This story is purely a work of adult erotic fiction. If you are under the legal age to read this material in your country or state, please leave now. I hold no responsibility for any offense taken.

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You can reach me at coreylondoner@gmail.com.

If you have any questions, ideas, suggestions, fantasies or just want to tell me how much you came, don't hesitate to send me an email. All feedback welcome.

This chapter was quite challenging to write. A re-write and hours of slaving over my failed quote punctuation kept me working on it a lot longer than I had hoped. If anyone spots any problems with punctuation or grammar, do let me know. I'm not a professional writer, but I do want to improve.

Just a note: In this chapter, I will speak about a girl a lot. I know, its a gay story, but it's not going to be the be-all-and-end-all of this story. It is but a plot point, not the theme. I want to establish Hayes as a realistic heterosexual guy, who is battling things like others do in just the same way. I will, however, be sure to leave out any lengthy graphic straight sex. Enjoy!

Chapter 4 - Imaginary Enemy

Since moving to London, I hadn't had much contact with my old friends back in Yorkshire. The first few weeks were rife with back and forward messages about the usual teen boy stuff;

"Megan's pussy is well hot, mate. You're missing the northern lasses you city boy."

"Those uptight city gals ain't got nothing on the lasses around here, mate."

But those messages soon dried up. The boys got used to me being out of the equation and their obsession to succeed in their sexual exploits took the majority of their already limited free time. It stung a little when I'd eventually stop getting replies to messages or have week long delays to only be replied to with "k". But I knew what the repercussions would be when leaving home. I knew the new life I'd have to carve out for Corey and I. At 18, I would need to learn to be a fully grown adult overnight.

That need for maturity was more prevalent than ever. After last nights event of sibling exposure, I felt it best to try and restore the relationship we had. Sure, some would say, "what the hell, let boys be boys, have fun!", but I didn't want lust and hormones to risk things going awry. Especially since given the school year would be starting soon, the last thing we both needed was Corey having this shit plaguing his mind. Yeah, I'm probably overthinking again, like I always do. But I'm just trying to play it safe. Trying to be an adult and get us to remain strong without the unnecessary drama of potentially fucking things up because of my dick.

I had retreated to bed after Corey had hit the shower a second time. I felt anxiety and fear for feeling things I knew I shouldn't. He seemed blasé about it, but I put it down to his happy-go-lucky nature. He wasn't one to show what was troubling him, and I doubt this would be something he'd confront me with. Hell, he's probably okay with gay people, its just...fuck. And there I go saying that damn word again. But it seemed the more I resisted it, the more it ate at me. Corey came to see me after his shower, but I pretended to be asleep. We'd have the talk at some point, it just wasn't going to be at night before bed.

The HMV on Regent Street seemed rather mild today. It being a Sunday morning and all, I shouldn't be surprised. Walk outside, and you'd be pleasantly surprised at the hustle and bustle that contrasted the store. I looked for some new music to get for the flat. Something I always loved to do when working or relaxing was having some music fill the place. I was never one for sitting around in silence; It always felt jarring and unnerving. With music, it moved me. It emanated a warmth that always made my energy and spirit soar. With it, my productivity was at peak.

"You new around here?" A high, sweet voice came from my left. I turned to see a beautiful brunette girl.

"Err, yeah, well, a few months I guess."

"Oh, no way? I thought I didn't recognize you," She giggled.

"I guess you know everyone around here, eh?"

"More than I care to, to be honest," she smiled. "So, you live here on your own or you have your parents at home waiting for you?"

"Nah, here alone with my younger brother. 15 turning 16."

"Oh, no shit? Thats pretty wicked," she beamed enthusiastically. "I have a younger brother, too. He's turning 15 this year, though. A nightmare!"

"Yeah, they're a special kind of drama, aren't they?" I laughed, "sorry, I'm Hayes. You are..."

"Maisie." She held out her tiny hand, which I shook. "Nice to meet you, Maisie."

"You too, Hayes. So, whats a hunk like you doing alone with a younger brother in London? Isn't that a little daunting?"

"Not really, I mean, yeah, theres a lot of figuring out we still have to do, but I've lost the initial terror of it all. But it can be intimidating at times."

