An Adult Party

Originally posted on Tumblr: Aug 21 2022

 

“Tonight, there’s going to be a party for me. But I don’t want you coming down, alright? It’s a party for adults.”

“But I want to go!”

“No, mijo you really don’t. It’s not going to be like the parties you go to for your friends. Don’t worry we’ll celebrate with abuela this morning, then tomorrow it’ll be just me and you.”

“But aunt Maria’s going.”

“Yes, but she’s coming to enjoy the party.”

Micah crossed his arms grumpy and upset. His dad leaned forward with a warm smile and said, “Thanks for being understanding.” He wrapped his son up in a hug, Micah giggled, then broke out into full on laughter as his father had sneakily found a way to tickle the 10-year-old unsuspectingly.

“That sounds like the fighting is over.” Feet came tromping down the hallway and into the dining room. It was George. Mr. López’s best friend since childhood. At least that was what Micah was told, in truth he hadn’t even met George until a week ago. Whatever his job was, it kept him traveling a lot. Micah didn’t get all the words his dad told him, but he understood George was an important person. Made sense. When he first met George, Micah could’ve sworn the dude was a giant.  A 6’8 white guy with brown hair and an auburn beard. Everything screamed massive. Micah always thought his dad was big at 6’2 but George made that seem like nothing.

George lived a few towns over with his family and had 5 boys, who were on the same path to growing as big as him. He had shared a photo on his phone the first day he arrived. All the men in his family lined up. Two college students, one about to graduate and three high schoolers in various grades. The features that would take them from being boys to men had already set in. George called them kids, but young men was certainly more appropriate. Mr. López had explained George was a bit older than him and had begun starting a family earlier.

Micah didn’t know how to feel about George. The man was boisterous and kind, but also felt like an invader. Before it was just him and dad, but with George, his dad’s attention was always with his friend. Sometimes Micah would catch his dad staring at George with a slight smile. Even now when George stepped into the kitchen to compliment the father and so for working things out Mr. López was giving that same soft smile.  Okay, perhaps Micah did know how to feel. He didn’t like it. It was like his dad liked George more than him. That was the worst feeling. They talked about adult stuff and men blah blah. He hated it.

“But dad!” Micah pouted, crossing his arms. The two men looked at him apologetically. George walked over to the boy rubbing his head.

“Listen, there’s going to be alcohol and games that you can’t participate in, little guy. They’re not for you, not yet.” George smiled showing off his perfect set of teeth. “Your dad has stated all 10-year old’s must go to bed.”

“When will I be able to go to adult parties?” Micah asked.

“Hmm, I guess when you’re as big as me.” George pushed out his chest making his pecs pounce. Then he flexed his biceps, displaying their insane strength.

Micah deflated that just seemed impossible even in his mind. He was never going to be able to go to his dad’s parties. It wasn’t fair! His dad went to all his. Maybe his dad just wanted to keep all his gifts to himself, which was bad because he had to share all the time.  Though Mr. López didn’t let his son stew in his anger. The father suddenly scooped the boy up and put him on his shoulders.

“Look and now you’re bigger than George.” Mr. López stated.

“Daddy, that’s not what he meant.” Micah laughed.

“Oh, really” Mr. López stated as if genuinely surprised. “Then I guess we must be Godzilla!!!” He took exaggerated, huge steps over to mister George pretending to attack the other man.  The father used his son’s feet to continuously fake attack his friend.

“You got me,” George said, falling against a wall, with a pretend fatal wound.

The laughter went on for the rest of that morning. Noon came with not much fanfare, as Geroge fixed his hair in front of a mirror, as Micah watched. The mirror hung on the wall attached to the steps, which led from the foyer to upstairs. The boy was trying to understand why an adult who looked like George would spend time trying to look even better. Micah concluded they were very different people. George headed out, with some business to take care of but would be back for the party later. He carried an extra set of clothes claiming it was for the party later.

 Though Micah was too excited to see his abuela to be upset about George leaving. When Micah’s abuela came over she brought a small cake for her, her son, and grandson to enjoy.

“Thanks for doing this, mom.” Mr. López had pulled his mother off to the side. “You made Micah’s day.

Abuela laughed, “All I did was bring the cake, you’re the one who invited me.” She put a hand on her son’s cheek. “Alonso, this was a sweet thing you did. You’re a good father.”

