Be on the Stars. 1/3
Back to Masterpost.
Brendon doesn't hear the warning siren the night the rebels try to overthrow the kingdom. He's asleep in bed, surrounded by his music and his books, surrounded by everything that is home and then he isn't anymore. He wakes in a dark passage way and vaguely recognises the cobblestones in his just woken state, but it’s enough to tell him that he’s in one of the secret passage ways that twist and turn and run under the palace. Brendon looks up and Zack's eyes are trained on the blinking light, no bigger than a pin prick at the end of the passage way. Zack’s forehead is creased with worry. That's when Brendon finally registers the distant siren breaking the usual silence that surrounds the kingdom after nightfall.
“Zack? What’s going on?”
Zack looks down at him and whispers an incantation, the sound building low in his throat; before Brendon can protest a protective bubble surrounds him.
“Zack? Zack, answer me.” Brendon presses his hands against the bubble, but it doesn’t shift. He pushes against it harder, but it’s futile. “Zack, what’s going on?”
Brendon eventually gives up asking when he realises he’s being ignored, the flashing light that was once in the far distance is getting brighter. He squints, his eyes adjusting to the light. He can make out vague silhouettes illuminated by the light.
The first person Brendon recognises when they come to the end of the passage is his mom, tall and statuesque in her dark blue travelling robes. Her crown is nowhere to be seen, but she still looks like the picture of royalty. His father stands next to her, his travelling robes a deep, dark red, every bit the king that he has always been, strong and fierce and present. Brendon’s heart skips, and he can feel somewhere deep down that something is wrong. He knows that the whispers and rumours that had travelled from a distant place had come to fruition. Brendon can see the two space ships behind them, and he isn’t stupid. He knows that this is it.
His aide, Dallon, stands next to them, holding the waiting ship’s door open. Brendon throws him a quizzical look as Zack sets him down. Dallon winks and then bows his head as Brendon’s parents move towards them.
“Mother?” Brendon asks.
His mother rests a hand on his cheek and smiles sadly at him. “It is time dear one. The threat has arrived, and it is time for us to flee whilst the battle is fought.”
His father rests a hand on his shoulder.“You will be travelling to Earth with Zack and Dallon. There you will live in hiding as one of the humankind.”
Brendon turns to look at him. “But Father--”
“It is necessary Brendon. You will be safe there.” His father says, squeezing his shoulder a little.
“But Mother, Father where will you go?” Brendon asks.
Brendon’s mother pets his hair. “We have asylum on one of the planets beyond the Kuiper belt. We shall be safe until we can return and summon you home.”
“But why can’t I come with you?” Brendon’s voice shakes, fear settling deep in his bones. He’s thirteen years old and being sent to a whole new planet with his bodyguard and his fifteen year old aide. He really just wants to throw up and cling to his parents and never let go. He’s not ready for this.
His mother kisses his forehead. “It is safer this way.”
Brendon opens his mouth to argue but jumps instead when an explosion tears through the clear night sky, illuminating Fides, one of the five dark and hidden moons that orbit Aeternitatis.
His father looks up at the night sky and takes Brendon’s mother’s hand. “Come, it is time.”
Brendon shakes his fathers hand and lets his mother pull him in for a tight hug. He inhales her perfume and memorises the feel of her arms around him. When she lets go her eyes are wet with tears, the drops glowing purple against her skin.
“Mother.” Brendon pleads.
“Shh.” She slips a thin silver necklace out of her pocket, a pendant of silver fashioned into a ring dangling from it and places it around his neck. “Be safe, my dear one.”
Brendon looks down at the ring and tries to keep his emotions under control. He knows what his mother giving him her ring means; he knows that this might very well be the last time that he sees his parents and his planet again. He steps forward and hugs her one last time and slides into the ship next to Dallon. Zack starts the ship as another explosion breaks across the sky. Brendon can feel his heart beating faster as fear and panic threaten to overwhelm him. He presses a hand to the glass, and his mother raises her hand in response. A spectrum of light radiates between them, filling his body with warmth and calm. He sinks down into his seat, pillows his head on Dallon’s shoulder and drops off to sleep.
--
Three Years Later.
Zack’s in the lounge room when Dallon and Brendon get home. It’s been three years since they landed on Earth, and a lot of that time had been spent wandering across the United States until they had finally settled in Las Vegas. It’s quiet and the lights from the strip provide enough cover for them if they use their magic. They managed to secure a small three bedroom house, and Zack decided that it would be his personal mission to build almost every piece of furniture. Mostly it involves a lot of swearing and glaring. When they enter he looks up from where he’s setting up the entertainment unit. “Hi, how was school?”
“Humans are annoying.” Dallon throws himself down on the couch, “I hate school.”
Brendon grins and drops down into Dallon’s lap, “Dallon’s being a baby because one of the female humans dropped her lunch on him. He was being creepy.”
Zack snorts. “Your life is hard Dallon.”
“Ugh you don’t understand, Zack. They’re so annoying and stupid. God, they’re stupid.” Dallon pushes at Brendon, but Brendon just settles in with a grin.
“They’re not stupid. They’re fascinating. You just think you’re smarter than them.”
“I am smarter than them. Smarter and older. Why did I have to go to school, and if school is really necessary, why do I have to be sixteen?” Dallon huffs. “And the human that showed us around the school. He was annoying me.”
“He did seem rather bad tempered.” Truthfully Brendon has been scared to open his mouth at all. The human who had shown them around the school was huge and didn’t do much more than grunt and point, but Brendon had the feeling he would happily snap Brendon in half given a chance.