"No shit. I live with my parents and I'm still lost sometimes, and I'm a native!" She laughed. She had a rather quirky laugh, but her smile was infectious and rather pretty. "Say, I'm heading over to Covent for a bit; was gonna read and chill. But I'd be happy to sit and chat with you instead, if you're willing?"

"Oh sure, I was thinking about going somewhere similar today anyway. Need to get out of the flat."

"Oh yeah, I get like that a lot. Extroverts, am I right?"

"Well, I've been sucking socially for a while, so I don't think I can even call myself one anymore."

I spotted a Hans Zimmer album and gave it a once over.

"This'll do."

"You into classical?" she asked raising an eyebrow.

"I like a lot of things. I don't think I'm a genre nerd or anything." I replied as I made for the counter. After paying for the album, Maisie and I headed for Covent Garden and sat in an open space on a patch of grass.

"So tell me a little about your brother." Maisie asked, staring at me with bright brown eyes.

"Well, he's a go-getter. Super mature and probably the most easy-going person I've ever known. There's only a few things that have ever knocked him off balance in life, but those would for anyone."

"Is he cute?"

"Umm,' I started to tense up. Of course he was cute. I'll be damned if I didn't admit he was hot even. "Yeah, he's not bad, I guess. Judging from what girls used to say about him, anyway."

"Ah, a ladies man, hey?"

"He's certainly be busier than I've ever been. But he works for it."

"How so?"

"Well, he like has this strict workout regime and a relatively well planned diet he keeps to. Makes his complexion and body perfect."

"Oh damn, he sounds hot!" She laughed. "Can't wait to meet him." she winked.

"Pfft, wouldn't you," I laughed, "so what about your brother?"

"Dyl's alright. He's kinda like your brother, but no way near as organized, or mature for that matter. Just a sports freak. Breathes and eats anything and everything sport."

"So he's probably the same as Cor, then."

"I'd imagine Dyl would be psyched to have a workout partner if your brother ever wanted a friend in him. He's a great kid. I love him to bits. Just don't tell him that or his head'll explode, the cocky runt." She gritted her teeth in mock anger. "So whats your deal, Mr.? How old are you and what pushed you to live here alone with your bro?"

I shifted uncomfortably. Only my friends back home knew why I'd left and I gave them the light version of the story. I wasn't prepared to spill my guts to a cute girl I'd just met.

"Kinda long story, but mum passed away last year and it kind of pushed my dad and us apart. Things just worked out better with us moving away."

She looked at me in knowing silence.

"It's freaky how similar things are between us. Mum was an alcoholic. Lost her damn mind and was abusive to dad. Thank God he's a good man, because any other guy would have knocked her the fuck out the way she was going on."

"Oh shit, sorry to hear." I empathized. I guess we were doing the deep stuff.

"Oh no, pfft. It's done. She left ages ago, leaving dad with us. He's a wicked character, you'll love him."

I laughed, nervously.

"Oh fuck, so sorry!" she cringed, "I'm so forward! I can't help it. Don't think of me as a weird, clingy freak or anything. I just tend to take to people I like extremely fast."

"You're fine. I just haven't met anyone like you before so it's going to take some getting used to."

"Oooo, getting used to? That sounds like this isn't the last I'll be seeing of you then, Mr. Hayes?" she said rather smugly.

"I guess it won't be."

We spent a couple hours chatting away like we had known each other for years. Something I missed from back home. Well, it wasn't home anymore. This was home. And I was pleased to find myself in grand company. We made our way for the train station soon after.

"Hey, why don't you come by to meet my brother? Maybe stay for dinner?"

"You sure?" she asked nervously.

"Absolutely! Cor and I haven't had company in the flat yet. Just promise not to stab me and steal my shit." I joked.

"It depends if you're still awake by the time I leave." She winked.

I was relieved. As much as I wanted things to be normal between Corey and I after last night, I knew there'd have to kinks that would need ironing out and I guess this was the perfect way to establish the plan. If Corey saw me with a girl, he'd know that what happened last night was a one-off. Me needing to empty my balls and thats it. Besides, we were even now. That display he put on was just...

