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Forrest pushed himself up on his elbow and looked at Alex. “You’re seriously going to Isobel’s party?”
Alex sat up and started pulling on his clothes. “Uh, yeah. Why wouldn’t I? It’s her birthday and she’s my friend.”
Forrest rolled his eyes at the back of Alex’s head. “Because it’s a costume party which doesn’t seem like your thing, it’s on a Friday night when we usually see each other and Michael is going to be there.”
Alex turned to glare at Forrest while he pulled up his pants. “None of those are valid reasons not to go. And it’s Michael’s birthday too so I’d expect him to be there.”
“How about I’ll miss you?” Forrest tried.
Alex sighed. “You’re invited too, you know. And stop acting like we’re dating. We’re not. If you can’t deal with me spending time with my friends then maybe this arrangement has run its course.”
Forrest sucked in his breath. “You want to stop seeing each other? Just like that?”
Alex frowned. Were they seeing each other? Alex was sure he made it clear what they had was purely a friends with benefits situation but maybe the lines were beginning to blur. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Forrest, because he did. He just wasn’t ready to commit. His heart still belonged to someone else and until he was sure he was able to give a hundred percent to a relationship, he wasn’t going to start one.
“We’re not seeing each other. I’m sorry if I’m giving you mixed signals. I thought we were just having a little fun.” Alex stood and grabbed his phone and keys from the nightstand.
“No, Alex, you’ve made it perfectly clear that we are not dating, seeing each other or in any other form of relationship. I completely understand we are nothing but fuck buddies. But you don’t have to be so callous about it. I kinda thought we were friends too.” Forrest sounded hurt and it made Alex stop and look at him.
He sat down on the edge of the bed. “We are friends. I’m sorry I can’t give you more. You should come to the party. I’m sure it’ll be a blast.”
Forrest looked at Alex’s face, searching for any clue that he wasn’t being sincere in his invitation. He couldn’t find any. Maybe it would be nice to hang out with Alex and his friends for a change. “What the hell, I’ll be there.”
Alex smiled. “Good. I’ll see you there. Don’t forget, you have to dress as your favorite 80’s singer.”
Forrest nodded, reigning in the twinge of disappointment when Alex got up without so much as a kiss goodbye. He watched Alex leave his bedroom and sighed. Maybe he was right, maybe this thing between them had run it’s course. He was catching feelings and that was not a good thing.
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Alex walked into Isobel’s house and took in his surroundings. He laughed to himself, Isobel had gone all out with the 80’s nostalgia. Neon decorations hung from the ceilings and adorned every surface. Vintage Madonna was blaring from her sound system while a John Hughes film played on her big screen TV. He thought it might be Sixteen Candles but he wasn’t sure. Right inside the door was a table filled with Rubik’s cubes, jelly bracelets in every color, neon sunglasses, and tons of buttons with various bands and sayings on them. He looked through them and chose a Cure one, a David Bowie one and one with a picture of Pinky from Pac-Man. Once they were all pinned on his vintage Cure shirt he made his way into the living room, looking for a place to put down the three gift bags filled with 80’s candy and gifts for Isobel, Michael and Max. He noticed a small table already overflowing and added his to the pile.
Isobel spotted him and made her way across the room to greet him. She took in his outfit and shook her head before kissing his cheek. “Really? I had hoped choosing an 80’s theme would mean you would have dressed less emo.”
Alex looked down at his outfit and shrugged. “It was either Robert Smith or Joey Ramone and since my hair’s not long enough for the Ramones, I chose Robert Smith. You look amazing by the way.”
Isobel was dressed as early Madonna, complete with lace gloves and bracelets halfway up both arms. She twirled to give him the full effect of her costume. “Thank you! I couldn’t decide between this and her Material Girl dress. Greg convinced me this would be more comfortable.”
“Who did Greg finally decide to be? Last I talked to him he wasn’t sure.” Alex scanned the room for his brother, his eyes falling on Michael instead. He was talking to a Gene Simmons clad Max. He felt his breath hitch while his eyes roamed over Michael’s body. He looked like he stepped out of George Michael’s Faith video, skin tight jeans and all. He took a deep breath and tried to reign in his feelings, but it was a lost cause when Michael turned and caught his eye. Alex tried to school his expression but knew he failed miserably when Michael smirked and winked at him.
Isobel laughed softly and shook her head. “Oh boy, do I have to keep you two apart?”
