Max’s Awakening #33

by craigpnifty@protonmail.com and J

Author’s Notes:

In our last chapter, Max’s week had begun to improve.  ISS with Mr. Tim turned out to be a surprisingly good experience and he’d made amends with his Mom.  All was going well until he went to practice expecting to see Cam, only to have him absent.  Max assumed the worst and this chapter picks up with him getting picked up by his mom, upset…

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Chapter 33

Mom immediately turned off the radio.  “What is it, Max?” She asked, concerned.  “Did something happen?”

It took me several seconds to arrest my sobs enough to speak.  “Cam… didn’t show,” I answered, burying my face in my hands.

“Oh honey, I’m sure there’s an explanation,” she replied.  “Don’t assume it’s something bad.  He might just be sick.  Kids often catch things when school starts back.”

I shook my head.  “No,” I answered adamantly.  “Something is wrong, I can feel it.”

“Let’s get some dinner and see what we can find out.  You’ll feel better with some food in you.  What sounds good?”

I didn’t feel like eating.  I just wanted to go home and wallow in misery.  “Can we just pick up something?” I asked. 

***

We got home and ate in silence.  Mom kept trying to reassure me, and while her gentle pats and squeezes on my shoulder and hand were comforting, it wasn’t working.  “I don’t have Mr. Rice’s number handy, and I would feel weird calling him, but I have another idea,” she said as we were clearing the table.

“What?” I asked, sniffling.

“I’ll call Craig.  He will be happy to call Mr. Rice and see if he can get to the bottom of this.”  I nodded.  I’m not sure why that didn’t occur to me.  I guess sometimes you are too upset to think of the obvious.  “Why don’t you go shower while I see what I can find out?” she suggested.

***

I’d just slipped on some shorts and flopped onto my bed when Mom knocked and entered.  She had changed into pajamas herself.  She sat next to me, her phone in hand.  “I talked to Craig.  He hasn’t talked to Cam’s Dad, but he’s sure nothing is wrong because he would have called if something bad was happening.  He’s going to see if he can reach Mr. Rice.  He’ll call right back if he hears anything.”

“Thanks Mom,” I answered, giving her a hug.

She laid down in my bed.  “This way, if Craig calls me back, you can listen.”

“Good idea,” I answered.

Mom gently stroked my back.  Despite being upset, I was tired.  Practice wore me out, and being distraught is exhausting.  I wanted to stay awake in case Craig called, but after a half hour, I dozed off.

***

I awoke about four in the morning, Mom’s arm still draped over my bare torso.  I checked her phone to see if there was a missed call or text from Craig.  Nothing.  That sent me into a panic… Craig not being able to reach Mr. Rice had to be a bad sign, right?  Although, while it’s possible the explanation was as simple as him having gone to bed before Craig’s efforts, that is NOT where my mind went.

I tried to go back to sleep, but anxiety had my imagination running wild.

Finally, Mom stirred and sat up.  I looked through a squinted eye as she checked her phone.  The disappointment in her face was obvious.  She wanted an update as well.

***

For the second time this week, Mom made pancakes (this time with blueberries and bacon).  She was pulling out all the stops to improve my mood.  She kept trying to encourage me, but I could tell she was starting to have doubts.  I almost asked if I could skip school, but realized it would distract me from obsessively assuming the worst.

I walked through most of my day in a daze.  I managed to focus just enough in my morning classes not to draw the ire of any teachers.  I did some of the assigned homework, but not as much as I would have normally finished.  Oh well, it would give me something to do after school.

As we left Geometry for lunch, Seb accosted me.  “Dude, you okay?  You seem so quiet.”

“Um...yeah, I’m just tired,” I said, making an excuse.  “Last night was our first full practice and it kicked my ass.”

“Oh, good,” he answered.  “I thought maybe that Jax kid was giving you shit again or something.”

“YOU know about that?” I asked. 

“Duh!  Jamie told me all about it.  Besides, it was all around seventh grade by the end of third period,” he answered.  “Ashley is a total beast.  I would not want her on my bad side.”

***

I didn’t say much at lunch.  I just listened as Seb, Jamie, and the other guys talked about whatever.  I was in a fog.  All I could think about was what was going on with Cam.  I still had a strong sense something was terribly wrong.

With about five minutes left, Mr. Tim came into the lunch room.  ISS must have a new client.  While the shaggy haired boy made his way to the lunch counters, Mr. Tim approached me.  “Hey there.  How’s life back in the general population?” he asked grinning.

It took me a moment to reply.  “Uh...okay, I guess,” I mumbled, before awkwardly adding “How’s ISS?” after a lengthy pause.  I couldn’t think of anything else to say.

Mr. Tim looked at me inquisitively.  I could tell he was peering deep into my soul.  “It’s fine, but I could use some help with something.  Would you mind giving me a hand?”

“Sure,” I answered.

***

Mr. Tim and I followed his student back to ISS.  He let the boy in and told him to eat quietly, then closed the door.

“What did you need help with?” I asked.

“Nothing.  You seem off.  I expected you to be happy being back in class, but you looked bummed,” Mr. Tim explained.  “Do you miss me that much?” he asked sarcastically, before adopting a more serious tone.  “Are you dealing with more harassment?”

I shook my head.  Truth was, I did miss him.  He’s awesome and puts me at ease.  “No, it isn’t school,” I said with a sigh.

“So, what is it?”

I briefly explained the situation with Cam not showing up at last night's practice, and how I was certain something was seriously wrong.  I told him how the lack of reply from Craig only made things worse.

“Hmm,” he said, “that does seem odd.  Intuition can be right on, but sometimes it can cause you a lot of unnecessary worry.  Anxiety sucks.  Is there anything I can do?” 

“Not really.  I just need to know what’s going on.”

“I wish there was some way I could go do some recon for you.  But unfortunately, my ward needs supervision.  I know it’s not much, but just know I’m here if you need to talk.  I know it’s new, but you remember you have a hot pass, right?”  

“Yes, thanks.”  

“Okay then...you better get back to lunch.  Stop in if you need to.”

***

I made it to Hickman’s class.  She seemed to know I was in a funk before I even entered.  She patted me on the shoulder without saying a thing.  Maybe Mr. Tim tipped her off? 

We were working on a lesson when Mr. Tim stuck his head inside.  “Mrs. Hickman, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need to borrow Max for a brief moment.”

The class erupted in ‘oooohs’.  You don’t get summoned by Mr. Tim unless you were in trouble or, at the very least, being questioned.

I followed him into the hall.  “What’s up?” I asked. 

“Your mom asked if I could get a note to you,” he replied, handing me a folded piece of paper.  The message was very short, but couldn’t have been better:

  “All good - he’ll see you tonight at practice!” 

My whole body went tingly.  It was like I just had an intense orgasm.  I looked up to see Mr. Tim beaming at me.  I could tell he was basking in my elation.  I wanted to scream out in joy, but settled for flinging myself into hugging Mr. Tim. 

It must have surprised him.  He quickly hugged me back and then stepped away.  I forgot adults in schools aren’t supposed to touch students.  “Sorry,” I told him.  “I’m just so happy.”

“I understand.  Come see me tomorrow and tell me all about tonight?”

“Deal!”  I exclaimed as I gave him a high-five. 

***

When class ended, Mrs. Hickman sent me off with a smile.  “Have a nice evening, Mr. Coleman,” she said quietly.  Did she know?  I got the feeling she and Mr. Tim were talking about me behind the scenes.  I probably should feel weird about that, but I don’t.  I trust them both.  I wonder if they are still a little freaked about my story idea.

One of the losers on the bus tried to give me grief, but I completely ignored him, and turned my attention back to Dantes’ continued revenge.  I was way too happy to let some loser fuck up my day. 

Once I emerged from the bus, I practically ran down the block home.  I’m not sure what I was so excited about.  I know it’s weird, but the first thing I did after dropping my backpack was to pull off my t-shirt and shorts.  There’s just something great about how it feels to be almost naked.  It’s so much more relaxing and fit my mood.  I grabbed an apple, sliced it, and added a spoonful of peanut butter before quickly finishing my homework.

The home phone began to ring, which I ignored.  I’ve never answered it.  When it briefly stopped and then resumed, I got the hint.  “Hello?” I answered.

“Hi honey,” Mom’s voice greeted me. 

“Hi Mom,” I answered.

“Did Mr. Tim get the message to you?”

“Yes.  Thanks.  So, everything’s really okay?”

“Mostly, but I’ll let Cam fill you in on details tonight.  I was promised he will be at practice tonight,” Mom explained with just a hint of doubt in her voice.  “Also, Mr. Rice invited you and Noah to spend the night at his house on Friday.  That is, if you’re up for it.”

“What?” I asked, about to jump so high I'd hit the ceiling fan.  I couldn’t believe what I just heard!  This meant Mom was ungrounding me.  And Cam and Noah were free too!  “Of course I want to!”

I couldn’t quite believe she’s already letting me spend the night with Cam.  She’s suddenly over her concern that we’ll fuck all night?  I wondered if Craig already had that conversation with her.

“There is one catch,” she responded.  Here we go.

“Whatever it is, I’ll do it!”  I’d even promise not to have sex if I had to.

“Craig needs assistance with a project on Saturday.  He’s going to chaperone you three with Mr. Rice.  You know my expectations, and everyone will help Craig at his house the next morning, so no staying up all night.  Understood?”

“Yes ma’am, of course.  This is so great,” I almost shouted.  “I love you.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“I’m glad you’re excited,” she said laughing.  “See you in a bit.  I’ll get you to practice as early as I can.”

***

I was ecstatic.  I couldn’t believe my twist in fortune.  Life has seemed like an endless roller coaster of ups and downs for weeks, but just maybe, finally, I was turning the corner on all of the drama and angst of the last few weeks.

If Craig was helping Mr. Rice, that must mean Cam’s mom wasn’t going to be there.  I swear to God I hadn’t even thought about the sexy things Cam and I could sneak, but my dick apparently had, because when I hung up the phone, I realized I had a raging hard-on in my Calvin’s.  Is it weird I was totally stiff after talking to Mom on the phone?

