We spent the rest of the day relaxing and when mom came home we went out to eat. My thoughts kept drifting back to Aaron the whole time. I could tell at dinner mom still had doubts about him. Dad had no problem with him. If they only knew, they would hate him. They would hate us both. When we got home I went to my room and started up a disc from the set. When the Levee Breaks started playing as I sat down on my bed. I fell back onto the bed and looked up at the ceiling and heave out a sigh. What was I going to do? I sat up and grabbed my phone, dialing Ali’s number. It rang only once.

“What’s up Jay-dog? How’s your b.f.?”

“B.F?”

“You know your boyfriend?”

“He’s not my…boyfriend,” I say, lowering my voice on the last word.

“What, you two aren’t an item yet? What’s wrong? Don’t you like him?”

“Of course I love him we-,”

“Whoa there Jay-dog, did you just say the l-word?”

My breath caught, I did, “Ali what are you doin’ right now?”

“Nothin’, come on over. We’ve really got to talk.”

I tell my folks that I’m heading over to Alison’s place for a while and that I’ll be back before ten. I caught the bus just as it was coming to the stop. My heart is beating a mile a minute the entire trip over. Thankfully it was only a fifteen minute trip by bus to her house. I took off in a dead run as soon as I got off the bus and didn’t stop until I was up the steps to the front door. I calmed myself a little before reaching up to press the doorbell but the door opened before I got halfway. Ali pulls me inside and practically drags me upstairs to her room. Before she could close the door her mom appeared looking s bit concerned.

“Alison dear what’s wrong? Hello Jake.”

“Nothin’ mom, Jakie’s got boyfriend issues right now and we need to talk in private for a bit.”

“Boyfriend issues?” she asked.

“Ali!”

“Yes mom boyfriend issues, he’s gay, just like me.”
”Ali!”

“Ok, just let me know if you need any help. I’ll bring you two something to snack on in a few minutes.”

“Thanks mom,” Ali says as her mom closes the door behind her.

“Ali! What the hell?”

“Calm down Jay-dog, its cool. I told them the next day after we talked last year. They’re fine with it. I didn’t tell her about you…until just now. Sorry. But my folks are cool with it so you don’t have to worry about them. They’ve got your back and so do I. Now, what’s this I hear about the l-word?”

I was stunned. I could only stand there opening and closing my mouth like a fish out of water. I didn’t even catch anything she had just said, “What the hell just happened?”

She laughed, “My bad Jakie. I threw all that on you like that. Sit before you legs give out,” I sat down on her bed, “After we came out to each other last year I went ahead and told my parents everything I was feeling. They told me they supported me no matter who I loved. I shouldn’t have blurted it out like that to mom but I knew she wouldn’t have a problem with it. It’s ok, she won’t tell your folks unless you want her to.”

“No! She can’t do that! They’ll freak!”

“Calm down Jakie, calm down,” she said sitting down beside me, “It’s cool. They won’t hear it from us.”

I heave out a sigh of relief. I wouldn’t be able to handle it if my parents found out now.

“So, what’s been happening with you and Aaron?”

“Well, we’ve spent the night together twice-,”

“What! You two are screwin’ already! You just met!”

“NO! It’s not like that Ali. I was at his place the other day and we fell asleep listening to music. By the time I got home mom told him to stay the night. Yesterday we were hangin’ out at his place during the storm and mom told me to stay over at his place ‘til the morning since it was bad out. We just slept in the same bed. Twice. Nothing more.”

“Oh, that’s good. You had me worried there for a moment. It’s not like you to jump in the sack with someone. Wait, you’re still a virgin, what am I sayin’? Of course you wouldn’t just hop in the sack with some hot guy you met on the street.”

“Ali, you’re not helping.”

“Sorry. So…do you have feelings for him? I know you said you love him and all.”

“I’ve never been in love before Ali. My chest feels tight every time I think about him not being with me. I…I don’t understand. Is this a part of being in love? I don’t know what to do Ali, I’m…scared.”

I feel her arms around me in a tight hug, “It’s ok Jakie. You’ll be ok. It just means that you love him, that’s all. Have you told him yet?”

“No. He’s giving me some time to let it sink in so I think he already has an idea.”

“Well, take your time and think it through ok? There’s no need to rush. I’m sure he knows that. I think he’ll wait until you’re ready. Besides, he’s in high school, chances are he’ll go to West G, same as us.”

I pull back from Ali, “He’s…twenty-two Ali…”

Her eyes went wide, “Are you serious?” I nod my head, “He doesn’t look a day over seventeen! Are you sure he’s twenty-two?”

“He told me no one believes him when he tells them his age. Same with me.”

“Well with you yeah. I mean look at ya, you’re diesel even for a shorty. He looks like a freakin’ boarder. Have you seen his license?”

“No, but I’m sure they don’t give out American Express cards to seventeen year olds.”

Ali nods, “That’s true. And that was a high level piece of plastic he had too. You can’t get one of those unless you’ve got some serious green.”

“He does the stock market.”

“Really? Then why did he come to a place like this?”

“I don’t know. Guess he wanted a change of scenery.”

“Is somebody after him or something?”

“I doubt it.”

“Well what do you know about him besides the fact that he’s loaded and likes Zepp?”

“He’s got a stepfather that doesn’t like him. He manages his investments and whatnot for him until he turns twenty-seven, and then he’ll be free of him.”

“What about his mom?”

“She’s….gone. She died a few years ago.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“And he doesn’t like it when I say ‘sorry’ about things that happened in his past. He said he’ll spank me every time I do.”

That got a giggle out of her, “I can only imagine what that would look like.” There was a knock on the door and then her mom entered carrying a tray of fresh sliced vegetables and juice.

“So is everything ok now?” she asks sitting the tray down on Ali’s desk.

“Yeah it’s cool. Jakie’s got himself a man.”

I blush, “Ali.”

“Now Alison don’t tease him like that. I’m sure this is all very new to Jake and he’s probably a bit frightened,” she said handing us a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice, “If you need anything Jake, you’re more than welcome to ask James and I.”

“Thank you.”

“We can’t tell his folks though. They aren’t really open about stuff like this,” Ali said before taking a drink.

“I have no intention of telling them. That is something Jake will have to do on his own when he’s ready to tell them. It isn’t our place.”

“I don’t plan on telling them anytime soon anyway. I’m sure they’d throw me out. I’ve at least got to finish high school and get into college somewhere on scholarship so I don’t have to rely on them.”

“You don’t think they’d really do that, do you?” Alison said picking up a carrot from the tray.

“I almost positive they would. I overheard mom talking to Andrew one day when they were talking about that prank that involved photos taken of guys in suggestive positions on the news one day. She thinks it’s disgusting. I have no clue what Andrew or Amber or dad think about it though.”

Ali looks to her mom, “Mom, if that…”

“If that does happen, you are more than welcome to stay here Jake. We have more than enough room.”

“Thank you Mrs. Metworth.”

“None of that now Jake, call me Caroline.”

We talked for a few more hours before I had to leave. Caroline drove me home so I didn’t have to spend more money on the bus. We talked about things and how I felt about my parents and with myself being gay. I wish mine were more like Ali’s parents. When I got home I went to my room and looked through my music and came across a techno disc that was given to me a few years ago. I never really had a heavy liking for it but for some reason I wanted to hear it. The name on the CD said ‘ATB’ and there were some titles in a smaller scrawl below it. I put the CD in and hit play. Electronic beats started coming through my speakers with bass in a cascading effect before a voice came through. I sat down on my bed listening to the lyrics in the chorus. ‘What have you done to me? I’ll never be the same, I’ll tell you for sure. I’ll never be the same I’ll tell you for sure…You really are my ecstasy. My real live fantasy…’ The song was short, but it summed up what I was feeling. I have a feeling in a few days time I’ll still feel this way.

The next day I was greeted with the sound of my brother knocking on my door. Mom and dad were gone to work so that left just the two of us to clean up his yard. Most of the damage came in the form of leaves so I went through the yard picking up the fallen limbs while Andrew took the mover to the leaves. Surprisingly enough we were done in just under two hours. We sat in the kitchen drinking water when Andrew got that look about him. It was the look that said ‘we’ve got to talk’.

I sigh, “What’s up Andrew, you’re giving me the look.”

“What look?”
“The look that says we’re getting ready to have a conversation that I might not agree with. You get it from mom.”

“…Whatever. Look, I did some checking yesterday while I was at work-,”

“Drew!”

“Chill J. I just wanted to find out a little more about him, that’s all.”

