“Ever since you came back from the camping trip with Rocco, you’ve been different,” Joe said as he entered Mike’s room. Mike set aside his sketch pad and pencils.

  “What do you mean?” Mike replied a little nervous that Joe knew about the next step he and Rocco had taken in their relationship.

  “I can’t place my finger on it, but you are just different somehow,” Joe said looking Mike up and down.

  “I haven’t changed anything about my looks if that’s what you mean,” Mike said unsure of how the conversation was going to go.

  “No, it’s not that. It’s like you carry yourself differently. Maybe more confidently? But that’s not quite right,” Joe said continuing his prodding.

  “If you figure it out, let me know,” Mike said grabbing his pencils attempting to go back to his drawing before Rocco picked him up to set up for tonight’s show.

  “Wait a minute,” Joe exclaimed. “Of course. You were alone in the woods with your boyfriend. There’s only one thing that could have happened.”

  Mike put his drawing supplies down again and looked up at Joe wide-eyed.

  “You guys didn’t!!!” Joe asked as if he solved a mystery.

  “Joe, close the door!” Mike exclaimed. He had figured it out, but he certainly did not want his parents to know. Joe closed the door and pulled Mike’s desk chair up to the bed where Mike was drawing.

  “Well, am I correct?” Joe asked eager to hear the response.

  Mike looked around the room and then squarely at Joe. “Yes.”

  “I knew it!” Joe said proudly.

  “Please don’t let Rocco know you know! He would be so embarrassed,” Mike pleaded.

  “Relax, little guy. It’s not leaving this room,” Joe reassured Mike. “Well, give me the details.”

  Mike looked down at the floor. He was not sure if his brother really wanted to know all the details. It was just a few weeks ago that he said he was not sure if he would be okay having a gay brother. He had come around considerably, however. Mike was constantly impressed at his progressive attitude towards his relationship with Rocco.

  “Are you sure you want to hear this?” Mike asked looking up at Joe.

  “I’m positive. Please. I want to be a part of this with you,” Joe said.

  “Well, okay. We got there at the site and set up camp. It was getting late, so we ate a little. Then we made out. And one thing led to another--” Mike said matter-of-factly.

  “That’s all I get?” Joe exclaimed.

  “Well, what else do you want to know?” Mike asked defensively but gave Joe the details.

  “Afterwards, he told me he loved me,” Mike said sheepishly.

  “He did what?” Joe said almost jumping up.

  “And I told him I loved him,” Mike responded.

  “You did what???” Joe stood up.

  “Yeah,” Mike said and nervously laughed.

  “That’s amazing, Mike,” Joe exclaimed and sat back down. “I don’t know what else to say,” Joe said open mouthed.

  “You could say congratulations, maybe?” Mike said.

  “Congratulations!” Joe replied.

  “Shall I continue?” Mike casually said. Joe eagerly nodded his head. Mike filled Joe in on the details.

  “So, you’re going to be going around the block more often,” Joe said in a joking tone.

  “Fuck off!” Mike said.

  “I couldn’t resist. I promise, I won’t say another word,” Joe said. “Scouts’ honor.”

  “That means jack-shit since you were never a scout,” Mike said throwing his pillow at Joe.

  “Ah, yuck! There’s no telling what you two have done to this crusty pillow,” Joe said. “It smells like butt!” He gaged for effect.

  “You’re a juvenile,” Mike retorted.

  “So, listen, would it make you uncomfortable if I went to Rocco’s show at the skate park?” Joe asked changing the subject.

  Mike cocked his head to the side. “Why would it make me uncomfortable?”

  “I mean, it’s not going to be my crowd. I don’t want to be the big brother watching over his little brother or anything like that,” Joe said.

  “It wouldn’t bother me at all. But why would you want to go to the skate park?” Mike asked.

  “I’ve been hearing this is going to be a great show. I just want to see your boyfriend in his element is all. I’m not going to take up skateboarding or anything and step into your territory,” Joe said. Mike raised an eyebrow in confusion. “I know that’s your crowd these days.”

  “Are you bringing anyone?” Mike asked cautiously.

  “You mean, David Wick the Dick?” Joe asked knowing exactly why Mike asked this question.

  “Yes,” Mike said. “After his behavior at Troy’s party, he’s not exactly going to be welcomed.”

  “Well, I’m not bringing him, and I didn’t ask him to go. But it’s a public space. I can’t exactly prevent him from coming. If he’s there, it’s on his own accord,” Joe said.

