Title: Go Jackals!
By: 10th-letter
Summary: A Nick/Greg AU set in college. Vaguely inspired by the song "Hey Mickey" and my un healthy love for writing Nick/Greg roleplaying and/or AU.
Warnings: Naughty PG-13 - R language ahead!
Spoilers: None, Riley's in it, so maybe a spoiler for Season 9?

It was the end of the third quarter and star player, Nick Stokes was nearing the end zone. It would only take one pass. One pass would win the game and get them one step closer to the state championships. Then Nick saw him. Greg Sanders. The cheerleader. He was in Nick’s Chem class, so they weren’t complete strangers. Nick had fond memories of innocently sitting behind him and hoping he had forgotten to wear a belt as he’d bend down to pick up a dropped pen.

But cheerleading? Nick thought, That was just so, so gay.

Greg was talking to one of the female cheerleaders, Lynn Chambers. They were having a good time. Then Greg caught Nick’s eye and smiled. Nick felt, empowered. Like he could accomplish anything. Greg mouthed Go Nick! and the football player felt like his body had been charged.

“Stokes!” shouted Nick’s teammate, Derek. “Get your head in the game!” Nick caught the ball and the cheerleader’s smile in mind, scored the winning touchdown.

The crowd erupted in applause. Nick dared a look over to the sidelines and the cheerleaders were jumping for joy. Greg’s tight jersey had ridden up, revealing a surprisingly flat stomach and a thin line of hair leading down below the gold track pants the male cheerleaders wore. Nick felt he almost had the nerve to go over to him.

Almost.

~~

“And he won, Riley! He won!” shouted Greg.

Riley rolled her eyes, absentmindedly poking her mashed potatoes with a dented spork. “I know, Greg. The story hasn’t changed since you told me last period.”

“I swear, we locked eyes at one point. He looked at me! Nick Stokes! Star of the football team looked at me! Geeky Chem Club Captain Greg Sanders!” stammered Greg, happily grabbing a tater tot from his lunch tray.

“Speaking of clubs,” started Riley, clearly eager to change subjects, “Are you going to help with WLVU’s Pride Week?”

“Of course,” smiled Greg, still high on adrenaline from the football game. Hear cleared his throat and tried to make it sound regal, “My constituents elected me Vice-President for a reason and I plan to fulfill that promise!”

Riley smiled and rolled her eyes. “And it’s a wonder people think you’re gay.”

Greg scoffed, “Only partially gay. Not like macho man Nick Stokes has a queer bone in his body. Though I wouldn’t mind giving him mine.”

Riley feigned shock and tossed a biscuit at Greg’s head.

~~

Nick slammed his gym locker shut and rested his head against the cool metal, relishing the temperature change. His mind was a storm of feelings and emotions.

I thought I had this sorted out before I left Dallas, he thought, I’m not gay. Look at the women I’ve been with. Look at Kristy. Look at Maggie. Look at half the cheerleaders. But not the half you actually want came an angry little voice in his head.

Why can’t you just admit your feelings? You like boys. Ass! Cock! Pecs! Abs! Cum! You’re lucky your father let you get a subscription to Sports Illustrated so you’d have something to jack off to and laugh off later as “research”. You’re a homo, Stokes! A fag! A fudge-packer! A pillow-biting nancy-boy who would take it up the ass from anyone who’d be willing to stick their junk in you!

Nick shook his head, as if trying to give his inner demons motion sickness. No! I may have some issues I need to work out, but I can do it on my own! He peeled his head off his locker and left the gym. Outside, the cool evening breeze felt cleansing against his jumbled nerves. I can do this. There’s nothing wrong with me as he passed the campus notice board, a bright pink sheet of paper caught his eye.

“COME TO WLVU’S FIRST ANNUAL PRIDE WEEK!!!!!
SEE THE SIGHTS! SEE THE SHOWS! HEAR THE GUEST SPEAKERS! SING ON STAGE DURING KARAOKE NIGHT! HAVE FUN ON THE MIDWAY! SHARE YOUR COMING OUT STORIES!”



On the very bottom in smaller font it read:

(WE’RE HERE, WE’RE QUEER, WE LIVE IN VEGAS, ARE YOU REALLY SURPRISED?)



There was another sheet next to the first one with information on locations, times and dates. After a quick look around to make sure no one was looking, Nick tore the flyer from the board and stuffed it in his pocket, hurrying off to avoid suspicion.

Nick lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling. He had returned to his dorm room right after the game, desperate for the solitude having a rarely seen roommate offered. When he did see his roommate, Brad, it was when the latter had just returned from any of several late-night rendezvous with yet another nameless bar-slut. Brad was the stereotype college male. He was planning on pledging Zeta Sigma Iota next year. Brad led the life Nick wanted. But, deep down, Nick knew he was too different. Brad’s life couldn’t be his, no matter how hard he tried. The lock on the door clicked, and Brad came strolling in, drenched in sweat from another workout session.

“Hey, Stokes, why’d you lock the door?” asked Brad.

“Huh?” blurted Nick, coming to his senses, “Sorry, force of habit. I have a lot of sisters.”

“Dude, don’t worry about it,” Said Brad, tossing his duffle bag on his bed, “Dude, I’m getting better. I was able to bench 250 today.”

“Oh? Cool.” said Nick, trying to be polite.

“Yeah. There was this really hot brunette on the treadmill. Kinda nerdy, but in a hot way, you know?” continued Brad, only partially to Nick.

“Mmhmm.”

“She had a kinda flat chest. Maybe a B-Cup. You know, some chicks can pull it off.”

“Mmhmm.”

“But dude, her ass was killer! I switched to the free weights just to get behind her as she jogged. Dude, it was like…” started Brad, eyes darting around the room as if trying to notice a stray thought, “Stokes, you’re smart. Help me out.” asked Brad, locking eyes with Nick.

“Umm, ‘the apple in Eden’, ‘the forbidden fruit’…?” suggested Nick.

“Yeah, something like that. Well, maybe not that forbidden,” winked Brad, “I got her number.” he finished, standing up and taking off his tanktop, his abs still damp from the workout. Brad bent down under his bed to search for his shower supplies, slipping off his track shorts in the process.

“Nice!” exclaimed Nick, unaware of his Freudian Slip, “What’s her name?”

“Huh?” asked Brad, emerging from under the bed with a towel, shampoo and a fresh pair of boxers, “Oh, no idea. Hey, I’m gonna take a shower. Don’t lock up; I’m not taking my key.”

“Yeah, sure.” replied Nick, his eyes locked on Brad’s firm behind as the blonde left for the showers.

Nick collapsed back on his bed and rubbed his eyes. I didn’t just have… those thoughts about Brad, did I? Liking one guy is manageable, but two? What am I going to do? Nick rolled over in his bed, hearing a sudden crinkling sound. He pulled a pink piece of paper from under him. It was the flyer for WLVU’s Pride Week Maybe someone there could help him sort out what he was feeling.

~~

Greg collapsed on the couch in the student lounge, wiping sweat from his forehead.

“You know, if I didn’t believe wholeheartedly in what we were doing, I’d stop.” said Greg, closing his eyes and sighing.

“You are such a drama queen, Sanders.” came a deep voice by the door.

“Hey, Don.” said Greg, not bothering to open his eyes and acknowledge the WLVU GSA’s secretary.

“What? No hello for your roommate? Greg, I’m hurt.” said Don.

“Uh-huh,” Greg could practically hear the pout in Don’s voice, “If I’m the drama queen, you’re the attention whore.” Quipped Greg, eyes still closed even as Don plopped his tall frame on the couch opposite the thin Californian.

“You guys are too much, “said Riley, entering the lounge with a pizza box in her hands

“Yeah, in the spirit of fairness, can’t we just call you both annoying and move on?” joked the WLVU GSA’s treasurer, Aiden, from behind Riley.

The girls put the food on a nearby table and as soon as the pizza box was opened, both guys’ attentions were piqued.

Riley rolled her eyes, “Men.”

Aiden smirked, “Makes me glad I swore off ‘em.”

“They’re not that bad if you know how to control them.” replied Riley. By the time she finished, both Don and Greg were standing in front of the pizza, eager looks in their eyes.

“So, we should really talk about how we’re setting this up.” said Riley.

“What? The pizza?” asked Don, “As long as you didn’t get anchovies, then I’m good. Tiny fish shouldn’t be anywhere near pizza.” said Don, as if he was explaining one of the most natural facts on the planet.

“No. Don, I mean Pride Week. After the week of carnival games and food, we top it off on Sunday with the Coming Out Open Mic, right?” said Riley.

“We’d better. I almost pulled a muscle moving the stage.” complained Greg.

“Aww, would you like a back rub, Greggy?” teased Don.

Not missing a beat, Greg replied, “Yes, actually. Would you mind?” he joked, aiming his back at Don.

