we're alone now
Rick and Mike were dancing together. The house was crowded, not crowded enough that they couldn't find each other, but crowded enough that when Rick grasped Mike's hand in a flash of anxiety, it was just a good idea not to let go. You know, so they wouldn't lose sight of the other.
The music was loud, and Rick's head was starting to hurt. She motioned toward the front door, and Mike nodded. They expected him to let go of his hand, but instead, he followed Rick to the small front doorstep. It was late enough that people weren't going or leaving, and they stood facing each other. Rick, normally short, towered over Mike.
They were still holding hands.
"Why'd you come out here with me? Don't you want to go pick up chicks?"
"Sometimes I don't like chicks."
"HUH???" Rick scrunched his face up in confusion. "What do you mean you don't like chicks?"
"Sometimes... Well, let's just say I'm batting for the other team, and I don't mean baseball."
"Oh. You're... gay?"
"Sometimes."
"Me too."
"I know."
"What?" Rick gasped indignantly. "How could you know? It's not like there's a calling card, or anything to give it away-"
"I've seen how you look at Vyv and Neil."
"WhAT?!" He shrieked, trying his best to look horrified. "I would never!"
"It's okay, Rick. Me too."
Rick grunted. "Vyvyan? How DARE you think I would stoop so low! I've scored the hottest chicks, Michael, you wouldn't understand."
"He likes you too, you know." Rick, for the first time in his life, fell silent.
"What?"
"He likes you too. So does Neil."
"What?"
"Can you hear me alright? Do you need a q-tip?"
"No, no, Mike, I can hear you just fine. I'm just. Wow. Who knew I was so popular? I mean, me, of course, I am the best."
"Yes. I admit, I've got a bit of a confession to make myself. I am not immune to the occasional flight of fancy myself."
"Ah, yes, who have you got your eye on this time? Mary?"
"Old yellow pages? No, Rick. You. And Vyv. and Neil."
Yet again, Rick was stunned.
"Oh."
"What do you say?"
"Yes." Rick looked down at their held hands. "By the way, I'm not always a boy. I'm a girl sometimes, I think."
"I understand. I was born a girl, actually. That's why I'm so good with the ladies. I know what they like."
"I see. Shall we dance?" Mike nodded, and Rick led him back inside, only tripping on the doorstep once.