Mr. López put his head down. “I just feel like I should be doing more, something else. I know he wants to come to the party—”

A finger on his mouth stopped Mr. López from going on. “It’s fine, you deserve to have some fun that isn’t always geared towards your son. Lord knows your father and I had fun even when we had you and your sister. There’s room for both.” She slid her hand onto her son’s face to hold it lovingly.

“Can we have cake now?” Micah poked his head out from the living room into the kitchen. They had been standing there for too long and the cake hadn’t even been cut yet. What had they been doing the whole time? The two adults laughed as they ushered Micah into the room, they cut the cake and sang Mr. López a happy birthday song. It was the end to a wonderful morning.

—

Later that night, Micah was laying in his bed full pajamas on. His dad had gotten him into bed early so that he wouldn’t be bothered by the party. Micah hadn’t fallen asleep though, he wanted to know what all the voices downstairs were doing and saying. He wanted to be down there. He didn’t want to be in his room with his night light and Scooby-doo pajamas. The adults could have been down having more cake. Micah quietly got out of bed sliding into his bunny slippers.

He snuck downstairs into the kitchen, hoping to get a slice of whatever cake they were going to have. However, when he reached the kitchen, he didn’t see any cake. Only numerous green bottles with glasses out.

“Great so we have alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, and you can serve from the kitchen and the—” Mr. López had walked into the kitchen with a younger guy in a white shirt, black vest and pants. Of course, the father stopped speaking when he spotted his curious little son staring up at the counter. Before the father could say anything. There was an excited scream.

“Ahhhhh!” Aunt Maria came in from the opposite side of the room, wearing a full-on red evening dress. She was smiling as she walked over and bent down to hug her nephew. “And here I thought my brother had locked you away for the night.” She squeezed Micah tightly kissing his face all over. “You’re too cute.”

“Hardy-har,” said Mr. López dryly, in a mock laughter. He rescued his son from his sister’s tight embrace by scooping him up from behind, then turning him around. “Bud, I thought you promised to stay in bed.”

“I—I just wanted to see the party.” Micah admitted.

Mr. López sighed, “Yeah, I figured. He rubbed his son’s head. But you know you can’t be down here.”

“He’s right Cinderella, this is a ball not meant for you.” Aunt Maria lightly pinched Micah’s cheek. The two ended up leaving the current caterer downstairs while they put Micah to bed. Micah decided to speak anymore because his father was probably already upset with him, Aunt Maria however had her own things to talk about.

“So, I heard George is going to be here,”

Micah pouted. He was so sick of hearing about George and his dad going on about him. Now Aunt Maria was going to do it too. Micah didn’t understand what was so cool about George, sure he was big and strong. But so was Micah’s dad. Hell Micah would have bet His dad was stronger and even cooler than George. Though the height was still in George’s favor.

“Uh-huh, so?” Mr. López said walking out of the kitchen.

“Are you and him going to…you know.” She asked. Though Micah had no idea what she was talking about.

“What?!” Mr. López spun around with his son in his arms. “No, we’re not. He’s married WITH KIDS and can we not talk about this when my son’s here.”

“Don’t give me that, Micah doesn’t even know what we’re talking about.” Aunt Maria stated. Though it was true Micah was trying very hard to understand why they were upset.

“Is my little sister actually encouraging me to help a married man cheat?” The father said surprised.

Aunt Maria crossed her arms. “No, that’s not what I’m saying. It was just suspicious to me that you invited him, but not his wife.”

Mr. López sucked his teeth, “That’s where you’re wrong little sis. I invited both. She declined. She has an assignment from work tonight. Though to be honest I didn’t think he’d come either.” Mr. López started up the steps, while Maria trailed behind.

“So what? I’m just going to trust you’re not going to indulge in some fun. When there’s going to be alcohol, and dancing. See where I’m going with this?”

“Nothing is going to happen tonight lil sis. Did I like him when we were kids, yes? But he’s a grown man now with kids of his own. Me too. And his kids are older and just as large as he was back then. Pretty sure the oldest ones would gang up on me if I did something like that.”

“Rodrigo, I know you. You followed that man like the sun shined out of his ass when we were little. Now that he’s back in the states from his life of world travel, you’ve welcomed him back in. You can’t even see how excited you are.”