What’s a boy to do?  I flopped onto the couch and jerked off vigorously, flogging my hard dick while I fingered my hole, imagining it was Cam’s dick tickling my rear.  Soon, it would be back right where it belonged.  My jerk, while short, was glorious.  I shot my still mostly clear load on the t-shirt I recently shed.  I felt on top of the world.  I will see Cam in a few hours… and realized having masturbated might keep me from boning up at practice.

***

The drive was brutal.  Mom seemed to be driving like an old lady.  It also seemed like we missed every light and managed to find every slow driver to get behind.  I doubt any of those things were true, but it sure felt like it.  Knowing Cam might be waiting for me just made things seem so damn slow.

Finally, she pulled up to the door and dropped me off.  “Have fun,” she said.  “I’ll be back in a while.  I have a couple returns to make at Kohl’s.”  

I jumped from the car and bounded up the steps to the front door.  I pulled the door open, breathing heavy with anticipation.  I was not disappointed.  Cam was on the floor, not far from the door, stretching.  “About time,” he said with the biggest shit-eating grin I’ve ever seen.

I ran to him as he quickly got up.  I hit him so hard I almost toppled both of us to the ground as we embraced.  “Cam!” I exclaimed as I pressed him against me, smelling his scent once more.  “I was so worried,” I said.

“Yeah, sorry,” he answered.  “Mom was kind of flipping out last night.  She didn’t think I should go to gymnastics any more.  Something about not being able to resist my urges around shirtless boys.”

“What?” I asked, confused.  “My Mom said everything was good.”

“It is… mostly.  Mom went to Texas for a few days, or maybe a couple weeks.  Not really sure.  Dad stood up for me and that was that.  It was kind of bad, but it’s over, at least for now.  And hey, now we get to have a sleepover, right?”

“Yeah, holy shit.  I can’t believe I’m allowed.  I have so many things to tell you about.  I don’t even know where to start.”

He put his arm around me and led me towards the back of the gym.  “You can fill me in while we get ready and between reps.  We’ll have hours upon hours at my house to catch up, and…”

“And what?” I asked.

He smirked.  “What do you mean ‘and what’?” he replied, before lowering his voice to a whisper.  “I can’t wait to get you undressed.  I need your mouth and butt badly.  I’m so horny.”  

Mmmm.  That sounded great.  Still, I was afraid he was being too optimistic.  “How?  What about Noah?  Plus, your dad and Craig.”

“Dad and Craig won’t care.  And Noah?  We’ll get him occupied in a video game and duck out.  He’ll understand, right? 

***

Practice was awesome.  I thought I might be distracted by Cam, but it was the exact opposite.  I wanted to do well because of his presence, and there was the usual competition between us to outperform the other.  I was more focused than I had been since spring.  I was a mess last night, but even over the summer when I worked out independently, I was never in the zone like I was tonight.  It felt good to be dialed in.  Our coaches seemed pleased.

Whenever on break, Cam and I worked in short conversations.  I managed to catch him up on what happened at school: spending three days in ISS, the incident with Jax, my new friendship with Mr. Tim, and how I found an unlikely ally in my language arts teacher who everyone thinks is awful.

School hasn’t been great for him, either.  Word managed to reach Widmer.  Everyone seemed to know Cam was dancing with and kissing another boy.  He endured more than a few snide remarks, but assured me he dealt with them deftly and didn’t seem ruffled.  That doesn’t surprise me - he’s always been more mature. 

With Noah out, I don’t know what I would have done without Jamie and Ashley sticking up for me.  I might have hidden and shut down, but Cam would never do that because that kind of stuff just doesn’t faze him.  He would never give anyone the satisfaction.  He just tells people to fuck off and moves on.  It must be nice not to obsessively brood over everything.  Hopefully someday, I’ll be as mentally tough as Cam.

Spencer managed to leave us alone most of the time, but I could tell it was killing him.  He wanted so badly to hang out with us, but understood Cam and I needed time to ourselves.  He knows we’re all still grounded and I haven’t talked to Cam since our brief goodbye in the school office.

We also talked about things at home, but not too deeply.  I shared how Mom was not happy we were having sex, but didn’t get into how mean and disrespectful I was or about using her dildo.  He was thankful his mom never realized we’ve been sexually active, because when she does, she will completely lose her shit.

As practice drew to a close, I noticed Mom was talking to Mr. Rice on the bleachers.  They seemed to be deep in conversation, but neither seemed upset.  With Cam’s mom out of the picture, I could totally see them getting along.  As they conversed, they would sometimes glance toward us and smile.

Cam was watching them too.  “Okay, that’s a little unnerving,” he commented.  “I can only imagine what they are talking about.”

“I’m afraid to ask,” I shuddered.  “At least they seem happy, even if they are giving us strange looks.”

“Yeah.  C’mon,” he replied.  “Let’s go charm our parents.”

***

Charm he did.  “Hello, Ms.  Coleman,” he said enthusiastically as he approached.  “It’s nice to see you.  I’m sorry about what happened at school.  If I knew Max would get in so much trouble, I wouldn’t have come.  I hope you can forgive me.”

Mr. Rice chimed in.  “I just finished apologizing myself,” he offered.  “I told Ms.  Coleman that Craig and I should have foreseen the problems that arose.”

Mom seemed mildly uncomfortable.  “You know, sometimes things happen for a reason and work out for the best.  As unpleasant as that evening was, it seems a lot of good might come from it.”  I’m sure she was referring to me becoming friends with Mr. Tim, and how she and I grew closer after fighting and making-up.  Plus, everything is out in the open now.

“Exactly,” Mr. Rice added.  “We’re having to deal with some things, but better to navigate through them now and put any nonsense behind us.  That way, everyone can move on.”  I assumed he meant getting his wife to come around.

Cam continued his charm offensive.  “Thank you for allowing Max to sleep over,” he told Mom.  “Noah, Max, and I were looking forward to hanging out last Friday before everything fell apart and derailed our plans.  We have even more to catch up on.”

Mom smiled.  “I’m trusting you boys to behave, be appropriate, and not stay up all night.  I certainly hope this Friday will be less dramatic than last, and remember, you have to help Craig bright and early Saturday.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he answered in his most polite voice.  “I’ve been doing a lot of extra chores as one of my consequences, and we’ll be ready to work hard.  Right Max?”  I always try to be respectful, but Cam does it so effortlessly I’m in constant awe of his genuine…goodness?  It isn’t phony like with some kids.  “Max?” he asked again, louder, when I didn’t immediately answer. 

“Um…yeah, of course.  After such a long week, I’m sure I’ll be too tired to stay up late, anyway,” I said.  I had my doubts that the latter point of my statement was accurate.  Being with Cam, for the first time in weeks, meant the last thing I would want to do is sleep.  But, before you assume I’m a total nympho, it’s about more than that.  I just want to savor whatever time we get together.

“Don’t worry, Craig and I won’t let the boys get up to anything we wouldn’t, and Cameron has a bedtime of midnight on weekends,” Mr. Rice explained.  I wasn’t sure if Cam was wrong and Mr. Rice and Craig would cockblock us, or if he was fibbing to Mom so she wouldn’t worry, but I swear he winked at me when he said that.  “I don’t know if you’re available, but Cam asked if we could get pizza after practice.  You should both come if you’re free, my treat.”

I couldn’t believe my luck.  Would we really get bonus time together?  Mom looked unsure.  I’m sure she’s tired.  I know she couldn't have slept well in my bed last night.  I'm not sure whether because of my pleading eyes or Mr. Rice’s graciousness, but Mom assented.  Cam and I might have bounced up and down for an embarrassingly long time before racing to the locker room to change, sneaking only a quick kiss.  We both knew it was too risky to try anything more. 

The pizzeria is just down the block from our gym, so we walked.  Cam even took my hand, causing my knees to buckle.  I could get used to being out. 

I’ve had salad and pizza there before, but it’s never tasted this good.  Everything just felt right, being completely open with Mom and even mildly affectionate with Cam.  Mr. Rice and Mom just smiled.  I whispered to Cam there were several things I needed to tell him about but couldn’t until we had more privacy.  He nodded.  I wasn’t looking forward to telling him about Chad, how I treated Mom, or Craig spanking me, but knew I needed to be totally honest.  No more secrets.

When it came time to part, we said our goodbyes and embraced for what felt like a few seconds but were told was a full minute after being hurried along.  Cam even hugged Mom, which she ate up.

“Stacy, it was so nice getting to know you better.  I’m sorry for all of the ridiculousness and disrespect Jeanine subjected you too.  She’s striving to be a better person,” Mr. Rice expressed in a calm intensity I can’t quite describe.  What he said next took me completely off guard, but made me sure he accepted me — and my relationship with his son.  “Max, I appreciate you always being so courteous, but I think at this point you can drop the ‘Mister Rice’ stuff.  Please, call me ‘Bob’ from now on.”

“Yes sir…er, Bob.  Thanks.  I’ll try to remember,” I managed to say as he ruffled my hair.

***

As we pulled out of the gym parking lot, Mom turned down the radio.

“I can’t believe how pleasant this evening was,” she began.  “I was kind of dreading having to talk to Cam’s parents, but his father was so kind.”

I nodded.  “Mister - Bob has never been anything but nice and supportive.  I know Cam’s Mom can be a lot, but he’s always been cool.”

“A lot?  That’s a charitable way to describe her,” Mom said with a hint of bitterness.

“Yeah, I can’t believe she had the audacity to suggest Cam quit gymnastics because she thinks him being around shirtless boys will be a negative influence,” I explained while rolling my eyes.

Mom shook her head.  “She’s crazy about a lot of things.  I’m not surprised she assumes Cam can just flip a switch and not be attracted to other boys.”

“So, you get me being gay isn’t, you know, a choice?”

