FRIDAY, APRIL 17

Tsunami Lukas blew through the kitchen again. "Dad? Can you iron this shirt for me?"

"Lukas, really?" Lars had a lot weighing on his mind. Trying to determine which option to leverage while he was waiting for his patient load to return to normal, he really didn't have the patience for dealing with Lukas fretting about his clothes for the middle school dance the next evening.

"But look!" He held the shirt up against his body just under his chin to model the wrinkly mess.

Normally Lukas' distress would have humored Lars but not today. "Ask me tomorrow and I'll teach you how to iron so you're ready for the dance. Today, please leave me in peace at least until dinner."

"Sorry."

"Was that Christian running home?" asked Lars when a blur streaking past the house caught his attention.

"Really?" Lukas replied. He ran to the front window and peered down the street, catching sight of the boy running down Maple Street just before he turned up his front walk. "Huh? He was hanging out with Michael. I wonder what that was all about."

----------------------     

A blur flew up the sidewalk of the yellow two-story on Maple Street. The screen door slammed shut and footsteps landed on every other step rattling the picture hanging on the walls. The figure made a hard left and launching himself onto his bed.

"Was that Christian?" asked his father.

"I can't think of anyone else it would be," joked Anna even if she was concerned about this atypical behavior. "If he doesn't come back down in a minute, then I'll go up and check on him."

They waited patiently for about thirty seconds. Not hearing any movement upstairs, it was obvious to them something was wrong. Anna climbed the stairs and knocked on the open door to her son's room. She found Christian sprawled face down on the bed with a pillow over his head.

"You okay?" asked Anna.

Christian rolled over and sat up, pulling his knees to his chest and resting his chin atop. His mother crossed the room and sat next to him.

"What's wrong Christian? You can tell me." Anna, ran her fingers through the blond locks and kissed her son on his temple.

"I screwed everything up, I kissed..." He didn't finish his sentence, just buried his face in the space between his knees.

"Chris, I'm not here to judge you. I'm here to help you sort out how you are feeling and to let you know that it is okay to feel whatever you are feeling. We love you, okay?"

He nodded his head without looking up. She rubbed his back for another minute before trying to get Christian to open up. "Did you kiss someone other than Emily?"

Christian nodded his head again.

"Did you like it better than kissing Emily?"

He nodded again.

"I bet that is confusing for you."

Another nod.

"Can you tell me the difference between the kisses?"

Christian raised his head and wiped the wetness from his eyes.

"Well," he began, "kissing Emily is nice but feels like something I'm supposed to do. I mean, it's fun sometimes and all. It's part of dating. That's what you do."

"What happened today?"

"I don't know, it just happened. I couldn't control it, I just did it."

"Do you ever feel like that with Emily?"

"No."

"How was it different from kissing Emily?"

"It was like electricity shooting through my body. I didn't want it to ever stop." Christian blushed when he realized he was telling his mother all of this.

"Wow, that's really special." Anna pulled him into a hug, and they reclined against the headboard of the bed. "Maybe you are dating the wrong person."

"But the dance is tomorrow night and I'm taking Emily. What am I going to do? This is so confusing."

"Honey, the kiss you experienced today, that's the way you should feel when you kiss someone you are attracted to, someone you love. It doesn't sound like you like Emily that way."

"But... it can't be. Really? I mean, I really like Emily a lot. She's fun, we like the same things and she's funny. But not... I can't."

"She sounds like a great friend, but it sounds like you are attracted to and even have a crush on someone else. Do you want to kiss her again?"

"Huh? Kiss her who?"

"The girl you kissed instead of Emily."

Christian looked away and fought back the tears. "Mom..."

"Chris, who did you kiss?"

----------------------     

Seeing Christian running home concerned Lars. "Lukas, could you run next door and check on Michael?"

"Yeah, sure." Lukas stopped by Matthew's room on the way.

"Hey, Christian just ran by on his way home. Dad asked me to check on Michael. Wanna come?"

"Sure," Matthew slipped on his sneakers and the two boys went next door. They heard Michael's music playing so they assumed he was still up in his room. Up the stairs and a sharp right, Michael's room was at the end of the hall and the door was open. When they approached, they could hear Simon's voice.

"You don't need to say anything until you're ready," comforted the older boy.

Matthew didn't like the sound of that. He and Lukas entered the room, he was pissed. "What did Christian do? Are you alright?" It all poured out before he was aware of what was going on. Now that he could see his little brother, he realized that the boy was simply sitting on his bed looking really confused.

"No, no, it's nothing like that," said Michael.

"Hang on a sec," ordered Lukas. He pulled his phone out and sent a text message to his father.

Lukas: Michael ok
Lukas: Getting story

Then he plopped down on one of the beanbag chairs. "Damn, no popcorn. I guess I'll have to go without. Okay, spill it."

Lukas' humor broke the tension in the room and even Michael laughed. Michael rose and turned off the music then returned to his bed and plopped down beside Simon before relating the story.

----------------------     

With no sports practice on this Friday night, many middle schoolers around East Harbor were getting ready for the spring dance on Saturday night. Anna Olsen had taken care to make sure Christian's outfit for the dance was ready days ago. That left both boys, Christian and Michael with time on their hands. Of course, Christian insisted Michael get his work in the recovery book out of the way so they could have fun.

Michael griped about it, more out of a sense of duty than frustration. He wasn't sure if the book was getting easier, or if he was getting better. Whichever it was, the part of the book they were working on didn't bother him much.

Finished with the book, the boys went out back and swam, enjoyed the hot tub, and goofed off together. Eventually, they reclined on the loungers and allowed the warm sun to dry their bodies.

"Let's go back up to my room," suggested Michael. Christian agreed and the boys stopped by the kitchen to get drinks before racing up the stairs to the room over the garage.

Christian took his normal seat at Michael's work table where he'd left his backpack, then stowed his goggles and other items into his bag so he wouldn't forget.

Michael immediately went to his room's sound system and hit play. Then he noticed the flash drive onto which AJ had copied the songs at Michael's request. The lovestruck boy picked it up and looked at the heart he'd drawn on it with a black Sharpie. He took a deep breath and forced it out to calm his nerves. He joined Christian at the table and slid the flash drive towards the blonde.

"I put a couple songs on there for you. Please listen to it," asked Michael, a tremor in his voice.

The heart ended up facing the table and Christian didn't see it. He picked up the drive and started to pull his laptop from his backpack when "Moves Like Jagger" started playing.

Michael couldn't stay still when that song played and with all that nervous energy to burn, he immediately hopped up and started dancing. For Christian, the song brought back memories of the band performing the song at the half-time show of the high school basketball game. He couldn't take his eyes off Michael then, and he couldn't now. He dropped the flash drive into the pocket of his backpack and joined Michael dancing.

Michael sang along with the song as if he were singing it to Christian. Mostly as a joke, but Christian's smile encouraged him to put on more of a show.

Their eyes were locked as Michael sang and danced, even after Christian stopped moving. When Michael sang the second verse, it sparked something in Christian.

Baby it's hard when you feel like
You're broken and scarred
Nothing feels right, but when you're with me
I make you believe that I've got the key

With a look that expressed Christian's desire and confusion, he stepped towards Michael. The younger boy stopped dancing but continued to gaze into his friend's eyes. Christian took another step closer and pulled Michael's body to his.

"It was kinda like slow motion," described Michael. "He just leaned in and kissed me."

