Mute Songbird (boyxboy) -Complete-

The Arts

The curtain closed for the final time and I started helping to reset all the lights and generally clean up the mess we'd made over the past few weeks.  Most of the crew split out of there as soon as the lights came up but Bailey was still with me which was good because I wasn't 100% sure where some of these cords went.

"Can I ask you a question?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Are you and Dan" he said softly, looking over his shoulder before continuing "together?  Like gay together?  Or just friends?  Cause people are talking."

I didn't know what to say.  We had tried really hard to not be too obvious but apparently we hadn't done as good of a job as we thought.  I didn't know where Dan stood with the whole 'telling people' thing or where Bailey stood with the whole 'acceptance' thing.  The stage was a long way down.  Not that I really thought he'd murder me or anything but I admit that it flashed through my head.  "We... uh..."

"Don't bother, no need.  It's sort of obvious.  I know the whole talking thing is hard for you.  Never mind."

I could have answered him.  I had words, I just didn't know what to say.  But maybe it was for the best this way.  I felt a little guilty using my muteness as an excuse but hell, why not?  I needed to talk to Dan about this at some point, before I got asked again.  I tidied the cords and then waved good-bye and made my way down the ladder.

"Asher!  There you are." Dan had changed back into his clothes and was super thrilled to be done.

"You was amazing.  Real good."  Close enough.

"Thanks!  You only blinded me once, so that was an improvement" he joked.  "No, seriously, it was great I think -- everyone was amazing.  You're coming to the cast party, right?  Please?"

I hadn't really planned on it but there was no way I could look at that face and say 'no' without even asking permission.  I grabbed my phone and sent off a text.  Mom answered right away; it was fine.  "Okay."

"Awesome!  We can ride with Jamie, let's find her.  We're going to go take over Applebees.  I am STARVING."

*** *** ***

Three hours later we were climbing out of Jamie's car next to the fish mailbox and watching it drive away.  The dinner and crazy post-show insanity had been a blast.  I'd actually felt included and people had talked to me.  It still amazed me every time someone made an effort and asked me a question -- I was used to people ignoring me as much as possible. I didn't blame them, it wasn't exactly easy to have a conversation with me before now.  Still, it felt really nice.

It was dark and very late; past 11.  I really needed to get home.  I looked up the street towards my house and then the other way towards Dan's.

"Why don't I walk you home?" he offered.

He didn't have to but it meant getting to hold his hand longer and I was more than happy to let him as long as it wouldn't get him in trouble.  "Is late."

"I don't have to be back till midnight, they sort of expected it to be a late night.  No worries."

"Okay.  Good."  We stopped a few houses before mine and kissed.  I'd been wanting to do it all evening and I finally got my chance.  What I really wanted was to run down by the creek and have a little fun but he pulled away even though I know he didn't want to.

"We should get home.  I'll talk to you tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"G'night Ash."   He gave me one more sweet kiss on my cheek that made me blush.

"Night Slim."  I started walking and turned back just before I went up the short sidewalk to my door.  I waved and he took off towards home.  I watched him just a moment and caught sight of him when he passed beneath the streetlight but then he was gone.

It took me about five steps before I could see it.  The front of the house was fairly bright near the living room entrance because of the porch light but the other side was much darker.  When I got close enough it was obvious though.  Someone had left me a message.  It wasn't hard to guess who, the question was what I could do about it.  I walked over and touched it, hoping it was still wet.  A bit of black paint came off on my finger and I stared at it before finally going inside.

I went into the kitchen and grabbed the mop bucket from the pantry and filled it with hot soapy water, then grabbed the scrubbiest sponge I could find.  I scrubbed at those vile letters for what felt like an hour, until my arms throbbed and hurt.  I didn't even notice the front door open.

"Asher?  Is that you?" my father asked.  "What are you doing?"