Max’s Awakening #41

By craigpwriter888@tutanota.com and J

Author’s notes:

In the last chapter, Max and Cam introduced Liam to his first gay experience, which sent him into a funk.   He was quiet all through the movie and the ride home.  We pick up back at Cam’s.....

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Chapter 41

When we arrived home, Cam and I retreated to the basement.  Finally alone, I brought up Liam. 

“I’m not so sure we should have moved so fast with Liam.  He seems totally weirded out.”

“He definitely is,” Cam replied nonchalantly.  “But that doesn’t necessarily mean it was bad for him, or be anything he’ll regret.  And we didn’t take advantage of or force him to do anything.”

While it was true it was completely voluntary, I was unconvinced.  “What do you mean?  It’s not good he’s flipping his shit!”

Cam shrugged.  “Temporarily, maybe.  But in the long run, it’s better he rips off the Band-Aid.  He just needs a little time to process.”

I must have looked completely baffled.  Cam sighed.

“Look, I get where he is.  All his life he’s been told homosexuality, and masturbation, are wrong.  If he’s gay, which seems to be the case, he’s got to get past that.  Sooner the better.”

“Yeah, I guess,” I answered.  I was beginning to see his point.

“Trust me, I know those feelings.  The first time I jerked off with my friends in Texas, I was like that for a few days.  I was sure everyone could tell I had done gay stuff.  It wears off.  Soon, he’ll realize he’s the same chill dude he’s always been, and crave it.  Even straight Noah went through the same thing when you started blowing him.  Hell, he did again after his first fuck, but that won’t stop him from coming back for more.”

“True.  We can help reinforce that for Liam, too.”

“Exactly,” he agreed. 

“So, should we text him before or after we fuck?”  I asked slyly.  I had not forgotten our shower circle jerk ended with Cam shy of cumming and promising something intense later.  Thoughts of what we might do permeated my brain throughout the movie.

“Both.  And maybe we'll send him a clip,” he laughed.  “You should check in with him.  I already gave him a pep talk at his house.”

“What did you say, anyway?  It made him smile, whatever it was.”

“I told him I’d pray for him,” he smirked.  “And I will.  But I’ll be praying he learns to relax and enjoy being the cock-loving-homo he was born to be.”

“That made him laugh?”

“Yeah, it’s ironic.  Like serious, but funny too, in a weird way.  Maybe you have to be religious to get it,” Cam suggested.  “I also told him I understood his emotions — because my mom had me thinking the same way.  I told him we’re his friends now and we wouldn’t let him down, and he won’t have the same intensity of guilt or anxiety next time.”

Bob summoned Cam upstairs for something, so I sent Liam a quick message to ask how he’s doing.

Liam: Better.  For some reason a hot shower made me relax.

I thought that was funny, considering what he did during his last shower was what set him off. 

Me: Good.  You have nothing to be ashamed of.  Especially with that monster between your legs lol

Liam: It’s not THAT big.

Me:  you have no idea how big it is, especially for our age.  I can’t wait to get to know it better lmao

I added a winking emoji for good measure.  Liam replied back with a drooling emoji of his own.  That sure seems like a good sign.  He was either feeling better already or playing along — convincingly.

Were I not keeping secrets, I’d tell him he’s already almost as thick as most adult cocks I’ve seen, but decided to leave out that part. 

Me: I’m glad you’re feeling better… we both really enjoyed hanging out.  enjoy your screen-free day with your fam.  talk to you Monday.

Liam: Thanks Max… for everything.  Sorry if I freaked a little and made things weird.  Tell Cam the same?

Me: you’re fine, don’t worry.  We get it, but I’ll tell him.

***

As I put my phone down, Cam came flying back down the stairs.

“What did your dad want?”  I asked.

“Oh, nothing really.  Just chewed on me a little for forgetting to take out the trash again.  I meant to do it last night, but got distracted, and he reminded me again this morning, but we got busy.  I think he noticed how full it was getting with the pizza boxes,” Cam explained.  “I wasn’t trying to disobey, just spaced it, but he said I’d get grounded and he’d take you home if I didn’t take care of it right then.”

For having just gotten in trouble, Cams sure seems unfazed.  Normally he’s very sensitive to disappointing his father.

“Glad you got it out.  He sure knows how to motivate you,” I responded.  It didn’t seem like a big deal, but in Bob’s defense, he handled it privately and gave him a third opportunity before punishing him.  Or me.  “Liam seems okay.  Apologized for being a downer and thanked us.”

“That’s good.  And, now that we got that squared away,” Cam said, scratching his chin and pretending to be in deep thought.  “I think someone advertised inducing an incredible orgasm.”

“Fuck yes,” I replied, crawling across the couch.  I pressed my face to his, pushing his head back, as our tongues began to battle.  His hand quickly found its way inside my shirt, and he started rubbing my hardening nipples. 

We were just beginning to get really into our foreplay, having just shed our shirts, when our phones both buzzed simultaneously.  That made us curious enough to break off.  It was Noah, pinging our group chat. 

Noah: Dudes, you still up? 

Cam: Of course.  It’s only 9:40!  We’re not grandpas!  Although, I am about to be Max’s Daddy.

He added an eggplant and peach emoji for effect.  I sent an eye roll. 

Noah:  lol.  Do you think your dad would let me spend the night?  Jackson can drive me

Me:  I thought you’re with Ashley?

Noah:  Her curfew is 9:30 on the weekend.  I just walked her home.

Cam:  So did you get past 1st base before she left?

Noah:  Not even

Cam:  but you did go to the basement and make out?

Noah:  I’ll fill you in on the juicy details when I get there… Can I, please?

Cam ran up to ask his dad if it was okay, which of course it was. 

***

Before Noah arrived, Cam and I speculated. 

“Do you think they just kissed?  Or would Ashley let him feel her boobs, yet?”  I asked.

“I’m not sure, but he seemed pretty desperate to come over.  He was almost begging.”

“He was?”  I asked.  He asked politely, and it was sudden, but I guess I didn’t interpret it as desperation.

“Sure seemed like it to me.  Maybe Ashley got him all worked up and now he needs our help.”

I shook my head.  “He probably stopped in the woods on the way home to jerk off.  Or ran straight to his bedroom,” I suggested.  “I doubt he’ll do that again with us.  He was kind of freaked out last time, remember?  Sorta like Liam, only not as bad.”

“As hard as they were going at it during the movie, I wouldn’t be surprised if he creamed his shorts right then,” Cam laughed. 

That made me laugh.  They really weren’t that hot and heavy, but hey, when you’re in eighth grade, dunking on your friends is just a thing you do.

“As for us:  that was two weeks ago, so he’ll be over any guilt by now — if he’s horny enough,” Cam continued.  “Besides, he’s been letting us blow him for months, so even if he doesn’t ask for a fuck, he’ll still want us to get him off.”  

Cam was clearly excited about the prospect of Noah joining us.  The enthusiasm in his voice was unmistakable.  I’m happy to have him, so long as he isn’t weird about anything, I just don’t want to get my hopes up.

“Well, remember, if he’s coming here to fuck, it’s my turn,” I asserted.

“Fair enough.  I’ll use your mouth until he’s finished, but I’m dumping my load in your ass; I don’t care if it’s sloppy seconds,” Cam declared, grinning.  “He can borrow your butt, but it belongs to me.  Right?”

I love when Cam talks like that.  I decided to play along.  “Yes sir, always.  But with your blessing, I’d like to help my friend.”

Cam grunted.  “That’s very considerate.  Permission granted.  Now get over here and let's make sure your hole is presentable.”

***

Noah texted when he got to Cam’s neighborhood, who told him the front door was open and to let himself in and head down.  Jackson delivered him a few minutes later.

We heard his voice upstairs, talking to Bob.  We couldn’t hear much, just enough to know they were on the topic of bait and lures.  Cam and I exchanged eye rolls.  The cabin was fun, and we’d totally go again, but neither of us get the big deal about fishing.

Finally, Noah came bounding down the stairs.  Well, he started to, before grimacing and walking gingerly.

“You okay?”  I asked.

“My dudes,” he said, leaning over the couch.  “I’m here to tell you:  blue balls are a real thing.  For fucking real.”  He grabbed his junk and gave a semi-fake groan. 