“Of course not, baby.  You probably don’t remember, because you were still little, but your father and I fought about that when they were trying to put a gay marriage ban in the state constitution in 2012.”  

My parents argued a fair amount, but she’s right, I didn’t remember.  It made me feel better that she gets I’m not going through a phase, rebelling, or trying to piss her off.  I had the distinct feeling Jeanine thought Cam was doing just that.

We rode in silence for a couple of minutes before Mom broached a new angle.

“Watching you and Cam be so openly affectionate together was adorable.  He’s such a nice, cute boy,” Mom fawned.  She’s right, but I couldn’t help but cringe.  “I know you two have been…physical, but I guess I didn’t realize how close and emotionally attached you both have become.”

I really didn’t want to get into anything related to sex, but knew I couldn’t ignore her comment.  Besides, it’s good she is beginning to understand what we have is real.

“Yeah, he is great, and so hot,” I said with a huge grin.  I wasn’t sure how Mom would react, but she didn’t flinch.

“Nice body, too.”  I looked at her funny.  I mean, she isn’t wrong, but this was weird.  Our physiques are about identical and I couldn't quite believe my mother had been checking out my boyfriend and we were now discussing his level of attractiveness.

I don’t know what possessed me to say it, but blurted: “And you haven’t even seen his best parts!”

She burst out laughing.  “Jesus Max, don’t remind me.  I don’t think I’m ready to know how intimately familiar you are with those.”

“Sorry, I couldn’t resist,” I offered in my defense.  I needed to deflect away from anything that could cause tension, and pivot back toward her recognizing how serious things are between us.  “I hope you understand this isn’t just a crush, puppy love, or out of convenience because we both happen to be gay.  It isn’t just another middle school fling.  I know it must sound dumb coming from a 14-year-old, but we really do love each other.”

“Oh honey, you don’t sound dumb.  I can tell you both care deeply for one another,” she reassured me, while rubbing my leg.  “That was actually some of what Bob and I discussed.  He mentioned how good you two are together, and how you push each other to be the best you can.  Both in the gym, and out.”

I smiled.  It was true.  “He makes me want to be a better person,” I responded through a cracking voice.  Mom grabbed my left hand. 

“According to Bob, Cam says the exact same thing about you.”

***

I left for school Friday morning completely stoked.  A few hours of class, a couple hours at home, and I would be at Cam’s.  Honestly, I don’t know if I’ve been this excited since Craig and I were leaving for Mexico.  It was a similar level of anticipation and energy.  I could feel a buzz inside me. 

Even another attempt at ridicule by Jax and Amari couldn’t bring me down.  They were coming out of the bathroom as I was walking to my locker, before first period.

“Oh damn Jax, too bad we didn’t wait a minute.  Maybe Maxi could have given us BJs.”  It was Amari taking the lead this time.  The funny thing to me was that Jax immediately looked over his shoulder and down both directions of the hall.  Perhaps he was scanning for teachers, but it seemed more likely he was checking to make sure Ashley wasn’t nearby. 

I wasn’t even going to give them the satisfaction of responding.  I just kept walking, casually flipping them off after I passed.  I’m not sure they noticed.  There was probably some witty comeback that would have shut them up, but I’m not as adept as Ashley at burying people - at least not without putting some thought into it. 

As I continued to class, a couple of comebacks came to me.  I could have asked them why they were using the bathroom together like a couple of girls.  Or, I could comment that they sure seemed fixated on sex with boys.  “You think about gay sex more than I do,” would be pretty epic.  Next time, I’ll be ready.  It made me wonder if Ashley thinks about slams and just has them in her back pocket, ready to go.

***

The morning flew.  For the first time this school year, I was actively participating in class.  Last week, my ass was sore from Chad and sad about Cam, then all the drama and ISS, and yesterday I was half-tuned out because I was assuming the worst.  Even when I knew the answers, I didn’t raise my hand.  I just didn’t feel like talking.  Today, I answered several questions correctly in Geometry that Mr. Beckham posed to the class.  Seb looked at me with adulation.  Maybe rocking math is his kink.

“You’re much happier today,” he commented as we walked towards the cafeteria. 

“Yeah.  You noticed?” I asked.

“Well, duh.  You were pissy yesterday.  I almost asked what was up but didn’t want you to think I was being nosy.”  I was appreciating this sevie more all the time.  He can totally read me.

“Cam missed practice on Wednesday night and I was afraid something was wrong,” I explained.  “But it’s all good.  Noah and I are even sleeping over at his place tonight.  It’s going to be awesome.”

“No wonder you’re so amped,” Jamie piped up.  He’d been walking beside us silently.  “You’re gonna get your dick wet, aren’t you?”  It sounded more like a statement than a question.

I was taken aback by Jamie’s forwardness, but considering my suspicions about his crush on Seb, he might have been hoping to live vicariously.  He looked eager for my response.

“Uh, um, maybe.  Noah will be there too though.”  I wasn’t really expecting to casually discuss my sex life in the hall before lunch. 

Seb had a funny look on his face.  I wasn’t sure if he was exasperated at Jamie’s boorishness or turned on, but he definitely seemed intrigued.

“I don’t have anything planned the whole weekend,” Jamie whined.  “Hey Seb, did you ask your parents about coming over sometime to help me with that old computer?” he added.  Jamie definitely had a glint in his eye. 

“Yeah,” Seb answered, as we walked into the MPR.  “I’ll fill you in after we get food.  I’m starving.”

***

Paxton and Reese joined our lunch table.  They tend to float at lunch, hanging with a few different groups.  Paxton has band friends and Reese knows a few kids from his baseball team, but they eat with us semi-regularly.  After Tuesday, when Reese pointed out to Mariah that I “only like the D,” I thought they might avoid us.

So, I was pleasantly surprised when they sat down.  They promptly greeted everyone, including me, and then proceeded like everything was normal.  Maybe Reese was just trying to be funny the other day?  In a way, he was dissing Mariah more than me.  I thought about it - had Noah cracked a line like that, I would have laughed.  Maybe I was taking everything too personally and being more sensitive than necessary. 

“So, what did your parental units say?” Jamie quickly needled Seb.  “I’d really love to get his computer working.”

“They said I could, only they want to talk to your mom or dad first.  I think since they don’t know anyone, they are kind of nervous.”

“Sure, no problem.  I’ll text you their numbers.”

“Jamie’s step-dad, Wyatt, is really cool,” I interjected, eliciting a smile from Jamie.

“Can you come tonight?  We normally order pizza on Friday,” Jamie said, practically pleading.  He either wanted time with Seb or was desperately bored, or both.

“I think so,” Seb answered hesitantly.

“Sweet.  Maybe you can even spend the night,” Jamie added excitedly.

“I don’t know,” Seb answered, suddenly withdrawing.  It was clear the idea of a sleepover made him anxious.

“Hey Jamie, why don’t you let the kid see if he can tolerate you for more than an hour before you have him moving in for the weekend?”  I snapped.  “Have you bothered to clean your room since you were grounded last spring?  He probably doesn’t want to come across your crusty garmuc.”

Everyone at the table laughed, including Jamie.  Seb shot me a smile.  Maybe I’m quicker on my feet than I realized.  It’s easier when I’m not the one being accosted, although I think Jamie is just more enthusiastic than anything.  Am I the only one noticing how hot he is for Seb?  It has to be obvious to everyone, right?  Maybe I should take him aside and tell him to cool it before he turns him off.

“Ha-fucking-ha,” he retorted.  “It’s not that messy.”  Jamie wasn’t always the neatest, so ‘not that messy’ to him might be a total pig stye to some of us.  To be fair, his locker wasn’t horrible, but then, we are only a couple of weeks into school.  Seb just seemed the type to be super organized.  Is that a gay thing?  Cam and Joshua are pretty clean too, but then, Spence’s room is gross.

“Don’t let him sell you that crap,” Austin added.  “I’ve seen his room.  Hell, I’ve slept in it.  You might need a tetanus shot after.”

“Fuck off, Austin,” Jamie playfully said as he flung a pickle towards his head.  “I’ll have you know I cleaned up last weekend...  some.  And I’ll work on it when I get home.”  Translation:  my room’s a fucking disaster, but I want to impress Seb so I’m going to rush home and clean like a madman.  He really must have the hots for him. 

“Don’t go overboard for me,” Seb answered.  “I’ll have my ‘rents call yours when I get home, but they may not let me crash.  We have something early Saturday morning.”

It seemed like a good idea to change the subject before Jamie lurched across the table to mount and dry-hump Seb.  “Hey, after you fix that computer, maybe you guys could hop online and we could all play Call of Duty or something.  Noah and I can join from Cam’s house.  He has a sweet setup, and after destroying them I might need some fresh prey like you noobs,” I bragged. 

“Those are fighting words, Coleman,” Austin joked.

Seb grinned before delivering a totally deadpan retort.  “Yeah, Max.  No one questions my COD acumen.”  

Reese and Paxton looked perplexed.  Whether at the sudden assertive confidence of this little sevie or because they didn’t know what ‘acumen’ meant, I’m not sure.  Then again, that isn’t exactly a word you normally hear from a 12-year-old.  Jamie looked more turned on than ever.  He and I needed to talk.

***

When we were released from lunch, I pulled Jamie aside and walked to a bench around the corner from the foyer. 

“Yeah?  What’s up?” He asked.

“Seb’s nice,” I offered.

“Yeah, he’s fun and chill!” Jamie responded with way more enthusiasm than was necessary.  

I took a breath.  I hoped this went well.  “Kinda cute, too.”

Jamie feigned a puzzled look.  “O…kay, if you say so.  I wouldn’t know.”

I just stared at him.  I could tell he was getting uncomfortable.

“Bro, remember who you’re talking to.  I can tell you’re crushing hard.  You’re not exactly subtle.”

“What are you talking about?” he spat defiantly, but not at all convincingly. 

“Uh, dude.  You...  Seb...  C’mon.  I’m not oblivious.”

