castle_perrault | Ready Player One

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be more chill

Ready Player One

[First thing Michael notices is that his ass isn't planted in the beanbag chair he fell asleep in. What is being a senior for other than late night video game benders with your best friend in the world, right? Yeah.

Man is he stiff, though. He groans and shifts around, trying to get comfortable again. It fails miserably.

A moment later he opens his eyes with a big frown and sits up.

Definitely not his bean bag. Not his room??? He didn't even drink last night what gives...]

Yo, Jeremy, this isn't funny.

[He stumbles to his feet and stretches to get life back into his limbs. He's in some like old-fashioned sitting room? In a really uncomfortable chair. There's like a fireplace and shit.]

Who's house even is this?! How did you get me here? Jeremyyyyyyy!

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[Wasn’t he kind of always thinking gay things about Michael? The squip just turned that against him. But now he can embrace that! And be a loser again too, so he’s definitely not so popular anymore.

Not that he would be after that fire, but you know.]

Jeremy hardly did anything! I mean, he was super brave too, but without you, he and everyone else would’ve been creepy zombies.

Plus, keeping your former bully company, even if he can’t punch you, is super cool of you. And I guess I’m glad it helped you too!

[But shit. He blushes and looks away.]

Yeah… guess so. Jakey D is way cooler of a dude than I realized.

[Was he? That's sure fucking news to Michael. Great news, but news!

Hey, being a loser can be AWESOME. No expectations! Just. Pretend he never hates himself for it.]

He did a big thing! He acted in direct defiance to his SQUIP and... looked right into the face of what he wanted most, what he did everything for, and gave it up to do the right thing, even after all of that. That's not nothing!

[DON'T REMIND HIM ABOUT CHRISTINE AND HOW MUCH JEREMY WAS WILLING TO DO FOR HER PLS AND THANK.]

Bullies get a lot less scary when you see their weakest points and understand them. You're one of us now, Rich Goranski.

[He grins and slings a friendly arm around Rich's shoulder.]

He's the coolest cool dude. He's got his priorities straight.

[Well, maybe not *straight* but..]

[It was certainly something Rich tried his damndest to ignore and repress and keep a secret, but now that he's open about his sexuality, it's a little easier to admit to. He might even say something if Michael asked! But until then, he's a little more distracted with how Michael is obviously gushing over Jeremy. God. He really wasn't off the mark writing on their backpacks.]

Okay, but like, I'm pretty sure any smart person would give up what they wanted if it involved everyone being all brainwashed. Like Chris is pretty cute, but she was like... all out of it, right? That'd be freaky...

And you wouldn't be there, so like... I don't think he'd be truly happy.

[He gives a weak little grin.]

Shit, I'm infected with the nerd now. But thanks dude, seriously. I'm glad you all seem to like the real me.

[And for better or for worse, Michael has always had a big blind spot when it comes to himself, and how other people feel about him. He makes assumptions a lot for a guy who really has no idea what other people are thinking about him most of the time. He shouldn't guess, really.

Wow uh no he's just proud of his best bro that's all!!!!! Yeah!!!! It isn't even like he's out to this Rich yet, c'mon give him a break.]

Heh. Yeah she was... acting real fuckin weird. It was a big relief to realize Jeremy saw it too, even with that squip jerk's optic nerve control or whatever.

[Brrr that was some creepy shit. Michael blushes a little, though.]

Hey, shush!

[He seemed pretty happy to shut Michael out for the first little while there and pretend he didn't exist. So. He isn't totally sure he believes that? He wants to believe it, but... Jeremy was capable of moving on without him. He proved that. He just also proved he can see when something has gone too far.]

That's right! You've got nerd cooties now! [A grin.] We're totally into the real Rich Goranski.

[Hey, assuming the worst is the norm when it comes to teenagers. They’ve all got shit self-esteem and make stupid guesses, so Rich can’t blame him for that. And besides, Rich may not be hiding it now, but he assumes Michael has barely been around him.

...That said, he is pretty sure his gaydar is working alright, and pretty sure Michael doesn’t even need to come out.]

Yeah... that was pretty lucky. Optic nerve blocking is pretty fucked up. Mine could make me see shit I knew couldn’t be happening. Even if it felt real.

[But let’s not talk about that. And even if he wants to, Rich refrains from teasing Michael about his pining for Jeremy. He just laughs sheepishly and sticks out his tongue.]

