Chapter 14

During the week Matilda had planned a meeting for Sunday before opening, the only time she could get everyone together. It was an odd occurrence to say the least, and he couldn't remember her ever doing it before. While she hadn't said it was mandatory everyone got the feeling it was going to be important. For her to make time to try and get everyone, drag queens, bartenders, and behind the scenes workers all together was almost worrying. It seemed like the kind of thing you did for bad news. Everyone had been holding their breath hoping it wasn't anything too serious. Between her age and the rocky relationship with the property owners of the building everyone wanted to come together, just in case.

They'd all been mulling about and there were donuts laid out on one of the tables. Andy was nearit picking one out and Vic was sitting at a booth, hoarding the maple bars.

Matilda had been in and out of her office setting about doing something. No one dared interrupt her, waiting for her to address them first.

Some man in a suit had come in and she shuffled him into her office and shut the door. Everyone waited with baited breath and after what seemed like an eternity, the door opened and he left, he tipped his hat as he went in a friendly fashion but no one knew who he was or what was going on. A few more minutes passed and Matilda waddled out of the room with a folder. She closed the door and stood in the middle of the room. She didn't need to call for attention, everyone had already stopped talking.

"Well, it's official everyone." She started. "This upcoming cabaret night will be our last one here."

Everyone looked around nervously, whispers broke out. What did that mean? No one had heard any rumors they'd been doing bad but then no one really knew about the business end. Except Edd. He'd gone over their taxes and last he saw they were doing fine.

"Because-" she continued, and everyone who'd been talking shut their mouthes, "we will be setting up shop at a new location. That was the estate agent. I just signed the papers for a 3,000 square foot property at Jackson and Summerhill. We'll have plenty of room for both The Blue Dressage and our yet to be named queer coffee shop."

The room roared with excitement. The next hour was abuzz in a flurry of celebration.

Matilda popped the lid off of a champagne bottle and those that could drink clinked their glasses in cheer.

"So what was the price of the property?" Edd asked. "What's the move plan? Does it already have a bar set up or will we need to get plumbing installed?" He had a million questions and they tried to escape them at the same time.

"Slow down boy." Matilda interrupted and patted his shoulder. "You have other things to worry about. And my lawyers and real estate agents are doing their jobs perfectly fine."

"But-" he started.

"Tut tut tut. Focus on your show and just be excited for today. I'll let you look at the books when you have less on your plate."

He knew she was right but itched to pour over the numbers. Everyone celebrates in their own way, math was his, and nothing would be more satisfying then making sure everything added up just right. Matilda was having none of it though.

"Marie!" Matilda called her over. "Talk to Edd about his show so he can leave me alone about property taxes."

Marie chuckled. "Well I completed the tracks you asked for. Removed the bass and messed with the levels so live music should sound good with it."

"Oh!" Edd looked excited, mind shifting gears. He was happy to be working on something at least. "Do you have it with you?" They'd been practicing with the original tracks and it was annoying to hear the bass doubled.

"Of course. Here." She pulled her phone out and a bulky pair of wired headphones. "I'm thinking of ripping it to vinyl. It would sound way better and I saw the old DJ booth was a Pioneer. The new set up is easier to use but doesn't have the record support. We could totally dust it off."

"Oh. That would really go a long way in making it sound authentic next to live music." He listened close and she'd done a great job removing the bass completely, it sounded crystal clean.

"This really is your thing. You ever think of going to school for it?" Matilda asked.

"For what? Music?" Edd scoffed and seemed uninterested.

"No, no. Performance art! You're so good at planning these things, and you're so natural on stage. It'd be perfect for you."

"Art? I've always been more of a math and science person." He balked at the idea immediately but it didn't sound that bad actually. As much as he'd never explored that avenue he did always express himself through what he made, most of his things doubled as sculptural objects, even without their function.

"You could always double major. Or go for a minor." She said. Though you're good at everything you do, so I doubt there's anything that wouldn't fit." She patted him on the back and moved to another group. "Think about it."

Edd preened at the compliment. Coming from Matilda it meant a lot and the more it sunk in, the more it intrigued him. He'd worried about how he would keep up with college and drag at the same time, but using his drag as part of his degree could bring those worlds together and he wouldn't have to make any decisions to cut anything he loved out of his life.

People around had started getting tipsy and champagne glasses had been traded for shots. The bar crew was excited to get a larger storage space and bar and Matilda had thrown back a fireball with them.

"How about I come over with my setup and we do a test run at your house where it's quieter. See how it sounds with your bass to find out if I need to mess with the levels or anything before I bother ripping it." Marie asked after he'd given it a listen to

"That's not a bad idea. We could use the garage."