He looked horrified, and shifted his gaze to the floor.  His shoes must have been fascinating. 

“Hey, it’s okay.  I totally get it.  He’s nice, smart, funny, and has a tight little butt too,” I offered with a laugh, hoping to break the tension.

Jamie didn’t say anything, but finally looked up.  His face was red and I could see tears forming.  I knew if I said the wrong thing, he would lose it and be mortified.  I put my hand on his shoulder.  I felt like crap.  This wasn’t going at all how I intended. 

“I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to embarrass you or hurt your feelings or anything, I just think you’re coming on a little strong, and I don’t want you to scare him off.”

He sniffled.  “Fuck!  Am I that obvious?”

I thought for a moment.  I didn’t want him to feel any worse.  “Well, no one has said anything, but being gay maybe I’m more in tune with stuff?  They call it ‘gaydar’ I think.”

Jamie looked up.  “I’m not gay,” he practically yelled.  “At least…I don’t know.  Girls have always been okay I guess, and I’ve been curious about other guys, but not like this,” he quietly explained.  “I’m so confused.  How did you, you know, know?”

“It was different for me.  I never liked girls like that, not even a little, and other boys always excited me.  As soon as puberty hit, there was no denying.”

He seemed to relax slightly.  “I’ve been thinking about it more lately.  Noticing other boys and thinking about…stuff.  But when Seb walked into class that first time, something just clicked,” Jamie confessed.  He sounded totally ashamed.  “I know I sound like a chick, but I get all squirmy inside when I’m around him.  He smells so good, too.  I just want to be close to him; I can’t explain it.  He probably doesn’t even think of me like that.”

I patted his arm.  “It's okay, I get it.  I feel the same way around Cam.  There’s nothing wrong with you or how he makes you feel.”

For the first time, Jamie smiled.

“Just…play it a little more cool.  I think you might be overwhelming him by how aggressive you’re being.  You don’t want to be overbearing,” I suggested.  “Besides, like you said, we don’t even know if he likes guys.”  I was certain I knew otherwise, but there was always a possibility I was wrong, or that he wouldn’t be attracted to Jamie.  I knew I needed to build him up.  “Crushes are weird.  Maybe it means something, maybe it’s just hormones and shit, but you know you can talk to me, right?”

He nodded.  “Thanks Max.  You’re the best.”  He gave me a quick side hug.  Whoa, I didn’t expect that. 

The bell rang.  Fuck.  We were tardy.

Suddenly, I heard my name in a sharp tone.  “Max, what are you doing out of class?”  It was Mr. Tim.  That’s just what I needed, to disappoint him. 

“Er, sorry, I lost track of time.  We’re on our way now.”

At this point, Mr. Tim was standing over us.  He glanced at me, then Jamie, and back to me.  His face softened.  He must have seen Jamie’s red eyes and flushed face.

“I see,” he said as he dug into his pocket and retrieved a pen and stack of pink paper.  “I know this isn’t habitual, so I’ll write you two a pass.  This is a one-time thing, understood?”

“Yes sir,” we both chorused.

He smiled as he tore off my pass and handed it to me with a very subtle thumbs up. 

“Thanks.  It won’t happen again, I promise.”

“Good.  See you later, Max.  We’ll touch base another time.”  I would have waited for Jamie, but I could tell I was being dismissed.  As I slowly ambled away, I could still hear their exchange.

“It’s Jamie, right?  I can write you a pass or we can go to my office if you need to talk.”

“Thank you, but I’m fine now.  I feel better after talking with Max.”

***

Jamie returned to Geometry a couple minutes after me.  He must have stopped in the bathroom to make sure he was recomposed, because his face looked normal.  He smiled at me while walking past.  Mr. Beckham gave us an odd look, though.  A second student showing up late with a pass from Mr. Tim clearly left him perplexed.  He shook his head and returned to the lesson.

Seb looked back.  “What was that all about?”  He seemed to ask with his eyes.  I imagine he was worried we were in some kind of trouble.

“Later,” I mouthed, before returning my focus to the proof on the board. 

***

On the bus ride home, I wondered how I would manage until Craig picked me up.  The anticipation was going to kill me.  It reminded me of my first sleepover at Cam’s.

Turns out, Mom left my phone on the kitchen counter, fully charged, with a note telling me to have fun, be good, and she’d see me Saturday night.  I knew she planned to return it sometime over the weekend, but didn’t know it was going to be before I left.

Once I sat down, an hour was gone before I knew it.  There was so much to catch up with.  I had so many DMs on snapchat and Instagram, as well as several text messages.  Here were the highlights:

• A text from Cam.  He got his phone back when he got home after practice.  He sent it just in case I had mine back, too.  He offered to talk way too late into the night.  I immediately replied, intimating how excited I was to be coming over.  While I awaited his reply, I continued cleaning off my other notifications.

• Three new anonymous Snapchat IDs had sent me derogatory messages about being gay.  One referred to me as the “Olympia Faggot.”  Another was a vague threat that Brady was going to kick my queer ass.  The last invited me to the restroom by the theater, to suck each other off.  Maybe that last one wasn’t meant to be mean and the kid was just horny or closeted?  Either way, they all got deleted and blocked.  I don’t have time for people who are too big of pussies to be upfront.  But curiosity got the better of me about the suggestive message.  I unblocked whomever sent it and replied, “WHO are you?”  It might be some jerk, but as Mr. Tim suggested, maybe there is some kid struggling who needs support. 

• Several messages from Josh.  After I didn’t reply to his initial text, I had a few more desperate sounding ones later in the week.  I sent him a quick reply that I had been grounded but all was good now and I was spending the night with Cam.  “What?  You guys are back together?  Cool!  See, I said it would work out!” he immediately replied.  I told him I would talk to him in a couple days and tell him the whole story.  I was very curious if he had more to tell me about his new neighbor, but for now he couldn’t be my top priority.  I’ll be sure to connect with him more, but Cam took precedence. 

• Reese uploaded the funniest TikTok.  He, or someone, had made a GIF of Noah dropping Brady on a loop and set it to music.  It was fucking hilarious.  I can’t believe I didn’t hear about it at school, but I guess by the time I was out of ISS it was old news.  It helped reassure me that Reese wasn’t on the asshole side of the fence. 

• A Snap from Spencer sent last night after practice.  “When you two lovebirds are finished, the three of us should have another sleepover.”  He added googly eye and drooling emojis.  He’s always so damn horny.  I told him I was spending the night with Cam and he promptly replied, asking me if I would take pictures or at least tell him all about it.  I told him to take a cold shower because not everything revolves around sex.  To his credit, he apologized and switched gears, telling me I was on fire at practice.

• Jenny - Ashley’s friend who had encouraged me to do handstands at S.N.O.  - sent me a video of that, telling me how cool it was.  She apparently also recorded the entire blowup with Brady.  She sent it to Noah, Ashley, and I late Friday, in case it might help get us out of trouble.  Watching it was kind of surreal.  It might have helped cement Brady’s fate, but it also captured Cam and I making out, as well as Noah and Ashley sucking face.  It might have been useful last week, but doesn’t matter now.  I did have one thought: if we edited out the end where Noah and Ashley were swapping tongues, the video makes Noah look really good.  Maybe Ashley should show it to her dad and he might realize Noah was the good guy.  I fired off a message to Ashley, asking her if she thought of that.

• Speaking of Ashley, I also had a Snap from her, telling me that if she ever winds up in ISS again, she hopes I’ll be there too because it ‘wasn’t so bad’ with me there.  I replied “same,” and told her thanks again for sticking up for me.  She told me Spencer reminded her of Aron, her 10-year-old brother, who also struggles with impulsiveness and sitting still.

• Finally, there was a flirty message from Mariah, asking if I had any shirtless pics that really show off my muscles.  I could be wrong, but I think she might be working her way up to asking for more than that.  I wondered if she would even send me unsolicited nudes trying to entice me.  She clearly doesn’t believe I’m gay and not at all interested.  It’s bordering the line between amusing and endearing to annoying and creepy.  I took a screenshot, sent it to Ashley, and asked if she was comfortable talking to Mariah about how desperate and disrespectful it was since she knows I’m gay.  I hope she doesn’t tear into her like she did Jax or Brady.

I just finished cleaning off the last of my messages when Cam finally replied. 

“Sorry, Daddy said I had to clean the house before you come over.  Can’t wait for you to get here.  Glad you have your phone back.” 

I couldn’t resist calling him.  Last night was great, but I needed to hear his voice again, not just swap texts.  We talked while I threw some clothes into a backpack and straightened my room.  Of course, I tossed in my second most erotic pair of underwear.  I wore my sexiest trunks this morning, so I would have them on for him.  I needed to thank Craig again for making that particular purchase. 

Speaking of Craig, shortly after, I received a text from him.  He and Noah were en route, even earlier than planned.  I swear to god I almost creamed my shorts, but wanted to save my load for Cam.  He’s teased me before that he doesn’t always get a ‘big enough reward’ if I jack off too soon before.

***

I heard the familiar sound of Craig’s BMW pull into the driveway.  I jumped from the couch and grabbed my bag.  Noah met me at the bottom of the steps, beaming.  “Bro!,” he said as opened his arms for a hug.  “This has been the longest fucking week of my life,” he added as we quickly embraced.

“Tell me about it,” I answered.  “I have so much to fill you in on.”

“I can’t wait.”  We stood facing each other, both genuinely happy to be together again.  “I almost died of boredom at least three times this week.  Being suspended and grounded suuuucks.”

Craig nudged his horn and yelled out the window.  “You two coming along, or should I go see Cam all by myself?” 

“Coming,” I responded, pushing past Noah and yelling “shotgun” before racing to the front passenger door.  I gave Craig a hug as Noah trundled to the car. 

He reluctantly climbed in the back seat, grumbling.  “That was sneaky, Maxwell.”

