Michael's POV

Today is September 5. We have six days until the first show. Other than rehearsal, I have nothing to do. It's a shame really.

I'm going to be cooped up in my hotel room all day. You know what, I wanna go shopping.

Adam had a bad night. He was up the entire time watching out for the Cyclops. I'm so happy to see sunlight!

I walk out of the bathroom all dressed. Adam is sitting on the edge of the bed. He has a glass of water and two pills. I ask,

"What are those? "

He sighs and says, "Advil. I have such a migraine. "

Frank bursts into the room, claps his hands loudly and says in his booming voice,

"Ready Michael? "

Adam groans loudly and says,

"Frank please! "

I whisper, "He has a migraine. "

Frank asks, "Was he drinking last night? "

Adam groans and says, "No. I was up all night keeping a eye out for Cyclops. "

Frank asks, "What? "

I laugh nervously and quickly say,

"Oh, he was drinking a lot. I even had a glass or two. "

Martha, who was standing at the door says, suspiciously,

"Y'all drunk wine together late last night? "

I smile, completely unaware of what she's suggesting, and say,

"Yeah. It was very interesting. "

I look at Adam, who's shaking his head. He knows something. I say,

"I'm going shopping. I hope everyone has a good day. Frank, I'm ready. "

Adam gets up and grabs his jacket a bit aggressive and says,

"I'm coming with you. "

Frank says quickly, "Good idea. "

I shrug my shoulders and say,

"Alright fine. "

Thirty Minutes Later

As usual a crowd formed, but they are behaving which is rare. I signed some photos and hugged fans.

My security is always close by, keeping an eye on things. Frank is loving the attention I'm getting.

Adam has been focused on the sights we've been at. He hasn't bought or asked for anything. That's strange to me. Whenever I'm out with....anyone, they'll ask me to get them something.

I also noticed he's been quiet. I decide to break away from my fans for awhile. I go over to him and ask,

"How are you doing? "

He says, "I'm fine. My headache has gone down despite the screaming fans. "

I laugh. I think something's on his mind. I ask,

"What's wrong? "

Adam pulls me behind a comic book stand and says,

"Michael, the dancers think you're gay. "

My eyes widen. I ask,

"Why?! "

He explains how my comment earlier made it more clear, and he said he noticed the weird stares when I invited him into my hotel room.

This makes me so angry. I'm not gay, but why care if I am or not?

I say, "Wait, doesn't that mean they think you are too. "

He nods and says quickly, "Yes, that's exactly why I need...never mind. "

Anger boils inside of me. I can't believe he would consider that! After everything I've told him, he's going just throw me away?! I say harshly,

"What? I guess you don't want to be friends anymore? God, I thought you were different... Well..well.. Fuck you! "

I storm off. My body guards quickly follow. I can't believe Adam wants to end our friendship over a rumor!

Who cares! I don't need him. He can be an asshole of he wants.

Adam's POV

Michael storms off in anger. What the hell did I do? Why would he think I don't want to be friends. Frank rushes over to me and grabs me roughly by my collar. He asks, violently

"What the fuck did you do?! "

I push him off and say, "Nothing! He suddenly thought I didn't want to be friends. I didn't do anything. "

Frank says, "Well you obviously said something to make him think that! What did you say? "

The store is huge, so I can still see him walking away. Frank shakes me by my shoulders and asks,

"What did you say, boy? "

No! No! Flashes of my father flood my mind.

"Don't hit me! Please! "

Frank lets go of me and says,

"I'm not going to hit you. And stop yelling. "

Suddenly, I see my father in front of me. My body tenses up and I fall to the ground. I begin to shake violently. I hear Frank yell,

"Someone help! Someone! Call 911! We need help! "

My vision is clouded by memories of my past. I hear my father yell,

"Tell me, boy! What's your last name, boy? What is it!? "

I yell, "Please! Stop! "

I hear footsteps run over and hands on my shoulder and arm. I hear Michael,

"Adam! Talk to me, Adam. Can you hear me? "

His voice is cancelled out by my father's,

"What's your last name, Adam?! Tell me! Say it! "

My body feels the lashes of the belt. I'm crying profusely and say,

"My..last name is Trout! Trout.. "

I hear his evil laughter. He says,

"That's right, fish. Yeah...that's right. You're a good boy, aren't you? "

I quiver from fear and say,

"Yes...I'm a good boy... "

Suddenly, my vision stops. I'm back in the store. I've never been more ashamed. I know they heard me. Michael is looking at me in shock.

I hug him and begin to cry.