“Because you are Brendon’s aide, and someone has to keep an eye on him when I can’t.” Zack raises an eyebrow, “Also bad tempered? As opposed to you two? Need I remind you of the tantrums you both threw when you were forbidden to take the great trip to Virtus?”
“That was a misunderstanding, Zack, and I thank you to not bring it up again.” Brendon points at him with the finger of doom. “And I’ll have you know, I am quite capable of taking care of myself.”
“You ran into the glass door yesterday. Twice.” Zack rolls his eyes and picks a drill up.“By the way, you know you aren’t actually intimidating right?”
“Careful, Zack. He’ll threaten you with the Cetus.” Dallon grins and pinches Brendon’s hip. He laughs when Brendon yelps and slaps his hand away.
“Oh no, not the Cetus.” Zack drawls his attention already turned back to the instructions in his hand.
Brendon huffs. “Do I need to remind you who I am? Because I will.”
“We know, Brendon. We know. His Royal Highness Prince Brendon of Aeternitatis etc., etc., etc.” Dallon waves his hand around and pinches him again “More like his Royal pain in the ass.”
“Wow, no really. I’m going to skip the Cetus and move straight into beheadings.” Brendon says, slapping Dallon’s hand again. The mental image of Dallon’s flailing body in the mouth of the giant horned beast is an appealing one, but as far as Brendon’s concerned beheadings are definitely the way to go.
Zack rolls his eyes. “Nah. You’re going to go and do your homework and stay inside while Dallon helps me make dinner.”
“Hey, I have homework too!”
Zack sighs. “Okay fine. But we’re eating pizza again.”
“No anchovies.” Brendon points at him with the finger of doom again.
Zack rolls his eyes and stretches his back as he stands, “You get all the anchovies.”
“I hate you.” Brendon stands and punches Dallon in the thigh and skips out of his reach. “I hate you, and I am going to get much joy out of seeing your head in a basket. I hear your eyes still twitch even after it’s separated from your body.”
Dallon groans. “Well. There goes my appetite.”
“Glad to be of service, Brendon calls over his shoulder as he heads down the hall to his bedroom. He gets to the door and glares. “No anchovies.”
Zack gives him the finger and disappears into the kitchen. Brendon grins to himself and starts his homework.
--
Brendon’s not sure what it is he did exactly to annoy the giant human bouncing him off a locker, but he is really going to try not to do it again. He looks around frantically for Dallon,but as usual Dallon is nowhere to be seen because he is the worst aide ever. Seriously, if Brendon manages to not die of injuries resulting from being slammed into a locker he is totally going to fire Dallon and arrange to have his head as a centrepiece in the great hall back home.
“Is this really necessar--oof.” The blow takes him by surprise, knocking the wind out of him, and he can feel his core start to warm up. He concentrates on breathing and resists the urge to set his assailant on fire.
The human looms over him, and Brendon prepares to be struck again when a voice interrupts. “Really Brown, is that any way to make the new kid feel welcome?”
The human, Brown, turns and Brendon can see another tall human standing with his arms folded, looking both bored and annoyed. Brendon thought only Dallon had perfected that ability.
“Fuck off, Smith. This is none of your business.” Brown doesn’t takes his hands off Brendon, but at least he’s put his attack on hold for a moment.
Smith rolls his eyes, “Actually, Brown, it is my business. That’s my locker you’re bouncing the new kid off, and I really can’t afford to be late to Math again.” He gives Brown a look, “And judging by that big fat F on your last Math test neither can you.”
“Shut the fuck up, Smith, unless you want to take his place.” Brown’s fists clench and for the most part Smith looks completely unperturbed.
“Do I need to remind you about a certain piece of photographic evidence I have in my possession?” Smith’s eyes flash dangerously. “I’d really hate to have to do something insane-- like publish it in the school newspaper.”
Brown glares at him. “You wouldn’t dare.”
Smith smirks and slides past Brown effortlessly, so he’s standing next to Brendon, “Wouldn’t I?”
Brown glares at Spencer and then at Brendon and points at them both. “This isn’t over.” He gives them one last withering look and stalks off.
Brendon watches him go then turns to Smith, his hands shaking as he tries to stop his magic from bubbling to the surface. “Thank you. I’m pretty sure he was going to--thank you.”
Smith shrugs. “No problem. He’s got a thing for picking on kids smaller than him. Seeing as how he’s seven feet tall, that’s means pretty much everyone in the school.”
“Not you though.”
“Nah. I have dirt on him that if it ever revealed would make him a social pariah. Not that I would ever do that of course, but it’s handy to have just in case he decides to go all Incredible Hulk where I can see it.”
“Well um. Thank you, Smith is it?” Brendon’s hands are still shaking, so he clasps them together and squeezes.
“Spencer.” Spencer flashes him a smile that leaves Brendon feeling like he’s been punched in the stomach, and he has no idea why. Spencer enters the combination to his locker, pulling the door open and using his elbow to bang out the dent Brendon’s head left. “You are?”
“Oh. Brendon. Brendon Urie. I just started here. Well me and my ai--cousin. My cousin Dallon. We just moved here from Ohio.” Brendon is well aware he is babbling, and he can feel himself starting to blush. It only gets worse when Spencer turns and smiles at him again.
“Well, Brendon from Ohio. I’m late to Math, but I suggest sticking around your cousin Dallon. Sam is less likely to try to use your head to panel beat the lockers if you’re with a friend.”