Lukas had been hanging on every word of the story. With this revelation, he exclaimed, "NO WAY! So... was this like a friendly peck on the lips, or was this like a tonsil exam?"

"Lukas!" reprimanded Simon.

"Sorry..." apologized Lukas, before asking, "So was it?"

"Well..." Michael was embarrassed to give any details, but he decided to anyway, "he didn't use any tongue, but it wasn't a peck either."

"Well what does that mean?" Lukas was going to press for detail no matter what Simon wanted him to do.

"We kissed until the song ended."

"Wait," Lukas ran through the song in his head real fast. "You guys made out for like almost two whole minutes!"

Matthew and Simon were taking this a lot more seriously than Lukas and they decided to wrangle control of the conversation away from the blonde.

"Michael, why did Christian run away?" asked Simon.

"I don't know," explained Michael. "As soon as the song ended, he said he was sorry and ran out the door. He didn't even grab his backpack." Michael fell back on the bed and looked at the ceiling. "Do you think he hates me? If I didn't think he wanted it, I wouldn't have kissed him back. His friendship is too important to me."

Matthew got up and sat down on the bed on the other side of Michael. He leaned back placing his weight on his elbow. "We shouldn't guess what Christian is feeling or why he did what he did and he's not here to ask. The important question right now is, how do YOU feel about the kiss."

"I don't know. Christian is dating Emily."

"Forget that. You obviously like him, that's who you made the flash drive for. Right? So, I'm guessing you want Christian to kiss you again?" asked Matthew.

"Oh, yeah!" said Michael. "No offense guys, but that was the best kiss ever."

"What did it feel like when he kissed you?" ask Lukas, digging in deeper.

"I don't know... like... ummmm... tingly. It made me feel tingly and have goose bumps like when you're cold, but he made me feel really hot." He wasn't sure if he was making any sense or not, but that was the best he could do.

"Have you ever felt that way when someone else kissed you?" asked Lukas.

"No."

Lukas then asked, "Can I tell you something?"

Michael nodded, ready for someone else to do the talking.

"I feel the same way when Simon kisses me, and no one else comes close."

"So, what do I do now?" asked Michael.

"I think Christian needs to listen to the songs on the flash drive," stated Matthew.

Michael was confused. "Really?"

"Yes." Matthew explained, "I bet he is confused by a lot of things right now. But there is one thing he doesn't need to be confused about and that is how you feel about him and the kiss. I'll walk down with you so you can give Christian the flash drive. Then the ball is in his court and he'll have to sort things out for himself."

"We'll come too," said Simon.

Michael looked around and didn't see the flash drive. Knowing Christian didn't have pockets in his swimsuit, Michael assumed the drive was in the backpack. He threw the backpack over his shoulder and the boys headed out his bedroom door. He led the way thinking about what he would say to Christian. The older boys hurried to keep up. Lars and Zach watched the boys march down the street and could only guess what called for such determination on Michael's face.

"Stay here," Michael ordered to his brothers as he turned up the walkway to his old home. It was the first time he'd gone up the walkway since his mother's death, but his feelings for Christian trumped all else.

The doorbell rang as Anna came down the stairs from her talk with Christian. She recognized Michael's silhouette and was surprised to see he'd approached the house. But then again, after what Christian told her, there might be something bigger going on.

"Hello, Michael," greeted Anna as warmly as she always greeted the young boy.

"Hello, Mrs. Olsen," stated Michael. The seriousness on the boy's face and in his voice humored Anna, though she kept a straight face. "May I speak to Christian, please?"

"Michael, Christian has a lot on his mind right now. I think it is better that he talks to you a little later."

Michael hadn't counted on this. He handed Christian's backpack to Mrs. Olsen and said, "Would you please tell him to listen to the flash drive I gave him? It is really important he hears it."

"I will," she confirmed.

"It's really, really important," asserted Michael.

"I'll take this right up to him and tell him."

"Okay. Thank you. Bye." Michael turned and joined his brothers to walk home. Anna watched then closed the door and retraced her steps back up to Christian's bedroom.

"Michael brought your backpack." She set it on the floor next to Christian's bed. "He said you needed to listen to what's on the flash drive and that it was really important."

"Okay," mumbled Christian, his head once again buried under a pillow.

Anna sat down on the edge of his bed and rubbed her son's back. "I know this is tough Christian, but it will pass. Your father and I are here for you. When you're ready, come down and we'll talk and have dinner. Okay?"

From under the pillow she thought she heard a "thanks mom" but she wasn't completely sure. With a pat on the back, she got up and headed downstairs.

After she left, Christian extracted himself from under his pillow and sat up. He grabbed his backpack and pulled it up onto the bed next to himself. He knew Michael was counting on his listening to whatever was on the flash drive -- no doubt it was music. Christian weighed his options and decided it was more important to figure out what he was going to do about the mess he'd made. He dropped the backpack on the rug and lay back down.

----------------------     

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

"Why did I even agree to go to this stupid dance?" griped Michael to his brothers. It was bad enough that he hadn't heard from Christian since the kiss, but when he went to pick out his outfit to wear to that night's dance, he found he had grown, and all of his pants were too short. Now all four were piled into Matthew's Civic on their way to the mall to get Michael a pair a pants to wear tonight.

Lukas reminded Michael why he'd committed to going, just in case he forgot. "Because all the guys are going tonight -- Will, Jordan, Curtis, Alex, Jaden -- you have a good time hanging out with them and they are excited you are going."

"Whatever." Michael crossed his arms and collapsed back into his seat with a huff. He mumbled, "Christian's going to be there."

Then it became clearer to his brothers. It wasn't that Christian was going to be at the dance, it was because Christian was expected to be there with Emily and Michael didn't want to see that.

"Sorry, bro," offered Lukas with a pat on the shoulder. "But Simon and I will be there too. Let's get out on the floor and sing and dance tonight -- even if we can't get the other guys out there with us."

"Like Matthew said yesterday," pointed out Simon, "you shouldn't jump to conclusions about anything that has do to with Christian. You don't even know if he's listened to songs on the flash drive yet."

Michael did his trademarked pout, slouching deeper into the seat. They were right, his brain was making up all sorts of scenarios about what Christian was up to Friday evening and all morning. His brain was so prolific in its storytelling, Michael couldn't sleep. Being sleep deprived today wasn't helping his mood or attitude at all. "I don't care if he's at the dance with Emily or not. I like Emily and they are good friends and all. I just want to know where I stand with him. HE kissed ME. Remember?"

"Well," said Matthew dragging out the word to give himself time to consider how he would phrase the rest of his statement, "I guess you'll have to assume he didn't listen to the songs, or he listened, but didn't get the message. In either case, the dance will give you the opportunity to simply tell him how you feel."

Michael's eyes grew to the size of golf balls. "How can I tell him if he's there with Emily? That would be stupid."

Matthew expected that response. "Then how are you going to be certain he knows how you feel?"

That drew a snort from Michael. The youngest of the boys tried to sink deeper into the seat to no avail.

Lukas decided to try to change the mood in the car. "Can we stop and get soft pretzels?" He knew full well they were Michael's favorite.

Matthew picked up on where Lukas was going with this. "Oh,I don't know. I don't think we'll have time."

"What?" asked Michael, suddenly interested in doing something other than sulking. "Come on. We have to stop for soft pretzels!"

