SIDE STAGE TECH

Chapter 8

"I hate finals." I whined, flopping down on the couch. "Same." Mike said, sitting down next to me and pulling me into his lap. I had just gotten back to the dorm from my Science exam and Mike had gotten back from his History final. "Thank god we're done them all now." He mumbled, kissing me gently. We had been going strong for about two weeks and the play had been insane. Tonight was the last night of the showing. Then next semester there was the musical. (A/N: Ik Mike isn't a singer but go with it) "We'd better get going to set." I said burying my face in Mike's neck. "Yeah." Mike said tiredly. "You know we've been dating for weeks and I don't even know what town you're from." Mike said randomly, a few minutes of procrastination later. "San Diego." I replied.
"No way, same!" He said excitedly. I perked up right away. "You have to meet my mom! She's driving me home tonight and I'm going to stay with her for the holidays! Maybe you can come for a night?" I said, kissing Mike happily. "That sounds awesome! I'm sure my family wouldn't mind. Plus I want you to meet them, Vic got out of the hospital a few days ago and we've been in touch. I told him about you. He says he wants to meet you. " Mike smiled. "This is going to be awesome!" I laughed.

That night at the show I saw my mom in the audience. The curtains hadn't opened yet but from where the tech booth was I could see part of the crowd. I looked beside me at the stage and saw Mike getting into position. My heart melted when he smiled at me. Briefly I forgot what I was supposed to do, but then remembered. The lights. I smiled back and flipped the switch. The curtains opened and the lights turned on. The show ran smoothly as possible. It was by far the best we had done. My mom knew that I was doing the special effects, lights, art, and sound and I could see her looking around and smiling proudly. My heart swelled. When everything was over I quickly texted my mom the dorm number and told her to meet me there while Mike got out of costume. When everyone was changed we basically left the set up. It would be taken down later. I walked quickly to Mike's dressing room and knocked. "Tony?" Came the reply.

"Yeah." I said, unable to contain my smile. A shirtless Mike opened the door. I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him happily as he pulled me into the room and kicked the door shut. "You did amazing!" I said after the kiss.

"It wouldn't have been possible without the Side Stage Tech." He smirked, kissing my nose. I stepped away from him and let my eyes wander. Mike had a great body. He was skinny though, but he was still incredibly attractve. "Like what you see, Tone?" Mike laughed. I blushed deep red. Mike just laughed and pulled on his shirt. "C'mon, my mom is waiting at the dorm." I said, slipping my hand into his. It felt right, our hands clasped together.

We walked quickly to our dorm and greeted my mother. "Hey mom." I smiled when she looked up. "Hey Tony!" She exclaimed, hugging me. I hugged her back, then introduced her to Mike.

"Mom? This is my boyfriend Mike." I told her. She knew I was openly gay and she had been trying to make me get a boyfriend. My mom smiled and shook Mike's hand. "Call me Jenny." She smiled.

"Nice to meet you." Mike said politely, wrapping his arm around my waist.

"We'll come on, by the time we get back to San Diego it'll be supper time. I made pizza." My mom said, leading us to her car after we grabbed our bags.

"By the way, you're coming to my birthday dinner tomrrow." Mike said, sitting in the back seat next to me. Our Christmas break began on the 13th and ended on the 3rd of January, and I was pumped. "Okay." I said, leaning my head on Mike's shoulder. He kissed the top of my head and looked out the window. I saw my mom smirk when I looked in the rear view mirror. Happiness filled my chest. I wasn't sure if it was my medecine, or how I have constant butterflies around Mike,or how my mother accepts me and Mike's relationship. I had a feeling that the anti depressants had barely anythhing to do with it. Maybe I really was getting better after all. It was then that I knew that I wasn't going to let depression controll my life anymore. I was going to tie a noose around my mind, loose enough to breath fine and tie the noose to a tree. I was going to tell it this ain't a noose this is a leash and I have news for you, you must obey me.

When we got home my mother finished making the pizza and we sat down at the table chatting. When we finished me and Mike excused ouselves and walked exhausted the stairs. It was only 8 by that time but we were ready to drop off to sleep at anymoment because of Amadeus.

"I finally get to cuddle with you without having to be careful that someone might find out." Mike murmured happily, crawling into my bed and wrapping his arms around my waist. "You're the best boyfriend ever." I yawned.

"That was insanely cute, you know that right?" Mike chuckled, capturing my lips with a kiss. I smiled against his mouth. I could feel his lip ring graze my lip slightly as we kissed. "Goodnight, Mikey." I mumbled, burying my face in Mike's neck. "Goodnight babe." Mike replied. Butterflies errupted in my stomach at the pet name. I smiled sightly and slowly dropped off to sleep, happily in Mike's warm embrace.

A/N: LOL FIND THE SONG REFERENCE! Also I have huge news!!!!!! My school's improv club did a show on friday and then after we got to find out who's on the main teams for the Wildfire Improv festival. I think there's like 2 teams. Anyiero, I made one of the main teams!!!!!!!!!! Ahhh I'm so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Daisy