Chapter Eleven: Summer Break

Todd woke up feeling rested. He blinked the sleep from his eyes before lifting his head and locating Levon sitting beside him, headphones in while he watched Netflix on his laptop. Looking at Levon, recalling all that had happened the previous evening, Todd felt naked. As if he had stripped all his protective layers away and bared himself before Levon. Todd wasn't sure how he felt about the sensation.

"Oh, I didn't notice you were awake," Levon yanked out his earbuds, smiling warmly at Todd while he paused his show and set the laptop aside. "I thought you might never wake up, honestly."

"Why? What time is it?" Todd frowned and looked at the clock. It was three in the afternoon. Todd grimaced. "Shit."

"Yeah, I've gotten up, showered and ate while you were dead to the world. Hope you don't mind. I think you might have needed the sleep though," Levon said and Todd nodded slightly.

"No, I appreciate that," Todd mumbled. "I just wasn't planning to sleep the entire day away."

"You doing okay?" Levon asked after a few moments of silence, concern flitting over his face. Todd stared at him for a long moment, pondering the question.

"I'm okay," Todd finally spoke and Levon searched him with his eyes. Todd gave him a grateful look. "I'm really okay, Lev. I'm much better than yesterday."

Levon was satisfied with that and they climbed out of the bed. Todd glanced around for his shirt and belongings. Levon glanced at him before Todd was even sure what he was looking for.

"I charged your phone but turned it off," Levon said, nodding to the phone on the desk. "Your mom and Niklas have been calling you nonstop since about eight this morning."

"Fuck them," Todd grunted, glaring momentarily at his phone. "Wanna get some food? I'm starving."

"I never say no to food," Levon grinned.

The two men made their way downstairs. They went right to the kitchen and Levon opened the fridge to list off what they had for leftovers. Todd took a seat of the barstool at the island counter. Bree was at work so Gwen was the only one to greet them, coming into the kitchen with wet hair and fresh clothes.

"Todd," Gwen smiled warmly. "I didn't even know you were here."

"Yeah, I came in last night and crashed in Levon's room," Todd smiled sheepishly. "I should have said 'hi'."

"Damn right you should have," Gwen came over and ruffled his hair. Todd accepted it without complaint, his hair was still a mess from sleeping.

"Were you just in the pool?" Levon asked, eyeing his mother's wet hair.

"Yeah, I wanted to clean it up so Ophelia could go swimming," Gwen nodded. "You would know how hot it is if you ever left your room."

"Why should I leave my room?" Levon sassed. "I've got Netflix, chips, and air conditioning. What else could a man need?"

"This man needs a head on his shoulders," Gwen rolled her eyes at him. "I'm going to go find your sister."

Gwen left the room and Todd decided he would eat the leftover spaghetti. Levon got them both a glass of milk and started munching on an apple, sitting the stool next to Todd and watching Todd eat. Todd pretended he didn't feel the eyes on him.

"Want to go swimming after food then?" Levon asked once he finished his apple and Todd shrugged.

"Sure, I don't mind," Todd said. Levon smirked a little.

"Great, I've been waiting to get you all wet and half-naked," Levon flirted and Todd rolled his eyes, shoving the other man away from himself.

"Stop being a pervert before I drown you," Todd growled, feeling playful as Levon stumbled off the stool. Levon bounced right back, getting right up close to Todd and Todd watched him expectantly.

"I love it when you get rough with me," Levon moaned, voice thick with humour.

"Freak," Todd mumbled and Levon laughed. Then Levon was pecking a kiss to Todd's cheek. Todd's face heated at the contact, watching Levon but not pulling away or arguing the affection. Seeing the opportunity, Levon pressed a soft kiss to his lips. Levon looked extremely pleased, a satisfied smile on his face and Todd had to smile back. He felt oddly comfortable, relaxed around Levon in a way he hadn't before. It was nice.

They changed into their swim trunks once Todd was done eating, and Todd got his teeth brushed. Then they went into Levon's backyard. It was a relatively large yard with a thirty-foot pool and plenty of flowers lining their fence; Gwen's pride and joy.

