Look What I Found!

Ch. 8

Once they were finished, they nearly had two carts full. Mikey felt awful, but it was really Beverly's fault. There were multiple sets of clothes, accessories, hats, and belts. Anything, really!

Most of the clothes Beverly picked were a bit on the edgier side. A few were a bit more formal, which he didn't think he'd ever wear. And he had a few bright clothes that went with a few skinny jeans she insisted he gets. Ben and Mike helped out too, Bill staying far away from the shopping bit, and Richie being 'grounded' was Ben's term.

He had a few new hats and beanies, which were supposed to go with his edgy clothes. She even bought him new sneakers, combat boots, and dress shoes. It was a nightmare. At least Richie let him sneak in a few choice items of his own, but surprisingly, he didn't hate the outfits Beverly picked.

As they were walking towards the checkout, Mikey just so happened to look over, and lo and behold, there was an entire section dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. Mikey stopped, nobody noticing, except for one, of course. He slowly made his way over, poking around at all the different designs and flags, some he didn't even know existed. Beverly made these?

He saw a few Pride hoodies, some funny LGBTQ quotes, and a few shoes with the bi-colors on them. A beanie with a pin stating, 'I am Proud to be Me!' He saw a shirt saying, 'I'm not confused, but I make everyone else confused ;).' He laughed at that one, but what his parents said returned. He frowned before dropping his head and turning around. He ended up running into someone because, of course, he would.

A stone dropped to the pit of his stomach at who he saw.

Bill Fucking Denbrough.

"You can get any if you'd like."

"I don't need any," he shoved his hands into his pockets and walked around Bill but stopped at his following words.

"Have it your way. But I think I'm going to look around. Maybe I could find Mike and me matching shirts or something." He chuckled to himself before wandering off.

Mikey watched him pick up a few shirts, neatly tucking them under his arms before going to the next rack. He wandered over to the other man. "Umm... What are you doing?"

"Shopping." He answered shortly.

Mikey rolled his eyes, "in the LGBTQ spot? Aren't you, like, straight?"

Bill snorted before doubling over with laughter.

"Kid, I thought you were a fan. If that were true, you would have known that I've been bisexual since last year and dating Mike."

"Yea, well..." He was honestly at a loss for words, "last year was a bit of a rough one for my family and me, so."

Bill's smile dropped a bit, "yea. Ours too."

"I'm sor-"

"Don't be. So, are you going to help me or not?"

Mikey looked at the selections through the racks and found a shirt that said "Bi Now, Gay Later."

"That one!" He grabbed it off the rack and held it up for Bill to see. "I dare you to wear it to bed. Mike would love that!"

Bill snorted but grabbed the shirt anyway. "Now... Your turn."

"My turn? I'm not..." His voice faded, and he looked down. Why was he so scared? He was never afraid.

"Mike," Bill slowly started, "are you not out yet?"

"No. No! I mean, yes! I mean-fuck me." Mikey put his face in his hands and let out a loud sigh. "I'm not usually this ashamed or-no not ashamed. Scared."