I handed Noah his backpack.  I suddenly felt like a dick for taking his spot after he was so genuinely warm.  “Wait!” I told Craig.  When he stopped, I promptly moved to the back seat, next to Noah.  He looked pleased.  “This is better,” I said.  “So, you still don’t have your phone back?”

“Not yet.  Dad said he’s holding it until I help Craig paint their spare bedroom tomorrow, to make sure I ‘don’t slack off’.”

“Painting?  That’s what we’re doing?” I asked.  I should have packed older clothes. 

“Yup.  I’m surprising Kim by getting it done while she’s out of town, and your assistance was the price to get permission for the sleepover,” Craig answered.  “Don’t worry about clothes, I have plenty of old t-shirts you can wear.”

“She’ll love us even more now,” Noah added.  He’s always really liked Kim.

I glanced at Noah, who still had the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on his face.  He’s never seemed happier to see me, but I guess it makes sense.  Since we both got phones, a week is probably the longest we’ve ever gone without at least texting.  Even before then, we would message and FaceTime on our parents’ tablets. 

On a trip, like when I went to Mexico or he was at the cabin, we stayed in regular communication.  After S.N.O., it had been brutal not being able to rehash things with him.  I can’t remember how many times this week I’ve thought ‘I can’t wait to tell Noah about this’.  I’m sure I’ve already forgotten a few.  I’ll have to go through the week, day by day, to recall everything noteworthy. 

After all the drama of recent weeks and seeing Noah’s loyalty through some really sensitive shit, it drove home just how important he is to me.  I’ve been fixated on Cam most of the week, but seeing Noah made me realize how much I missed him, too.  Noah isn’t just a friend.  The dude really is like my brother.  He’s family. 

Noah’s happiness only served to elevate my own excitement.  This was going to be the best weekend ever.

***

Like the rest of his house, the ring of Cam’s doorbell is very elaborate.  When you push the button, a cool series of deep melodic chimes erupt.  It reminded me of a grandfather clock my grandma had when I was little.  I never noticed before.  I guess I’ve always either been with Cam, or he was so excited, he met me at the door.  I briefly worried something was wrong.  Did his witch of a mother make an unexpected return?

Cam opened the door after an unusually long wait, which compounded my concern.  “Sorry, I was just finishing up vacuuming,” he explained as he opened the door and flung himself into me.  “You’re early!”

He was wearing a skimpy pair of black gym shorts and navy tank top that looked to be a size or two too small, as it tightly clung to his chiseled torso.  The flimsy material of the shorts clearly outlined his dangling cock.  It was obvious he wasn’t wearing underwear, which boned me up immediately.  Jesus, he looked sexier than ever.  Does he have any idea what he’s doing to me?  I wanted to strip and engage in public sodomy right there on his porch.

Craig, who grabbed his bag from the trunk, was delayed approaching the front door.  “Cameron, you look positively smashing,” he said, slipping into his bad British accent.  It had been so long since he did that, it made me giggle.  Cam rolled his eyes but laughed.

“You can put your backpacks in my room,” he told Noah and I.  “I’ll be up as soon as I put the Dyson away.  Craig, do you know where the guest room is?  May I take your suitcase?” 

“Thanks bud, but I’m good,” Craig answered.  “Where’s your old man?”

“He’ll be home soon.  He said to help yourself to a beer,” I heard Cam answer as he went down the hallway.  “Or, I can get it for you if you tell me what you like.”  God, how does he act so genuinely polite and deferential to adults?  I know I’m courteous and respectful, but if I tried what he manages so effortlessly, it would sound so phony.

***

Noah and I dropped our bags atop the upper bunk and plopped onto two bean bag chairs.  “So, how was school this week?” he asked. 

“Oh shit, I don’t even know where to start.  So much happened.  I’m not sure I can remember everything, but Ashley is so fucking awesome.”

“I told you!  What’d she do?”

“Well, we were in ISS together.  I thought that was going to suck, but Mr. Tim is so cool I actually kind of liked it.  Spencer came on Tuesday and Wednesday, and he can be so spazzy it’s annoying.  Ashley said he reminded her of her little brother, Aron.

“I remember seeing him at the pool.  He’s crazy hyper,” Noah answered.  “So, did you catch much shit?  You know, about being gay?  I mean everyone has to know, but if anyone is giving you any grief, I’ll kick their ass.  I don’t even care if I get suspended again.”  I love Noah’s dedication and loyalty, and while it makes me feel great he has my back, I don’t want him to do anything stupid. 

“Almost every day.  But whatever.  I’m not going to give it power by letting it get to me, which was Mr. Tim’s advice.  Cam isn’t letting it bother him.”

“I’m not letting what bother me?” Cam interjected as he entered the room. 

“Getting harassed for being gay,” Noah answered for me.

“True that,” he answered.  He offered his hand.  “Hey, we have lost time to make up.  Stand up and hug me when I walk into a room!”  His sudden authoritativeness was hot.

He gently pulled me into an embrace.  I could feel his cock press against mine as he softly nibbled the bottom of my neck, slowly moving upwards.  “Sheeesh,” Noah said with a sigh.  “Already?”

“Like you wouldn’t do the same thing with Ashley if she were here,” I offered in defense.  Cam didn’t even try to make an excuse.  “You might want to turn away,” he suggested, just as my face turned and our lips met.  Our tongues were immediately inside each other’s mouths as we kissed eagerly.  Finally, we broke free.

“Bravo!” Noah said sarcastically as he gave us a fake clap.  “Great show.”  He clearly hadn’t turned away.  Interesting. 

“Sorry bro,” I answered.  “I’ve been thinking about doing that all week,” I added to Cam.

“Me too,” he answered.  “And a lot more,” he added with a grin.

“Are you guys going to be sucking…face all weekend?  Should I have stayed home?”  Noah sounded almost hurt.  I think his question was genuine, and I didn’t want him to feel like a third wheel. 

“No.  Promise,” I answered.  But when I looked back at Cam, I wanted nothing more than to pick up where we left off and get down to what we were both desperate for.  Still, out of respect for Noah, we needed to cool it for the time being.

Cam handed both of us a can of Sprite.

“So, you were talking about Max getting crap?” Cam asked as he sat.

“Yeah,” Noah answered.  “Who was giving you shit?”

“A few different people.  Mainly, Jax and Amari.  A couple losers on my bus.  Some anonymous Snapchat accounts.  I even thought Reese was piling on, but I was just being paranoid.”

“Explain,” Noah instructed as he folded his arms.  “I need details.”

I went through the Jax and Amari incidents, including Ashley’s epic verbal bitchslap and how Jamie and Austin stood up for me.  Noah’s smile only grew as I told him how Ashley so effortlessly scored another direct hit. 

“Damn,” Cam said.  “She’s a keeper.  But, you better not fuck up and cross her.  Sounds like she can ruthlessly burn anyone who pisses her off.”

“Ashley is great,” I agreed.  “She made sure I was okay when we walked to ISS.  And then Mr. Tim talked to me, too.  He’s better at listening and giving advice than the stupid counselors.”  Now that I thought about it, after everything that happened, it seemed strange my useless counselor didn’t even bother to check on me.  Maybe Mr. Tim waved them off?  Or, it could be they just don’t care.  Clearly, my school has several homophobes on staff.

“I always heard he was like that.”  

I nodded.  “He’s so easy to talk with and seems to genuinely care, even about stupid middle school problems most adults dismiss.  It’s a lot like Craig.”

“That’s high praise,” Noah expressed.  He’s right.  But, I needed to get back on topic.

“You won’t believe this,” I said, suddenly remembering another interesting detail.  “Mr. Tim grew up with Mrs. Hickman’s son.  They’re good friends and he and Hickman are tight,” I added, entwining my fingers.

“Weird.  I wouldn’t think the old hag everyone is afraid of and the cool younger guy would be friends,” Noah said.

“Right?  I guess he and her son grew up together, so he’s known her since before she was ancient,” I explained.  “Don’t spread this around, but Hickman told me her son is gay.  He’s married and he and his husband work in NYC doing something on Broadway.  How’s that for a plot twist?”

“Who’s ‘Hickman’?” Cam asked.

“This old, cranky teacher most people hate,” Noah replied.  “She’s notorious for being brutal.”

“Yeah, but only because nobody gives her a chance.  I hated her at first, too, but she’s been super cool and encouraging.  She even apologized for embarrassing me on the first day.  At least I know she supports me, unlike Bach,” I noted.  “You know, I didn’t see her at school all week.”

“Oh God, not her!” Cam interjected.  “She’s freaking friends with my mom.  That was so damn embarrassing.  I think that’s why she’s been so on edge.”  Attributing his mom’s craziness to embarrassment about Bach seemed a little silly to me.  We’ve always known she would freak when we came out, but I wasn’t going to question however Cam is coping.  I knew better than to delve into Jeanine’s issues.  Another boy’s mom is off-limits.

We ragged on Bach for several minutes, each adding details about our own experiences with her.  Cam changed topics.  “So, did anyone call you ‘penis breath’?”

I couldn’t help but laugh; it struck me as funny for some reason.  I badly wanted to have cock-breath again.  “No, I haven’t heard that one.  Someone asked if you had that?”

Cam nodded.  “Well not exactly, Jimmy Bayliss just called me Boner Breath.  He’s an idiot, though.  I just ignored him, as well as a few other douchebags.”  I couldn’t believe how casual he was about getting gay-bashed.  He truly doesn’t give a fuck what people think.  Cam is such a badass - and an inspiration.

There was a knock.  Craig and Bob were standing in the doorway.  “Good evening, gentlemen,” Bob greeted us, loosening his tie.  “Surprised you haven’t initiated gaming mode already.”

“Not yet,” Cam answered.  “We’re catching up.  Like you say, ‘quality conversation takes precedence’.  We’ll get to…first-person shooting later.”  His tone of voice and facial expression made it obvious he wasn’t only referring to gaming.  I could see lots of ‘shooting’ in our future.  I almost spit out my soda.  Better to choke on the Sprite than what I’ll have in my mouth later.

