have some fun. Maybe it’s because we aren’t just friends anymore. His phone buzzed at last, causing him to eagerly pounce on it. It was from Michael, finally.

    Player 1 💛🎮: JeReMy ArE yOU cOmInG?

    Jeremy rolled his eyes and laughed a little, getting ready to leave the house. He took one step out the door and noticed the slight chill. He grabbed his jacket knowing that by tonight the weather might drop some more. Thankfully Michael’s house wasn’t that far from his, just a block down. He anxiously knocked on the door, sticking his hands in his pockets to help with his nerves. The door opened and revealed his favorite person.

    “Finally you made it! I thought the wind blew you away.” Michael joked as he leaned  against the doorframe. He was wearing his usual red hoodie, nothing fancy, but to Jeremy he looked amazing.

    “What?! I was was the one waiting on you!” He argued playfully back. “You literally didn’t even dress up.”

    “Hey! This is me dressing up ok?” Michael gestured to himself dramatically. Jeremy laughed at his ridiculous boyfriend as he felt himself relax a little.

           “Well come on then. Don't forget a coat! You know how nights get.” Jeremy advised. Michael only shrugged and closed his door, not listening to the suggestion.

           “It should be fine! I have my hoodie. Besides, you and I both know you can’t wait another minute for me.” He grinned. Jeremy hoped he wasn’t noticeably blushing as he let Michael lead the way to his car. To his surprise, his boyf kept walking, leaving Jeremy to stare after him, confused.

    “Um... aren’t we taking the cruiser?” He asked, trying to keep up.

    “Nonsense! Let’s just walk, enjoy each other’s company.” Michael answered nonchalantly. Jeremy was uncertain, but only for a moment as he soon followed after the other. They walked together in silence for a little bit. “So any place in particular ya wanna go to?” Michael asked after a while.

            “Not really, I was thinking we could maybe head to the mall? Get some coffee maybe, visit some stores…” Jeremy checked off his mental list hoping that his ideas weren't lame.

             “Spencer’s Gifts?” Michael added with a smirk.

             “Definitely.” He answered sharing the same look with the other.

             “Sounds good to me! As a matter of fact I want to take you somewhere. Just a slight detour, won't take long at all.” Michael said.

             “Oh? Ok, I'm intrigued.” Jeremy grinned, trying to play it cool. He couldn't help but wonder what this little detour could possibly be. Michael wasn’t going to give away the surprise, so he kept quiet as he eagerly led the other boy along. They eventually arrived to the little shopping strip that ran for a little bit before leading to the mall. Michael kept walking until they found themselves in front of a cool looking vintage record store. He took Jeremy’s hand and led him inside.

    “Woah this place is so neat! I didn’t know we had a record store here.” Jeremy looked around with wide eyes.

    “Oh yeah, you just have to know where to find places like these. Ooh vintage cassettes!” Michael shouted suddenly dragging Jeremy along with him. They sifted through some old cassette tapes to see if they might know anyone. Jeremy started picking through some records in another direction, admiring the artwork on the covers. “See anything you like?” Michael came up beside him.

    “Everything here is so cool, check these out.” Jeremy showed him a couple of records. He was a sucker for anything music related. The fact that these had that old history to them was fascinating, he couldn't help but wonder what life might’ve been like back in those times. “Wow, we don’t have any money. We can’t buy anything.” He pointed out after awhile.

    “Jeremiah, when has anyone ever went into a record shop and actually bought anything?” Michael raised an eyebrow at him.

    “I- you’re unbelievable.” Jeremy gave him a look.

    “I know!” Michael cracked a smile and blew a kiss at him. After the record store adventure, Jeremy insisted they stop and get a drink because apparently ‘Starbucks was essential’ according to him. So now they walked, coffees in hand, throughout the mall. The both of them had a free hand at their sides, and Jeremy couldn’t help but feel like they should close that space. Was hand holding something they were ready to do? He was really debating on just going for it when Michael hesitantly took his hand. Jeremy looked at him a little surprised, but then he gave a small smile which Michael happily returned. That smile soon turned into a smirk as he picked up his walking pace until they were practically running.

    “Woah! Someone put too much sugar in their coffee!” Jeremy laughed as he struggled to keep up.

    “Mell yeah I did!” Michael shouted back. Instantly a tune formed in Jeremy’s head. He hesitated but decided to go for it, shyly starting to sing.

    “Sucking too hard on your lollipop, oh… love’s gonna get you down.” Michael gasped and slowed his fast pace, turning to look at Jeremy who smiled, continuing to sing. “Take a look at the girl next door, cause she’s a player and a downright bore! Jesus loves her, she wants more. Oh bad girls get ya down!” Michael had a silly grin on his face as he walked beside his boyf, listening to his sweet voice. “Sucking too hard on your lollipop, oh love’s gonna get you down. Say love, say love! I said love’s gonna get ya down!” Jeremy took Michael by the hands and spun him around, causing him to giggle in surprise and allow himself to be guided.

