"Jeez, Derek, don't put it too high!" I told him as he sent a death glare my way.

"I don't get why you're being this extravagant Leon. It's obvious that man has the hots for you." Derek said as he put the last tulip on top of the pole.

"I just thought I could send this last message, be a little bit too cheesy and just-"

"Holy crap, what time is it?" Yvonne asked me, "Isn't it close to 4?"

Shit.

"Derek, hurry the fuck up! He's coming soon!" Cece rolled her eyes, "My God you are so fucking slow!"

"I'm sorry if I couldn't set up the poles fast enough!" Derek bit back, finally getting off the stool, "I'm done! How does it look?"

"Like a baby did it." Yvonne snorted, "Let's get out of here."

Yvonne surprisingly linked arms with Cece, and I could tell Cece was secretly happy. Derek looked at me like a proud parent.

"You sure you want us to leave? Before your big reveal?"

I nodded. It was kind of my friends to come and help me set it up. It would be such a shame if Nate actually rejected me after all this effort. Wasted ink and all.

Not that I actually cared. Derek's dare made the start to our final year in highschool one of the best things ever. I actually have hope in this final year, especially now that Nathan knows that he has a secret admirer.

I smiled at Derek, "Derry Berry?"

Derek chuckled at the nickname, "Yes, Leon Turtle?"

"Thanks for setting this dare up, and the poles-"

"Half done poles, say it right Leon." Yvonne couldn't keep it to herself.

I smiled at that, "I owe you one."

"You owe me a lot, but hey," Derek looked at Cece and Yvonne, then back at me, "What are friends for?"

I laughed as he fist bumped me, "What are friends for."

"Oh yeah, chump?" Derek ran a hand through his hair, "You won the bet. Well done, James."

With that, Derek and the two beautiful ladies left. I had to thank them for a less mediocre start to the school year. Definitely fun.

I stood in front of the poles, fumbling the letter in my hand. It was my final letter, because after this, I have no idea what the status of Nathan and I would be.

I looked straight ahead at the entrance. I then looked back at the letter, that was finally sealed with my full name. I smiled.

"Well, well, well. So it really was you, James." A voice startled me slightly, and I looked up to see Nathan approaching with his school bag ceremoniously slung on his shoulder.

In the sheer afternoon sun, his skin glowed. His hair looked so golden, and he approached me like a God approaching his angels.

Oh God I praise this man way too much. Lord, why didn't you tell me you had a grandchild on Earth? He's eyeing me like a trophy.

Nathan's smile was glued onto his face, and he stopped in front of me, just staring into my eyes. I didn't want to break eye contact, because I wasn't ready to lose a battle of dominance with Nate. At least, not yet.

"You didn't have to break into my locker, you know." He started, looking behind me, "You made that?"

I moved out the way to reveal the entire meaning of the banner;

"I had some help." I said sheepishly.

"Tell them that they are amazing, I'm looking for some artists you know." I chuckled at that statement.

He threw his bag down, "Open it."

I slowly picked up the bag, and opened it. In there were pieces of paper.

"Those are your letters, J." He said and a slight blush crept up to my face.

"You kept them." I said quietly.

"You're a really cheesy guy." He laughed. Oh God that laugh is golden.

I placed the bag back down and caught him eyeing me. Crap! I almost forgot about the letter in my hands.

"Well, I...here you go, Nathaniel." I said his full name for once as I gave him the letter.

He took it, and opened it, laughing a bit, "Was this the final sentence of your little riddle? How did I not know it would be this?"

"I guess you're just that dumb." I caught myself smiling.

"You want me to read it out loud? Or you just want me to reply?"

"Whatever suits you, Nate." I looked away from him.

Suddenly, his hands were on my cheeks as he cupped my face and forced me to look at him, "Why don't I do both?"

Without waiting for me to respond, Nathan placed his lips on mine. I was shy, but responded quick enough for him to continue kissing me.

When he pulled away, he let out the words slowly, "I love you too, Leon James."

"So you aren't gonna read the last letter out loud, just for old times sake?" I pushed it a little further, just to stay in his embrace.

"I have been in love with you for a very long time, Nate. Signing out, J." He recited it from his head, his eyes still locked with mine, "Happy?"

I looked at the way he was holding me, realizing none of this would have been possible without a damn bet. I couldn't keep myself from responding though.

"Very."