I felt dick starting to solidify in my jeans. Images of my brother on his back finger-fucking his ass whilst stroking his cock flooded my mind. And he was cut! When the fuck did my brother get circumsized and why wasn't I? In fact, it just made his cock look that much better. Fuck.

"Earth to Hayes!" Maisie's voice cut through. I took a glance at my crotch to see my jeans holding my semi-stiff prick firmly in place.

"Sorry, just went off on one."

"Am I boring you already?" she folded her arms with sass.

"No, I just have a lot of stuff on my mind. You're alright."

"Oh geez, glad I'm alright."

I nudged her playfully and we bantered until we finally reached the flat. I picked up the post at the door and looked up to see an impressed Maisie eyeing the place.

"This place isn't cheap, you know? How'd you afford it?"

"Oh, I'm a call boy." I winked.

"Oooo, I thought you were too good-looking for your own good."

I took her inside into the living room.

"Nice place." She said, admiring the general aesthetic of the interior.

"Thanks. It's a nice living space, I'll admit."

'Better than back home?'

"Eh, yeah, I'd say so. I mean, I wish mum could be here with us. I'd gladly have her around than this place, but it's nice to settle someplace new." I felt my eyes tingle. I cleared my throat, shooing the emotion away. "So, anything to drink?"

"Oh, yes please. What you got?"

I opened the fridge to check. "Water, milk, fruit juice and protein shake."

"Geez, no alcohol? You fitness freaks."

"No, not me. Cor for the most part."

"What about me?" Speak of the devil. He looked at me and I quickly eyed Maisie. He looked to her and froze. Maisie spun around and beamed.

"Ah! You must be Corey!" She leapt from the couch and held out her hand. "I'm Maisie," Corey took her hand apprehensively, a shade of red setting into his features. "wow, you really are fit." She poked at his shirtless chest.

"We met in town. She's my age. Got a similar deal to us." I said. Corey grimaced.

"Nice to meet you, Maisie. Erm, I kinda have to go, though. Workouts and stuff."

"Oh, okay. Guess I'll see you at dinner."

"Sure."

Maisie turned and walked back to the sofa and Corey gave me a weak smile, retreating to the bedroom.

"He's--"

"He's nice," She cut me off, "I have a younger brother. He's quite guarded when it comes to newcomers himself. Totally get it."

I was concerned. I hadn't spoken to him about last night yet and maybe I should have before bringing someone back. I shook my head and looked back into the fridge, "So what will it be?" I asked Maisie.

--

It was approaching 6pm. Corey wasn't home yet. Maisie and I had just dished up some sticky rice and vegetables with a side order of red wine she had gotten at the off-licence sometime in the afternoon.

"Wow, this isn't too bad." she said, scooping a mix of rice with an assortment of spring-colored vegetables. I toyed with my food. I couldn't eat. She glanced over and sighed. I decided I'd ring him again. I reached for my phone, but stopped as the front door opened and shut. Footsteps approached the table and then he was there. I looked up and his face had worry etched across his soft features.

"Sorry I was out so long. Didn't realize the time." He said, cracking me a slight smile. I decided it was best to pretend he hadn't ignored several calls from me throughout the day.

"No problem, dude. You get a good workout in?" I smiled.

"Yeah, decided a change of route would be fun, too." He looked to Maisie who was smiling at him. "Sorry."

"Pfft, about what? You're fine."

"Thanks. Be right back, gonna change."

We made small talk whilst waiting on Corey to arrive, neither of us tucking into the food until we were all settled. He came out in a fresh T-shirt and shorts with socks and sat next to me at the table and then we started the meal again.

"So, how are you finding the schools here?" Maisie asked.

"Oh, I haven't started yet. This will be my first year."

"You excited?" she replied.

"Yeah, I guess." There was a hint of doubt in his voice. I realized we hadn't really spoken about school.

"How'd you grade in your old school?" she asked.

"Was top 5."

"Oh, awesome! Wish I had been top 5 in my class." she said.

"In the school."

"What?"

"I was top-"

"No I heard you. I'm just... wow!"

"Well, I had no where to go, so I just--"

"Oh, give off!" I interjected, "no way you're selling yourself short. This guy is brighter than I'll ever be. Than our whole family line will ever be."

He blushed. Usually he was better at taking compliments. "Nah, not really."