----------------------     

Christian sat at his desk trying to focus on his Social Studies project. He hoped it would get his mind off things, but since Michael was his partner, it only reminded him of his predicament. 'Why did I go and kiss Michael?' The question ran through his mind like the NASDAQ ticker.

Instead of making the final touches to their project, he spent his time surfing the Internet which somehow always led him back to the boys' social media accounts looking at pictures and watching videos of Michael. He felt something for that boy -- something wonderful and powerful. But when he dwelled on those thoughts, those feelings, one question kept coming back up. "Am I gay?"

It wasn't a question that ever really crossed his mind, but when he asked himself "Am I straight?", he couldn't answer that question either. In a really honest moment of self-reflection, he admitted to himself that the only reason he was dating Emily was because they were set up by Lewis and Courtney. It's true that Emily was his bestie and they had loads of fun together, but they were really just friends. He also had to admit to himself that his "shyness" in the locker room and at parties at the Meijer house was only partly because he didn't want people to gawk at his equipment. He didn't want to be caught gawking at other guys' equipment. Maybe in the past he could've passed it off as a typical boy's curiosity -- trying to find boys comparable to himself -- but he realized that was just trying to fool himself. The incident at the movie theater was his wakeup call. As much as he showed his anger at Lewis for being risky by letting Courtney give him a hand job during the movie, in reality, he was jealous of Courtney and mad at her for making him realize that.

"But why?" wondered Christian. "Why am I concerned about whether I'm gay or not?" Some of his best friends were gay and he didn't have any problem with it. Did being gay make him a different person? He concluded it didn't, it was just a different perspective. He'd had dreams of growing up and having a wife and kids and always assumed he was straight. He did the things he was supposed to do but being such a loner until moving to East Harbor, dating boys or girls just never entered the picture. But the last few months changed things.

"Christian," called Kristoffer from the bottom of the stairs, "we'll be leaving in 15 minutes to pick up Emily for the dance."

"Okay, Dad." Christian was dressed and ready for the dance, but with his dad's reminder, he remembered he needed to get the tickets to the dance. He reached into his backpack and found the tickets and something else. It was the flash drive Michael had given him. Pulling it clear of the tickets, he noticed the heart drawn on the drive and his own heart skipped a beat. He smiled and inserted the drive into one of the USB ports on his laptop.

The files had default system names, so he had no idea what they were, other than songs because of the file type icons. He double tapped the first to listen. It was a recording of the band playing "Screen" by Twenty-One Pilots. He listened intently to Michael singing the lyrics and understood that Michael was singing to him.

I don't know why I would go
In front of you and hide my soul,
'Cause you're the only one who knows it
Yeah, you're the only one who knows it

And I will hide behind my pride
Don't know why I think I can lie
'Cause there's a screen on my chest
Yeah, there's a screen on my chest
I'm standing in front of you,
I'm standing in front of you,
I'm trying to be so cool,
Everything together, trying

Listening to the song this time had an entirely different meaning from every other time he heard it. His heart raced. He quickly played the second song when the first ended. The song started and a chill went down his spine.

I know where you stand
Silent in the trees
And that's where I am
Silent in the trees

Why won't you speak
Where I happen to be?
Silent in the trees
Standing cowardly

Thoughts whirled through Christian's mind. The song was for him, but how? How did Michael know? The song continued and he listened in trepidation. The song ended and Christian wiped the tears from his cheeks. He shut his laptop and walked into the bathroom to check himself in the mirror one last time before going downstairs to meet his father.

Christian tried to straighten his mop of blonde hair and cleaned his glasses. He tightened the knot in his tie, then just stared at himself.

In a whisper loud enough that only he could hear, he tried on his new reality for size. "I'm gay. I'm in love with Michael Meijer." He waited to see if saying it out loud would change how he felt. It did. It made all his feelings stronger and his confidence that it was factual grew.

"It's time to go!" called Kristoffer.

"Coming, dad!" Christian give himself one last smile before turning off the light and grabbing the tickets off his desk.

----------------------     

Trajan ambled along a street through his neighborhood in the general direction of the middle school. It was a nice day and he was enjoying being outdoors and the solitude of walking alone. He was certain everyone, being Lukas and the gang, were all pretending things were okay between them. Trajan reasoned that they couldn't possibly have forgiven him for being such an ass. Now he was heading to a school dance for no apparent reason other than to be there. To top it all off, he was invited to a big sleep over at Lukas' house -- the place where it all started.

About halfway to the school, Trajan heard a car pulling up behind him. He didn't turn to look but was aware the car was not driving by. It was following him.

Forgotten were his gripes about his friends, the dance, and the sleep over. He adjusted the backpack he'd slung over his left shoulder and peered back to see the car. It was a late model Lunar Blue Metallic Mercedes-Benz E400 coupe. Trajan couldn't think of anyone he knew whose parents drove such an expensive car.

His suspicion and unease grew when the car pulled up beside him and matched his speed. Another glance and all he saw was his reflection in the passenger window. He walked faster.

The car adjusted its speed. Trajan heard the motor of the passenger window. He looked over again, but the tinted windows cast too much of a shadow to see the driver.

"Hey! Trajan!" called a voice from the vehicle.

The teen stopped and bent to look into the open window. "Coach?"

"Aww, come on. We aren't at lacrosse. It's just Mark."

Trajan approached the car and rested his arms on edge of the car door. He looked around at the black leather interior and console. "Cool ride." Trajan had only seen Mark driving an old Ford Escape to and from the middle school lacrosse practices.

"Thanks," said Mark. "You heading to the dance?"

"Yeah," confirmed Trajan. He stuck his thumb under the strap of his backpack and explained, "After the dance we're having a sleep over at Lukas' house. So, you up here visiting your family?"

Mark laughed. If his dad ever knew he paid over sixty-thousand dollars for his "other" car, Coach Lange would sure as hell want to know how his son could afford such luxury. Mark only dared drive into East Harbor after his windows were tinted. "Nah. Actually, I was up here hoping I would run into you."

"Me? Why me?"

"Oh, just to say 'hey' and see if you wanted to hang out."

Trajan was skeptical. "I don't know. The guys are expecting me at the dance."

"True," conceded Mark. "How about this, let me give you a ride to the dance. We can drive around a bit so I can show of my ride before I drop you off."

Trajan stood and looked towards the school. He still had quite a walk to go and he'd never had a chance to ride in a Mercedes. He leaned down and looked at Mark. "Okay, but I want to get to the dance on time. We all agreed to meet right at seven."

"No problem," said Mark. The passenger door unlocked. "Get in."

Trajan slipped his backpack off his shoulder and climbed in.

----------------------     

When he heard his parents talking about finding a babysitter for Saturday evening, Derek went into action. He used that opportunity to line up an overnight with Jack. That meant Saturday would be a day of torture for his parents and his brother Robert. Derek bugged them incessantly with his talk about Jack and the overnight. At the appointed time to head to Jack's, the McCall parents were glad to let Robert borrow the car to take Derek so they didn't have to listen to their youngest anymore.

"Thanks, Robert!" The door slammed before the teen could even reply.

In a blur, Derek was at the door ready to ring the doorbell when it the door opened. "Hey Derek!" called out Jack more cheerful and animated than Robert had ever seen the quiet boy. Robert watched Derek enter the Vance home and pulled away from the curb to head home. Both Jack and Derek seemed more excitable than usual leading Robert to wonder what they were up to.

