Figuring it Out (A Rickian Story)

The Morning After

Ricky's POV

I wake up warm and comfortable. Even though we had a big day ahead, it is early and I don't want to move at all. It doesn't take me long to realize why I feel so warm and comfortable; Kian is cuddled up next to me, sound asleep. Although we are only best friends, its nothing but nice to snuggle next to someone you love and trust. I have no problem with it and from past experience, neither would Kian.

I do have a little problem though. I have a solid case of morning wood and I need to go really badly. The question is how to extract myself from the warm bed without waking Kian. First, I don't want him to see my current awkward state and second, he seems so peaceful, why not let him sleep. Kian has always been a calm sleeper and I can't help but watch him for a few seconds.

I have another problem. I need to tell Kian about my sexuality. Mostly I need to tell someone and it should be Kian or Shelby, my best friends. Shelby is long distance right now and I didn't feel ready yet when I was in Alabama. It doesn't feel right to tell her over the phone. I'd kind of like to talk about it with Connor. After all he has several gay friends and I know he would react ok and have good advice. But Kian is my best guy friend, and if that is really true, and I know it is, I need to tell him first.

I ease my way out of the bed using roll technique and manage to not wake Kian. He stirs something and mumbles something about Andrea not getting up as I pad my way to the bathroom. Hmm...confirmation he definitely isn't over Andrea, which he pretty much said last night. I feel something wrong in my gut, huh, it actually bugs me a little that he thinks I am Andrea. It shouldn't bug me that unconscious Kian has forgotten that it was actually me who he shared a bed with last night, should it? I mean it would be good if they got back together, I think. I think it might make it easier for me too be who I am around Kian and keep him in the best friend zone he belongs in right? I don't like where my thoughts are headed so I refocus on how to tell Kian what I need to tell him.

I manage to take one of those stiff leaks that guys sometimes have to do and decide to just get into the shower and wash up. I figure out my plan.

I guess I am not really worried that Kian is going to freak out when I tell him I like guys and girls. He's seemed pretty mellow and accepting of gay and lesbian people in the past but they were not his best friend or someone really close. I just don't think I can take putting more distance in our friendship. He says he doesn't blame me and is not mad about my part in his breakup with Andrea but it created some distance for a while. Plus he now had Sam again as a best friend along with me and Sam seems a little more hostile to alternate lifestyles, at least when asked about them. But I decide I need to do this and I plan the day so I approach it full Ricky style. I've got to be me here.

I practice my vocals for Ordinary while finishing my shower and dry off. I work on my hair for a little bit before realizing my clean clothes are still in the closet in the room. Yes, I hang up my clothes for the next day. I wonder if Kian is still sleeping or if doing the day Ricky style will involve being naked in front of my best friend.

I slowly open the door and peak out. Kian is still fast asleep but now kind of sprawled out on the bed wearing just his boxers. He is a cute sleeper. Wait, when did he take his shirt off? He was wearing it when we went to bed last night. Why am I noticing this now?

I creep into the room with just a towel around my waist and find the closet door. I slip my towel off gently and throw on my boxers and the blue and white patterned shirt I picked for the day. I find my jeans and throw them on. My vans are by the door; I slip them on and escape quietly. Kian barely stirs. Now for my plan.

For the first time ever, I find a use for one of those white hotel phones they keep by the elevator. I call up room service and order waffles with whipped cream and berries, bacon, and some fruit plus juice for me and Kian. Then I head downstairs to the gift shop. I don't know why but I feel a need to get something for Kian. The gift shop has these bright blue Colorado logo shirts that I saw some skaters wearing yesterday. The look really cool and I buy one for me and one for Kian. I have the clerk wrap them in a paper bag.