They Don't Approve

Awake

The three of them opened their eyes in unison, overwhelmed by the sudden applause exploding from all around them. Mira was up first, pushing herself out of her chair with a huge smile. She pulled up the two boys without even looking, and wasn't remotely surprised by the tenseness in both of their arms. Joining their hands so they made a chain, she hissed through her teeth, "Just smile. Just fucking smile and bow."

On the inside, all she could think was, "Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god."

She had seen the kiss. When she'd jumped in the portal the first time, she hadn't been transported right away. The black void was like jumping in a bucket of pudding, and now she knew nothing had happened because that portal would only work as a team. That's how the game worked.

She'd seen the love blossoming between the two boys as game-Mira, and had been ecstatic. The thought had delighted her, and only now did she understand why.

They'd been a closeted couple for almost a year. They hadn't told anyone except her, because as a very open panromantic, she would be the last person to judge them. Plus they'd been friends since forever.

But now, she could feel Adam's hand shaking in her own. Kai was completely frozen.

As if in the distance, she could hear the host's voice waking up the other team. It took her a moment to remember his name... Gustav Kipling. A pretty good, and completely fake, name for a game show host.

The audience cheered as the Vanessa, Skeet, and Reeve's screens fell away and they stood, anger and annoyance imminent on each of their faces.

As they were given their trophy, she met Kipling's eyes and saw the concern in them.

"The three of you, find me when we're off the air."

She smiled painfully as he announced their team once more and they took stiff bows, before the music and the lights swelled. While their host was saying something about sponsors, Mira turned to Adam.

His bronze skin was pale and his eyes were glued to one section in the audience. With a shock of realization, she followed his eyes to the first row of seats on the balcony. Just left of center sat Adam's parents; both with sharp chiseled features and eyes of stone, glaring down at their son, who they were just now learning was gay.

I'm sorry this is taking so long guys... I haven't forgotten at all... I've just been going through some really intense stuff right now. 

Thanks for understanding.