    “Take a look at a boy like me, never stood on my own two feet. Now I’m blue as can be! Oh love come and get me down!” Jeremy dipped Michael down fancily and kissed him. Michael kept smiling like an idiot; he still couldn’t believe that Jeremy was doing this in the middle of the mall. “Sucking too hard on your lollipop, oh love’s gonna get you down. Say love! Say love! I said love’s gonna get you-“ Jeremy twirled Michael a final time before dipping him again. “Down, yeah~!” He finished his mini song with a grin. A couple of passers by smiled and clapped, a few whistling.

    “...Wow.” Michael managed to say as he was righted by Jeremy who was now super self conscious of the people watching. “That was amazing.” He chuckled slightly as Jeremy flushed pink, burying his face into his shoulder.

    “I… uh- okay.” He mumbled as Michael continued to laugh, pulling him into a bear hug and placing a light kiss on his head. Jeremy felt something strong, light and fluttery spark in his chest, but he couldn’t put his finger on what it was. He shrugged it off, deciding it could wait. He was just happy to be with Michael.

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    Later on that evening the boys were walking through a park, shivering through their giggles as Michael delivered a really bad pun. It was the same park they had visited every weekday when they were kids, except now it was only lit by the soft amber glow of street lamps. Light reflected off the newly formed frost that crunched beneath their feet as the surrounding trees swayed slowly in the harsh breeze. Despite the successful day, Michael couldn’t help but feel a tinge of guilt as they continued down their path. It was his suggestion to not take the car, assuring Jeremy it “won’t get as cold as it did last week!”

    Yeah, he thought. Fuck that.

    Why couldn’t he have just been sensible rather than cocky and arrogant? He tried to shake the thought, refocusing on Jeremy’s words rather than his brain’s insults.

    “I don’t understand how Rich and Jake haven’t gotten together already, they practically undress each other with their eyes at the lunch table every day.” Jeremy was in the middle of a rant. “They’re at this weird point where they call each other bro in like, every other sentence.” He laughed.

    “That’s what I like to call DENIAL.” Michael made a motion with his hands. “Don’t worry about it, it’s gonna happen. Eventually. Wanna bet on it?” He asked slyly.

    “Michael that’s ridiculous! You don’t make bets on friends.” Jeremy tried to be reasonable. He paused for a moment. “...Ten bucks says Rich nails him by Friday.”

    “Deal!” Michael nodded as they both broke out in giggles. A lamp post was fast approaching the two of them. Jeremy eagerly broke away from Michael and hoisted himself onto it, swinging around to playfully look back at the other. “What are you doing ya goof, get down from there! I don’t want you to break something.” Michael grinned up at him.

    “Oh but it’s so fun!” Jeremy whined as he defiantly swung around it another time. Michael sighed, the cold air making his breath visible. A cool breeze blew fiercely around them, smacking Jeremy right in the face since he was higher up. Regretting his decision, he climbed down, shivering slightly. “Ok. My f-fun is over.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets to save them from probably falling off.

    “What did I tell you?” Michael chuckled as they continued to walk. Jeremy brushed him off with a laugh. He didn’t want to admit it, but he was really cold at this point. He was hoping to hide his shivering as they went on because he didn’t want Michael to feel bad about not bringing any form of transportation. Michael, on the other hand, was pretty much a human heater. He was cold, but not shaking nearly as bad as the other boy. He noticed Jeremy had stopped talking. He didn’t want Michael to hear his voice shake due to the icy wind. “If you’re cold I can give you my hoodie or something.” Michael offered as he moved a little closer.

    “N-no, it’s fine! B-besides, then y-you’ll be cold.” Jeremy tried to reject the offer even though he was shaking like a leaf.

    “Don’t be ridiculous, you’re obviously suffering right now.”

    “I-I am n-not s-suffering!” He continued to protest as he was taken over by another violent shiver.

    “Jer come on. Here, how about we hold hands?” Michael held his hand out. Jeremy shook his head furiously, not wanting to give in. He really wanted to though, that hand looked inviting. Finally the cold winning, he took Michael’s hand. His own hand instantly felt warmer, and once the thought of them actually holding hands became clear, his entire body followed suit.

    “Better?” Jeremy shifted his eyes from their intertwined fingers to his boyf’s concerned gaze. He melted inside.

    “Much better.” He giggled, pulling the other male closer to his body, almost being able to hear his pulse. Michael took a sharp breath as quietly as he could in an attempt to try to not let the fangirl side of his feelings take over. Despite the recent developments in his relationship with his best friend, he still couldn't fully process that he was really dating Jeremy Heere. He never thought crushing on a ‘straight’ boy for years would come to anything except heartache and anxiety, but he had been proven wrong. He felt a sudden wave of gratitude sweep over him; he was so lucky.