Cam laughed.  “Duh!  Did you think people were just making that up?”

I was kind of lost.  I guess I’ve heard the term ‘blue balls’ before, but never really gave much thought as to what it meant.

“Yeah,” Noah answered.  “I thought it was just something people joked about.”

“What is something they just joke about?”  I asked, perplexed.

“Blue balls!”  Cam and Noah answered in unison. 

I shrugged.  “I guess I, uh… don’t understand.”

“That’s right, babe,” Cam replied, putting his hand on my bare chest.  “I’d never let you get to that point.  Rawrrrr.” 

I gave him a strange look.

“Max — if you get horny and are, um, stimulated for too long, like hours on end without cumming, your balls seriously start to ache.  Trust me, I know.  At least, now I do,” Noah added.

I got it now.  “Well, it serves you right for making out and ignoring Spider-Man,” I quipped.  A little slam was just the way to deflect from my naïveté. 

“So, did it go away after you finally took the little lady home and jerked off?”  Cam asked.  He was enjoying skewering Noah, I could tell. 

“I haven’t, yet.  But damn, I’m still so horny.  When we were making out in the basement, I swear she was rubbing her pussy on my thigh,” he gushed.  Gross.  “Oh man!  Maybe I can borrow the bathroom?”

“Gentlemen!”  Bob yelled from midway down the stairs.  “Goodnight.  Don’t stay up too late now, y’all hear?”

“Yes sir,” Cam answered respectfully.  “We won’t.”  He went to give Bob a goodnight hug and received a kiss on his forehead.  I knew I’d be getting more than that in a few minutes, but it made me miss Craig. 

You know what?  Fuck it.  Noah and Cam won’t judge me.  I ran to the stairs for a goodnight hug, myself.

“Can I get one of those too, please?”  I whispered.  Bob smiled, embraced me, and gave me a kiss on the top of the head.

Noah thanked Bob, again, for allowing him to spend the night on such short notice. 

Cam waited until he heard his father’s footsteps above the ceiling. 

“Noah, you know damn well you didn’t beg to come over here to use my bathroom to jerk off.  You wouldn’t dare deny your two gay best friends the honor of relieving your plight.”

Cam brushed Noah’s crotch with the back of his hand.  “He’s half hard already!”  He announced.

“Not ‘already’, still!  It hasn’t gone all the way down since the theater,” Noah whined.  “Oh god, would you guys, really?”

I crawled across the couch to where Noah and Cam were.  “‘Would’ we?  Oh… we would!”  I ran my hand up his smooth thigh and reached inside his shorts, gently probing his cock.  It was filling rapidly.

“Should we make sure your dad’s really in bed?”

“When Daddy says goodnight, he’s done for the evening,” Cam explained.  “But I’ll go make sure the door is locked, if it helps you relax.”  Cam jumped from the couch and quietly climbed the stairs to click the latch.

“So, did you get past first base?”  I asked Noah as I tugged at his shorts, revealing his blue Reebok underwear, now bulging out from his expanding cock.  There were several dark spots on the front of his boxer briefs, near where the head of his cock lay.

With Noah standing behind the couch and me leaning over it, my face was right near his crotch.  I could smell the intense odor that can only be described as the sheer horniness that is so pronounced during puberty.  It was musty, yet sweet.  I inhaled deeply, almost tasting the precum that had dried on his underwear.  My cock instantly hardened. 

“C’mon,” Cam instructed, grabbing Noah’s arm.  “We’re not going to get anywhere with you on this side of the couch.”

He positioned Noah just in front of me, slightly to the left.  Then, Cam joined me on the couch.  “Let’s get these off.” 

We slowly peeled down his stretchy, athletic trunks past his erection, which poked out at us.  His balls dropped as we pulled past them.  Noah let out a moan.  Apparently, freeing them from the tight confines of his undies generated some relief for his ‘condition’.

His balls didn’t appear unusual at all.  I gently cupped them.  “These don’t look blue to me.  But damn, they feel full,” I remarked.

“Careful!”  Noah pleaded.  “They’re more tender than usual.”

“It’s just a saying.  They don’t actually turn blue,” Cam explained.

“I know!”  I answered a little defensively.  I didn’t, actually.  “I was just joking.”

“After we drain these, the hot tub might be a good idea.  How do you want to get off?”

“I don’t care!”  Noah exclaimed.  “Just do it… please?”

Cam began to gently stroke Noah’s rock-hard cock.  “Well, we could just jerk you off.  Or maybe would prefer to be sucked?”

“Yes, please.  PLEASE!” 

“To which?”  Cam asked teasingly, knowing full well Noah wants to be blown.

“Stop messing with him, Cam,” I said, pushing his hand away.  I guided Noah’s plump rod to my mouth and sucked on the tip.  A giant blob of precum washed across my tongue as he moaned.  I swear, his knees almost buckled.

Cam got up and moved behind me.  He pulled at my shorts and underwear, dragging them to my knees.  I gently pushed Noah onto the couch and lifted myself so Cam could get my shorts over my feet.  I crawled forward and took Noah’s cock more fully into my mouth.  His head was thrown back, eyes closed.

I felt Cam lift my hips and push my legs apart.  Soon, he was hungrily licking my butthole.  When enough spit had built up, he pushed a finger inside.  I whimpered as I took more of Noah’s cock down my throat.

“Max, you better go easy if you want him to top you,” Cam said.  “He was close to jizzing when he walked in the door.”

I took his advice and pulled off Noah’s cock, shifting to carefully lapping his balls as his hard cock lay across my face.

Cam soon had two well-lubed fingers pressing into my hole.  Where the hell does he come up with lube all the time?  It’s like he has tubes stashed everywhere!

“Hey Noah,” Cam began.  “We know what you really need — what you were actually hoping for, is a good fuck.”

I reached up to rub his nipples as I gently caressed his balls.

“Was it that obvious?”  Noah admitted sheepishly.  “You don’t have to.  I get if it’s uncomfortable or you want to keep that between you.”

“You’re grandfathered in,” I responded.

“Hey, even straight boys have to get off, and you’re lucky to have such caring friends,” Cam added with a laugh.  “And Max’s ass is pretty amazing, trust me.  I’m going to have a go after you’re finished.”

Noah had a perplexed look on his face.  “I mean, I want to, I just don’t want to make anything weird, you know?  Max is like my bro.”

“I want to.  I’ve always wanted to, but didn’t figure you ever would because you’re helplessly straight,” I admitted.  “Besides, you don’t mind me blowing you.”  I immediately returned to slurping to drive home my point. 

I had him there.  Literally, his penis is in my mouth.

“If you’re sure, I know it’ll feel good.  Cam did,” Noah acknowledged.  “You don’t need to use the bathroom or anything, do you?”

“Nope,” I declared, before getting on all fours and turning away from him on the couch.  I don’t assume, as a hetero, he wants to see my junk (or face, for that matter). 

“Here, squirt some lube.  He’s loosened up a little.  You should try fingering sometime, you know, as practice for a chick,” Cam suggested. 

“Where are the condoms?”  Noah asked.

“In my bedroom, if I even have any left.  We don’t use them with each other, and I didn’t know you’d be over so I didn’t think to bring any.  I could try sneaking upstairs to get some, but it might wake Daddy.”

“I don’t mind if you go bare, Noah.  I actually prefer it.  It’s more intense for the top but it also feels awesome to be cummed in.  It’s just so natural.”

I could tell Noah was considering his options.  “You won’t shit on my dick, will you?”

Cam and I laughed.  “All the times we’ve had sex, that’s never happened.  We eat healthy and have a high-fiber diet, remember?”  I replied.

Finally, I heard the bottle open and the sound of lube being slathered all over his dick.

“It does look nice.  From this angle you can’t even tell it doesn’t belong to a girl.  It’s so smooth and pink!”

I laughed.  I guess as a straight guy, he doesn’t have much experience with an anus.

“Just push in, slowly, when you’re ready,” I directed.  “It’ll feel good for both of us, I promise.”

Cam adjusted himself onto the couch, and pushed my head down, to begin sucking him.

I could feel Noah’s weight against me, as his rigid cock pressed against my hole.  It took some angling, and a few false-starts, but finally I could feel him inserting.