Alex turned to her. “Who? Me and Michael?”
“Yes, you and Michael. I saw that look, don’t even try to deny it.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Do not have sex in my bathroom.”
Alex’s eyes widened. “W-what?”
“Don’t give me that wide eyed innocent look. Psychic, remember? I can tell what you’re thinking if you broadcast it loud enough.” She leaned in and hugged him tight, whispering in his ear. “The guest room is fully stocked if you happen to find yourself upstairs.”
Alex let out a startled laugh and playfully pushed her away. “You are worse than he is sometimes. I am not having sex in your house. Now point me in the direction of the beer, please.”
“Kitchen. You know I was just teasing, though I think it’s about time you two talk.”
“Not tonight, Iz. Can we just enjoy your birthday?” Alex pleaded.
“Of course, love. I’m glad you’re here,” Isobel said sincerely.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, you know that.” Alex smiled as he headed to the kitchen. He found Greg talking to Kyle, at least he thought it was Kyle, it could be Rosa. No, the hair was too short, it was definitely Kyle.
“Hey, Alex! Looks like Isobel owes me some money.” Greg gave his brother a quick hug.
Alex looked confused. “What?”
“I told her you’d probably come as someone from the Cure. She thought Boy George.”
Alex shook his head. “Um, Boy George? Yeah, no. Forrest is actually supposed to be coming as Boy George.”
“You invited Forrest?” Kyle asked, surprised.
Alex shrugged and cringed a little. “In a weak moment, maybe? It’s fine. He knows it doesn’t mean anything.”
“Am I missing something?” Greg asked.
“Nope, not a thing.” Alex really didn’t want to get into the fact that Kyle knew about his non-relationship with Forrest and he didn’t. “Are you even in costume?”
Greg looked down at his white tee shirt and worn jeans and grinned. He turned around and Alex noticed the red baseball cap tucked into his back pocket. “Why spend hours getting ready, like some of us,” he said gesturing to Kyle’s makeup, “when you just have to shove a cap in your pocket and call yourself the Boss?”
Alex laughed but sobered when Kyle glared at him. “Kyle, you look amazing. Did Liz organize this?” He gestured to Kyle’s costume.
Kyle sighed. “Yes, she and Rosa thought it would be fun. But Greg’s right, it took hours!”
“So, let me guess, Rosa is dressed as Ace Freehley and Liz is Paul Stanley? I just saw Max in the living room, he makes a great Gene Simmons. I gotta ask though, why are you dressed as Eric Carr and not Peter Criss?” Alex tilted his head in question.
Kyle rolled his eyes. “Because apparently Peter Criss left the band in early 1980 so I get to be the Fox instead of the cool Cat, but whatever, Rosa hasn’t been this happy in a long time so it was worth it.”
“Greg! I need a hand!” Isobel called from the living room.
Kyle waited until Greg left to raise his eyebrows at Alex.
Alex grabbed a beer and opened it. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Why would you invite Forrest? You just got done telling me you were going to put an end to your…whatever you’re calling it.”
“Sex, Kyle. We adults call it sex.” Alex took a drink of his beer.
“You are a jerk, you know that?”
Alex nodded. “I can be. But seriously, it’s going to be fine. What harm is it if he hangs out with us tonight?”
“You have seen Guerin, right? The man is dressed as a man who literally had a song called ‘I want your sex’, you know he did that for a reason right? Don’t you think it’s about time you talked to him?”
Alex sighed. “I know, I know. I just don’t know what to say. I can’t go into this blind.”
“I said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s a conversation not a war.”
Alex shot him an unimpressed glare. “You have been around for some of our conversations, haven’t you?”
“I’m just saying, talk to him. I think it’s finally your time…and yes, I’ve been talking to Isobel so I know all about that ridiculous conversation she had with Guerin when you sang your song. You two need to shit or get off the pot already.” Kyle clapped Alex’s shoulder and headed into the living room.
Alex sighed and headed to the living room to join his friends. Michael spotted him and sauntered over. Alex’s throat went dry the closer he got. Kyle was right, he looked hot.
Michael smirked at him and moved into his space. For a brief moment Alex thought he was going to kiss him. Instead he winked and started singing softly. “There’s things that you guess and things that you know. There’s boys you can trust and girls that you don’t. There’s little things that you hide and little things that you show. Sometimes you think you’re gonna get it…”
Before Michael could finish the line, Alex smiled sweetly and sang back to him. “But you don’t. And that’s just the way it goes.”
