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

Please donate to Nifty! It's awesome!: http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html

You can reach me at coreylondoner@gmail.com If you have any suggestions or comments.

Note: I apologize for taking this long to follow up, but its been a tough few weeks of family events and personal issues. I will warn you that I won't be pushing out chapters as frequently as I used to due to studies and coursework amongst other obligations. If you need updates, don't hesitate to email me. Thanks!

Chapter 5: Rekindle

July was coming to a close and Corey's sweet sixteen approached. Whilst I would have been ecstatic to be throwing his first birthday in our new home, I was feeling anything but. Apart from the formalities, communication was sparse. `When's dinner?' he'd ask. I'd reply and that was that. Nothing more. The first few days I put it down to both of us needing some space. But a week later and nothing had changed. At least he was saying something. If it turned into what dad did, I'd have to interject. But everyone needs space once in a while.

The following week Dylan started coming over, but without his sister. I texted her plans to meet up only for them to be shot down by shift work and prior arrangements she said she couldn't back out of.

"How about we get together for Thursday?"

"Sounds great!" I texted back.

But when Thursday came, so did the phonecall.

"Ugh, I'm so sorry, Hayes. Apparently, I got booked for a shift swap I completely forgot about. I can't get out of this one. Sorry!"

"Oh," I said, trying to mask the disappointment, "that... that's totally fine. You want to meet up on the weekend instead?"

After a brief silence, she sighed, "That's not going to work. I'm sorry. Is it cool if I get back to you?"

"Oh, no, yeah, that's fine. Ummm, I could always come by for a short bit after you're done with work if--"

"No, no, it's cool," she said, "I'm usually so damn tired. I will call you sometime, though. We need to catch up for sure."

That hurt. Sure, we weren't seeing each other in a romantic context, but it just seemed rather weird how her schedule was impossibly relentless. We've always got time for people we care about.

When Dylan arrived, we'd exchange pleasantries, but he'd go spend the day with Corey. This was the only time I'd hear Corey back to what seemed his usual self. I guess I was being selfish, but all this started making me feel lonely. I decided to leave the park early Friday that day and estimated that Dylan and Corey would be back from their daily workout.

I walked inside our apartment and called out, but no answer. Maybe they were still out. But walking further in, the sound of a running shower was suddenly within earshot. I walked toward the bathroom and stopped. There were two voices; giggling and sighing. I decided to make a drink and wait to see who came out of the bathroom. I guess Corey finally found a girl after all. The shower stopped and eventually, the door opened to Corey and Dylan walking out with towels wrapped around their waists. WHAT.

"Mate, I definitely lasted longer than- FUCK!" Dylan screamed. Both boys froze with expressions of unfathomable horror.

"Erm..." I started, "Do you guys want to do something?"

"I thought you were out?" Corey frowned.

"No, I, erm, I just got back and want--"

"No, we're busy." he said, pulling Dylan by the arm to his room.

My heart was racing. Surely that's normal? They probably shower together in the schools here, not like back at the old school where after P.E. we'd just get dressed and head into lessons or home. I sat watching TV and playing around with my phone whilst hearing the two boys having fun together for the remainder of the afternoon. When dinner came around, I got something cooking for the three of us when a blushing Dylan came out of the room. He only had boxer-briefs on, his bare chest looking even better than the last time I'd seen him shirtless.

"Hayes, Corey and I are gonna eat out," he began. I rested both hands on the counter by the stove and hunched over, closing my eyes to control an arising frustration. "Would it be okay to give Corey some cash for--"

"Why doesn't he ask me himself?" I asked flatly.

"I, err, I dunno."

I exhaled loudly and pointed to my room without looking up. "Bedside table. There's a twenty."

I expected him to go skipping off merrily, snatching the money and heading out like the best friends he and my brother were. But he remained standing. I turned my head to see him looking at me, scarlet with apprehension.

"What?"

"Look," he spoke softly, "I don't know what's up with you and your bro, but I don't wanna be in the middle of it. He just asked me to stick with him all the time because you didn't care to have anyone around."

I continued staring.

