Between the Lines

Part 5

Luke's POV

For the next few hours there was a mostly one-sided game of 20 questions being played. Michael answered all his questions as he moved around the room.

-favorite color? Green
-favorite food? Pizza

"Not that knock off thin crust shit," he said "I like the real thing."

-favorite animal? Cat
-birthday? November 20th, '95

"So are you younger than me or older?" Michael asks as he inspects my CD rack.

"Younger. My birthday is July 16th, '96."

This went on for hours.

"I've been telling you really basic facts about me. Nothing substantial, ya know? So now I'm gonna get into some deep shit. Sound good?"

I nod.

He sits with his legs criss-crossed in front of me, dark jeans slightly straining against his thighs. He looks serious for once as he starts to speak.

"Um, I'm kinda pan." He says, eyes hidden.

"What?" I ask, thoroughly confused.

Is this kid turned on by cookware???

"You know," he urges.

"No. I really really don't."

"Like, I'm attracted to all genders/sexes/whatever." He says while fidgeting with the ends of his platinum hair.

"Oh. My best friend Ashton's gay. He was the only openly gay guy in my hometown." I add.

"Wow that must've been difficult." Michael says, pain obvious in his eyes.

"Actually not really, everyone was really cool about it. And he got a lot more boyfriends than you might think." I smile to myself, memories of walking in on some of Ash's makeout sessions popping back into my mind.

"That's pretty rad. So are you?" He questions with the beginning of a smirk crawling onto his face.

"Am I what? Oh. If I like guys? No. I mean, I dunno. I've haven't really kissed anyone yet." I say, mentally facepalming.

Why luke? Why would you tell him that?!

"Seriously!?!? Oh my god Lip Ring's a lipgin!? Fuck, sorry. But I mean, what?? You're actually hot and really smart!" Michael exclaims between fits of loud laughter.

Wait what? Hot?

"Shut up, Clifford." I grumble.

"Mate, do you wanna get a pizza or something? I'm freaking starving!" He interjects while taking out his phone and dialing a number.

Dammit. Really? Pizza? Fuck. Don't Luke.

When the pizza arrives Michael pays and puts the box between us on the bed. I had started playing some music on my acoustic a while ago. Mindless strumming.

Michael dives right in, moaning dramatically as he shoves the greasy, cheesy...hot...delicious looking...

Stop it!

He scoots the pizza box towards me with his foot. I stare at it. Letting the amazing smell fill me up.

Just one slice...

I snap out of it and continue strumming. Michael humming along, recognizing the song.

"Shhk jus jurieh rrr yuh wrrtng" Michael sings with his mouth full.

"You just completely butchered Check Yes Juliet." I say gaining a bit of confidence.

He laughs and pushes the box towards me again, coaxing me.

"Lip Ring, it's for the both of us. Eat." He states.

"Oh no. Thanks. Umm, I'm not that hungry actually. I had a really big lunch." I lie.

He looks me over, eyes piercing through my bluff. Inspecting me for hints of lies.

"You sure?" Concern tinting his voice.

I nod and get up off the bed to get away from those eyes.

Those eyes...

After Michael finishes the entire box, we make plans to meet up tomorrow after class and walk to his place. He waves goodbye, taking the empty box with him.

"Recycling." he explains.

Maybe I'll let him in. He seems to care... But then again, why would he.