Todd found it hard not to stare at Levon as they stepped into the sunny outdoors. He was much fitter than Todd, with defined abdominal muscles and firm, tanned skin. He wore a pair of white and blue striped swim trunks that made him look even more tanned than he was. His hair sot and unstyled because he was going to be getting it wet. He was impossibly attractive, and Todd was finding it hard to believe he hadn't paid attention before.

Todd dropped a hand to his stomach. He was fit, but not nearly as defined at Levon. His abdomen was flat but not abs. His skin was lightly tanned, the after-effects of getting burned every time he was exposed to sunlight. He remembered a time when he had been envious of Levon's looks, but today he could only focus on how perfect Levon was.

"You feeling okay, Toddy?" Levon asked, and Todd nodded, smiling faintly. Their hands brushed together as they walked over to the pool, Levon dropping their towels on the deck.

Ophelia was already in the pool, floating in circles, music playing from the speaker on the deck, and drinking hot chocolate out of a twirly straw. She looked up when the boys came out and groaned dramatically. "I was enjoying the peace! Go back inside, you freaks."

"We're here to enjoy some fresh air," Levon told her and Todd only smiled. The sun was hot on his exposed skin and Todd squinted at the bright sky, cloudless. It was really nice out.

"Can't you idiots do that somewhere else?" Ophelia sighed but she was smiling slightly as she finished up her drink. They bantered some more and soon Todd and Levon were in the cool water as well, swimming in lazy circles as they got used to the temperature. Todd felt oddly light-hearted, laughing along with Levon and Ophelia. It was pleasant.

They spent almost three hours in the water, playing several games and floating around while they talked. Jasper ended up joining them at one point, then Bree and Gwen came in once Bree got home from work. It was hectic and loud and Todd felt at home.

By the time they got out Todd's skin was pruned and probably sunburnt but the grin on his face felt permanently etched in. It felt like a long time since he was so happy. He felt safe and warm, surrounded by the people he considered family.

They ate a quick dinner of chicken strips and fries because Bree claimed she had had too long of a day to spend her evening slaving away at the stove. Her children had accepted this with very little complaint. They all sat down to at in the living room, deciding not to even bother setting the table.

"Move it, loser," Jasper shoved Levon off the couch so he could have the seat and Todd snickered. Todd was already on the floor, his back the seat Ophelia was sitting in. Levon struggled not to lose his food on the floor then glared at his older brother.

"You're such an ass!" Levon snapped. "I was there first!"

"Now you're not. Crazy how that works," Jasper smirked.

"Better be nicer or you're going to spend another three weeks trying to get crickets out of your room," Levon threatened and Jasper tried to kick him. Back when Jasper was still in high school, Levon had released a jar of live crickets into Jasper's bedroom. Jasper had been so pissed.

"Boys, behave," Bree chided. "You haven't fought all day, let's try to keep it that way."

"Tell that to Mr. Mature over here," Levon muttered, hooking a thumb in his brother's direction before scooting over to sit next to Todd. Todd was very aware of how their shoulders brushed.

"There really wasn't any fighting today," Ophelia mused while Jasper grumbled a few choice words about Levon. Ophelia nudged Todd with her foot. "What's up with you? Did you break? Have pigs started flying? You and Levon got along for a whole day!"

"It's truly a miracle," Todd said dryly, and Ophelia laughed at him.

"Toddy has finally come to tolerate my existence," Levon told her. "I don't annoy him anymore."

"Oh, you're still plenty annoying," Todd sighed and Levon bumped their shoulders together.

"Shut up, you love me," Levon purred and Todd rolled his eyes, focusing on his food.

"When are you working again, Lev?" Bree asked.

"I'm back to work tomorrow," Levon sighed dramatically. "We've got a new girl I'll be showing the ropes. Can't say I'm excited about that."

"Sacrifice her to Satan," Ophelia mumbled then her eyes widened with humour as she realized they had heard her. Todd had to laugh at that. "I was joking."