"We actually wouldn't be this well off or have had the whole process of moving go as smoothly without him." I said.

"And he's cute as well," she said, "guess we know who won the genetic lottery."

He blushed harder as I suddenly felt a hand gently grip my thigh. I looked down and then up at Corey. He was still looking at Maisie.

"So, you're from around here?" he asked.

"More or less; in Clapham."

"Never been."

"You're not missing anything." she chuckled. She looked down at her plate and took a fork full and Corey quickly glanced at me smiling. He moved his hand inwards slightly. I grabbed his hand and pushed it away feeling my dick moving.

I cleared my throat, "So Maisie has a brother. Err..."

"Dylan," she said, "but he's nothing like you."

"Oh?" he said.

"Yeah, he's messy, cocksure of himself, finds religion in sport and, like me, has brown hair. Though, it's lighter than mine."

"Is he hot?" he asked. I choked on my rice. I coughed up some grains and quickly drank a sip of wine. His hand returned to my knee. I moved it away. She raised an eye brow but giggled.

"Yeah, he's pretty hot, as I say as far removed as possible.

"Oh no, totally. I think Hayes is hot, but he's still my big bro." he said. The wine must have gone to my head because I was swimming. My face felt hot and my hands were clammy.

"I can tell he's shy about that." Maisie laughed.

"Could I have some wine?" Corey asked.

"No," I said, "not until you're--"

"Yeah, yeah, dad."

The table went quiet. I looked at my plate, speechless. I felt my stomach churn and my fists clench.

"So, I was thinking, if you guys ever want to talk again after this, maybe you'd like to hang out with my brother, Corey?"

"Yeah, sure, that'd be great."

I was still silent with an anger that slowly rose until Corey placed his hand on my inner thigh, converting my rising anger to shyness.

"Are you going to be studying this year?" Corey asked Maisie.

"Yeah, I want to study psychology."

"Oh sweet, I think that'd be awesome." I said, my face still heated.

"Yeah, for sure. I've been told I'm psychoanalytical. Lets just say, I'm a good judge of character."

"What do you make of Hayes' character?" Corey asked. I pushed his hand from my thigh and smiled.

"I think he's a quick study, shy but passionate--"

"Thinks he's confused when really he's fighting with his truth." Corey said. I looked at him and he smiled back at me.

"And what would you know about that?" I asked defensively.

He stared at me a few seconds without breaking his smile. "Nothing."

We finished dinner and cleared up, and while I was happy to see Corey being back to himself, I was aware he was playing up with me.

"Just make sure you don't come by late, or you'll walk in on him mas--"

"Yeeeeah, okay, enough with you," I interrupted, "don't you have homework or something to do?" I was annoyed. What was he playing at?

"It's the summer. The only thing I have to study are those wicked videos of those--"

"Corey! Do you mind?" I was getting pissed. Maisie was laughing, amused at the supposed banter we were having at my expense.

"What? She thinks it's funny." he said.

"What videos?" she asked.

I felt my ears get hot.

"Nah, I'm just teasing. He's a boring ass, mostly."

"Did you slip him some wine?" I asked jokingly.

I walked Maisie to the door once it hit 9pm. I offered to call a cab but she declined. We were only 10 minutes from the station anyway.

She turned to me in the doorway. "I had a great time. You and your brother are cool."

"No, thank you. Didn't think I'd run into anyone friendly, let alone someone I've felt I've known for ages."

"I know, right?" she said. We stared at one another for a few seconds before she came up and pecked me on the cheek. "Call me." She walked off and I stood there for just a moment to gather myself. When I turned to close the door Corey was staring with his arms folded. I shut the door behind me and made for the kitchen without saying anything to him. I grabbed a bottle of water out the fridge and gulped it down.

"Yeah, you are thirsty, aren't you."

I choked, water hit my nose. I wiped my mouth. "What?"

"Why didn't you tell me you met someone?"

"We only met today by complete accident."

"Oh, please."

"Seriously, she approached me today. We sat in a park for a while and I invited her back."

"To fuck." he said.

"What?"

"You heard."

"Whats this about?"

"Nothing."

"Why were you putting your hands on my leg?" I asked, now slightly annoyed.