"Hayes, are you alright? I told my sister she was a bitch for not giving you a chance and picking up some other dickhead in town, but she just--"

"Excuse me?" My neck pricked and my jaw tightened, "where has your sister been these last couple weeks?"

He scratched his head as his face turned another shade of red that appeared slightly unhealthy. "I've just... I mean, it's not--"

"Dylan! What's keeping you?!" Corey's boomed from his room.

"Did he know?" I felt my eyes stinging.

"Err, you mean--"

"Did my brother know that--"

"What the fuck are you doing, Hayes? He's my--"

I made an aggressive beeline for Corey. Jaw clenched, fists balled into fists, on the verge of conflict boiling over.

"What the fuck are you doing?" He snarled as I stopped right in front of him, my tall six-foot-one frame towering above his. My face, furiously tense, mere inches from his.

"Did you know she was seeing another guy?"

"Why should I care?" he murmured, his face mirroring my anger.

"Answer the fuck--"

"She's not your girlfriend you neglectful prick."

I inhaled and exhaled. "Did you know she--"

He turned his back on me mid-sentence and when he got to his room, slammed the door with a force I thought would rip it off its hinges. I was stricken with a fury that had failed me realizing I had begun to cry. Tears ran down my face as my anger dripped into gradual sadness. I turned to see a stunned Dylan; wide-eyed and gasping at what he probably thought was his fault.

"I'm...my," he started.

I sighed, "It's not your fault."

"Mate, my sister treats every person she see's as someone--"

"It's okay, dude. Really."

"I told her `don't mess him like that', but she just wouldn't listen."

I wiped my face and gave a mild chuckle, "I have no idea why I'm crying. Not for one second did I feel anything more than friendship with her."

Dylan walked to me and pulled me into a hug. For the first time in over a week did I feel the same comfort my brother tended to provide. This fourteen-year-old, five-foot-ten, hazel-eyed boy who was a stranger to me a mere week ago was now consoling me. What next? I rubbed my hands down his strong back and found his slim waist, the touch of his skin made me tingle. Unbeknownst to me, my dick had begun firming up so I cleared my throat and broke the hug. I put my hand on his bare shoulder and squeezed, our eyes not breaking contact, both smiling.

"I'm sorry you had to see that," I said, wiping my face again.

"It's fine, mate. Honestly. You lads are a laugh and..." he sighed, his face dropping, "...my sis is really a good person. She's just got...loyalty issues."

"Nah, she's nice, really. To be honest, I don't think my reaction was because of her."

"Huh?"

"Dylan!" my brother's voice broke through.

"Go ahead. I'm good." I smiled. Dylan tapped my arm in appreciative silence, nodding his head with a tight smile.

As I stood there making myself a tea, I thought about the hug. I smiled to myself wondering why this random guy who I'd only just met gave me that affection. His soft features popped into my mind's eye. Huh. A striking resemblance to the actor Levi Miller and the same age too. But his hair was more in tune with his spiked-up photo. What can I say? Dylan was as cute as the best of them. No wonder Corey liked-- wait.

My mind raced back to the dinner Corey and I had with Maisie. `Is he hot?' he asked her, referring to Dylan. `Yeah, he's pretty hot,' she'd give back confidently. `I think Hayes is hot,' Corey would say.

I was in a state of bemusement. Did them, spending all this time together in their underwear no less, mean something other than friendship? Was them, sharing a shower, something more than just `saving time'? Was my brother, the one who had every girl fawning over him in school, actually...I dare not say it. If he was, then what did it make me? Was it infectious? Maybe that's why I've had all these inappropriate thoughts about guys!

Yes! That's it!

"Hayes, we're heading out," came Dylan's voice. A crack mid-statement indicating it was still breaking but had already crossed into a huskier lower octave. I looked up with wide eyes, expecting him to remark on the mental analysis I had regarding my brother's sexual ambiguity. He stood alone in tight-fitted black jeans, red Chucks, and a Green Day t-shirt.

"Oh, sure, umm, it was good seeing you," I said, awkwardly.

"No man," he chuckled, "your bro and I and hittin' the park. we'll be back later."

"Where is he? I don't--"

"He's outside." he said, biting his lower lip.