By this time the tow had reached the top of the stairs. Mr. López set his son down. “Alright, go to your room he set his son down and Micah walked away closing the door. Though once he did, he stayed by it. He wanted to hear what the adults were going to say.

“I didn’t ‘welcome him back,’ we’ve kept in touch through the years through these wonderful devices called a cellphone and computer. Lets you not only talk but see the person as well.

“Alright, so what are you wearing to the party?”

“My blue suit with a black undershirt —

“Let me guess you’re going to leave the shirt buttoned too,” Aunt Maria cut him off. “Wow you’re going to be peacocking tonight and you don’t even realize. Why not just wear a sign that says ‘notice me daddy.’”

“You’re not funny.”

“Fine you’re right. Tell me what he’s wearing, and I’ll put the sign on him.”

Mr. López sighed. Then a long pause. “Am I happy? Ecstatic even, to have him here. Of course, but I’m not in the business of breaking up families. You should know that about me.” Mr. López’s voice was hurt.

“It’s not you I’m worried about. George has always had a pull over you. From your big brother worship to becoming your crush. And I don’t think a man like George has ever had to worry about people saying no to him.”

“He’s not a cheater.”

“Didn’t say he was…yet.”

Micah listened as the two walked back downstairs. If George was a cheater, why was he allowed at the party?  Micah would never cheat at games, yet he couldn’t go. How was that fair? Games were the best part of parties, besides the cake. He stomped over to his bed and hopped on it. If he was an adult like George, then would he be able to go. He could do that. He could be an adult. All he had to do was talk about adult things like the weather, their kids…and drink stuff like in that bottle downstairs. If he could do that maybe Micah could convince his dad and the other adults to let him stay.

An hour went by before the party was in full swing. Micah was so excited to share his plan he didn’t even go to sleep. Micah put his slippers back on, cracked the door open and snuck downstairs like last time. This time there were people chatting in the doorway as he came down. Their neighbors Mr.& Mrs. Bennett. Not only that, people were in the living room talking as well. They were all dressed up in fancy clothes like aunt Maria. Were they going to a wedding? Where were the party hats? The couple spotted him at the base of the steps and waves. They probably had no idea he was supposed to stay in bed.

“Are you looking for your dad, little man?” Mr. Bennett asked.

Micah simply nodded. The Bennetts were always so nice to him, He couldn’t believe they didn’t want kids. It made him wonder if they even liked him or if they were pretending. Of course, that just made Mr. López laugh when Micah asked back then. But tonight, they could help so he could tell his dad his new plan.

“He might be in the backyard with everyone else, wait here,” The couple strode off. But Micah would not wait there. He had a plan and was on a mission, telling his dad had only been a part of it. He marched into the kitchen staring down the bottles. He needed to drink one cause that’s what an adult would do. He grabbed his step stool from behind the fridge, so he could reach the counter. This was going to be just like pouring milk into his cereal bowl. He grabbed one of the bottles, heavy as they were, and began to pour. A translucent yellow began to gather in the glass below until it ran over.

Micah took two hands and held the glass up to his mouth. He took a sip. There was a tingle on his tongue. It tasted kind of familiar. This was what adults drunk at parties? Wasn’t so bad. He could do this. Micah smiled to himself, setting the empty glass down. He was feeling smug; it was going to be so easy acting like an adult. Now all he had to do was win the games. 

“Micah!’ Aunt Maria said, walking into the kitchen, seeing the mess on the counter. She rushed over, checking her nephew pulling at his face, asking if he was okay. Then she grabbed the bottle and read the label. She laughed before setting it down. “Non-alcoholic Sparkling Apple Cider. Kid you got me.” Let’s get you upstairs before your father catches you. She hoisted him up. “Oh, wow you’re getting a little heavy there aren’t you.” She grabbed her dress while walking off with him.

“But I want to stay, I can be an adult.” Micah pleaded.

“It’s going to take more than some apple juice to be an adult,” she laughed.

She left him in his room once again. Micah was getting tired of being returned. He had drunk an adult’s drink. He could do this. The sparkling apple cider as aunt maria had called it, was in fact sitting warm in his tummy. Micah rubbed at his stomach as it gurgled and it did feel nice. 5 min later there were loud footsteps coming up the stairs and right outside his bedroom door.