Bob remained stoic, but Craig definitely picked up on Cam’s brazen innuendo.  His face contorted and he stifled a laugh.  “Well, if you boys aren’t completely starving, Craig and I thought we might have a couple beers and soak in the hot tub before we fire up the grill.”

“We’re good for now, right guys?” Cam answered.

“Yeah, I had a snack at home.  We can wait,” Noah added. 

“Good,” Bob replied.  “We’ll plan to eat in about an hour.  I picked up burgers and steak.”

Noah watched intently as the adults left.  He even peeked out the door to make sure they had gone downstairs.  “So, who else gave you shit?” he asked, once he was certain they were out of earshot.  “You said something about Reese and people on Snapchat?” 

I’m not sure why he was so concerned about anyone overhearing.  I freely talk with Craig, and I assume Cam shares with his dad, too.  Still, I suppose I appreciate his discretion, leaving it up to us whether to disclose. 

“Reese is okay I think.  Mariah was hitting on me Tuesday morning,” I explained.  “It was before Jax and Amari started in with their stupid shit.  I was wearing a T-Wolves jersey and she was flipping out over my muscles.”

“How thirsty,” Noah said, rolling his eyes.  “Ashley told me she had a thing for you.  I would think after seeing you dance with and kiss another guy, she’d take a hint.”

“It’s getting a little uncomfortable around her.  It’s almost like she was ready to jump me right there in the hall.  She kept groping me.  I actually just asked Ashley to talk to her, since she sent me a message asking for shirtless pics,” I explained.  Cam had a funny expression.  I couldn’t tell if he was amused, jealous, or proud.  “Anyway, Reese told her she was wasting her time because I only like dick.”

“That’s rude as fuck,” Cam huffily interjected.

“I dunno,” I shrugged.  “I wasn’t sure what he meant by it at the time, but he isn’t exactly wrong, is he?”

“No, but he could have phrased it in a way that didn’t make him seem like an asshole,” Cam complained, clearly irked.

“You don’t know Reese,” Noah added.  “He has no filter.  He says the first thing that pops into his head, but doesn’t usually mean anything by it.”

“That’s true.  I was worried he and Paxton had a problem, because they immediately left without another word.  But they ate at our lunch table a couple days later and didn’t act bothered at all,” I explained.  “I think it’s just Reese being blunt and giving Mariah a hard time because she was being so extra.” 

“I guess,” Cam acquiesced, deep in thought.  “I mean, we want people to accept us without thinking it’s a big deal.  I guess that includes making jokes.”

“It’s just going to take a while to get used to everyone knowing,” I answered in a deflated tone.  “It’s strange, being suddenly out to everyone.”

Noah patted both our arms.  “It’ll get easier.  Once everyone gets used to the idea, it will be no big deal.”  He took a swig of soda, as if it were something stronger.  “What about the Snapchat messages?”

I explained each of the anonymous messages, the first two clearly derogatory. 

“Probably Brady, or one of his suck squad,” Noah suggested. 

“Yeah, that was my thought.  I just deleted and blocked them,” I relayed.  “The third was more interesting.  It was someone asking if we could swap head in the bathroom sometime.”

“That was probably just another prick,” Cam suggested defensively.

“That’s what I thought at first, too.  But, when I read it again, it didn’t seem like that,” I replied.  I explained how Mr. Tim pointed out I was popular and respected and might be a role model for other kids who were too afraid to tell anyone they’re gay or bi.  “Maybe this person is just curious or desperate and doesn’t know how to approach someone.”  I immediately thought of Jamie.  Would he have sent such a message? 

“I dunno Max, that seems like a stretch,” Cam answered.  “Why go straight to BJs?  They could just tell you how fucking hot you are or something like that.  Right?”

I blushed.  I wasn’t sure how to feel about Cam showing flashes of being protective and jealous.  It made me feel special, and his forcefulness was kind of arousing, but I also thought he was reading too much into it and assuming the worst.  “Possibly, but they didn’t just demand a BJ, they actually offered to suck me too.  I sent a message back asking them who they were.”  

Cam didn’t immediately respond, apparently choosing his words carefully.  I wouldn’t say it was tense, but I couldn’t help myself and tried to make him laugh.  “Besides, you’ve always talked about how sweet my cum tastes.  Maybe word got out and they want a sample?”

Noah started fake gagging, but Cam cackled.  “Okay, fair.  I can’t blame them for wanting a taste.”

“Besides, now I’m super curious who it is.”  It was true.  When I realized it might not have been a homophobe trying to insult me, but might actually be a horny, closeted gay boy reaching out, I really did want to know. 

“So, have they answered?” Cam asked.  I couldn’t quite read how he felt about this development.  “Would you actually go through with meeting them?”

I quickly checked my phone.  “Not yet.  And, no, I’m not having sex at school!  I assumed you and I would talk about boundaries, because I want to get us right.  I don’t want any more secrets and I never want to break your trust again,” I explained.  I grabbed Cam’s hand and squeezed.  “Still, if it’s real, I want to help them even if we never do anything physical.”

Cam beamed and caressed my hand.  “I love that you want to be there for him, if it’s genuine.  That’s why you’re my boy.”

“And you’ll always be mi—” I tried to respond before Cam’s tongue darted in my mouth as his hand groped my groin.  I missed this.

Noah started making more exaggerated gagging sounds.  “I know, you’re in loooove,” he mocked through fake wretches.  I knew he’s only teasing, so I threw a pillow at him.  “Can we start blowing up shit now?”

***

We fired up Cam’s PlayStation and settled into gaming.  We played a couple rounds of COD before Bob called us for dinner.  We looked for Seb and Jamie, but they weren’t online.  I assumed they were still fixing Jamie’s computer, but that’s fine.  The night is young! 

***

Anxious to return to COD, the three of us ate quickly.  Bob is masterful at grilling steaks.  They were filets and so damn good.  Mom rarely splurges for something that expensive, and I was thankful Cam’s family is more well-off.  The grilled veggies were also great.  Maybe things just taste better when I’m around Cam?

For some reason, Craig and Bob both seemed in an exceptionally good mood.  Maybe being free of their wives was liberating. 

While we ate, Bob shared that a co-worker had offered him use of their cabin up in the boundary waters next weekend, which was extra-long because of Labor Day.  He wondered if our parents would allow us to go on a last-minute guys’ fishing trip.

I’m not really into fishing, but if it includes spending a whole weekend with Cam, I would learn.  Cam must have had the same thought, because he looked at me and lit up.  “Really?  That would be so cool.  Thanks Dad!” he exclaimed. 

I’ve never heard him mention fishing.  Noah is my friend who spends time on the water.  I glanced at him, but he looked sad, worried he wasn’t invited or would be crashing the party.  “Noah can come too, right?” I asked.  I didn’t want him to feel left out.

“Of course,” Bob answered.  “The cabin sleeps six.  As long as his parents approve, he’s more than welcome.”  Noah smiled.  I could tell he was relieved to know he wasn’t being left out.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Craig interjected sternly.  “I don’t have approval from Kim, and I don’t know if Bob can handle you three little monsters alone.”  I knew he was teasing, and we might have all simultaneously thrown random vegetables at him. 

***

When we returned upstairs, Jamie and Seb had logged on to the COD server.  Jamie was almost manic, definitely more hyper than I ever remember.  He told us Seb had his dad’s old computer working like new.  I wasn’t sure if he was happy about that, or pleased about spending time with his crush. 

I wondered if I should tell Noah about Jamie and Seb.  On one hand, everyone knows I tell Noah everything, and he would have Jamie’s back.  At the same time, I wasn’t sure it was my place to share.  Craig didn’t even tell his wife about me because he said it was my story to tell.

We played for about 45 minutes.  I thought maybe Seb was making fun of himself when he bragged about his ‘COD acumen’, but he really was a beast.  He was definitely better than Cam and I, and maybe even better than Noah - who spends more time gaming than either of us.  The game busted up when Seb announced his mom was on her way to pick him up.  “Can we play more once I get home?” he practically pleaded.  “I can be back on in about 30 minutes.”  I wondered if he regretted not taking Jamie up on his offer to spend the night.

“I’ll play for sure,” Jamie chimed in.  He was talking in the background over Seb’s mic.

“We’ll be on,” I responded.  Perhaps the break would give me a chance to fill in Cam and Noah about Jamie’s crush on Seb.  I wouldn't want them to say something and have Jamie be angry I broke his trust.  “Later dudes.”

“Should we play something else for a while?” Noah asked.

“Let’s take a break,” Cam answered.  “We should jump in the hot tub.  The sun’s going down and it will feel great.”  Cam gave me a wink.  I’m not sure what he had in mind, but if it involved being naked with him, I was in.

***

Bob and Craig were shooting pool and sipping beer as we walked past.  “Don’t forget to shower if you’re using the hot tub,” Bob reminded us.

“Yes sir, we were just headed to,” Cam answered for us.

I closed and quietly locked the door.  Cam turned the showers on so they could get warm as Noah and I undressed.  The realization that I was about to be naked again with Cam had me jittery with anticipation.  I tried to calm myself.  I wasn’t sure how Noah would take me being hard.  Even though I’ve been blowing him with regularity, I’m not sure he’s ever seen me erect.  I mean, it isn’t like my pants are down when I’m sucking him.  Plus, I didn’t want him to think this entire sleepover was about Cam and I doing stuff and didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.  I shucked my shorts and underwear past my half-boner in one quick motion and made my way to the spray. 

I soaped up, trying to think of something else besides Cam’s perfect, beautiful body I desperately wanted to worship with my tongue.  Noah sidled up next to me, his thick cock jutting out from his lean body under a smattering of thick hair.  I’m pretty sure his bush was thicker than I remembered.  Come to think of it, I swear his dick looked bigger too. 

As I turned to rinse, Cam emerged from the toilet.  There it was, in all its glory - my boyfriend’s symmetric cock.  It also looked bigger.  Could it really have grown in a matter of a few weeks?  Or maybe he was already getting hard. 