Brendon nods and tries not to sink into the floor and die. “Right. Of course. Um, thanks. Again. For saving me.” No, really. Brendon’s going to make an awesome King someday. He can just see it now. He’s sure Council will just love having to sit through him spluttering his welcome speech for four hours oh my god, he’s an idiot.
Spencer slams his locker shut when the bell rings. “No problem. It was nice meeting you.”
Brendon watches him go and lets his head fall back against the locker, wincing at the shot of pain. He’s not sure he’s cut out for school after all.
Brendon makes it to class just as the final warning bell rings. He slides into his seat and pulls his books out just as a note lands on his desk. He frowns and opens it. you won’t be so lucky next time.
Brendon folds the piece of paper up and looks around to see where the note came from. Sitting a row back and to his left, Brown smirks and waggles his fingers at him. Brendon turns back to his books and tries his hardest to pretend that he’s not bothered by it.
Math, it turns out, is a subject invented by the devil; and Brendon doesn’t care for it at all. Nothing makes sense to him, not the numbers or the letters or the droning teacher, it’s all he can do not to fall asleep. It’s not like the lessons from back at home. The classes there were small -- when there was even more than just Brendon in class, and his teachers had always been awesome about making them as interesting as possible.
Brendon is startled when another note lands on his desk, and he sighs because really, shouldn’t this guy be learning? He unfolds the paper, and it’s different hand writing this time. is it just me or is this guy making no sense?
Brendon casts a glance to the side and sees Spencer sitting in the seat next to him, eyes glazed over and chin resting in his hand. Brendon grins and sends back a reply. it’s not just you. is he always like this?
The note comes back, landing in the middle of his notebook. always. what did brown want?
Brendon glances at Spencer, but he ducks his head to focus on the note he’s scribbling when he catches Spencer watching him out of the corner of his eye. apparently next time i won’t be so lucky.
Brendon hears Spencer snort softly. He keeps his eyes on the board until another note lands back on his desk..don’t worry about it man. you can hang with me until he backs off.
oh hey, thanks for that. Brendon smiles and flicks the note back just as Mr. Leinstein looks up.
“Mr.Smith, perhaps if you’re not too busy with your extra curricular note passing you could give me the answer to question twelve.”
Brendon looks down at his book and grins when Spencer replies, “C equals seventy-six.”
Mr. Leinstein nods and goes back to writing on the board. It only takes a second for another note to land on his desk. lunch next period?
yep! Brendon sends the note back and then feels like a total idiot for sounding so excited in the note. He mentally kicks himself for being so fucking uncool all the damned time and then another note lands on his desk.
awesome. you should eat with me.
Brendon grins and sends back awesome.
When no reply comes back, Brendon starts paying attention to the lecture. It’s pathetic how much the possibility of having made a friend excites him.
--
Lunch with Spencer is interesting. He doesn’t seem to fit into any of the standard high school cliques Brendon sees on TV. He just sort of floats between a few groups, and everyone says hi and smiles at him. If Brendon wasn’t too busy trying to be Dallon when he grows up he’d definitely try to be like Spencer.
They eat outside on the bleachers. It’s hot, really fucking hot and Brendon can feel himself sweating through his t-shirt.
“Vegas heat’s a douche, bro.” Spencer slides a pair of white plastic sunglasses over his eyes. “Especially during the day.”
Brendon glares up at the sky. “Night’s not much better though. Thank god for air conditioning.”
“How long have you been in Vegas?”
Brendon picks at the topping on his pizza. He seriously doesn’t know how the food served in the cafeteria counts as food. It’s more like cardboard with flavours. “About three months?”
“So not long then. How’re you liking it? Bet it’s not as glamorous as you thought?”
“Not especially.” Brendon thinks of the lights and the traffic near the strip and the heat and the smog, and then he thinks of the cool breezes and the mountains and waterfalls on his home planet and his stomach twists. “It’s nothing like home.”
Spencer peers at him over the top of his glasses. “You’ll get used to it, man, and hey, you’ve totally got a friend in me.”
Brendon grins and hums the first few bars of You’ve Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story. Spencer laughs and throws a fry at him, “You’re kind of a dork, huh?”
“Lies. I’m totally awesome. You’ll see.”
The warning bell rings, and Spencer sighs. “It’ll have to wait until after science.”
“Ugh, science.” Brendon hauls himself to his feet. He waits for Spencer to collect his stuff, and they fall into silence as they walk to class. Brendon says goodbye to Spencer once they get to his lab. Heads to his own lab, preparing himself for another mind numbing class learning things he already knows.
--
“So hey, you should come over this afternoon. We can play Halo, and you can stay for dinner if you want?”
Brendon nods, watching Spencer dunk his fries into his thickshake and eat them. “That sounds awesome, dude. Is your mom making lasagna again?”
Brendon has been over to Spencer’s house a couple of times now, and Brendon is seriously, seriously considering dedicating his life to being Spencer’s moms number one fan. She’s awesome, makes killer pasta dishes, and makes fun of Spencer a lot. It makes him miss his own mom even more.
Spencer snorts. “Yeah, no. It’s pot roast night. Also this thing you have for my mom is kinda creepy.”
“Your face is creepy.” Brendon grins. “Besides your mom is awesome.”
“Ugh, stop talking about my mom.” Spencer scrunches his face up. “You’re supposed to be coming over to hang out with me, not to sit in the kitchen and make heart eyes at her.”
