Work Text:
★・・・・・・★
You're normally 100% fine with it all, brushing off every comment with confidence. You know who you are and what you're worth, and so do all of your close friends, so it's fine, right? It should be, at least...
You can just cover it up. That's what you do already. Bind until you can't breathe, make a masculine face for yourself with beauty products that all scream "girl power!" and wear a bunch of layers, no matter the weather. And now, you won't have to try as hard because you were finally able to scramble enough money together and find a doctor who could help you start transitioning medically. It's only been a few days, and the effects have yet to set in, but it's comforting knowing that. All of your hard work is finally paying off..
..Right?
Mike knew something was off the second you stepped inside of his house. You've been filled to the brim with energy and positivity these days, making an entrance. Now? He didn't even notice you had entered until you accidentally spilled a can of soda you grabbed from the fridge, hearing how you cursed under your breath while you reached for a paper towel.
"Hey-" He got up from his recliner. "How was your day?"
"Fine." You answered- Short and quick. Red flag number two. He made an unamused expression. "Yours?"
Mike shrugged. "Can't complain.." He hesitated before continuing, his tone dropping to a much softer one. "You sure you're alright?"
"Yeah. Why do you ask?" You tossed the soda soaked paper towel in the trash.
"You, uhm.." He tilted his head to the side as he thought. "Got an energy about you. I dunno. I can just tell something's up."
".. It's nothing."
"It's not nothing if it's dragging your mood down so much." He walked over to you and cupped your cheek in a thoughtful manner. His warmth seeped through your sorrow, bit by bit. "D'you wanna talk about it..?"
What words were there to say? "No.. But thank you. I appreciate it."
He gave you his signature soft smile, followed by a kiss on your forehead. "I'm here for you, yeah?"
"I know." You closed your eyes for a moment. ".. Can we stay up tonight? Just.. Watch a movie or something?"
He nodded, his smile growing a bit. "Sure.. If that's what you want."
With the heater bumped up a bit and the cold weather blankets out, you and Mike curl up on the couch for a horror movie marathon. Yeah, Halloween's already passed, but that doesn't mean the spooky fun times have to stop. You're a bit of a horror movie buff, and so is Mike to your pleasant surprise, so why not take advantage of that? he flips through the channels until he's able to find something suitable for the both of you to enjoy- The Exorcist, 1973. Absolute classic.
You're nestled in Mike's chest with his arms wrapped around you lovingly, buried underneath your favorite blanket (and Mike's hoodie.. But he hasn't seemed to notice yet). The movie drones on in the background. You've seen this film so many times that you can practically recite it from memory, so you have a pretty hard time staying focused throughout it all, which causes another issue to rise- Your attention span, and the thoughts wanting to break in.. Technically, that's two things.
Mike notices you starting to grow a little restless and asks you again- "Are you sure you're okay?"
You're about to shut it down again, but the aching in your chest begs you to do otherwise. Maybe he can help. "Just.. Uhm.. A bad day.. Gender wise."
He stays silent, giving you a look that's asking you to continue. "It's normal.. I have them often. Today just.. Feels bad for no reason. I was at the store earlier and got called ma'am and it.. Hurt."
He nodded, kissing your temple. "I'm so sorry.. I'd take it all away if I could. You deserve to be seen as the beautiful man you are." He then lowered his head and kissed your cheek. "My beautiful man.. What can I do for you?"
".. Trade bodies with me-?"
He smiled sadly. "Would if I could, hon. But.. I'll just have to help you with the one you have now."
You chuckled softly at that, resting your face in the crook of his neck. All fell silent for a good while, save for the movie still playing in the background. You broke it close to the end.
".. You do see me as a man, right..?" A weak and maybe sad question, but one that needed to be answered.
Mike pulled you up so you two were face to face. "'Course I do.. You're my man. My boy- Hell, my everything. I don't care what you look like or what's under your clothes.. You're the only one who can determine who you are. Okay? And I can't get in the way of that." He cupped your chin, making you look at him as he spoke.
After you nodded, he leaned in and kissed you gently on the lips- One filled with the comfort and support you needed, yet still extremely soft. You were the one to pull away, your lips still hovering dangerously close to his. ".. You mean that?"
He kissed you again, muttering a soft "Of course" against your lips. You knew he meant it.
The ache in your chest didn't go away quite yet, still a dull, annoying ache, but at least you had him there. He moved his lips to your ear, pressing a few gentle kisses there before continuing to murmur gentle phrases and words of affirmation.
You ended the night in a fit of flustered giggles and rosy cheeks, teasing and kissing until Abby came out of her room to investisge all of the noise, causing her to join in upon finding out you were having a movie night. While the problem didn't go away entirely, you got the comfort and escape you needed for that moment. Maybe you didn't need to fake it anymore.
★・・・・・・★