Don smiled and rolled his eyes as he started massaging Greg’s shoulders. He tried not to laugh at Greg’s involuntary moans of pleasure.

“Oh! Mr. Flack! You do have strong hands!” cooed Greg.

“Watch it, Sanders. My ‘strong hands’ are pretty close to your throat.” joked Don.

Greg was gearing up to reply when he heard a quiet knock on the door. The group turned around to see Nick standing in the doorway, sweat on his forehead and his face flush. He seemed to be trying to make himself as small as possible.

“Um, is this where you sign up for the Pride Week stuff?” asked Nick quietly.

Riley, Don and Aiden all looked at Greg whose jaw had dropped. He seemed to be trying to talk but failing miserably.

Riley smiled at Nick and pointed to another nearby table, “Yeah, the sheet’s over there. The Midway’s free, but the guest speakers cost $2 apiece and you need to sign up if you want to speak during the Coming Out Open Mic.”

“Oh! I’m not—I mean – I just—“ stammered Nick, “Thanks.” he blurted, signing the sheet and racing out the door.

After a moment of silence, Greg regained his composure, “So, we can have a kissing booth, right?”

“I still can’t believe he showed!” exclaimed Greg, resetting the milk jugs in the stall he was working for the Pride Week Midway.

“I know, Greg. You’ve been saying that since Monday,” replied Don, rearranging a group of plush geckos, “Step right up! Three balls, three dollars! The more times you win, the bigger the prize! Uh-oh.”

"’Uh-oh’? What ‘uh-oh’?” asked Greg, trying to follow Don’s gaze.

“Derek Spirelli and his girlfriend showed up.”

“Those homophobes? They probably came thinking there’d be a gay-bashing booth,” The closer they got, the closer Greg got to the plush Spongebobs in the corner, “Maybe I should just go see if Aiden needs help with the cotton candy.” Said Greg, his breaths becoming shorter.

“Greg! Don’t give into them! Just because Derek and Becky make fun of you at practice doesn’t mean you need to play into them. They’re just a bunch of homophobic douchebags!” Said Don, placing a comforting hand on Greg’s shoulder.

“Aww, did we interrupt somethin’ fags?” came Derek’s think New England accent.

“Get the hell outta here, Derek.” Said Don, boldly.

“Why should I? Only fags and queers can come?” spat Derek.

“No, but this queer doesn’t want you here!” exclaimed Don, proudly smacking his chest.

“Fuck. Becks, let’s leave Flack to bang his faggy cheerleader boyfriend behind the dunk tank. Bet the little homo never gets laid.”

Greg stood up straight from his position by the toys. Something seemed to be controlling Greg. He felt adrenaline coursing thought his body. Without a word, he climbed out of the booth and strolled up to Derek. Greg stared Derek in the eye as Becky backed away.

“You know what your problem is, Derek? You have the world handed to you on a silver platter and think that you can do no wrong. But I have to wonder if you’ve ever had a deep thought once in your life. You’re the kind of guy who hates those who are different just because he doesn’t understand them. I have news for you, Derek. You came to college to get an education, right? Well, looks like you’re wasting your money,” Greg looked up and down Derek’s body and said in a quieter tone of voice, “Oh, and I get twice as many offers from girls. You know why? Because I listen to them. Maybe you should try doing that once in a while, cause your looks won’t last. Such as they are.” Without waiting for a reply, Greg climbed back into the booth and smirked as Derek walked off, dumfounded.

Becky stayed behind and grabbed a nearby piece of paper, “Here’s my number. Call me later.” She winked before leaving.

“Wow, Greg. I didn’t know you had it in you,” said Don, impressed.

“Me neither.”

~~

Later that night on the other side of the student center, Nick Stokes looked quietly down at the flyer he had ripped off the bulletin board. There was a guest speaker scheduled to start soon. Steeling his nerves, Nick opened the door to the auditorium and stepped in. There were a handful of steel folding chairs facing a wooden podium. The WLVUGSA’s logo had been taped over the school’s emblem. Only a handful of chairs had been filled. Blushing deeply, Nick took a chair close to the door. Behind the podium were two more chairs. In one sat a young blonde girl Nick vaguely remembered as being in his Psychology class. Next to her sat a man Nick guessed to be in his early to mid thirties with thick red hair and deep blue eyes. Occasionally, the girl would look at her watch and sigh. Finally, it seemed to be enough and she stood and walked over to the microphone.

“Ok,” she sighed, “It looks like everyone who was going to show has already. There’s no need to be spread out so far. Why don’t we all just move in a bit closer?”

The last thing Nick wanted was to be any closer to these strangers. But he wanted even less to draw attention to himself. Reluctantly, he moved closer to the front. He sat next to a scruffy, eager eyed young man with his hair purposely styled to look messy.

“Hey!” he exclaimed, clearly eager to have someone new to talk to, “I haven’t seen you around campus before. Are you new? I’m Adam, by the way.” He said, offering his hand.

Nick smiled reluctantly wiped the nervous sweat on his jeans and shook Adam's hand, “No, I’m not new. My name’s Nick.”

“Cool! Nice to meet you. I still can’t believe WLVU agreed to support the Pride Week. Maybe more awareness is a good thing, you know?” said Adam.

“Umm, yeah.” Nick stammered, his heart pounding in his chest.

“You ok, Nick? You look a little flush,” said Adam. He placed the back of his hand on Nick’s forehead, feeling for a temperature. Nick’s pulse quickened. “I’m going to get you some water. Just take a few deep breaths, ok?”

Without waiting for a response, Adam was out of his chair and out the door. Nick leaned back and tried to steady his breathing. Closing his eyes and relishing the feel of the cold metal of the chair on the back of his neck, he was dimly aware of the THUNK of a water bottle hitting the bottom of the nearby vending machine. Nick smiled.

”See? He’s not so bad. Kinda cute in a scruffy puppy dog way,” Nick thought, ”Cute? You freaking homo! He’s probably just didn’t want you to die on him! He’s probably just here to show that blonde girl he’s ‘open-minded’.”

“Nick? How’re you feeling?” asked Adam, offering Nick the ice cold bottle of water.

Nick opened his eyes and took a long gulp. “Better. Thanks.”

Nick smiled at Adam, thanking him for his generosity. Adam smiled back and blushed as he took his seat.

”Crap!” Nick thought, ”Did we just have a ‘moment’?”

~~

“Ya know… I’m proud of you, Sanders.” Said Don, bending down to tie a banner to the front of the men’s kissing booth. There were two set up. One was to be manned by Greg and the other would be manned by Riley. They would kiss anyone (male or female) who paid the one dollar fee. No questions asked.

Don continued, “You stood up to a guy who’s made your life hell all year and you actually got his girlfriend’s number,” he paused and rolled his eyes, “You’re starin’ at my ass, aren’t you?”

From his position behind the counter, Greg snapped out of his Flack-ass induced trance, “What? No!” Greg feigned innocence.”

“Good, cause I’m saving it for my boyfriend back in New York,” replied Don.

“You mean the one who has a girlfriend in Montana?”

"He just needs to wake up and smell the coffee.”

“Oh. My. God!” Greg exclaimed, a movement by the auditorium having caught his eye, “He came!”

Don looked towards the auditorium in time to see Aiden kicked out the doorstop. Nick was in the middle of a discussion with one of the WLVUGSA’s members Don vaguely recognized as Adam Ross.

~~

"Even though your Dad disowned you, you still came out of the closet?” Nick was asking, not bothering to hide the surprise in his voice.

“I had had problems with my dad before. This was just the icing on the cake. I told him I liked boys and girls, he screamed and beat me, my mom cried, and I hitchhiked from Phoenix to Vegas. Once I was away from him, I felt so much better,” Adam laughed, pressing down on his legs in a vain attempt to stop them from moving, “I don’t know why I’m telling you all this. You just seem like a trustworthy guy.”

Nick blushed, “Thanks, but I’m not-“

Adam continued unabated, “So how’d your parents react when you came out?”

Nick broke out in a cold sweat, “I’m not- I mean maybe I’ve had thoughts but that doesn’t mean I’m … you know.”

Adam's heart skipped a few beats. He realized he had made a huge mistake, "Oh my God! Nick! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to-! I'm so sorry!" When Adam saw that Nick ahd calmed down a bit, he relaxed as well, "Maybe you just aren’t ready to come out yet. That is, if you need to come out.”

Before Nick could say anything more, the blonde girl at the podium cleared her throat, “Ok, we should probably get started. My name’s Riley Adams, president of the WLVUGSA, and I’d like to introduce Pastor Ryan O’Leary of St. Jude’s. Las Vegas’s largest gay-friendly inter-faith church,” she said, indicating the young red-haired man sitting next to the podium. Pastor O’Leary smiled and gave a small wave to the crowd. As Riley stepped aside, Pastor O’Leary gathered some papers and tapped the microphone.