“Aww, don’t worry Spence, you’re still my best bro.” Brendon reaches over and ruffles Spencer’s hair. Brendon couldn’t help getting attached to Spencer’s mom. He misses his own so fucking much and Spencer’s mom is always there for a quick hug and a smile. It’s not like he’s trying to replace his own mom, he knows that will never happen but it’s nice having someone to fuss over him.
Spencer swats at his hands and makes a face. “Stop, you’ll make me blush.”
Brendon snorts and rolls his eyes. “I’m bringing my A game here, Spence. Why won’t you love me?”
“Because you’re a gigantic weirdo mostly.”
Brendon kicks at Spencer’s ankle, “Aww, I love you, Spence.”
“Stop flirting with me.” Spencer takes a disgustingly loud slurp of his shake.
“Is it working? Are you falling for my manly charms, Spencer Smith?” Brendon kicks Spencer’s ankle again.
Spencer grins and kicks him back. “Nope, but keep trying, you’re getting there.”
Brendon laughs. He’s been hanging out with Spencer for a little over a month, and Brendon’s surprised at how easy it is to be his friend. Back home Brendon never really had proper friends, just the kids from the court and kids who wanted to be friends with him because he was a prince, but with Spencer it’s not like that at all. He actually seems to want to spend time with Brendon, and Brendon, well, Brendon is starting to think he might have a problem. Brendon feels kind of shitty for keeping part of himself a secret from Spencer but there’s that other part of him that basks in the fact that Spencer doesn’t know, that Spencer is choosing him for who he is, not what he is. He’s not prepared to give that up.
“Earth to Brendon.” Spencer waves a hand in front of his face, “Yo, you still with me?”
“Huh? Oh yeah. Sorry, I must have zoned out or something.”
Spencer raises an eyebrow. “Uh huh or something.”
“Shut up.” Brendon throws a fry at him. “Douche.”
“Hey!” Spencer throws one back at him. “So you should stay the night if you want? We can hang out tomorrow, see a movie or something.”
“Yeah? Dude, that sounds awesome. I’ll have to go home first though to get clothes and shit.”
“I can drive you. Mom let me take the car today.”
“Ooh someone must’ve been a good boy.” Brendon grins, reaching across to steal one of Spencer’s fries.
“Oh my god shut up. Can I help it if my mom loves me?”
Brendon snorts, pulling his phone out when it buzzes. just checking in.
“Dallon?”
“My Uncle Zack.” Brendon sends back eating lunch with spence. i’m staying at his place tonight but i’ll come by for clothes before i go.
okay, see you then
“He says it’s cool if I stay the night.” Brendon puts his phone back in his pocket and snatches a fry off Spencer’s plate. “So pot roast huh?”
--
Dallon yawns and rests against the brick wall, dropping his sunglasses over his eyes. Brendon sighs. “You know, I find it incredibly unfair that you get to be cool here. I’m the fucking crowned prince.That’s got to count for some cool points right?”
“I think it’s the girl jeans. The ladies won’t check you out if you’re wearing the same pants as them.” Dallon looks down at him, and Brendon glares back.
“You know damned well that these were the only jeans in my size at the stupid fucking store you insisted we shop at. Don’t get on your fashion high horse with me buddy. I’ve seen you in a dress.”
“They were ceremonial robes, douche rocket, and I rocked them.” Dallon looks completely unfazed. Brendon kinda wants to punch him. Or behead him. Both are awesome options as far as Brendon’s concerned. “Besides, who cares if you’re cool? You just have to survive until we can go home.”
“I care. Being cool means not being bounced off a locker every day. Do you know how hard it is to not set fire to that asshole?”
“Probably about as hard as it is for me not to set fire to you when you eat all the Lucky Charms.” Dallon looks at him over the top of his aviators, “Seriously though. I can take care of it if you want. Make it look like an accident. The humans really aren’t that smart, it’d be a piece of cake to fool them.”
Brendon shakes his head. “He’s not very smart. It’d be like--what’s that saying? fish and barrels?”
“Shooting fish in a barrel?”
“That’s the one.” Brendon sighs. “High school blows. Why couldn’t we pretend to be home schooled?”
“Because if I didn’t have classes, and if we didn’t leave Zack alone for eight hours a day, the rebels would be the least of your problems.”
“Oh please, Zack loves me. He thinks I’m awesome.”
Dallon laughs. “Uh huh. Because your family pays him a shit tonne of money to think that way.”
“You know, I could have your murder look like an accident. Like, I’d just have to say the word and there’d be a line of people to take you out.”
“Keep telling yourself that.” Dallon pats Brendon on the head and wow, Dallon is so fucking lucky that they aren’t in private right now. Brendon would make him pay. With his head. Brendon snickers to himself -- he’s fucking hilarious -- and settles on punching Dallon in the arm.
“I’m going to class. We’re sitting with Spencer at lunch.”
Brendon can practically see the roll of eyes that goes with Dallon’s huff of annoyance. “Great. Do you think you can reel in the heart eyes so I can keep my lunch down this time?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” It’s the truth. Dallon’s been making all of these vague cracks about Spencer to Brendon, and Brendon doesn’t get where it comes from. Sure he’s been spending a lot of time with Spencer but Spencer’s his friend. Spencer’s his friend, and he doesn’t understand how that’s a bad thing, or why Dallon’s being such a douche about it. Then again, Dallon’s a douche about everything most of the time, so maybe this is just Dallon’s way of feeling included or showing he’s jealous of Brendon’s friendship with someone other than himself. Brendon doesn’t know what it is that Dallon does to make Spencer go quiet and weird but it’s annoying.