"You're such a little nutcase," Jasper chuckled then pointed to his moms. "You guys thought I was a deranged teen and you're raising that psycho."

"At least she cleans her room when we ask her," Gwen said pointedly, and Jasper grinned sheepishly.

"Speaking of nutcases," Levon drawled, peering up at his sister with a smirk. "How have things been going with Betto?"

"Oh god," Todd groaned. He was officially over having Betto and Ophelia date. All Betto ever talked about was Ophelia. All he wanted to do was be with Ophelia. Todd was about ready to cut the Italian idiot out of his life if he heard her name said one more time in that gushy tone. "Do you realize how much you're hurting me right now?" Todd asked Levon and Levon grinned widely.

"Things have been great actually," Ophelia said, a pink tint crossing her cheeks. "He took me on a date to an aquarium last week."

"How sweet," Jasper sneered and Ophelia chucked a chicken strip at him causing Bree to start yelling and Gwen to crack up.

"It only sounds sweet when she talks about it," Levon rolled his eyes. "When Betto talks about it it's like a mission and everything has to be perfect and it's insane and sickening. I hope you know that that boy is insane about you. Honestly. I puke in my mouth a little every time he mentions you."

"He talks about me?" Ophelia's eyes lit up with interest and Todd scoffed.

"You're all he talks about," Todd sighed then realized that may be oversharing. He grimaced and glanced at Levon who was watching his sister with amusement.

"What kind of stuff does he say about me?" She asked and Todd immediately shook his head.

"I am no doing this," Todd said and the family laughed around him. "I'm going to get a drink."

"You have to tell me something at least!" Ophelia protested.

"That boy is crazy about you," Todd said, giving her a warm look. "And that's all I'm giving you."

"Killjoy," Ophelia said but she was smiling.

Todd went to the kitchen, set his empty plate in the sink, and grabbed a glass to fill with water. Levon came in a few seconds later, placing his own plate with Todd's. They were silent as Todd drank half his cup.

"I had a really good day with you," Levon said and Todd lowered his glass to look at Levon with a raised brow.

"That's nice," Todd snorted. "I hear I'm great company."

"Wow, way to be a jackass," Levon rolled his eyes and Todd snickered, dropping his gaze then bringing it back to Levon's with sincerity.

"I had a great day too," Todd said softer.

"With me or with the rest of the family?" Levon asked, a teasing smile on his face.

"Why don't you just take it as a compliment," Todd said and Levon chuckled. Levon came up to him and Todd didn't stop him. They were less than a foot apart, Levon's hands resting gently on Todd's hips.

"Are you staying over again tonight?" Levon asked and Todd nodded stiffly, eyes flicking down to Levon's mouth, half expecting to be kissed.

"Yeah," Todd licked his lips. "I'm not planning to go home for a while. Until mom is gone."

"I get you all to myself for a bit then?" Levon mused and Todd grinned a little.

"Until we both go to work again," Todd agreed, Levon shushed him quickly and Todd laughed.

"Don't talk about work. It ruins the mood."

"What mood?" Todd smirked.

"This mood right here," Levon smiled, then he lowered his head the inch or two until his lips were pressed against Todd's. It wasn't a deep kiss, both of them aware of all the people in the other room, but it still made Todd feel hot all over. Levon's hands gripping his hips, and his own hands gripping the glass of water between their bodies. He felt like he was becoming way too fond of Levon's kisses. Fond of the way they made him feel.

When Levon pulled away he gently pressed their foreheads together, staring into Todd's eyes with the warmest and most affectionate smile Todd had ever seen on his face. It made Todd breathless.

"I don't think I'll ever get sick of kissing you," Levon breathed and Todd smiled faintly, humming in agreement. Levon's smiled seemed to widen impossibly, that dimple so clear. Then he initiated another kiss, pulling away when a loud laugh from the other room startled them. Todd watched Levon, slightly dazed as Levon took a step back, still smiling.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Todd asked quietly, examining Levon's face and unsure how to interpret the affectionate look.