“Don’t go in there, let him sleep.” Aunt Maria called out coming up the stairs as well.

“He was down at the party. I wanted to check on him.”  Micah heard his father’s voice. Not that he needed that to know the footsteps were a giveaway. He knew his father’s worried and panicked steps by heart.

“He had some apple cider and now he’s gone to bed.”

Not true, but Micah just listened.

The floor creaked as Aunt Maria came closer. “More importantly I noticed George was nowhere to be seen.” Now they were both right outside his door, Micah didn’t even have to walk closer.

“He sent me a text; He’s stuck in traffic on the 83.” Mr. López stated.

“Oh shit, wasn’t there a pile up on there tonight?”

Micah covered his mouth. He couldn’t believe aunt Maria had just cursed. He’d never once heard her say a bad word.

“Yeah, but he wasn’t in it, just got stuck in the aftermath. So, you see you didn’t need to worry about anything after all. The universe has saved you from an awkward time.”

“Me? How about you? These are family and friends; they know me; they know you, and some know George. And even a blind man could see the sexual tension between you two. This is the universe doing you a favor.”

“IF you say so.”

“I do. Now if you could do me a favor. Since mom and no other grumps are here tonight how about you go pick us partygoers up something for a little bit of fun.”

There was a pause but then Mr. López seemed to get it. “Really Maria, weed? Where am I going to get that this time of night?”

“Glad you asked, drive back to my place and get it.” There was a jingle sound as keys were handed over.

 “You live so far away and if you had it, why didn’t you just bring it??”

“First, I had to see the vibe to make sure everyone was feeling it. And now with your one true himbo being stuck in traffic, the last thing we need is for you to sour your own party. But don’t worry, I already snuck some people good stuff.”

Micah was truly lost, what did weeds have to do with parties?

“I don’t know, what if I get caught.”

“Then drive slowly and relax. This is Colorado.”

“We do not live in Colorado.”

Aunt Maria laughed, “I know, just wanted to see your face when I said it.”  The two went back downstairs as Micah sat on his bed trying to decipher anything they said. All he got was that George wasn’t coming. Great for him, but that’d make his dad sad.  The door downstairs shut, and Micah knew that was probably his dad leaving. He cradled his stomach as the apple cider began to make it gurgle.  Suddenly, there was a tingle all over his body just like on his tongue earlier.

Micah liked the sensation as his body was overtaken. He closed his eyes feeling a warmth envelop him. His legs began to stretch reaching closer for the floor but stopping just before the edge of his bed. His hands and feet doubled in size, while his arms stayed in proportion. Now there was a feeling appearing Micah didn’t like, his clothes were getting snug. Micah’s eyes snapped open. He could feel air on his bare stomach. Made sense cause once looking down his stomach was no longer covered. His pajama bottoms were also riding up on his legs.

“Woah,” Micah said as he hopped up from bed. He was taller. He went to his closet to look in his mirror. Not just taller he looked a bit older. Ridiculous though with the Scooby-Doo PJs. Then again it made sense to Micah he had an adult drink that had to be it. Even now he could feel the cider sitting in him. Though he looked more like the annoying teenagers down the street than an actual adult. Still though, he couldn’t wait to show his dad. Then again Aunt Maria was downstairs.

He tried to get his slippers on, but his feet refused to fit into the snuggly soft footwear. Upset he mashed them in anyway, leaving most of his foot hanging out the back. He would have run downstairs but walking with longer legs was a bit disorienting. The moment he reached the bottom of the steps he took a deep breath. He was still growing, and each step down made his pajamas tighter. But now to show Aunt Maria.

“There you are dude,” Someone put their hand on Micah’s shoulder and spun him around. “Didn’t think you’d make it with the accident.”  Micah knew the man speaking was one of his father’s friends but could recall his name. “Glad to see you’re okay though, Rodrigo is going to love having you here.” That made Micah smile and his chest swell up. Quite literal in fact as his chest pushed out as his shoulders began to broaden. A tear appeared in the collar of his PJs. Not that Micah cared. He was still thinking about the man’s words. He couldn’t wait for his dad to see him here.