“Uh huh, sure.” Dallon throws his wrapper in the bin. “See you at lunch.”
“Yeah, see you.” Brendon watches him go and heads towards class, confusion sitting in the pit of his stomach. He’s going to get to the bottom of this, just as soon as he sits through the most boring History class ever.
--
Brendon looks at Spencer’s face and takes comfort in the fact that he looks as horrified as Brendon feels. Spencer’s mouth is hanging open slightly, his lunch abandoned, and Brendon would laugh except Dallon is-- Dallon is doing something that could be flirting but looks a hell of a lot like he’s trying to sell Grace Simpson a used car.
“Is he flirting? Is that what he’s doing?” Spencer’s voice is choked like he’s trying not to die of second hand embarrassment or burst out laughing.
Brendon nods. “Um. I think so. Either that or he’s trying to sell her encyclopedias.”
“Wow, that’s. Wow--yeah, that’s some technique he’s got there.”
Brendon snorts and rests against Spencer. “She looks like she wants the floor to open and swallow her up. Do you think we should save her?”
“I think that Catalina is coming to do that just now.” Spencer nods towards where the Head of the Varsity Cheerleading squad is approaching to save her co-captain from Dallon. Brendon is man enough to admit that he’s actually enjoying seeing this side of Dallon. It makes him feel a lot better about his complete inability to be cool.
“Five bucks says she slaps him.” Spencer mutters. Sure enough, seconds later both Grace and Catalina slap him and walk away.
Dallon walks over with a dazed look on his face. “I think I’m in love.”
“I think you’re insane and need to stay away from those two before they take out a restraining order.” Brendon is horrified at the thought of having to explain that to his parents when he gets home. If he ever gets home.
Dallon hums, the stupid dazed look on his face reminding Brendon of the floppy eared puppy at the pet store they walk past on the way to school. “Insane with love.”
Spencer and Brendon look at each other and burst out laughing -- Brendon totally ignoring the way his heart beats a little faster when Spencer leans into him.
--
Spencer drops his controller on the floor and lays back on his bed. “I honest to god can’t beat you again, it’s getting old.”
“Fuck you dude, best out of seven.” Brendon holds the controller up enticingly, but Spencer bats it away.
“No way, bro. Why don’t we watch a movie instead? I got the new Harry Potter yesterday.”
“Harry Potter? I don’t know what that is.” Brendon hauls himself up onto the bed and lays next to Spencer, “Is it a scary movie?”
“The fuck? Man, how can you not know what Harry Potter is? Are you from another planet?”
Brendon snorts and resists the urge to be honest. “What? Some of us like to go outdoors occasionally, Vitamin D is good for you, dude.”
“Your mom is good for me and by good for me I mean I fucked her.” Spencer rolls off the bed, punching Brendon in the thigh when he straightens up. Brendon pretends that the mention of his mother doesn’t sting. It’s not like Spencer knows anyway. Brendon’s always been careful to dodge that topic when it comes up. “Seriously though, do you live under a rock?
“Ow, dick.” Brendon punches him back. Spencer brushes the bangs out of his eye with a grin, and Brendon’s stomach totally doesn’t dive and tumble. “We watch this show that Dallon has on DVD. The O.C?”
Spencer laughs, “Seriously? You’ve watched The O.C but not Harry Potter?”
“Fuck off, it’s quality entertainment. I’m thinking of buying a wife beater.”
Spencer just stares at Brendon, and Brendon tries not to squirm or blush or like, throw himself at Spencer and climb him like a tree. Oh, huh, he seriously has no idea where that thought even came from. Brendon clears his throat, “I’m just saying.”
“You are an odd little man. Like, Ryan Ross levels of odd.” Brendon rolls his eyes. He’s heard enough stories about Spencer’s best friend to know an insult when he hears one. Spencer punches him in the shoulder and Brendon yelps, “Jesus, fuck. Dude that hurts!”
“Suck it up, cupcake.” Spencer cackles. “Also, you say dude a lot, has anyone ever told you that?”
Brendon frowns. He didn’t realise that wasn’t the right thing to say. The people on 90210 say it all the time and no one ever says anything. He shrugs and tries to hide his confusion, “What the fuck ever. It’s a valid life choice.”
“Uh huh, sure it is dude.” Spencer makes a weird hand gesture that Brendon sometimes sees that dude on Hawaii Five-O makes. “I’m gonna get the movie. You want a coke?”
Brendon nods and gets a grip, “Yeah, and popcorn.”
“Bossy.”
“Feed me, Spencer Smith. I’m a growing boy who has needs.” Brendon grins. “Needs which your mom usually takes care of for me. If you know what I mean and I think you do.”
“That was weak, bro.” Spencer heads out the door. “For that, you get Diet Coke.”
“Aww, no, hey, dude.” Brendon pouts, but it’s useless. Spencer’s already out the door. Brendon idly considers setting fire to Spencer’s homework, but that’s probably a little extreme, even for him. Instead he hides his flat iron in one of the nine shoe boxes Spencer has stacked in his closet, rushing back over to the bed when he hears Spencer’s foot steps on the stairs. Brendon manages to get himself settled by the time Spencer walks back in the room, balancing a bag of Doritos and two Cokes in one hand and the movie in the other.
“We’re out of popcorn.”
“That’s cool. Doritos are awesome.” Brendon shrugs, taking them from him and settling back against the head board.
Spencer busies himself setting the DVD up. “Hell yeah, they are. Cool Ranch, man.”
“Ugh, you pleb, Nacho Cheese are the only acceptable flavour.”