  “Yeah, that’s true,” Mike agreed.

  “If he’s there and acts up, I’ll take care of him,” Joe assured him.

  “What’s his deal with gay people anyway? If you don’t like gay guys, that’s fine. But he doesn’t have to go out of his way to make it such an issue,” Mike said looking off in the distance.

  “Well, it’s because he’s prick, and he’s not secure in his own sexuality,” Joe explained.

  Mike gave him a confused look. “The first part I totally agree. I’m not sure what you mean by the last part.”

  “Well, Mike,” Joe looked down at the floor and then back up at Mike. “You remember me telling you about my gay experience?” Mike nodded—of course, Mike remembered. How could he forget? “David was the guy I hooked up with.”

  Mike sat stunned with his eyes wide and mouth gaping. “What???”

  “Yeah,” Joe confessed. “It was David.”

  “The guy who’s been tormenting the gay guys is gay himself?” Mike exclaimed.

  “Typical, right?” Joe said snarkily.

  “I can’t believe it,” Mike was still stunned.

  “Yeah, I know. I can’t believe I hooked up with such an asshole,” Joe said guiltily. “Believe me, I wish it wasn’t him. I thought maybe I didn’t like the experience because it was David. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it with another guy either.”

  Mike started to come back to reality. “I can understand that.”

  “You cannot say a word to anyone though. If David is gay, he’s got to come out on his own. I don’t want to do it for him,” Joe pleaded.

  “My lips are sealed if you keep it to yourself about me and Rocco on the camping trip,” Mike said. The two shook on their secrecy pact. “Rocco is going to pick me up in an hour, so I need to eat and get ready.”

  “What time do they start?” Joe asked getting out of his chair.

  “They start at 9,” Mike replied. Joe gave him a thumbs-up and left the room. Mike sat on his bed thinking about their conversation. Joe Barber had a gay experience with David Wick the Dick—the bane of every gay guy’s existence at Miners Creek High School.

  Mike was waiting outside when Rocco pulled up. Mike had on a pair of jeans, a white t-shirt, and a flannel shirt—this time he was wearing the shirt unbuttoned. He had on Rocco’s hat which he was wearing backwards as he almost always did these days.

  “Ready to report for duty,” Mike said getting into the car. He looked over at Rocco. He noticed Rocco was wearing Mike’s old junior high baseball hat. “You’re wearing my hat!” Mike exclaimed.

  “It’s my good luck charm,” Rocco said batting his eyelashes at Mike. He leaned in to kiss Mike.

  “I’m not your good luck charm?” Mike said after they kissed.

  “Well, yes, but I need something on the stage with me,” Rocco responded.

  “Okay, I’ll give that one to you,” Mike said.

  “Hey, if I tell you something, would you swear not to say anything?” Rocco asked eager to tell Mike a bit of information.

  “Wow, this is the night of secret swearing,” Mike mumbled. Rocco heard what Mike said and raised his eyebrow in confusion. “Never mind. Yes, of course, I swear.”

  “Okay, you’ll probably won’t have to keep it secret for that long in any case,” Rocco said and then continued. “Raz told me he is gay.”

  Mike dropped his jaw. “Really???”

  “Yeah,” Rocco replied. “He said he was inspired to come out because of us.”

  “I’ll be damned!” Mike exclaimed.

  “I know! I couldn’t believe it either. I had absolutely no idea,” Rocco said.

  “Me either, but I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t know that much about Raz. He’s usually so silent,” Mike said.

  “He is, but, looking back, I guess it makes sense. I mean, I don’t think I’ve even known him to have a girlfriend,” Rocco said.

  “And we are an inspiration to him?” Mike asked.

  “I know!” Rocco replied. “I think he’s going to come out to the guys tonight, but I didn’t want you to be shocked.”

  “Well, thanks for telling me. It’s kind of an honor to be the one who gave him the courage to come to this decision,” Mike said.

  “It really is. He thinks Jared is cute,” Rocco said.

  “Ah, Jared. Yeah, I guess he is cute in a way. You gotta stop him there. Jared’s all cool with us, but he said he’s straight,” Mike stated.

  “Well, so did you,” Rocco said.

  “Excuse me. I said I’m not 100% straight and not 100% gay. I like the person!” Mike corrected.

  “You could have fooled me!” Rocco laughed.