“Thank you, David. I’m sure Daddy’s happy to have you here as well.” Micah said. He grabbed at his throat. His voice sounded off. His stomach worked away at the sparkling apple cider while his vocal cords got thicker along with his neck.

“Daddy? You say some weird things sometimes, man.” David clapped Micah on the back walking off. Micah snapped his finger. David was the man’s name, but when did he remember it? Regardless, he needed to find Aunt Maria.  He went to the kitchen since she seemed to be hovering around there a lot.

“Yo, where’s the fire?” Jerrod Middle and his wife walked into the kitchen. Another one of his father’s childhood friends, but this time someone Micah knew. The cool adult in the town so to speak even let the kids of his friends call him J.

“Hey J have you seen aunt Maria?”

“Dude, I haven’t seen you in two years and the first thing you ask me is about someone else. Not even about my lovely wife.” Jerrod motioned to the lady standing next to him. He awkwardly shook her hand. What was Jerrod talking about, two years? He and His dad had lunch with them last week.

“Let me tell you about this dude right here.” Jerrod started talking to his wife more than Micah.  “In high school I watched him go from, blessed with good genetics to finally putting them to use. This man joined the wrestling, and ruby team and blew up with muscle.”

On cue Micah’s body rocketed up as neither Jerrod nor his wife took notice. Micah had to place a hand on the counter to steady himself as the bones in his legs strengthened. His calves thickened, stretching the hems of his pajama bottoms, which were climbing closer to his knees. The aftertaste of the sparkling apple cider in Micah’s became stronger as his growth went on. His stomach was happily humming.

“Though I think what most of us laughed at back then were, arms and chest. You used to say you’d need a bra for those bad boys, right?” Jerrod laughed. Then his wife pinched his arm.

“Sorry babe” He rubbed the sore spot, “We were just being dumb highschoolers saying shit.”

However, Jerrod words had a very real effect on Micah as his shirt was ripped apart by the sudden appearance of a better developed torso. Pecs! He had pecs. They grew firmer and larger with each passing second. His shoulders were no slouch even gaining bulk to help give him a stronger structure. Just as blood flows the growth traveled down Micah’s arms across biceps and triceps, rewriting the muscular tissue. His shirt fell to the floor in tatters.  Micah caught his breath. He realizes his feet had burst through the front of his bunny slippers.

“Shit!” Micha said before covering his mouth. He said a bad word. His dad hated when he said bad words.

“Ah see there’s the guy I know,” Jerrod pointed at him. “Use tonight to relax a little, you know.”  Jerrod and wife walked off.

Micah watched them leave then fumbled around as he tried to pick up his shirt. Maneuvering his taller beefier body was hard. His bottoms were also giving him trouble. His thighs had packed on mass forcing his pajama bottoms up higher. Now they resembled shorts. Skin tight shorts that were well packed around the seat. If that wasn’t bad enough, Micah’s underwear was digging into his skin. They were too small for someone of his size and completely overstuffed in the front.

Then there was this awful head pounding he was getting. It was all too much. His muscle throbbing, headache, tight clothes. Sensory overload. There were images flooding into his head that matched up with Jerrod’s story. Micah was remembering things that never happened to him. It was then that his cock. Got large enough to spill out over the top of his underwear and pajamas. There was a dense bush of pubic hair surrounding it. His ass and thighs swelled, popping his pajama bottoms for good. Now solely in his underwear, Micah was starting to get his bearings back.

He looked down and spotted his cock, pointing out majestically. He could name the countless women he had impaled on it over the years. Though the memories seemed strange, it wasn’t odd for a boy… no, a young man of his age to have been sexually active. He had to be 18, 19? Was he always that age? What did he drink tonight? His thoughts were relentless. Though he was really fixated on what he was wearing. The underwear he had on were comical, they looked more like a man’s thong with how small they were. His muscled glutes had swallowed up the back as his ass cheeks were out in the open. And were those firetrucks on the underwear. It was getting harder to think. He knew who he was and where he was. He was Micah and at his dad’s party, that he wanted to attend so badly. But why was he mostly naked in only his underwear?