"Sweet I'll meet you at yours then." Marie took back her headphones.

"Are you two leaving?" Andy asked as they grabbed their things.

"Yeah we're going to check the music for the show. Want in?" Marie slung her messenger bag over her shoulder.

"Nah. I've gotta get ready for tonight but good luck. Make sure you say goodbye to Matty."

They bid their adeus to everyone and bounced to Edd's. Marie met up with him and set up her equipment. It wasn't much, just her old trusty laptop, a soundboard and an amp. She'd burn a vinyl later at a friends when they'd solidified the plan.

After a sound check they took a break and Edd got a text.

Long time no see.

I'll be back from Pennsylvania soon

Wanna grab lunch or something?

"Oh, Alexander's coming back." Edd said.

"You gonna see him while you have Kevin on the string? Cold." Marie was messing with the voice track. With the bass being the only live instrument the lyrics got a touch too drowned out in the opening song, especially since it started so quiet.

"I don't have anyone on a string. Besides Alexander's still a friend, just because we sometimes have sex doesn't mean we have to. Besides I may have feelings for Kevin but you seem to constantly forget he's straight."

"And I'm telling you he's definitely not. I'll bet you anything he's bi."

"I'm not betting you anything. But just because a guy is confident enough to go to a gay bar doesn't mean he has to be queer. He's just an ally."

"Then bet. I bet you my entire record collection."

"What would I want with your records? Pass."

"It was only to prove a point." She rolled her eyes. "C'mon, How confident are you in your assumption."

"Very, he's said." Edd cocked his hip.

"You're sure of that? He's said in exact words, 'I am straight?'"

"Well… I'm pretty sure. I mean when he found out I was Tattiana he… maybe not, but I'm certain." He said in a huff. "I'm saying yes to Alexander."

He sent his text and a few minutes later he got a reply that he'd be back Tuesday night and they should see each other Wednesday before work.

He bit his lip and mulled it over. He hadn't seen Alexander for over a month but it would cut in on his time with Kevin. But it wasn't like there were plans to do anything risqué. Just a chat over a late lunch. Would it be rude to ask Alexander if he could bring a friend? It would be a good opportunity to have them meet, he definitely thought they'd get along.

He dropped his phone and decided he'd think about it later. Marie had just motioned to do a practice run to test the new boosted audio.

Tuesday came and went and he'd completely forgotten to think about it. After messing with the music well into the night he'd completely forgotten, so wednesday when they pulled up and Alexander was smoking in his driveway he wanted to slap himself for his oversight. It was very unlike him.

"Hey, D!" The tall man waved and approached the bike, "Sweet ride, dude." He said to Kevin. The man was probably 6'2" but not very broad. He had long dirty blonde hair pulled back and wore wire frame glasses.

"It's been too long." Edd said and hugged him.

The hug was too long for Kevin's taste. He wondered if this was the ex boyfriend but instead of a motorcycle a beat up 94' civic covered in bumper stickers was in the driveway.

"Alexander this is Kevin." Edd introduced.

"Nice to meet you." He kept his hand on Edd's shoulder and held out the other to Kevin for a handshake.

"Oh, yeah, you too. How do you two know each other?" Kevin asked.

"Vic introduced us." Edd said.

"I'm a part time DJ, I used to spin at the BD from time to time but got a full time job so I had to stop." Alexander explained further.

"I forgot to mention he just got back from a trip and we were going to catch up." Edd said to Kevin with a guilty look.

"You wanna come with us?" The blonde asked.

"Only if that's okay with you but I don't want to intrude." Kevin looked between them, he definitely didn't want to give up his time he got to spend with Edd to anyone, especially not an old flame. What kind of guy went by Alexander anyway?

"Any friend of D's is a friend of mine, I'd love to get to know you. You okay with it D?" Kevin felt suddenly bad about being rude in his head.

"Of course. I think you guys would really hit it off." Edd smiled, glad it could work out so well, even if he did feel rude for not bringing it up earlier.

They took Alexander's hatchback and the ride was full of easy conversation. Where he'd gone- Pennsylvania, why- helping with planning his grandmother's funeral, how long- 5 weeks. They also talked about Edd's show and the news of the big move.

They'd gone to a Thai place that had the windows blacked out. The place was dark and lit with candles creating a lovely atmosphere that seemed far from casual. Kevin definitely thought he was intruding. They sat at a rounded booth. Edd sat in the middle.