How into me are you, dude? Half sounds like you’re gonna leave love letters in my locker now.

Shit, that's fucked up. Glad that's over with.

[Who's pining? Nobody's pining!

Oh if only he knew... Actually Michael can't decide if that would be better or worse. He could just go for a clean slate. No complicated will-they-won't-they. Just friends.

Except he apparently can't even handle that and has to shove his foot right in his mouth at the first opportunity. Don't blush, Michael, don't....]

What if I am? You don't know what I've been up to. I'm from the future! That could just be the kind of sappy nerd friend that I am!

[Sticks his tongue out back.

Don't mind Michael, just digging himself deeper over here.]

Yeah, same here. It’s a lot easier just seeing things as they are.

[But wait… what’s Michael getting in to here? He looks and sounds like he’s joking, but at the same time, it’s kind of a weird thing to joke about.

Especially since he’s from the future.

And apparently since Rich has always kind of thought he was cute.

He smirks slowly and leans a little closer, as if trying to make Michael blush and catch him in the act.]

Sappy nerd ‘friend’, huh? If you’re from the future, you’re right that I don’t know what you’ve been up to. Or, more likely, what we’ve been up to. We been banging, Mell?

[Oh boy. Michael knows he's doomed the second Rich leans up into his space like that. His eyes widen a little and his face heats up and he knows he's fucking busted.]

Nnnno..... not.... exactly.... Um

[But he can't help but be a fucking idiot one more time.]

Spoilers?

[Cause he shouldn't tell someone what they're gonna do in the future, right? That's manipulative at best and timeline breaking at worst! Right?]

[Rich’s teasing staring suddenly takes on an air of shock as Michael reacts in a way he certainly was not expecting. The blushing he could wave off, sure, but saying ‘not exactly’ and then trying to avoid answering the question? What is he supposed to think?

...Well, he’s probably supposed to think he and Michael must have something going on in the future. So it’s not that weird to get a little more flirty, right? Right.]

Is it spoilers if we start smooching now? ...I mean, if that’s cool with you.

[It isn't until Rich looks so genuinely surprised that he realizes that Rich was actually mostly kidding that whole time, and that Michael probably could have dodged all of that by playing it off as a joke. Oops.

Well... At least he's being rewarded for it? Holy shit?

This shouldn't be such a surprise he asked you to prom, doofus. But here Michael is, surprised. He manages a doofy sort of grin.]

Well I suppose that wouldn't be spoilers, no. Um. Ok honestly dude I can't tell when you're joking and when you're serious sometimes and I feel like an idiot but...

[Of course he's being rewarded for it! Rich appreciates the somewhat honesty! He wants to know more, but he'll try not to press too much for now.

Whatever happened in Michael's present can stay there. Rich is going to figure out his own future. Starting by possibly confessing to a crush.]

Dude, I wouldn't joke about kissing you without at least partially meaning it. I'm... I'm serious, okay? I...

[Phew deep breaths, okay.]

I think I like you...? Is that cool?

Yeah!

[He responds way too quickly, a really dorky grin spreading on his face and creasing up his smile lines.]

Yeah that's more than cool! That's way cool! That's freakin' awesome!

[He sort of vibrate-wiggles with excitement. Everything that happened at home, every moment he wasn't sure if he should touch Rich that way, or kiss him, even at prom when they ended up making out... Rich is just saying it, now. Not that Michael ever thought Rich wasn't at least actually a little attracted to him!

But it's true even here. Maybe putting his foot in his mouth isn't so bad.]

I'm gonna kiss you.

Oh! Okay, cool. Really cool!

[God, he's utterly adorable. Rich cannot handle this. No wonder the future him was apparently getting in on that. He's glad he has a chance with him. Not all of his crushes are going to be unrequited. He beams and blushes softly at the admission before reaching out to grab Michael's hands.]

Well, go for it then.

Right! Yeah!

[Don't make a declaration and then not do it, Michael! That's stupid! Get your shit together and kiss the boy!

His chest flutters really hard, and his fingers tingle where Rich touches them. He takes a deep breath, and leans down, pressing a gentle, but decisive kiss to Rich's lips. Unconsciously, he tugs a little on Rich's hands to pull him closer.]

[Rich wouldn’t be as insulting, but he certainly does want Michael to actually kiss him and not just talk about kissing him. But after a moment, Michael leans in, and Rich’s heart flutters with anticipation. Their lips meet, and his heart could just about explode.

