Alone Together (Gallavich)

twelve

ian

The first thing that hit me when I woke up was the unfamiliar but comforting smell of the bedroom that wasn't mine. My eyes finally opened, adjusting to the darkness slowly. It took me a few seconds to realize where I was, but when I did I couldn't help but smile a little. In front of me was the back of Mickey's head, my arms wrapped around his waist, our bodies still dressed in our clothes from earlier. At least I thought it was earlier; I wasn't totally sure what time it was. I lifted my wrist from Mickey's chest to check my watch. 5:52. That still wasn't much clarification considering at this time of year, it could've been 5:52 am or pm and still be this dark outside. This time of year.

Then I remembered. It was Christmas Eve. Or Christmas morning, I still wasn't sure. Slowly, trying not to wake the man in my arms, I reached for my phone in my back pocket. I wasn't too successful however as Mickey began to stir under my arms. Still curious, I checked my phone. 5:52pm, Tuesday, December 24th.

Just then, Mickey jumped a little, moving away from me towards the edge of the bed, rubbing his eyes and groaning as he sat up.

"Shit Ian," he mumbled as I started to get up from the bed, not wanting to invade his space like I had done every time in the past.

"Sorry, I'll go," I responded, a little defeated, while I moved towards the door of his room.

"Don't."

Abruptly stopping, I turned back towards him, my heart filled with relief. As I went to open my mouth is response, Mickey stood up from the bed and moved over to me on the opposite side of his room. His lips were on mine before I could do anything, his hands cupping my cheeks softly.

"Ok," I finally got out as I pulled away for air, keeping my forehead on his, hoping he kept his hands where they were on my face.

"I was so scared Ian," he whispered out, not moving away at all. "I-I thought it was because of me, that I made you leave."

My heart started beating faster now, trying to push away the thoughts of why I left. I wouldn't tell him he was part of the reason. That would change this moment, and I wanted to stay here forever, his hands on my face.

"Mick-"

"No Ian, just," he moved his head back so that he could see all of my face. His hands slid down to my shoulders, his eyes stared right into mine.

He opened his mouth to continue, but before any words could come out, Mickey's bedroom door flew open.

"Mickey, have you se- oh."

Mickey quickly pulled his hands away from my shoulder and I turned to look at the girl in the doorway. Mandy stood there out of breath, looking at us while relief set in her face.

"Guess he found you."

We all stayed where we were for a second that felt like an hour, waiting for the next person to speak up.

"I just talked to Lip," Mandy finally continued. "Apparently you never went home so I panicked and went looking for you. We thought you," she paused, her eyes quickly going to Mickey. I turned to meet where her gaze was only to see Mickey sitting on his bed now, his arms on his knees and his head down.

"We thought you found Mickey and it didn't go well."

The black haired boy's head immediately shot up, giving his sister a hard and cold look. He stood up and looked between Mandy and I, anger in his face. Finally he shoved past us out into the living room.

"Mickey, wait!" I called out, trying to stop him from running off, but I was only met with the sound of his front door slamming.

"Ian, your family is worried. You should go and see them."

~

"Oh my god, fuck you for making us worry so much!"

I was greeted by all smiles from my family as I walked in the front door. We all hugged as I dropped my bag down in the living room.

"Yeah you little shit, never do that again," Lip added to Fiona's relieved humor.

"No promises," I smiled back, glad to be home.
When we all broke apart, I looked at everyone's faces, all 5 of my siblings. They were all waiting on me to speak. I wasn't sure I wanted to though, so I picked my bag back up and started towards the stairs.

"I should get settled back in."

The smiles faded into disappointed attempts at feeling happy, making a small pang of guilt set into my heart. Lip had followed me up the stairs, shutting our bedroom door behind us when we got there.

"So," he started while I unpacked my bag. "Where'd you go?"

I took a deep breath before giving my brother his answer, not totally sure what to expect when I explained what happened - or at least where I went. The details of the escapade weren't quite ready to be told to my family yet.

"I uh, I went to see Monica," I finally responded, keeping my back to Lip, who was standing in front of the door while I was putting my clothes into my dresser.

"Monica? As in mom Monica?"

"Yeah."

"Okay," he paused. "Why?"

I froze as my head started racing for an excuse to cover up my real intentions.

"You know, uh, Christmas and all. It's been a while. I needed a break from, from school and stuff anyway."

Once I finished putting my last shirt back in the drawers I sat on my bed facing Lip.

"Yeah, ok, right," he responded, clearly not buying my story but accepting it for now. He sat down on my bed next to me before continuing.

"So wanna tell me what the fuck is going on with the Milkoviches?"

"I don't know-"

"Cut the shit Ian. I'm your brother. I'm not an idiot and neither is Fiona. Mandy said you ran out of there a few days before you left and that the first thing you asked when she met you at the bus station was where you could find Mickey. Something's up. You don't have to tell me every detail but don't fucking lie to me Ian. Besides, when have I ever let you down?"

I sighed, rubbing my face with my hand. He was right.

"Lip?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm gay."

He just looked at me, staying quiet and waiting for me to continue.

"There's something going on between Mickey and I, at least I think there is. I mean, it feels like there definitely is but every time something is about to happen he freaks out and gets all angry so I really don't know."

"Well shit, Ian," he laughed out, shaking his head.

"Alright fuck you," I scoffed."If I knew you were gonna just laugh at me I wouldn't have said anything."

"Oh come on man, I'm not laughing at you, it's just-"

"Just what," I asked, smiling, when he paused.

"Like out of all the problematic people in this shit hole of a neighborhood you pick Mickey Milkovich. You got quite the eye for the boys Ian," he smirked.

"Alright, alright. I know," I laughed back.
"Now, let's go, I gotta say hey for real to everyone."

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