He tried to pull the painful underwear off. His glutes refused to relent when Micah tried to retrieve it out. Changing tactics, he pulled at the front and more fabric spilled out. The cotton of the underwear began to switch into a much looser design. A quick morph into boxer-briefs as Micah tucked his cock away. Even now it was still growing, making his bulge more pronounced as time went on. Eventually the underwear gave up, fighting against the lengthening snake and began to transform once again. The boxer-briefs loosened its grip on Micah’s thick thighs and fell loose. Now Micah’s cock could hang freely without his bulge on display. Though with a cock like his it’d be easy to find regardless.

“Who’s in here?” The backdoor slammed open as Nick Welling walked thorough. Rich neighbor extraordinaire, his wealth came from where? Who knows? The only businesses he partook in was being nosey. Couldn’t trust the blond, blue-eyed neighbor with a good damn thing. At least that’s how Rodrigo described him to Micah. Micah grabbed the side of his head. Why had he referred to his dad by his first name?

“Oh, it’s just you.” Nick said underwhelmed. “For some reason I thought I saw a teenager in his underwear from the backyard.” Micah was going to comment he *was* a teenager standing in his underwear, but it was also his house. Though Micah looked down instead of seeing his boxers, freshly steamed and pressed black dressed pants, with a belt through every hoop holding it on his hips.

“Huh?”

“You know, I’ve never met you before. But I think Rodrigo said you and him are good friends.”

Micah wasn’t even listening to what Nick was going on about. Right now, he was more interested in his huge feet. They were size 14 stompers, which were perfectly made to match his still climbing height.

“…Dude are you even listening to me?” Nick started to whine.

“Uh, not really,” Micah said sheepishly looking up. While kids could unintentionally be cruel, teenagers knew how to cut through the bullshit. He hadn’t had much of an opinion of Nick when he was smaller but Micah’s expanding mind was giving him an intuition for people to avoid. Nick was too nosey for his own good. Even now the look on Nick’s face was snooty and snobby. He needed to take the stick out his ass and enjoy the party. Micah stifled a laugh. He had casually just cussed in his own head. And he wasn’t even remorseful about it.

“How rude, well if Rodrigo surrounded himself with people like you growing up, I hope it doesn’t come back to the children in the neighborhood.”

Growing up? That didn’t make sense, but Micah couldn’t focus on that. He was more interested in the fact Nick had just insulted his dad. No one insulted his dad, especially at his own birthday. “My dad—I mean Rodrigo is the kindest man there is. You’re the one with the disrespect.” Micah stated unwavering as his voice got deeper. Had his balls finally dropped, or perhaps it was the thickness and morphing vocal cords. Whatever the reason it went by unnoticed. The musculature of his body began to shift going from athletic teen to burgeoning young hunk. His pecs continued to develop pushing outward, but Micah wasn’t focused on that. He needs to set Nick straight. “You’re the one, marching around like you own the place when the owner isn’t even here at the moment.”

Nick held up a finger in Micah’s face “Now you look here, I run the neighborhood association. One call from me and your friend is on the shitlist.”

Micah sauntered over to Nick, moving the handout the way. He pressed his bare chest to Nick’s shirt. “Listen here slim, don’t ever threaten anyone I love ever again.” Micah’s growth spurt finally petered off as he hit 6’8. He could give Nick a stare down from up above. The tension was too thick, neither one took note as fabric began to weave itself over Micah’s chest, hiding it away. OR at least attempting to before it was obvious his chest was too large for a full button up.

All the courage and audacity Nick had disappeared. He suddenly didn’t feel like he was in control of the interaction. With no words, he slinked away defeated. Micah smirked as Nick walked out the kitchen. It felt good putting a small dog in his place. Though to him most men were small dogs. He flexed his bicep under his suit’s black blazer. Wait, was I wearing a suit? Micah’s thought didn’t last long because he was getting thirsty. The sparkling apple cider had been a nice start, but he needed a man’s drink. He was a grown ass man after all. He poured himself a glass of wine. A thought entered his head; Wasn’t he Rodrigo’s son? Then again, wasn’t Rodrigo’s son in bed? After all, why would a kid be at a party for adults? Thinking of Rodrigo’s son made Micah’s thought process hop over to his own boys. He had five of them, all strapping young lads ranging from a junior in high school to senior in college. Micah’s knees buckled as his balls began to expand. A pulse of growth for each kid he had planted into his wife. “MMM-whaa?” Micah questioned himself. When did he even get a wife? That couldn’t have happened because even though he had sons and was as tall as a clock tower, he lived with Rodrigo since forever. The newly formed ring on his finger however said differently. He didn’t live with Rodrigo. This was just a visit. Yeah, he had been staying with him for the past week or something. They hadn’t hung out in years, but with Rodrigo’s birthday coming up now was the perfect opportunity.