When Jack shut the front door, he took Derek's hand and led him up to his room. The bedroom door closed behind them and Derek's backpack hit the floor. "So," asked Derek, "did you tell your parents yet?"

Jack's huge smile continued to grace his beautiful face while he shook his head "no".

Derek's heart dropped. "You haven't changed your mind, have you?"

Jack shook his head "no" again. He took his answer one step farther by giving Derek a kiss on the lips.

Derek's profession of love the previous weekend profoundly changed both boys. For the little swimmer, the attention he paid to Jack was no longer simply flashes of the boy's prior obsessive boy crush. It was clear to Jack that Derek's love was true, even if the boy was just learning how to express it.

For Jack, he quickly became enamored with the new Derek. The things Jack's uncle did confused the boy. Jack really didn't know which way was up when it came to understanding his sexual orientation. He was definitely surprised to wake to Derek in his sleeping bag instead of Michael's. It was an even bigger surprise when Derek said he loved him. Derek never even said that to Trajan. Derek's persistence paid off. Jack had worked out that if he were gay, he'd want Derek to be his boyfriend so why not be boyfriends. Though he wasn't sure what he felt for Derek was love, the more time they spent together the emotional stirrings in the quiet boy's heart grew stronger.

"I didn't tell them because we haven't all been together and I didn't want to have to tell them over and over," explained Jack.

"Will your mom and dad be here tonight?"

"Yep," answered Jack. "I thought we'd tell them at dinner."

Derek's smile widened. "What do you want to do until them?"

"Let's go out back and play catch?"

They grabbed a couple sticks and went out back to practice lacrosse until dinner time. The sport was new to Jack, but he was picking it up and having fun, as was the rest of Derek's posse. Once Derek had decided to add lacrosse as his land sport to go with his swimming, he insisted that everyone in the posse play lacrosse too.

When Jack's mother called them in for dinner, the boys stowed their equipment and washed up. Jack and Derek took their seats across the table from Jack's parents.

"Mrs. Vance? Did you make this dinner specially for me?" asked Derek.

"Of course. I know how much you like my spaghetti and meatballs." It was true, Lillian Vance's spaghetti sauce and meatballs were something incredibly special and Derek was their biggest fan. Jack and her husband Kellen weren't far behind.

When they were getting close to finishing their first plates, Jack spoke up. "I've got something to say, but I want it to be a secret. Only the people we tell are allowed to know."

"We?" asked Kellen.

"Me and Derek," explained Jack. "For now, we only want the people we tell to know."

"Okay," agreed Kellen. "This sounds pretty serious."

Jack's brows furrowed. He wasn't sure his parents were taking him seriously. "I mean it. Not even Uncle John can know."

"But honey," Lillian interjected, "you and your Uncle John are so close."

Jack felt his spaghetti prepare for ejection. "No! No one. Not even Uncle John."

Kellen was surprised at Jack's intensity on the matter. It was very rare to see this side of their son. "Okay. Okay, Jack. Whatever you say stays here at this table."

Jack looked from his dad to his mom. "Do you guys promise?"

"Yes, Jack," insisted his mother. She was beginning to get concerned about what her little boy had to say.

He looked back to his dad waiting for his response.

"I promise, too." His dad raised his right hand as if swearing on a bible. "I won't even tell John."

"Okay." Jack relaxed a bit and looked over to Derek. Derek gave Jack a smile and Jack knew it was the right thing to do. "Well, um... Derek and I are boyfriends."

Derek and Jack were really happy to finally announce their new relationship status. Their revelation, however, was met with silence. It was, however, what Jack had expected. He disliked what his Uncle John had been doing to him and making him do and therefore had up to this point staunchly professed to be straight to his uncle and everyone around him.

"I know, I know. I've been saying I'm not gay and all, and maybe I'm not. But I know how I feel about Derek right now, and that's what we're going with."

"Aren't you a little young to..." Kellen was cut off by Jack before he could finish his question.

"No dad. Derek's known he was gay for ages. Besides, we're just a little younger than Michael and he's been out at school and dating since like the start of the school year."

Lillian sided with her husband. "But isn't he in middle school."

Jack opened his mouth to continue the argument until he remembered what he and Derek had talked about. "Me and Derek talked about it. He knows I might be into girls at some point, but that shouldn't mean we can't be together for now. If things change in the future, they change. I know you two dated other people before you met. You didn't even meet until after college."

Jack's parents couldn't argument with that. They looked at each other before his mom spoke for the parenting duo. "You know? You're right. And as long as we are keeping this on the down low, I think we can get on board with it."

Jack smiled and Derek reached over to hold Jack's head in place while he planted a giant smooch on his boyfriend's cheek. As much as Derek wanted them to be out and proud, he understood Jack's fear of having his uncle know, so he was fine with Jack's parents' insistence they keep their relationship on the down low.

----------------------     

"Where's Trajan?" asked Will, checking his phone one last time. "It's already ten after."

"I don't know. He's not answering his text messages," answered Scott, worried about his friend.

The level of concern varied throughout the group. "He didn't want to come to the dance in the first place," said Jordan. "He probably decided to stay home and doesn't want to give us a chance to give him a guilt trip or anything."

There was general, if reluctant, agreement from the others. Though Christian and Emily and Lewis and Courtney were yet to arrive from their pre-dance dinner at the Café, the others, Scott and Najma, Will, Curtis, Jordan and Michael, along with the seventh-grade contingent of Alex, Jaden, Sam and Gregory, were all waiting on Trajan. They wanted yet again to show their forgiveness and offer an olive branch to Trajan.

"I'll just send him another text that we're going to wait for him inside." Scott sent a message to Trajan and included that he was worried about Trajan not replying to his texts and all the boys (and their dates) were anxious for him to arrive.

The group filed inside and eventually found a few unoccupied tables they could claim. The tables were shoved together, and backpacks unloaded and lined up against the wall. They were a popular bunch and spent most of the next half hour connecting with friends and acquaintances who stopped by their tables. About then is when Christian and Lewis arrived with their dates and took the four chairs saved for them at the far end, opposite of where Michael was seated.

Nearly two hours into the dance and it was just a typical school dance. The boys enjoyed each other's company and the freedom to be louder and more animated than they would be during a school day. They talked about sports, gaming, movies, and even music. The co-ed couples came and went as they made their rounds to visit the girls' friends, and even some of their beaus' friends that traveled in different social circles. It wasn't boring -- everyone was having a good time -- but it wasn't a memorable dance by any means.

Christian nudged Lewis who was talking to Courtney and her friends at a table across the gymnasium from where the boys had established home base. Since Emily and Courtney had completely different sets of friends, both she and Christian felt like outsiders at Courtney's table. Christian leaned in close so Lewis could hear over the loud music, "We're going to go out and get something to drink." Lewis nodded that he understood, and Christian took Emily's hand and they were off.

Exiting from the gymnasium into the cafeteria was a relief. It took a minute or so for their ears to recover. In the meantime, they waited patiently in line to get some punch and cookies. Emily was people watching and having a good time enjoying the quieter environment. Some of her friends from the girl's lacrosse team had a table in the far corner. When she got their attention, she waved and motioned for them to save seats for her and Christian.

Christian, on the other hand, began to fret. He knew he needed to tell Emily what he discovered about himself but didn't know when. Then suddenly he decided he had to tell her before they went back into the dance. It only made sense. The cafeteria was the quietest place for them to talk and the subject of the discussion shouldn't... couldn't wait. The knowledge that "the talk" was eminent, made him very nervous.