Suddenly, with a jolt, he slid several inches.  Despite being fairly experienced and loosened by Cam, it hurt.  It was too much too soon.  I winced and raised my mouth off Cam to protest.

“Slowly, Noah!” I exclaimed, grimacing.  “You’re bigger than Cam, you have to let me get used to it.  Just hold it there for a minute.”

“Shit!  Sorry.  I’ll pull out if you want.”

“No!” I barked.  Even pulling out would hurt.  “I just need time to adjust.”

Having caught my breath, I had gone back to sucking.  Cam responded.  “He’s fine, just give him a moment and inch yourself in gradually.”

Noah was very considerate.  I was concerned he might be in such a state he’d pound with abandon, but he waited for me to start pushing back on him.  Soon, I could feel his pubes.  He had all six inches inside.

“It’s so hot and wet and tight,” he declared.  “Your butt seems so small.”

“I told you!  Boy pussy is amazing.  So is getting fucked, but I get you aren’t open to that,” Cam said.  “Now, start pulling out slowly and pushing back in, at various depths and speeds.”

Noah did as instructed.  He was rubbing past my prostate and I was starting to get hard and drip.  I began to moan.

Cam pushed my head down further as he addressed Noah.  “I know when you fucked me, I just sort of bounced on you until you came, but you’re in control now.  Pretend it’s whoever you want to fantasize about and start fucking harder, but stay aware of any warning signs or pain, and try not to come in eighteen seconds.”

Noah began picking up speed, and quickly began slapping his balls against my butt.  I reached to jerk myself, but Cam slapped my hand away.

“I know you, and if you do that too soon, you’ll cum.  Besides, you’ve been looking forward to this for forever.  Enjoy it!”

“Clench that pussy and tell me how bad you want it,” Noah commanded as he pulled almost entirely out before slamming back in.  I moaned loudly and could feel precum draining out of me.  Noah slapped my butt a couple of times as he pounded on my cunt. 

“It feels incredible.  I’ve wanted you to fuck me for so long.  You’re my best friend and I want your cum inside me,” I cried.  He thrust forward, wrapped his arm around my torso, and collapsed onto my back as I felt his dick throb and several jets of warm stickiness fill my guts.

I don’t know how long Noah lasted from start to finish.  A couple of minutes, maybe three or four.  Longer than I expected, honestly.

I’ve fantasized about this moment for years.  It wasn’t as skilled as Craig or Cam, but felt similarly special, or right, or meant to be.  Like we’ve been bonded, and no one can ever take that away. 

Noah was breathing heavily.  “Thanks Max,” he said breathlessly.  “Cam was right.  That was mind-blowing.  But don’t you need to cum?”

“Not until after I’m finished with him,” Cam declared.  “Pull out and let me in there.”

The shift only took a few seconds.  I’m not sure if it’s because he came so much or is bigger or what, but the plopping sound as he withdrew was pronounced.  I don’t think I’d heard my ass make that sound since Mexico.

Rather than immediately push forward, Cam buried his tongue in my backside.  That surprised me.

“What are you doing?”  I asked, genuinely curious (but not complaining).  It felt interesting, being rimmed after being fucked hard.

“It’s called felching.  Usually after I cum, the desire to do it goes away, but I haven’t cummed yet and was curious.  It’s kinda salty but super hot, to taste Noah and you at the same time.”

Noah had moved to the other side of the sectional and was watching us intently.

“Well, what are you waiting for?  Give it to him, Cam.  Conquer that pussy.”  Noah was still feeling randy, apparently.  It was odd but amusing — him sitting there, naked, his cock softening with a drop of cum on the tip, urging us on.

Cam needed no further motivation.  Rather than taking the advice he had given Noah, he slammed to the hilt in one, swift motion.  Between Noah’s thicker cock and the copious amount of cum he splattered inside, there was no pain or resistance.

“Wow, it feels way wetter and looser than normal.  Noah, you must have cummed a gallon!”

While he isn’t as thick or even quite as long as Noah, Cam knows his territory.  I was leaking readily again, purring in pleasure, as Cam pummeled my bottom.  It feels rapturous, but I need to cum.

“Can I jack off yet?”  I whined.

“No, not yet.  Noah is going to have another go after I finish.  He won’t get full relief from his aching balls unless he cums again.  You can jerk then.”

Wait, what?  Noah and I exchanged looks.  He seemed surprised by Cam’s declaration, but grinned eagerly.

“Are you going to be up for that, Max?” Noah asked with concern.  “If not, I totally get it.”

Honestly, I was loving this.  I was having waves of pleasure as my nub was activated, constantly being pressed on.  I’m hard as a rock, my prostate is almost pulsating, but it’s been less than fifteen minutes of actual fucking.

“Fuck yeah, dude.  If you can go again already, I’ll take it!”  It was nice to see Noah have zero regrets.  I wasn’t sure how he would feel post-cum.

Cam leaned across my back and began kissing my neck as he pumped inside of me.  Soon, I could feel him cumming.  His volume wasn’t the same as Noah’s, but it wasn’t an insignificant amount, either.  

Cam laid atop me and we continued kissing for a minute as his erection deflated.

“You ready for round two, Noah?”

“I think so.  If Max is still up for it.”

I nodded.  “Make me cum.  Please?”

Noah had no problem entering this time.  He was very gentle pushing in, and commented about how wet it felt.  He asked several times if I was okay.

“I’m good.  Fuck me harder!”  I bellowed.

Noah didn’t need any further direction or notes.  He had learned from earlier, as his form had already improved.  His stamina was also better, having just cummed.

I was completely drenched in sweat, zoned out, and almost crying in pleasure.  Noah must have been going at it for at least ten minutes when Cam maneuvered his head between my legs and took my cock in his mouth.

It didn’t take more than a few slurps before I was sent over the edge and had, perhaps, the hardest orgasm of my life.  Just as I was finishing, Noah groaned and heaved forward.  I couldn’t feel any warmth or twitching this time, but it was obvious he came again.

We laid liked that for several minutes, catching our breath, before Cam rolled off the couch.

“Well, we definitely need to shower,” he suggested.  “But Noah, before we do, spread his cheeks and look at your handiwork.”

It was hard not to feel like a piece of meat, and in some circumstances, that might have bothered me.  With Cam and Noah, it felt completely natural.  I’m proud I can make them feel so good, and it’s incredible for me, too.  Anyone who says being gay is wrong or that we’re too young to have or enjoy sex is misguided.

“Damn, his hole looks worn out.  It’s gaped and puffy and dripping.”

“The sign of a good fuck.  Or three!”  Cam exclaimed.  “But he’s done for the night.  If you need another, you’ll have to get it from me.”

Noah laughed.  “Bro, I’m spent.  That was amazing, but I’m not sure I could get hard if I wanted to.”

We all meandered into the shower, which Cam prepared.

“You say that now, but at three in the morning you might feel differently,” I teased.  “You know, you never would tell us who gives better head, so you’ll have to decide whose ass feels best.”

Noah rolled his eyes.  “This again?  Do you guys compete about everything?”

***

After blowing our loads, we all showered.  Cam and Noah headed to the hot tub while I sat on the toilet, trying to let some of the boy jizz escape.  I didn’t really want that coming out in Mr. Rice’s hot tub.  That would be gross and inconsiderate, and he’s already strict about showering before, so I’m sure he’d freak if he saw spunk floating around.  My hole was very tender, but not on fire like after Chad. 

While we soaked, Noah brought up something I thought he forgot about.  “So, were you ever going to tell me Liam is Oly Guy?”

“You finally figured that out?  Took you long enough,” I answered.  “I wasn’t really hiding it, you just never asked!  I mean, you’ve been preoccupied with a certain female.”  It was true.  I don’t think it’s my place to tell anyone about Liam’s sexuality, but if Noah had asked point-blank, I would have trusted him enough to share, especially since he speculated about OlyGuy before I knew it was Liam. 

“Yeah, I know,” he admitted.  “Honestly, the whole Oly Guy thing kind of slipped my mind after the long weekend.  It wasn’t until you told me he was coming to the movie that I thought about it again.”

“Yes, put some boobs in front of you and nothing else matters,” I teased. 

“Yeah, yeah.  Like you’re any different when it comes to dick,” he replied.  “Honestly, Liam doesn’t seem remotely gay.  Not that either of you do, but — well, you know what I mean.”

