"You told me you'd dance."

"And I have been."

"I meant for real," argued Miguel, fighting the urge to run a hand down his frustrated face, knowing he'd ruin his face paint if he did. His eyes remained glued to Hawk. He looked uncomfortable, the way his fingers fidgeted with the hem of his costume like that. "This is the second slow dance you've flaked on tonight."

Hawk clenched his hands to stop the stimming and forced an unconvincing smirk up the corner of his mouth. "Don't tell me you're really into that mushy shit," he said.

Miguel's own mouth tightened at that deflection. "And don't tell me you're afraid of a little PDA," he retorted. Sometimes Hawk's masking got on his nerves, and during those times, such as now, Miguel wished he'd stop joking and be more sincere. He understood being a little more reserved in public, but why couldn't Hawk show some of that side of himself he did whenever they were in private? "You, of all people?"

The harsh smile on Hawk's face dissolved, and Miguel knew he'd cut through his bullshit, right to the heart of the matter. What made him so worried?

"I mean, are you embarrassed about us being…. If so, it's not like we're the only…y'know, the only ones." Miguel's vision swept the gym, past where Aisha and Tory were scoping prospective guys, over to where Moon and her girlfriend Piper were slow-dancing, grinning affectionately at each other.

Hawk's eyes followed his, and his features pinched at seeing his ex. "It doesn't have anything to do with that," he argued, turning back around.

"Then what is it about?" drilled Miguel.

Hawk frowned. "Just forget it."

"Or, here's an idea," Miguel said, "how about I don't forget it, and you tell me what the deal is?" He was upset. Why shouldn't he be?

Especially when the song playing at the DJ's station ended and followed up with another easy tune meant to encourage couples to get closer - though not too close, Counselor Blatt was there to make space where she felt needed - and Hawk still didn't have anything to say.

It made Miguel's face heat up so much he thought it might make his face paint run. Hot not in anger, but embarrassment. It made him wish he'd stayed home. It made him wonder if Hawk would ever get to the point where he'd be comfortable dropping the act in public, for his sake; for both their sakes.

Miguel was about ready to give up.

Then Hawk took his hand. He held it for a few seconds.

He muttered, "I-I don't know how…to slow dance…."

Miguel's cheeks cooled. "Oh, is that all?" He shook his head, but a small smile broke loose. He took Hawk's other hand in his own and tugged him closer. "Well, you're a fast learner, aren't you?"

That got Hawk to relax.

But before Miguel took the lead, he pointed out, "You could've told me before tonight, y'know?"