"Hey guys.My name’s Pastor O’Leary and I’m going to talk to you about being queer and loving God. Yes,” he said, his kind voice soothing the crowd, “You can do both. It’s not impossible.”

Nick sat up straight in his chair, ”This should be interesting.”

Pastor O’Leary stood at the podium, a kind smile on his young face. He looked out at the small audience, took a breath and started.

“I’m going to begin with a quote I found while doing the research for today: ‘The Bible contains six admonishments to homosexuals and 362 admonishments to heterosexuals. That doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love heterosexuals. It’s just that they need more supervision’,” nervous laughter spread through the crowd. Nick couldn’t help but smile, “That’s from a woman named Lynn Lavner. Now, I’m not sure of her affiliation with the church, but she seems to have more sense than most of the priests and reverends I’ve met,” there was more polite laughter, “Yes, the Bible does forbid same-sex intercourse, but it also prohibits eating shellfish and wearing outfits made of synthetic material. Only a few lines after the famed ‘Thou shalt not lie with a man as thou lies with a woman’ passage in Leviticus, it states that if you suspect a woman of being a witch, you are expected by God to stone them. I think it’s safe to say we don’t stone young women to death in this country for being knowledgeable about alternative medicine. I think the best way I have to show all you amazing people that it is possible to be queer and love God is to share my story. Never hide who you are. If we hide so deeply within ourselves that we can no longer see the sun, we give power to those who wish to hurt us. We can only succeed; we can only survive by being true to ourselves. By doing so, we will show them that their words have no power. If you’re true to yourself, your life will fall into place. Now!” he exclaimed, clapping his hands together, snapping the audience out of their reverie, “Pull your chairs into a circle and make room for me. I have a story to tell.”

~~

The kissing booths were in full swing. A stereo nearby was blasting an up-tempo dance track. The line was longer in front of Riley’s booth. Greg had only had a few takers. He sat behind the counter, his head buried in his arms, a dejected look on his face. Don was trying to console him, rubbing small circles on his back. Suddenly, the taller man got an idea. He jumped up and strolled around the front of the booth. Clearing his throat, he grabbed a nearby megaphone.

“Come one, come all! One ticket for one kiss with the smokin’ hot Gregory Sanders! Ladies, he’s smart (captain of the Chem Club), funny (one of the funniest guys I know) and just look at that adorable face!” shouted Don, grabbing Greg’s face from his friend’s arms and pinching his cheeks. Putting the megaphone aside, Don leant down towards Greg, “C’mon man. Stand up. Sell yourself a little!”

"I’m not a whore!” Greg exclaimed in a stage whisper.

"Face it, Greggo, for now, ya kinda are,” Don grabbed Greg by the arm and pulled him up.

Don grabbed the megaphone and started shouting again, “And boys! C’mon! Just look at that tight little ass!” said Don, turning Greg around and smacking his behind.

~~

Inside the conference room, Pastor O’Leary was surrounded by the audience, they were hanging on his every word.

“My parents were both very religious. I have a large family. Two brothers, three sisters,” he said, holding up the appropriate number of fingers each time, “My father preached at the local church, my mother helped out with the cleaning and cooking. That kind of stuff. Once we were old enough, each of my brothers and sisters helped out at the church too. My sisters were all on the choir. My brother, Matthew, helped out in the Outreach Center and my other brother, Wally, took care of the finances. So, like it or not, we were always around it growing up. I first doubted God’s love when I was twelve years old. My friend, Jimmy and I were down at the lake where we grew up outside Boston. We were just entering puberty and our bodies were all over the place,” Pastor O’Leary chuckled quietly, “Sometimes I wonder if my voice is still cracking!” his voice cracked at that exact moment, “See? Anyway, there was no one around and Jimmy had had a sly look on his face. I asked him what he was planning and he said, ‘I dare ya ta take off all your clothes and go skinny dippin’!’ I stumbled around for a bit. I wasn’t happy with my body. My legs grew before the rest of me and I was getting freckles everywhere. ‘What are ya, chicken?’ he teased, clucking like a hen. As if to prove a point, he stripped off all his clothes in front of me. When he bent down to untangle his legs from his boxer shorts, something clicked in me. While all of my friends were bragging about the Playboys they had stolen from their fathers, nothing was happening to me. Luckily, Jimmy was in the water before he could see what was happening to my own boxers. I dove in, still in my underwear, hoping the cold water would calm me down. After that, I’d steal my sister Bridget’s Teen-Beats and jack off after everyone went to sleep.”

“Did your parents ever find out?” asked a quiet girl with thick wire-framed glasses.

“Yeah. When I was sixteen, Jimmy and I discovered the joys of mutual masturbation. I was the oldest, so I had my own room, but I had forgotten to lock my door that day. Wally came in, found me with my hand around Jimmy’s dick and went off to find my dad. Jimmy and I pulled up our pants, he bolted out the door and my dad sent me to a camp in New Hampshire.”

Nick gasped before he could stop himself.

“It wasn’t that bad. There was a lot of talking, therapy and Bible lessons, but obviously none of it stuck. Towards the end of my required stay, I met a guy named Eric who changed my life. He made me realize something that I want you all to realize,” said Pastor O’Leary, absentmindedly turning a silver ring on his ring finger, “The Bible was written thousands of years ago in a society with rules and norms much different than now. Since God is truly infallible, He couldn’t have made a mistake with you. You are exactly how God made you. And God loves every one of His creations, never forget that. Now, does anyone have any questions?” asked Pastor O’Leary.

~~

At the kissing booths, Greg’s line had gotten a little longer, but Riley’s was still full, mostly with girls forced into it by their boyfriends.

“So, how much, stud?” asked a chipper female voice.

“One ticket, one kiss,” replied Greg, not looking the girl in the eyes.

“That’s it?” she exclaimed, “Hon, for you, they should charge triple!”

Greg finally managed to clear the cobwebs from head, “Wait. Lynn? Oh, for you it’s totally free!” Greg beamed as he leant over and hugged his friend, kissing her on the cheek.

“Totally worth it!” she exclaimed to the crowd, “Oh! My sister just sent me the Playgirl surfer edition! I need to lend it to you!”

“You know I love a nice longboard!” joked Greg.

“What’s this? Faggy Sanders actually got a girl?” came a deep New England Accent.

“Oh shit! It’s Derek!” exclaimed Lynn.

Derek Spirelli walked up to the booth, his girlfriend nowhere to be seen.

“What the fuck did you do to my girl, faggot?” shouted Derek, pushing Greg against the edge of the booth. The others were on their feet and by Greg’s side in an instant.

“What? You mean listen to her? Believe it or not, cock size isn’t all that matters. You must not have enough,” smirked Greg. Before he could turn around, Derek had punched him, sending Greg to the floor.

As Greg was trying to catch his breath, Don and Aiden rushed toward Derek, rage etched on their faces. They were grabbed by campus security before either had landed any punches.

“You fucking cocksucker!” shouted Derek, restrained by security.

“Small-dicked homophobe!” shuted Greg, his own security guard struggling to restrain him.

“Fudge-packing faggot!” shouted Derek.

“What did you just call him?”

~~

Nick and Adam were leaving the conference room, both at ease with the other when they heard a fight break out nearby.

“What’s this? Faggy Sanders actually got a girl?” Nick recognized the voice. It was his teammate, Derek Spirelli, “What the fuck did you do to my girl, faggot?” After a few seconds, there was the clear sound of a body hitting the floor.

Nick and Adam looked at each other and rushed to the center of the student union where the midway was set up. By the time they got there; Derek, Greg and a few of Nick’s classmates were all being restrained by campus security.

“You fucking cocksucker!” shouted Derek.

“Small-dicked homophobe!” shouted Greg, struggling in vain against the guard holding him.

“Fudge-packing faggot!” shouted Derek.

“What did you just call him?” asked Nick, stepping forward.

Derek turned around, relief spreading across his face, “Stokes! Tell this faggot cheerleader what we do to queers!”

“No. Why should I?” asked Nick, his resolve steeling itself.

“’Why’?” repeated Derek, “Cause fags are sick and unnatural! What’re you a fag too?”

Nick glanced to Greg, a bruise already forming on his cheek and clenched his jaw. It was then that Nick experienced the same eureka moment Pastor O’Leary did with his friend Jimmy.

“So what if I am?” said Nick, calmly.

The silence in the building was deafening. Derek, unable to make any movements, spat directly in Nick’s face. Calmly, Nick wiped it off and looked Derek in the eyes, “Oh, and this is for punching Greg,” with a neutral expression, Nick punched Derek as hard as he could.

The WLVUGSA, Nick and Adam were sitting outside the Dean’s office. Greg was holding an ice pack against the bruise on his cheek. They had been taken by security to Dean Greenblatt’s office after the fight. His secretary, Myrna, had called in Derek first. Twenty minutes later, the group was all sitting quietly.