Michael’s eyes went wide and he struggled to regain his composure. Alex rolled his eyes and walked to join Rosa and Liz.
“Did you just render Michael speechless?” Rosa asked.
Alex shrugged. “Maybe? You two look great. I love that you came as KISS.”
Liz smiled. “Thank you! I knew everyone would love it. You look…nice.”
“I know it’s not much but it’s comfortable and I like the Cure.” Alex defended.
Liz put her hands up. “I’m not judging. Not everyone is as creative as Michael… or Forrest??”
Alex watched Liz frown in confusion. He turned to see Forrest come into the living room dressed like Boy George. Even though he knew that was what he planned to wear, it still startled him to see Forrest with long braids and make up. “Yeah, I guess I’m not that talented.”
“Oh, you’re plenty talented. Just not at picking out costumes.” Rosa laughed.
Forrest spotted him and walked over. “Hey, love the costume. You’re that guy from Dead or Alive, right?”
Rosa spit her drink in her cup and Liz covered her mouth to keep from laughing. Alex shot them a death glare before turning back to Forrest. “Robert Smith from the Cure but that was a good guess. I’m glad you could make it.”
Forrest smiled and moved a little closer. “Yeah? I wasn’t sure you really wanted me here.”
Liz shot Alex a questioning glance before letting Rosa pull her away. Alex smiled at Forrest trying to be diplomatic in his answer. “I invited you, of course I wanted you to hang out with us. I thought you’d love all this, you know you being a historian and all.”
“Okay…yeah, I can see why you’d think that. The eighties were very interesting with all that neon and hairspray.” Forrest chuckled.
Alex glanced around the room awkwardly looking for a reason to end this painful small talk with Forrest. Kyle was right, what was he thinking inviting him? He caught Michael watching them, a scowl on his face. Great, just what he needed, a jealous Guerin. He shot him a wide smile hoping it would make him smile back. Instead Michael rolled his eyes and sauntered over.
Alex watched Forrest stiffen and his stomach churned. He did not need to break up a fight tonight.
Michael nodded a greeting to Forrest before leaning into Alex again. “Last Christmas I gave you my heart.”
Again, Alex jumped in before Michael could finish. “And the very next day you gave it away.”
Michael chuckled but didn’t leave, instead he tried again. “I guess it would be nice if I could touch your body. I know not everybody has got a body like you.”
Alex laughed at that and sang the next line to him. “Oh, but I gotta think twice before I give my heart away. I know all the games you play.”
“Damn it. Well played, Manes.” Michael turned and headed to the kitchen.
“What was that all about?” Forrest asked, obviously pissed.
“Just Michael being Michael. Why are you upset?” Alex asked, feeling annoyed at Forrest’s question.
“It was just kind of rude the way he just got into your space. I know you don’t like that.”
Alex sighed. It was true, he didn’t like most people invading his personal space but Michael had always been the one person he never minded getting up close and personal. “It’s fine. Michael is just like that. I’m gonna go grab another beer. You want one?”
“Nah, I doubt Isobel has my brand, it’s kind of hard to find and not many people know about it. It’s a local craft beer.”
Alex tried very hard not to roll his eyes. Did Forrest always sound this pretentious? Not only did he know Isobel had Forrest’s favorite craft beer because she made a point to know what everyone liked, but it wasn’t that good a beer. He was saved from having to respond to his comment by Kyle, who called Forrest over to join the Pac-Man game he and Max were playing. He shot Kyle a grateful look but Kyle just shook his head and made a shooing motion toward the kitchen. He owed Kyle a beer the next time they were at the Pony. He headed to the kitchen and wasn’t surprised to find Michael leaning against the counter, slowly drinking a beer.
He grabbed his own beer and walked over to Michael. “Nice costume.”
Michael smirked. “I knew you’d like it. I see you stayed close to your emo roots.”
Alex let out an offended sound. “Robert Smith was not emo.”
Michael shrugged. “Whatever you say.”
They stood in silence for a few minutes, neither really knowing how to move the conversation forward. Alex was about to go back into the living room when Michael leaned close and started singing again. “That’s all I wanted, for just one moment to be bold and naked at your side.”
“Father Figure? Really, Guerin? Nope, not another word, that is just creepy.”