“What’s wrong with just asking? Hell mom did a good job of that the other night,” I say sitting down my glass.

“’Cause it’s all too easy to lie when someone asks you questions. Remember, I’m a detective? Hello?”

“So what did you find out in your snooping?”

“That your friend lied about his age to mom. He’s freakin’ seven years older than you.”

“Hell, he’s seven years younger than you.”
“That’s not the point J. You know mom would have the fit of all fits if she found out.”

“I don’t see what the deal is. So he’s older than me, so what? We get along just fine. No one believes we’re the ages that we are. What’s the problem?”

“For one, he lied to our mom, two, he’s not listed to be in the spring semester at Hyde. Three, his stepfather only knows where he lives because he had him followed after he took off a few months ago with about eight hundred thousand dollars. You don’t even know this guy and you’re treating him like he’s your best friend. I’m not cool with this J.”

“How long did it take you to come up with all of that?” I was getting angry.

“I had some friends start lookin’ after I dropped Amber off at practice. I took down his plate before I went in the house. It looked too new for someone to have been here for a month like he told mom.”

“When did you two talk?”

“She called me after she went to work that morning. She thought something was off about him and she gave me a run through of the conversation. She mentioned that Amber had swim practice and since I was off that day I told her I’d stop by and check him out.”

“What the fuck? Are you two gonna do this to every person I bring home? I know enough about him. Your digging didn’t bring up the fact that Aaron doesn’t get along with his stepfather. And that the money was his to begin with. His mom left it to him. Seriously Drew, what the fuck is up with you? You don’t see me goin’ around digging up crap on your friends.”

“Chill J.”

“Hell, did you two try to dig up dirt on Alison too or something? I’ve only known her what, all my life practically? Do you two spy on us when we hang out?”
“Chill out J.”

“Like hell I will! Both of you are blowing this all out of proportion. I know how to handle myself. If I didn’t I would never be allowed out of the house. You of all people should know that I’m a responsible person. Never once have I caused any problems for our folks. So he’s older than me, big freakin’ whoo. He doesn’t take advantage of me and I don’t take advantage of him. And besides I lo-,” I stopped.

“You…what J.”

“Nothing.”

Andrew glared at me, “What J.”

“It’s none of your fuckin’ business,” I say getting up from the counter. I was about two feet from the sliding glass door that opened to the back yard when Andrew caught me at the shoulder and turned me around.

“What were you going to say Jake.”

“I’m not telling you Drew so back the fuck up off me.”

“Jake…”

“Drop it! I’m through with this conversation,” I started to turn again when he slammed my back into the door. At six nine, he can be very intimidating when he wants to be. I wasn’t about to let him this time.

“Jake, tell me what you were going to say,” he spoke in a low voice, leaning down. I stare up into the same chocolate brown eyes, “You were about to say that you love him, weren’t you.”

I continue to stare at him.

“Say something Jake.”

Silence.

“Jake…”

Silence.

“JAKE!”

I blinked hard at him before looking away. He stood fully and walked back over to the counter to sit. I looked in his direction. He ran a hand through his mess of curls and sighed. He looked in my direction then motioned for me to sit. I went over and sat down carefully.

“J-,”

“Don’t start Drew, I’m not in the mood to hear it,” I say as I feel the anger run out of me, leaving me tired.

“You hardly know this person J. Are you sure you’re in love with him?”

“I know that when I think about not being able to be with him, it hurts. That’s never happened to me before. It feels like we’ve been friends for the longest, like with me and Ali. I don’t know, things just feel…right with him, even if I’ve known him for such a short amount of time. I’ve never had that feeling with any other guy. I’ve been around plenty thanks to track, but it isn’t the same as being with Aaron. I don’t know what else it can be. I mean, I’ve checked out other guys that look hot and all, but when I saw Aaron, there was only the desire to be with him. I…don’t know what else to say about it ‘cept that…I love him.”

“Are you sure you want to take this on? You’re only fifteen ya know, you don’t have to rush into this. It could cause a lot of problems and heartache later if you’re not careful.”

“You don’t think I know that? That’s why I’m scared. Not because of the folks finding out, but because I could end up on my own, with no one. But I know if I don’t give this a chance, it’ll hurt a lot more than it does now.”

Andrew sighs and looks down at the countertop a moment before looking at me again, “You know that the folks will flip out about this, right? And I’m not talkin’ about Aaron’s age either.”

“…Yeah, I know.”

“Have you told anyone else?”

“Alison and her parents know, and of course Aaron.”

“Were you gonna tell anyone else?”

“…Not ‘til I was in college.”

“Not even me?”

I shook my head.

“Why not? Did you think I’d hate you or something?”

“Why not, the folks will. I just assumed-,”

“Well you assumed wrong. Jake I could never hate you. You’re my little bro, the only one I’ve got. I would never hate you because of who you love. I’m shocked that you’d even think that. If a person makes you happy, then it doesn’t matter what gender they are.”

“So you’re not…disgusted with me?”

“Of course not! You’re the only one that can live your life. Not me, or the folks, or anyone else. And if being attracted to guys works for you, then it works for you. End of story.”

All of a sudden I felt lighter knowing that Andrew didn’t hate me because I’m gay. I smile at him and he smiled back for a brief moment before turning serious, “You know you can’t tell them. Definitely not now anyway.”

“I was planning on waiting until I didn’t have to rely on them anymore. Like when I get to college.”

“Yeah, that’s good. You know I’ll help you in any way I can. You should also tell Aaron about our folks so he can be on his guard around them. Try not to tell anyone else if you can help it.”

“I won’t.”

Andrew shook his head, “I don’t mean like that, telling people that you’re gay. I mean if you are going to have a relationship with him. Technically you’re too young in this state to be sexually involved with him. If it got out, he would have to do time. Hell, don’t even tell me if you plan on it before you turn eighteen. Since I’m a detective and I know of his age, I’d have to bring him in or I’d be in trouble. Ok?”

“Ok,” a pause, “Hey Drew?”

“Yeah J?”

“You’re not gonna tell them…about his real age are you?”

“No. It’s not like you two are getting into trouble or anything like that. Granted I’m not keen on lying to them, but I can tell he means something to you and if you weren’t able to see him then you would start getting into trouble.”

“Thanks Drew.”

“No prob J,” he says getting up to get more water, “Have you talked to him at all about this?”

“I haven’t had the chance to really. I figured I’d be helping you clean up today so I haven’t thought about calling him or anything. He’s giving me some time to get used to it.”

“What, being with a guy?”

“With being in love with someone. I’ve never been in love before.”

“I can tell ya it is a bit scary at first ‘cause you don’t really get that it’s happening, but after a while that feeling goes away and you just…go with it.”

“So that’s happened to you too, huh.”

“Yeah, but it didn’t happen until I was a senior in high school. It sucked that Kimberly moved overseas after we graduated.”

“You haven’t talked to her in a while have you.”

“It’s been years. Hell, she might not even remember me it’s been so long.”

“Aw, poor Drew,” I giggle.

“Go blow your guy or something…wait…forget I said that.”

Aaron’s POV:

I had hoped that he hadn’t heard me, but when I went into the bedroom and heard his voice over the shower I knew he did. I grabbed a pair of jeans and quickly left the room. I wasn’t about to go intruding on him. Had I stayed I know I would have gone in there and taken him. I wouldn’t have been able to help myself if I saw him in my shower wet and full of need. I’ve felt that hard body against mine and know that I would have had him right then and there. What I would give to glide my hands over his body, to hear him moan as I stroke him; to hear him call my name as I turn him against the wall to knead those tight globes of flesh in my hands before I sought out his entrance. To be the first to enter his depths and feel him envelop me, to feel him press back against me wanting more. I want so badly to feel his body shudder around me as I bring him over. I want him to scream out my name with passion as I release myself inside of him. I want him to be mine. If I went in there and did that, then I would have lost him completely. He would have never seen me the same again. I would have taken his innocence and wounded him deeper than any physical wound could ever do.

I ignored my returning erection and went to the kitchen to make breakfast. Cooking always took care of that when a cold shower didn’t. I know I’ll have a hard time sleeping tonight. The sound of his voice, that deep tenor pitch still resonates through my body. I want him so bad. Damn it, why couldn’t he have been three years older? Why did his brother have to be a detective? Why? I shake my head and start cracking eggs into a bowl. He’ll be out soon so I should get a move on.