He took a swig of wine, hoping it’d clear his head. As the red liquid danced across his tongue, scruff began to appear on his face until it developed into a well-groomed beard.  The alcohol helped immensely. At confusing times, it was nice to have something familiar. A man like him was no stranger to the bottle, but he always kept it classy especially at social gatherings like this. Especially for his best friend in the world. Rodrigo had been like a little brother growing up and the two rarely got together as adults. Setting down his glass he walked into the foyer to fix himself up in the mirror.

When his eyes met his reflection. He was taken aback something was off. Handsome as ever of course, but he didn’t look right to himself. His face, though incredibly sculpted, didn’t produce any signs of recognition. And his name, what was his name? He scoured his brain grasping a straw. He could remember growing up with Rodrigo, their childhood friends here at the party, his children, but for himself. Nada.

Who was he?

“Oh, you made it.” A woman’s voice said from behind him. OF course, he’d recognize Au— Maria’s voice anywhere. “I wasn’t sure if you’d make it here in time, George.”

His eyes grew wide. That was his name. He was George, of course! His jaw jutted out, taking on a lantern shape and demolishing any remaining vestiges of boyhood. Even faster than that his brown skin lost its pigmentation turning white as his black hair morphed into brown. His thoughts had finally come together as it settled. He now stood in his tight-fitted black suit, with his white dress shirt and freshly polished black shoes. Maria had a good point; George didn’t think he’d make it here either. The last thing he remembered was nodding off while the traffic had been jammed up for 20 minutes after an accident. Though his memory was a bit off when he actually arrived at the party.

‘My brother’s not here—

“Oh, I know he went to pick up,” George leaned closer, “The good stuff.”

“Wait, how did you– Did he text you? Ugh, it was supposed to be a secret.” Maria groaned. “I know not everyone is into the other areas of enjoyment.”  She turned away going into the living room.

George really didn’t know how he figured Rodrigo had stepped out. There was certainly no text about it. Maria’s voice rang out, “George don’t just stand there, come enjoy the party.”

If George wasn’t catching up with old friends. Maria was introducing him to Rodrigo’s neighbors. Not that he needed it. He had a clear vibe on all of them, as if his natural intuition was turned up to 12. Pretty soon George was sparking up the conversations in the room. People were gathering to hear him talk about his high school stories and his times abroad. Whenever he ran his mouth for some reason people flocked to him like a fire on a cold winter’s night. As the night went on, he went from standing in the middle of the room talking, to sitting on the carpeted floor back against the side of the family couch. Everyone else was sitting listening to the story of how he got lost in Thailand.

The front door of the house opened as Rodrigo walked in empty handed. “There was nothing there,” he said, spotting Maria first. Then studying the scene in front of him he sighed. “I’m so sorry you guys, I thought he was in bed.”  Mr. López walked over, kneeling in front of George with a smile, “Ready for bed? For real this time.”

George was lost on what his friend was saying but that was because he had one too many drinks in his system. Rodrigo extended his arms out and on instinct George wrapped his own monstrous guns around his friend’s neck. Next thing George knew he was hefted up into the air. Rodrigo had him on his side like it was nothing. George smiled to himself, his face obscured in Rodrigo’s neck. He knew his daddy was the strongest.

“Daddy? Dafuq,” George thought to himself, unable to verbalize it. Though he had to admit it felt nice being in Rodrigo’s arms and carried almost so effortlessly. Warm and familiar.

“Guys, that’s for entertaining my little man, but I gotta put my son to bed.”

“Are you kidding, George was a delight.”

“You gotta have him at every party.”

The neighbors were mostly the ones fawning over George having met him for the first time. He had easily wowed them.

“Son, that’s funny I’m not his— George’s thoughts halted. Wait, he remembered wanting to be at this party and desperately trying to get to it. But his memories were muddled. He could recall being stuck in traffic, but also sneaking down to the party. Why was that?