  “Just fucking drive to the park!” Mike said returning the laugh.

  Mike and Rocco arrived at the skate park two hours before the show was scheduled to start. There were a few younger kids skating in the bowls as well as the parents of those kids watching. The gate had a banner hanging over the gate that read “Skate Park Concert Tonight $5 entry”. There was no mention of Fred. Rocco knew another band was opening the show but had not heard anything about them. He also knew that Fred was the main event. He could hear some music playing from the direction of the stage which sounded like a mixed tape of some sort. He saw that Pete, Austin, and Raz were already there as he had spotted their vehicles in the lot.

  “Let’s go see what needs to be done,” Rocco said to Mike as they walked up to the gate.

  “You here for the show or to skate?” the vendor at the gate asked. It wasn’t O’Malley.

  “Um, we’re part of the band,” Rocco said to the guy at the counter.

  “Are you with the Rejects or Fred?” the guy asked. The Rejects? That was an interesting name.

  “I’m with Fred,” Rocco answered.

  “Okay, go on in. You know where the stage is?” the guy asked. It was obvious as the park was not huge enough that one could not see the stage from the gate.

  “Yes,” Rocco replied not wanting to be sarcastic.

  “Who are the Rejects?” Mike asked.

  “It’s a couple of guys at the park,” the guy answered. “I’ve heard a lot about you. The rest of the band is back behind the stage.”

  “Thanks!” Rocco said and entered the park with Mike.

  The two walked over to the stage. The youngsters and the parents watched the two make their way over to the stage. A couple of the kids waved. “Why is everyone watching us?”

  “I don’t know, but it’s like you are a rock star,” Mike said trying to ease Rocco’s tension. Jared and Rusty were off to the side talking to a parent. Jared was lining up a lesson.

  “Mike! Rocco!!” Rusty yelled and waved at the pair. Mike and Rocco approached Rusty and Jared. The parent gave Jared a card and some cash and wondered off.

  “Just booking some business,” Jared said showing them a twenty-dollar bill.

  “Excellent!” Mike exclaimed and lightly punched Jared on the shoulder.

  “Hey guys, what’s up tonight?” Rocco asked.

  “Just here to see you guys,” Rusty said.

  “Hey, what do you know about this band, the Rejects?” Mike asked.

  “Not much. There just a couple of guys in 8th grade who know a few songs,” Rusty said shrugging.

  “Did we go to junior high with them?” Mike said.

  “Nah, I think they went to the other junior high,” Rusty said.

  “Ah, okay. Are they any good?” Mike asked.

  “No idea. I’ve never heard of them until tonight,” Rocco said.

  “Well, I’m sure they are no Fred,” Mike said looking lovingly at Rocco. Rocco gave him a Frenchman’s wave as if to dismiss his compliment.

  They spotted the rest of the band standing around. Pete was pacing back and forth while Austin and Raz stood by the stage watching Pete pace.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “Hey guys,” Rocco said.

  “Rocco!” Raz lit up. “Welcome to the show.”

  “What’s up with this Reject band?” Rocco asked.

  “They are our first opening act. Can you believe that?” Pete said.

  “No, not really,” Rocco said. “It’s like people know who we are.”

  “Because they do!” Pete said.

  “So, what’s the plan for the show? Like when do we set up the equipment and all?” Austin asked.

  “From what O’Malley told me, the Rejects will get on stage at 7 but we can go ahead and set up since they don’t use a lot of the stage,” Pete replied.

  “Sounds decent,” Austin said.

  “Did you invite Wendy?” Rocco asked Austin.

  “Yeah, she’s already here. She’s over there,” Austin pointed over to Wendy who was with two other girls.

  “Nice,” Rocco replied.

  “Raz, you okay?” Pete said. “You look white as a ghost.”

  Rocco looked over at Raz. He could tell he was nervous. Raz looked at Rocco. Rocco gave him a smile and a nod. He pointed at Jared and Rusty and then made an okay sign to indicate they were cool with what Rocco assumed was going to Raz’s coming out. Rocco grabbed Mike’s hand to make it obvious to Raz that, if he was going to come out, they were there for him.

  “Yeah, I’m good,” Raz said.

  “You’re not getting stage fright, are you?” Pete asked.

  “No, not that. I need to tell you all something,” Raz said.

  ‘Here goes’ Rocco thought. All the guys stopped and looked at Raz. Raz let out a long forceful sight.