“He says as he stuffs a handful of Cool Ranch into his mouth.” Spencer says, crawling up onto the bed next to Brendon. They’re pressed against each other from hip to thigh. Brendon totally doesn’t blush at all.
“I’m a growing boy. I have to get my nutrition from somewhere.”
“Sorry to say, dude, if it’s nutrition you’re looking for you’re not going to find it in the bag.” Spencer starts the movie and dips his hand into the packet. He shoves a handful in his mouth and switches the lamp off.
Suddenly Brendon is hyper aware of Spencer. He can feel Spencer’s body heat seeping through the fabric of their pants and the way Spencer’s hand brushes his when they both reach into the bag at the same time. It’s like Spencer’s everywhere, surrounding him. It’s suffocating and thrilling and terrifying all at the same time. Brendon is all too aware of the fact that Spencer’s mouth is right there, traces of Doritos on his lips, and he has to stop himself from leaning over and running his tongue over Spencer’s lips. All he wants is a taste, and then it’ll be out of his system.
It’d be so fucking easy to just fit his mouth over Spencer’s and kiss him. He doesn’t though. Instead he drags his attention back to the movie and tries to think about how well and truly fucked he is.
--
Zack is standing on a ladder when Brendon and Dallon get back from the mall. It had been fun exploring the stores and trying new food and coming up with theories as to why there was a tonne of spare change in the bottom of the fountain. It's something Brendon had always wondered about, and he'd randomly brought it up while they bought their smoothies.
The working theory was that it was a way to tip the guy who cleaned the mall.
“Hey, Zack.” Dallon gets a soda out of the fridge and hops up on the kitchen counter. “What are you doing?”
“I’m fitting new lights.” Zack is balanced precariously on the top step of the ladder, a screw driver in one hand and a manual in the other.
Brendon studies him for a second and frowns. “Why don’t you just use your magic?”
“Because I’m trying to not draw attention to us.” Zack flips a page and curses and starts taking screws out of the fixture.
“How would it draw attention to us?”
Zack pauses and looks down at him, “Brendon, you don’t honestly think that there isn’t a party searching for you, do you?”
Brendon shrugs. “I didn’t really think about it. I don’t--why would they?”
“The Royal Family is missing. Everyone will be looking for you and your parents. Especially the rebels.”
“But--really?”
“Yes, really. I don’t know what means they’re using so I don’t want to take any chances.” Zack turns back to the light.
Brendon frowns in confusion. “But, Zack. I’ve used magic tonnes of times since we’ve been here, and nothing has happened. I thought the whole point of moving to Vegas was that the lights from the strip would hide us.”
“Well then you need to stop. You know the rules, Brendon. We’re only covered at night, during the day there are no lights so you need to keep it under wraps.”
“That’s what I told him but would he listen to me? Nooooo, of course not.” Dallon sets his soda can down. “Why would he listen to me? It’s not like it’s my job to give him advice or anything.”
Brendon rolls his eyes in disgust, “Your advice sucks. Fish Taco? Really? I thought I was going to be sick.”
“It’s delicious. You’re just defunct.”
“I’ll defunct you, if you know what I mean and I think you do.”
Dallon hops off the bench and throws his empty soda can out. “You wish.”
“Yes, because my whole life I’ve been harbouring a secret crush on you only to choose this moment to declare my intent to fuck you through a mattress. Congratulations Dallon, you’re a schmuck.”
Zack snorts and throws Dallon a look. “Has he been watching those teenage dramas again?”
“Yes. It’s cute though don’t you think? That he actually thinks he’d be the one doing the fucking.” Dallon grins.
“Fuck you, guys. I’m going to play Halo.” Brendon huffs and walks down the hallway. At the last second he closes his eyes tight, concentrating hard. He visualises the lights glowing blue, green, purple then yellow and laughs when Zack let’s out a surprised yelp when every light in the kitchen comes on.
“Brendon!” Zack yells, and Brendon starts laughing, disappearing into the bedroom.
--
Brendon gets home from spending the afternoon kicking Spencer’s ass in a spectacular fashion at Halo. He drops his books on the floor and flops down on the bed.
He’s never felt so confused in his life. Everything was going great. There were snacks, subtle flirting with Spencer’s mom --because that’s how Brendon rolls-- and there was video game playing. The next thing Brendon knew he was resisting the urge to lick a smear of chocolate off Spencer’s mouth. What the actual fuck?
He can hear Dallon and Zack downstairs, the occasional clatter of dishes and spurt of laughter. He wonders how they’ll react --what they’ll say-- if he tells them that he likes Spencer. What would they think about him having a crush on Spencer --human Spencer-- with his shiny hair and stupid jokes and bad attitude. Worse still, he wonders what his parents would say about all of this, the Heir to the throne falling for a human. It’s probably best that he doesn’t linger for too long on that thought.
The thing is though, Brendon doesn’t even know how he feels about it. He’s not even from this planet. He’s not human, and there is no way that this won’t be a fucking disaster. He wants to forget about it. He wants to pretend that it was just a weird moment, and it doesn’t mean anything. The problem is, Brendon’s nothing if not honest with himself, a fucking annoying as shit trait he no doubt got from his father, who is blunt as a rusty axe at all times. He knows this crush is not something he’s going to be able to pass off as nothing.
Brendon groans and presses his face into a pillow. He doesn’t even know how to begin to deal with all of these new feelings, and he wishes that the shows on TV were a little bit more accurate in their portrayal of the bone shattering fear that comes with falling in love. He freezes for a moment because holy fuck. Holy fucking shit what the hell? When did this stupid fucking crush become love.Not to mention the fact that he’s not even human and there is no way, if on the off chance Spencer would be crazy enough to like him back, that this could even work. Brendon is so fucked.
