Dreams & Reality never mix (Tag Russ, Shelby, etc)

[Jonell Estes]

Jonell couldn't believe what she was hearing. Lucas Grant was gay? Seriously?! He was the last boy she would ever have suspected of same-sex attraction. He was fashionable, sure, but in a relaxed and manly way, not in the limp-wristed prissy girly-boy way that she expected of all gay men. He wasn't into dance or theater or hairstyling (as far as she knew), and he had a reputation as quite the lady-killer.

"You're gay?!" She asked in disbelief, not quite sure she had heard that right the first time. "But you're so...so.....so....not flaming." But she had to admit that two teen boys hanging around alone together in their boxers was kind of suspicious, and she couldn't think of any good reason that he would lie about something like that. He may have been extremely popular, but this wasn't the sort of admission that would help his rep. Most of the popular kids -- the really popular ones, like Tyler Durnham and Melodee Riker -- were fairly tolerant, but the wannabes weren't. They were the one's who would rip people down for any perceived flaw, and they'd be more than willing to take down one of Gould's reigning kings in hopes of taking his place.

"So you really are gay." She commented, storing this information for later use. And dating Russell Cloy, of all people. Great. Even gay nerds had better luck with guys than she did. That was so unfair. What was wrong with her that all the suitable guys by-passed her in favor of people like Fallon and Russ?! Was she that unattractive, was she getting fat, was her hairstyle unflattering and her clothes not trendy enough? Maybe if she lost a size and convinced her parents to allow her to purchase some actual brand names she'd have a better chance...after all, attracting male attention was the only talent she was even remotely good at. She was certain that she didn't have anything else to fall back on.

She pursed her lips consideringly when he hinted at bribery. She didn't find this in the least bit offensive, as she tended to be quite mercenary in her dealings with others; she found nothing more delightful than being offered goods in exchange for her cooperation on any number of issues -- except sex. She absolutely refused to sleep with anyone until they put a ring on her finger, and since she was only a Sophomore that hadn't happened yet. "Hmmm." She glanced at Shelby; mercenary she might be, but she was going to follow Shelby's lead in this instance. After all, it wouldn't do to insult her friend by taking advantage of her brother. But if Shelby went along with it, then Jonell would, too. Otherwise, she would have to regretfully decline.

[Shelby Grant]

"Gay," Shelby said. "Okay...so I'm not going to lie...wasn't expecting that one," she said, sounding surprisingly calm..."Stiles maybe...but never you," she said. "But you know...its not so bad. There are a few people out that are still popular...I think there are some guys on the Silver football team that are gay and cute even," she pointed out. "I mean...now that you're like out...you don't have to deal with the nerds, right?" she asked, still sort of missing the point about Russell being his boyfriend.

She listened as her brother went on. "Right...so you don't want anyone to know. Okay, well, you know I want say anything...and Jonell's fine. She can totally keep a secret," Shelby said, nodding confidently, although truth be told, she wasn't so sure. She didn't want to let on that she thought that Jonell might be less than trustworthy, because she didn't want to anger her, but Shelby sort of had to wonder. She and Jonell were friends but she'd never really entrusted her with a secret before, so she really couldn't be sure. Shelby didn't really have any secrets...not any serious ones.

"Uh...well, whatever you want to do," she said, when Lucas insinuated a bribe. She didn't need to be bribed...but did Jonell? "How do you know that Russell won't say anything...he seemed pretty upset...is he still here?" Right...maybe trying to break up her brother and Russell wasn't the point right now even though Shelby totally didn't like the guy. She'd have to give him a warning come Monday when she saw him at her locker.

"How...how long have you known?" she asked. Her thoughts were sort of disconnected as she was still somewhat in shock. But this was Lucas...she pretty much had his back no matter what. And while she doubted most people at school would care...they'd probably care more about him dating Russell than being gay...she knew that her parents...mainly her dad would care. "Yeah...ya know...you might want to wait until college to come out for reals," she added. "What's that bribe?" she asked for Jonell's benefit.

[Lucas Grant]

How long has he known, well that was not an easy answer. Crap. How long? The cliche answer was his whole life, but he could still perform with girls, which suggested bisexuality, but Lucas preferred to be gay. He liked guys better. Girls were good and all, and he dated a few, but with Russ, things felt natural. Now just because Lucas was out with Jonell and Shelby, did not mean he was ready for the whole school to know.

"I know how many kids are out, I just prefer to keep my private life behind closed doors, if you understand what I am saying. Don't worry about Russ, he wont say a word. Besides you know Stiles will run and tell dad the moment he finds out.. If people at school know, then Stiles will find out. I know my brother well enough to know the danger that brings.." Lucas looked back ove rhis shoulder toward the stairs, "Russ!..." He called, "You here?" Lucas had hoped Russ would have over heard his confession and been cool with it and not upset, but apparently not.