"Because I love you," Levon answered and Todd took a moment to understand what he heard. His eyes went wide, mouth dropped open and glass slipped from his fingers. The violent shattering of glass made Levon jump but Todd was rooted to the spot, staring at Levon with shock.

"Are you serious right now?" Todd blurted.

"Of course I'm fucking serious!" Levon laughed, laughing at the mess and at Todd, standing just out of the mess of broken glass. "Why did you drop your cup!"

"It's your fault!" Todd said back, voice higher pitched than it should be. He could hardly take his eyes off Levon as Levon's family came to see what had happened.

"Jasper, go get the vacuum," Bree took control and Gwen got out of her way. "What happened?"

"Todd dropped a glass," Levon said, thoroughly amused, and Todd glanced at Levon's mothers, face flushing.

"Sorry, I was just clumsy," Todd said, he forced himself not to look at Levon and looked at the mess he made. "Sorry."

"It's all right sweetie," Bree promised. Bree managed to get the mess cleaned up, with next to no help from Todd who seemed to be reduced to a blushing, bumbling idiot. He couldn't seem to focus on anything except what Levon had just said, his mind reeling.

"What is up with you?" Ophelia asked, laughter in her voice after watching Todd struggle to get out of Bree's way. "Why are you so red?"

"Nothing," Todd mumbled. Then Gwen came over and placed her hand on his forehead to check him for a fever but he pushed her hands away. "I'm actually fine, thanks."

"You sure now?" Gwen said with amusement.

"He's fine, just a bit of a drama queen," Levon chimed in and Todd glared at him, face heating further much to his frustration.

"What did you do, Levon?" Gwen asked and Todd decided it was time for him to leave. He made his feet carry him out and right out to the backyard. The sun was setting and the air was still quite warm. Todd inhaled deeply, trying to clear his mind.

"Are you mad at me?" Levon asked, closing the back doors behind him so they had some privacy.

"No," Todd said. "I'm just- I just didn't expect. You said you just had a crush on me."

"I was trying not to scare you away by some on too strong too fast," Levon smiled and Todd nodded, not sure that made things better or not. Levon walked over but left a good four feet between them.

"Have I just scared you away?" Levon asked and Todd shook his head, swallowing thickly. Levon smiled in relief.

"I'm just surprised," Todd shook his head. "How long have you been in love with me?"

"I would say since Thanksgiving but maybe longer," Levon shrugged, Todd blinked at him.

"How the hell didn't I notice?" Todd breathed and Levon smirked.

"I can't really tell you that. I haven't been particularly subtle."

"What does this mean?" Todd asked. Levon was in love with him. Love. That was serious.

"It means that we really were never meant to be friends," Levon said and Todd laughed a little at the humour.

"Fuck this is so weird," Todd breathed. "Everything feels so different since we kissed. I thought you promised me that gay wasn't contagious."

"I might have lied," Levon grinned. "It's spread through mouth-to-mouth contact."

"I knew it," Todd sighed.

"I can infect you with more than just gay if you let me more than kiss you," Levon said and Todd grimaced immediately causing Levon to burst out laughing and he had to join.

"You're so disgusting, I can't stand you," Todd shook his head, but that joke broke the tension that was building up in Todd. Now he just felt unbelievably light and a little dazed.

"I'm just joking, you prude," Levon laughed. "I've been tested and I am squeaky clean."

"You're a dirty, dirty man," Todd argued and Levon smirked. Then Levon walked closer, slowly as if asking for permission and Todd gave it. Todd looked away from Levon and Levon stopped, leaving a small space between them. Leon was staring at him, Todd's ears were hot. He reached out and took Levon's hand, holding it timidly.

"Do you really love me?" Todd whispered not daring to look up.

"So much that it scares me sometimes," Levon whispered back. They stayed outside for quite a while after that, neither willing to break the soft atmosphere that had settled around them.

***

Please accept this chapter and its fluff.  :)