“How’s your cheek, Greg?” asked Nick, too shy to make direct eye contact.

Greg smiled faintly, “Better than Derek’s. I never knew you had it in you, Nick.”

“There’s a lot about me you don’t know,” replied Nick quietly.

As Greg opened up his mouth to reply, the door to Dean Greenblatt’s office opened and Derek stepped out. His face was covered in bandages and he was holding an icepack to his forehead. He glared at the group and muttered, “Fags”.

Dean Greenblatt’s shouted from the still open door, “Do you want to make it two months Mr. Spirelli?”

Derek didn’t reply and sulked out of the office.

“Mr. Stokes, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Flack, Mr. Ross, Ms. Burn and Ms. Adams? Dean Greenblatt will see you now,” came Myrna’s voice from inside the office.

Nick and Greg looked at each other, both seeming to gain courage from the other’s presence.

“You ready, Greg?” asked Nick, holding the door open for Greg.

“I sure as hell hope so”.

~~

In the student center, Nick’s roommate Brad Worthington was sitting at a nearby table. He had seen the whole thing: the fight, Nick’s confession. He ran his hands through his thick blonde hair and sighed. His roommate was gay. His mind flashed to all the times he had relaxed in their room in his underwear. Had Nick jacked off to him? All of the things his pastor had said about homosexuality came rushing back to him. Was it a sin? Nick certainly didn’t seem like the sinners his father had complained about in between business trips. Nick certainly wasn’t lusting after children or having sex with animals. Come to think of it, Brad wasn’t sure Nick even had sex. Nick had talked about sleeping with girls before, but Brad had never actually seen these girls. Nick had never tried to recruit him, but, Brad realized, Nick never really talked about himself. All Brad really knew was that his roommate was from Texas, his father was a judge and he had a lot of siblings.

Brad sighed again and stared at the student center’s ceiling as if hoping to find an answer. I’ll have to talk to him about it. Shit.

~~

“I hope you remember that I agreed to let your group host its Pride Week on one condition,” started Dean Greenblatt. The officers of the WLVUGSA felt too guilty to respond, “as long as there was no fighting or controversy, it could go on as planned. Now, by the school’s rules and bylaws, I have to take some disciplinary action. No, don’t give me that look,” said Dean Greenblatt, before Greg and Aiden could open their mouths, “before you say anything, Mr. Spirelli is on Academic Probation for one month with mandatory therapy sessions once a week. But he wasn’t the only one that was fighting. Ms. Burn, Ms. Adams, Mr. Flack and Mr. Ross, as you didn’t actually throw any punches, I can’t punish you. But I hope you learn from this. Mr. Stokes, Mr. Sanders, you both have two weeks probation”.

Nick and Greg shared a stunned look.

“But we were only-“ blurted Greg.

“You still retaliated. Just be glad I don’t give you more,” Dean Greenblatt leant foreword and smiled, “Honestly boys, I don’t blame you”.

“Sir?” asked Nick.

“My brother’s gay and every time I hear the kind of language Mr. Spirelli used, I want to fight them. But I don’t. Honestly guys, my hands are tied. Two weeks was the best I could give you. If anyone asks it was self-defense. You’re dismissed”.

As the group dispersed, Nick and Greg stayed behind outside the building, relishing the cool evening breeze.

“So,” said Nick quietly, blushing.

“So,” replied Greg, too shy to meet Nick’s eyes, “You really are gay!”

“I still can’t believe I did that!” exclaimed Nick, leaning back against the wall and slowly sliding to a sitting position.

Greg sat down beside him, shifting the ice pack to a new location, “Well, I don’t know if it means anything, but I’m proud of you,” he said, placing a reassuring hand on Nick’s shoulder and quickly removing it, blushing at the sudden contact.

“You are?” replied Nick.

“Yeah. Coming out is hard enough, let alone doing it in public. Usually, you build it up to be so much more than it actually is. When I came out to my parents, they both looked at me and went ‘We know. We were waiting for you to know!’!”

Nick laughed, “No way!”

“Scout’s honor. When I told my grandparents, they started shouting in rapid-fire Norwegian and bear-hugging me. I took it as a good sign,” continued Greg, smiling at the memory.

“So, you’re - that way too?” asked Nick.

“Gay? No, I’m not,” Greg replied, smirking.

“But I thought – when you said-“ stammered Nick.

“Nick, relax. I believe that love is love. You shouldn’t judge people by what they have hiding in their underpants. If I had to label myself, I’d say I was bisexual”.

“So you still like girls?” asked Nick.

“Yeah, but usually I’m into guys. I don’t claim to know who I’m destined to spend the rest of my life with. Maybe it’ll be a woman. But, honestly, I hope to find some nice, sweet guy to sweep me off my feet,” said Greg, looking Nick directly in the eyes for the first time all evening and smiling.

Nick smiled, stood up quickly and grabbed Greg’s hand to pull him up, “C’mon, there’s this cool ice cream place just off campus. It’ll take your mind off the fight!”

Greg was pulled upright faster than he would’ve thought Nick could manage, “You do realize you basically just swept me off my feet?”

Already halfway to his car, Nick turned around and smiled, “Do yourself a favor and don’t read too much into it, G”.

“’G’?” Greg called to the distant figure, “Did you just call me ‘G’? Hmm,” Greg said to himself, “I kinda like it”.

“So what’s this place called again?” asked Greg from the passenger seat of Nick’s truck.

“Frigid Granite Creamery. They have them all over the place. I’m surprised you’ve never been to one. They have them in California,” Nick said, eyes on the road, looking for the entrance to the parking lot.

“We have a place called Cold Stone Creamery; the premise sounds basically the same. Wait, how’d you know I’m from California?” asked Greg, stunned.

“I – um-,” Nick could feel himself starting to blush, “I read it in the article in the school paper last semester about the Chem Club’s win at the state championship in Carson City.”

“You actually read the school newspaper? Wow, I thought people just used it to smoke. Not that I actually touch the stuff, of course!” Greg blurted.

“Oh! Me neither! I just read the paper that day to see if the article about the football team had been published.”

“Yeah, of course,” said Greg. Busted! he thought, hopefully.

“Hey! We’re here!” Nick exclaimed, perhaps a bit too eager to break the tension.

“So, this place is like Cold Stone, right?” asked Greg.

~~

Brad sat in his dorm room, his mind racing. Twenty years of homophobic programming were being called into question. There was the “hate the sin, not the sinner” thing, but that still involved hate. Brad didn’t like hating something unless there was good reason. And the more he thought about it, the less of a reason he found to hate Nick for being gay. He realized he needed to call someone.

Picking up the phone, he dialed the long series of numbers needed to call his parents at their vacation home in Connecticut. After only a few rings, a middle-aged man with a proper British accent answered the phone on the other end, “Worthington residence.”

“Hey, Nigel. It’s Brad. Is my mother around?” asked Brad.

“I believe she is sunbathing by the pool. Would you like me to fetch her, sir?” asked Nigel.

“If you don’t mind, Nigel. Thanks.”

“Certainly, sir,” replied Nigel pressing the Hold button on the phone and beginning the long journey through the Worthington Mansion and out to the pool area. Before leaving he picked up the nearby phone and placed it on a conveniently placed silver platter. He carried the phone outside and spotted his employer’s wife reclining on a chaise lounge, an overly large sunhat covering her eyes.

“I beg your pardon, Madam. Master Bradford is on the phone,” said Nigel, offering the phone.

“Oh? Is he now? Why thank you Nigel darling!” exclaimed Catherine Wilcox-Worthington , sitting upright and taking a large sip of her margarita before picking up the phone, “Bradford darling sweetheart! How’s school going?”

“Um fine, Mom. I got a hundred on my last Econ test,” said Brad.

“Congratulations, darling. Your father’s going to be so proud!”

“I hope so. Look, Mom, can I ask you something?”

“Of course, darling,” Catherine sat up anxiously, the vinyl straps of the chaise lounge squeaking at the sudden movement, “It’s not about a girl is it?”

“No, mom, it’s not about a girl. It’s about-“

“Good, because that last girl you went out with only wanted you for your money.”

“Mom, Sandy was a great girl!” exclaimed Brad.

In Connecticut, Catherine glared at the phone receiver.

“OK, maybe she was a bit of a gold-digger, but this isn’t about a girl. It’s about my roommate.”

“Oh. His name’s Nickolas, right? That nice boy from Texas?” asked Catherine.

“Yeah, that’s him. Um, I think he’s gay,” said Brad quietly.

“Oh,” said Catherine, momentarily speechless, “He hasn’t done anything to you, has he?”

“No, not at all. My school’s doing a gay pride week and Nick got into a fight-“

“Is he ok?”