He comes into the kitchen as I’m finishing up the eggs. I don’t say anything since I’m sure he realizes that I’m wearing jeans. I won’t push the issue with him. I’m pretty sure he’s never experienced feelings like this before so I’ll give him all the time he needs. I have no problem waiting for him. I’ll do it the rest of my life if I have to. I want him to be comfortable with accepting me. I’m already comfortable with him. I want to hold him so bad right now it hurts. I want his arms around me. After eating I finish getting dressed and take him home. I don’t want to be away from him, but he’s still their son. Meeting his dad was a completely different experience from his mom. That was good. I still have the feeling that if they really knew me I wouldn’t be allowed near their son. It’s a shame too, they raised a great person regardless of his orientation. The questioning starts again, but this time it’s not as pressing. I still need to give Jacob some time to himself so I make up an excuse to leave. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight without my pillow.

It took three fourths of a bottle of Jaegermeister to get me to sleep last night. My head is pounding. Next time I’ll go with gin or whiskey instead, at least I don’t have a headache the next day with either of those. I miss waking up with him. I wonder what he’s doing. Oh, that’s right, he’s probably helping his brother today. I’ll have to find some way to get by without him. Something that doesn’t involve alcohol, at least not until later. I look over my stocks for about an hour when I give up and decide to surf for porn. That got boring really quick. None of them could compare to Jacob. He has beautiful curves and I loved feeling them the other night as he slept. I couldn’t resist bringing my hand down to his hip to feel the cut of his obliques. My forearm ghosted against his penis and I couldn’t believe what I felt. He’s thick, and he wasn’t even hard. The thought of that made my boxers tight. It’s a good thing that I wasn’t planning on going anywhere today. I’d hate to have to waste time taking off unnecessary layers of clothing to get to my cock. I pull my hardening flesh out and stroke it slowly. I’m not as thick as he is, but I’ve had no complaints either. It’s proportionate to my body and I want his hand stroking me right now instead of my own. I lean my head back and grip the base of my cock as I replay the sounds in my mind that Jacob was making when I went into the bedroom. That voice was heavy with need. Hearing my name come from his lips made me hard and dripping as I sat there jerking off at my computer. I though about his cock and what it would feel like inside me. I want to see him in all his glory. I want to feel every inch of him with my hands. I want to take that thick piece of desire inside me. I want it filling me. The thoughts of his cock made me heady as I stroked to completion, spewing cum all over my hand and my thighs. Thankfully not on my computer, that would have been a pain to clean up. I’ve went through enough keyboards and I wasn’t in the mood to get another one. After a few minutes I got up and went to the hall bath and cleaned up, not bothering with another pair of boxers. I knew that for the rest of the day I’d be stroking myself at one time or another so I might as well just go naked.

Jake’s POV:

Andrew and I spent the remainder of the day hanging out and working on my truck. It was good, it got my mind onto other things. I didn’t have to worry about Andrew and I knew my secret was safe. I went to bed that night wondering what Aaron had done that day. He was more than likely pouring over stocks or something. He should get out more. I wonder if he was able to sleep last night. Just before I drifted off I felt him push against me gently wanting me on my back. I complied sleepily and brought him across my chest. I heard him sigh with content as he placed his head at my heart, tucking his arms at my sides as mine were around him. I’m glad I kept my boxers on. I could feel every inch of his body pressed against me. I think I spent about half an hour thinking about chicks playing beach volleyball with barely any clothing on when I felt his hand slip down to my waist. His forearm brushed against my cock and had to fight off the rush of getting hard from it. I want this guy, but for some reason I’m still timid about my body…well at least that part of my body. I didn’t want him to think I was some kind of freak. I mean seriously, how many guys my age have something this big? I guess I should just chalk it up to luck and genetics. I did miss his warmth beside me. I lay on my back looking up into the darkness, my hand going to my heart wishing his head was there so I could run my fingers through his shaggy locks.

The rest of the week went by with me working on my truck and drawing. I hung out with Ali a few times before she left for a judo tournament the next state over. It’s not that I didn’t want to see him, I just wanted to get used to not being with him all the time. I know that I wouldn’t be able to spend every waking day with him and I didn’t want my parents to think something was wrong with me. Amber came back Sunday and we spent the day together as a family going to an early dinner and then to the movies. We all managed to agree on an action flick and it turned out to be pretty good.

Tuesday came around and Amber had a swim club meet that afternoon. Andrew was working on a case and the parents were at work as well when she remembered it out of the blue. I told her to take the bus and she started whining and asked if Aaron could take her. That’s when I first thought of him since the conversation I had with Andrew. I called him and he was happy to help. We went to the meet and ended up staying to cheer her on. She won both her individual events and the relay that she was anchor leg on. Aaron treated her with ice cream to celebrate. We got home just as mom had finished making dinner and invited Aaron to stay. I got a bit nervous since I didn’t have a chance to tell Aaron about my conversation with my brother and that he should be weary of my parents. It was all for naught as he handled himself just fine.

After dinner we went up to my room and listened to music while everyone else did their own thing. I closed my door so I wouldn’t have Amber overhearing anything since her room was across the hall.

“I’m sorry I haven’t called you or anything,” I say as I hit the CD button on my stereo. Harry Gregson-Williams/Lisa Gerrard – Man on Fire End Theme started scrolling in the marquee.

“That’s ok. I told you that I’d give you time to think. I knew you would call when you were ready.”

“And I’m sorry that you had to get dragged into my sister’s meet. She just remembered this morning that she had one,” I say as I sit down in the chair beside my bed.

“That’s fine,” He said sitting down on my bed, “I enjoyed myself. I’ve never been to a swim meet before,” he took note of the music playing, “I didn’t know you listened to Gerrard.”

“Yeah, I came across a couple of songs and liked them. Come to find out that I’ve heard them before since they were all in movies that I’ve seen.”

Aaron moves over on the bed to sit next to my chair, his ocean blues looking me over gently, “How do you feel? Has anything changed for you?”

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, “I don’t really know how to put this so I’m just gonna come out and say it,” I blush, “I want to be with you.”

He smiles and places a hand on my knee, “I want to be with you too.”

“I’ve…never been in a relationship before…so I kinda don’t know what to do…”

“That’s alright Jacob, all you have to do is be you,” he says as I blush harder. I love it when he says my name. His hand comes up to my cheek, his thumb brushes across my lips. I look deep into those ocean blues before I close my eyes as his lips come to mine. It was better than anything I could have ever imagined. His tongue sought entry and I gave it to him, I wanted to feel him inside me. It was incredible. I just had to explore his. I felt myself leaning into him, wanting more of him. I found myself wanting to crawl into his lap when our kiss ended. I wanted to feel him against me. I leaned my forehead against his.

“That was…wow…”

“Your first kiss?”

“Well, technically no, but with another guy, yes.”

“I’m glad that I’m your first. Who was the technical?”

“Ali.”

“But I thought-,”

“She wanted to see how she felt about kissing guys, she didn’t like it.”

“Oh, so she’s a lesbian.”

“Yeah.”

“Well then, that would mean that I gave you your first kiss. You guys weren’t dating or anything like that, so it doesn’t count. At least not to me it doesn’t.”

I smile, “I’m glad.”

“Me too.”

“I wish I could stay over at your place tonight.”

“Why?”

“…I miss feeling your warmth next to me.”

Aaron smiled, “I wish you could too. I miss my pillow.”

I had to laugh at that. He looked cute and pouty at the same time. It reminded me of Amber when she was trying to get her way with the parents or Andrew, “It sucks that I’ve got to watch Amber since everyone else is working tomorrow.”

“Maybe I’ll come by tomorrow and keep you company.”

“I’d like that.”

Knocking interrupted us and then Amber’s voice, “Jakie, mom says it’s getting late, time for Aaron to go home.”

I look at the clock on my desk, nine-thirty, “Ok,” I call back to her.

Amber opens the door and pokes her head inside, “Thanks for taking me to my meet today. And for the ice cream.”

“It was my pleasure.”

She closes the door as we stand up. I start to walk to the door when Aaron embraces me, “I’ll miss you.”

“Me too,” I say. He leans back just enough so he can kiss me again. When I finally went to sleep it was with a smile on my face.

The next day started with Amber coming into my room and jumping on my bed. I knew that if I didn’t get up she’d crank up my stereo and I wasn’t in the mood for it. I turn over as she starts to shake me, “What do you want Amber.”

“What? You’re awake?”

“It’s kinda hard not to be when you jump on my bed.”

“Then how come you never got up before.”

“I was hoping that you’d take the hint that I didn’t want to get up yet.”