    “What you thinking ‘bout?” Jeremy exaggerated the ‘t’, cocking his head slightly as he studied Michael’s concentrated face.

    “What? Oh, uh, just- well… y-you…” both boys felt heat rise to their cheeks, inwardly cursing as they felt it present on their faces.

    “Oh?”

    Michael smiled sheepishly as Jeremy teasingly grinned at him, letting out a small chuckle. He felt the boy’s warm breath on his icy skin as he inched closer to his face, practically allowing them to touch noses. “That’s cute. I think about you, all the time, too.”

    Michael then, of course, couldn’t help but momentarily press his lips up against Jer’s, feeling the curve of them shift as he smiled into the kiss. Once he pulled away he just stuck out his tongue, before repositioning the both of them so they were back to walking, hand in hand, now with a new presence of affection surrounding them. They quickly settled back into their conversation about school, friends, and any other random topics that popped into their minds, the talk flowing easily, something they had gained from their years of friendship.

    “How’s the work going on your first potential single?”

    Jeremy exhaled, using the hand that wasn’t in the grip of Michael’s to rub his eyes.

    “I… I guess I feel a bit silly, since I underestimated how much time and effort it takes to produce a real song. I finished writing the first draft on guitar, but I still need to refine the lyrics and write all the other notes for the many instruments I want to include. I’m starting to understand why most artists hire a band…” He frowned slightly, his brain listing the things he still needed to do and sort out before he even got close to releasing the tune.

    “Hey! Don’t worry, you’ll get there. And you’re doing so well, I’m really proud of you.” Michael said reassuringly. Jer gave a small smile, muttering a thank you before telling him about the lines he come up with, and the story he was trying to create with his words. He watched as the boy processed this information, before he turned to him, frowning.

    “...What?”

    “So… You wrote a love song…And it wasn’t about me?” Michael let out a fake huff as Jeremy chuckled, raising his eyebrows.

    “Really? It’s not even about a real girl? I mean dude, who names someone Cecily Smith?”

    “If that’s your excuse, where did you even get the name from?”

    “I- oh my god!” Jer continued to laugh at Michael’s pouty face, cooing as it broke into a little giggling smile.

    “Hey… talking off the song, did you talk to Brooke about potentially designing the cover?”

    “I did! She said she’d love to, and we can meet up to brainstorm ideas once I’ve finished the final draft. I also mentioned I wanted you to help us out-”

    “What?” Michael’s eyes widened. “We didn’t agree to that!”

    “I know, I know! But your photography is so good, Michael! How do you not see that?” Jeremy whined in response, causing the dark haired teen to groan.

    “Fine, I’ll help. But only cause it’s you, otherwise my pictures are exclusively for my exam portfolio.”

    Jer grinned happily. “I knew you’d come around. Oh, that was another thing I wanted to talk about! How is photography at school going?”

    “It’s alright, actually!” Michael smiled softly, feeling fuzzy at Jeremy’s interest in his life. “We’ve recently learned how to use polar coordinates in Photoshop, which means we can make these cool mini-planet landscape things... “ He went on to explain how the whole process worked, and the photoshoot he went on with Brooke and Evan where Ev kept squealing every time he saw a cow getting closer to the fence separating them from the grassy field. Jer dreamily gazed at Michael’s excited expression, his heart rate rising as he listened to him ramble about his ideas and processes. He tried to focus on what he was saying rather than his soft, pink lips… but it was hard when he looked so adorable. He felt a familiar pang of emotion sweep through his body like what he felt in the mall; this time it was even stronger, making him want to shiver, but weirdly in a good way. He felt his thoughts grow confused as Michael continued to talk. He’d never felt anything like this about anyone before. What was it? And what was different? Was it… bad? As he looked at the spark in Micah’s eyes, he felt his muscles relax, his shoulders slouching as the fuzzy flutter took over his whole being. It wasn’t bad. How could this be anything but wonderful? He chuckled to himself slightly, distracting Michael from telling his tale.

    “What is it? Evan nearly falling in a cow patty isn’t funny, Jer!” He looked at him. The boy continued to giggle, losing control of his senses. “Ok… maybe it is a bit funny… Seriously, what are you laughing at?”

    Jeremy finally stopped laughing, now just staring at Michael with a silly look on his face.

    “You.” He said at last. Michael looked clearly confused, then his face heated up as a light blush dusted across his cheeks.

    “Heh why are you looking at me like that? I'm nothing worthy of just… staring at.” He replied, slowing down in his walk. Jeremy knew that was a lie, he wanted to tell Michael then and there that he indeed was something worthy. The feeling he had felt inside of him on multiple occasions already on this date finally had a name. He knew the reason now, he could see it clearly as he looked into his boyfriend's eyes. Yes. This was his boyfriend.