“He’s fine. A little banged up, but fine. From what I overheard, he was defending someone else. It was what he said after that I need to talk about.”

“Oh.”

“He came out of the closet. It made me think about all the sermons Father Davids gave, all the times Dad would complain about the clubs in Miami. I don’t know what to think anymore.”

“Bradford, sweetheart, despite what your father may feel, there’s nothing wrong with being gay.”

“There isn’t?”

“Darling, love is love. We find it where we’re supposed to find it. A few of our household staff are gay. Though don’t tell your father.”

“Really?”

“Really. Now, darling, what exactly is your problem with gay people?” asked Catherine, knowing full well her son’s reply.

“Um, I’m not sure. I guess when I think about it, whatever I feel about gay people is what I’ve been told to believe.” replied Brad, leaning back in his chair.

“I thought so. Now tell me, what’s Nickolas like?” asked Catherine, taking a sip from her margarita and leaning back in her chair, unknowingly assuming a pose similar to her son’s.

“He’s a good guy. Kind of quiet, but he always seems to think of other people first. Last week, I locked myself out of our room. I tracked down the closest phone I could find, called him and he dropped what he was doing, ran back to the dorm and let me in with his key.”

“Wow. Darling, he sounds like a sweetheart.”

“Well, I’m not gonna call him a sweetheart, but, yeah, he’s a nice guy.”

“A nice guy who’s gay.”

“Yeah.”

“A nice guy who’s gay and shares a room with you.”

“Yeah.”

“Would Nickolas ever make a pass at you?”

“I doubt it. He seems too reserved sometimes, you know?”

“Mm-hmm. Darling, so far I haven’t heard you day anything bad about him. It seems that the only thing wrong with this boy is that he’s gay. And his family’s probably Republican,” scoffed Catherine, “Honey, I can’t tell you how to feel. You need to find that out for yourself.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Of course, darling. Any time. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you! Kelly Bonnaco was asking about you.” Said Catherine, smirking.

“Kelly Bonnaco?” exclaimed Brad, sitting upright, “Lifeguard Kelly Bonnaco?”

“Yup.”

“Hmm…”

~~

An hour after they had arrived, Nick and Greg were still in deep conversation, their ice cream having mostly melted.

“You’re one of five kids?” Greg exclaimed, perhaps a little too loudly, “Sorry. Five kids? Wow, I’m so jealous. I’m an only child.”

“Don’t be. I’m the youngest, so everything I got were hand-me-downs. By the time my older brother Brian’s ceremonial Playboy had found its way to me, it was already over ten years old,” said Nick, trying to force a still solid piece of ice cream onto his spoon.

“’Ceremonial Playboy’? Ew. I can’t imagine sharing my porn. That stuff needs to be treasured and placed in Mylar like vintage comics,” said Greg, giving up on his spoon and grabbing a straw to drink his ice cream.

“You think way too hard about porn, G,” said Nick, a bemused smile on his face.

“Heh. You said hard,” said Greg, laughing.

Nick feigned shock and tossed a balled up napkin at Greg. He dodged it and balled up his straw wrapper to toss at Nick. Nick caught it and grinned, “Dude, how old are you?” he asked, taking a sip of his soda.

“Thirteen,” Greg proclaimed proudly, “and that’s not just the size of my dick.”

Nick’s eyes bulged, his mouth still full of soda. Swallowing, he coughed a little, “Dude! You almost made me do a spit take!”

Greg smiled, victorious, “Hey, some guys like a spitter, some like a swallower.”

Nick blushed and replied in a quiet voice, “I can’t believe you can talk about –that- stuff so easily. If my parents or any of my sisters heard me say that…”

“Well, I don’t talk like that around my family, Nicky. But I realized long ago that you have to be comfortable in your own skin or no one will take you seriously,” said Greg, kindly.

“Yeah, I guess. I just can’t see myself at that point, you know?”

“Well, I’d hope not!” exclaimed Greg.

“What?” replied Nick, stunned.

“You just came out of the closet a few hours ago. Everyone goes at their own pace. Some people just take longer than others.”

“What was your coming out like? I know you told me about your parents and grandparents, but when did you first know you were – that- way?” asked Nick.

“I guess around the same time all of my friends were realizing they liked girls. I just realized I liked boys too. My mom’s the head chef at one of the big hotels in San Francisco. I’d visit her at work all the time as a kid and explore the hotel. Well, when we went one day, it was the day of the gay pride parade and the hotel was booked full.”

“Wow, so you got the full treatment early on?”

“Kinda. Being thirteen and seeing a leather daddy bend over a transvestite dressed as Cher and mime anal sex does things to a guy.”

Nick smiled.

“I don’t know. That was hot and all, but what got to me were the gay recreations of fairy tales they did,” Greg smiled at the memory, “Sleeping Beauty was always one of my favorites. So, seeing the buff, handsome prince trotting along on his white horse next to the sleeping young male model who had pricked his finger on the spindle at the parade stirred something in me. I guess I just like the idea of a guy to save me from mediocrity,” Greg looked down at the napkin Nick had thrown and pushed it around the table a bit with his finger, “You know, I want to change the world for the better. Maybe in my own way, I could help those kids who grew up like me. Always feeling out of place. That’s why I’m thinking of making Criminal Justice my minor,” said Greg, “Whoa! I just turned into a Lifetime Original Movie didn’t I? I just feel like I can trust you, Nick.”

Nick blushed a deep crimson, “Well, I’m not sure I –“ Nick stammered. He nervously cleared his throat, “Actually, um, my major’s Criminal Justice. Maybe I could help tutor you if you need it.”

“I’d like that a lot,” said Greg, heart pounding as he placed his hand on top of Nick’s.

Sweat started to bead on Nick’s forehead, Pull away! He’s touching your hand! a voice in Nick’s head screamed. No, answered another voice, defiantly, for the first time, holding someone’s hand feels… right. Nick smiled back at Greg.

~~

Back on campus, Nick’s roommate, Brad leant back in his chair and ran his fingers through his hair. He sighed as he looked at his watch. It had been well over an hour and Nick hadn’t been back to the room. He hoped Nick was alright. Though, if Brad had to be honest with himself, he wasn’t looking forward to the talk he knew he’d have to have with Nick.

~~

Across the quad, Greg’s roommate, Don Flack Jr. picked up a picture on his desk and sighed. It was a picture of him and his best friend, Danny Messer, shirtless on the beach at Coney Island. Danny was proudly pointing out a fresh tattoo on his arm as Don stood in the background with a confused expression on his face. Don remembered the day fondly.


Danny and Don walked along the boardwalk each holding a snack from a nearby vendor. Danny had a pretzel in his hand and Don was already on his third hot dog of the afternoon.

“Jeez, Flack! They way you put those things away, it’s a miracle ya aren’t any fatter!” joked Danny, barely restraining a smirk.

“Fatter?” Don exclaimed, “You’re the one with the dad whose beer gut sticks all tha way out ta Montauk!” Don leant back and pushed out his stomach. He lowered his voice to sound like Danny’s father, “Hey Danny! Pick up your dollies and come inside for dinner!” said Don waddling around the boardwalk for dramatic effect.

“Hey! Those weren’t dolls! Those were highly collectible action figures!” exclaimed Danny, smacking Don’s stomach in offense and running off down the boardwalk.

Don, momentarily winded, pulled his stomach back in, “Hey!”

“Oh, did you stop pushing your gut out Flack? I couldn’t tell!” called Danny from farther down the boardwalk. He stopped in front of a tattoo parlor.

Don finally caught up to him, “What’re ya lookin’ at?”

“Flack, I’m getting a tattoo,” said Danny, pointing to a picture on the wall.

“That? Danno, that looks like a black blob of vines!” Don exclaimed.

“Shut up. It’s tribal.” replied Danny, heading inside.

“Yeah, the Tribe of the Blind Pygmies.”


Don leant back in his chair and ran his fingers through his thick black hair, “You have it bad, Donny. You’re in love with your straight best friend.”

Brad sat on his bed, his Economics book on his lap. He was reviewing the principles of supply and demand when he heard a key turning the lock.

Nick strolled in, a grin on his face and a bag from Frigid Granite Creamery in his hand.

“Oh! Hi Brad,” said Nick, placing the bag down on his bed with a THUNK, “I didn’t know what type of ice cream you like so I got Mint Chocolate Chip and ‘Fruit Cocktail’,” he said pulling out green and neon pink boxes.

“Awesome, thanks,” said Brad, his mind elsewhere.

Nick closed the door of their minifridge, “Are you OK? I could go to the library if you need to study or something,” he asked, concern on his face.

“What?” blurted Brad, momentarily stunned, “No, um, actually Nick,” he said, closing his textbook and looking at Nick for the first time since the latter had returned, “We need to talk.”