"Oh, well, sure," I said, my stomach dropping. "You guys go head. I've got work to do, anyway."

He gazed at me sympathetically for a moment before heading out. Corey left without even looking at me, let alone saying a word. Things have never been like this between us. I was attributing it to him acting out of character, but now I wasn't so sure. This felt like my doing. I fucked up somewhere along the way and I didn't know why.

Huh, he does look like Levi Miller, actually. How strange. I wonder if we all had a celebrity doppelgänger. I thought about Corey's beautiful face. Hmmm, I wonder. I walked with my tea to my room. and sat at my desk, hitting the power button as I took a sip. Redbush tea was the most refreshing damn thing next to a cold water.

As I entered my login and took another sip of tea, it finally hit me.

"Gavin Casalegno! Corey is Gavin fucking Casalegno!" I yelled. Albeit, a blonder version. But everything else matched to the tee. His ocean blue eyes, full pink lips, that immaculate complexion... fuck, he's so damn handsome. Eh, what the hell, he's my brother, no harm complimenting him. But who would I be?

I picked up my phone and decided I'd have better luck finding someone who resembled me. I browsed the web for a site that analyzed your selfie and matched you with an identical celebrity face. I uploaded a picture I had and waited. A couple minutes later results came through.

"Grayson Chance?" I said to myself, "I mean..." I stood up and walked to my wardrobe mirror and glanced back at the picture of Grayson on my phone. "I guess I'm the blond twin."

I pulled off my shirt to check out my flat, lean chest. I curled my right arm and twisted at an angle to look at my bicep and rest of my form. Not exactly the physical marvel that Dylan and Corey were, but I was tight and appeared fit. Maybe Dylan could help me with workouts if Corey was to remain impassive.

--

The first week of August had finally come. Speak of `back to school' was being uttered amongst the parental chit-chat and student supplies were being advertised wherever possible. It made me nervous knowing Corey would be starting in a new school and due to our on-going rift, I didn't know what he was feeling.

My brother had finally let his guard down when Dylan made the announcement he and his sister would be leaving for Cornwall. A fortnight with relatives and beauty of the coast. Neither of us wanted to feel alone in our own home, so we both made gradual improvements to our communication. Whilst Corey wasn't back to his bubbly self with me, having my brother wanting to be in the same room and say a few words was as good a start as any.

I managed to finally see Maisie again after she reached out, apologizing profusely for being M.I.A. She'd met this nineteen-year-old bearded jock-type who had come into her workplace as a customer. Through light conversing, she realized he was doing the same Psychology course. It took a matter of days for her to fall for him, which she also apologized for.

"I swear, it was the most random thing. I really liked you." she smiled mirthlessly.

"No, I get it. I liked you, too. I guess it just didn't spark off." I said.

She nodded as she traced the tip of her coffee mug with her index finger. Starbucks never really appeared to the white girl inside me, but it had its cosy charm. "But I was a bitch the way I blew you off, and for that, I'm just sorry."

"It's fine," I said, "Dylan's been great company."

Her smile broadened. "You know, he doesn't shut up about you guys. And he really likes your brother."

"They're inseparable," I chuckled.

She sighed, "I still want to be friends."

"I'm okay with that. And I know see you a lot given your schedule."

"It's going to be non-stop," she said. "The only reason Brad is happening is because he's going to study the same subject at the same school. So we'll see each other enough, otherwise I'd not have time for it."

"I get it. I'm sure he's a cool dude and like I said, we're good."

And in all honesty, we were. The more we spoke about things we wanted to do, the less time we could set aside to meet up. It would have hurt going somewhere deeper with her to only have a packed schedule fuck it up. Heartache averted.

Maisie and I got together a couple more times, but August 9th came, forcing us to say goodbye to the only friends we had made since moving from the countryside. Without the sounds of my brother and Dylan laughing and getting up to mischief, the flat grew silent. Corey retreated into a silent dejection, with his head buried in his phone, hoping to get a semblance of the feeling his friend had given.

In two days my brother would be sixteen. I was both afraid and proud. Maturing faster than my mind could get to grips with and growing more independent by the day, the fear of him leaving me in my perpetual loneliness made my stomach ache. But at the same time, I did genuinely love him unconditionally. Even with all the drama that had ensued and the rift that had created this cavernous distance between us, I knew I could never turn my back on him.