    “I love you.” Jeremy muttered softly, almost in a dreamy voice. Michael stopped walking instantly, halting Jeremy as well since their hands were still linked. He said it. One of them actually said it! Sure, they had been dating a while but not once had a single ‘I love you’ been uttered. Jeremy was a little taken aback at his own choice of words, but they were true. He'd wanted to say those three words for so long, without even knowing he wanted to say them. He meant it. It felt so good to finally say it, so good that he could shout it from the rooftops, so good he could say it again. So he did.

    “I love you.” He took Michael's other hand and stood in front of him grinning. “I am so, completely in love with you Michael Mell.”

    “You… do?” Michael finally managed to spit out some words. He felt the familiar stinging prick of tears at the corners of his eyes, the wind hitting them felt slightly uncomfortable. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. Someone, no not just someone, Jeremy just said that he loved him. Well, that's more than Michael could have ever wanted for longer than the other boy could’ve possibly known. He felt a warm feeling inside of him as he cracked a small smile. For years, he'd had a crush on his Player 2. Always being afraid to say something, hopelessly pining for him throughout his life.

    Of course being Jeremy’s friend had always been enough, he was so lucky to even have that. Supporting his favorite person through his crush on Christine, even though it hurt just a little bit. So now he stood there, tears running down his face as everything seemed to fall into place. His question still hanging in the air.

    “Y-you really mean it?”

    Jeremy continued to smile widely, looking him straight in the eyes. “I really mean it. I am hopelessly in love with you, Michael Mell.” He watched as the tears ran down his boyfriend’s face, feeling his own emotions start to take over. It was as if they were the only two people in the world. The rest of time had frozen, along with the puddles spread about the sidewalks, and the only thing that mattered was being able to hear each other’s heart pound, the moment unfolding was completely raw. “Are… are you okay?”

    Michael went to open his mouth to speak, but when he couldn’t find the right words, he quickly shut it again. He shook his head slowly, letting out a breathy chuckle as Jer’s eyes widened.

    “I… shit, sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything, let’s just go-” Jeremy’s panicked rambles where cut off by Michael’s soft lips as he pulled him into a passionate kiss, full of well, love. He hummed happily, pulling Michael’s body closer to his own by snaking his arm around his back. When they parted, Michael finally spoke.

   “I love you too, Jeremy Heere. God, I love you so much, I don’t even know where to begin.” They were both grinning now, cheeks sore from the muscle movement and freezing wind. Michael’s face burned from the multiple tear stains streaking his skin, but he didn’t care. Jeremy moved his hands from the other's waist to cup his chin, using his thumbs to carefully wipe away the tears. They stood in silence for a minute or two, before Jeremy spoke.

    “You do realise that this never would have happened if we brought the cruiser?”

    Michael let out a laugh. “Huh. I guess you’re right. Maybe we should go on walks more often.”

    “I’d like that a lot.” Jer pecked Michael’s lips once more before taking his hand. “It’s late, we should get going.”

    “Agreed.” He watched his boyfriend shiver. “This day was amazing.”

    “I know.”

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    The boys ended up walking through the entire park before re-entering Jer’s estate, making their way down his road that would eventually lead to Michael’s once he had dropped off his Player 2. As they stood in the doorway at nine in the evening, they allowed themselves to take the in the other person, making the most of the moment.

    “So… today is Saturday.”

    Jer chuckled. “Indeed it is. For twenty-four hours.”

    “...Meaning tomorrow is Sunday.”

    “Yes. I have family plans and you’re meeting up with Rich to go rollerskating. What’s your point?”

    “The point is I’ll see you on Monday, Heere.” Michael stepped forward to place a quick kiss on Jeremy’s lips before winking and strolling down the driveway.

    Jeremy stood there in a lovestruck trance as he watched his boyf leave. He kept staring even when Michael was already out of sight. He still felt the lingering feeling of the kiss on his lips. The only thing that finally snapped him back to reality was another icy blast of air that nearly swept him off his feet. He willed his legs to move, and stiffly made it into his house, shutting the door silently.

    The reality finally sank in as Jeremy realized what had happened that night. He couldn't contain his happiness inside anymore, so he let out a squeak of pure joy, doing a little victory dance in his entryway. He suddenly clapped a hand over his mouth remembering his Dad might be home and question his son's sanity. He stayed quiet for a few heartbeats, then he recalled his Dad saying something about working late.

    Jeremy sighed in relief, finding it safe to do another happy squeak as he pressed his back against the front door allowing himself to slide down it until he was on the ground. He pulled his knees up so he could rest his elbows against them, laying his head back to rest on the door. He loved Michael Mell. That was the truth, and Michael loved him back. Jeremy would be sure to remember this moment, feeling all warm inside. The perfect end to a perfect day.