Lights On

Grayson ran his hands through his hair, taking a deep breath. This was going to be his big break, everything he had worked for his entire life would finally all be brought together. He found his parents in the crowd, an excited Desmond whispering to his husband. Hudson was smiling along, looking at the stage expectantly. The curtains were still drawn, but Grayson was able to peek and look at his dad’s excitement. In and out, in and out, he could do this. This wasn’t his first time on a stage, yet none of the other times were as important as this one was. His first actual step into the acting world, a show he had written. It was his time.

His people were out there to support him. Preston and Vulcan were there, to the right of his Father, Hudson. Both of them were laughing, Vulcan nudging Preston’s side as he pointed to the stage. Warmth bloomed in the blonde’s chest. Neither of them wanted to act in his show, but their support was enough. God knows how many times they stayed up while Grayson bounced ideas off of them and rambled about everything. Hell, he even made Kashif proofread all of his drafts.

His eyes roamed a little further, not seeing his favorite person next to his two friends. Where was Kashif? He strained his eyes to look at the empty seat next to Desmond. White was clearly displayed on the deep velvet seat, stating that it was reserved. Grayson’s eyebrows furrowed even more. Nerves were normal before a show, but if Kashif didn’t show up Grayson wasn’t sure if he would be able to act properly.

“Hey! We’re on in five! You ready, Gray?” Avery tapped her clipboard, looking expectantly at her fellow classmate. She was assigned as his director for this final project, for the play he was going to present to the world. If anything, that woman was brutal. She knew how to keep everyone on task and how to make sure people bloomed up on stage. As much as he didn’t like her, he had to respect her hard work. Even if the dislike came from the horrible relationship they had had. He never wanted to get into that.

“Yeah, I’m ready, Aves, just waiting for someone.” She pursed her lips, eyes narrowing at him. He just raised an eyebrow in return.

“You better not let your stupid nerves get in the way of your performance. You wrote this play! You wrote it and you envisioned it. You used me as a vessel to make sure everything turned out perfectly. If you don’t get on that goddamn stage and do your best, I will be pissed. And you best believe me, Grayson Huron Smith. If you don’t break a leg and give your best performance no matter who’s watching you, we will have a bone to pick.”

With every harsh word she poked him in the chest. She was shorter than him, but not by too much. Avery was always a ball of fire, she spoke her mind and did not care who hated her. She was someone to be reckoned with, and honestly, she definitely scared Grayson. All of the Perez siblings scared Grayson. James was alright, they were friends, being in the same Fraternity and all. But his sisters? Damn, they could both kill a bitch.

“I’m fine, the show will go on and I will do great.” His teeth were gritted at every word, and he willed himself to not search for Kashif again. The curtains were finally being pulled open as the first actor went on to kickstart the show. Even though Grayson was the main character, he didn’t go on until after the opening sequence. He could do this.

~⭒~O~<✧>~O~⭒~

Grayson walked onto the stage, stumbling, just like his character was supposed to. He started to do the dance that he always did when he acted. Everything disappeared and the only thing that mattered was the stage. It was him and his fellow actors up there, and they were all committed to the same thing; putting on a show. 

Twirling, dancing, singing, screaming. Grayson did it all. Every single line came out perfectly. He was born to be on stage, he was born to perform in front of a crowd. The final scene came to a close with Grayson crying over Kyle’s ‘dead’ body. The perfect ending for the traumatic gay romance Grayson decided to put on. Who could blame him? He knew his dads would love it, both of them always watching sad romance movies. At the end of the day, he put this play on for them. His first ever film was always going to be a tribute to them, it was always going to have pieces of them in it. That’s why Kyle (his cousin and carbon copy of Desmond) was always the perfect choice for the love interest. And that was why it was so important he got every line correct.

~⭒~O~<✧>~O~⭒~

The curtains were drawn and everything faded to black. There were frantic shouts of “Up, up, up!” from Avery as the entire cast lined up and made it onto the stage, bowing and holding hands. The crowd was going wild, clapping the only thing in Grayson’s ear. All he could do was grin. This was the night of his life. Eyes roamed to his parents, then to the left of his dad. His eyes dimmed. Where was Kashif?

This was by far the most paradoxical night of his life. Kyle grinned at him and pulled him off the stage. Props were in a flurry as everyone tried to get everything in order. They would all have to arrive early tomorrow to help put everything in its rightful place and do a strike. But that was tomorrow, not tonight. Tonight, it was time to accept congratulations and talk with the crowd and see loved ones. Grayson grinned at Kyle, he could pull himself together for this. It was his night and no one could ruin that, he hoped. Pushing Kashif out of his mind, the lobby came into view and the crowd enveloped him.

Thank you, and I love your dress! And just smiles were all Grayson could give. Kyle was right next to him the entire time and the both of them were keeping each other grounded. Until he saw both of their parents. Aunt Hexia and Aunt Sarabelle were there, both of his fathers grinning. Hexia was holding two bouquets, one blue and one green. Kyle ran to his mother, engulfing her in a hug and chatting animatedly, while Grayson grinned at his fathers. Desmond clasped him in a hug. This was what warmth felt like, this was what family felt like. When growing up he and Kyle would see each other almost every weekend for family dinners and when Sarabelle would make them both dress up and Hexia would paint family portraits. It felt like home.

The only thing that was missing was Kashif. Vulcan and Preston were there, screaming and shaking Grayson as he laughed. It was all he could do not to rip away and look for a head of black. But he stayed still, he laughed and he joked and he accepted congratulations. Everything would be all right.

“GRAYSON!” Panting, out of breath, perfect attire and looking all muddled. Kashif was trying to greedily gulp in the air as he grabbed Grayson, looking a little ashamed as he glanced at the crowd around Grayson as if imagining judgmental stares. In Kashif’s hand was a bouquet, strangely unlike any bouquet Grayson had ever seen in the markets. There were lilies, daffodils, dahlias. The only flower Kashif seemed to have missed was red roses. He blinked a little, he wanted to scream and cry and be a baby. But he also stared at the bouquet and could only think about how hard that must have been to do. 

“Kashif.” It came out quiet, breathless.

“I know,” he interrupted, fiddling with Grayson’s sleeve, “I’m so sorry and I know it’s no excuse but I- I was trying to pick them all before the show but I went into this lady who I know’s field because she said yes and I was picking them and it was getting dark and this security guard came and confronted me and tried to take me to jail and- I’m just so sorry Grayson, that I missed everything, I really didn’t mean to-“ Grayson laughed, he laughed, a full on belly rolling laugh. It was only fitting that Kashif of all people missed his play because he was trying to do something nice. He wanted to be mad, but he couldn't. He could only wipe his eyes and smile at the other man.

“Do you know how ridiculous you sound, Kashi?” He pulled Kashif into a hug, careful to grab the flowers out of the way so they wouldn't be squished. “Only you would miss something because you were trying to be all romantic for me. Thank you, so much.”

Kashif’s ears immediately turned a bright shade of red as he pursed his lips to prevent an embarrassed smile, pushing his face into Grayson’s chest so as to not look at him. Grayson just chuckled and pulled him closer. Kashif was here, and it was better late than never.