At the refreshment table, the chaperones handed them each a cup of punch. Then they proceeded down the table to pick out their choice of cookies. Emily picked her favorite while Christian was too distracted to make any decisions let alone notice his cookie options. To keep the line moving, he simply selected the same cookies as Emily and followed her towards her friends.

He stopped and attempted to get her attention. He called out, "Em!"

When she turned, she saw Christian was pointing towards an empty table away from everyone near the back wall of the cafeteria. She shook her head and pointed in the direction of her friends, but he started walking to the table he indicated. Emily reluctantly joined him.

They sat in silence. Emily enjoyed her peanut butter cookies but Christian simply broke his into smaller pieces. They were not his favorite cookie and his appetite had vanished. Then they looked up at each other and spoke at the same time.

Emily asked, "What's going on with..." stopping when her brain registered Christian's statement. "I kissed Michael."

"You what?" asked Emily.

Christian stared at her in confusion. She was smiling at him as if she was happy. "I... I kissed Michael yesterday."

"Oh my god! Finally!" She jumped from her seat and gave a stunned Christian a huge hug. She quickly returned to her seat and wanted to know all the details. "So how did it happen?"

"What?" Christian was completely thrown off by her unexpected reaction.

"Ugh. My mom was right," laughed Emily. "Boys really are clueless."

"In this case, she's absolutely right. What are you talking about?"

"Christian, mom figured it out then she told me weeks ago. Don't you think it was odd that we're allowed to hang out at my house by ourselves?" She let that sink in before she continued. "All you ever talk about is Michael. And when he's around, you can't keep your eyes off him. Like tonight for example. And I know for sure you've never looked at me the way you look at him." She paused again to let Christian think about what she was saying. After a few moments, she looked off into the distance thinking before she continued. "I think it all started at the basketball game."

Christian blushed and smiled thinking about Michael dancing and singing. It felt good to have it out in the open and to have his best friend to talk to about it. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"You KNOW I'm right," teased Emily, laughing even harder.

When their laughter calmed he asked, "You aren't mad?"

"No. Christian, you're my best friend and I love you for it. We're going to continue to be best friends. I've known that at some point you were going to wake up and if you didn't, I probably would've knocked you up side."

Christian couldn't believe this conversation. "Well, I didn't even figure it out until right before we came to get you for the dance."

"Wait, I thought you said you kissed Michael yesterday?"

"I did. I was hanging out with him and we were dancing in his bedroom and it just... happened."

"Uh huh... it just happened? You two just accidentally bumped lips?"

"Wellllll nooooo." Christian's smile brightened. "I just sort of grabbed him and kissed him."

"Just a peck or like a real kiss?"

"We made out for like a minute or two."

"No shit! Then what happened?"

"The song ended, and I apologized and ran home."

"You what?" She kicked him under the table. "What the hell? Does Michael know how you feel?"

"Well, I did kiss him. But probably not. I haven't talked to him since then."

"So as far as Michael knows, you totally regret kissing him and you are avoiding him. No wonder he looks miserable tonight."

"I need to talk to him."

"No shit. Wait! I have another idea. Come on." She grabbed Christian by the hand and rushed him away.

----------------------     

Emily checked out how Christian looked and fixed his tie. "This song's almost over and your songs are next. It's time." She grabbed him by the shoulders and pointed him towards his friends. "Go," she ordered, following at a distance.

Christian walked across the dance floor heading straight to Michael. His posture and presence told everyone he meant business. The boys facing the dance floor took notice of Christian coming their way. Michael looked to see what the others were looking at. When he turned to look, Christian was standing there with his hand out. "Will you dance with me?"

Michael looked to Lukas and Simon who excitedly nodded their heads. Michael looked back up at Christian who was smiling brightly. Michael returned the smile and placed his hand in Christian's and allowed Christian to lead him onto the dance floor.

Emily walked over to Jordan. "Come on Jordan, dance with me." He shrugged his shoulders and walked with Emily onto the dance floor next to Michael and Christian. Simon and Lukas, Courtney and Lewis, and Scott and Najma hurried to join their friends.

Gregory turned to Sam who looked at him expectantly. "Com'on babe, let's dance." Both boys would remember this, their first slow dance.

Jaden turned to Alex. "Do you wanna dance? Everyone else is."

"Okay." Alex appreciated being included. He was starting to feel more and more like one of the gang instead of the messed up kid everyone was trying to be nice to.

Curtis and Will were left at the tables. Curtis turned to Will who immediately said, "No fucking way." Curtis just shrugged and the boys watched their friends.

The DJ was trying to wrangle more couples onto the dance floor before playing the first song giving the couples time to stake out their space.

"I listened to the songs on the flash drive," admitted Christian, taking Michael into his arms. "I know you sang those to tell me how you feel. I picked these songs to tell you how I feel." The first of the songs Christian selected started and the couples began to dance.

As the song started, Michael and Christian swayed to the music. Though Christian held Michael close, they continued to face each other. Both sought answers in the other's eyes. Michael was apprehensive about Christian's intensions. Though he'd been positive it was Christian he could feel thinking of him, after Christian had run out after the kiss, Michael's emotions ran high and drowned out anything he might be able pick up from Christian since the kiss. Christian once again felt the same electricity between him and Michael as when they'd kissed but didn't know if it was just a physical attraction, or something much deeper. He studied Michael's face for any sign that he'd overstepped and damaged their friendship. When Emily returned to his line of sight, she and Jordan both gave him a thumbs up.

Over the piano's melodic sounds, Adele's voice filled the gymnasium.

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love

Christian had listened to this song over and over thinking about Michael. Christian's smile faltered as tears welled up in his eyes, just as they did when he was home in his bedroom.

That was the proof Michael needed to confirm all he suspected. Michael slipped his right arm around Christian and moved his left hand to the side of Christian's neck. His right cheek found Christian's shoulder when Michael pressed the bridge of his nose against the left side of Christian's neck. The blond closed his eyes and rested his cheek against Michael's head and both boys clutched tighter.

Lukas and Simon looked on with excitement for Michael. If Christian was truly gay, they couldn't imagine a better boyfriend for their little brother. Watching the boys dancing together, eyes closed and clutching the other tightly, whatever one was feeling, it was clearly reciprocated by the other. Glancing around, "Lukmon" took in the sight of the other couples. Principal Trance was making her way to Courtney and Lewis who were mauling each other on the dance floor. Scott and Najma slowly moved to the music. Things were looking up for Scott. Najma had her arms wrapped around her boyfriend, her head resting on his chest. Scott made eye contact with his friends and gave them a warm smile. Emily and Jordan, as well as Alex and Jaden, were close enough to step on their dance partner's toes, but not close enough for their bodies to touch. That wasn't surprising. Those four were only on the dance floor to observe their friends finding their way to each other.

Then Lukas caught sight of Gregory and Sam. He motioned their location so they both could watch another new couple. The seventh graders had become much better friends after joining the player-led off-season practices and ever better once the season started. Simon and Lukas were happy to see the two lacrosse players so into each other. Sam couldn't be happier being on the dance floor in the arms of Gregory. The dark-haired boy kept his hands low on Sam's back and the boys' pelvises were pressed together. Sam had his arms around Gregory's neck while the boys made googly-eyes at one another. With each day this week, Gregory had settled further into his roll of boyfriend, showering Sam with attention and acts of affection. Even facing some backlash by unapproving students, Gregory refused to keep his love of Sam under wraps unless the school put new rules in place preventing all couples from the same behaviors.