I sat on the sofa with the TV at speaking volume, staring at Corey as he continued his refusal to break eye contact with his phone. His six-foot tall athletic frame draped over the black single seater. Him being in only shorts brought home the memory of us coming back from Bushy Park that day. I smiled but felt myself welling up. I missed our chemistry. And at this point, it felt like things may not go back to how they were.

--

It was Friday the 11th of August, and Corey finally hit sweet sixteen. As I stood over the porcelain bowl to piss away my morning wood, I wondered what to get him for his birthday. Money? Nah, too lazy. Dad would always shove us a couple notes for us to be on our way and it just never felt like a gift. Mum, as mothers do, would take us out on a days shopping spree, until we urged her we were all set; our feet aching and our arms weighed down by bags filled with various things. Then we'd hit a restaurant and reminisce about days past. It always felt whole. Like a birthday should.

I guess I could take him out for the day, splash some cash and then get rid of the foul air we allowed to build up, over some nice dinner in a restaurant. It would give us a good reminder of Mum at the same time. I walked to his room, but his door was shut as usual. I knocked twice, but no answer.

"Hey, Cor, you up?"

"What you want?" he croaked. It was 10 AM but his voice was thick with sleep.

"Just wondered if you wanted to spend the day out?"

There was a pause before he croaked again, "Nah. I'm feeling tired."

I felt annoyed by his apathy, but persisted with being gentle. "it's my treat, buddy. We can go--"

"I'm good, thanks."

Ugh. I guess I'd just have to get something for him on my own. It wouldn't have the same effect the entire experience brought, but I was out of options. I got dressed in jeans and a tee and headed out to town.

Central London was heaving today. Shoppers, tourists, holiday-makers - the lot. The sun was beating down and my exposed legs and arms were getting the colouring they needed. Pros and cons.

I went into a sports shop, browsed for some shoes Corey may like, but lost interest quick. I then hit one of the new trend clothing stores and spotted some hot skinny jeans I thought he'd like. I grabbed and pair and headed to the shirts. Nothing seemed to catch my eye until I saw a white shirt with red graffiti font spray painted across the front. I couldn't stop smiling and took it immediately.

Nothing else seemed to really appeal to me after the clothes shop. Gadgets, music, films...it was all subjective. I needed to find something that would hit home for him. I drifted over to a department store and browsed kitchen utensils, wardrobes, and mirrors and eventually landed on the picture frames. I picked up an 8x10 inch black frame and stared at the stock image of a happy family that temporarily filled the inside. Soon the faces changed to my own family. Corey, myself, mum and dad. I placed a finger over the man that I imagined to be dad. I felt my throat tighten as my eyes closed, pushing the beautiful memory out of my mind. I had his last gift.

It was just past four, but I felt like a little more sun couldn't hurt. I made my way to the local park, pushing passed droves of slow tourists getting any picture of a building that looked like it had a history. As the sight of lush greenery came into view, a hand grabbed my shoulder.

"Hey!"

I turned to see a tall six-foot-one slim guy, around nineteen, smiling at me. He had auburn hair, freckles that caked his button nose, and a jawline that I thought belonged to a model.

"Hey, sorry to bother you, dude, but I was wondering if you'd be cool taking part in an experiment?"

I looked down at the handheld camera he had in his hand. "Whats that for?"

"Oh," he looked down at his camera as if just realizing he had one his in grasp, "it's for my blog. I'm doing a survey to find if boys or girls are better kissers on average."

"Oh, right." My palms started sweating, "and you want me to..."

"Well, if you're okay with it, just make out with me for fifteen seconds and then tell me what you think." he said without any hint of embarrassment.

"I...err...I don't know..." I mumbled, shuffling from foot-to-foot.

"Oh, go on. It'll be fun. And don't worry, you may remain completely anonymous. I'll blur your face. I just need visual examples of a few kisses."

"Ummm...I don't know. I'm sorry, I don't--"

"Hey, look. It'll be so quick you won't even know what hit you."

