Hello friends! Thank you for coming back to read the second chapter! Also, thank you so much to everyone who has supported this story in any way (by reviewing, favoriting, following, reading it, all that jazz). I wasn't really expecting anyone to read this at all, so I'm so happy to see that some people are. In this chapter, I reference a scene in the movie where Billy starts teaching Michael to dance. That scene didn't happen in the musical, so if you haven't seen the movie, just know that it happens right after the Christmas scene. This chapter alternates viewpoints between Billy and Michael, which was a lot of fun to write. Enjoy!

The last bell finally rang. Billy and his friends ran out of their final class, excited for two weeks off. In an hour, the train would come, and Billy would go home to Everington. Then there would be a two hour ride before he would finally be home. Only three more hours. Nathan hugged his three friends. "See you in two weeks," and was gone.

Billy looked to Zara and Emily. "Aren't you guys leaving, too?"

"No," Emily replied. "Zara's mom is coming in an hour. We knew the train didn't come until then, and didn't want you to be lonely."

"Thanks." Billy smiled. He'd miss his friends over break. "What do you guys want to do until then?"

"Do you want to just go for a walk or something?" Emily asked.

"That sounds like a brilliant idea!" Zara said. She grabbed hold of both of her friends' hands, and started running to a path next to the nearby lake.

Only three more hours. Then he'd finally get to see Billy. Michael stared at the alarm clock by his bed. Five o'clock. Billy would get home at eight. Would it be awkward when he finally got home? The two friends hadn't seen each other in months. It would probably be awkward. Michael couldn't help but expect the worst, but a few positive thoughts still managed to worm their way into his head. Maybe it would be perfect. Michael imagined Billy running up to him, greeting him with a hug. Or maybe even a kiss. Who could say? He knew his thoughts were childish, but he couldn't help the happy daydreams.

What would they do when Billy finally got home? Michael remembered the one night that Billy tried to teach him to dance. That was fun. Maybe they could do it again? Michael was thrown out of his daydream when he heard his sister's voice.

"Oi, Michael, Can you- What are you wearing?" Hannah's voice was interrogating. Michael glanced down at the pink floral-print dress he was wearing that had been borrowed from Hannah's closet. He hadn't prepared for the moment, but still managed to explain his attire calmly.

"I was just... dressing up."

Hannah sat down next to him on his bed. "Look, I'm not mad, and I'm only saying this because I care about you, but dresses are for girls. I don't know if you've worn my clothes before, but people are gonna think you're a poof if you keep doing it. I don't really blame you though, being friends with Billy. Boys who choose to dance aren't-"

"Don't make fun of Billy! He's my friend." Michael's voice wavered.

"I know it's hard to understand, and that you think he's your friend, but it's not natural for boys to dance. Maybe it's good that he left for school. It'll keep him away from you. I don't want you turning into a poof, too."

"That's not how it works." Michael tried to get his sister to understand. He desperately needed her to stop.

Hannah gave him a condescending look. "Just go change clothes. And give me my dress back when you're done."

"What if I'm already a poof?"

The room was silent. Michael felt ice-cold as he waited for the response. Hannah stared at her brother. After a few painstakingly long seconds, she muttered two words with firm determination. "You're not."

"But say I was."

"Just… don't be." Hannah left the room.

"So, any plans for break?" Emily asked Billy as they began their walk by the river.

"Not really." Billy looked at the water. Such a clear, beautiful blue. It was calming. There weren't really any lakes back home. Michael would like to see the water. He loved bright, vibrant, colors.

"Billy, are you okay? You haven't really seemed like yourself today." Concern weaved its way through Emily's voice.

"Yeah. I guess I'm just… nervous? I mean, I want to talk to Michael when I get home, but I don't bloody know what I'm going to say. I want to tell him I fancy him, like. But if me dad finds out… He didn't want me to be a dancer, because he thought it was only for poofs, and now here we are."

"He did let you start dancing, though, so that's a start." Emily said.

Zara seemed to sense the seriousness and put an arm around Billy's shoulders. "And at least you know that Michael won't judge you. Plus you've got us."

"It's different back home, though. It's a mining town. Lads are supposed to do certain things, and lasses another. They already think it's weird that I'm a dancer, but being a poof? They'll think I'm mental. Michael says his mam's not being supportive, which admittedly won't be a problem for me, but what about the rest of me family? Dad and Tony'll think I'm a disappointment."