Rather than just leaning in closer, he takes the opportunity to fling his arms around Michael’s neck, his fingers happily tangling in Michael’s hair.]

[It wasn't insulting! Just honest. It was the little kick into reality Michael needed to actually get moving, apparently. It certainly didn't sour the experience.

He's kissing Rich again. Even this Rich, from way back in the hospital, likes him back! Actually really is into him! Michael feels like his chest is filling up with helium. His gay little heart can't take it.

He huffs a very soft laugh out of his nose and smiles into the kiss before relaxing again with a sigh, wrapping his now free hands gently around Rich's waist.]

[Well, as long as the kick helped push him forward instead of beating Michael down. This guy needs to be lifted up and allowed to soar. Rich wants to give that back to him.He hums softly, lets the kiss be as open and romantic as Michael wants it, and waits until he’s run out of breath to pull away. He still keeps his hands around Michael’s shoulders.]Welp. Guess we’re back on the timeline.

[It absolutely did. It made Michael stand up straight and face this head-on and honestly, instead of trying to hide in the background like always. Shit, it got him exactly what he's been pining about for months, of course it was a good thing! Rich's new brand of friendly teasing is good for Michael. He does it to Jeremy already, it's about time he got a taste of it.

Michael takes it slow, but clearly has kissed Rich before. He molds with him easily, clearly intimate but not too much. He brushes just the tip of his tongue over Rich's bottom lip before the kiss breaks. Just a little tease at a deeper kiss. He giggles a little drunkenly.]

Very close to it.

[He hesitates, considering something. Then his face goes really pink, but he says what was on his mind.]

Hey Rich. You wanna go with me to prom?

[Michael shouldn't have to hide in the background anymore! He's the main character of his own story, sidekick to no one! And apparently his story might be a romance? Damn. Rich is amazed his teasing has worked this well.

The kiss confirms his suspicions that Michael definitely had been with the future Rich. No one would mesh this well with him the first time. It's really weird having a first kiss that feels like two pieces of a puzzle fitting together... Rich is so lucky. He chuckles too, and blushes.]

Would I have made out with you if I didn't want to?

[He raises an eyebrow.]

Did you ask me last time or did I?

[It's becoming easier to realize that, even as much as it sucks, that Jeremy isn't here. Michael can't hide behind his bigger personality and stay comfortable in his lieutenant position.

Which apparently means he's going to get his gay all over this cute boy.

Michael beams, still red in the face, wriggling like he wants to dance. He said yes! Of course he did, but still!]

You asked me, last time.

[He looks a little sheepish but pulls Rich in closer.]

[Jeremy isn't here, at least not right now. But even if he doesn't show up, Rich hopes he doesn't hide and retreat back into his place as second banana. He's wonderful as he is, not just as half of a pair.

Rich giggles and watches Michael wiggle around. Adorable dancey boy. He lets him pull in close and gives him a little spin.]

Damn. Wish I would have thought of it this time around. Just didn't know there were any proms to ask you out to around here.

[Michael giggles and holds Rich a little tighter as he's spun.]

Well, okay, there aren't, but. I wanted to ask anyway. It's the thought that counts right?

[He grins sheepishly and gently bumps their foreheads together.]

[At first, Rich just shakes his head teasingly, flattered to be asked but not really seeing a point to it. But Rich certainly has a wild, impulsive side that flares up as an idea comes to mind.]

Well, fuck it. We'll make our own dance, okay? Me and you and whatever music you've got on your phone. Come on!

[He reaches out to unhook Michael's headphones from around his neck, beaming.]

[Rich absolutely has a wild impulsive side, and it does occasionally have actually good ideas. Michael laughs, face flushing a little pinker, mostly with joy, but with a little shyness.]

You sure you're gonna like my music, bro?

[But he unplugs his headphones so he can turn the speaker up on the reggae he'd had on earlier.]

I don't even have a bowtie.

I'll like it better than the top 40 crap they'd play at our prom, right?

[He wonders if Michael heard him complaining about the music choices at the prom. He wonders if he complained while simultaneously hip-thrusting to Kesha. He can't predict the future, but he knows himself a lot better than he used to.

He grins and slings his arms around Michael now that he doesn't have to worry about the headphones, already swaying his hips a little.]

It's chill. This is a casual prom. And you look best in your hoodie, you know?

Ready Player One

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