Work Text:
Michael
Michael looks at me from across the table, his eyes shining. We had just finished skating, and I had made it out only falling twice. “We should talk about it,” Michael says, immediately bringing up the thought on the back of my mind. The kiss as the school was burning. “I don’t want to date. We’d be better as just friends,” he says softly, as to not let me down. I feel a wave of relief fly over me. And I laugh. I laugh because he knows exactly what I’m thinking. I’m laughing because Michael Holden is my soulmate, but it’s purely platonic. He looks at me like I’m a dragon in a field of sheep.
“Good. I think I might be aromantic asexual, actually. So that’s perfect for me.” And I’m happy. Because Michael, my soulmate, finally knows the real me. He smiles at me running a hand through his hair. “Okay. Good. I’m happy you felt you could tell me. I’m proud of you,” he says, still smiling. He takes a bite of his muffin and I take a sip of my coffee. “Anyway, I think I like this boy. Do you want me to tell you about him?” he asks, and I nod. I’m glad Michael has a crush on someone else, even though he’s my soulmate.
Charlie [and Nick]
“So…” I start, staring at Charlie and Nick from the armchair Michael and I are sharing. They look so happy, so in love. Charlie looks up from his phone, looking confused. Nick looks up too, but his gaze is trained on Charlie. I take a sip of my drink. “I’m not dating Michael, just so you know,” I say, looking down at my phone. Nick raises his eyebrows, and Charlie just stares. He was the main person who thought we were, to be honest. "You're not?" Nick questions, a lilt to his voice. Michael shakes his head, curls falling into his eyes. Charlie tilts his head in confusion.
"I'm aroace," I say, and Michael puts a hand on my shoulder. Charlie's mouth transforms into a small oh. Nick just nods. I'm eighty percent sure he doesn't understand what that means. "I don't feel romantic or sexual attraction. I'm not into guys, girls, or other people," I elaborate, and an understanding look dawn's on his face. He smiles at me, and gives a very Nick thumbs up. Charlie abruptly stands up, coming to hug me. I let him do it, my arms hesitantly wrapping around him. "Thank you for telling me," he whispers.
Becky
"And obviously I turned him down, because I think I might like this girl. I met her friend, Frances, at a party and she introduced me. Her name is Raine and she's really nice and pretty. She's got the silver head shaved on the side, you know? She's unique. Anyway, do you have anyone on your mind right now? I heard Michael's been hanging out with this one guy huh?" Becky says, all in one breath. Her purple hair is pulled back into a ponytail, swinging as she walks. I look up at the sky, gathering my courage. Becky and I just recently started talking again, and it's still sort of awkward between us, I suppose. She looks at me, awaiting an answer. "Um, yeah. Michael's really into that guy. I'm not into anyone. I won't ever be. I'm aromantic. And asexual. If you know what those mean. I just thought I should tell you."
Becky smiles nodding. "Yeah. I know what that means. I thought that might be the case, to be honest. You've never shown interest in anyone." She smiles, taking my hand in hers and swinging it. And I know we're okay then. "So, what do you know about Michael's new guy?"
Parents (and Olly)
I'm sitting at the dinner table, Charlie to my right. Our parents are across from us. Oliver is in the living room playing Mario Kart. Charlie had psyched me up for this moment. I decide to go sit with Oliver for a bit before, just to help. "Tori, will you play rainbow road with me?" I smile, sitting down beside him on the floor. We play the rounds, three of them in silence. Just before the third, I speak up. "You know how Charlie's into guys like Nick and he told you and mom and dad?" I say, and he nods, looking a bit confused. "I'm going to do that too. Except I'm not into anyone. Like, for dating. Okay?" He smiles, giving me a hug. He pulls back, then pokes me in the cheek. "Okay. Will Michael still come over to play tractors?"
And I'm back at the table, beside Charlie again. My leg is bouncing, which is a nervous tick I don't usually have. It's weird. I look over at Charlie. He clears his throat. "So. Tori, she wants to tell you something. But you have to listen to her. No questions until the end, okay?" Perfect. He memorized our script. I take a deep breath. My mom seems to be staring into my soul. My dad smiles at me. "I'm aroace. Aromantic asexual. If you don't know what that means it means I don't want to date anyone. Ever. I'm not into anyone like that. I just… I wanted to tell you," I finished. And they smile. They say they're proud of me. And… I don't feel any different. I thought it would feel different. Not that it's a bad thing. I just thought it'd be different.