“Why do you want to stay in bed anyway? Come on get up. I’m hungry.”

“Eat some fruit or something.”

“Jakie, I want cereal.”

“What’s wrong with fruit?”

“You can’t put sugar on it.”

“It’s naturally sweet and it’s a lot better for you than that sugar loaded crap you like to eat.”

“You used to eat it too.”

“Then I got a clue.”

Amber huffs, “Why are you in a grumpy mood? Are you mad that Aaron’s not here?”

I sit up, “What?”

“You’re grumpy ‘cause your friend’s not around to get the cereal for me like last time.”

I thought back to that morning and brought my knees up and wrapped my arms around my legs. The last thing I need is for my little sister to see me with a hard-on, “No, I’m not. I just don’t like havin’ to be awake so early in the morning.”

“It’s already ten o’clock. You’ve slept enough.”

I sigh, “Fine, I’m gonna take a shower and then I’ll fix you breakfast now get out of here.”

“Yay Jakie’s gonna make me some eggs and bacon and toast-,”

“Hey, what happened to wanting cereal?”

“You don’t eat cereal remember? What’s the point of eating cereal if you’re gonna make real food for yourself?”

“Will you just get out of here? Please?”

“Why? I’ve seen you in boxers before. I even saw Aaron in his, big whoop.”

“I’m not wearing any boxers.”

“Ewww! I did not need to know that,” she says getting up from my bed. She walked over to the doorway, “And hurry up and shower. I like my bacon crispy like mom makes it.”

“If you don’t get out of here I won’t make you anything.”

“Fine, I’ll be downstairs,” she says closing the door behind her.

I sigh and fall back against my pillow. ‘Why’d she have to bring that up,’ I thought. I got up and grabbed clothes and made my way to the bathroom. I barely gave the water a chance to heat up before I got in and started taking care of business. There was no way I was gonna be thinking about chicks with this monster wanting attention. I knew that Amber wouldn’t come in when she heard the shower going so I was safe to handle it.

Forty-five minutes later I came out of the bathroom and caught the scent of bacon in the air along with Amber’s laughter. I went downstairs to find Aaron in the kitchen at the stove cooking bacon. Amber was chatting about something but all I could concentrate on was him. My shorts started to feel tight as I took in the sight of his jeans as they looked like they were second skin on his body. His shirt was loose on his upper body just begging me to glide my fingers underneath to that silky skin. He then turned around and smiled, “Morning Jake.”

“…Uh…hi…When’d you get here?”

“I was at that coffee shop off Bekandale when Amber called me saying she was hungry and that you were taking too long in the shower.”

“Amber, what did you call Aaron for? I told you I was gonna make you something.”

“You were takin’ too long so I called him. Geez, why are you still grumpy? He’s right here.”

“What?” Aaron asked placing the strips on a plate in front of Amber.

“Jakie’s grumpy that you weren’t here to make me breakfast like last time so he didn’t have to get up.”

“Amber!”

“Oh, I see,” Aaron said smiling as he turned to crack eggs in a bowl.

“I’m not grumpy. I’m irritated that you called him over here just to do this. And where did you get his number?”

“I got it off the caller ID, duh.”

“It’s alright. I don’t mind,” Aaron said over his back.

“See? Aaron doesn’t mind, so go put some more toast in the toaster.”

“Wanna buy a little sister? I’ll see her to ya…cheap,” I ask Aaron.

“I’ll pass thanks. Besides, I don’t think your parents would like that much.”

“I’d just tell ‘em she ran away with the circus,” I say as I walk over to the toaster. She takes a shot at my arm as I pass her.

“Do you have practice today Am?”

“I do tomorrow. Hey, can I go over Kelly’s house today? Some of the other swimmers are gonna be there and her mom’ll be there the whole time. Please? I’ll be back before mom and dad get home, I promise.”

“And what if one of them comes home early?” I say pushing down the lever on the machine.

“Since when have they ever come home early? They just go to work early, never come home early Jakie. Please? I know you don’t want to spend the day watching me anyway since Aaron’s here.”

“There’s a first time for everything and I’m not in the mood to be grounded before training starts. You do know that’s next week, right?”

“Aw, come on Jakie, please?”

“We could drop her off and pick her up before your parents get home. And if they’re here when we come back we can always say we went somewhere,” Aaron says as he finishes up the eggs.

“Yeah Jakie let’s do that!” Amber says bouncing up and down in her chair.

I turn and look at both of them. Aaron looks at me and grins while Amber’s completely animated about the idea. I sigh, “…Ok, fine, but only for a few hours,” I look at Amber, “You owe me Am.”

Amber jumps out of her chair and slams into me with a hug and her squeal, “Thank you Jakie! You’re the best big brother ever!” Aaron smiles fully as he walks over to the table and portions out the eggs into waiting plates. Amber lets me go to sit down and start eating just as the toast pops up. I pull it out and bring it over to the table and sit between the two. I’m sure they had this planned before I came downstairs.

We make quick work of breakfast and drop Amber off at her friend’s house then make our way to Aaron’s since it was only a few minutes away. The whole way to his house he kept his fingers laced with mine in his lap. His fingers are long and graceful as I see them with mine. We get into his apartment and the before the door is fully closed he has me against the wall kissing me. We come up for air as I’m breathless as I keep him close to me, my hands at his waist, his cupping my face.

“You have no idea how badly I wanted to do that when I first saw you,” he pants, forehead against mine. My hands make their way to his delicious ass and squeeze him as I diminish the scant centimeters separating our lips. I feel his moan as his body moves sensuously on mine, making me hard. He then breaks our kiss, “We…should stop.”

“Why?” I ask wanting his lips connecting with mine.

“It would be too tempting if we keep going. I may loose it,” he says starting to move his body away from me. I bring him back where he belongs, touching me with his body.

“And what makes you think I don’t want that?” I say giving his ass another squeeze. His eyes flutter close for a moment before opening again.

“I’m not going to rush you Jacob,” he says reluctantly removing my hands from his hind parts.

“You’re not.”

“It may seem like that, but I want you to be absolutely sure about this. Come, let’s sit,” he says leading me by the hand over to the sofa. He sits down first and I straddle his lap and kiss him, burying my hands in his hair. When our lips part I take his hand and bring it to my heart. I want him to feel how passionately my heart is beating for him. He smiles.

“…I know that I can’t always be near you now…but I want to be as close as I can to you when we are together.”

“I know Jacob, I know.”

I bring my forehead to his, “I love it when you say my name.”

He pats the space beside him with his free hand, “I love saying it, but that still doesn’t change the fact that we’re going to have to talk about this. Sit.”

“I’ll sit where I am.”

“Jake…”

“No kissing until we’re done talking, I promise. And I’ll keep my hands to myself…but you’re more than welcome-,”

“Jake…”

“Ok, ok. Nothing ‘til we’re done,” I say placing my hands on my thighs. His hand lingers over my heart a bit before he takes his hand away, “That reminds me, I talked with my brother after we cleaned up his yard. I told him about my feelings for you, and he supports me. He’s not too thrilled that you lied to mom, though. But knowing how our folks will react if I told them I’m gay would be a lot worse than you being seven years older then me. Hell, they might even try to blame it on you.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised. How do your parents feel about homosexuality?”

“They’re totally against it. They really are from the old school as Ali says. Her parents know, too. Caroline said if they ever found out before I was free of them that I’d have a place to stay with them since they would certainly toss me out into the street. Thank goodness my truck is in my name so they can’t take that away from me.”

“I know this is early to say but, you’ll always have a place here with me.”

“Thank you. You’ll have to be careful around them, like yesterday.”

“I can handle that. Are you going to tell Amber?”

“Not yet. I’m not quite sure how to tell her. She’s smart for her age, but I’m not too sure if she can keep her mouth shut; especially since it’s against the law for me to be with you.”

“Which is exactly why I’m not going to rush this. Not only would it get me locked up, but it could cause problems for your brother as well.”

“Yeah, he told me not to tell him if I did have sex with you before I turned eighteen,” I smile and blush when I remembered the end of that conversation.

“What is it?”

“Nothin’. Just somethin’ Andrew said.”

“What’d he say?”

I giggle, “Well he was telling me about the first time he fell in love and I was picking on him. He told me to go blow my guy,” Aaron’s laugh died off when he saw the look in my eyes, I wanted him, “Can I? Blow you that is…”
“Jake…”

“Aaron you have no idea how badly I want to taste you right now,” I say fighting the urge to unbutton his jeans. I want to see him without his clothes. I want to taste his skin and make him moan. I want him to do the same to me.