"Huh?"

"Now who's playing dumb?" I said.

"You're so full of shit."

"What? Is this about last night? I wanted to talk to you--"

"Leave it out."

"But I just didn't--"

"Have any balls?"

"Cor."

"Hayes."

"Dude, I've just met her."

"She just kissed you."

"So?"

"Whatever." He shook his head and huffed as he walked off.

I lay in bed and thought about the day. About mum. What would she have to say about this? Sometimes I resented my brother just for the fact all this pressure was on me to make us whole, but that usually dissipated quickly. It wasn't his fault, nor was it mine to be in this position. I thought about dad.

"Asshole." I said to no one. I slowly drifted off, the days emotions following.

--

I was sitting on the sofa, some unrecognizable show played on TV. Maisie came into view. She was wearing a floral dress.

"I knew you were packing, but shit." she said. I looked down at my nude lower half. My cock was leaking precum. Pulsing with anticipation. "Let me." She walked up me and sat down beside me. I stayed looking at the TV. I felt a hand grasp my cock and begin a slow but firm stroke. I groaned.

"How does that feel?" she asked. I didn't reply. She sped up and I felt myself getting close. I looked down, but it wasn't her hands. I looked to the side and saw Corey, nude and grinning.

"You're so hot, bro." he said seductively. I felt that moment just before an orgasm. The peak that shook my body and forced me to grunt. My cock erupted.

I opened my eyes. I was laying face down, my stiff prick buried into the mattress. I turned over and pulled down my boxers and started stroking. Corey flashed in my mind and I stopped immediately. No. I got out of bed headed for a cold shower. I wasn't going to get off to my brother.

After showering I felt relaxed and neutral again. I thought about Maisie and decided I'd call her today to meet up. Yesterday was a sense of calm for me. I was with a girl and it kept my mind grounded. None of these stupid daydreams of boys. Of my brother. I walked toward my room when Corey stopped in front of me. He was smiling.

"How'd you sleep?"

"Fine, why?" I said a little defensively.

"No reason. Can't I asked my brother how he slept?"

"I'm gonna call Maisie today. See if she's up for hanging out today." I said. His smile dropped a little.

"Sure, sounds fun." he walked passed me tapping my dick through the towel. "Tell her I said hi."

"Hey Cor, could I have a word?"

He stopped and turned, already a broad grin that teased me to death.

"Look, about last night."

He laughed, "Bro, it's all good. She's fun."

I sighed with relief, "Thanks, dude. I know the kiss--"

"Not as fun as you, though!" He howled. He walked away and I was left with a clenched jaw. Am I losing it?

The day out with Maisie was fantastic. We went shopping - though, I bought nothing - and hung out in a history museum. I told her I found it boring about half-way through, so the rest of the tour was her trying to make me laugh out loud. By the end of the day she had asked me to go to her house. I decided it would be cool for Corey to be introduced as well.

"What?"

"I said she's invited us `round."

"Yeah, I heard, Hayes," he sighed, "look, isn't this a little fast?"

"Fast? Dude, I'm going around to hers, not marrying her!"

"Yeah, so?"

"Corey..."

"Hayes..."

"Dude, I thought you liked her?"

"I said she was fun."

"Corey, don't be a brat."

"Whatever."

"So you're--"

The line went dead. He hung up on me! I rang back.

"Oh, I Hayes!"

"COREY!"

"Thats me!"

"Whats wrong with you, man?"

"Oh, so I'm a man now am I?"

"Dude, whatever it is, sort it out. You're acting like a dick."

"Then you should love it."

"What?"

Line dead.

I thought I was going to rip my hair out. Why the fuck was he acting this way? He'd been mature for such a long time, that I was starting to think of him as an older brother. Now he's regressed to primary. I swore a string of expletives under my breath as I made a solo journey to Maisie's house, thinking of ways to get Corey back. I'd get revenge.

I eventually found their address on an estate that may have been a little more working class than what I was living in. A couple kids played kick-ups on the quiet road that was jam-packed with antique cars, half of which probably didn't run. I found her door and knocked. A few seconds later a tall, skinny, bearded man wearing a pink dress-shirt answered.