“I get it,” Cam chimed in.  “He wouldn’t have pinged my gaydar, either.  Especially not coming from a strict Mormon family.”

“So, are you guys going to try to get into his pants or what?”  Noah asked.  “I’m surprised you didn’t invite him to spend the night, too.”

“Now Noah, I don’t think Max’s backside could have handled another dick, do you?  He’s bigger than you!”  Cam said, before putting his hand over his mouth, realizing he let it slip that we’ve already seen Liam naked.  “Besides, what makes you think we DIDN’T invite him?”

“You already have gotten in them!”  Noah exclaimed excitedly.  “But he couldn’t sleep over?”

“Yeah,” I answered.  “He didn’t think his parents would let him spend the night with a new friend, plus he has to go to church in the morning.  But he came over before the movie, just for a little while.  We grabbed him on the way home from gymnastics.”

“And what did you do here before the movie?”  Noah asked in an accusatory.  “I didn’t notice any stains on the couch.”  He was joking, but only sort of.  He was digging for info.

“What makes you think we used the couch?” Cam asked coyly.  “That’s your special love nest, Noah.  We would never defile it with another boy.  That would be gay!”  Cam’s shit-eating grin when he messes with Noah is fucking priceless.

Noah rolled his eyes and huffed.  “Well, you said he’s bigger than me, not that I fucking believe that, but you’ve obviously seen his dick.  I doubt he’s sending you nudes, so…”

“Cam and I had a little fun in the shower.  Was Liam there, too?  Maybe, maybe not.  Would you want us to share with Liam about what happened a few minutes ago?”

“Hell no!”  Noah quickly replied.  “Okay, okay, none of my business.  I get it.  But you’re still horny mother fuckers.”

“Maybe we can all have a giant sleepover soon,” Cam suggested, grinning.  “Now THAT might be fun.”

“I don’t know if I’m quite ready for that.  Besides, Liam might feel really inadequate if he saw my huge cock.”  

Cam and I burst out laughing, looking at each other.  Liam was every bit Noah’s match in that department, if not more.  Definitely more, based on initial appearances. 

“What’s so damn funny?”  Noah asked.

“Nothing,” Cam and I answered simultaneously. 

***

It was getting late, and rather than turning on the Roku, we decided to settle down for the night.  Noah slipped on his boxers when we came in from the hot tub, and took one end of the sectional.  Cam and I grabbed a sheet and, in the buff, cuddled on the other.

“You guys aren’t going to mess around in the middle of the night with me sleeping right here, are you?”  Noah asked, giving us a quizzical look when he noticed we hunkered down naked.  That seemed like an odd concern at this point.

“Don’t worry, Noah,” Cam assured him in a very serious tone.  “We’ll wake you up to join.  We wouldn’t want you to feel left out.”

Noah launched a pillow in our direction.  “That’s not what I meant,” he protested.  “I just don’t…”  He trailed off, as if he was unsure how to finish his sentence. 

“Don’t tell us you’re having regrets, because I was there, and you definitely enjoyed yourself.  Both times,” I interjected.  “I literally have your sperm inside of me.  I think it’s a little late to become shy.”

He paused.  “It’s not that.  I mean yeah, it felt awesome.  I don’t regret it, I just, I dunno.  Now that I've gotten off a couple of times, it feels a little funny,” he replied introspectively.  “Like I can’t believe I did that — and enjoyed it so much.  I don’t think that’s normal for straight guys.”

“I guess it’s normal for a straight dude to have some weird thoughts after gay sex,” I acknowledged.  “But I don’t think it makes you less straight, it just makes you horny and fortunate.”

Cam nodded.  “And I’d bet my college fund a ton of straight boys our age would fuck any willing hole they could, boy or girl, if they had the opportunity.  You just lucked into having a couple available,” Cam explained.  “And honestly, most guys — probably of any age — wouldn’t turn down a chance to slide into Max if they saw his pussy winking at them.  It’s a thing of beauty.”

“Aww, thanks babe.  I think,” I joked.  Him talking about me like a piece of meat was still fun, but maybe a little less now that I’ve had some relief and am no longer horny.

“Are you worried you’re gay, or at least bi?”  Cam asked solemnly?  “I know I tease you about it, but I’ll stop if it bothers you.  I don’t seriously think that.”

Noah sighed.  “No, I know I’m straight.  I mean, I’m not emotionally or romantically attracted to other guys, and I don’t fantasize about anyone who doesn’t have a vagina.  I don’t want to get fucked or play with a dick, but how can I enjoy fucking a boy’s butt so much and still say I’m totally straight?”

“Noah, relax.  You’re 13 and horny all the time.  It’s sexual release.  It feels good and scratches an inch.  You’re desperate for relief,” I explained.

“Yeah bro, I’d be more surprised if you didn’t enjoy it, especially since you don’t have to wear a condom.  A hole is a hole, right?  I’m sure a girl’s butt feels just as good.”  Cam speculated.  What a disgusting thought.

“Yeah, but you wouldn’t fuck a girl if the roles were reversed, would you?”  Noah asked.  “So, it isn’t really the same, is it?”

He had us there. 

“Well, no, probably not,” Cam admitted.  “That shit’s nasty!”

“Definitely not.  Even if it was their butt, it’s way too close to those skanky girl parts,” I added, laughing.

“Maybe it’s different with other guys.  Like we have the same equipment and we’re all so horny all the time, it’s like male bonding,” Cam posited.  “With girls it would be strange because their bodies are different, they aren’t usually as driven by sex, and are much more into the lovey-dovey crap.”

“Yeah, think of it as you’re just using us as a masturbation aid,” I suggested.  I couldn’t tell if Noah was genuinely bothered or just voicing stray thoughts, but decided to go for a joke.  “Think of me as your own, personal Fleshlight!”

That made him laugh.

“Hey, that ass belongs to me, remember?”  Cam protested playfully.

“Yeah, but with you it’s different.  It means something.  We’re making love,” I declared.  “With Noah, it’s just about getting off.  Right?”

“That’s true,” Noah agreed.  “We’re as close as bros can be, but I don’t want to be your boyfriend.  There’s zero part of me that wants to have a relationship with another boy.”

“And that’s where we’re different.  You can enjoy sex, because it feels good and you have a penis and it’s your only option, but you aren’t actually attracted to us,” Cam said.  “We’re a means to an end.  It would be way more complicated for you with a chick because you’re straight.  Just like it is between Max and I.  It isn’t just physical between us.”

“That makes sense,” Noah acquiesced.  “You know, Cam and I talked about it some at the sleepover incident when you were broken up, but Max, I don’t think you ever told me how or when you knew you were gay.”

Now that I think about it, he’s right.  He found out I was gay by walking in on me blowing Cam and I don’t think we ever really discussed it. 

“Hmm.  Well, I never got the big deal about girls, especially when everyone around me started thinking they were so great.  I liked jerking off with my vacation friend Benjamin, but everything with my dad was such shit, so maybe I don’t remember tons,” I shared.  “I don’t think I gave it much thought until the middle of sixth grade.  I was 12.5 and started noticing other boys more in the locker room and always felt excited when I saw them shirtless and stuff.”

“You never let on,” Noah replied.

“Of course.  Gay kids figure out pretty quickly we’re different and need to keep it to ourselves.  It’s survival.”

“Who was your first crush, anyway?”  Noah asked casually.  “We used to talk about who we liked, but you were always so vague.  For good reason, I guess.”

Shit.  I hoped we’d avoid this.  It’s embarrassing.

I took a deep breath.  “Um, well, you…  sorta,” I grumbled.

“Me?!”  Noah asked incredulously.  “That's the first time you’ve ever mentioned that.”

“Well, yeah.  It wasn’t like my feelings would be returned, and it might have cost me my best friend, so why would I have said anything?”

“Plus Noah, it’s super common for a gay kid to crush on their best friend,” Cam added.

“So, you had the hots for me, huh?”  Noah teased, grinning widely.  “Do you, um, still?”

“I mean, I’ve always admired your dick and have wanted you to fuck me for a while, and I like blowing you, but it isn’t really a crush like it was when we were 12,” I tried to explain.  I knew I needed to choose my words carefully.  “We had always been close, and you were there for me with all of my dad’s drama, and I dunno, it just happened.  But at that age, it wasn’t even all that sexual.” 

