Swaying In The Background

Episode 16: Home

Ever since they got kicked out of the auditorium by Coach Sylvester, Mr. Schue has had the group practice at the local dollar rink run by April Rhodes. Then as a reward after a successful practice with no arguments, Schue had let them have some fun, but it wasn't going well; he kept failing on his arse. 

Mike groaned and tried to get up, but his legs weren't cooperating. Matt let out a laugh and slowly skated up to him. "Are you okay?"

Mike grumbled as he tried and failed once again to get off the ground. He glared up at him, "Do I look okay?"

"How is it that you're so light on your feet on solid ground but extremely clumsy here?" Matt said, still shaking slightly from laughter. 

"I don't know, just help me up," Mike said, holding out his hands.

Matt grabbed Mike's hands and pulled him to his feet. Mike skidded, causing Matt to grab him around the waist to keep him upright. Mike inhaled a breath before pulling away slightly. Even though they were in a room full of friends, Mike still couldn't risk it.

 Matt whispered, "Sorry."

Mike shook his head. "It's fine. Don't apologize" He straightened up and placed his hands on his shoulders. "Teach me?"

Matt grinned and proceeded to show him how to properly roller-skate. When he finally got it, Mike let out a laugh as he and Matt raced around the rink. But in the back of his mind, he couldn't help feeling guilty that they couldn't be together in public.

//////  

Across the room, Tina witnessed the whole scene between Mike and Matt as she and Artie stopped for a drink. 

Artie saw her looking and also twisted around but only saw two friends helping each other. "Everything okay?"

Tina frowned, seeing Mike smile, but she saw the lingering guilt in his eyes. "Yeah, just wondering what's wrong with Mike."

Artie was confused. "Mike? As in Mike Chang," Tina nodded. "Is there something going on between you two? You seem quite close."

"We're friends", Tina explained, finally looking away from the friends to stare at Artie. 

Artie looked sceptical. "The popular jock is friends with the Goth?"

Tina crossed her arms. "So what? We're both in Glee club, and I've started going to barbeques for the Asian community that his parents host. It's nice to know someone at those events. Mike's a really nice guy, and before you ask, no, I don't like him; I like you. Plus, he has a girlfriend."

"I didn't know that."

"Of course, you don't; you don't talk to him unless you're forced to work together." Tina exploded. She didn't appreciate Artie insinuating that she would cheat on him with Mike, who has a girlfriend. 

Artie looked down in embarrassment. "Sorry. I guess I'm not used to this boyfriend thing yet."

Tina smiled in understanding. She kneeled to his level so she could look him in the eye. "Maybe instead of assuming anything, ask, I don't want Mike; I want you." She leaned in with a smile, catching Artie in a kiss. "I'm not going to cheat on you."

Artie smiled and pulled her into another kiss. He was so lucky.