~~

Greg turned the knob on his and Don’s door, winking at the pictures of him and Don the RA had placed on their door. Don was sitting on his bed, a picture glass side down next to him and a gallon container of ice cream in his lap.

Uh-oh, thought Greg making the connection between the spoon sticking out of Don’s mouth and the box of Rocky Road in his roommate’s lap, this is bad.

“Hey, Don,” said Greg tentatively, “What’s wrong?”

Don gasped quietly, shocked out of his trance, the spoon fell into the ice cream container, “What? Nothing. I’m fine.”

“Bullshit. You’re face is red and your wrist-deep in ice cream. If I didn’t know any better, I’d assume you’d been listening to sad music on the stereo. What picture is that?” said Greg, reaching across Don and grabbing the picture before the taller man could protest.

Once Greg saw the picture he knew he’d be in for a heavy discussion, “Oh. It’s that picture. Let me get the Kleenex.”

~~

“’Talk’? About what?” asked Nick, sitting across from Brad.

“I was in the Student Center after your little, ‘announcement’.” explained Brad.

“Oh. So you heard.”

“Yeah. I heard.”

“Look, Brad. I hope this doesn’t change anything between us. I mean, I really did just come out and I’m still dealing with it myself and-“ Nick said, speaking way too fast for his roommate to keep up.

“Nick, take a breath. First off. I don’t care that you’re gay.” Said Brad.

Nick was stunned, “Really?”

“Yeah. Well, had this all happened a few weeks ago, maybe I would’ve been a little less open-minded, but I talked to my mom a little while ago and she helped me realize some things. Yeah, maybe I’ve been a little homophobic in the past and if anything I’ve ever said hurt you, I’m sorry,” said Brad.

“You didn’t.”

“Thanks, but there’s some habits I could probably change,”

“You don’t have to change anything just because of me, Brad.”

“Yeah. I do. You’re a nice guy, Nick. And I’d like to stay your friend. We all have shit we need to deal with and I want to be there for you. Your family’s full of devout Catholics, right?” asked Brad.

“Unfortunately”

“And they probably spout homophobic crap all the time, right? Mine do.”

“Yeah.”

“And family can be a pain, my dad’s one of the biggest investment bankers in Manhattan. He only agreed to let me come to WLVU if I majored in Business and followed in his footsteps. But, I guess we both have secrets we’re hiding from our families.” Said Brad, climbing off his bed and pacing around the room.

“What do you mean?” asked Nick, following Brad around the room.

“I can’t stand being a Business Major.” Said Brad, a weight seemingly lifted off his shoulders.

“You can’t?” asked Nick, stunned, “You’re doing great in all your classes.”

“Thanks. But if I tell you something, can you keep in a secret?” asked Brad, locking eyes with Nick.

Nick looked back at Brad and raised an eyebrow.

“Right, stupid question,” replied Brad, realizing his mistake, “I want to be a sports journalist.” He said quickly as if the thought of holding it back any longer would drive him insane.

“Really? Cool!” exclaimed Nick.

“Really? You don’t think it’s weird or anything?” asked Brad.

“Brad, I just revealed my deepest, darkest secret to the entire school and spent three hours talking to the male cheerleader I saved from being beaten up by one of my teammates. I stopped thinking things were weird a while ago. Would you wanna specialize in any particular sport?” asked Nick.

“Well, you’re not gonna laugh, right?”

“Of course not.”

“Well, my best bet to get a job would be if I had a wide area of expertise. Baseball, football, basketball. The types of sports that get covered a lot. But I really want to focus on soccer. I know it’s not all that big over here, but I grew up watching the World Cup with my butler every year.”

“Cool! Wait, you have a butler?” asked Nick, stunned.

“Yeah. We’re not crazy with all the rules and regulations like some of my dad’s friends, but he helped raise me when my dad was away on trips. We’d bond over soccer. Well, he called it ‘football’, but you know what I mean. So that’s enough sharing from me. Your turn. When did you realize you were gay?”

~~

Greg tossed the box of tissues at Don and pulled his chair around to face him. “Pass a spoon and start talking.”

“You can’t possibly still want ice cream! You just spent three hours talking to Nick at Frigid Granite!” blurted Don, shocked.

Greg scoffed, “Yeah, but there’s always room for ice cream.”

“If you don’t watch it, you’re going to get a belly.” Said Don, handing Greg a relatively clean spoon.

“Uh-huh, nice try. This isn’t about me. This is about you. And Danny. And his girlfriend, What’s-Her-Name.” replied Greg, taking the spoon and digging into the ice cream.

“Her name’s Lindsay.”

“Her name doesn’t matter. What matters is your feelings for Danny.”

“He’s my best friend. He’s funny, quick-witted, smart as hell and he never lets me get too full of myself.” Said Don, wistfully.

“But he’s also got a girlfriend.”

“Yeah, but I never saw the attraction. I’ve only met her a few times, but she’s turned him into this… thing, ya know?”

“Not really, but go on.”

“Whenever he’s around her, all his attention’s on her!”

“Sounds like he loves her.”

“Trust me. I know what love is, and that ain’t it. It’s like some zombification crap.”

“But if he’s happy…”

“He’s not. I mean he says he is, but I’d be so much better for him. Whenever we hang out, his mind’s nowhere near her!”

“But do you want what’s best for you, or what’s best for him?” asked Greg.

“Him, obviously, but I’m not sure she’s right for him.”

“That’s something you need to let him decide, Don.”

“Ya, I know.”

“And if you truly are his friend, you’ll be there when and if things don’t work out.”

“And I’ll be there to help him pick up the pieces.”

“For the record, he’d be a fool not to fall for you.” Said Greg, smiling.

“Thanks, Greg. Oh! Shit! I forgot about your thing with Nick! How’d it go?” asked Don, leaning forward, the ice cream forgotten.

~~

“Luckily, my sister, Maggie, had lots of back issues of TeenBeat lying around. I’d tell her I was throwing them out for her, but I ‘forgot’ a lot. If that didn’t work, I had a subscription to Sports Illustrated.” Said Nick, a smile on his face, filled with relief at having someone to talk to.

“And here I was just reading the articles,” joked Brad, “Gary Smith did this amazing article about Native American basketball players once. That’s what made me want to go into sports reporting. He does all these human interest stories.”

“I think I remember that issue! There was this article on this high school all-star that I, um, remember…” stammered Nick, blushing.

“Right, for the writing, of course.” Joked Brad.

“Of course.”

“So, what kind of ice cream did you get again?” asked Brad, suddenly hungry.

“Mint Chocolate Chip and Fruit Cocktail.”

“How about some Fruit Cocktail?” asked Brad.

“Sure,” said Nick, taking the box out of the minifridge.

“Wow, that box is really gay,” said Brad. He realized his mistake and quickly apologized.

“Relax, Brad. It’s ok. The box is pretty gay.” Smiled Nick.

~~

“I still can’t believe you were gone that long. But it sounds like you two got along great.” Said Don, after Greg had filled him in about his and Nick’s adventure at Frigid Granite.

“Yeah. We did.” Replied Greg, grinning.

“Oh, I almost forgot! Aiden’s having a party on Saturday before the Pride Week events start. I talked to the Dean and he said you and Nick could still participate in the events. So, you in?”

Greg was stunned and reaching for the phone before he could stop himself, “Of course! Can I invite Nick?”

A few days had passed since the events at the kissing booth and the following probation. While they weren’t allowed to go to classes, Nick and Greg were still allowed to attend the Pride Week events. They just weren’t allowed to do so as WLVUGSA officials.

Nick and Greg had almost been inseparable. Brad had even called Nick to check up on him once or twice. Nick’s roommate still hadn’t officially met Greg and he wasn’t sure he liked his friend spending too much time with the cheerleader.

“Brad, calm down,” said Nick one evening after his roommate had returned from classes, “Greg’s a great guy. Honestly, it’s nice to have someone I can be myself around, you know?” said Nick, pausing when he realized his mistake, “umm, no offense meant, of course.”

“Nick, none taken. Every gay guy needs a token straight friend. Maybe I’m just old fashioned, but I want to make sure he’s good for you. If he isn’t, I can kick his ass guilt-free.”

“Trust me, I doubt Greg would hurt a fly. I mean he’s-“ Nick was interrupted by the dorm phone ringing. He picked it up and heard Greg’s voice on the other end.

“Hey, Nicky! How are you?” asked Greg.

“Um, fine. How’ve you been?” replied Nick, blushing.

“Fine, fine.”

“Cool.”

“Heh.”

“So, is there something you wanted to ask me, Greg?” asked Nick, pretending not to notice Brad sighing in the background.

“Yeah, actually. Riley and Aiden are having a party in their room on Saturday before we all head out to the Pride Week Karaoke Bar. Would you like to go with me? You know, as friends!” blurted Greg.