“What do you mean?  I always wanted to bang my crushes,” Noah replied.

“Just…  I didn’t even really know what gay sex was until this spring, and Cam will tell you, I was nervous.  So it wasn’t like I had super wild fantasies.  I wasn’t certain what it would look like physically, just that I wanted to do it with you.”

Noah didn’t respond right away.  “So, tonight was something you’ve wanted for a long time?”

I sighed.  “Yeah.  And it was more special than with most guys, but I don’t want to, like, have your babies or anything.”

“God knows I came enough,” Noah joked.

“Hey, don’t get any ideas.  If anyone gets to impregnate Max, it’s me!”  Cam exclaimed.

“Damn straight,” I declared, laughing.  “No pun intended.”

***

You’d think my butthole would be sore the next morning after a triple-fuck, but it wasn’t.  I guess soaking in the hot tub afterwards helped immensely. 

I was just beginning to clear my head when I heard Bob yell down the stairs.  “Boys, I went to YoYo’s!  Come get some donuts before you sleep the day away.”  

I glanced at my phone.  It was almost 10:00.  We stayed up late talking before all dozing off on Cam’s sectional.  Sex is tiring!  And a Jacuzzi relaxes you so well.  I was out the entire night.  I always seem to sleep better when I’m spooned with Cam. 

If there is one way to get teenagers moving, it’s YoYo’s.  They are so freaking good.  We all bolted upstairs, not even bothering to put on clothes.  Well, Cam and I did toss on our skivvies, but Noah sleeps in his.  Who has time for more when donuts await? 

***

We were sitting at the table, gorging ourselves and laughing about some random nonsense, when we all got a shock.  Cam’s mom suddenly burst in from the garage. 

“Hello, family,” she announced in the most cheerful voice I think I’ve ever heard from her.  “Good morning Max, Noah,” she added, once she realized we were there.

“Mom?”  Cam asked, startled.  “What…” he was stunned speechless.

“I decided to come home a few days early and surprise you.  Come give your mother a hug.”

Hesitantly, Cam pushed his chair back and inched towards her, eventually giving her a half-hearted hug.

“Well, this is quite the surprise,” Bob interjected, sounding annoyed.  “We’ve had a busy couple of days, and I hadn’t mentioned to Cam that you were on your way back.  Please forgive him if he seems surprised.”

While Cam greeted his mother — who was smothering him in kisses and insisting he had grown in the last few weeks, as if nothing else had transpired — Bob quietly suggested that Noah and I go downstairs to get dressed.  We escaped to the basement.  The whole situation was awkward.  I could tell Cam wasn’t happy. 

“Jesus, what a clusterfuck!”  Noah whispered as we pulled up our shorts.

“Yeah, I can tell Cam is pissed,” I replied.  “Good thing she didn’t come home last night, huh?”

“No shit!”  Noah answered.

We had just finished gathering our belongings when Cam came downstairs.  He was seething. 

“What the fuck is this?”  Cam vented.  “Dad doesn’t even tell me she’s coming home, when he’s clearly known for at least two days.  You can’t drive from Houston any faster.”

I gave him a hug.  I knew he was bummed, but didn’t really know what to say.  “I’m sorry.  If you need to come over later to escape, just call.”

“For real,” Noah added.  “You can come to my house anytime.  My ‘rents love you.”

“Thanks, but daddy says we need to take you home so the three of us can have a family meeting.  I can hardly wait for that cringe fest!”

***

When we went back upstairs, Jeanine acted like Noah and I were her favorite kids on the planet.  She quizzed me about school and gymnastics, and even asked about our weekend on the lake. 

“It’s so good to see you again, Max.  I can’t wait to watch you and Cam compete in the next meet.”

It was weird.  Suddenly, it seems like maybe she’s okay with Cam having a boyfriend?  Or, is she just pretending and being fake-nice?  The whole situation is so awkward.  My relief was palpable when Bob announced he was ready to take us home, and Noah and I bolted for the garage. 

***

Cam texted a couple hours after they dropped me at home.  He still wasn’t happy his mother came home.  I think he was beginning to entertain the fantasy that she might not return.  He said last night that he really likes living in a ‘chick-free zone’, although he’s also been understandably concerned about his parents splitting.

I know she can be annoying, and I’m glad my own mother is not like her, but I reminded him that she IS still his mom and that she was at least pleasant to me this morning.

“Well, she claims to accept that I’m gay,” he replied once we began to FaceTime.  “She still worries about what it means for my soul, but promised to keep that to herself.”

“Honestly, that doesn’t seem so bad.  She’s better than a few weeks ago, right?  It’s definitely progress.”

“I guess,” he groaned, unconvinced.  “But here’s the shitty part:  she insists I’m still ‘far too young to be sexually active’.  She didn’t say it, but I think sleepovers might be more complicated.  We sure as hell couldn’t have taken care of Noah’s needs if she had been home.”

“Yeah,” I agreed.  It would have been different for sure.  Bob might be more neutral, but he knows Cam and I are active, and often.  Noah joining would be a surprise, unless Craig told him about the last time, but I doubt he’d care.  “We’ll see how it goes.  I bet we can still sneak it in.  She won’t interrupt a nude hot tub sesh, and there are always the showers.” 

“I hate having to sneak around.  After the lake, I feel so liberated.  It’s almost like going back in the closet or something.”

“It’s not that bad.  We’ll make it work,” I commented encouragingly.  “Plus, it’s not like we can just go at it like madmen at my house when Mom is home, either.  She might realize we’re doing stuff, but we won’t be in her face about it.  We need more lake trips and gymnastics tournaments out-of-town where your dad or Craig chaperone.”

“I know, it's gonna suck,” he acquiesced, his voice breaking, before growing silent.

I could tell he was still frustrated.  I had an idea.  He just needs to vent.  “Call Craig,” I told him.

“What?  Why?”

“Just do it.  Whenever I’m upset at something, he always makes me feel better.  Same with Noah.  Trust me.”

“Okay, I will,” he agreed before pausing.  “Mom’s calling me for lunch.  She made my favorite chicken salad.”

“See?  She’s trying.”

“Yeah, maybe.  Later, babe.”

***

It was a chill finish to the weekend.  After lunch, I finished a little homework and wasted most of the afternoon on Snapchat.  I tried to get an update on how Jamie and Seb’s sleepover had gone, but they both gave incredibly short answers, so I didn’t pry.

I caught Joshua online and got an update on his life.  Sixth grade is going well, and he and Drake are even on the same team and have several classes together.  He reported they’re both getting good at oral, but D is nervous about trying butt stuff.  He joked it wasn’t like either of them were big enough yet to do much, but he wants to share the fun it can bring.  I reminded them they both have fingers, and tongues, and there are always toys, but to take it slow and not pressure him into anything he isn’t ready for.  

Come to think of it, that’s good advice for Cam and I with Liam, too.

The biggest surprise was Eduardo posted to Instagram for the first time since we returned from Cozumel.  Eduardo is the Mexican boy I met with the big dick that I got to suck on, and we got caught on the beach by security.

I liked and commented on his post before sending him an IM.  He answered right away, excitedly.  I still can’t believe I haven’t talked since coming home.  I messaged him once, but never got a reply.  With all my drama, I just assumed he wasn’t interested in keeping up contact, maybe even out of embarrassment over what we did.

But that wasn’t it at all.  The security guard at the hotel HAD told his father, the night before they left.  His father didn’t say anything until they arrived home, but then, shit really hit the fan.  He took Eduardo’s phone and has been closely monitoring him ever since.  He had to go to confession and have counseling with their priest.  It sounds horrible. 

He finally got back his phone.  “I have be careful,” he said, once he guided me over to Snapchat, since it was more secure.  “I now pretend to like girls or else it be hell.” 

I really felt for him, having to stay in the closet to be safe and chose not to tell him about breaking up with Cam or anything else.  It just didn’t seem important compared to what he’s enduring.  I told him we were still together and it was great, but did point out his mother wasn’t accepting, because I thought he would relate to that and know it’s not just his father.