  “Guys, I’m gay,” Raz said and looked at Rocco.

  Pete let out a laugh but stopped himself immediately after seeing no one else thought this was a joke.

  “Wait, really?” Pete said.

  “Yes, really,” Raz said.

  “Raz! I had no idea,” Austin said.

  “I don’t know what to say,” Pete said.

  Rocco picked up on the shock from the other guys. “I know what to say. That’s fantastic, Raz. Thank you for telling us.” He went over to Raz and gave him a long hug. “I’m proud of you.”

  Mike also went over to Raz and gave him a hug. “Congratulations!”

  “Of course, that’s fantastic. Of course it is!” Austin went over to hug Raz.

  Pete shook out of his stupor. “Yeah! Fuck yeah that’s great,” he exclaimed. “I’m just shocked because, well,” Pete stopped for a moment trying to think of something to say. “I think we are all shocked because we never asked you about your love life. We never would have picked up on it.”

  “Yeah, I’m sorry for not asking you what’s been going on,” Austin said.

  “You don’t have to say that. I haven’t been the most forthcoming,” Raz said.

  “What brought this on?” Austin asked.

  “Seeing how you guys reacted to Rocco and how you welcomed Mike led me to think seriously about things,” Raz said smiling over at Mike and Rocco.

  “Well, now we really are Queer as Fuck,” Pete said poking out his chest. He was wearing a white t-shirt. He had written ‘Queer as Fuck’ on it in a Sharpie.

  “Holy shit, Pete, that’s kickass,” Rocco said.

  “Do you guys have the stickers for your guitar?” Pete asked.

  “Fuck yeah,” Rocco said.

  “Ditto,” Raz said.

  “Hey, the crowd is starting to pick up a little. We should start bringing our stuff to the stage,” Austin said.

  “O’Malley!” Pete yelled over the mixed tape. O’Malley poked his head out from the back of the stage.

  “Yeah?” O’Malley grunted.

  “Can we set up?” Pete asked.

  O’Malley jumped off the stage to where the guys were standing. “Yep, the stage is ready.”

  “You guys want some extra help?” Jared asked.

  “Are you going after my job?” Mike joked. Jared held up his hands in surrender. Mike mussed his hair. “Come on, then. Help me out.”

  They trekked over to their cars to unload the equipment. Even though Mike was there, all the guys helped in unloading equipment and walking it up to the stage. While Mike and Austin set up the drums, Rocco and Raz took out their guitars and placed them on the stands O’Malley had provided. On both guitars, there was the ‘Queer as Fuck’ sticker Pete had made. Rocco stopped and admired Austin’s bass drum with Mike’s Fred logo. Rocco, Pete, and Raz looked over the growing number of people. It was going to be a great show. The maximum capacity was 200 and the park was already about a third of the way there.

  Rocco spotted Toya and Moni in the crowd. Toya waived in an overly animated way and hollered. He waived the two up to the stage. They approached the stage which was about 4 foot high. Rocco pointed to a small set of stairs off to the side. Toya and Moni ascended the stairs and ran towards Rocco. Rocco gave each of them a big hug.

  “It’s great to see you two here!” Rocco exclaimed.

  “ROCKY!” Toya exclaimed. “I can’t wait to see your show again.” Moni nodded her head. “And there’s Mikey!” When he heard his name, Mike looked around. He waved at Toya and Moni. He held up a finger to indicate that he would be there in a minute.

  “Look at how Little Mikey works,” Moni said laughing.

  “He’s a great roadie,” Rocco replied.

  They watched Mike tighten up some pieces of the drum set. Austin gave him the okay that he was finished with his work. Mike ran over to Rocco, Moni, and Toya.

  “Hello beautiful ladies!” Mike said with a huge smile on his face.

  “How are you?” Moni asked.

  “Fucking awesome! It’s going to be a great show!” Mike replied excitedly.

  “Hey Rocco, a moment?” Mike said calling Rocco over to the side.

  “What’s up?” Rocco said joining Mike off to the side.

  In a quiet tone, Mike said, “I think I want to tell Moni and Toya about us.”

  “I think they already know,” Rocco said.

  “I know, but I want to actually say it,” Mike said. Rocco nodded and they went back to Toya and Moni.

  “Hey, I want to tell you something,” Mike started. Toya and Moni stood attentively. “Rocco and I are boyfriends.”

