If Tyler had concerns about it, he was not able to voice them before the others peer pressured him with cheers and jeers. "U-uh okay? I'll do it, I guess. Let me just fix my shirt." he said. He tucked his shirt in and tightened up his belt. Elijah though it was weird, but decided not to make much of it. If he had something to hide, it was definitely not his place to try and expose it. Mike looked at him with a weird look as well. They were probably on the same track. The others had to help him as Tyler tried his best to balance upside down using the handles. The members of the frat were pretty strong and were able to hold him almost straight up. Everyone began to crowd around as it is always exciting to see a keg stand. Tyler was given the hose and he took it in his mouth. He gave it his best but he was not able to last more than 10 seconds before he began to sputter. He lost his balance, but the brothers holding him were able to steady him. Mike actually tugged the dress shirt up and over in the confusion. Tyler yelped and pulled it down. It was too late. People could see the White Lock on his back.
A few gasps were heard, but other than that, it was totally silent. Tyler looked scared out of his mind and was about to run away. Elijah put a gentle hand on his shoulder and said "It's okay. Alpha Rho Iota is a great place. We all are brothers here and it does not matter whether you are a Lock or a Key." The others took a bit, but eventually clapped him on the back and cheered him on for his good work on the keg stand. After a couple of other members got their turn, Mike whispered in Elijah's ear. "We need to go talk with Tyler. Let's go." he told him. Elijah agreed and they walked up to Tyler. Tyler was busy watching the action and did not notice them approach. When Mike offered to talk, he nodded and the 3 went to Mikes room. It was decorated with sports iconography and pin-up models. He closed the door when they got in. Mike sighed and said "Why didn't you tell us that you were a Lock? It's not okay to keep that from your brothers." Tyler looked a bit guilty and said "I don't know. I didn't want anyone to bust my balls over it. Not many guys are Locks." Elijah said "You don't have to worry."
Just apologizing did not seem to be enough for Mike. "Are you really going to let him off easy for this shit, Eli? We both had to be out here in the open the whole time and he was just going to cruise under the radar. That's not going to fly here!" he snapped. Tyler and Elijah were surprised and confused respectively. It simply did not make sense that Mike would be so agitated. "Mike, what are you talking about? What do you even want him to do. Their past is their own and he had to make his own choice. I did and you did. Now that we know now, we all can watch out for each other." Elijah said as he got between the other two. Mike pointed and said "I am a Red Key. I'm not trying to risk my abilities by having a Lock around." "I'm straight! I have a girlfriend too. I'm not trying to fuck you so it's fine." Tyler said in his own defense. "Exactly. Just don't fuck Tyler. I am not going to fuck him either. We're all straight here. Everything will work out." Elijah added. Mike just sucked his teeth. "Cool story, bro. But what if I wasn't." he said testily. The thought that Mike was not straight never crossed their mind.
Kicking off the awkward conversation, Elijah looked at him and said "It doesn't matter to us. If you want to tell us something, you know Alpha Rho Iota stays together. We are brothers forever." Mike rolled his eyes and said "We are. We are." He took a moment and said "Fine. I'm bi." He immediately added "I'm a top though, so don't get it twisted." "That's alright. We won't get in your way, Mike." Tyler said. "Damn, Mike. Coming out like that is brave. I'm proud of you." Mike gave him a playful shove. There was a moment before all of them began laughing together. Mike pulled the other two in and said "Fine. I'll keep my shit to myself and you can do your own. Fuck! I was a bit too angry to think straight. Alpha Rho Iota is more than any of us. I'll trust you here. Please don't fuck this up for me." He looked pretty serious as he left. Elijah turned to Tyler. "I think it will be better if you lay low and don't say a word to him for a bit. Let him cool off." he advised. Tyler nodded and said "Thanks for sticking up for me. I know that it's hard to put yourself out there as a Key." Things were not that hard for him.