I checked in with Spencer, as well.  I’d seen him at practice of course, but really hadn’t gotten to talk much.  He’s usually jawing with Ian.  Sixth grade for him is also going well, at least since he’s managed to avoid getting ISS again.  He’s made several new friends, but none of them are named Brett.  He was looking forward to some sleepovers with several of them, and I know what that means.  I reminded him to be careful.  Not everyone is a horny little pervert like him.  Still, it’s better he plays with guys his own age than seek out the Chads of the world.

When he started asking me about me and Cam’s sex life, I cut him off.  The last thing he needs is hearing about our recent romps.  He’s already fucking oversexed enough.

***

Sunday night, I helped Mom make lasagna for dinner.  With school, work, gymnastics, her starting to date, and me almost always having a sleepover on the weekend, we haven’t spent tons of time together recently.  After eating, we snuggled on the couch and streamed a movie.  It’s nice, having an evening with just the two of us.

Mom is pretty good about not prying about Cam, but always asks about him.  It shows she cares and is accepting without being in my business about stuff.  Thankfully, she hasn’t brought up anything related to sex since our blowup the night of the dance.

“You didn’t mention much about the movie or sleepover.  Was everything okay?”  She asked.

I thought.  “Liam and Cam get along really well, and Spider-Man was cool,” I explained.  “Liam’s parents were really nice.  So were his little brothers.  It’s too bad he wasn’t able to spend the night, but he had to give a speech in church Sunday morning.”

“I’m so glad they’re kind,” she replied.  “It’s interesting he already gives talks in church at his age.”

“Right?  I said the same thing, but he said it’s pretty normal.  I would hate that.”

“Yeah, most people don’t like public speaking,” she said, walking into the kitchen.  “I’m going to have a fruit bar for dessert.  Would you like one?”

Because I have to be careful about eating with gymnastics, we rarely have ice cream in the house.  We will get these fruit juice bars that are sweet, but aren’t very many calories and don’t have much added sugar.

“Lime, please.”

“Sorry honey, looks like we’re out.  I need to go grocery shopping,” she replied.  “It’s strawberry or mango.”

“Mango is fine.  Thanks.”

She sat back on the couch as she handed me my popsicle.

“So, it was just you and Cam since Liam had to go home?”  She asked.  I can sense danger.  She isn’t trying to be invasive, but it does feel like she’s trying to pump.  I guess in her mind, this might have been the first time we’ve been without a buffer since we were outed, since we were grounded and the lake weekend had two adult chaperones.

“Only for a little while.  Besides Mr. Rice, anyway,” I replied.  “Noah came over after he walked his girlfriend, Ashley, home.  They came to the movie too, and he slept over.”

Mentioning Noah immediately relaxed her body language.  Note to self:  Noah, or maybe anyone else, being around seems to put her at ease.  She’d die if she knew what he did to me.  Twice. 

“Oh, that’s nice he was able to.  How’s his girlfriend?  Ashley, you said?”

“She’s cool.  Nice, friendly, spunky.  She doesn’t put up with crap.  I bet you’d really like her.”

“That’s what Lisa said, too.  Says the girl keeps Noah in line better than she ever could.”

I laughed.  “Funny.  Yeah, he’s pretty smitten,” I agreed.  “I remember how exciting it is when you first start a relationship.  Probably even more when you don’t have to hide it.”

Mom patted my leg.  “I wish it wasn’t so complicated for you.”

I gave a weak smile.  “Coming out has been stressful, but mostly okay.  The closet sucks,” I replied.  “I just hope…”

“What?”  She asked, sitting up a little.

“I hadn’t gotten to it yet, but this morning when we were eating breakfast, Cam’s mom walked in.  She’s been gone for weeks, and only called him like once, but acted like everything was normal.”

Mom’s eyebrows furrowed and her face grimaced.  She and Jeanine can barely stand to be in the same room together. 

“So, he wasn’t expecting her?”

“No.  Apparently, she gave his dad a heads up a few days ago, but said she wouldn’t be back until midweek.  I guess Bob was waiting to tell him until we went home.  In case it stressed him out, he didn’t want to ruin his weekend.”

Mom shook her head.  “I understand why he waited, but still, the poor thing.  I can see why he’s upset, having her sprung on him,” she said bitterly, before whispering something to herself.  All I made out was ‘that woman’ and ‘always inconsiderate’. 

“Yeah, we were all shocked.  It was super awkward.”

“I still can’t believe she ran out on her family to have a pity party or tantrum or whatever it was, just because something didn’t go her way,” Mom fumed.  Yep, I definitely noticed an eye roll.

“Thankfully, she was nice.  She was even friendly to Noah and I, more than I ever remember before,” I explained.  “I guess she promised not to try to change Cam or tell him he’s going to hell, but he’s still anxious.”

Mom stared at me for a few seconds.  “I hope she’s learning from her mistakes and growing.  People can change, but when someone is that religious and judgmental, it doesn’t come easily.”

I nodded.  “Yeah.  We know it’s not going to be easy, but she seems to be making an effort, at least.  That’s progress from how she was before.”

“That’s good,” she acknowledged.  “I know she can be a lot, so if Cam ever needs space, he’s welcome here anytime I’m home.”

Now it was my turn to stare.  I really didn’t want to get into this.  We were having a nice evening.

“Thanks, I’ll let him know,” I managed to muster, before inducing a yawn.  I grabbed our leftover sticks and wrappers to throw away.  “I should get to bed.  Good night, Mom.”

“Good night, sweetie.  I love you.”

“I love you too,” I said, ambling to give her a hug.

***

I checked in with Cam before bed.  He had called Craig.  “You were right, talking to him made me feel better.”  

I’m surprised he ever doubted it.

He said the rest of the day was oddly routine, with his parents both acting like nothing had ever happened.  “It’s kind of freaky tbh” he texted. 

He’s really glad tomorrow is a school day, just to get out of the house.

***

School on Monday was dull, at least until lunch.  When Mr. Beckham dismissed us for lunch, Seb bolted out of the room with his head down.  I assumed he had a bathroom emergency of some sort.

Liam definitely appears to be back to normal, greeting me enthusiastically at our table.  We both packed lunches, so we had the table to ourselves while the rest of the crew was getting their slop from the lunch ladies.

“Hey.  Sorry again if I was a freak Saturday.  I hope I’ll be invited back,” he whispered.

“Of course.  I told you, we get it,” I reassured.  “Besides, neither of us can wait to show you the ropes.”

Liam grinned.  “I'm sure it’ll be awesome.  Not sure why I reacted so strongly, but later that night I got super horny thinking about it,” he whispered.  “I think I’m over whatever it was.”

That made me laugh.  Cam was right.  It didn’t take him long to recover.

“Cam says it’s pretty normal to have some guilt immediately after your first time, especially if you've been raised religious,” I shared, patting his arm.  “I was nervous the first time, too.  Neither of us judge.”

Before he could respond, Jamie and Reese sat down, with Noah close behind.

“So, how’d your speech in church go?  Anyone heckle you?”  I asked, quickly changing subjects.

“It went pretty well.  No big deal.  Krew and another of the deacons teased me a little after, but the guys in our quorum always do that.  It’s good natured.”

I nodded.  That does sound like normal guy stuff.  I don’t mind doing a gymnastics routine in front of an entire crowd, but the idea of public speaking, especially somewhere like a church, unnerves me.

“Are there many other Mormons in our school?”  Jamie asked, joining the conversation.

“Well, I only know seven kids from church in our grade, including the girls.  There are a handful of sevvies who are also Deacons, and a few sixth graders, but they’re still usually with the younger kids so I don’t interact much with them,” Liam explained.  “There are a few others at Olympia who are in a different ward, but I don’t know them very well.  It’s not like suburban Minneapolis has a huge LDS population.”

“L D what?”  Reese piped up.

“LDS.  Latter-day Saint.  Mormon is slang, LDS or Saint is usually how we refer to ourselves.  The official name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

“Don’t you wear magic underwear or something?” Jamie blurted.  “I don’t mean that to sound mean, I’m genuinely curious.  I heard about that.”

“Why are you so fixated on Liam’s underwear, James?”  I had no idea what he was referring to, but it sounded rude and I don’t want him to scare off Liam.  Jamie seemed to get the message, because he blushed and didn’t offer a retort.

To his credit, Liam just smiled.  “No, the temple garments are for adults.  I’m on the lowest rung of the priesthood.  It’ll be years before I can get a real temple recommend.”