Alexander was as much of a talkative person as Edd and just as knowledgeable. While Kevin wanted to dislike him, he was actually really cool. He kept spinning the conversation so Kevin could keep up and add in without getting drowned out, but he also kept touching Edd, putting his arm around his shoulder or on his thigh while ordering and Edd didn't seem to mind or even notice. Kevin was starting to get vibes that they'd been naked together more than once.

"So what's your school plans, Kevin?" Alexander asked. His arm was draped behind Edd where Kevin's often was; Kevin felt white hot jealousy in the pit of his stomach. He took a sip of his soda to drown it.

"I don't really know yet. I was just gonna go to community college and get my gen-eds out of the way while I figure it out."

"I always thought you'd go on a sports scholarship." Edd said with interest. He'd never considered he'd want to do anything else.

"Nah, that's always been what my dad wants but I don't really think I have what it takes to go professional. And even if I did it's just something that's fun to me. It was never what I saw myself doing."

"Oh." Edd said. "What have you been considering then? You must have some idea."

"I thought engineering sounded pretty good. Versatile too, but I don't really know. I was hoping that I'd find something I'm passionate about when I got to college and started to meet more people and see what's offered."

"That's pretty chill." Alexander said. "You're only- what 18? You don't need it all figured out yet."

"That's true." Edd agreed.

"What about you D? Figure out what you want to major in?" Alexander asked him. "I know you were between several things."

"Well I'm still interested in entomology and well… everything. But recently I've been mulling over the idea of performance art. Matilda suggested it." He seemed apprehensive. "I don't know though. I mean… I've never considered myself artistic…"

"Yeah right dude!" Kevin contradicted. "Everything you make is so cool. Sure it's not painting or whatever but like- the sewing, the smoke machine you disguised as an egg sac! That shit is so artistic."

"I've gotta see that." Alexander added. "I agree though. Remember that time you made Andy's sorceress scepter for Halloween? It looked like gnarled wood and the globe actually glowed. You're just as artsy as you are smart."

"Thank you." Edd was glad they didn't seem surprised or confused.

"You know," Alexander said to Kevin, "If you don't know where to go to school yet you could probably apply to the same schools as Edd, or just somewhere close. You could rent an apartment together." Alexander suggested.

Kevin liked that thought a lot. Coming home every day to Edd doing homework on the couch. Waking up and seeing him first thing in the morning. Edd's thought process wasn't far off but he shook the thought away. Straight guy. Edd reminded himself.

"That's not a bad idea. At least I'd know I'm getting a clean roommate with you." Kevin took a bite from his food and Edd bit his lip. Living with someone you have unreciprocated feelings for would be a dumb move but he smiled back.

"Maybe." He replied noncommittally.

"What're you doing now if you're not a DJ anymore?" Kevin asked Alexander.

"I work as a board operator for the radio station in the next town over." He replied. "I still DJ occasionally but I've been trying to get more connections. My goal is music production. I've been doing an online degree and hoping that I'll get accepted into Berklee so I'm beefing up my CV."

"That's cool. Hope it goes well."

"Oh it will." Edd said. "You should hear his music. You'll like it, it's pop but it's got more beat." He turned back to Alexander, "Oh, by the way, Marie's says she's excited to see what you've been up to."

"Man, talk about someone who needs to be getting a music degree." Alexander chuckled.

"All of the Kankers are so talented, it's a shame they have to choose between living and following their dreams. I've been trying to convince them to let me help them apply for grants but I can understand Marie's reluctance."

"It's really too bad because her sound is so raw."

"I didn't know Marie did music." Kevin added. She never talked about it, but then she was usually attached to Nazz when he saw her.

"Yeah, we reconnected at a feminist punk concert. The opening act was a local punk band that we both love. Recently she's started helping them backstage and mixing their music for CD's."

"I love that you won't even say your favorite band's name." Alexander laughed and his hand had gone from the back of the seat to Edd's lower back. Edd didn't notice but Kevin sure did.

Kevin frowned and looked away, trying hard not to slap the man's hand away and replace it with his own. Kevin knew he didn't have any claim, he'd been dancing around actually asking Edd out for weeks and if Edd was okay with being touched by this guy Kevin couldn't be mad at him but he was almost certain though Alexander had known Edd intimately and he was so mad jealous. He couldn't even be angry though because the dude was so chill.

"I can . It's just don't need to go saying something like that inside a restaurant."

"It's Cunt Rocket." Alexander said to Kevin and Edd elbowed him.

"Please, we're eating." Edd scoffed.

"So…" Alexander started and Edd just knew he was going to say something that would embarrass him, "What would you guys think of a three way?" He looked between the two of them with a flirty grin. He'd obviously misconstrued their relationship and Edd dropped his fork in shock.

