Dance With Me
By: Steven & Stephanie 09/21/07

“Cody is a nominee for the Homecoming court!” This was the first thing Steven said to Brittany as they met in front of the buses.

Cody was Steven’s obsession, fantasy, and one true love. Brittany had the grace to smile at her “brother’s” look of triumph. “You know, you would actually have a reason to be proud if you’d be brave enough to tell him how you feel.”

His smile faltered. “You, of all people, know I want to, but there’s no way a football player like him is gay. Even if he was, he could easily have any guy he wanted, so why would he pick me?” I allowed my smile to creep back with lust filled slowness. “But damn, would that be great if he did…”

–

A few days later, the news went through the school about who had won the place of junior prince. Not too many people were shocked, considering he was a great person and looked great too, even in sweats.

When Steven heard who won, he had mixed feelings. Joy at people recognizing his love as the winner, and sadness because now Cody would obviously have a girl ask him to Homecoming. He’d planned to confess his feelings the next day, having worked up the courage all weekend with fantasies where he and Cody shared years of love and passion. “I guess that’s just another set of hopes and dreams, now discarded, shattered pieces,” you could have heard him say, but nobody cared enough to listen. At least, he thought that no one did.

During second lunch, Cody followed Steven at a discreet distance as he went outside. He caught up with the downtrodden junior at the second set of benches in the courtyard.

“Did you hear? I made Homecoming court!” exclaimed Cody happily.

Steven tried to muster up a smile for his dream’s accomplishment, but it didn’t seem to work well since Cody’s only response to Steven’s “I’m happy for you” was a frown.

“Come on,” said Cody as he sat down next to Steven, “What’s wrong?”

Steven’s laugh earned him a curious glance. “Are you sure you want to be seen talking to me? People might want a recount.”

The flat look that was sent his way caused Steven to reconsider tossing out his dreams. “If they don’t think I should be junior prince just because I’m talking to a troubled friend, I’ll gladly give up the title.”

The warmth his words stirred into Steven’s eyes caused Cody’s heart to give him a painful jolt. Be cool, he thought, I came out here for a reason and it wasn’t to just stare.

“So,” he said after he got his pounding heart under control, “do you have a date to homecoming?”

Steven was slightly shocked at the question, but put it off as simple curiosity. “No, and that’s indirectly the reason I have this depressed expression.” But you could change all that he was tempted to add, but decided not to push his luck.

“Then how about you and I go together?” At the startled expression on his face, Cody backpedaled quickly. “You know, like a group. Since both of us don’t have dates, it makes more sense, right?”

He thought about it, and inclined his head at Cody. “Won’t it look a little strange? Two guys, me being one of them, going to dinner then Homecoming together, with no dates?”

Cody shrugged, “I’m OK with it,