"Mom, Dad I have something to tell you. I'm gay," the voice from the laptop said. He stood there for a moment while the shoot focused the young man's parents who were quiet. After some time they stood up and embraced their son.
"Just as I guessed," Ludwig said closing his laptop. "Unrealistic, no one comes out that smoothly. This is the last time I take movie suggestions from Alfred."
As if on cue his roommate burst through the door with his backpack slung over one shoulder and his phone in his other hand. "Yo, you ready for tonight?"
"You mean another chance for you to set me up with every guy there? Then no."
"Oh come on, meeting a guy wouldn't be so bad."
Ludwig leaned on the wall next to his bed and sighed. "You know I'm not out to my parents."
"I know, I know," Alfred tossed his backpack on the floor. "You know that you'll have to come out to them eventually."
"Unfortunately yes. I'm just not ready for how they'll react."
"Don't worry dude when you are ready to come out I'll be there to support you."
"Thank you, Alfred," Ludwig responded.
Alfred nodded before looking at his cellphone. "Hey, when do we have to meet Emma?"
Ludwig checked his watch. "I believe we have about two hours."
"Cool," Alfred climbed on his bed and got comfortable. "If I'm not up by then, wake me okay?"
Ludwig nodded and opened his laptop again. The movie flashed back on the screen and without a second thought, Ludwig exited out of the screen before pulling up an assignment. Figuring this time was a better time than ever he tried to work. However, he found his mind distracted, distracted by the thought of being in love. He started to feel slightly uneasy at the thought. He knew that if he even found someone who could love him, his life would never be the same. There were so many variables he needed to consider before even thinking about a relationship. The first one was simple, could there even be someone who would love him back?
"I am so glad classes are over," Feliciano said, stretching a little as he walked down the street. "It's been a very long week."
"I agree," Mei said stretching a little. "Was it just me or did Tackach lecture see longer today?"
"Just one second," Felciano said stopping by a tree. He took a few steps back and pulled out his cellphone. He opened the camera again and zoomed in the small bird sitting in its nest. Once the picture was taken he placed his phone back in his pocket before catching up with his friend.
"Let me guess a new inspiration hit," Mei said without hesitation and with a sly smile.
"In my defensive, it was a cute bird."
"Just make sure you do the reading for Tackach." Mei turned on her heel and started walking backward a bit. "I predict we'll have a pop quiz on Monday."
"You say that after every class," Feliciano laughed and ran a little to catch up with her. The two kept a fast pace until they reached their small home. Feliciano gave a small sigh as he walked up and unlocked the door.
"Hey, you're back," Tereza said turning around and jumping from the step stool she was on. "You guys excited for movie night?"
"I look forward to it every month," Feliciano answered as Mei walked up to what Tereza just hung up.
"Nice banner Tereza," Mei said her eyes still on the banner. "I think you have every pride flag on it."
"Thanks, it took me a bit to get some of them right," Tereza rubbed her hands together.
"Also is it true your girlfriend is finally coming?" Mei leaned against the opening between the common room and kitchen.
"Yeah, she and a few of her friends."
"Oh uh when will they be here?" Feliciano asked nervously.
"Around five, something wrong?"
"Oh, nothing." Feliciano quickly turned to walk upstairs. "I just need to check something first."
Feliciano walked upstairs and to his room. He turned the knob before unlocking the door. He placed his backpack on his bed and opened the back pocket and pulled out his drawing tablet. He placed that on his bed and hung his backpack up. He climbed on his bed and turned the tablet on. Looking over he saw the small notebook sitting on the pop-up shelf and opened it. Once he found what he was looking forward he thought about its contents and nodded to himself. He pulled out his phone and opened the picture he took earlier. Immediately he started drawing. After the bird was drawn, Feliciano took notice that it looked a little empty. He found a large empty space and added another bird in it.
"There we go," he said once the sketch of the second bird was done. "Everyone deserves someone to love."
He looked over the shelf next to him and stared at the pictures on them. He looked down after a moment. "Yeah, everyone."
"Is everyone here?" Emma asked as everyone climbed into the car.
Alfred looked around the car for a second. "Yup, all here."
"Alright," Emma started to drive off. "So I sent Ter a list of some of our favorite snacks and what kind of pizza you like."
"You didn't have to do that it's just a movie," Arthur said with an assuring smile.
"Well, she wants you guys to enjoy yourselves. I'm the only one who's met these guys, it didn't want to be awkward."
"Yeah, we can make friends easily." Alfred brushed it off before wrapping an arm around Ludwig. "Right, Ludwig?"
"I guess." Ludwig removed Alfred's arm from him. He looked out the window and just watched the scenery change. There was just something hypnotic about it. He leaned his head against his hand and just took it all in.