  They burst out laughing. Mike gave them a look of confusion. “Mikey, Little Mikey, yes we already knew that,” Moni said.

  “So, it’s not a surprise?” Mike asked.

  “Not at all,” Moni replied.

  “When did you know?” Mike asked.

  “Aside from it being so obvious, we pieced it together at Tiffany’s party,” Toya said flatly. “What kind of idiots do you think we are?”

  “Wow, I thought I was hiding it well,” Mike said.

  “Not even!” Toya said rolling her eyes.

  They all chatted for a few minutes before O’Malley came up to them.

  “We are about to have the Rejects start up in about 10 minutes,” O’Malley informed them.

  “Okay, we should clear the stage and let them get set up,” Rocco said and led Toya, Moni, and Mike to join Jared and Rusty off the stage. Austin, Pete, and Raz followed them. The nine of them remained in the front and off to the side of the stage.

  Rocco spotted Meigs in the audience which took him by surprise. He was sure that Meigs was not the skate park type.

  “Hey, hang on. I see a friend I want to bring over,” Rocco said and weaved his way over to Meigs. As Rocco approached him, Meigs caught sight of Rocco and smiled.

  “Hey Meigs! It’s great to see you here!” Rocco beamed. “I didn’t take you as the skate park type.”

  “Well, I’m not but everyone’s been talking about this show. I had to see you guys play,” Meigs said.

  “Is it okay to give you a hug?” Rocco asked.

  “Well, sure?” Meigs said with a level of uncertainty. Rocco gave Meigs a huge hug.

  “I’m so happy to see you!” Rocco said genuinely.

  “Well, Rocco! I had no idea you cared so much about me!” Meigs laughed.

  “I do,” Rocco said looking up at Meigs who was at least 6 inches taller. “I care about how other guys like us are doing.” Meigs smiled knowing what Rocco was saying. “Hey, come over and meet the guys in the band.”

  “Is it alright?” Meigs asked.

  “Of course it is. I’m totally out to them,” Rocco assured Meigs putting to rest any further speculation. Rocco took Meigs’s hand and led him over to the band.

  They all looked over at Rocco and Meigs. “Everyone, this is my friend Meigs. Meigs, this is everyone.”

  “Oh, yeah, I know you. I’m Pete, the lead singer,” Pete said shaking Meigs’s hand.

  “I’m Austin,” Austin said extending his hand.

  “I’m Toya and this is Moni,” Toya said. Moni gave him a ‘what’s up’ gesture.

  “I’m Jared and this is Rusty,” Jared said. Rusty gave a Meigs a wave.

  “I’m Mike,” Mike said.

  “Oh, I remember you from the restaurant,” Meigs said.

  “I’m also Rocco’s boyfriend,” Mike added.

  Meigs raised his eyebrows. “Oh, really? I knew you two must have been on a date that night,” Meigs laughed. “But aren’t you Joe Barber’s brother?”

  “I am,” Mike said.

  “Interesting,” Meigs said with a tone of skepticism.

  “Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. He’s been surprisingly supportive of me and Rocco,” Mike said.

  “Wow! People surprise you,” Meigs said.

  “And I’m Raz,” Raz said extending his hand.

  “I’m pleased to meet you all,” Meigs said. “Pete, tell me about your shirt,” Meigs eyed his ‘Queer as Fuck’ shirt.

  “Well, a guy at one of our shows was drunk and called us queer because of Rocco. So, I said, yeah, we are queer. We are queer as fuck. I sorta made it our thing,” Pete explained proudly.

  “How metal of you,” Meigs said with a humorous tone in his voice.

  “Mmm, more like how punk of you,” Pete corrected him. “We aren’t a metal band.”

  “My apologies,” Meigs said.

  “I’m sure we are going to hang out after the show. Why don’t you stick around with us?” Pete said feeling instantly at ease around Meigs.

  “Well, sure. I’d love to,” Meigs said.

  “Ah fuck!” Mike exclaimed.

  “What is it?” Rocco asked.

  “Our heckler is here,” Mike said pointing to David Wick. David had come to the show. He was standing in the back alone.

  “It’s alright. It’s a public space. Anyone’s free to come to the show. And O’Malley knows how to handle rowdy spectators,” Pete said.

  “Still, no one wants him here,” Mike said.

  “Isn’t he a friend of your brother’s? My guess is Joe is coming?” Rocco asked.