“Yeah! Of course! I mean – um –sure! I’d love to! As friends, of course!” stammered Nick, cringing as Brad tossed a pillow at him, trying to get his roommate’s attention. Nick turned as Brad mouthed, I want to meet him!

“Um, would you mind coming over to my room first? My roommate wants to meet you.” Asked Nick.

“Sure. Is he hot?” asked Greg.

Nick glared into the phone receiver.

“Wow, I could actually feel the glare through the phone. Sure. Where are you guys?”

“Frazier Hall 312.”

“Cool, see you Saturday?” asked Greg.

“See you Saturday,” replied Nick, hanging up the phone and sighing happily.

Greg hung up the phone on his end and pumped his fist in victory, “Yes!”

“Geez, Greggo, you’re worse than my kid sister,” commented Don.

“This from the guy who ate half a gallon of rocky road while sobbing over a picture?” replied Greg, ducking the pillow Don had aimed at his head.

~~

Saturday evening had come around faster than Greg had expected. The party was in an hour and he still had no idea what to wear. Greg frowned as he looked down at the series of outfits spread out on his bed.

“Honestly, Greg. I’ve had girlfriends who’ve spent less time getting ready,” said Don, putting down the copy of Entertainment Weekly he’d been reading.

“Shut up and help me pick,” replied Greg, “This is my first date with Nick and I want to make sure I look good.”

“Ah ha!” exclaimed Don, “ So it is a date!”

“Well – I mean we have been hanging out a lot –but that doesn’t mean we –but maybe –“ Greg stammered.

“Aww, you’re so cute when you blush, Greggo, “said Don, leaping out of bed and pinching Greg’s cheeks, “try the light blue shirt, black pants and chain necklace. Light blue looks good on you,” he said, pointing out the clothes on his roommate’s bed and returning to his own.

“Umm, thanks.”

~~

A little while later, Nick and Brad heard a knock on the door.

“Come in!” shouted Nick, buttoning the last button on his shirt.

Greg opened the door and stepped in, a little nervous.

“You must be Greg. Nice to finally meet you. I’m Brad,” said Nick’s roommate, reaching out to shake Greg’s hand.

Greg accepted the handshake, momentarily surprised at the strength of Brad’s grip, “Yeah, nice to meet you.”

“So, Nick’s told me a lot about you,” started Brad.

“Uh, really?” replied Greg, stunned.

“Yeah, and Nick’s my friend so before you leave I want to talk to you,” said Brad.

Greg gulped, “OK, what do you want to know?”

“Where are you from?”

“California. About 20 minutes southeast of San Francisco.”

“What’s your major?”

“Chemistry. I have a minor in Criminal Justice.”

“Any extra-curricular activities?”

“I’m on the Varsity cheerleading squad, captain of the chem. Club and vice president of the school’s Gay/Straight Alliance.”

“What are you into?”

“Music, reading, sometimes I write my own songs. Oh, you meant …”

“Yeah.”

“Boys and girls. Mostly boys.”

“OK. Ever cheat on an ex?”

“No. Never would. They usually cheat on me.”

Brad scanned Greg up and down before patting him on the back, “Congratulations! You have the Worthington Seal of Approval. Take good care of Nick, ok?”

“Of course, replied Greg.”

After a few more pleasantries, Nick and Greg left for the party.

“Um, that shirt looks really nice on you, Greg,” said Nick quietly as they left the dorm building.”

Greg blushed, “Thanks, I like those pants on you.”

Greg reached out his hand towards Nick’s. Nick looked down and blushed. He smiled as he clasped Greg’s hand hoping Greg couldn’t feel the clamminess.

~~

Across the quad, Riley and Aiden were setting up for the party. The other guests had already arrived, except for Nick and Greg.

“They’re on their way, right?” nervously fixing his shark tooth pendant.

“Gotta be. Greg only left 15 minutes ago,” replied Don, sipping a beer in the corner.

“So, are they an item, or not?” asked Riley, filling a bowl with pretzels.

“Probably. Ya seen them away from each other lately?” asked Aiden moving a little too close to Riley to fill another bowl with chips. She smirked as she playfully bumped hips with the blonde, “Slut.”

“Ho,” replied Riley, smiling as she returned the bump. There was a knock on the door and Riley hurried up to the peephole, “What’s the secret code?”

“It’s great to be gay, lovely to be lesbian, beautiful being bisexual, terrific to be transgendered and amazing being an ally,” came Greg’s voice.

“Correct,” replied Riley,” I also would’ve accepted ‘It’s me’,” she opened the door to reveal Nick and Greg, “Well, c’mon in!”

Nick was relieved at the small crowd. He didn’t think he was ready for too much too soon. Don and Aiden walked over to Nick like they were old friends. Don pressed a beer into Nick’s hand.

“Hey Nick!” exclaimed Aiden, “How’d you do on the last Interrogations test?”

“Not bad. 93. You?” asked Nick, sipping the beer.

“85! Professor Marks said I needed to work on my ‘people skills’!” blurted Aiden.

“You? Need help with people skills?” replied Nick.

“I know, right?”

Don patted Nick on the shoulder, “So, you catch the game last night? Who’d ya root for?”

“Giants vs. Cowboys? I can’t possibly answer that, Flack.”

“C’mon! I won’t hold it against ya!” replied Don.

On the other side of the room, Greg, Riley and Adam were sipping their own drinks.

“He’s fitting in great, Greg,” said Riley.

“ Yeah. I think it helps that he, Aiden and Don are classmates,” replied Greg.

“Nick’s a nice guy, man. You had nothing to worry about,” said Adam.

Across the room, Aiden chugged the last of her beer, “Who’s ready for Spin the Bottle?”

“Then again…” said Adam.

~~

“OK, first thing’s first,” said Aiden as the group all sat in a vague circle, her empty bottle in the middle, “is anyone here against kissing the same-sex or otherwise heterosexual?”

No one raised their hand.

“Good. Now it was my beer, so I go first,” explained Aiden, spinning the bottle. After a few seconds, it had landed on Riley. They both leaned into the circle. Riley closed her eyes as she locked lips with her roommate. Aiden smirked as she felt Riley’s tongue against her own.

Don turned to his left and said to Nick, “Isn’t it great having open-minded friends?”

“Speaking of open-minded…” started Nick, indicating the bottle. It was pointing from Adam to Don.

Don smirked as he leaned into the circle. He grabbed the side of Adam’s face and kissed him. As their tongues tangoed, Don playfully bit Adam’s lower lip before finishing the kiss.

“Wow. Umm, your turn, Greg,” stammered Adam.

Greg cracked his knuckles dramatically and spun the bottle. The bottle slowed down, almost stopping at Don, but it managed to hit a snag in the carpet causing it to point directly at Nick. Greg blushed and leaned across the circle, puckering his lips.

Nick blushed and leaned in. He wasn’t sure if he was ready for this, “I – I can’t!” He blurted running out the door.

“Nick! Wait!” exclaimed Greg, running after him.

The group sat in silence for a few seconds before Aiden exclaimed, “What the hell was that all about?”

~~

Outside the dorm room, Nick was leaning his head against the cool cement of the hallway.

“Hey, Nick? You ok?” asked Greg.

“Oh! Greg! I’m fine. No, I’m not,” stammered Nick, “It’s just- I’m not sure I’m ready for this. I mean, I just came out of the closet a few days ago.”

“It’s ok Nick. We all deal with things at our own pace. I’m sorry if I pushed you,” replied Greg.

“You didn’t. I know it’s just a stupid game. It’s just – we’ve been hanging out so much and I don’t know what that means for two people who aren’t straight. I mean, does this make us boyfriends?”

“Is that- is that something you’d want?”

"I – I think so,” said Nick, leaning closer to Greg.

"Ok then. Nick Stokes, will you be my boyfriend?” asked Greg, leaning closer to Nick.

“I’d love to be your boyfriend, Greg Sanders.”

The two leaned even closer, their faces only inches apart.

Riley poked her head out the door, “You ok, Nick?”

Nick winced, “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Good. We’re heading over to the Karaoke Bar, you in?”

“Sure,” replied Greg before his boyfriend could respond.

~~

Across the campus in the student center, a crowd had gathered. Don, Adam and Aiden were all standing in front of microphones.

Flack cleared his throat dramatically before starting singing, “I’m here in the fields/ I fight for my meals/ I get back into my living!”

Aiden leaned in close to Don, “I don’t have to fight/ to prove I’m right/ I don’t need to be forgiven!”

Adam gripped the microphone with both hands, “Don’t cry/ don’t raise your eye/ it’s only teenage wasteland!”

~~

Riley had pulled Nick and Greg on stage before either could comment. She picked a song and grinned knowingly at the two boyfriends.

“Who are you? Who, who, who, who?” she shouted, grabbing the boys to start the next verse.