“Fuck.” Brendon sighs and presses his face further into his pillow. “Fucking fuck fuck.
--
Brendon waits until dinner time to drop his bombshell. According to every TV show that he’s watched since landing on earth, the best time for heartfelt conversation and life changing announcements is when everyone is seated around the dinner table. Well, at least in the near vicinity of the dinner table, because Dallon refuses to sit down after seeing this medical show about someone who died when their food went down the wrong way. For some reason he’s convinced himself that standing will make sure that all food products will make a safe passage down the right pipe. Brendon mostly thinks he’s an idiot but whatever. It’s not like ordering him to sit down worked because Dallon seems to think that Brendon is joking when he points his finger at him and tells him to do something in his best princely voice. Brendon’s deeply considering having Dallon’s limbs removed one by one and displayed in the ‘Museum of People Who Died Ignoring The Prince’ that Brendon is totally going to have built when he gets back to Aeternitatis.
Brendon waits for Zack to sit and then folds his hands and rests them on the table top in a totally princely manner. “I have an announcement to make.”
Dallon rolls his eyes, and Zack looks like he’s humouring Brendon, “Okay. What is it?”
“I don’t want to alarm anyone, but it’s possible that I have developed a crush on one of the humans.”
Zack groans, getting up to slap Dallon on the back when he starts choking. Brendon wants to do the dance of the I told you so’s that he saw on television but he refrains. Dallon can’t help it if he isn’t as wise to the world like Brendon.
“Brendon, that is such a bad idea I don’t even know where to begin.” Zack hands Dallon a glass of water and guides him into a seat. “We’re supposed to be hiding out, not searching for life partners.”
“It’s just a crush, Zack. It’s not like I’m going to drag him home and make him my husband.” Brendon pauses. It’s a lie and he knows it. He is so ridiculous over Spencer and he’s not even sure it’s reciprocated. Brendon feels like such an idiot. “Unless--”
“No. No, no absolutely not I forbid it.” Dallon snaps.
Brendon raises an eyebrow at Dallon in amusement . It always makes him laugh when Dallon thinks he’s in charge, “You forbid it?”
“Yes. I forbid it.” Dallon draws himself up to full height, and Brendon starts laughing.
“You’re good value, Dallon. I am glad Mother and Father sent you along.” Brendon ignores the way Dallon glares at him and turns to Zack. “I wish to invite Spencer over for pizza and video games. I trust that will not be a problem”
Zack nods his head in agreement, “Yes, Your High--”
“Spencer? Spencer? Have you lost your mind?”
“That’s enough, Dallon.” Brendon snaps and then feel immediately guilty. He is going to be a terrible prince. “Sorry. I apologise.”
Dallon shakes his head. “No, Your Highness, it is I who is in the wrong. Forgive me.”
“I just want to make a friend, Dallon.” Brendon reaches across and takes Dallon’s hand, letting a surge of warmth spread between them. He doesn’t mention that he’s been harbouring this crush for a month now and that the thought of Spencer being his boyfriend is one that he’s considered pretty much non stop since that day in his bedroom. Dallon doesn’t really need all of those details.
“I’m your friend.” Dallon says softly.
“And a great one you are but I just--I want more.”
Dallon sighs and sends a surge of warmth back towards Brendon. “Okay. Okay.”
Zack clears his throat. “While this is incredibly touching, I didn’t slave over a hot stove for you two not to eat.”
Brendon rolls his eyes and picks up his fork. “Yeah yeah.” he looks down and then gives Zack a knowing look. “This is totally takeout isn’t it?”
“Shut up and eat your food, Your Highness.”
Brendon glares. “There is totally a flaming sword with your name on it.”
“I’m terrified.”
“As you should be.” Brendon gives him one last threateningly look and then starts to eat.
--
Brendon’s totally not freaking out, except for how he totally is. Spencer’s coming over to hang out, and Brendon wants everything to be perfect. Although by perfect Brendon would settle for Dallon not glaring at him every five minutes complete with noises of disgust and for Spencer to maybe kiss him. He’s not asking for much. Sadly, Dallon is a champion sulker.
The doorbell rings, and Brendon practically flies down the stairs and to the door. He stops short of opening it and checks his appearance out in the mirror and yeah, still as awkward looking as always. No wonder no one at home believed he’d make a great prince. He takes a deep breath and opens the door, grinning at Spencer. “Dude, hey. Come on in.”
Spencer grins and walks inside, punching Brendon’s in the arm casually. It’s not the kiss Brendon was hoping for. He’ll take what he can get. “Hey, nice house.”
“Thanks. Uncle Zack’s decorating.” Brendon takes Spencer’s back pack and leads him through the kitchen.
Dallon’s sitting at the counter peeling an orange and glaring at it. Brendon rolls his eyes, Dallon is such a child sometimes. “You remember Dallon.”
Dallon looks up, and his glare shifts to the two of them. He nods his head. “Spencer.”
“Um. Hi?” Spencer looks a little taken aback. Brendon sends a shot of hot energy at Dallon. Dallon jolts a little and his glare deepens. Brendon gives him a pointed look and then turns back to Spencer. “I’ll show you my room.”
“Okay, cool.” Spencer looks a little uncomfortable as he follows Brendon upstairs, and Brendon wants to go down and punch Dallon in his dumb face. He’s allowed to, okay. He’s His Royal Highness, The Crowned Prince of Aeternitas. .