"You know," said Lukas after placing his mouth close to Simon's ear, "those two are braver than any of us have been. They don't hold back and expect, without exception, the same rights and acceptance as any other couple at school receives. It's really pretty awesome. Wish you went to school here so we could do the same thing."

When Lukas pulled back, he saw the smile on Simon's face. The raven-haired bass player leaned in to speak directly into Lukas' ear, "We'll be able to do that at the high school next year." When their eyes met again, Lukas gave Simon a nod and a bright smile before melting into his lover's body.

"Make You Feel My Love" ended and the next song started before the couples could stop. But Michael stopped dead still and looked at Christian. The blonde smiled as the younger boy began to understand his intention behind selecting "Trees" by Twenty-One Pilots as his second selection.

The couples slow danced and as the song picked up, they moved apart and danced together. The friends started dancing as one big group as the song drew closer to its crescendo. They shouted "na na na" with the song's vocals jumping up and down, arms raised above their heads in a celebration of life and love.

----------------------     

Trajan wondered how he got talked into hanging out with Mark and some of his friends. Besides wondering about his own decision making, something else bothered Trajan and he couldn't put his finger on it. He knew Mark was 19 and in college, but all of his friends said they were under 18 and were from all different places. And they were hanging out at a friend's house -- a really, really nice house with a pool -- and the friend wasn't there. He guessed this was how things go when you were older, like an adult or something, but it just didn't seem right. The other guys were even helping themselves to the alcohol stored in the bar, but Trajan wasn't having any of that. He was glad the other guys weren't pushy and treated him like a friend instead of a kid.

He thought about asking to go home, or to the dance, but one thing kept him from doing so. Mark and his friends were older, funny, hot, and hung. How did he know? Because they were all skinny dipping -- even Trajan.

Mark climbed out of the pool and dried off before going into the house. "Hey Trajan? I'm getting something to drink. You want anything?"

Trajan nodded and watched Mark's ass as his coach walked through the glass door and across the house to the kitchen. A voice, low and close to his ear, startled the eighth-grader.

"He's as good as he looks."

Trajan turned to find Davey standing unusually close. "Uh?"

"He's as good in bed as he looks -- maybe even better."

Trajan blushed. He couldn't tell if it was from being caught checking out Mark, or the way Davey's piercing black eyes seemed to look directly into his soul. Trajan wondered if Davey could read his mind - if the teen with the eyes like lumps of coal knew he was wondering how, at 16, Davey had gotten a tattoo.

In the kitchen, Mark poured Coke into two glasses, then topped the second off with some Jack Daniels. Riley and Bryce joined him.

"Dude, seriously?" asked Riley, selecting two glasses to make rum and Cokes. "You brought some little kid to party and he's clueless? If you wanted to bring a little middle schooler, you could have at least picked one up off the street that knows how to party."

Mark thought back to his finding Trajan and Scott together in the handicap stall. "Don't worry dude. One thing I'm pretty certain about is that he likes to handle big cocks."

Meanwhile, Bryce was searching for something on the other side of the kitchen. "Here we go," he announced. He opened one bottle and dumped two capsules into his hand and then grabbed a second bottle from the cupboard. "This will help get things going." He opened the two clear capsules of Molly and emptied their contents into the non-alcoholic drink. "And we have this for later." He shook a bottle of Rohypnol then placed it on the counter.

----------------------     

There was a knock at the front door before the new arrival opened it and let himself in. "Hello! It's just me."

"Hi John!" called out Kellen. "Come on in. We're watching TV."

John Vance made his way into the living room to find his brother and sister-in-law enjoying a glass of wine and watching a movie he didn't immediately recognize. Not that he cared. He'd heard earlier in the week that Jack's gay friend Derek was sleeping over tonight, and he wanted to finally get a look at the boy. Now he just needed to know where they were. "So, what's everyone been up to this evening?"

Lillian took a sip of her wine and relayed the events of the evening. "After dinner we played some games and when the boys retired to Jack's bedroom, we decided to crack open a bottle of Pinot Noir and watch a movie."

"Well, don't mind if I join you, but first, I'm gonna run upstairs and see Jack before the little critters fall to sleep." He headed to the staircase before Kellen invited him to check on his son.

John looked towards the living room to see if his brother and sister-in-law were looking his way. They weren't, so he slipped off his shoes and slowly crept up the stairs. At Jack's door, he listened for a moment to see if he would be lucky or not. John wasn't sure he heard anything and feared the boys were asleep. He adjusted his position and pressed his ear to the door. He was about to give up and go back downstairs when he heard a soft groan. He'd know that voice anywhere.

The grin on his face would have creeped out even the most ardent pedo. Careful not to make a sound, John turned the door knob slowly. When the latch was past the doorframe, he gently returned the knob to its original position and planned his next move. Meanwhile, he slipped his hard cock out of the right leg-hole of his gym shorts and stroked listening to the boys making out. The slurping and wet kisses really got John going. Without any real plan, he shoved the door open and flipped on the top light.

The boys were startled and froze in fear. Derek was on his back naked, knees bent with Jack, equally naked, on top cradled between Derek's thighs.

John grew harder (if that was even possible). He quickly turned and securely shut and locked Jack's bedroom door. Turning back to the boys, he crossed the room to the bed where the boys were lying. Climbing on the bed behind Jack, John whispered, "I knew all that bitching and whining was just a show, Jack. You're the little faggot I always thought you were." He pulled his shorts down to his knees and spit on his hand. The saliva was used to slick up his leaking cock. Shuffling up the bed between the boys' splayed legs, he wondered if he would blow his load before he even got his cock crammed up Jack's little ass.

Derek made the next move. He raised his right foot and drew his knee back. "If you so much as lay a finger on Jack, I'm going to kick you in the fucking nuts."

John was shocked that either of the little gay boys put up a fuss. He always dreamed that all little fags would beg for a hard, man cock. The man's momentary pause gave Derek enough time to roll Jack off the bed and onto his feet and Derek quickly followed.

John wagged his cock at the boys. "Where the fuck do you two think you're going?"

Derek handed Jack his gray gym shorts and Derek slipped on his Sea Saber sleeping pants. Jack was still too dazed by the turn of events to say anything, so Derek continued to speak for the young couple. "We're getting away from you, you fucking perv. And if you ever touch Jack again, I'm gonna tell everyone what you've been doing." Derek grabbed Jack by the hand and pulled him from the room.

"I thought you two were going to bed," stated Lillian when the boys passed through the living room. The boys had been adamant they were going up to Jack's room for the night.

Jack finally gathered his wits enough to know he needed to answer his mother. "We're hungry. We came down for a snack."

"After all you ate?" asked Kellen. His question was left unanswered as the boys disappeared around the corner on their way to the pantry.

----------------------     

The DJ segued between his next set of songs with a few words to the kids. It was his typical style for engaging the students and doing dances almost every Friday and Saturday night, it became a well-rehearsed routine.

The boys and their dates were discussing whether to leave the dance floor and get drinks or to dance some more. They hadn't stopped dancing since the songs Christian had requested nearly a half hour ago.

"So, there's a new band that is getting really popular. I've been doing school dances all over the area and this song has been requested at almost every dance since its release. Here's 'Betrayal' by At the Majestic."