He had completely shaved his pubes, which was a stark comparison to Noah’s relative forest.  He knows I like that look and he was as sexy as ever.  I felt guilty, since I didn’t think to do the same.  With everything that happened, it just wasn’t something I thought to do amidst all the recent turmoil.  I hope he isn’t too disappointed. 

Even with it being a while since I shaved, I still didn’t have near the growth Noah had on display.  I’m just not as developed as Noah or Cam.  It kind of annoys me, but Cam doesn’t seem to mind.  Neither did Craig or Chad, for that matter.  I may not be Spencer or Joshua, but I don’t think anyone would see my dick and not immediately know it belongs to a boy.  I’m pretty sure Noah’s dick could already pass for a man-cock.  It’s about the same size as Craig’s.

I could feel myself beginning to bone up, so I hastily rinsed and left for the hot tub.  “Be there in a minute,” Cam commented, which elicited a frown from Noah. 

Cam must have been quick because he and Noah came out together and jumped in on either side of me.  Cam’s hand immediately found my leg and gave it a squeeze.  The hot tub felt nice.  “I didn’t know you guys liked to fish,” Noah commented. 

I hoped to use our time in the hot tub to fill everyone in about Jamie and Seb, but instead talk of an impending three-day weekend at a cabin took precedence.  “Hey, I’ve fished...once,” Cam explained.  “When I was six.”

Noah told us how he’d gone up to that area with his dad and uncle a few years ago and loved it.  They had campfires every night and you could see so many stars, being far away from everything.  “It’s so remote.  Most of the cabins are practically by themselves.  You usually have to take a boat to get to them.”  I had no idea it might be that rough.  Jesus.  Would this place even have electricity?  Running water?  WiFi?  I guess it doesn’t matter.  If Cam is there, I’ll be happy. 

“Guys, the fishing up there is amazing,” Noah declared.  “The muskie are freaking huge.” 

“I know the fish I want to catch,” Cam quipped as his hand slid up my leg and squeezed my cock, causing me to jump.

“You guys are always so horny,” Noah commented.  “I just hope I can go.  That won’t cramp your style too much, will it?”

“Nah,” Cam answered.  “I don’t think those cabins have that much room.  It’s not like we can do stuff with Craig and Dad right across the room.”

“But we can go for walks in the woods.  You know… to gather firewood.  And skinny dip in the lake,” I suggested.  I’m sure we will find ways to have fun.  I’ve never had sex in nature.  That would be interesting. 

Noah rolled his eyes as he pushed himself out of the water and onto the edge of the tub, his cock teasingly dangled.  “I don’t know how you guys can sit in there so long.  I feel like a prune already.”

“I’m just getting comfortable,” Cam said as he slid over across from me.  His foot quickly found its way between my legs.  Hell yes.  I slid my foot onto his crotch.  Thankfully, the churning water hid our playfulness.

“Anyway,” Noah continued as he pushed the water from his hair and dried his face.  “Thanks for including me.  That was really nice.”  I glanced over at him.  It seemed strange that he was talking to us so nonchalantly with his fat penis practically staring right at us, just above the surface of the water.

“Noah, seriously, just stop,” Cam said.  “You’re kidding right?  Think about it.  None of this would be happening if it weren’t for you.”

“Right.  We’d never be back together if you hadn’t taken a chance and stuck your neck out for us,” I added.  “Cam is my boy, but you’re my brother.”

“Exactly,” Cam said.  “We’re the ones who should be thanking you.”  He glanced over at Noah, his eyes locked on his prize.  A sly grin came across his face.  “If only there was some way we could show our appreciation,” he said sarcastically as he glanced at me and nodded. 

As often happens with Cam, I read his mind.  “Yeah, if only there was a way,” I said as I slid over so he and I were flanking Noah. 

We both began to rise out of the water at the same time.  “What are you doing?” Noah asked.

“This,” Cam said as he dove onto Noah’s dick, taking it into his mouth.  “Time for a proper thank you,” I added. 

“Oh shit,” Noah exclaimed.  “Guys,” he tried to protest.  “Um… I have a girlfriend now you know,” he added, almost in a whisper.  I’ve seen Noah be strong and assertive.  This wasn’t that.

I pushed his leg to the side and dove under Cam, licking at Noah’s hairless balls.  “Seriously?  Here?  Now?”  Noah continued with his half-hearted protests.  It was hard to take his objections seriously, since he also leaned back and spread his legs so we had easier access.  “Oh god!” he added, as his hands pushed Cam’s head further down on his cock.  I wanted to tell him to shut up and enjoy the ride.  It was obvious he was into it as much as Cam and I.

I pulled away and watched as Cam aggressively worked on Noah’s dick, which had fully stiffened.  Cam glanced at me and pulled off.  It was my turn.  I licked at Noah’s thick cock head as Cam took over working his balls.  God this was hot. 

I realized I was hard as a rock when Cam’s hand gripped my dick under the bubbles and started stroking it.  I reached over with mine and found his own throbbing cock and squeezed.  I swear it really did feel bigger. 

I didn’t care what anyone thought, this was what I was meant for.  We were tag teaming Noah’s big dick while groping each other.  I didn’t expect anything like this to happen but it was incredible.

Noah started moaning.  Cam reached up and put his hand across his mouth.  “Shhh,” he whispered.  “Dad and Craig,” he added, pointing in through the window.  Noah nodded, understanding.

Cam joined me at the base of Noah’s shaft.  We kissed and licked at his rod, our lips and tongues frequently making contact.  We moved slowly upward, reaching the fattest part of Noah’s substantial dick.  Now it was Cam and I moaning slightly as we feasted on our best friend’s meat.  We finally reached his plump cockhead and each took half of it into our mouths. 

This was amazing.  It was like making out and giving head at the same time.  And our hands were still exploring each other’s erections, too. 

Cam and I let Noah slip from our mouths and locked lips, thrusting our tongues deep into each other's mouth.  “Oh fuck!  That was something else!” Noah whispered intensely as he gripped his cock and began flogging his meat.  “Do that again… please,” he added with a whimper.

It felt great to make Noah feel so good.  He deserved it.  Cam and I smiled at each other.  I knew he felt the same.  It was one of those things we both just knew without saying.  We resumed our assault on the base of Noah’s pulsing cock, working up and down repeatedly as our tongues met and crossed.  Noah began thrusting his hips, making our task somewhat more challenging.

I nudged Cam away, and took Noah’s cock into my mouth, slowly working it deeper and deeper until it was expanding my throat and his wet pubes tickled my nose.  He arched his hips, pushing deeper. 

Cam shifted, and pushed Noah up, so he was standing in the tub.  Cam maneuvered behind him and buried his face in Noah’s butt.  Noah lurched forward, pressing deeper into my throat.

Noah made some indiscernible sound and babbled something about how good both ends felt.  He let out a high-pitched squeal, and I knew Cam must have managed to work his tongue inside his hole.

Cam came up for air.  “Hey Noah, do you want to feel something really good?”

“Something….better….than this?  Yes — please.”

Through my bobbing and slurping, I saw Cam suck on his right middle finger.  He started massaging Noah’s backside, earning some subtle moans.  Cam must have pushed his finger inside, because Noah grunted and slightly winced, but didn’t tell him to stop.  I thought it was a bold move on Cam's part, and I was more than a little surprised Noah didn’t immediately object.  Getting a BJ is one thing for a straight boy, but butt play is a whole other realm.  He must have been feeling so good it either didn’t register or he didn’t care.

Within what seemed like a few seconds, I could tell Cam found his prostate because I started to get a steady flow of precum.  I love that taste, so it only intensified my own enthusiasm.

Noah was almost crying and breathing heavily as Cam milked him.  “I told you it would feel good,” Cam bragged.

“Oh fuck Max, I’m about to blow,” Noah moaned.  He’s never cum this fast when I’m blowing him alone. 

“Do it, Max,” Cam instructed as he slid around to Noah’s front to better grip and stroke my cock.  He reached between Noah’s legs with his other hand and reinserted his finger.  “This is gonna be lit.  Make him cum, Max.  Do it.”  I began bobbing even faster as Cam lapped at Noah's tightening balls and wiggled his finger. 

I felt Noah’s dick swell just as he grunted.  His first shot filled my mouth.  It was so good.  It had been too long since I’d tasted fresh, warm boy jizz.  I swirled it around and held it in my mouth, wanting to savor the fruit of my labor.  Cam pushed around, nudging me.  I pulled off and swallowed as Cam’s mouth replaced mine, eager for some of Noah’s sweet seed.  He sucked at him for a few seconds before releasing.  He opened his mouth, showing me a puddle of Noah’s semen behind his bottom teeth, before pulling me into a kiss.  Our tongues swapped Noah’s juice between our mouths like two blades of a blender, whipping up a frothy cum milkshake.  This was so decadent and dirty.  But Jesus!  It was hot as fuck.

We broke from our kiss and both swallowed.  Cam gripped Noah’s cock and gently squeezed as he pulled up from the base.  The last of Noah’s jizz formed an opaque bead atop his plump head.  Cam tilted his cock towards me, indicating the last of his load was for me.  I gladly licked it off.  It seemed thicker and saltier. 

“Holy fuck,” Noah said, pushing himself completely out of the water and grabbing a towel. 

“So, are you ever going to tell us which one is better at giving head?” Cam asked.

Noah laughed.  “Well, I can safely say both of you at once is five times better than either one of you alone.  That was unreal.  I keep telling myself I gotta stop having you guys help me like this...but damn.”  

“We don’t mind,” I said.  “In fact, we both enjoy making you feel good and love sucking.  And we really did owe you a big thank you.”

“I know, but it’s still weird,” Noah said breathlessly while standing up.  “I think I need another shower.”  I wondered if he felt dirty about anything ‘gay’ now he had a girlfriend.  Or if he’s feeling guilty about enjoying being rimmed and fingered.

“That was fun,” I commented to Cam after Noah went inside.  I stood and grabbed my towel.