I was so confused.  “Wait, you’re a priest?  You’re only 13!”

“Boys get the first level of priesthood conferred on them when they turn 12.  My title is Deacon, but it’s really not that exciting,” he explained.  “If anyone is curious, you’re welcome to come sometime.  Some of our meetings can be long, but the sacrament is only an hour.  No pressure, but it might answer your questions.”

There’s something about spending time with Liam that I genuinely enjoy, but I’m not sure church is in the cards.  His Sundays sound complicated.

We bantered about random shit for a while before I realized Seb hadn’t surfaced.

“Where’s Seb?”  I asked Jamie.

“I dunno,” he answered quietly.  “Maybe at the nurse?  He said his stomach was hurting at our sleepover; I wonder if it’s still bothering him.  We didn’t even get to go to Dave & Busters Saturday.  His mom came and got him first thing in the morning.”

“He practically ran out of class,” I commented.  “I hope he doesn't have the shits, Jamie.  I know your room is a biohazard.”

“Ha ha,” he answered sarcastically, rolling his eyes.  “We had pizza for dinner and ice cream for dessert, but we didn’t gorge.  And my room is much cleaner than the last time you saw it, thank you very much.”

“Just teasing.  So, how was the sleepover, anyway?”  I asked.  He was so excited for it all last week, but hadn’t even brought it up.

“Fine,” Jamie replied curtly, before looking away.  He’s definitely off.

***

Seb was already sitting in Geometry when we returned.  I was totally confused.  Where the hell had he been?

“You okay?”  I inquired.  “We missed you at lunch.”

“I'm good,” he responded in a nervous tone, and not at all convincingly.  “I just had to do something.”  He immediately shifted his attention and resumed working on a proof.  It was clear he doesn’t want to discuss whatever is bothering him.  I pondered if something was going on regarding the thing with the teacher at Widmer.  Maybe he has to go to court or something and he’s psyched out? 

But both he and Jamie are acting a little off, so I think it’s more likely something to do with the two of them.  Something is up.

I gave Jamie a concerned expression as I walked back to my chair.  He seemed worried too, but just shrugged when I glanced back at Seb.

***

When the bell rang, Seb practically ran from the room — again.  I cornered Jamie just outside the door. 

“You want to tell me what the eff is going on?  Seb’s acting like we’re diseased.  Did something happen at your house?”  I realized after I spoke, my tone was harsh and accusatory.  I didn’t mean to come off like that.  I guess I've become protective of Seb and can tell something is wrong. 

“No!”  He answered adamantly, before softening.  “ I…  maybe?  I dunno.”  

“What’s that supposed to mean?”  I asked, trying to appear calmer.

“I don’t have time now,” he said.  He looked upset.  I could be wrong, but he seemed on the verge of tears.  “Call you after school?  Or better yet, can I come over?”

“Uh, sure.  Mom says you’re always welcome, so I don’t even have to ask,” I agreed.  Jamie and I have been friends since elementary, but I wouldn’t say our houses are particularly close, and I can’t remember the last time he came over after school.  Fifth grade, maybe?  We’d meet at the playground or park, but our dads were always assholes, so we never went over to each other’s places often. 

“Thanks.  I’ll grab my bike as soon as I get off the bus and head your way,” he explained.  “I’ll fill you in then, but I uh…  have to get to choir, and it’s on the other end of the building.”

***

I couldn’t imagine what could have happened with Seb and Jamie.  If they just had a disagreement, Jamie would probably just say so.  He’s always so blunt.  Maybe he said something to offend him?  But, it’s like Jamie isn’t totally sure what happened, himself.  It was on my mind the entire bus ride home.

I texted Jamie as I waited for my garage door to open, telling him to head over anytime.  I dropped my backpack at the table and grabbed an apple before running upstairs to change my shirt and take a leak.  I had just finished washing my hands when the doorbell started going off.  Whomever was at the door was frantically pressing the button repeatedly.  “Okay, I’m coming!” I yelled before rushing back downstairs.

I found Jamie at the door, red in the face, sweaty, and out-of-breath.  He must have jumped on his bike and pedaled his fastest.  What could be so urgent?

“Come in man,” I told him.  I grabbed a Gatorade from the fridge and opened it for him.  “Chug this,” I instructed.  “You look like you just ran a marathon.  How hard were you pedaling, anyway?”

“Hard,” he answered between breaths.  “I was in a hurry.”

He took a few quick swigs and looked around nervously.  I waited patiently until he had regained most of his composure.  “Better?”  I asked.

“Yeah,” he answered.  He was super fidgety.  “Can we sit down somewhere?”

I ushered him into the living room where we sat on the couch.  “So, you wanna tell me what’s going on?  Something definitely happened between you and Seb, right?”

“I guess,” he muttered, his eyes shifting to stare at the floor.

“Did you get in an argument or something?  I know sometimes you get on a roll.”

“No.  Nothing like that.”

“Then what was it?”  I pressed.

He looked up.  He was definitely teary, but not crying.  “I don’t even know, honest,” he managed to choke out, his voice barely above a whisper.

“So, there was no sign?”  I asked.  I wasn’t trying to sound like a dick, but don’t understand how he couldn’t know.

“Well, I kinda… think I might know.  But it doesn’t make sense.”

I was totally confused.  “Why don’t you just tell me everything that happened, from the beginning.  Maybe I can make some sense of it,” I encouraged. 

“Okay.  Yeah…  sure,” he replied.  He didn’t go on.

“So Seb showed up at your house on Friday, and…”

“Mom ordered Domino’s and we ate before playing around on the computer.  Minecraft mostly, but he taught me some other computer tricks.  Then we played some COD on my PS4.  We were going to see if you guys might hop on, but Wyatt offered to take us for ice cream.”

“Okay, so that all sounds good.  Did he eat too much or something?”

“I don’t think so.  I don’t think that was it.”

“Then what happened?”

“We didn’t feel like playing any more games after we got back.  I think we were both kinda tired, even though it wasn’t that late.  We both got ready for bed.”

“I don’t presume either of you sleep naked like Cam and I, huh?”

“What?  No!”  He answered.  “Wait, you guys really don’t wear anything?”  That made him perk up.

“Not usually.  But forget about that.  You guys put on pajamas?”

“I just threw on some baggy boxers and he had a different pair of shorts.  And we had on our t-shirts from earlier.”

“And you went to bed?”

“Correct.  Not to sleep, but we were laying on my bed, just talking and stuff.  He’s really cool, one on one.”

“I still don’t understand.  Let’s get to the good part.”

“We started playing the drawing game.  You know, where you draw pictures on each other’s back, right?”

I knew it well.  It was a staple with Mom, and I might be wrong, but I think Jamie and I played it when he slept over a few years ago.  I guess even then I was finding ways to touch (and be touched) by other boys, even if it was completely innocent.  I’m sure my mind would start to think of naughtier things if I were to play that with a friend now.  Not that I’m sure it’s common amongst middle schoolers.

“Yes, of course,” I answered.  “I might have even taught you that.”

“Right.  Anyway, it was fun, we were giggling and stuff.  He told me it feels good to have someone do that on their back.  So I just started to scratch his back and kind of rubbing it.  He took off his shirt so it would feel better.  I could tell he was enjoying it.”

“Did you like it?  I mean, I know you like him like him.  You didn’t drop down too low and play with his butt or anything?”

“No,” he blushed.  “But I did think about stuff like that while I was doing it.  I dunno…  just touching his smooth, bony back did something to me.”

“So you got boned?”

He looked ashamed.  “Yeah, a little.”

“You mean you were hard as a rock and wanted to touch him all over?”  I asked.  I’m really trying to not be a jerk, but we’ll get further if he stops pussyfooting around shit.

“I guess, yes.”  He sounded very guilty.

“Please tell me you didn’t take it too far without his permission or something?”  I asked.  “I get how that might happen in the heat of the moment, if you misread a signal.  Especially when you’re still so new to all of this.”

For the first time, Jamie raised his voice beyond a mumble.  “No, listen.  Just let me finish.”

“Okay, sorry.  Go on.”

“Well, after I scratched his back for like five minutes, Seb decided it was my turn and suggested I shuck my shirt, too.”