Kevin had just taken a drink of water and the surprise sent it down the wrong pipe.

"Alexander! Restaurant !" Edd gasped, "Besides that, Kevin's straight." Edd patted Kevin's back as he coughed.

"I never said that." Kevin managed between breaths.

"What?" Edd asked and handed him a napkin, having obviously not heard him right.

"I never said I'm straight." Kevin repeated.

"I… what?" Edd repeated with wide eyes.

"I might… he bi. Or something." He said and coughed into the napkin.

Edd felt his whole world tilt sideways. He could practically feel his mantra of 'he's straight' break into a million pieces. He couldn't use it as an excuse ever again and suddenly everything that had happened until then needed to be viewed completely differently.

"Oh." Edd said. Kevin looked up and their eyes met. There was an intense moment. Kevin saw something flicker across Edd's face before he looked away with pink cheeks. He hoped it was interest.

"So… are we on for that?" Alexander asked, raising an eyebrow at their prolonged silence.

"No!" They both said, their pink cheeks turning red.

Edd's heart raced. Marie had been right and it made him wonder if she'd not just assumed but had known because she was dating his best friend.

Kevin licked his lips. Edd's shift in demeanor worried him but they caught eyes again and Edd's eyes glanced to his newly wet lips. Kevin knew what Edd was thinking and he felt giddy. He moved his knee to press it against Edd's who picked up his drink to give himself something to do. He may not have been affected by Alexander's touch but Kevin's definitely caught his attention.

"Fine, fine. So then tell me about your show. It's this Friday right?"

"Yeah. Marie actually just finished ripping the track to vinyl yesterday and we did our first dry run before opening. We need to tighten up our pacing a little but otherwise it's looking great. It's going to be all metal and I'll be playing my bass."

"I'm so glad I came back in time to see it. I'm stoked to see what you've cooked up. I'm upset you're not playing the PSG though."

"Ugh. I know it's got an interesting sound but there's nothing less appealing to me than fitting my least favorite instrument into something meant to represent me."

"I'm upset I missed your first lead. I know you must have been nervous."

"Oh he was, but it turned out amazing. Actually I didn't think of it but Nazz got a bit of it on her phone. She sent it to me if you want to see it." He didn't want to admit how many times he rewatched the minute long clip.

Alexander gave an affirmation and Kevin pulled it up.

"Oh I remember this dance. Usually Misty's right?"

"Usually. It's a swap out though so it made sense as a first run." Edd watched himself with fascination. He didn't know there was a video. He didn't recognize himself. He'd obviously seen himself in videos in drag before but he always blended in. At the front he seemed so… different.

"If you were nervous I can't tell because you look fucking natural."

"Right." Kevin said. "I can't believe he was panicking just a few hours earlier."

"Well I was panicking, not Tattiana. Tattiana doesn't panic."

"Tattiana may not, but I have seen her get snippy." Alexander raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Remember that time I came backstage after that show where you fell and-"

"Why must I keep reminding you were in a restaurant!" Edd interrupted with a frown.

"Ha! That's the face."

"What?" Kevin asked, trying to figure out what happened.

"It's nothing and if you say anything else about it… well nothing embarrasses you so I have no recourse but please don't."

"Aw, come on. I hate being out of the loop." Kevin begged.

"Don't you dare." Edd hissed to Alexander who laughed.

"'Tattiana' was all angry and moody until I fingered her in the back room. After that- totally calm." The blond stage whispered to Kevin.

Kevin wasn't sure what was more red, his face, Edd's face, or his vision. Envy was an ugly look and he tried hard not to be upset but he knew he'd never be able to be friends with Alexander no matter how chill he was.

The image of Edd all dressed up with his skirt bunched up and getting all hot and bothered from nothing but his fingers was going to keep him up tonight.

Edd covered his face with his hands and groaned.

"This is obviously not the time or place." Edd slapped the blonde man's arm.

Kevin drank down the last of his soda to cool himself off. They'd all paid a bit ago and were just chatting and picking at their leftovers.

"So, are you nervous?"

"Of course I am." Edd picked up his own water, the ice clacked as it shifted. "I've been thinking about how to run away and start a new life." He joked.

Even though Edd was trying to make light of it, it was obvious his hands were shaking, though he was trying to hide it by gripping his cup.

"Like you'll need to. I've seen everything you've been doing and it's going to be so cool." Kevin said, he put a friendly hand on Edd's shoulder.