The kids in the auditorium screamed and cheered as Simon's bass blared through the DJ's speakers. The driving bass line energized the students. They began to jump around the dance floor and singing along to the song. Michael and Christian, headed for the cafeteria while Lukas and Simon joined the riot on the dance floor.

The version played was the band's latest release. From the original version Simon and Lukas played at Carol's birthday, guitar parts for Michael and Matthew were added and the song was reworked with the help of AJ and Zach into the hard rock version launched as the band's first original single -- not just a YouTube video of them playing.

I was a kid
I needed your love and safety
You never cared
Turned to my brother to save me

[chorus]
BETRAYED!
That's all I got from you

BETRAYED!
You never even loved me

Broken and betrayed
Lonely and afraid
You put it all on display
Betrayed by you in the worst way


Beaten and alone
You and your friends left me for dead
Visions of you
Keep bouncing around in my head

[chorus]
BETRAYED!
That's all I got from you

BETRAYED!
You never even loved me

Broken and betrayed
Lonely and afraid
You put it all on display
Betrayed by you in the worst way

[musical interlude]

Broken and betrayed
Lonely and afraid
You put it all on display
Betrayed by you in the worst way


The truth was revealed
I finally saw who you became
You were to blame
Despite all of you I overcame

[chorus]
BETRAYED!
That's all I got from you

BETRAYED!
You never even loved me

I survived and alive
I'm learning to forgive
It doesn't mean I don't hurt
From you treating me like dirt!
[Lyrics by Gman and the BRAT]

While the others raved in the gymnasium, Christian and Michael held hands and waited for refreshments. The line was long. Students were getting a last treat before the dance ended.

Some of their friends waved or stopped by to get the low down on their becoming a couple. They held hands while Michael just gently twisted in place with his head resting on Christian's shoulder. He let Christian do all the talking.

"Let's just go home," suggested Michael.

Christian looked at the number of people ahead of them in line and agreed. "I think we could get to my house and get something to drink before we make it through this line."

Michael pulled out his phone and sent a group text to his father and brothers to let them know he was leaving early to walk home.

"And tell them we are stopping by my house on the way."

Michael added that message too as the boys exited the front entrance of the middle school and descended the steps to Maple Street.

----------------------     

"Here, open up," said Mark.

Trajan was relaxing with his arms stretched out along the side of the pool and head resting on the concrete edge, kicking his legs to maintain his position. He was starting to feel tense and seemed to be getting his second wind. He opened his eyes when he heard Mark's voice. "What?"

"Trust me. You're looking tense. This will help you relax a bit." He coaxed Trajan to open his mouth. When the boy did, Mark inserted a rubber pacifier. "You'll thank me later." He ran his hand across the boy's chest and tweaked his left nipple.

Trajan groaned. His nipples had never been that sensitive but tonight... wow. As a matter of fact, Trajan noticed everything seemed more intense and alive.

Mark watched the boy close his eyes and smile under the touch of his fingers. Changing his tactics, he moved his hand and ran it up and down Trajan's side. When the boy didn't react negatively, Mark moved his hand to the inside of Trajan's right knee. He caressed it for a bit then glided it up and under Trajan's thigh until the boy's balls rested on his wrist. He gently probed until he could tickle Trajan's rosebud with the tip of his finger. The flicking of his finger drew a moan from Trajan. Then Trajan realized what was happening and stood and faced the side of the pool, but not before Mark cupped Trajan's balls and gave his firm boy cock a firm squeeze.

Bryce came through the door with a tray of fruity drinks and gave Mark a nod. "Yeah, now we're talking."

"Um... I bet the dance is almost over. I should get to Lukas' for the sleep over."

"No problem, bud," said Mark. Bryce leaned down so Mark could take two of the last three drinks. Bryce tapped his thumb by the drink in the corner so Mark could see. Mark grabbed a drink for himself, then changed his mind and selected the other glass to hand to Trajan. "We'll get you there. Let's have one more drink before you go."

----------------------     

Christian opened the front door and Michael followed him inside. Anna and Kristoffer didn't expect their son to stop by to get his overnight bag this early. They quickly straightened themselves up in case he came into the living room instead of heading up to his bedroom.

The boys looked at each other and Christian held his finger to his lips to be quiet and laughed silently. Michael's brow furrowed then his eyes grew large when Christopher mimed out kissing then pointed into the living room. Both boys laughed silently -- hands over mouths.

Finally, Christian gained his composure. "Mom? Dad?" he called as if he didn't know where they were.

Anna answered, "In here, kjære (sweetheart)."

Christian smiled at Michael and reached for his beau's hand. The boys entered the living room.

"Hi guys," said Christian, a bit uncertain with what to say. He was going to introduce his boyfriend, but they obviously already know Michael.

Anna came to the rescue. She got up off the couch and went to give each boy a hug. "We love you Christian. You too, Michael." Kristoffer followed with hugs of his own.

Christian was a bit surprised by his parent's reaction. "I guess after yesterday you aren't too surprised."

"No," said Kristoffer, "we've been wondering when you were going to get yourself a boyfriend."

"Wait. What? You're not surprised I'm gay?"

Michael giggled at Christian's situation.

Anna put her arms around her baby and admitted, "Oh honey, your father and I are more surprised that Lewis is straight than you being gay."

"Michael, when Christian and Lewis were little, Chris used to chase Lewis around the yard and try to kiss him. He would tell us they were going to be married when they grew up."

Michael's giggle turned into laughter despite Christian blushing in embarrassment. Christian responded by giving his boyfriend a light punch on the shoulder.

"Well," grumbled Christian, "I just wanted to stop by and tell you guys."

"How did Emily take it?" asked his father.

Christian rolled his eyes. "She said her mother figured it out and told her. Apparently, that's why her parents were okay with me hanging out at their house without any adults... wait... you two let me hang out... you two really did think I was gay all along."

"Mothers know things Chris," admitted Kristoffer. "It did take a bit of convincing on her part to convince me to allow you to go to Emily's with her parents at work."

"But mom, you never said anything."

"Chris, it would have been more confusing for me to tell you I thought you were gay, than for you to figure it out on your own." Anna reached out and took Michael's hand. "Besides, I think you figured it out just in time."

"I love you, mom." Christian gave his mom a big hug. "And you too, dad." His dad received an equally big hug. "And I love you too," he said before giving Michael a loving kiss on the lips. Kissing Emily in front of his parents was something he'd never even considered.

----------------------     

The Meijer/Novak household was filled with teen boys -- 14 to be exact. Zach and Lars were happy Carol was working from East Harbor these days, especially on nights like tonight. But in all honesty the boys were so well behaved, none of the adults would have worried if they'd been there alone. They trusted this group of friends.

Since the boys from the dance caught up to Christian and Michael on the walk home, the new couple didn't get the opportunity to share their status with Lars, Zach or Carol. It was the topic of conversation between Christian's house and the sleep over, but once the boys walked in the front door and saw the spread of food laid out, all thoughts turned to filling hungry bellies.

Carol, Zach and Lars helped with drinks, removing empty boxes and trays, and helping the boys get what they needed from utensils to napkins. Despite all the commotion, the three adults were keenly aware what the boys were up to. They particularly noticed that Michael and Christian were exceptionally close. When Christian used his thumb to wipe the corner of Michael's mouth then leaned in and kissed him on the lips, they knew something momentous had happened this evening. Carol, Lars and Zach exchanged glances and smiled.