“Jake…”

“I know you heard me in your shower. I heard you, so why can’t we?”

“There’s…I…I don’t want you to…regret it. We just started our relationship. I’m not going anywhere. We still have things to learn about each other,” he says placing one hand over mine and the other to my cheek, “If I went into the bath that day I would have lost you. You would have felt that all I wanted from you was your body. I don’t want just your body. I want all of you. I want to know the things that make you laugh, that make you cry, all of that. If I went in there and took you that morning, I would never get the chance to know those things about you. And I would never have been able to forgive myself. While you are mature in many aspects, you’re still a child when it comes to love. You are too important to me to risk that. Please understand.”

I take his hand from my cheek and kiss his palm before bringing it to my heart and holding it there, “I love you Aaron. It may be too early to say this, but it’s how I feel about you. I’ve never had this feeling towards any other guy I’ve met, and I’ve been around a lot of hot lookin’ guys. You’re the one that made me feel pain here,” I squeeze his hand, “for the first time when I thought about not being able to be with you. When I first saw you my breath was taken away. You weren’t like the others and I could tell that from the start. I knew that if there was a chance to be with you that I’d have to take it or I’d be making the biggest mistake of my life. I know I’m only fifteen, but believe me on this. I trust my feelings. I know when people are out to get something from me that I’m not willing to give. I know that you aren’t like that. And I know that you are the one I want in my life, for the rest of my life. That will not change, not tomorrow, not the next day. Not ever.”

“You don’t know that Jacob. You haven’t had the experience of high school yet, let alone college. There will be temptation.”

“Of course there’ll be temptation. It’s a part of who we are as human beings. There was temptation before you came into my life, and it made me feel nothing like this. There never was a guy that I’d find myself getting off on by thinking about almost every morning. I go hard or I don’t go at all, and I’m going hard for you. There won’t be another person that will make me feel like you make me feel, I know that.”

Aaron reaches up to pull me down into a tender kiss. I love the feel of his hand in my hair. I can’t help but moan softly when we part, “Words like those aren’t supposed to be coming from a fifteen year old,” he says.

I smile, “I can’t help it. That’s how I feel about you. I can understand if you want to take this slow with the age difference-,”

“And the fact that this is your first time in love.”

“And that too,” I pause, “but does this mean we…can’t sleep together?”

“There are some things that we’ll still do together,” he smiles, “that being one of them. You won’t believe how much Jaeger I drank that first night after the storm. I woke up with a serious headache.”

“Serves you right for trying to use alcohol as a sleeping pill.”

Aaron shrugs, “Well, I’d gotten used to my talking, moving pillow and when I didn’t have it,” he pouts, “I got lonely and couldn’t sleep.”

I shake my head at him. He’s so cute when he pouts, “We still have a while before we have to get Amber, wanna take a nap?”

The rest of the week went by with Aaron hanging out with Amber and me. Ali popped in from time to time to see how the two of us were getting along. Saturday the four of us went to the movies after being dragged around the mall for much of the early afternoon. What is it with chicks and shopping? And they only buy maybe three or four things but they have to go in every shop. I was glad to be able to sit and do nothing. We picked one of the many comic-turned-movies that were playing since we had Amber with us and that seemed to be her ‘thing’ at the moment. The theatre we entered was practically empty and that was a good thing. It gave Aaron and me a chance to touch each other without people looking. Ali and Amber sat in the row in front if us and were busy chatting away while the advertisements were running. As soon as we sat Aaron gave my knee squeeze before trailing his hand up the inside of my thigh. The girls stop their chatter when the pre-views starts and Aaron takes my hand in his lacing out fingers. We didn’t have to worry about Amber turning around since one of her favorite actors of the time was in the movie.

“Do you want to stay over at my place tonight?” Aaron whispers right before kissing my cheek.

“I’ll have to check with the folks first but sure,” I whisper back doing the same. I knew come Monday I wouldn’t be able to spend a whole lot of time with him due to off season training for track. Fortunately the parents of one of Amber’s swim team friends agreed to look after her while I was training.

When we get out of the movie I call the folks. Mom didn’t sound too pleased with the idea since we’d been together all day as it was, but she agreed as long as I was home before dad went to work in the afternoon. We drop Ali and Amber off before heading to his apartment. We get to his place and immediately kiss when we get inside. It’s one of the few times I don’t mind having my back against the wall.

We settle ourselves down a bit then move over to the sofa. Aaron presses a few buttons on the remote and we’re surrounded by jazz. I get comfortable at one end and then Aaron gets in his favorite position, on me.

“I’ve missed this,” he says snuggling into my chest.

“It’s only been a couple of days Aaron,” I say running my fingers through his hair.

“I know but still, I like my pillow.”

I smile and settle my free hand on his back as I lean my head back into the cushions and close my eyes.

“Your training starts Monday, right?” he says.

“Yeah, I can’t wait to get started.”

“I’m gonna have to find something to do to occupy my time while you’re working out.”

“I’m sure you’ll be able to handle it.”

“I’d rather come watch you get all nice and sweaty.”

“I bet you would.”

“Only problem would be that I wouldn’t be able to keep off of you when you’re on the bench.”

I laugh, “That would be a problem seeing as when I’m lying down you have to be on top of me.”

“It’s not my fault you feel so good,” he says hugging me.

“I totally blame lifting. But hey, it landed me a hot guy so I really can’t complain too much,” I say hugging him back. I look down at that shaggy mop of hair as I twirl a lock between my fingers.

“I’m not that good lookin’,” he says snuggling into my chest.

“You are to me, and that’s all that matters.”

“I’m sure you’ll be singin’ a different tune when you get to high school and see all those hot lookin’ jocks walkin’ around.”

“Highly doubt that,” I say, “I never really been into other athletes. I mean yeah, they’ve got great bods, but it’s not everything.”

Aaron looks up at me, “So what drew your attention to me, besides me asking directions?”

“Your eyes,” I say starting into their depths, “They’re incredible. I feel like I can be lost within them and yet feel safe at the same time.”

Aaron blushes, it makes his eyes sparkle, “You’re just sayin’ that.”

“It’s true,” I say, my thumb brushing across his cheek, “When I felt nervous around you when we first met all I had to do was look into your eyes and I would feel safe and calm. I know I was nervous when I came here for the first time and then I looked into your eyes and I knew I would be ok with you.”

“Jacob…”

“They’re beautiful, just like the rest of you,” I pass my thumb over his lips, “Will you let me draw you sometime?”

His blush gets deeper, it’s so cute, “O-ok,” then he buries his face in my chest again. I hug him and smile.

Monday comes all too soon and yet not soon enough. West Giliam is one of the best schools in the state for track and field. I’m glad that my parents allowed me to go here. They have a great academic program as well as being a relatively short distance from home. Andrew went to the Archer Academy back when he was in high school and it’s on the other side of Winston City. Back in their heyday, that was the place to go for track and field. Most of the coaches there have either retired or moved on to other schools now. West Giliam managed to talk one of their former coaches, Pat Morgansen to come back from being a personal coach to coach at the infamous “Prank High”. He saw the potential of the track program and three years later he’s got the program here being the dominant force in most of the state and it can only get better. Scholarships for track and field are plentiful here and that will help ease the burden of tuition and fees when I get to college. Can’t rely on your parents forever, ya know? I could barely sleep last night thinking about my upcoming freshman year here. I don’t think I’ll have to worry about the pranking that’s made this school infamous since no one has ever pulled one on a member of the track team. A tight knit crew is a good thing. I can’t wait to meet everyone. My body’s tingling with anticipation as we drive through the gates that separate West Giliam from the city streets.

“So are you getting a ride with Ali when you’re done?” dad asks as he pulls into a parking space in front of West Giliam’s main building.

“Aaron said he’ll come get me. I don’t know if Ali’s back in town yet,” I answer as I grab my bag from the back seat.

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with him. You and Ali have a fight or something?”

“No, we’re fine. She’s been doing a lot of tournaments before training starts. What’s wrong with me hanging out with another guy anyway? Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do?”

Dad shook his head, “Nothing’s wrong with it. I guess your mother and I are just used to seeing you and Ali together all the time, that’s all,” he claps a hand on my shoulder, “Well you better get in there and get started.”

“Thanks for the lift dad,” I say getting out of the car.

“No problem son. Try not to overdue it on the first day alright?”

“Ok.”