“That sounds like a good sign, that he wanted to make you feel good, too.”

“But instead of just laying next to me, he crawled up and sat on my butt, you know, like straddling me.”

I grinned.  “You probably didn’t mind that.”

“Nope, not at all.  And neither did he.  He kind of slipped down a little and I could feel it.”

“‘It’?”

“His dick.  He was just as hard as me.  It was pushing against my butt whenever he leaned forward to rub my shoulders.  I couldn’t believe it.  I didn’t say anything, though.  I didn’t want to ruin anything or embarrass him, but he had to know I could feel it.”

“And you were getting more turned on by the minute?”

“Well, yeah.  To know he was excited, too…  well, I’ve been wondering what he, you know, what it looked like and all.  And it felt bigger than I assumed, for a scrawny dude anyway.”

“I see.  So, then what?”

“I wanted to make it his turn again.  I figured I’d sit on him, like he was me, and he’d realize I was hard, too.  I’m not sure what I hoped would happen exactly, just that he needed to know I was also boned, so he wasn’t, you know, embarrassed.”

“God, I hope you didn’t squish him!”  I declared.  Jamie probably has fifty pounds on him.  “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that, it’s just you are older and quite a bit bigger.”  Fuck.  I wasn’t trying to make Jamie feel bad, and alluding to his excess weight probably did just that.

“No,” he groaned.  “I put most of the pressure on my knees… but I did rub my dick onto his butt some.  God, it felt so good.  It was small and squishy and soft.”

“Yep, I get the appeal… but he freaked out?”

“Nope.  Didn’t say a thing.  I swear he even jiggled it a little for my benefit.  When his turn was over, I leaned over and whispered in his ear.”

“What did you say?”

“I asked him if it felt good and whether he liked it.  He rolled over and suddenly his face was just below mine.  Then he…”

“What?”

“He pulled my head down towards his and kissed me.  Right on the lips.”

“And?”

“It was amazing.  I didn’t expect it.  I swear, it was like fireworks went off in my head.”

I elbowed him excitedly.  “Nice!”

“He asked if that felt good.  I said ‘very’, and kissed him back, only this time it lasted longer.”

“Awww.  I love this, Jamie.  Your first kiss sounds fantastic.  What happened?”

“I’m not sure.  We made out.  He was on top of me and kind of taking the lead.”  That surprised me.  I didn’t expect Seb to be the aggressor, though, then again, that isn’t really Jamie’s personality, either.  And frankly, Seb probably has more experience. 

“Tongue?”  I asked gleefully.

“Lots.  It was cool.”

“Then what?”

“I don’t remember, exactly.  His boner was pushing into my belly the whole time we were making out.  I asked him if he ever jerked off.”

“Of course he does, right?”

“He said he learned over the summer, and does it daily.”

“I said something like ‘we should do it together’ or maybe it was ‘we should do each other.’  I don’t remember exactly.”

“Did he jump at that?”

“He kind of nodded.  I think?”  He didn’t seem very sure.

“You ‘think’?”

“Well, it was dark.  But he rolled off me and kind of splayed himself out.  He didn’t object.”

“That’s good.”

“I don’t know why, but I started kissing down his neck and decided to kiss and suck on his nips.  They’re small, like dime-sized, but were super stiff and inviting.  I always play with mine to get hard, so I thought he’d like it,” Jamie admitted, before pausing as if he was unsure what to say next.  “Is that weird?”

“No, not at all.  That’s totally normal.  Cam and I love nipple play.  But did he?”

“I was doing that and I started rubbing his dick through his shorts.  He was starting to breathe really quickly, even moaned a little — which was super hot.  I thought he might shoot or something, if he even can yet, but he didn’t.  Instead, he sat straight up, like he’d seen a ghost.”

“That would be startling.”

“‘Stop’ was all he said, other than claiming his stomach hurt and was worried he might throw up.”

“Weird.  But he was okay with everything before then?”

“Yeah.  He was super into it, even initiated most of it.  It was so strange to see his attitude shift so suddenly.  I don’t know what I did wrong,” Jamie vented.  “Anyway, he went to the bathroom and came back a few minutes later, his mood totally different.  He said we should get to sleep and then didn’t say another word, other than goodnight”

“Oh wow,” I replied.  Poor Jamie.  What a traumatizing way to end his first experience.  He’ll never forget how his first kiss turned.  Or the blue balls that probably accompanied it. 

“Did I do something wrong?  I thought he was just as interested as I am.”

“It doesn’t sound like you did, but something freaked him out.  And I don't think it was ice cream.”  I immediately wondered whether Seb’s reaction had anything to do with what happened to him over the summer with the teacher at Widmer.  Of course, I don’t think Jamie has a clue about that, so I can’t mention it as a possible explanation. 

“He said his stomach was still upset in the morning, and I kind of believed him.  He was quiet, but not that off.  I tried to text him some yesterday and he replied, but it was all one or two-word answers, not our usual banter.  I kept hoping I was just being paranoid.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s it,” I replied, patting his shoulder. 

“No, me neither.  Deep down, I knew it wasn’t…  but I kept hoping anyway.  Lunch today was proof,” he responded before looking up at me, desperate.  “I don’t fucking know what to do, Max.  I like him so much, and thought he liked me, and now I probably ruined everything!”  He put his head in his hands.  He still wasn’t crying, but was on the verge.

I put my arm around him.  “I’m not sure, but I will try to talk to him.  Who knows, maybe he’ll be back to his normal self tomorrow,” I encouraged.  After all, both Noah and Liam had strong feelings after doing stuff, so I don’t think this is odd.  But then, I can’t share that, either.  “I was nervous about gay stuff at first, too.  That’s pretty normal, I think.”

“It’s just so confusing, how fast it changed.”

“Have you tried messaging him since we got out of school?”

“Not yet.  I was going to tell him I’m sorry if I did something wrong.  I really want to be his friend, and maybe even more, if he wants.”

“I think that would be fine to text.  At least he’ll know you’re worried about him, and it puts the ball in his court without pressuring him for an immediate response.  You can even say as much.”

“Yeah.  Good idea,” he said through a sniffle.

Just then, Jamie’s phone buzzed.  He unfurled it from his pocket and wrinkled his nose.  “Sorry.”

“Everything okay?”  I asked. 

“Mom is mad.  I let her know I was coming over, but I was so quick to grab my bike, I forgot to do my after-school chores, so she wants me to get home.”

“Damn, I hope that goes well,” I encouraged.  The last thing he needs is the stress of a pissy parent.  “Anyway, I’ll try to reach out to him, too, okay?”

“Thanks,” he said, smiling, like he had finally exhaled after three days.  “I don’t know who else I could have talked to about all this.”

I pulled him tighter.  “Hey, what are friends for?”

We walked down the stairs and stopped at the landing by the front door. 

We both stood.  He tried to give me another side hug.  I reciprocated with a real one, instead.  This wasn’t a moment for half-assed measures. 

“Don’t be down on yourself.  You’re a good guy, Jamie, and Seb knows that.  Something is bugging him.  We just need to find out what it is.”

“Thanks, Max.  I know it sounds stupid since we’ve only known each other a few weeks, but I don’t want to lose him… as a friend, or whatever.”

“You won’t,” I reassured.  I sure hope that’s true.  He’s hurting, and was already thrown for a loop by suddenly being attracted to another boy.  “I'll check in later.  Please let me know how he responds to your message.”

He hugged me even harder before leaving.

When Mr. Tim suggested I might be some sort of role model now that I’m out, I had no idea how fast it might happen.  I have to admit, it makes me a little nervous to have people relying on me like this.  First Seb, though that had nothing to do with him potentially being gay.  Then Liam, and now Jamie.  Even Noah needed reassurance.  But it also feels really good, like I’m really doing something meaningful.

I can’t wait to get to practice and talk to Cam about everything.  He might have some good ideas.  He always does.  Maybe he can reach out to Seb and find out what is bothering him?  They did know each other before any of us, after all.  I just hope he doesn’t have drama of his own to report.  As of last night, everything at home was good.

*** End of Chapter 41 ***

Author’s Notes:  We are trying to get the chapters out a little faster.  In fact, Craig’s side should drop in a day or two!

Feedback as always appreciated – to this new email:  craigpwriter888@tutanota.com