Rainbow Bright Jesus #2
Against all odds, we fumbled,
So much wood and then a spark.”
Carrington kicked lightly at a pebble in their path, sending it skittering ahead of them.
They weren’t usually like this. Usually, they knew exactly what they were doing.
Exactly how to steer things. Exactly when to push, when to pull back.
This? This felt… different. They set caution aside and added a verse,
“Against all odds and the judgement we feared,” their gaze flicked sideways toward Ronald.
“Half our lives veering off course.
Against all odds, I found you,
Drivin’ the hoop and playing horse.”
They reached a crosswalk. Stopped. Waited.
Not because the traffic was heavy. It wasn’t.
But because stopping meant standing close.
Close enough that Carrington could see the faint dimple in Ronald’s cheek when he smiled.
Close enough that Ronald could notice the tiny fleck of gold in Carrington’s eyes when the light hit just right.
The signal changed. Neither of them moved right away. Then they did. At the same time. Their hands brushed. Stayed connected. Just for half a second longer than necessary. Pulled apart. Then, a few steps later, their hands found each other again. This time, neither let go.
Ronald swallowed, warmth climbing up the back of his neck,
“You walked onto my court,
Like you’d been there before.
Met me shot for shot,
That’s when I knew for sure.”
Carrington squeezed his hand lightly, not looking at him when they spoke.
“I’d decided I’d never meet a man,
Who could measure up to me.”
They tilted their head, finally glancing over, a teasing edge in their voice.
“You may only be five foot two…
But you’re bigger than what people see.”
Ronald let out a surprised laugh, bumping their shoulder with his as he corrected, “Five-three!”
Carrington grinned. “Debatable.”
The rhythm between them settled. Not perfect. Not practiced. But real.
“No more hiding our secret,
No more playing it safe.
No more wondering if love,
Has a time or a place.”
The words didn’t come out loud at first. They didn’t have to.
Carrington’s fingers laced more fully with Ronald’s.
“Your hand in mine feels easy,
Like a truth I always knew.
And every doubt I carried,
Just disappears in you.”
Their voices, separate but somehow aligned, filled the suburban stretch of sidewalk.
“Against all odds and what they told us,
And how long we’ve held back.
Against all odds or what it cost us,
We’re getting this train on track.
Against all odds, or where this goes now,
Or who we used to be.
Tonight we roll together,
Exactly as we’re meant to be.”
They passed rows of houses, porch lights glowing soft and warm. Carrington slowed slightly, glancing ahead. “So… this is where you live?”
Ronald nodded, suddenly aware of everything. The state of his place. The fact that this was happening. The fact that they were here.
“Yeah. It’s, uh—nothing fancy.”
Carrington squeezed his hand again. “Good. I’d hate to be outclassed on the first date.”
Ronald led them around to the backyard gate as he sang,
“We don’t know all the answers,
Or every move just yet.
Who’s leading…”
Carrington’s grin widened, “Or who’s following.
Or how all the parts connect.”
Ronald exhaled, stepping just a fraction closer.
“But love’s a rhythm, baby.
And we can take our time.”
Carrington leaned in just enough to meet him halfway, “Let’s try every move together, till every groove feels right.”
Carrington leaned against the fence gate and pulled Ronald in for a kiss.
“Against all odds and what they told us,
And how long we’ve held back.
Against all odds or what it cost us,
We’re getting our train on track.
Against all odds, or where this goes now,
Or how the story bends.
Tonight there’s no more pretending…
We’re finally more than friends.”
Ronald’s hand lifted, hesitated, then settled lightly at Carrington’s waist. Carrington didn’t move away.
“And if the world goes quiet,
And we’re the last two under the moon.
If the end means…”
Carrington’s voice slipped in, soft and certain,
“…starting again with you
Then this story couldn’t end too soon.”
Ronald laughed under his breath, nerves and excitement mixing together as he sang,
“Throw every door and window open,
Because every fear is finally gone.
All the nights we waited with longing,
Were just edging us along.”
They stood there for a moment longer. Then Carrington leaned in. Not rushed. Not hesitant. Just… right. The kiss was softer than either of them expected. And somehow stronger because of it.
“Against all odds,
And what tomorrow,
Or what the future brings.”
Their foreheads rested together as they breathed.
“Against all odds,
Of there being an us,
Or what this moment means.
Against all odds,
We’ve changed, love.
And our story is just gonna grow.
Tonight our hearts are certain,
You are the love I chose.
Against all odds…
We’re not hiding anymore.”
Ronald’s thumb brushed gently across Carrington’s hand.
“Against all odds…
You’re everything I’m living for.”
Carrington shook their head slightly, smiling into the space between them.
“Careful,” they murmured. “You’re getting poetic on me.”
Ronald huffed a laugh, “All your fault.”
“Against all odds…
That’s all that matters now.”
Carrington squeezed his hand once more.
“Against all odds…
You are everything.
You are all the things.
Against all odds,
I’m falling in love…
So in love…
With you.”
And this time, neither of them tried to pretend it wasn’t happening.
LISTEN to Against All Odds (Carrington & Ronald Duet)