Michael thought for a moment before opening his mouth again. “I’d write your heart a letter but I think you know me better. If I keep asking, baby, maybe I’ll get what I’m asking for. Why can’t you do it? Why can’t you set your monkey free?”
Alex pushed away from the counter, suddenly annoyed at whatever Michael was trying to imply. Was he talking about his father? The Air Force? Forrest? “Look who’s talking! You still have your monkey, that’s what that bandana is, isn’t it?”
Michael reached to grab Alex’s arm before he walked away. “Hey, hey, I’m sorry…I didn’t realize how shitty that one sounded.”
“Maybe let’s just enjoy your birthday party, huh?”
Michael winced at Alex’s tone and it tore at Alex’s heart. “Yeah, let’s go enjoy some 80’s nostalgia.” He brushed past Alex toward the living room.
Alex followed slowly and saw Maria coming in from the foyer. He walked across the room to greet her. “Janet Jackson?”
Maria smiled and twirled to show off her outfit. “It’s Janet…Ms. Jackson, if you’re nasty.”
“Wow, did everyone memorize song lyrics for tonight? Isobel failed to mention that was a requirement.” Alex pulled Maria into a quick hug.
“Like you need to memorize the Cure lyrics? Aren’t they burned into your memory after high school? I mean I know you’re more a Panic! At the Disco guy but I seem to remember quite a few Cure songs on those mix tapes we all had.” Maria joked.
Alex put his hands up in defeat. “You got me there. I wasn’t sure you’d be here.”
Maria raised an eyebrow. “Because of Guerin? Please, we’re fine. So much better as friends.”
“No, I know that. I meant it’s Friday. How’d you get away from the Pony.”
“My new bartender is actually really good. I left him in charge for the last couple of hours. It’ll be fine. I kinda miss hanging out with you guys outside of the Pony. And a little birdie told me you’d be here. And with Guerin dressed like that,” she gestured across the room to where Michael was talking to Rosa. “I knew I couldn’t miss your reaction. I think he did it for you.”
“Apparently, Isobel and Kyle agree with you. But I think I just offended him so…” Alex let his sentence trail off.
Maria waved him off. “Alex, I’m sure whatever you said he’s forgotten.”
“I doubt that.”
“Well, he’s on his way over here. And that is my cue to go talk to Liz.” Maria squeezed his shoulder and headed to find Liz.
Michael stopped a few feet away from Alex. “Can we go somewhere to talk?”
“You can’t skip out on your own birthday party.” Alex pointed out.
“Isobel will understand.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Alex replied.
“Why not? Will it upset Forrest?” Michael tilted his head.
Alex followed his gaze and let out a small groan. Forrest was staring at them, looking less than thrilled. Why? Why did he invite him? “Forrest has nothing to do with this, you know that.”
Michael shrugged. “Just checking. So, why isn’t it a good idea?”
“It’s just not.” Alex struggled to find a reasonable excuse. He did want to talk to Michael but he was feeling unprepared and nervous.
Michael shook his head and moved a little closer to Alex. “Although I search myself, it’s always someone else I see. I’d just allow a fragment of your life to wander free. But losing everything is like the sun going down on me.”
“That’s an Elton John song.” Alex pointed out.
“They did a duet.”
“You’re scraping the bottom of the barrel aren’t you? Does that mean this, whatever this is, is coming to an end?”
Michael looked hopeful. “Why? Is it working? Are you going to talk to me.”
Alex let out a sigh. “Michael…”
“It’s okay, Alex, I get it. I know I screwed up dating Maria. I know I have to earn your trust again. I just want a chance to make things right. Please.” Michael pleaded.
Though it would be the perfect excuse, Alex didn’t want Michael to think he was still mad about Maria. Part of him was still hurt but he and Maria had had a long talk. She apologized for not talking to him before she tried with Michael, he apologized for never telling her that Michael was Museum Guy, they both cried and things were good between them again. “This isn’t about Maria anymore. We’re all good there. I get why you did what you did and I told you that.”
“Then what is it?” Michael persisted.
“We are in the middle of your sister’s living room at her birthday party. It doesn’t seem like the right place.” Alex offered weakly.
“Where is the right place? Tell me and we’ll go right now.” Michael asked, tears forming in his eyes.
“Look, I think I’m gonna head out. I don’t want to ruin the party. And it seems like I’m upsetting you. We’ll talk soon.” Alex felt like he was running again but he did not want to be the reason Michael broke down in tears in Isobel’s living room.