I close the door and head for the main entrance to West Giliam. Once inside I see a chick with long dark brown hair about an inch or so taller than me. She’s not quite slim, but she doesn’t look to be quite a medium size either and with nice curves. She looks hot actually. If I were into chicks I’d date her, but then I say the same thing about Alison, too. The thing about her is that I’m hearing music coming from her as I get closer to her. I touch her shoulder and she turns around.

“Hey, do you know where the weight room is from here?” I ask.

“Yeah, I’m headed there myself,” she says above the music, “I go by Rocket,” she says extending her hand.

“Jake,” I say shaking it.

“Cool, you’re a freshman as well I take it?”

“Yeah,” I say as we start walking down the hall. We are about to turn a corner when I hear the main doors close.

“Wait up Jakie!”

We stop and wait for Ali to catch up with us. When she does she hugs me.

“When’d you get back?” I ask.

“About an hour ago. I told mom to just take me to school I’ll sleep when I get home tonight. A new friend?” she says taking in Rocket’s appearance and sound.

“Rocket this is my friend Alison. She likes to go by Ali,” I say introducing her.

“Nice to meet ya Ali.”

“Same here.”

Rocket looks back at me, “So you go by Jakie, huh?”

I pink, “Yeah I guess. For some reason chicks like to call me that.”

“Aw, ain’t that sweet,” she says grinning. We start walking again, taking in the look of West Giliam as we make our way to the weight room. The walls were painted a neutral color that made the granite flooring stand out like some mysterious path beckoning us to the start of our training.

“So what kind of music are you gracing us with Rocket? I don’t think I’ve heard of this group before,” Ali says taking notice of the thrashing sound.

“They’re called DevilDriver. I totally love them,” she says holding up her MP3 player to show us their name and the song that was playing.

“Cool. Nice sound. Haven’t met too many metal chicks.”

“Same here. So you’re into metal?”

“Not really, but I’ve come across a few songs that I like.”

“I was like that too in the beginning, now most of what I listen to is metal,” she responds, “What about you Jakie, you into the metal scene?”

“I haven’t really come across any bands that I seem to like in that genre.”

“Yeah it is kind hard to get past the loud sound and the hard to understand lyrics for most people. I love it for the energy. It gets me pumped way better than techno did.”

We get to the room and are awed by the size of the room. It was decked out with the latest equipment just begging to be used. There were a group of people standing around in the open area in the middle of the room. A few were sitting at the benches. I was so ready to get started. We come down the short flight of stairs and are greeted by a blonde Asian chick about my height. I had to look twice to make sure she was Asian. Her hair didn’t have the bottle blonde look to it.

“Incoming freshmen right?” she says. We nod, “Nice to meet you guys, I’m Miyako, but you can call me Hama. Welcome to West Giliam’s shot and discus team.”

“Thanks,” Rocket says, “I’m go by Rocket and this is Ali and Jakie.”

“Jakie, eh? That’s so cute!” Hama says smiling. Oh boy.

“I know right?” Ali says joining her, “When I first started calling him that back in third grade, he’d turn so red! It was adorable; I couldn’t help but call him that.”

“Wow, you’ve know each other for a while then,” Rocket says.

“Since kindergarten actually,” I say.

“That’s so sweet!” Hama says, “Are you two dating?”

I turn red, “No, we’re just friends.”

“Kawaii!” Hama says, that draws the attention of another chick that looks almost exactly like her, blonde hair and all. She comes over to us.

“Who’s cute?” she says to Hama, then looks at me. Her eyes light up, “Hai, totemo kawaii!”

“Uh…” I say.

“Hama called you ‘cute’ when you blushed,” Rocket said, “And, I’m guessing that’s her sister, agreed saying ‘yes, very cute’.”

“What language is that?” Ali asked.

“It’s Japanese,” Rocket answered.

“Cool. Now we can call you cute in Japanese,” she said smiling at me.

“Oh great,” I mumble.

“Aa, gomen, my apologies,” Hama said, “It’s just that you look so cute when you blush. And my sister agrees. Everyone this is my younger sister Tomoko, she’s an incoming freshman, too.”

“Pleased to meet you all,” she says, “Call me Bombshell.”

“Nice to meet you Bombshell, I’m Ali and this is Jake, or Jakie as I like to call him, and our most recently acquired friend Rocket,” she says shaking hands with Bombshell.

“Coach Morgansen is finishing up some stuff in his office then he’ll be down to talk about the rules and what’s expected from you guys when the season comes,” Hama said as we move away from the steps.

“You graduated this spring?” Ali asked.

“No I graduated a while ago from Prank High. I came back to help out with technique and whatnot when I heard they hired Morgansen.”

“Yeah, he was at the Academy when my brother was going there,” I say.

“Oh? Who’s your brother?” Hama asks.

“Andrew Tervan.”

“I remember him! He was a triple jumper. You look just like him. The Academy wasted us every time we went up against them. I remember he used to be around this chick with funny colored eyes that didn’t like wearing bras for some reason when I did triple jump my senior year. She had a nice rack. I think her name was-,”

“Raime Walker. I know her. My mom tried to choke on their graduation day. She was hitting on Andrew’s friend Kimberly and felt the need to grope her right in front of our mom. That was an interesting day, to say the least.”

“That’s it, Raime. I hear she still comes to Winston City once in a while.”

“Yeah, she’ll pop in when you least expect it from what Andrew tells me. I think a couple of times she’s showed up at the police station. Andrew had to tell her to wear a bra or stop coming by. She was distracting the other officers.”

The group laughed, “I’ll bet,” Hama says, “With a rack like that goin’ around all nice and free around a bunch of guys, it had to be too much for them to handle.”

“So, and if I’m being nosy just tell me,” Ali says lowering her voice a bit, “I take it you’re into chicks?”

“Yeah, I’m a lesbian, so is my sister,” Hama says hugging her sister, “Our parents weren’t too pleased with it though, but hey, there’s two more girls and one boy so we figure they’ll get some grandkids eventually. Just not from us.”

“Cool.”

“Oh yeah another thing, there’s no hatin’ in The Crew, so you can tell others of your preference if you want, no pressure. Some of the upperclassmen as well as sophomores are as well so it’s cool.”

“That’s great. I had a feeling when you were talkin’ about that Raime chick’s rack that you probably had a thing for chicks,” Ali said smiling.

“And if we’re not mistaken, so do you,” Bombshell says.

“Caught me.”

Bombshell turns to Rocket, “Anata?”

“No not me. I’ve got a guy. He’s going to the Academy. But I have been hit on by a few lesbians before so I’m used to it.”

“Can’t really blame them for trying,” Hama says looking Rocket over, “You’re quite yummy looking.”

Rocket blushed, “Thanks.”

Bombshell turns to me, “We aren’t making you uncomfortable are we Jakie?”

I shake my head, “No I’m cool with it.”

“He’s into guys anyway, so it doesn’t faze him at all when I talk about tits or the like around him.”

“Ali!” I blush again.

“Oops! Sorry Jakie!” she said covering her mouth.

“You’re lucky you’re a chick and I’ve known you my whole life or I’d hit you,” I say looking at the floor. My face was on fire. Her arms come around me and hug me tightly.

“I’m sorry Jakie! I didn’t mean for it to slip out like that. You get a free hit.”

“Don’t worry Jakie,” Hama said touching my shoulder, “We’re all friends here. The Crew looks out for each other, on and off the field. We’ll have your back no matter what. That’s one of the good things about Prank High’s shot and disc team. No one pulls a prank on The Crew.”

“Thanks,” I say, my cheeks fading back to normal.

“Come on, let’s get you three introduced to the rest of the team.”

We meet the rest of the shot and discus team just before Coach Morgansen comes in. We get the rundown of the place and the standard rules that apply to the weight room as well as the shot and discus pits before we start. Time flies by and before I know it it’s five o’clock. I’m tired from the day but I get a burst of energy when I think that Aaron’s outside waiting for me.

Time passes quickly as training become a daily part of life for me. I manage to squeeze in some time with Aaron on the weekends, but mostly I’m getting ready for the spring. Other schools in the county are doing the same and the coaches decided it would be good to have a few mock meets to get the freshmen used to track and field life on the high school level. That’s great and all, but I miss seeing Aaron. I hope he’s not too put off not having access to his pillow. I hope he gets out more. Looking at screens all day can’t be good for you. I miss feeling him against me. I miss running my fingers through his hair and staring into those beautiful ocean blues.

Aaron’s POV:

“Hey Aaron, what’s up?” I look up from the jazz CDs that I’m thumbing through to see Alison smiling back at me.