“Where do you think you’re going, young man?  I’m not done with you yet,” Cam said seductively.  I’m digging his bossiness. 

“Huh?” I asked.  Cam stood and we started making out.  His hands roamed my backside, his fingers exploring my crack.  It was clear what he wanted.  “I got a taste of boy pussy, but I need more.”

He stepped out of the tub, pulling my hand.  I followed.  He spun me around and pushed on my shoulders.  I knelt on the deck, against the hot tub.  Cam pushed me forward and pressed his face into my crack.  He sniffed and let out a subtle grunt.  “Lean back baby.  I want to eat you out.”

I soon felt his tongue probing my hole.  “Oh god,” I moaned as he ate me.  He spread my cheeks and pushed deeper.  Soon his tongue was replaced by a wet finger.  It slid inside effortlessly.  Perhaps mom’s dildo, or even Chad’s monster cock.  wasn’t such a bad idea after all, or maybe I was just so aroused I eagerly pulled it inside me.  One finger soon became two, as Cam shifted so his face was just behind mine.

“I’m going to fuck you, hard and fast.  I’ve desperately needed back inside you for weeks.”  I heard him spit into his hand and rub it against my hole.  I wanted him so bad I didn’t even consider getting caught by the grown-ups. 

His hard cock pressed against me...the warmth filling my butt.  He pushed forward.  I was shocked by how easy it pushed in, with only some spit as lube.  Maybe my ass has been self-juicing, having been so horny the past few hours.

Cam wasted no time thrusting deeper.  He was right.  This was going to be a hard and fast fuck because he was on a mission.  We were outside, with his father and Craig just inside.  We didn’t want any interruption, so we needed to finish quickly.  As he pushed into me, I jerked my cock. 

We were both building to a quick, but epic, climax when we heard footsteps and voices from the deck above.  “Oh yeah, it’s cooling off nicely,” I heard Craig say.  You could hear the screech of chairs being pulled across the deck and the sound of both sitting, followed by the sound of beer cans opening. 

Cam froze, his cock lodged deep inside me.  If either Bob or Cam peered down through the slats in the deck they would see us, naked and entwined.  “Damn.  I guess we'll finish this later,” Cam whispered into my ear as he pulled out.  He lovingly rubbed my butt cheeks.  “It feels so right being inside of you again.”  He slowly climbed off and stood up, tip-toeing his way to the door.  I reluctantly stood, mourning the sudden loss of Cam’s penis being nestled where it belongs. 

Noah was just leaving the bathroom as we entered.  Cam’s cock had shrunk in an instant and was already flaccid, but mine was still pointing skyward.  I think the prospect of getting caught by his father made him go soft.  I turned away from Noah so he would see my raging hard-on.

“That was close,” I told Cam.  “Maybe we can finish in the sauna?”

Cam looked down at his limp cock.  “I think it will have to wait.  That freaked me out.  I can get you off, if you want,” he offered.

I thought about it.  I definitely wanted to blow my load.  But…a quick fuck wasn’t the fantasy that’s been preoccupying me for a week.  It would be better to save it until we could take our time and fully enjoy everything. 

“Nah, let's wait until we can make it really special,” I suggested.

Cam smiled and nodded.

***

“What took you so long?” Seb complained, once we logged back on.

“Sorry, we were having a massive orgy in the hot tub,” Cam joked. 

Noah looked alarmed, but he needn’t be.  Nobody took Cam seriously.  “Very funny,” Jamie answered.  Little did he know there was a lot of truth to Cam’s ‘joke’.  “Let’s play.  Seb’s on my team.”

We played a few games against Jamie and Seb, which mostly consisted of Seb carrying Jamie and kicking our ass.  It was funny how animated he was as he blasted us to smithereens.  “Take that!”  “Boom!” he’d yell as he annihilated us.  It seemed strange because he sounds so young and is so soft spoken at school. 

“Hey,” I said after our third loss in a row.  “I want to be on Seb’s team this time.”

“Yeah Jamie, you and me bro,” Noah added.

We played two games, with each team notching a win.  “I only have time for one more,” Seb announced after the second match.  “Mom is nagging me to go to bed.  We have to be up early tomorrow, to visit my grandparents in La Crosse.”  I wondered if Seb had feigned an excuse to avoid sleeping over at Jamie’s, but apparently it was legit.

“Then whoever wins this is the grand champion and has bragging rights,” Noah informed us.

We began our battle and through a stupid move of mine, I was quickly eliminated by Jamie.  It was two on one - Seb versus Jamie and Noah.  Noah told Jamie to take up a position behind some barrels and wait, adding he would chase Seb into the open.  It was smart strategizing, and when Noah launched a couple grenades to force Seb out from the building he was hiding in, the pursuit was on. 

Seb entered a clearing, stopped, and turned, expecting Noah to round the corner and be a sitting duck.  Jamie had him square in his sights.  The game was over.  “Nail him Jamie, nail him!” Noah exclaimed as he ran into the open, sacrificing himself.  Noah had no idea Jamie wanted nothing more than to ‘nail’ Seb, but I burst out laughing at how he phrased it.

Jamie’s shot flew over Seb’s head.  It wasn’t even close.  Seb was dead on, leaving Noah’s character bleeding out on the ground.  Seb quickly ran for cover, celebrating his kill.  A minute later he'd hunted Jamie down for another victory.  “Ah ha suckerrrrrrrrrrrrs!” he cried out.

“What the eff Jamie!” Noah said angrily.  “That was the easiest shot over.  How did you miss that?”

“I dunno, sorry,” Jamie answered.  “I told you guys I suck at this.”

Jamie isn’t great, but he isn’t terrible.  I knew exactly what happened.  He didn’t have it in him to take out Seb.  He didn’t want him to lose.  As silly as it was, it was also kind of sweet.  For a kid who doesn’t think he’s gay, he’s sure fallen hard for Seb.

“Practice up, James,” Noah replied.  “I demand a rematch… soon.” 

“Yeah, yeah.  I better go,” Jamie answered.  “Max, don't do anything I wouldn’t.” 

Jesus Jamie, not subtle.

***

“I still can’t believe we lost!”  Noah grumbled after we turned off the TVs.  He was always competitive about gaming.  “That was the easiest shot ever.”

Until now, I was still conflicted about whether to tell Noah about Jamie liking Seb.  After his parting comment, and remark at school about getting my ‘dick wet’, he wasn’t exactly trying to remain closeted.

“Well, there’s a reason,” I commented.

“Yeah, I know.  It’s because he’s crap at COD,” Noah answered.

“Yeah, well sorta.  But that’s not the main reason.  Jamie missed on purpose.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Because, he can’t take out Seb - he’s crushing on him, super hard!”

“What?” Cam interjected.

“No way,” Noah replied.  “What makes you think that?”

“Listen,” I said, sitting down.  “It’s been obvious to me as soon as Seb showed up.  Remember how Jamie was practically begging him to come to S.N.O.  that first day at lunch?”

“Kinda,” Noah answered.  “I guess I didn’t really notice.”

“You were fixated on a certain female,” I answered sarcastically.  “I’ve been watching Jamie fall all over Seb since.  I finally called him out on his constant flirting today after lunch.”

“Really?” Noah asked, surprised.

“Yeah, he was coming on so strong I thought he might scare Seb off.  He denied it at first, but then admitted he’s been having weird feelings.  He said he thought he liked girls some, and has been curious about guys, but something about Seb just makes him all tingly and has since he first saw him.”

“I know that exact feeling,” Cam said, smiling at me.

“Anyway, don’t you dare tell him I told you,” I said to Noah.  “Even though I know you’ll have his back and all, it’s a sensitive topic.  He’s confused and embarrassed and maybe even a little self-loathing.  He was really worried the other guys noticed, too.”

Noah looked down, shaking his head.  “What the hell!  Are all my friends gay?” he mumbled.  He suddenly looked up, mildly panicked.  “I didn’t mean it like it’s bad,” he said apologetically, “but what the hell?  You two, and now Jamie and Seb.  Six months ago I didn’t know any gay people, and now I’m surrounded.”

“You forgot about Spencer,” Cam added, laughing, egging on his angst.

“See!” he answered.

“Relax.  There are still a lot of our friends who aren’t.  Austin is straight.  So are Paxton and Reese, and I can’t think of any other guys at school I even suspect.”

“Presumably,” Cam added with a smirk.  He seemed to be enjoying making Noah squirm.  “Maybe none of you are as totally straight as you think.  I mean, you just spunked in your best friend’s mouth with my finger deep in your butt, and I’m pretty sure you enjoyed it, based on the noises you were making.”

Noah hid his face in his hands, embarrassed.  “Ugh!” he said, shaking his head.

“You know you loved it,” Cam said, grinning.  “Maybe everyone has a little gay in them.”  I knew I loved when I had a gay inside of me. 

“Hell no,” Noah replied sharply.  “I’m just horny.  I could never take a dick up my butt or mouth or anything.  That’s gross.  I’d never let you do what you did if I wasn’t so close to blowing already.”

“It’s cool bro,” I interjected.  “I know once you get with a chick you’ll be done letting us have fun with you.”  

“Can we talk about something else?  Anything else?  Or do something?” Noah practically pleaded. 

Noah seemed so uncomfortable, I felt a little bad for him.  I think he was feeling guiltier than ever before, and maybe confused if he really did enjoy it.  Cam may have taken it a little too far…either going for butt stuff at all, teasing him about it, or both. 

“Let’s go setup downstairs,” Cam answered.  “We can watch a movie… or something.”

*** End of Chapter 33 ***

Author’s notes:

I hope everyone enjoyed a little smut again after all the recent drama.  How will the rest of the sleepover go?  Will Cam and Max get some alone time to finish what they started by the hot tub?  Is Noah feeling a little ‘confused’?  Will he continue to allow his gay friends to get him off?  Just how far would he go?

Comments as always encouraged: craigpnifty@protonmail.com