Page 11 of Dared

My mind flashed back to his rehearsal, when I hadn’t known it was him, and he’d frozen onstage. This time, it would be different. I was sure of it.

A single spotlight illuminated my friend as the opening notes of “Hard Sometimes” by Ruel sounded. I willed him to hold hisnerve, to complete our dare and dance like no one was watching him.

He did it.

Effortlessly.

I was on my feet the second the final note sounded, my family right there along with me.

“Leo!” My mum pulled my friend into a hug, and then my dad was there to take her place, complete with back slapping.

“Broooo. What the fuck? Where were you hiding that talent?” Ed pushed in between them, wide-eyed…with his phone camera on, recording everything.

“Ed!” I twisted my body so it was in between his phone and Leo, who was staring at my brother with a horrified expression.

“Sorry. It’s not for public consumption, don’t worry.” Ed waved his phone at Leo, and Leo relaxed a little. I took the opportunity to throw my arms around him, buzzing with euphoria at what he’d just achieved.

“You were amazing.”

He hugged me back tentatively. “Really?”

“Really. Seriously. You were so fucking good, Leo.”

“He’s right, and you know I don’t agree with my brother very often,” Ed interjected, throwing his arms around us both. “Family hugs! Mum! Dad! Look! I’m such a nice, supportive brother, aren’t I?”

“You’re such a dickhead, you mean,” I muttered, but I didn’t mean it. Ed just laughed, and Leo’s grip on me went from tentative to firm, a huff of laughter sounding in my ear.

When the two of us were walking back across campus towards Leo’s student flat, my parents and brother having gone home, I spoke again.

“You really were amazing today. I hope you know that.”

“I— Yeah. No. I feel…proud that I managed to do that.”

“You should be.” I glanced over at him with a grin. “Don’t tell JJ, but I liked your dance the best.”

“You’re biased,” he shot back, ducking his head as he shoved his hands in his pockets. I could see the pleased smile on his face that he was trying to hide.

“Maybe, but it’s still true.” We reached his building, and I glanced upwards. “Ready for your reward? This isn’t gonna be a thing normally, but I know how much of a big deal this was for you, and…yeah…my family wanted to chip in and get you something anyway, and my mum was worried that she’d already missed your birthday and all that…so I kinda combined it all… Don’t worry, I didn’t tell them about our dares or anything else, but I thought?—”

Leo placed a hand on my arm, cutting off my ramble. “I can’t believe I’m the one saying this, but…Finn. Breathe.”

“Yeah. Okay.” I breathed.

We made it up to his flat, and I was on edge again, waiting for him to see my surprise. Was it weird for friends to do this for one another? No. Surely not. My family was involved, anyway, and now I knew Leo, I knew exactly how far he’d pushed himself tonight. Not just physically but mentally. He’d crossed ahugebarrier, and I was so fucking proud of my friend. He deserved everything.

As I steered Leo towards his bedroom, I silently thanked his flatmate, Connor, for getting this set up while we were at the showcase.

Leo stopped dead in the doorway.

“What thefuck? Is that…?” he whispered.

“…ALesath Legends-themed Secretlab gaming chair?” I finished.

His gaze flew to mine, his eyes wide. “What? How? It’smine?”

“Yeah, it’s yours. I told you. It’s your reward and also a gift from my family. Oh, Connor installed it all, too.”

“This is too much. I can’t accept this.”

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