  “Yeah, but they are not friends anymore. Joe said he intentionally avoided telling David about coming,” Mike said.

  “Mike, it’s alright. I’m sure he did. He probably found out about it from someone else and he had nothing else to do,” Pete said.

  “Meigs, are you okay?” Rocco asked Meigs quietly.

  “I’m okay. David’s not going to do anything to me in a crowd,” Meigs reassured Rocco. “Honestly, I’m more than okay. I’m among my kind of people,” Rocco nodded and smiled.

  O’Malley walked on the stage and introduced the opening act—the Rejects. The rumors were true. The Rejects were two junior high school guys. One guy played guitar, and one guy sang. The act was entertaining but was rough all over. The crowd did not have any ill will towards the young, amateur act. The audience just appreciated a live act. Halfway through the show, Rocco motioned for the guys in the band for a word.

  “Hey, do you guys know ‘Here Comes Your Man’ by the Pixies?” Rocco asked.

  “Of course,” Pete said as if it was offensive to assume they did not. Raz and Austin nodded.

  “Do you think we could play that so I can dedicate it to Mike?” Rocco asked.

  “AWWWW!” Pete exclaimed half-jokingly. “Of course we can!” He pinched Rocco’s cheek. “Just motion to me when you want to make the intro.” Rocco nodded. Pete smooshed Rocco’s cheeks together. They rejoined the others.

  “What was that about?” Mike asked Rocco.

  “Just a little request to change the playlist,” Rocco said. Mike accepted that explanation at face value.

  The Rejects finished up their lineup. The audience did not ask for any encores but avidly cheered the band for their efforts.

  O’Malley walked up to the microphone. “That was the Rejects. And now, make some noise for Fred!”

  The packed park roared in applause and shouting. This was a welcome that none of the guys anticipated.

  Rocco put on Mike’s old ball cap. Mike leaned up to whisper in Rocco’s ear.

  “I love you, Rocco,” Mike whispered and kissed his ear.

  The members of the band made their way up the stage waving at the crowd as they cheered. They took their places. Rocco and Raz plugged in their guitars.

  “Thank you for the welcome! We’re Fred and we are here to rock!” Pete shouted.

  Rocco looked down at Mike who was dreamily staring up at Rocco. Meigs, Toya, and Moni were standing behind him.

  “You guys ready?” Pete said. All the guys in the band nodded. “Are YOU guys ready?” Pete said to the audience. The audience shouted in applause. “2…3…4….”

  Rocco was taken to his magic place when he played the music he loved. The crowd darkened except for Mike. He saw the music in front of him, just as he had experienced that night Fred played Tiffany’s party. It was as if time was infinitely nonexistent.

  After their second song, Pete started speaking to the crowd.

  “You guys want to hear some Skynyrd?” Pete shouted to the audience. “That’s not our kind of music but we played this one show when a douchebag who is actually in the audience tonight started yelling for us to play Skynyrd.” The audience started booing. David was visibly uncomfortable in the back of the crowd. “This guy goes on to call us queer. So, I tell him yeah, we are queer. WE ARE QUEER AS FUCK!” Pete pointed to his shirt. The audience shouted in excitement. “SO, HERE’S YOUR FUCKING SKYNYRD” Pete shouted. The band ripped into their punk version of ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ which sent the audience into a frenzy. A little mosh pit formed in the front. Mike, Meigs, Toya, and Moni moved over to the far side of the audience. Jared and Rusty joined the mosh pit.

  Once the song was over, Rocco motioned for Pete to give him the floor. Rocco cleared his throat.

  “I hardly ever say anything, but I have a dedication. I’d like to dedicate this next song to my boyfriend,” Rocco said to the crowd who started cheering at the word ‘boyfriend’. “2…3…4….”

  The band started to play ‘Here Comes Your Man’ which Mike instantly recognized from his birthday mixed tape. Mike grew weak in the knees. He now knew why girls at Beatles shows screamed, cried, and passed out. His boyfriend was singing to him in front of a hundred high school kids. It was all Mike could do to hold back the tears of happiness. The entire time he played, Rocco made sure Mike knew who the song was for. He turned himself towards Mike so that he could see the man he fell in love with standing in the audience. A few times during the chorus, Pete sang to Mike pointing at Rocco at the lyric ‘Here Comes Your Man’. At the end of the song, Rocco mouthed ‘I love you’ and tipped up his ball cap. Meigs, Toya, and Moni all jumped up and down in excitement for Mike. Jared and Rusty emerged from the pit with no visible wounds.