As plates were emptied and bellies reached capacity, boys began to wander off to stake out space for the next activities. Michael and Christian and Sam and Gregory grabbed overnight bags and headed next door. The other boys split up between Lukas and Matthew's bedrooms to change clothes before crashing in the family room to watch some Netflix. Carol was pleased that Matthew was hanging out with the other boys instead of drifting off to his own room.

----------------------     

Sam and Gregory followed Christian and Michael up the stair then the group stopped in the hallway.

"Ugh, guys, um," began Michael not wanting to disappoint his friends.

"Oh," said Sam. "Don't worry, we'll just take Simon's room." He stepped up and gave Michael and Christian hugs. "I'm so happy for you two -- you're perfect for each other."

"Yeah," agreed Gregory giving each a hug himself. "Love you guys. Have a great night together. But keep the noise down."

The foursome laughed then split up to the different bedrooms and closed the doors.

Sam turned to Gregory and the young couple met in the middle. "Thank you," whispered Sam into Gregory's ear as the boys embraced. "That was the best night of my life."

"Me too babe." Gregory pulled back so they faced each other and brushed Sam's blonde bangs from his eyes. "Being a couple, being with you tonight. Everything seemed so perfect. I was so happy to be there with you so everyone could see how much I love you."

The boys shared a long, sexy kiss. Their passion escalated and their kissing became more frenetic. Gregory's hands drifted to Sam's ass. Grabbing each cheek, he pulled Sam in tight and ground his boner into his lover. Sam only moaned in need.

Slow dancing had kept Gregory boned up and horny. He needed to do something about it immediately. Gregory guided Sam backwards to Simon's bed and pushed. Sam fell backwards and laughed as he bounced. Before he came to a stop, Gregory's hands were wrestling with Sam's belt. He unbuttoned Sam's pants and pulled the zipper down. Flipping Sam over, Gregory yanked his boyfriend's pants and underwear down below Sam's ass and buried his face. Sam squealed in delight though it went unheard with Carol enjoying conversation with Lars and Zach next door and the boys in the other room busy brushing their teeth. While on his knees preparing Sam with his tongue, Gregory opened his pants and pulled them down far enough to release his cock and balls. He stood and spit on his hand. Tucking his shirt tails under his chin, Gregory lubed his boner, then drove it home causing Sam to have his first of the many orgasms he'd have before breakfast. Gregory wasn't far behind with a massive explosion of his own.

Michael turned on some music to drown out the squeaking of Simon's bed and switched the lighting to his room's LED colored lights.

"Wow...," admired Christian, "those are even better at night."

Michael walked over to Christian. The boys stood facing each other still in their shirts, pants and socks. The younger boy began to unbutton his shirt and Christian followed Michael's lead. The shirts fell to the ground, then socks tossed to the side. Michael undid his pants and let them drop to the floor. He stepped out of them and stood up straight allowing Christian to see his boner straining to escape his yellow boxer briefs. Christian looked nervously around trying to keep his eyes off Michael's cock. Christian unbuckled his belt and undid his own pants. Then he turned his back to Michael. The pants fell to the floor and he quickly stepped out of them and crawled under the covers of Michael's bed. Michael dropped his briefs and crawled in after him naked.

The boys lay facing each other -- Michael with a pillow tucked under his head, Christian propping his head up using his right arm as an easel. In the colored lights of the room, both boys gazed at each other and thought about the evening.

"How did you know?" asked Christian. "How did you know about my dreams?"

"The dream where I'm in the woods but can't find you?" asked Michael.

"You do know the dream," exclaimed Christian. "Wait. But how did you know it was me?"

"I've been feeling you thinking about me. It feels the same way when I'm crying and you lie down beside me and hold me. I just knew it was you. But why couldn't I find you?"

"When I listened to the songs you gave me, I finally realized why I couldn't get to you. I was the trees. I was all around you, protecting you, but I couldn't get to you because of me. I needed to realize I was gay so I could get unstuck and be with you."

"I'm glad you did," Michael scooted closer and reached for Christian's black CK briefs.

Christian grabbed Michael's wrist. "Please, no."

"You don't want to have sex with me?" Michael feared that Christian knew too much of his past.

"No... Yes! I mean, I really want to have sex with you, but I've never done anything beyond kissing before. Tonight, though, I want this to be about how much I love you, not how much I want to have sex with you."

"Will you at least kiss me, then?" asked Michael.

Christian rolled towards Michael tipping him onto his back. Christian rested his chest at an angle to Michael's, their lower bodies not touching. Michael put his arms around Christian's neck as the boy above him scooped him up into his arms.

"I love you so much, Michael." The boys kissed.

----------------------     

Simon was surfing the options in Netflix when Curtis and Will joined them, completing the group. Blankets and pillows comforted the teen boys as the evening's teasing and joking continued. Things turned serious when Scott asked the group a question. "Can you guys check your phones to see if Trajan texted any of you?"

The boys didn't argue with the request. Scott's concern was evident in his voice.

"Nothing on my phone," said Jordan.

"Me either," added Will and Curtis, almost simultaneously. The others also failed to find a message from Trajan on their phones.

"I'm really worried." Scott looked at his friends to see if they shared his level of concern. "The dance is over. He doesn't have any reason to avoid us now." No one could argue with that and didn't know what to say to Scott. "I even called but I think his phone is turned off. It goes straight to voicemail."

"I think we're all concerned, Scott," said Lukas, putting his arms around Scott's chest. It was the first time Lukas had made an overtly intimate overture towards Scott in front of their friends. After Trajan's outburst, it wasn't a secret any longer.

"Scott?" asked Simon, reaching over Lukas to run his hand through Scott's hair. "What can we do?"

"I don't know," admitted Scott. "Maybe we should call his parents."

"Maybe he decided to apologize to Derek and they got back together?" Will thought that sounded reasonable. Trajan had apologized to everyone else, but hadn't seen Derek to mend their friendship, if there was one to mend. No one in the room was aware of Derek's secret relationship status.

Jaden felt like he didn't know any of the other boys well enough to really add anything, but he decided he should say something. "It's already about eleven. Would it make them mad if we called them this late at night?"

Some of the other boys who've met the de Luca's thought that was a strong possibility and shared their thoughts on the matter.

After speaking with Lars, they took his advice and waited until morning to call Trajan's parents. With only a hunch something was wrong, he didn't think it justified waking up his parents.

The boys settled into the family room and paid minimal attention to whatever it was they'd decided to watch on Netflix. Staying together seemed like the right thing to do -- solidarity in their concern for their friend. Eventually, all the boys drifted off to sleep.

In the master bedroom next door, things weren't going quite as well.

"You're concerned about Trajan, aren't you?" asked Zach.

"Yeah," said Lars, "I wanted to put the boys at ease, but I agree with Scott. Something isn't right."

----------------------     

Their mouths were getting tired and the boys began to drift off to sleep. Christian adjusted his pillow and pulled Michael to his chest to spoon him. Michael rolled to face away from Christian and scooted back into his boyfriend.

"Christian? Is that your...? Is that why you never hangout when we're going naked and stuff?"

He felt Christian's head nod yes. "I was too embarrassed."

"Dude, you have NOTHING to be embarrassed about. In fact, you're gonna have to fight guys off when they see that thing." Michael wiggled his bare butt wedging Christian's huge pole into his crack. The little bottom boy sighed and drifted off to a peaceful sleep in the arms of the boy he loved so incredibly much.