Nick turned to Greg, one eye on the karaoke screen, “I know there’s a place you walked/ where love falls from the trees/ my heart is like a broken cup/ I only feel right on my knees.”

Greg turned to Nick, “I spit out like a sewer hole/ yet still receive your kiss/ how can I measure up to anyone now after such a love as this?”

Riley draped her arms over the boys as the trio finished the song. The crowd roared with applause.

Breaking free from Riley, Nick pulled Greg close, “You were amazing!”

Greg blushed, part from the rush of the song, part from his proximity to Nick, “You weren’t half bad yourself, boyfriend.”

“After all these years, it sounds really good to hear that,” said Nick. He pulled Greg in even closer and placed his lips gently on Greg’s. There was a passion in their kiss that Nick wasn’t aware even existed. For the first time, he truly felt like himself.

After what seemed like only seconds, they separated, “Sorry for not kissing you at the party,” said Nick, “I wanted my first kiss with my first boyfriend to be memorable.”

Greg grinned from ear to ear, “It certainly was.”

As the new boyfriends walked hand in hand out of the student center, Nick saw a sign on the wall, “Hey look! The crime lab’s hiring!”


THE END

Title: Go Jackals. Super New Deleted Scene!
Ratings: PG-13
Spoilers: None really, AU
Summary: A Nick/Greg AU set in college. Vaguely inspired by the song "Hey Mickey" and my un healthy love for writing Nick/Greg roleplaying and/or AU. All credit for Nick, Greg, Riley, Don, Danny, Aiden and Adam go to CBS and Jerry Bruckheimer.

A/N: This was originally supposed to come right after The Karaoke Night, but I loved the ending I had so much I stopped there. But I still loved the idea, so I decided to write it anyway. I'm still planning the sequel. It'll be set in Season 1-3ish of CSI, whith some cast changes. No Warrick or Sara. But Holly Gribbs is still working/ alive.

Greg grasped the , admittedly clammy, hand of his new boyfriend , “You sure you’re ready for this? This is a big step.”

Nick sighed and tightened his grip on Greg’s hand, “Yeah. I’ve come a long way. This is something I need to do.”

Without another word, Nick pushed open the door to the conference room.

“Welcome boys, girls and otherwise! This is the WLVUGSA’s Coming Out Open Mic!” exclaimed Riley from behind her podium, a small group in front applauded.

Greg seemed to sense the hesitation in his boyfriend and tightened his grip. Nick smiled and placed a quick peck on Greg’s cheek before walking to the front row and sitting next to Don. Greg followed.

~~

“My comin’ out was a little harsh,” said Don, pacing back and forth in front of the stage, “My dad’s a cop, so he was always super strict with us. My sister, Sam, was a handful,” Don smiled, lost in a memory, “She’s only a few years younger than me, so we went ta high school together. Our mom worked in the PTA, so she was always chaperonin’ the school dances. Well, one night, Sam and her boyfriend Eric were at the same dance me and my girlfriend Danielle were at. I went to take a leak and soon after Eric came in behind me. Before I knew it, he had me pinned against tha wall, tongue down my throat!” Don exclaimed, the audience hanging on his every word, “We musta been in there for a while ‘cuz Sam came burstin’ in, drunk from spiked punch. She saw me and Eric with our pants down around our ankles and the closet door was thrown open!” The audience’s collective jaws dropped, “Sam finally had something good to hold against me and outed me to our parents. Dad blew up saying all that stuff about ‘no faggot son of mine!’ and all that bullshit. My ma was quiet through the whole thing. She told me later she knew all along. I was desperate to get away. As if ya couldn’t tell, I’m from New York,” the audience chuckled, “So I moved to Las Vegas and the rest is history.” Don smiled, a weight seemingly lifted off his shoulders as he walked back to his seat. As the rest of the audience applauded Greg laid a reassuring hand on his roommate’s back.

~~

“Alright! My turn!” exclaimed Riley, clapping her hands once, “I think part of me always knew I was bisexual. My mom’s a licensed adolescent therapist for the state of Missouri and my father,” she sighed, “is the, and I quote ‘most influential psychiatrist for the entire Show-Me State’. He’s also extremely overbearing.” Riley pulled a chair from behind the podium and sat down, “But I will say this. Growing up with shrinks for parents helped me realize I liked both early on. I was never ashamed of who I was. When your parents give you a copy of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Christmas, you know you’re in for a trip,” the audience chuckled, “It wasn’t until I was 16 and came storming in the door to my parents’ study with my girlfriend Erica on my arm and declared ‘I’m bisexual and in love with Erica!’ that they simply looked at me, put down their eyeglasses and said, ‘We know, honey. Be home before midnight,’ It was kinda anticlimactic,” the audience laughed as Riley sat down.

~~

“Yeah, I’m not really all that comfortable in front of crowds, but I guess I can do this,” said Adam nervously. He looked out at the rest of the WLVUGSA and seemed to gain strength, “I’m from Phoenix originally, so moving here wasn’t that big of a shock. It was the reason why I moved here to be honest. I’d had a bad relationship with my pop since I was a kid. He wanted the jock captain of the soccer team. He got me. My mom knew I was a geek from the start, “Adam smiled to himself and Greg felt a rush of sympathy for him, “Growing up, my dad would buy me toy cars and catcher’s mitts and my mom would buy me puzzles and chemistry sets. When puberty hit, I guess I was as confused as everyone here. Watching the cheerleaders practice made me just as horny as watching the soccer team. In my sophomore year, I had the stupid idea to try out for the soccer team. I’m still shocked that I actually made it! My dad was psyched. He wasn’t when he went o my first game. It didn’t matter that the team won, what mattered was that I was just the waterboy. I was at practice one day, filling the team’s bottles, when the lead forward, Scott, came in and pinned me against the wall. He was a homophobic jerk, so I was this close to crapping myself. Before I could try and push him off me he was making out with me! My dad walked in and the next thing I knew, he had knocked me out cold. I came to in the hospital, my mom crying and holding my hand. As soon as I recovered, my dad sat me down in front of him and Mom in the living room. He kicked me out of the house. Honestly? I’ve never been happier. I’ve made some great friends here and who knows, maybe one of these days, I’ll live in a nice apartment in New York City” Adam smiled as the audience applauded respectfully. Everyone jumped out of their seats and enveloped Adam in a huge group hug.

Adam sniffed and wiped tears from his eyes, “Thanks, guys”

~~

“Wow, I’m not sure I can follow that,” said Aiden, “I’m just gonna tell my story. I’m from New York, like Donny Boy over there, “she said, indicating Don, “ I don’t really remember my pop all that much. She left me and Ma when I was about eight years old. So it was just me and my mom in our tiny little apartment in Brooklyn. After my pop left, things got kinda tough between my mom and me. We never really fought or anything. It was just hard, ya know? When I finally got to high school, I started noticin’ girls. There was this gorgeous Greek girl in my government class that I think was my first girl crush. I joined the softball team sophomore year. I know! A lesbian playing softball! Totally shocking, right?” The audience laughed, “So many drunken games of ‘I Never’ and ‘Truth or Dare’. Stephanie Matthews was a great kisser! Skip ahead a couple a’ months and I finally work up the balls to come out to my ma. She took it surprisingly well. We’ve been almost inseparable ever since.”

~~

“I guess it’s my turn, “said Nick, quietly stepping up to the front,” If you had asked me just a few weeks ago if I was gay, let alone with a boyfriend, I probably would’ve stuttered and made some excuse to run off. But I’ve changed lately. Because of the amazing guy I have in my life now, I’m not afraid to say,” Nick took a deep breath, “I, Nickolas William Stokes am gay and in love with Gregory Hojem Sanders!” Greg blushed deeply as Don turned to him and mouthed Hojem!? in melodramatic shock. Greg responded with a glare and a well-placed smack on his roommate’s shoulder.

“I grew up outside of Dallas in a very Catholic town. I’m the youngest of seven and only one of two boys. Both of my parents are in law enforcement and both are devout Catholics. In my town, people just aren’t gay. If they were, they’re smart enough not to talk about it. I play football because I love the game. But I can’t deny that I love guys too. And for the life of me, I can’t understand why those two have to be mutually exclusive.”

“My father’s very influential back home. And my brother and sisters are all popular. By the time I enrolled in high school, the principal just rolled his eyes and said, ‘Another Stokes kid?’ before rushing me off to homeroom. Throughout high school, I had girlfriend after girlfriend. I worked hard to be some ladies’ man that I thought I needed to be. Now that I think about it, all of my ex-girlfriends just used me. It was never love. I don’t think I ever really felt a connection until I met Greg. Now I know what love is supposed to feel like.”

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Greg darted over to Nick and placed a sloppy, wet kiss on his new boyfriend.

“I love you, Nick.”

“I love you too, Greggo.”

 

Go Jackels: Present