“Hello Alison,” I say.

“Call me Ali,” she says coming around the corner from the rock section, “So, how’s things with you and Jakie?”

“They’re good, but it’s only been just over a month and with training and all so things are still new in the dating department,” I say to the leggy redhead.

“Hey, I know this cool place that serves some wicked eats, wanna hit ‘em up? It’s not to far from here.”

“Sure,” I say picking up my small stack of CDs. I make my purchase and then we head off in the direction of the park. I can’t help but notice her smile the entire way, “Something’s got you in a good mood today. What’s been happening with you? I know I was kinda keeping Jake to myself before the off season training started.”

“I didn’t mind at all. I knew that Jakie had a thing for you when I first saw you two standing outside of Marc’s,” she says as we come to a corner.

“Oh really,” I say as we stand there waiting for the light to change in our favor.

“Yeah, he never smiles that much around guys unless he likes them. I mean, there have been a couple that I thought he would have been cool with, but when I saw him with you I knew he was into you,” she says as we start walking.

“Well that’s nice to know.”

We walk through the park in silence as we come by several children playing. We come to the edge of the park and across the street is a place labeled Stomp. I thought back to that day when I first met Jake. I had parked on the park side of the street in front of that shop and I was about to go in when I saw a person sitting on a bench not too far away, that person was Jake.

“Have you had a chance to check out this place yet?” Alison says as we jaywalk when the traffic is slow.

“I was about to go in to this place to ask for directions the day I met you two,” I say as we get to the door and I open it for her, “Now I’m glad I didn’t.”

“Thank you,” she responds, “me too. I’ve never seen Jake this happy before. It’s awesome,” We order sandwiches and take a seat near the far wall close to the front of the shop, “So has Andrew had a chance to interrogate you yet?”

“No, not yet. Although that may be due to his work. I have talked with their father. He seems like a nice man.”

“He is, on some levels,” she says as our waiter brings our order to the table. She starts again when he leaves, “Jakie told me that you helped clean up the yard after the storm. He said that his dad thought you were nice. But you do know that’s because they don’t know, right?”

I nod, “I really don’t like lying to them, but I didn’t want Jake to get into any more trouble than he was that night he came home late.”

“Yeah he said his mom was giving you the subtle version of raking you over the coals when you got there. At least she was nice enough to let you stay the night.”

“Yes, that was nice of her,” I say grinning.

“Aw, how cute, you got to sleep together and you knew each other for such a short time,” she teased.

I blush, “We didn’t-,”

“I know, I know. Couldn’t help it. You should have seen Jakie’s face when I said that. He blushes a lot when I talk about you. It’s so adorable.”

“Yes it is.”

Her face became somber, “It’s too bad that his folks are like that though. Jakie’s a great guy, and I’m not sayin’ that ‘cause I’ve known him for so long. He doesn’t get into trouble, he’s helpful, he’s there when you need someone to talk to, his sister adores him, he’s just…awesome. They raised a great person, it shouldn’t matter that he’s into guys, ya know?”

“Yes he is, and I know he doesn’t like the fact that he has to keep this from them. His mother still has her doubts about me.”

“I bet,” she says between bites, “She’s probably like that because Jakie’s normally around me all the time and now he’s around you. To a normal mom that should be the other way around,” she pauses, “You don’t think that she thinks I’m his…”

“Girlfriend?” she nods, “Well….that could be a possibility, but I’m sure she would have talked to both of you about that if it were the case.”

“That’s true,” Alison takes a sip of her drink then an idea dawns on her, “Hey, maybe that’s not such a bad idea.”
“What do you mean?”

“If Jakie’s mom thinks I’m his girlfriend, maybe it’ll take the heat off of you. I mean, I’ve known him for pretty much all my life, so it’s not like that scenario couldn’t be an option. That way, I’ll just have to deal with her holier than thou-ness towards me and you won’t have to worry so much about her prying into your relationship with Jakie.”

“Alison…”

“Ali.”

“Ali, are you sure you want to do this? The first time I met her she looked like she wanted to hook me up to a polygraph. Do you want to go through that just to pretend being Jake’s girlfriend?”

“I’m used to her Aaron, I’ve seen her sides. I can take one for the team. Besides, I’ll have my folks to back me up so it’s cool.”

“We’ll have to talk to Jake about this.”

“I’m sure he’ll go along with it,” she smiles.

“…You aren’t going to let him say no, are you.”

Her smile gets bigger, “That’s right.”

“We should do it soon.”

“Well, we’ve got training later today so I’ll tell him about it then and we could probably meet up with you after that.”

“That’s fine. I’ll be picking him up so we can talk again then.”

“Cool, my mom’s gonna get me so we can let her in on it too.”

“Ali, are you really sure you want to be a cover girl? We’ve only been dating for about a month.”

“I’ve got no problem with it. And since my chick’s moved here it’ll be like we’re doing that group dating thing. It’ll be even less pressure on you. She’ll probably think I’m tryin’ to hook you up with a chick or something.”

“But you’re the same age. Wouldn't she think that’s suspicious?”

“Nope, she’s seen me around with people older than me before, it’s cool. She does give me a look when I cross glances with her though, but who cares.”

“Thank you Ali.”

“No prob Aaron. You know I’ll help you guys out.”

Jake’s POV:

I was about twenty feet from the entrance to the weight room when a certain redhead felt the need to claim a piggy back ride.

“Jaaaaaaaakieeeeeeee,” she says locking her arms around my neck and wrapping her long legs around my waist forcing me to hold on to her. I stagger and almost run into the wall trying to balance the excess weight heaped on me.

“You could have asked for a ride ya know,” I say leaning forward a bit. Ali eased her grip around my neck and rested her head against mine.

“I know, but it’s fun to do it this way. Besides, your girlfriend shouldn’t have to ask anyway.

I stop, “What the hell are you talkin’ about Ali?”

“I’m your chick so you have to treat me right,” she says leaning around to kiss my cheek.

“Get off.”

“Nope.”

“Get off Ali,” I release her legs but she’s still clinging to me, “Get off and tell me what the fuck you’re talkin’ about Alison Melissa-,” that works. She’s off me back but not before she pinches me. I turn around and look at her. She looks great in her black tank top and matching shorts.

“Well, met Aaron today while I was at Marc’s and we got to talking and we decided that it’ll be better if I’m your girlfriend so it can take the heat off of Aaron in the mom department.”

My mom still had her doubt about him. I tried to keep them apart as much as possible to avoid another interrogation. When I would talk about him at dinner she would get that look in her eye. I mean he’s a guy you’d think she’d be doing that about Ali instead.

“And how is that supposed to work? I’ve got a man, remember?”

“I know that dingbat. It’ll be pretend. You’ll tell your mom that you want to date me, we’ll get the whole relationship spiel from your mom and we’ll have double dates and bring Aaron and Furie along with us.”

“Wait, Fury? Is that the chick who’s been coming with your mom when she picks you up?”

“Yeah, and she spells it with and i.e.”

“…Ok yeah…So what makes you think that my mom will let me date you?”

“We’ve known each other forever so why not? It’s not like I’m some hussy from down the lane that just moved to town or something.”

“I don’t know Ali…”

“Come on. It’ll work. That way your mom will be concerned with whether or not we’re bumpin’ uglies instead of you and Aaron getting’ it on.”

My cheeks heat up as a few of the guys from The Crew walk by us. I don’t look at them, knowing they heard the conversation since we’re standing in the middle of the hall. After they go inside my cheeks calm down.

“You’re so cute when you blush,” she leans in and says, making them flame up again.

“Can you stop that, please?”

“Sorry Jakie,” she giggles and takes my hand and pulls me into the weight room.

Our session goes by quickly and when I emerge from the building Aaron is there waiting for me. He’s parked next to Caroline and they were leaning against their cars talking when I come up to them.

“Hey Jake,” he says as he touches my shoulder.

“Hi. Hi Caroline.”

“Hello Jake. Aaron was just filling me in on their idea,” she says.

“Hi mom,” Ali says running up to us. She glances in the car to see if her chick was with her, “Furie couldn’t come today?”

“No she’s helping her mother today.”

“Oh pooh.”

“So tell us more about this faux relationship you’ve got planned with Jake.”

“Well, Jakie’s mom is still all grrr about Aaron so I figured that if I were to act like I was Jakie’s girlfriend she’d forget about him being around Aaron all the time.”

“Do you think that will work?”

“Well we don’t know ‘til we try. She should be used to me by now so why not?”