I looked down at my feet uncomfortably, wondering what this could mean if I accepted. Would I be gay? Would I be a slut? Is he using me? I must have been in my head for a little too long because he cut through my overthinking.

"Dude, your name won't be used, only your age and gender. You won't be found out if that is what your worry is. It's just a silly experiment."

I groaned in defeat. It wasn't the fact it was a guy or a stranger. It was the fear of it confirming I liked it.

"Fine. But can we go somewhere quiet? I don't want to make out in front of everyone."

"Totally. There's an alleyway over there," he said.

As walked into the deserted dimly lit alley, he eased a porcelain smile that I assume was meant to disarm me but did nothing for my nerves. I put down my shopping and he stepped closer, so his face was an inch from mine; his minty breath laced with coffee. His face completely smooth, save for the shaved mustache above thin lips.

"It's okay. Breathe. Just relax and treat me like any other girl."

I sighed, not realized I had been holding my breath.

"You ready?" he asked, still smiling. I nodded. I heard the camera beep as it began recording and closed the remaining gap, our lips softly pressing together. He pushed his mouth open, making me follow suit and in an instant, we were Frenching. The smacking of our lips the only sound I could hear; everything else mute. My eyes shut as I relaxed into the kiss. I felt his hand reach up to cradle the back of my head and hold me steady as his tongue slipped into my mouth, gliding against my own. I let out an uncontrollable moan, as my cock sprung to a full erection within seconds. I wriggled my tongue around his as our lips continued to clash. But as I put my hand on his waist, he pulled away, grabbing my tongue between his lips to let it slowly slip out.

I opened my eyes, my head light and dick straining against my shorts. I quickly stuck my hand into my pocket, pushing my shorts out to mask my boner.

"That was fucking incredible," he said, his eyes wide with gleeful surprise. I gave an awkward chuckle in response. I was speechless.

He cleared his throat, "Okay, so, that was easily the best kiss I've had all day. I was hoping your kissing was as attractive as you are, and I can thankfully say it is."

I blushed as my dick ached for release.

"So, how was that for you?" he asked.

"Yeah, it was pretty good."

"So a solid 8?" he asked.

My dick twitched, "Yeah, I'd say so."

"And on average would you say girls are preferable to guys?"

"Errr," I rubbed the back of my neck nervously. I wasn't about to tell this guy I was questioning who I preferred to be with! But he seemed to sense my trepidation.

"I mean, do you think that kiss was better than the ones you've gotten from girls on average?"

"Oh...umm...that was, I guess." I thought about Morgana and how we hadn't really kissed that passionately. Fuck, my first real passionate kiss was with a guy!

"You were fantastic. I'm guessing you'd rather have your face blurred and your details out?"

"Err, yeah, I mean, could you?" I was back to being my insecure self and my dick deflated in response. I gave him my age and he told me his name and age in return. Jamie, a nineteen-year-old marketing student. After the pleasantries, we parted, but he remained in mind as I lay out in the sun and all the way back home afterward. I guess my fear had been confirmed given the smile I couldn't get rid of. I absolutely loved kissing a guy.

--

It was 6 pm When I started dinner at home. Chicken, salad and pinto beans. For dessert, we were having New York cheesecake and a blackberry gateau for the birthday cake. I hid the cakes in the back of the fridge and set up the table.

"Corey, Dinner!"

I laid the plates down and placed the meal in the center of the table, then sat down to dish up. As I finished serving, Corey finally stepped out of his room. He sat down with his phone in hand, glancing up at his plate to see what was served before going back to texting who I could only assume to be Dylan.

"How is he doing?" I asked, making an attempt to start a conversation.

"Huh?" he replied vacantly without looking up.

"Is Dylan having a good time?"

"Dunno."

"Aren't you speaking to him?"

"Yeah."

I sighed, losing the will to try anymore. He was still in the shorts and t-shirt I presume he'd worn since this morning. He probably hadn't left his room the entire day.

"Well, I'm starving," I said, tucking into the meal. I realize now that he was probably more upset with the fact I had forgotten his birthday, or so he thought. But I wanted to surprise him, so I guess an emotional lockout would have to persist that little longer.