"Telling dad is a joke....its more like... I will tell dad when I find my life partner... know him..either way..he will have a fit." Their father was anti gay, so of course no matter when Lucas said a one word, he was in deep shit. Thats why Lucas preferred he never find out. Lucas always had Shelby's back if she needed it, and she had his, which is the ONLY reason this was coming out.

Although Lucas had to ADMIT the idea of being out,was nice. it felt as if a weight had been lifted and he did not have to lie so much anymore. "You both know the God/Goddess party Haley Rowan is throwing. I have an invite to the party itself and the exclusive after party. I will take you two to both parties." He thought it was a good bribe. Only the elite were invited to the after party and that was not very many people. It was mainly the cheerleaders and jocks, who would not get kicked out at midnight.

"Do we have a deal?" He said looking at Jonell. She would only get the invite if her lips stayed sealed and she forgot she ever saw this.

[Russell Cloy]

Russell sat on the edge of Lucas' bed, unwilling to actually pack up and leave. He'd expected their weekend to last longer, was disappointed it had been cut short. "It's really not his fault..." He reminded himself. Lucas had been quite clear about what to expect (after the first few times, anyway; neither of them had been very sober the first few times they'd met, so they hadn't exactly set out what they wanted until a few weeks into their relationship) so he couldn't be upset when Lucas said he was only a tutor, because he had agreed to the hiding. He knew it, but it still stung. All the times he'd fantasized that if someone found out Lucas would just tell them, proudly and defiantly, and now he was finding out that there had never been any chance of that really happening.

Another sigh and he slid off the bed, rummaging around the room for his jeans and t-shirt and pulling them on without much care. At least he didn't bring too much over; toothbrush and toothpaste were in a Ziploc bag, and he'd just thrown them into the back pocket of his book-bag -- he'd had to bring the book-bag since he'd told his parents he was working on a project with Liz. He hoped his family would still be at Church when he got home, that way he wouldn't have to answer any questions about his early departure.

He heard Lucas' calling his name, and winced. Anything Lucas wanted that involved Shelby and Jonell there couldn't be good, but there was no way to escape the Grant house without going through the kitchen (at least not if one wasn't already downstairs) so he sighed and warily descended the stairs, bag slung over one shoulder. Once in the kitchen he skittered off to one corner, setting said bag down on the floor between his feet. "Uh. Yeah?" He asked, dark eyes nervously weighing up the two girls.

[Jonell Estes]

Jonell placed her hands on her hips, "I won't tell." She promised, feigning injury at the very thought. She didn't have a reason to tell anyone, not yet. If it suited her purposes, then she would consider it, but for the moment Lucas' secret was safe. She wasn't going to turn down an invitation to a party, though -- especially when the host was Haley Rowan. That was quite impressive; they were on the cheerleading squad together, but Haley was a Junior and Jonell merely a Sophomore, and while Jonell had a few Junior friends they were mostly people like Varina McIntosh, people who weren't quite good enough to hang with the real popular crowd. Varina would be so jealous if Jonell actually got to go to this party.

"I dunno, what do you think, Shelby? Should we let him off for keeping secrets from us?" She teased, trying to sound as if she were completely serious about not being enticed by his offer. But before Shelby could answer Reggie was barging in through the door.

"Hey, hurry up, I don't have all day, you know!" He informed the two girls angrily, then noticed Lucas. In his boxers. "Oh. Uhhhh. Hey, Lucas, would you mind letting these two go? I'm supposed to be driving them to the mall, and I have a date at three so they need to move it." He moved to stand behind his baby sister, tacitly warning the other boy that she was off limits. Reggie knew Lucas' reputation, and as much as Jonell thought her brother was lame he didn't appreciate the thought of guys taking advantage of her.

[Shelby Grant]

Shelby glared at Russell when he walked back into the kitchen. She'd always have Lucas' back no matter what but that didn't mean she was about to start liking her loser locker partner. She didn't have to like her brother's boyfriend. That still sounded weird in her head. She thought that she was the only one in the house that would ever have a boyfriend.

Luckily Jonell perked up, said she wouldn't tell. Good, Shelby thought, hoping the other girl was telling the truth. Sure, Shelby wanted to be just like the older cheerleaders but that didn't mean they were all trustworthy. Shelby herself probably wasn't all that trustworthy. Had it been Russell with any of the other football players, it would be all over the school. The fact that it was her brother made it different.

"The party sounds great," Shelby said. She and Jonell were of course already invited as they were cheerleaders, but only to the god/goddess part. The after party hadn't been extended to them--only to the older kids. Now Shelby would be the only freshman in attendance to the after party, and while she didn't really need a bribe to keep her mouth shut, that deal was just too sweet to pass up. "Only juniors and seniors were invited to the after party," she whispered excitedly to Jonell, ignoring Jonell's second thoughts or whatever it was. She knew very well that Jonell was just as excited about this prospect as she was.