“Alison dear I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into. And you do have Furie to consider in this as well,” Caroline says.

“That’s why I was hoping she was here so I could tell her as well.”

“But what if Furie doesn’t want to help?” I say.

“She will.”

“You know you can’t make everyone bend to your will Ali.”

“Oh I know, but it doesn’t hurt to try. Come on Jakie, you know you’d do the same for me if the situation was reversed. I’m not afraid to take one for the team. Remember, we’re part of The Crew. We’ve got to look out for each other.”

I sigh and run a hand through my hair. She’s right, I would help her if she was in the same situation, “Ok fine, we’ll go with it.”

“Yay!” she says hugging me, “So when do you want to get this rollin’?”

“First you’ve got to talk to Furie about this. If she’s cool with it then we go with it, if not then no. And no forcing her into doing it either Ali.”

“I won’t. Promise.”

“Ok. Let me know tomorrow and we’ll go from there.”

“Sure thing,” she says going around to the passenger side of her mom’s car, “See ya tomorrow Jakie.”

“Later Ali. Afternoon Caroline.”

“You have a good afternoon you two,” Caroline says smiling as he gets in her car.

We stand there at his car watching them drive off, Ali waving out the window. I run my hand through my hair again and sigh, “That girl knows how to wear people out.”

“Are you ok with this Jake?” Aaron asks softly.

“I am a bit skeptical, but she does make a point. My mom really hasn’t been too bothered by Ali. Not like she is with you, but I’m guessing it’s because she thinks you’re too old to be hanging around me.”

“I at least make myself useful. For one, it’s gotten your parents an extra chauffeur for you and Amber.”

I smile, “That is true. They don’t say anything when you offer to pick us up. And mom doesn’t have to worry about Andrew taking time away from work to get us or having us ride the bus all the time. Maybe that’s a good thing.”

“I think so,” he says leaning closer to me, “And as a very welcomed bonus, I get to spend time with you. I think it’ll be worth it. You ready to go?”

“Yeah. I don’t have to be home ‘til nine so let’s go to your place.”

“Good. I could use my pillow.”

“I can’t believe she really said yes,” I say as me and Ali finish our last lap to end our training session. The sun was lowering into the west sky as we did a session of light lifting, technique, and cardio today.

“To tell ya the truth, me either,” Ali says as we come off the track into the grass, “It was like she was expecting it or something. That’s freakin’ creepy.”

“That’s for sure.”

Ali’s girlfriend Furie agreed to go along with the situation and the day after Ali came over and we talked to my mom. After an hour and a half of going over the boundaries of our relationship she agreed that Ali was a girl good enough to date me. I thought I was gonna die of embarrassment most of the time, especially when she got to the topic of sex. I don’t know how Ali took all of that. Ali stayed for dinner and she and Amber spent much of the time chattering away like chicks do. When it got late, dad drove Ali home. We sat in the back seat and talked like we normally do with dad taking a peak at us now and then in the rearview mirror. He was smiling at me when I got back in the car after walking Ali to her door and she giving me a kiss on the cheek before going inside. The ride home I got a shortened version of the lecture mom gave earlier since he wasn’t home at the time to put his two cents in on the conversation.

“So, now that we’re an official couple, where ya gonna take me on our first date?”

“Uh…I don’t know. Where do you want to go?”

“What? You two are dating?” came Bombshell as she walks up to us. She looks at Ali, “But I thought-,”

“Oh no Bombshell, we’re not really dating. It’s just so that Jakie’s mom doesn’t have a fit about him being around his guy all the time.”

“I thought moms were supposed to get weird when their sons hang out around chicks all the time,” she said.

“Yeah, my mom’s kind off on that one,” I say, “But I guess it’s because I’ve been around Ali all my life really and all of a sudden I’m around some other person she’s never really met before.”

“I still can’t believe she grilled him like that. And you say that was the tame version of questioning?” Ali says as the three of us start walking back to the school.

“Is he older than you or something? Your boyfriend?” Bombshell asks as we climb the stairs from the track up to the stands.

“Yeah. My mom thinks he’s four years older than me, but he’s really seven.”

“Whoa, you better not let too many people know that. It could get him into trouble.”

“I know. Please don’t say anything.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t. My last girlfriend was ten years older than me. That’s when my parents found out I was a lesbian. She took off after they threatened to call the cops on her. And we didn’t even have sex yet.”

“Damn, that had to suck,” Ali says.

“It did bother me, but then I got over it. I figure if she wasn’t willing to see me after that then she really wasn’t worth having as a girlfriend anyway.”

“I can see why though, it’s major jail time if she was turned in,” I say as we make our way out of the stadium and to the main school building.

“Yeah I know, but she could have at least said goodbye. I mean, I saw her two days later at Stomp and she acted like I was a complete stranger and everyone around us at the coffee shop we were in knew that we were a couple. They even asked me if we were having an argument or if we’d broken up when she left.”

“I’m sorry. I guess some people handle things like that differently,” I say as I hold the door open for them.

“Doesn’t matter though, I’m over her,” she says walking past me ruffling my hair, “You’re such a gentleman Jakie.”

I pink, “I have to be or my girlfriend will kick my ass,” I say looking at Ali, who gives me a big smile as she walks by.

When Ali and I come out of the main building it’s Andrew who’s waiting for me. Ali gives me a peck on the cheek and heads off in the direction of her mom’s car.

“What’s up Drew, thought you were workin’ today,” I say as I reach his car.

“I made it a short day,” he replies, he’s got the look again.

I sigh, “What now,” I say as we get into his car. Andrew looks at me for a moment then starts the car. We drive in silence for a while. I only notice that we’ve come to his house when we pull into his drive. I was too busy wondering what he was going to say to me to see where we were going. We get out and go inside to the kitchen. He hands me a bottle of water from the fridge and sits down at the counter.

“I’m guessin’ Amber told you,” I say opening the bottle.

“Yeah. What the fuck J? First you tell me that you’re gay and now you’re dating Alison? What gives?”

“That hasn’t changed Drew, I’m still gay.”

“So what now you’re tryin’ to be greedy or something?”

“Greedy? You see Raime today or somethin’?”

“Yeah she popped into the station today but that’s beside the point. What’s goin’ on J, tell me everything.”

I sigh, “Ali and Aaron, well more like Ali, came up with the idea that if she and I were dating mom would have somewhere else to focus her dislike besides Aaron.”

“Amber said that mom was pretty cool with it from what she overheard. That’s the strange part. She only talked to you for an hour and a half? When I started dating I got the three hour version. And that cost me my first girlfriend.”

“Yeah, I couldn’t believe it either when she agreed to it. Damn, three hours?”

“Yep. Julie didn’t want to date a guy whose mom was a ‘prude’ as she called her.”

“That had to suck.”

“It’s cool though, she ended up gettin’ knocked up about five months later. Karma I guess. So who else is in on this?”

“Ali’s folks and her girlfriend.”

“So I’m the last to know again, huh?”

“Sorry Drew. I didn’t mean to. You’ve been workin’ a lot lately so it’s not like I had a chance to talk to ya, ya know?”

“You still can leave me a message sayin’ that you need to talk to me.”

“My bad.”

“I’ll let it go this time,” Andrew says before finishing off his water, “So what do ya want for dinner?”

July came and went and so far ‘dating’ Ali proved to be a good thing as every time we have a conversation mom asks if we’re doing things we shouldn’t be and I keep telling her no. Not once has she mentioned Aaron. She still gives him a look from time to time but that’s all. I’m glad Ali thought of this. I’ll have to remind myself to get her something nice for her birthday next June. She was out of town at a tournament so I couldn’t celebrate it with her like I normally do, but she loved the punk rock shirts I got her as a present when she got back into town. I know green’s one of her favorite colors. It goes well with her hair color and it makes her eyes look amazing. It does the same for Aaron.

August brings with it the nice muggy weather that made training sessions shorter and earlier in the day since the football team is also gearing up for their season. The football coach keeps trying to talk me into coming on board but I’ve never been interested in playing. I’m content with watching. The shorter sessions allow me more time to spend with Aaron before I have to be at home and believe me I take full advantage of it. Amber’s swim season ended a few weeks ago and she’s out at the Venable’s again until school starts. My dad’s helping me finish my truck so I won’t get to see Aaron for a couple of days. He’s gotten better dealing with out his pillow. We’re only resting for about an hour now instead of most of the time we’re together when we haven’t been able to see each other for longer than it takes to pick me up and bring me home. At least he’s getting out more. I still miss him near me though.

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