“Alright Micah, time for bed.” Rodrigo turned away from his guest carrying his huge best friend out of the living room, like a small child.

“Thanks for the good time, George!”

“Good night, George!” The people gave goodbyes, some even waving.

George was confused but growing too tired against Rodrigo’s shoulder to voice his opinion. It was as if his best friend and the party goers were on different scripts. And for some reason George couldn’t tell who was right. It should have been obvious though. He was George plain and simple. But why was being called ‘Micah’ settling so well with him? Why did he feel at peace against Rodrigo’s chest? Too many questions for his alcohol induced mind to ponder. Rodrigo made heavy steps as he walked up the stairs with George, A result of all that weight coming down onto the wooden stairs.

Instead of going to Micah’s room, Rodrigo turned and headed towards his own. A good thing because George didn’t know how he would have fit into Micah’s small bed anyway. Wasn’t long before George was laid down in Rodrigo’s bed. His best friend was kind enough to take off his shoes and blazer.

“There we go bud,” Rodrigo tucked George in for the night. “Maybe this time you’ll stay in bed?” He laughed.

“I just wanted to come to your party and celebrate with you.” George croaked out fighting off sleep.

Rodrigo’s face was soft and kind as ever. He sat on the side of the bed cradling George. “You know I do love parties, but you know who my favorite person to hang out with is?”

“Aunt Maria?” George answered. Mind already begun to drift. His eyelids were getting heavy. And he could feel himself ready to float away.

“No silly, you. You’re my favorite.” Rodrigo bent left a kiss on the forehead before exiting the room and turning off the lights. Not that it mattered the person in bed was already asleep miles away.

—

The next morning, Micah woke up swamped in fabric. He couldn’t see. He twisted and turned around trying to get it off him, until he discovered it was just his dad’s bed sheets. When Micah climbed out of bed. He was a little disappointed that his dream from last night wasn’t real. It had to be a dream after all his pajamas were back on. Scooby-doo restored. He had dreamed he grew taller, an adult, well rather he turned into George. He thought he made a pretty good George and he got to be at his dad’s party. Though he couldn’t stay awake for games or even the cake. Micah grumbled. Why did dreams have to be so fun and end so soon? Though how did he end up in his dad’s room?

Micah sniffed the air. There was a smell of bacon floating through the house. He opened the door and rushed downstairs. When he reached the bottom, he spotted someone laying on the family couch. Thinking it was his dad he trotted over only to discover a snoozing George. George took up the whole couch at least when his dad was on the couch Micah could make a space for himself. George’s body however left no space unused. Though the outfit George was wearing, the black suit with a white, partially unbutton, dress shirt revealing his chest was familiar to Micah. The same outfit from his dreams.

Mr. López walked into the living room, “Hey, let’s not bother him. The father held out his hand for his son and the boy happily took it as they made their way into the kitchen.

20 mins later, George came stumbling in smelling breakfast waiting for him. Micah and Mr. López had just sat down to eat. George came over and plopped his ass onto one of the seats joining the family.

“What time did I get in last night?” Geroge rubbed his head.

“Can’t say, I went to bed right after you came in. Sorry you had to miss the party because of the accident.”

Geroge blinked, making a confused face then shook his head, “What are you talking about? I was here.”

“Uh, no you weren’t.”

“Ask Nick, Jerrod, even Maria saw me. You put me to bed…” George stopped talking looking down at the table lost.

“Put you to bed? More like I watched you come in and fall on the couch, but sure.” Mr. López countered.

George ran a hand down his face, “Sorry dude, I think I might have had the strangest dream. I remember sitting in the car wanting to be at your party so badly.”

“That you dreamt you were?” Mr. López laughed

“No, but…” George looked over to Micah and their eyes met. As the two looked at each other their eyes went wide. They both realized the other knew about last night. A dream where Micah grew into George. A dream where George suddenly appeared at a party he shouldn’t have been at. Where Micah was treated as an adult by all the party goers and where George was treated like a child by his best friend.

A hand waved in between them, “Are you two having a staring competition this early in the morning?” Mr. López asked.

“We’re not!” They both said in unison.

There was a shit-eating grin on Mr. López’s face. “I never noticed it before but you two are very alike.”