"Hello," He smiled holding out his hand, "you must be Hayes. Please, come in."

The carpet was this dense, pea green colour, the walls plastered with old flower print wallpaper that seemed to be falling at the corners. The light above was a dim yellow.

"Maze is just in her bedroom getting ready."

"No problem, sir."

"Oh, no, don't be daft, I'm Mr. Torrance." His London accent came thick, very similar to his daughter's. "You want a cuppa?"

"No, I'm good thanks."

"That's a beer then."

I chuckled as he lead me down the narrow hallway passed a staircase and into the kitchen on the right. I'd gotten so used to our open plan space that the tight kitchen felt a little weird. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating or think I'm above anyone. It's just something I wasn't used to.

"You have a quaint place, Mr. Torrance."

He laughed, "I've heard you and your brother live in a posh flat."

I cringed, "Oh, no it's not that--"

He laughed again, "Don't worry, mate. She's a fixer upper, that's for sure."

"Thank you for letting me in your home. Really, my brother and I haven't had any company since we moved, so it's a pleasure to be here."

He gave me a bottle of Heineken and sat at the small table situated against the wall, "Please." he gestured to the empty seat which I took. I was feeling a little anxious.

"So, how'd you and Maze meet?"

"We kind of bumped into one another and just hit it off."

"Yeah, she's really approachable, she is. Never had an issue making friends." he smiled. "So, she's the first person you met here? You keep to yourself in school?"

"Oh, no, nothing like that. My brother and I just got here a few months back and we've been alone. Just settling in and whatnot."

I heard footsteps hopping down the stairs a moment later, a spritely Maisie appeared.

"Hey." she smiled breathlessly

"You been running?" her dad chirped.

"No, just trying to rush getting a thousand things done. Has he been interrogating you?" she looked at me.

"No, just started talking, actually."

"Geez, dad. We're not going out. He's just a friend."

"I thought you were bringing you boyfriend so your old man could judge to see if he's fit for my girl."

I was looking down at my shoes, my face felt hot.

"Dad, you know I met him yesterday."

He laughed, "I'm pulling your leg, you whiner. You guys having lunch here?"

"If that's okay?", she asked.

"Of course! Be our guest, young man, and stop feeling embarrassed. You won't last long in this house like that."

We had lunch and I got to know Maisie's dad a little more, throughout. Laid back, easy-going, and cheeky. Corey popped in mind. What was that kids problem?

Her dad had gone out to the local pub for the evening and left us at about 5pm, when this tall boy with light brown hair, a seriously cute boyish face and and a slim but athletic frame came into the living room where Maisie and I were sitting. He was in a a tight sports top with shorts, white socks and trainers on. Something Corey would wear for running.

"Alright?" he grinned, "who's this then?" he looked from Maisie to me and back at her.

"This is my brother, Dylan. Dylan, this is my friend, Hayes."

"Like the ketchup?"

"Thats Heinz, you twat!" she shouted. "Hayyyyessss!"

"Fuck-in-ell, Maze, chill out. I was just pulling his leg. Hows it going, bro?" He extended his hand to me, which I shook. He had soft hands and like Hayes and I, hairless arms. Judging from his legs, I assume the rest of him matched his arms.

"So you guys just friends, eh?", he said, sitting on the football he brought in, in front of us. This guy exuded confidence.

"Yes. Just met yesterday." I smiled.

"Oi, oi. This ones a posh one. I bet he lives in some fancy house."

"Dyl, do you mind?" she said.

"Course not. I bet his gaff is top class. When we going?"

"Dylan!" she shouted. She looked to me, "I'm sorry, he's a bit off the wall."

I thought he was spunky but inoffensive, so I remained smiling.

"Maze, this lad is bants. You're alright." He held out his hand to high five me, but when I swung for it, he pulled it back.

"Awwww, too slow, gramps."

"Definitely 14" I chuckled.

"Whoa, easy pal. You callin' me immature?"

"Read my mind." Maisie chimed.

"Fuck you's. I'm gonna shower." He pulled off his shirt and revealed an incredibly well-defined chest with solid abs, with a V-line that poked out of his shorts. A chest like Corey's, I thought. He chucked the shirt at Maisie's face and quickly hopped out of his shorts, leaving him in boxers that hugged his slim, athletic thighs. He threw his shorts at her face, too and laughed. He tugged at his crotch unconsciously, pulling his boxers down a little. Definitely smooth all over.