"I got asked to partake in a social experiment today."

"Ahuh," he said, still looking at his phone.

"And in short, I basically made out with a dude."

"Wait, what?" he finally looked up.

I was blushing, but I got his attention. "Yeah, well, this guy wanted to do a survey and see if on average a guy or a girl kissed better."

His mouth stretched into a grin, a sight I thought I wouldn't see for a while.

"How was it?" he asked, putting his phone down to one side to start on his plate, keeping his eyes on me; His bright blue eyes and blond bed-head an adorable match.

"I was kind of scared, not going to lie. But it ended up being pretty cool."

His signature mischievous smirk finally appeared. "You loved it, really."

I blushed harder, looking down at my plate and absent-mindedly playing with my food. "Yeah, it was hot."

He laughed out loud in some kind of victory, "I knew it!"

"Yeah, yeah," I fanned my hand at him to settle down, "it's been done before."

"Oh please. I bet that was the best you've had."

"Oi, easy!" I chuckled. He wasn't wrong.

"The question is, did you use tongues?" He winked. I felt my dick twitch and harden into a semi. The memory of our tongues colliding still fresh.

"Yeah, a bit."

"Hoooooolllllllyyyy shhhiiiitttt!" he yelled.

I was as embarrassed as ever, but the joy of having my brother back to himself was something I'd have done anything for.

"Right, let's not talk too much about that just yet. I wanna be done with dinner to get my shit together." I smiled. He chuckled but his demeanor threatened to shift back to his prior sullen state. My stomach tightened, hoping the gifts and my effort put into his birthday would bring that natural charisma of his back out permanently.

I cleared up the table whilst Corey sat on the sofa watching TV. Once everything had been washed and stored away, I went to my room to shift the gifts I had prepped earlier to the table. I glanced over at Corey to make sure he was still distracted as I got the birthday cake. I got some candles from one of the drawers and placed sixteen down in the shape of the number, lighting them afterward. All set.

I walked over to Corey from behind and placed my hand over his eyes.

"Huh?" he said, making a grab from my hands but I shushed him.

"Get up and follow," I said.

He slowly got up and let me guide him to the table and then sat down facing the lit cake.

"Keep your eyes closed," I said, lifting my hands slowly. He did as he was instructed and I walked around to the opposite end of the table, took out my phone and started recording.

"Happy birthday to you!" I began as he slowly opened his eyes. "Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Corey! Happy birthday to you! Hip hip! Hooray! Hip hip! Hooray! Happy sixteenth birthday, bro! Make a wish and blow!"

He closed his eyes again for a moment before opening them to blow them out effortlessly. I stopped recording and walked around to where he sat and pulled him up. I held his head in my hands looking straight into his eyes.

"I love you, Corey. I always have, and always will. No matter the fallout. You're my blood and my best friend. You're everything I have. Sorry for being a jackass. Happy birthday."

I kissed his cheek and pulled him into a strong hug. One that both of us gripped with a force of passion that said more than I could ever have. When we broke apart, he had tears streaking his cheeks, but his smile was radiant. I brushed his cheek with my thumb and pointed to the bags.

"You haven't even opened your gifts and you're already a mess." I laughed.

"I thought you forgot my birthday," he chuckled. "This is..."

"My pleasure," I said.

He took out a gift wrapped parcel and opened it to reveal the shirt I had bought.

"Bro love," he said, "nice!"

"Glad you like it." I beamed.

He opened the other gift that had the skinny jeans in, garnering another huge smile from him. "This is great! Thank you so much, Hayes. Really."

"Anytime, dude."

"Man, I feel like a real dick for not going out with you today. I'm so sorry," he said, looking at his feet with sadness.

"No, don't be daft. I had fun."

"Only `cus you made out with a guy." he smirked.

"Shush you," I grinned.

We watched some more TV together, this time talking about how things had been the past few weeks, but never touching on the feud or why it had occurred in the first place. When it was time to hit the sheets, I couldn't help feel elation. My last gift awaited him on his bed. The one last ditch attempt at rekindling our relationship if the evening didn't go to plan. Now I know it would be the cherry on top.

As Corey went to his room to crash, I pretended to go to mine.