  “You are one lucky bastard,” Meigs said to Mike who just laughed and wiped his tears aways. Meigs gave him a huge smile and put his hand around Mike.

  “I’m sick of these fucking faggots!” a voice shouted from the audience. It was David Wick. He had a scowl on his beet red face. The last two songs made him livid. Rocco and Pete looked up and made eye contact with David.

  “You have something to say?” Pete said into the mic. “Come up here on stage and say it to my face, David Wick.”

  David clenched his hands into fists and started to march towards the stage. He only made it a few feet from the back when a thick mob of punk teens gathered and encircled David.

  “Fuck you, meathead!” one of the teens said.

  “We don’t want you here, football boy,” another shouted.

  “Leave me alone!” David yelled and tried to break past the punk barricade.

  Someone punched David in the eye. “That’s what you get for calling one of us a faggot.” David fell back on his butt onto the trampled down grass.

  “Get up, jock,” one of the teens said.

  David tried to get up on his feet but was meet with a Doc Martin boot to the stomach. It knocked the breath out of him and made him throw up. The group of teens started to laugh and taunt David.

  “You’re not so tough after all, are you?” one teen said. “Pig!”

  “Hey, break it up!” O’Malley shouted tearing the group apart. “Get outta here!”

  The group dispersed. O’Malley leaned down to David. “You alright, kid?” O’Malley said to David as he checked him for any bleeding.

  “Yeah, I’m alright,” David said getting up with O’Malley’s assistance.

  “Good, now get the fuck outta my park,” O’Malley said leading David to the front gate. “I ain’t having none of your hate here.”

  “What do you mean?” David said trying to act innocent.

  “You think I didn’t hear you? The next time I see you here, I’ll kick your ass myself.” O’Malley said letting go of David a few feet from the front gate. O’Malley pointed toward the gate. “Get your ugly ass outta here.”

  David gave O’Malley the bird and huffed out of the gate. O’Malley walked back to the stage. He shouted, “Alright, anyone else have something to say?” The crowd was silent. “Continue on, fellas.”

  As O’Malley walked to the back of the stage, Fred started back up with their lineup. The more the show went on, the more the crowd loved it. The crowd had reached a fevered frenzy when the show ended. Fred ended up playing two encore songs. The last one morphed into a random jam session. At that point, Pete thought it was a good segway to end the show.

  “That’s Rocco,” Pete pointed to Rocco as he played a solo.

  “And this is Raz,” Pete looked over at Raz who played his solo.

  “Behind us is Austin,” Austin started a drum solo.

  “And I’m Pete. We’re Fred. Good night!” Pete said as the stage lights went out. The crowd went crazy wanting more, but the show was over at that point. The band members walked backstage to let the audience thin out a little before making their way down.

  “Can you believe that asshole, David? The nerve,” Pete said.

  “Well, he got his ass beat,” Austin said laughing.

  “An opening act and a fight,” Rocco laughed a little proud of the accomplishment.

  “Hey, Rocco, can I ask you something?” Raz asked as Pete and Austin made jokes with each other.

  “Of course,” Rocco said.

  “How much do you know about Meigs?” Raz asked.

  Rocco looked around. “Not much, really. I know he got beat up all the time by David.”

  “So, he’s into guys?” Raz asked a little nervous.

  Rocco laughed at Raz’s question. “Mmm, I really don’t know,” Rocco said in an overly sarcastic tone. “He’s like the proto-gay.”

  “What?” Raz asked.

  “Never mind,” Rocco shook his head. “Are you interested?”

  “Maybe,” Raz said unsure of himself.

  “Do I need to set you two up?” Rocco asked looking at Raz. “All you have to do is talk to him a little bit. He’s a cool guy. He’s not going to bite your head off.” Raz nodded to acknowledge Rocco’s advice.

  “I think the crowd has died down,” Pete said looking out at the audience after a few minutes of being backstage. O’Malley walked up to them.

  “You guys were fantastic. What a great show! Next time I’m going to have to charge more,” O’Malley said.

  “So, there’s a next time?” Pete asked.

  “Are you fucking kidding me? You tell me when you want to play and we’ll do it,” O’Malley said.

  “You know,” Pete started to think, “You could let us practice here during the week and you could start upping your price a little.”

