They Didn't Know (A Minizerk Fanfiction) {HIATUS}

Chapter 23: Birthday

Simon's POV:

It's nearly time. People will be arriving in about an hour and I honestly couldn't be more scared. Why am I doing this to myself? Are you sure you're ready to tell them? As ready as I'll ever be. And what about if some of them don't accept you? What are you going to do then? That's their decision, if they can't accept me then they can sort it out. If it means losing them, then I guess I'll have to lose them, but I'll still have Josh. It's cute how you think Josh will always be there. You need to stop relying on him, because what will you do if he does ever leave? Become a recluse and never leave your room or talk to anyone? He will always be here, he promised. If he leaves, I guess I'd have to just continue with my life, even though that would be very hard. Don't ever tell him about your stupid little crush then, and he won't leave. I'm not that dumb, I will never tell him, or anyone. Anyway, Vikk thinks I have a crush on Lachlan, so that can keep them preoccupied for a while.

A knock on my door interrupted my argument with myself.

"Simon, you decent?" Josh shouted from the other side of the door.

I laughed, "Yes I am, don't worry."

I turned around to face the door just as josh opened it.

"How you doing?" He asked.

"I'm okay, I guess. Just really scared about how they'll react. They all mean so much to me, I don't want to lose them." I admitted.

"Si, none of them have ever shown any signs of being homophobic, so o wouldn't think knowing a close friend of theirs being gay would change that."

"Thanks for the reassurance Joshy." Shit! Did I really just call him that?

Luckily, he just laughed and pulled me into a quick hug. "It's okay. Now, are you coming down? People will start arriving soon."

"Yeah I'm coming now, do I look okay?"

"You look very handsome, okay? Don't worry." I blushed at his compliment before following him down the stairs.

*****

Nearly everyone that was supposed to arrive had arrived now, and the time to tell them was edging ever closer. I'm still going to go through with it, though, I need to. I wasn't telling absolutely everyone, so we were meeting most people at the club, but there was enough. I had the rest of the sidemen, their girlfriends, the cals, the rest of the halo tower gang, Lewis and a few others to tell for now.

We were all gathered in the kitchen because some people insisted on have a drink or two before we left, yet I couldn't see Josh anywhere. If I said I wasn't confused as to where he was, I'd be lying. He was here not long ago, I came down with him. So where has he disappeared to? He's left you to do this on your own. He was never really going to stand beside you when you told everyone. He's lied to you. No. He hasn't. I refuse to believe he's done th...

"Hey." A voice said behind me, making me jump slightly. Not just any voice though, Josh's.

"Hey."

"Sorry I disappeared, Freya arrived and I didn't want to just ignore her."

"It's okay. Kinda just been preparing myself anyway."

"How many times have I said you'll be fine? Besides, me and Vikk already know, so that's two less people you have to worry about."

I laughed a nervous laugh. "Yeah, I guess."

"You'll be fine. Do you want me to get everyone's attention to make sure that you don't back out or are you okay to do it yourself?"

"I'll do it. I'll do it in a minute if that will shut you up."

"I'm not pressuring you, you know that."

"I know, I know, I'm just scared." He put his hand on for reassurance as I took a deep breath. Ready to make your 24th birthday a memorable one by potentially ruining it and losing all your friends? That won't happen.

"Guys, can you be quiet for a moment? I have an announcement." Everyone went silent all of a sudden and all eyes turned to me. It's now or never.

"So this is something quite personal and I'm really scared to tell you guys, so I'm just gonna get straight to the point..." I took another deep breathe and looked to Josh, who gave me a warm smile as if to say "You'll be okay". " I'm gay. And if people can't accept that, then they can leave now. Also, I'd appreciate it if this stays within the people in this room, and that it doesn't get shared with social media. Thanks." I looked down at the end, my sudden boost of confidence gone, and then I was engulfed into a hug by Tobi.

"Proud of you bro, glad you felt comfortable enough to tell us. Don't worry, this won't change anything between us and if anyone else has a problem, they'll have me to answer to." He said to me as he pulled away and I smiled.

"Thanks Tobi."

A few others gave me hugs, and the rest said congratulations. No one seemed to have a negative reaction, which made me feel better. They're just not showing it to your face. Shut up, I'm not listening to you. I'll force you to listen one day.

To the side of me, I can see Josh smiling at me, as he mouthed "Told you it would be okay".

In the middle of all of this, JJ suddenly shouted, " Well that's another reason to celebrate, now let's go out and party!" Classic JJ.