The group arrived at a park bench, and although it wasn't their intended destination, Zara led the group to sit down. Billy sat in the middle, with Zara on his left and Emily on his right. They were quiet for a few minutes, and then Emily spoke. "Billy, look at me." Billy wanted to keep looking at the water, studying every unique ripple, but forced himself to look up at his friend. "No matter what anyone tells you, there is nothing wrong with being gay. And you can't be a disappointment to your family over something that you can't control. Whenever you talk about Michael, your face lights up." Billy gave a slight smile and looked away with embarrassment. "Trust me, I've seen it. But anyone who thinks there is anything wrong with that can piss off, because they're wrong."

"Do you think I should tell my dad?"

"If he has eyes he'll be able to see it, but tell him if you want." Zara said.

"Actually, I hate to say this," Emily started. "But would it be safe for you to tell your dad? Because if he'd hurt you…"

"I don't think he'd do that." Billy's voice was stronger than before.

"Would he still pay for you to come here?"

"I'm… not sure."

"Okay, just, things to consider. Now, I hate to cut this short, but we need to get to the train station." As always, Emily made sure they were on time. The group started walking back.

"I vote we talk about something happier," Zara said.

"I wholeheartedly agree."

Michael did end up changing clothes, but he told himself that it wasn't because his sister told him to. The dress was still in his room, and would not be returned. He used to be so careful, making sure to put borrowed clothing back every time for fear of getting caught, but if he had already been caught dressing up, it didn't seem like there was much point in hiding it.

He escaped the house, although received many glares from Hannah while doing so. He told himself that he didn't care. What kind of sister was she anyway? Michael didn't realize until after a few minutes that he was absentmindedly walking to the gym, which doubled as a ballet studio. He was thinking about Billy, and had automatically connected the two.

Michael wondered about what his sister had said. Could Billy have turned him gay? It didn't seem like it, as Billy was straight. Also, Michael had known he was gay for a long time, although he had known Billy a long time, too. Even if he had been turned gay, what was really so wrong with it? And what was wrong with Billy liking ballet? Sure, Michael had thought it was a little weird at first, but dancing made Billy happy. You couldn't really control what made you happy. Michael knew that kissing Billy had made him happy. Billy kissing him made him even happier. Michael was certain that those were feelings he couldn't control.

The gym was empty. Michael turned on the light, but that seemed intimidating, so he turned it back were windows near the ceiling, and they lit up the large room just enough.

Michael looked in the mirror. He remembered the one night that Billy started to teach him how to dance. Clad in a gorgeous tutu, having just kissed his best friend, and worried about being accepted, there were tons of emotions swirling around in his head. But they all disappeared when Billy started teaching. Maybe that was why Billy liked dancing so much. It was a way of escaping. A way of freeing yourself.

Sure, it was a little nerve-wracking at first, but what wasn't? It was new and exciting, so different from the small mining town he was used to. It was his own little world. Just him and Billy. Billy's strong arms guiding his own as he formed the simple movements near perfection. The gym would hold those memories forever. It was the location where a magical night took place. A night that was strictly forbidden, because boys couldn't dance. Because boys couldn't kiss. Because boys couldn't wear tutus.

Michael stood in front of the mirror, and began to dance.

"One last thing, Billy," Emily said.

"The train's almost here, can it be quick?" Billy watched as the train came closer.

Emily handed him a slip of paper. "It has both mine and Zara's telephone numbers. I'm staying with Zara over break, so it's probably best to call her house first. But if you need anything, don't hesitate to call. Okay?"

"Alright." He gave Emily a quick hug. "Thank you," he whispered. He gave Zara a quick hug too, and then ran on to the train with his messenger bag. Only two more hours.

Michael wasn't necessarily good at dancing, but it reminded him of Billy, so he continued to practice. He didn't dare join Mrs. Wilkinson's class for fear of his family finding out, but he did like to watch. Later, when he was alone, he would try his best to mimic the movements. First position, Billy had taught him. Feet at an angle; arms in a circle. Plie. Just simple motions, the stepping stones to something beautiful.

He tried a pirouette, but it was way above his skill level. He fell several times before giving up. He needed a real teacher. Watching others dance didn't seem to be helping him learn. Billy would teach him. Michael glanced at the clock on the wall. Only an hour and a half.