"Night Hayes!" he yelled. My face felt warm. The first time in weeks I'd heard that. I stood right outside his door, listening to hear what reaction he'd have.

"What the..." he said, picking up the gift off his bed. The sound of the wrapping paper tearing made my heartbeat accelerate, anxious to hear if he'd be delighted or hurt by what he saw. And then I heard sobbing. Deep-chested sobbing that rattled me. Oh no, I've crossed the line.

"Corey, I'm so sor--" I began as I pushed his door open. He looked up from his bed with a tear-soaked face and bloodshot eyes. Sobs racking from his body. The last time I saw him cry like this was at mum's funeral. I walked over to him and sat beside him, grabbing him into a bear hug. His face buried into my shoulder as his cry only escalated. I peered at the gift in his hands. A picture of mum with Corey and I as kids sitting in the garden. She was wearing a pink floral dress while her arms held the two brothers against her. Her shoulder-length blonde hair fell beautifully across her chest, her smile so lively it felt like she was there with us. That was all I could do to keep a grip on things as I started crying.

We held one another for what seemed an eternity, but eventually, my tears stopped and Corey's sobs quietened to a gentle cry. I pulled out of the hug and looked at him. I gave a tender smile and he reciprocated.

"I can't...I don't have--"

"It's okay, I understand," I reassured him. "I thought you'd like it."

He looked at the picture again, another session of crying ready to occur.

"How about we get some sleep. We'll talk about it in the morning." I said.

"No!" he grabbed my arm immediately, "please! stay with me." fresh tears streaked down his features as I nodded. He pulled off his clothes and got under the covers in his lime green boxer-briefs. I followed suit, stripping to my black CK's. He faced the wall as I got in behind him and lifted the covers over us. He reached behind and pulled my arm under his arm and over his abdomen. I shifted in closer, my back an inch or two from his. Without warning, he closed the distance and pushed his back into my chest and his ass into my crotch. We were body-to-body. He used his feet to pull mine between his legs so I wrapped around him. My mouth was up against his ear. We laid like that for a short while in silence before he spoke.

"I miss her."

"Me too," I said.

"I...I've never told you this, but I've cried a lot over her since we moved here."

"You have?" I said.

"Yeah. I've...I've never felt so alone since moving here."

My throat tightened, "You've never told me."

"I know. I just...I couldn't. We were so apart."

I winced in embarrassment, knowing full well he was right.

"And I don't just mean these last few weeks..." his voice quivered as he sighed, "Hayes, I'm so fucking sorry I treated you like that for so long!" he burst out crying.

"Hey! It's not your fault, seriously. Don't worry about it."

"No! I alienated you. I pushed you so far back it felt like we had become strangers! I never ever meant for it to get so bad."

I thought for a moment, remembering the frustration of not knowing why things were as they were."

"Corey, I just wish you opened up to me and told me why you were hurting. I just had nothing to give to help."

"I know, and I should have. It's just...ugh."

"Tell me."

He rolled over to face me. We were so close, his breath warmed my face.

"I think you know, but I'll say it. I'm gay."

I swallowed hard, "I may have guessed a while ago, but it hadn't cemented."

"That time I saw you wanking off to gay porn, it ignited this desire. I was so overwhelmed by the fact you might be like me that I wanted to..."

"To..."

"And then you went out the next day before I had a chance to really open myself to you and you came back with a girl and it just fucking sucked."

My eyes started to sting as tears welled up, my regret throttling me.

"I went back to being alone. But it hurt so much more. I tried, I really did, to just be okay, but every time we spoke, I couldn't help defending myself.

"Passive-Aggressive," I mumbled.

He sighed, "Fuck, I'm such a dick."

"No, don't. Please." I said.

"And then that night when you threatened to break through that defense...the day this nightmare started."

"Corey," I said, putting my hand on his cheek. "It's all in the past. But please, if anything ever bothers you ever again, speak to me! You have no idea how much it hurt to be shut out."

His lip trembled, "I'm sorry. That wasn't me. I've never--"

"I know." I stared at him, feeling an intimacy that electrified me. "What did you wish for?" I asked finally.

He leaned in, pressing his lips to mine.