There was nothing left to do but get out there and face the music but Nick’s feet weren’t moving. He was nervous over Shane’s reaction; he hoped he liked his look for tonight. No, he hoped for a lot more than just liking it.
Nick took an extra minute to reflect over the last six months. It scared him how happy he had been during these months; it was as if for the first time he was truly breathing. He didn’t have to fear anymore being talked down to or abused for not fitting that perfect stereotypical mode.
He didn’t have the parents he wanted to support him but he had Shane’s family and Julienne and her mother, it took him a long time to realize they were all he needed. They were his family. He wanted to make them all proud and everyday he stopped trying to be someone other than himself, he was doing just that.
He started to get excited about getting out there tonight and facing the last of his fears head on. Looking in the mirror he smiled at that scared little guy he used to be and banished him away, because tonight there was no more running away. No more denying his truth or the love he felt for Shane Gregory.
He opened the bathroom door and continued down to the living room where he knew Shane was waiting. He wasn’t surprised to see Michael and Julienne were also waiting. They all had agreed days ago to ride together to the gala.
“Whoa.” Julienne gasped as she look in his look for the night. “And here I thought you couldn’t get more gorgeous. If you were straight, I might have to run away with you to Vegas and marry you.”
Michael groaned. “Gee thanks honey.”
Julienne wrapped her arm around her boyfriend’s waist. “You should be happy everyday Nick doesn’t want me because I would leave you.” she teased.
“You stay for the sex.” Michael said.
“You’re right.” Julienne managed to keep a straight face, she was getting much better at ranking Michael’s chain without laughing. Sometimes he wondered if it was really all a joke.
Nick ignored his friends and focused all his attention on Shane. “Well?” he spread his arms and let him get a better look.
Shane smiled. “You look amazing but you didn’t have to—”
“I know but I wanted to. I didn’t want to hide behind anything tonight; I wanted to be here a hundred percent for you.” Nick tried to ignore all the butterflies in his stomach. He wasn’t scared of his decision, he was simply nervous of the unknown.
“Aww.”
“Shut up Michael.” Shane said to his brother without tearing his eyes away from Nick. “You can wear a paper brown bag for the rest of time and I’ll still think you’re the most beautiful man in the world.”
Nick blushed. “That’s just because you’re delusional.” He walked farther into the room to stand in front of Shane and grabbed his hand securely in his own. “Ready to go?”
Shane openly let his darkening blue eyes roam Nick from head to toe. “Maybe we could be a little late.”
Nick mocked outrage. “I spent hours ironing this damn suit and I’m sure your mom might blow a gasket if we’re any later.”
“Yup.” Michael added. His mother had told all of them they couldn’t be late or dare think about not showing up. She was nervous about this event and wanted her family’s support, whether they wanted to give it or not.
“You can have your way with me later.” Nick promised as they all headed toward the elevator.
“Ah my virgin ears.” Michael cried out.
“You can’t even spell virgin.” Shane said. “You’ve been a man whore since you were born.”
Nick laughed and took a second to enjoy this simple moment. He never thought any of this would happen. Here he stood with his best friend in the world, she was happy against all odds and so was he, standing in the arms of a man he still couldn’t believe loved him. A man he called his own.
Nick thought back to those days he’d find Julienne crying or when he’d come to her crying about something from home and they couldn’t find their way out of the darkness suffocating their lives. He had dreamt of a day like this and now here it was and it was far better than he had ever allowed himself to dream.
Shane wasn’t going anywhere and Nick wasn’t going to let him. They were in this together now and if Nick had his way, this was just the beginning. He wasn’t scared to dream anymore and now he wanted to dream to reach the sky. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with Shane Gregory.
THE END
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