Brendon opens his bedroom door and waits for Spencer to go in before closing the door behind him. Spencer lets out a low whistle. “Man, nice set up.”
“Thanks.” Brendon grins. He’d put a lot of effort into making his bedroom as comfortable as it had been back home. There’s a tv and sound system in the corner and a big bed and his walls are plastered in posters of bands that he’s really started to dig since landing on Earth. It’s not the same as home, but it’s comfortable, and that’s what matters most to him. That and Spencer likes it.
“Oh hey Guitar Hero. Are you any good?” Spencer shucks his jacket off and drops it on the bed next to him.
“Duh, I’m awesome. Have you learned nothing from having your ass handed to you in every video game we’ve ever played?”
Spencer snorts and picks up a guitar. “You talk good game, Urie. Let’s see if you can back it up.”
Twenty minutes later, Spencer has kicked Brendon’s ass six ways from Sunday, and Zack calls out, letting them know that dinner is ready. Brendon sets his controller down. “This was a fluke, and after dinner I’m going to prove it to you.”
“I beat your ass seven times, bro. Face it, I’m the master.” Spencer says, following Brendon down the stairs.
“Because that isn’t a gigantic exaggeration at all. Oh hey, pizza, awesome.” Brendon makes a beeline for the table, not noticing that Zack is giving Spencer a once over, eyes narrowed. Brendon looks up, finally noticing the the quiet and gives Zack a look. “Uncle Zack, this is Spencer. Spencer, my Uncle Zack.”
“Um, hey. Hi, nice to meet you.”
Zack nods his head once. “You too. Help yourself to some pizza. Bren, you got a second?”
“Sure.” Brendon smiles and follows Zack. He’s only half paying attention to Zack, something about magic use and being more inconspicuous because he can see Dallon and Spencer talking, and whatever it is that they’re talking about has both of their faces set in anger. Suddenly, Spencer stands and walks out of the room.
“Okay sure, whatever you want Zack.” Brendon rushes back into the dining room. “Where’d Spence go?”
“He had to leave.”
Brendon runs to the front door and opens it, but Spencer’s nowhere to be seen. Brendon can feel anger surging through his body, and he can’t stop himself. He walks back into the dining room and grips the front of Dallon’s shirt and drags him from his chair, pushing him against the wall.
“What did you do?”
Dallon pushes at Brendon. “I did what was for the best.”
“Stop speaking in fucking riddles and tell me what you fucking did.” Brendon pushes back. He doesn’t care if he gets his ass kicked.
“I did what was in the best interest of you and of our task.” Dallon glares at Brendon. “I told him what he needed to hear to get him to leave.”
“And what was that exactly?”
Dallon doesn’t even waver. It makes Brendon even angrier. “I told him we were together. That we would be leaving after graduation and getting married, and that it was in his best interest to stay away.”
“You told him what? We’re supposed to be fucking cousins, Dallon. You can’t--that sort of thing is illegal here.” Brendon would punch Dallon, except he’s a fucking prince, and he knows better than to resort to this kind of violence. Joking is one thing, actually acting is another. “You will fix this, Dallon. Get out of my sight until you do.”
Brendon lets go of his shirt and takes a step back. “Now, Dallon. It’s an order.”
Dallon nods and leaves the room, turning to Zack. “Tell me you didn’t know what he was doing in here? Tell me this wasn’t a plan.”
“Brendon.”
“Fuck you. You have betrayed me; you both have betrayed me.” Brendon shakes his head, turns and storms upstairs. He tries Spencer’s cell, but he doesn’t pick up. He tries again and again until he eventually falls asleep.
--
Spencer avoids Brendon for the rest of the week.
Brendon tries to talk to Spencer. Except Spencer either avoids him or mumbles something about it being for the best, then runs off before Brendon can get a chance to explain. Brendon hates it. He hates it so fucking much, and he hates that the two people he trusts more than anyone in the whole world made this happen. He refuses to speak to Dallon or Zack no matter how much they try to apologise. He can feel his sadness and anger and confusion closing in on him.
For the first time since he met Spencer, he wants to go home.
--
Brendon’s on Day Five of eating lunch alone. It’s hot out on the bleachers but at least out here there’s no Dallon staring at him from across the lunch room. He picks at his lunch and sighs. Everything fucking sucks without Spencer around and Brendon just wants to go fucking home. Not to the house he lives in with Zack and Dallon which is becoming more tense the longer the week goes on but back to Aeternitas. He just wants to see his parents again and forget this whole mess ever happened.
Brendon starts shoving his lunch back in his backpack when a shadow falls over him. He looks up and Dallon’s standing there, looking awkward. “Hey.”
“What do you want?” Brendon stands up, a shock of anger heating his veins.
“I’m--I told Spencer. That I lied.” Dallon looks at his shoes. “I was a dick.”
Brendon folds his arms across his chest. “You betrayed me, Dallon. That’s--ignoring the fact that I’m your fucking prince and that’s a big fucking deal, you did a really fucking shitty thing.”
“I’m sorry okay? I’m sorry.” Dallon reaches out and rests his hand on Brendon’s arm. “Please.”
The warning bell rings and Brendon nods. “Okay. I’ll see you at home.”
Brendon brushes past Dallon and heads to class. He’s still pissed, furious actually but he knows that he can only go on like this for so long. He sighs and tugs his backpack up further onto his shoulder. It’s going to be a long afternoon.
On to Part Two.