“I should have known better than to cheat a friend and waste the chance that I’d been given. So, I’m never gonna dance again, the way I danced with you.”
Alex stopped walking. “Careless whisper? Would have thought you’d do this earlier in the night.”
“Tonight the music seems so loud. I wish that we could lose this crowd.” Michael continued.
Alex looked at Michael’s face, so open and in obvious pain. “Maybe it’s better this way. We’d hurt each other with the things we want to say.”
Michael moved a little closer to him. “We could have been so good together. We could have lived this dance forever.”
Alex needed to get out of Isobel’s house before he did something stupid like make out with Michael in front of everyone. “Goodnight, Guerin…”
Michael reached out and took Alex’s hands. “Please stay…”
“Is that you or George Michael asking?” Alex was done pretending what Michael was doing wasn’t affecting him.
“Me. Please don’t go. I want to talk. I’m so damn sorry.”
Alex opened his mouth to say yes when he felt an arm sling around his shoulder and Forrest’s voice ring out. “I think I heard him say he wants to leave. C’mon, I’ll drive you home.”
Before Alex could protest, Forrest gave him a kiss on his cheek and shot Michael a smug look.
Heartbreaking pain flashed across Michael’s face before quickly being replaced with an angry scowl. “Wow, this is a new low even for you, Manes. Couldn’t even give me a heads up? Was this fun for you? Were you laughing at me all night? Poor stupid Michael thinking we are actually on the same page this time?”
Alex pushed Forrest’s arm off his shoulder. “No! I-I wasn’t…it’s not…”
“Save it, Alex. I get it. I fucked up. Forget it.” Michael spun on his heel and stormed out through the kitchen.
“What the hell was that?” Alex hissed to Forrest.
“You looked uncomfortable and you told him you were going to leave. I was just trying to help.” Forrest looked confused.
“You had no right! Whatever this thing was between us, it’s over.”
“Alex, you don’t mean that.” Forrest backed up a step at the anger in Alex’s voice.
Kyle slid between Alex and Forrest. “Go. He’s walking. Isobel has his keys. I’ll take care of this.”
Alex nodded and raced through the kitchen, hoping Michael hadn’t gotten too far. He saw him at the end of the driveway. “Guerin, wait! Michael!”
Michael slowed his stride but kept walking. Alex tried to rush down the driveway but didn’t want to trip in the dark. He knew he had to get Michael to stop so he could explain and hopefully take him up on his offer to go someplace and talk. He took a deep breath and started to sing softly. “I don’t care if Monday’s blue. Tuesday’s gray and Wednesday too.”
Alex kept walking though Michael had stopped. He still didn’t turn around so Alex continued singing, louder this time. “Thursday, I don’t care about you. It’s Friday I’m in love.”
Michael’s breath hitched at Alex’s voice singing. He wanted to turn around, he wanted to run to Alex but the stubborn part of him wanted Alex to come to him for a change.
“Monday you can fall apart. Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart. Oh, Thursday doesn’t even start.” Alex walked closer, thankful Michael had stopped at the edge of Isobel’s property. When he got close enough he gently placed his hand on Michael’s arm.“It’s Friday, I’m in love.”
Neither of them said anything for a moment, their breathing the only sound in the still night. Alex broke first. “Michael, I’m so sorry. I want-“
Before he could finish his sentence, Michael turned and took Alex’s face in his hands. He didn’t hesitate to lean in and kiss Alex. He pulled back slightly to look into Alex’s eyes. “I love you. I love you. I love you. I will say it every minute of every day if I have to. I’m so in love with you and I never want to be apart again. I don’t care what you have going with Forrest, I want you to be with me. I know we need to talk and we need to learn to be better to each other but-“
It was Alex’s turn to kiss Michael into silence. “There is no Forrest and me. That was his misguided attempt to protect me but I don’t need protecting from you. What I need is your arms around me and your lips kissing me. I love you too. I’m never leaving you again. We do need to talk and we will but tonight I just want you. I want to show you how much I love you and how much I’ve missed you. What do you say, cowboy?”
Michael grinned and leaned close to Alex. He sang softly, almost purring into his ear. “I don’t care if Monday’s black. Tuesday, Wednesday, heart attack. Thursday never looking back.”
Alex grinned and joined him for the last lyric. “It’s Friday, I’m in love.”