Folie

Act I, Scene 5

"We did it, we actually did it!" Tears of relief and pride actually pooled in Patrick's eyes as he spoke.

"I can't believe we actually finished the first act, and it's only the middle of Oct- are you crying?" Pete asked incredulously.

"Yes, I just- I can't believe we actually did this," Patrick sniffled, "I'm so happy."

Pete laughed and took Patrick in his arms. "Yeah, we really did, didn't we? Hey! We should celebrate and go out drinking. It's Friday night, it's only 11:30. Why the fuck not?"

Patrick rolled his swollen eyes. "You always say we should go out," he chuckled, "but you're right, why the fuck not? We deserve it."

---

Ice-water winds enveloped the two friends as they left their joint apartment, the rapids winding through their hair as they walked to where the bars and clubs were. The two huddled together as they walked, unprepared for the chilly, October air.

"We probably should've checked the weather first. This jacket isn't doing it for me."

"At least you have a jacket. All I have is this sweater," Pete replied through chattering teeth.

"God, we're idiots," Patrick laughed, "so what bar'd you have in mind, party boy?"

"The usual," Pete said, pointing towards the familiar rainbow flags and neon lights glittering in front of them.

"Of course. I should have guessed."

Pulsating rhythms and pounding bass lines punctuated the air as Patrick and Pete stepped into the familiar gay bar they frequented. Not two seconds after the bouncer gave them their wristbands, their favorite bartender began waving frantically at them from the counter. They gave each other knowing looks as they saw his bare, tattooed chest glistening in the strobe lights.

"Oh c'mon, Andy, you couldn't have waited for us before the big reveal?" Pete teased as they walked up to the bar.

"You know these people can't wait two minutes before they're begging me to strip for them. What are you guys up to tonight?"

"Celebrating," Patrick said, "we finished writing the first act!"

"That's great! But how the hell did you get Pete to finish anything that quickly?"

"By harassing me every night for the past two months and never letting me get some fucking sleep," Pete complained, in fake frustration.

"Sounds like you guys need drinks. Margaritas on the house?" Andy asked, already pouring the tequila.

"Didn't you get in trouble for handing out free drinks?" Patrick asked.

"Yeah, but you guys deserve it. Besides, it was mostly for giving all those drinks to my girlfriend. That won't be a problem anymore..."

"Why? Did you two break up?" Patrick said, concern etching itself into his soft face.

"Yeah. I was getting tired of her telling people I was straight instead of bi."

"What the fuck, she would do that to you?" Pete said.

"Yeah. I tried to ignore it, then I tried confronting her, but she wouldn't stop. I was just over it," Andy replied, as he handed Patrick his drink.