Billy had been trying to read books on dance technique for a while, but his thoughts became too distracting. What if his dad really did cut off the funding for his education? He'd probably never be able to see Nathan or Zara or Emily again. Not to mention that his dance career would be over. Without the proper training, it wouldn't matter how talented he was.

Would it be worth it to tell his dad? No, he decided. It would be hard to lie, but he wanted to figure things out with Michael first. For the rest of the train ride, Billy read his books and thought about all that he would do when he was finally home.

The train station was cold, but Michael knew that the uncomfortable wait would be worth it. His heart fluttered every time a new train arrived. He knew he was early, but each one that arrived could be Billy. Strangers passing by stared at him. Not many boys waited alone at the train station at a quarter to eight. But it was okay. They could wonder and judge all they wanted. Michael's best friend was coming home, and there was no way he was going to miss it.

Another train came. Michael studied every face of the weary travelers scrambling out of the huge vehicle. Then he saw a familiar boy wearing a blue striped shirt.

"Aye, Billy!" Billy turned when he heard his name. A familiar face was running up to him. Michael. Billy ran up to Michael, too, and they met in the middle, greeting each other with a hug.

Each boy smiled, unsure of what to say. "So, how's dance school been?" Michael started, but he was interrupted when Billy's family found them.

"Billy!" Tony greeted him, grabbing ahold of his brother's shoulders and giving them a friendly shake. "How's your fancy poof school?"

"It's not just for poofs, you know."

Grandma butted in on the conversation. "We tried renting out your room, but nobody wanted it." Her whole face lit up with the joke, and everyone laughed.

Tony suggested that they go out for ice cream to celebrate Billy's arrival, which everyone agreed was a good idea. Billy hopefully asked if Michael could come, and his dad agreed. The group of five made their way to the nearest ice cream shop.

They arrived, ordered and received their ice cream, and sat down at a table. Billy's family asked more about school, which he was happy to talk about. "We have normal classes in the morning, and then dance in the afternoon, sometimes until late at night. I love it though."

"I still think it's fucking crazy," Tony said.

Michael and Jackie looked at Tony. Michael, who had been silent since Billy's family had arrived, said, "Have you ever actually seen Billy dance? He's bloody fantastic."

Tony seemed taken aback by Michael's sudden words. "Well, no, but dancing is still a right sissy thing to do."

Billy grabbed Michael's hand under the table. Michael looked up at him in surprise, but neither boy said anything about it.

"It's not, really," Michael said. "It's not like it's easy."

"And there are plenty of lads at my school who do it." Billy added. "My friend Nathan's done it even longer than me."

Tony still didn't seem convinced, but kept his mouth shut. Jackie tried to keep the peace by changing the subject, and asked his youngest son about his other friends. Billy told them all about Zara and Emily.

"So you're friends with lasses, too," Tony observed. "Do you fancy any of them?"

"Not particularly," Billy said. He hoped someone would change the subject.

"Are you sure?" Billy's dad gave him a nudge. "There must be at least one you think is cute."

"No, I'm really just there to learn. It's a school after all." Billy grasped Michael's hand a little tighter, their intertwined fingers hidden under the table.

Grandma beamed. "See, I have one studious grandson! Billy, right?"

"Yes, grandma."

They all finished their ice cream, and left the shop together. Michael let go of Billy's hand first, and the two boys shared a quick smile. Billy decided to walk Michael home, so the two groups went their separate ways.

They walked in silence until they were sure that were out of earshot.

"What was that all about?" Michael asked. The words made it sound like he was angry, but there wasn't even a trace of anger in his voice. Curiosity, yes, but no anger.

"I missed you."

"Oh. Well, I missed you, too, dancing boy." There was a moment's pause before Michael stretched out his hand. He looked at Billy, as though asking permission.

Billy took the hand stretched out awkwardly in front of him. It was warm, just like before. It was new and different, but Billy knew it felt right. He was in love with Michael Caffrey.

So, there you go! Another chapter down (YAY!). Please review and tell me what you thought of the multiple viewpoints. I've already started writing the third chapter, so that should be up soon. Thanks again! (Seriously, seeing that people like this makes my whole day.)

-Ferocious Fangirl