"And every show you've ever helped with has been better for it. They never would have put in those silks for Misty if you hadn't suggested it. No one even thought they could." Alexander added.

Edd chewed his straw and sighed. "I know. I'm just… it's so nerve wracking."

"You've never failed at anything you've put your mind to," Edd snorted like he didn't believe him but Kevin continued, "but I get it. You've put a lot of time and energy in on this. It's scary to put it out there and not know how people are going to feel about it. I'm sure everyone's going to love it but you're allowed to freak out a little. Just don't get caught up in your head."

Edd put his own hand over Kevin's that had taken to rubbing his shoulder. He gave a small smile and leaned a bit towards him, touched by his words. He didn't know how badly he needed to hear that. "Thank you."

Alexander smirked at them getting lost in their own little world. It was sweet to see. The way they looked at each other was so obvious. He was rooting for them.

"So you asked me before but what about you? How did you two meet?" Alexander asked. "You seem close but I've never seen you before." He said to Kevin. "I thought I knew all Edd's friends.

"We actually grew up together." Edd answered.

"We've lived in the same neighborhood since we were in kindergarten. We only really reconnected in the last month or so though." Kevin continued. He thought about removing his hand but didn't even as Edd dropped his own into his lap.

"What made you reconnect?"

Kevin blushed and his hand went to the back of his neck sheepishly. "I Uh… met Tattiana by accident."

"And then he got such a big crush on her, he started asking me to wingman." Edd laughed behind his hand.

Alexander barked a laugh. "Ha! How did you not know it was him if you knew him so long."

"We weren't close back then! And he said she was his cousin! I just thought it was a family resemblance."

Alexander snickered at him. "I wouldn't have thought you were so dense. How long did it take him to notice?"

"He didn't. I accidentally spilled the beans on myself apparently."

"I realized Tattiana wasn't a woman the night before. I just didn't realize she was you." He was trying to defend himself but knew he didn't have much a leg to stand on. He had to admit his own denseness in this.

"He even served the table all of us drag queens were sitting at and he didn't find out."

"Dude." Alexander laughed hard.

"I'd never heard of drag before. Honestly I just thought they were, like, exotic dancers or something!"

"You never heard of drag? What kind of rock were you living under?"

"I dunno. I thought I was straight till like last month. I was always surrounded by dude-bro jocks so I never really knew."

Alexander and Edd both made the connection of having reconnected last month and having this sexual revelation. Alexander shot Edd a sly smirk and Edd's light blush spread to his ears.

Eventually the conversation went dead and they packed up the last of what they didn't pick over and had to head back so Edd could get ready for work.

Alexander got out of the car to hug Edd goodbye. "You two make a cute couple. I'd say snatch him up before he gets stolen but I think he's only got eyes for you." Alexander whispered in his friend's ear.

Edd pulled away flustered and bright red. "I'll see you Friday."

Alexander shot Kevin a smile and wink, who was staring with jealousy written plainly on his face, and he also went red. They were both too easy to rile up.

Edd had to immediately go and get ready so he also bid Kevin goodbye.

Kevin itched to hug him but after Alexander's prolonged one he felt awkward and self conscious but he didn't have anything to feel weird over because Edd was the one who made the move forward for their usual contact.

Kevin wrapped his arms around Edds waist in return and this along with their earlier eye contact he decided maybe today had been good, actually.

When they parted Kevin went to his room and fell onto his bed face first and yelled into his pillow in excitement. He was certain their loaded eye contact meant something important. He knew he had a chance now. He'd known he never really told Edd he was bi but he wasn't expecting him to be so shocked by it. He thought he'd been pretty obvious but Edd's pretty face went all pink and surprised when he'd said it.

He picked up his phone.

I told DD I'm bi

Nazz's call was almost instant and Kevin jumped at how sudden it was.

"Oh my god! What did he say?" Was the first thing out of her mouth. Kevin chuckled.

"Nothing really but I think I have a good chance. We made eye contact and he just had this look like… I dunno. Like he was really looking at me as an option or something."

"No duh you have a chance dude. I can't believe he didn't already know though."

"Honestly, same. I didn't exactly think I was hiding it."

"So, when do you plan to actually do something about it then?"

"I'm not sure exactly but definitely after his performance. He's already stressed enough and I don't want to make it worse. Maybe Saturday? I want to plan something."

"What were you thinking?"

"I don't know yet but I want it to be perfect." Kevin wondered if it would be too much to go back to that fancy place near the convention center.

"You're such a sap."

"Yeah, and hopefully I'll be his sap soon."

Nazz snorted. "How did you ever think you were straight, because that's the gayest thing I think you've ever said."