"Hey Ludwig," Ludwig was taken out of the moment by Alfred shaking him
"Yes?" He asked looking at him.
"We asked you if you had seen Were The World Mine?"
"Uh no never heard of it," Ludwig answered before looking out the window again.
"Okay so none of us have seen it," Alfred announced leaning back in his seat.
"I just googled it, seems interesting," Arthur said reading off his phone. "Oh, it's a twist on A Midnight Summer's Dream."
"Oh great here we go," Alfred leaned to the window. Ludwig rolled his eyes still staring out the window. Before anyone could continue the car slowed downed. Slowly Emma parked the car and the three got out.
"I think it's cool your girlfriend gets to live off campus," Alfred said as they walked towards the house.
"Nah it's how everyone lives at Heartsdale," Emma explained. "The whole town is built around the college."
"Cool."
The four walked up to the small house. It was a nice mint green color with white shutters and three stories high. All in all, it looked like a decent place to live. Emma led the group to the front porch and she knocked on the door. It opened and a girl opened it
"Are you Emma?" she asked with a warm smile
"Yes," Emma responded with a small nod.
The girl turned around. "Hey, Tereza your girlfriend's here!"
"Well let them in!" Someone called from inside. The girl moved tot he side and the four walked inside. A young woman walked out from the kitchen holding a bowl of chips. She smiled and walked over.
"I'm so glad you could make it," she said hugging Emma tightly. "You guys can just put your coats on the railing over there."
Ludwig did what he was told and looked around a bit. He took notice of a small bulletin board. On it was the pictures of everyone who lived in the house. Below each picture was the person's name and what they identified as. Ludwig couldn't help but stare at them and wonder how everyone could be so open to this part of them. He turned away and a banner of many of the pride flags caught his eye.
"This movie is rather interesting." Ludwig turned to see the others talking. "How did you even find out about it?"
"Oh, Feliciano recommended it," Tereza explained. She looked around for a few seconds. "Is he still up in his room?"
"I'll get him," the other girl said, walking up to the railing. "Feliciano get down here! We have guests!"
"I'll be down in a second!" Presumably, Feliciano yelled from upstairs. A few moments later he ran downstairs, carrying a beanbag with him. Ludwig took a small step back. The young man had short brown hair with a stray curl, slightly tanned skin, and from what he could see a really positive demeanor. He threw the beanbag down before collapsing on top of it. Ludwig caught a small glimpse of Feliciano smiling and couldn't but smile with him.
"Sorry I was just changing my shirt," he said standing back up and brushing himself off and laughed a little as he did. "Also wanted to bring my beanbag so our guest can have the seats."
"Nah I can sit on the floor," Alfred responded sitting down next to the beanbag.
"Well you guys don't have to stand around," Tereza said to everyone. "You can sit. Or if you're thirsty we got drinks in the kitchen."
"I'm going to get a drink," Ludwig announced turning towards the kitchen door. "Anyone want anything?"
Everyone shook their head and Ludwig walked in the kitchen. Feliciano turned to face him and stood in place for a second. He poked Mei on the shoulder.
"Mei who is that?" He whispered to her.
"He's one of her friends," Mei slightly gestures to Emma. "I'm not sure of his name though."
"Okay thanks," Feliciano said before kneeling back on his beanbag. He pushed some of his hair back. "He's kind of cute."
Feliciano adjusted himself a bit in his seat. He reached up and grabbed himself a slice of pizza. A few seconds later he glanced up and the mysterious boy was sitting on the couch next to him. Quickly he looked down, hoping that he didn't notice.
"He's right next to me," Feliciano thought to himself. "This is probably the best chance I have, I can't miss it."
He took a deep breath and looked up. "Hi, I'm Feliciano what's your name?"
The young man looked on the other side of him before turning to toward Feliciano. In response, Feliciano waved a little.
"Hi," he said again still waving.
"Hello," he said. "Were you talking to me?"
"Yes." Feliciano adjusted himself so he was sitting up was looking at the man better.
"Oh uh my name is Ludwig," he rubbed the back of his neck as he said this.
"Ludwig," Feliciano said to himself. "That's a nice name."
"Oh uh, thank you."
"So," Feliciano leaned on the arm of the couch. "Have you seen this movie before?"
"Were The World Mine?" Feliciano nodded a little. "I never heard of it before today? I think someone said you recommended it."
"I have been since last year," he leaned on the couch for a moment. "I watched it in GSA and I thought everyone would like it."
"I hope I enjoy it," Ludwig leaned back and Feliciano turned to face the screen.
"I hope you enjoy it too," Feliciano thought to himself. He glanced back at Ludwig for a second, his fierce blue eyes focused in front of him. Feliciano quickly turned away. He laid back down and let the movie play.