  “You guys would want to practice here?” O’Malley asked.

  “It’s a great space, you’ve got awesome equipment. It could draw a few more people in,” Rocco thought.

  “Deal! We’ve been wanting to branch out a little more,” O’Malley said and extended his hand to shake on the deal.

  “My parents will be happy to have the garage back as well as some quiet,” Pete added. “Let’s go catch up with the other guys.”

  They left the backstage area to find the group. Toya, Moni, Mike, Jared, and Rusty were all standing by the stairs on the side of the stage.

  When he saw Rocco, Mike ran to him and gave him a hug and kiss.

  “Thank you for that song,” Mike said.

  “Thank you for being here,” Rocco said.

  “You guys rocked!!!” Jared said and gave Pete a high five.

  “Guess what?” Rocco said to Mike.

  “What?” Mike asked.

  “O’Malley’s going to let us practice here during the week so maybe I’ll get to see you learning how to skate?” Rocco asked.

  “Really?” Mike said his eyes lighting up. “I’d love that!”

  “You want to show me some of your board skills?” Rocco asked pointing at one of the bowls.

  “Oh, I can’t do that yet. I can just go back and forth on a flat surface right now,” Mike said embarrassed at his novice skills.

  “Come on. I can show you a few tricks,” Rocco said with a sly smirk on his face.

  “I bet you can,” Mike returned the smirk. “Yeah, okay.”

  “Hey, we’re going to break off and skate a little,” Rocco said to the group.

  They went to Rocco’s car to get his board. Rocco first had to get a few kisses from Mike which he very willingly accepted. Rocco and Mike came back into the park and found a level piece of concrete.

  “Here, you can use my board,” Rocco said laying his board down for Mike to jump on. Mike smiled and began showing off for Rocco. It felt natural for Mike to use Rocco’s board. It was as if he were getting access to even more of Rocco. Rocco stood by and watched Mike go back forth on his board enjoying the look of glee on Mike’s face. Rocco could still see the group and noticed Raz and Meigs were deep in a conversation. Pete and Austin were looking towards the stage and pointing occasionally, most likely about band stuff. Jared, Rusty, Toya, and Moni were playing hacky-sack.

  After 20 minutes, Mike was ready to put the board away. He was also ready to be somewhere alone with Rocco.

  “You think you are up for some boyfriend stuff?” Mike asked Rocco.

  “Definitely. Would you want to go to my place for a little while? I’m not sneaking you in if we go in through the front door and my mom’s asleep which I’m sure she is now. She wouldn’t want me to wake her up for sure,” Rocco said.

  “That makes me a little nervous,” Mike said.

  “It’s not a big deal. Of course, we won’t if you are too nervous about it. I could take a chance and lock the door,” Rocco said holding Mike’s hand.

  “I’ll risk it. I think my parents are still up so you will encounter them,” Mike said.

  “My place it is,” Rocco said. “Let’s go say our goodbyes.” They walked over to the group, chatted for a few minutes, then headed back out to Rocco’s car.

  When they arrived at Rocco’s apartment, he saw the lights were off which meant that his mom had gone to bed. He led Mike to the front door and unlocked it. Rocco cracked the door open to peer inside. Mike stood behind him. Rocco saw the TV was off and the room was dark. Rocco opened the door waving Mike in.

  “See, I tried to introduce you, but she was asleep,” Rocco whispered and led Mike into his room. He locked the door and grabbed Mike. He pulled him in close and started kissing him ravenously.

  Afterwards, they laid in each other’s arms for a few minutes. Once they came to their senses, Mike sat up.

  “Are you going to sneak me out?” Mike asked.

  Rocco looked at the clock. It was just 11:30.

  “No,” Rocco said. “You get walk out the front door, proud.”

  They walked out of Rocco’s room and through the living room. Quietly, they opened the front door and walked out. Rocco slid the door closed and locked it. The entire ride to Mike’s house, Mike had his hand on Rocco’s thigh and his head on Rocco’s shoulder. Mike had such a fulfilling evening. He wished it didn’t have to end.

  Rocco pulled into Mike’s driveway and turned the car off. Mike leaned up to give Rocco a kiss.

  “I love you, Wayne,” Mike said.

  “I love you, Garth,” Rocco returned.

  Mike got out of the car and stood on the front stoop watching Rocco go down the driveway. This time, they were not interrupted by the porch light.