"Oh, right," she said a little sheepishly when Reggie barged in. "Sorry," she said to Reggie, "we got distracted by Lucas' lamo tutor," she said going with that story so Reggie didn't question why Russell was in their house. Plus, if they ran with the tutor story, Lucas would have an excuse to be seen with the nerd in public sometimes, if that's what he really wanted. As mean and snobby as Shelby could be, she could also be equally nice, but only for Lucas and close friends. "I'm going to grab my credit card, I'll be right back," Shelby said, glaring at Russell once more, as if warning him to keep his mouth shut.

She quickly ran up the stairs to her room, taking them two at a time. She grabbed her card which was on her desk, along with a lip gloss she liked and headed back down. Everyone was still in the kitchen, Shelby could only hope that she hadn't missed anything interesting in the two minutes she'd been gone. "Ready?" she said, smiling as she looked over at Jonell and Reggie. She was still in a bit of shock, but nothing that some shopping couldn't fix. Plus, now she needed a hot new bikini to wear Haley Rowan's after party. She had overheard the older cheerleaders all talking about how they were all going to chill in the hot tub afterward. And Shelby still needed a goddess worthy dress, and perhaps some lace up gold sandals...something that would make her stand out...make people notice her.

[Lucas Grant]

Lucas was glad Jonell agreed, but the teasing, was not funny. Okay it was a little funny, but Lucas still did not trust Jonell. She was a high school female, besides Shelby, high school girls loved nothing more then to gossip. But Lucas trusted his sister, and if she trusted Jonell then fine. Besides he still had his idea if Jonell ever spoke, Lucas could paint her a scorned chick. It was perfect.

"Your credit card..right...now thats one bill I would hate to see. Be safe." Lucas saw the older protected brother look in Reggie's eyes. Lucas gave one to match him, meaning he better watch out for Shelby or else there would be hell to pay. "Be safe sis...yo too Jonell." Lucas said as he waved bye. So that was not so bad. They knew, it was out, kind of.

Lucas turned to Russ the moment he heard the door close and the car leave. He let out a sigh of relief. "Look man I am sorry this weekend did not go as planned, but I told them. After you left. Shelby and Jonell know I am gay and that you are my boyfriend." Lucas was oblivious to the looks Shelby gave to Russ. He was unaware that Shelby did not like Russ since Russ was a dork.

Lucas did not see the dork. "I am sorry if saying you were a tutor hurt ya, but I did admit the truth. I said out loud I was gay." He shrugged. Lucas was still in his boxers. It could be considered embarrassing, but Lucas did not care. "You okay?" He asked Russ. Lucas took a few steps toward the smaller boy and grabbed both his hands waiting for Russ's reaction.

[Russell Cloy]

Russell inhaled deeply before daring to look up at Lucas. Shelby and Jonell knew the truth, now? He was pleased and surprised that Lucas had told them, especially considering his earlier attempt to deflect suspicion. They must not have bought the whole tutor thing. "Oh, they....oh." He wasn't sure what to say to this. Jonell and Shelby weren't exactly the most sympathetic people in the world, but maybe they would keep this to themselves since Lucas was involved. He wasn't sure if he wanted them to or not, though; after all, sneaking around was difficult and emotionally exhausting, but if word got out then Lucas' dad would probably try and put a stop to their relationship. He might send Lucas away to one of those gay camps or something! Or he might tell Lucas to break up with Russ.

"It's okay. About the tutor thing, I mean. I know you can't tell." He confessed, dropping his gaze down to their clasped hands. "I just got spoiled, I guess."

He looked toward the door, half-expecting the girls to return...or worse, Lucas' parents. "You're sure nobody else is coming back?" He worried before his eyes were drawn back to the pizza. "We still on for breakfast or what?"

[Lucas Grant]

Had Shelby believed the tutor story Lucas would have gone with it to be honest, but sadly Shelby knew Lucas well enough to know he was more likely to be the tutor and not need tutoring. So he had to be honest. There was no other explanation he could give that would be believed. Besides Shelby gave Lucas that look and he hated the look. It was similar to he one Russ was giving him.

That look that says be honest, please, just tell me the truth. So Lucas confessed. He just prayed they kept their mouth shut cause if his dad found out...well Lucas did not care to think about it. He smiled at Russ and grabbed the younger boys hand and pulled him forward. "No one else is coming." Hell Shelby was not suppose to be there.

Lucas had no doubt she came home to grab something she forgot. Or else she never would have showed up. Who stayed home when their parents were not around. That was a time to go out and party. Unless you were Lucas and had the party come to you. Lucas kissed Russ deeply. "So pizza and maybe some more fun in my room." He smirked.

Today had been a close call, and Lucas would need to be more careful. It was reckless bring Russ to his house, like this, thinking no one would come home. Oh well.it was worth a try, but still in the end it was worth it. Cause Russ stayed and Lucas was taking that for granted.

Wrap or tag for wrap?