"Right, I'm fucking off to the shower. See you lovebirds later!" he jogged passed slapping my knee, "Nice to meet you, mate. See you around." He disappeared, the sound of a shower turning on a moment later.

"I better get going. Corey's probably waiting on me to start dinner."

"Awww, stay?" she pleaded.

I sighed, "We can hang out, the four of us. Bring your brother next time. Corey will love his company."

She rolled her eyes, "Yeah, and then he'll be sick of his shit five minutes later."

I laughed, "Cor's pretty much the same. He'll bounce off him."

"Well, I'm kinda working this week, so maybe Friday?" she said

"Yeah, sounds great." She waved me off at the door. No kiss.

The train ride back was relaxing. I was glad it went smoothly, but something just didn't click. With Morgana, I felt that tingle, that chemistry that made me want more. Even if it was only two days of knowing her, I knew she was someone I needed. But with Maisie, that feeling wasn't there. Sure, her charisma and charm was addictive and her approachability was alluring, but I didn't feel that connection. I guess I'd have to give it time.

The rest of the week came and went like any other, but Corey kept up his weird antics.

"So, what are we going to have for dinner tonight?"

"Umm, you sure I have a say in this matter?" he said.

"Of course."

"Huh, thought you were going to ask your girlfriend first."

"What?"

"Whatever. I don't care." he shrugged and went to his room. This would be the running theme for the whole week. At first it confused me, then it just frustrated me. I tried asking him if everything was fine, but he'd play dumb. No use. Corey hadn't asked me to join him in his workouts, either. So I just went running on my own.

Saturday arrived and Maisie made a call to give me a heads-up on her and Dylan's arrival. I told Corey he'd need to be ready, but all I got in response was a laugh followed by "Thought so.". I had started getting the plates on the table when there was a knock on the door. I answered it to two casually-smart siblings.

"Cor, they're here!" I shouted. Corey popped out of his room and greeted the pair with a handshake.

"Thought I was gonna be surrounded by old people," Dylan smirked, "good to meet ya."

We made casual chit-chat as beans, mashed potato, green peas, sausages and salad got served. We all tucked in with a unified silence, only the sound of forks clanking on plates filling the air.

"This is some sick food, man." Dylan said.

"Thanks, dude. I kind of stole the recipe from mum."

"Maze told me about her. Sorry."

"Oh, don't be," I smiled, "she's in a better place. How have you guys been coping?"

"Ah, ya know, we're all good. I give her shit, but she's a good sister." he said smiling at her. I looked at Corey but he was playing with his food.

"You know, Corey's been kinda lonely--"

"No I haven't!"

"Yeah, sure you haven't. Anyway, I was--"

"Speak for yourself."

"What?"

"You're the who's been dying for company. I just miss people who want me around." he said.

"Dude, who doesn't wa--"

"You."

There was a brief silence around the table. I felt my embarrassment begin to turn to anger.

"Oi, mate, I'll be come `round if you fancy?" Dylan said as he put his hand on Corey's. Corey looked up at Dylan who sat across from him for a brief moment.

"That'd be cool. What's your number?"

We finished lunch and saw them off and began tidying up.

"So what do you think?" I asked.

"About you fucking her?"

"No! Can you just not."

"Why? You obviously want to fuck her."

"Whats with you, Cor?" I asked, stopping to look at him, "this isn't like you."

He came over to me and grabbed my crotch, but I hit his hand away.

"No balls. Just as I thought."

"Get the fuck out of here."

In a flash, he brought the plate he was holding down to the ground. He went for another, but I grabbed he wrist and took the plate from his hand. He tried pulling away, but I stopped him.

"Cor..."

"Can you leave me?" he mumbled, not looking at me.

"Corey, what's the issue here?" I said, as he tugged harder.

"Leave me." he said as his voice shook.

"Corey, look whatever it--"

"FUCK OFF!" he shrieked, his face an inch from mine. His eyes were red with rage. I instantly let go and he stomped off, slamming his room door shut behind him.