Mr Heartbreak

(A Story of Nerdy and Sporty love)

Clyde Andrews

The “Cute Gay Romance” Series

Healthy, Wealthy and Boyfriend Wise

Mr Heartbreak

Help! I’ve Got a Crush (Coming 15th May, 2019)

Available soon:

The New Boy Next Door, Uh-Oh!

I Would Do Anything For You

Why Can’t He Be With Me? Not Her!

My Skateboarding Hero (And Crush!)

This series has love and laughter at its core and features cute boys falling in love with happily ever afters, too. All stories are standalone and can be read in any order.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, incidents, and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to people, living or dead, events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

The right of Clyde Andrews to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him.

Copyright © Clyde Andrews 2019

Beta read by Allen T St. Clair

Edited by Charlie Knight: www.cknightwrites.com

Cover by BNPDesign Studio used under license with Canva Premium for use as Kindle book cover © 2019.

ALL RIGHT RESERVED. No part of this may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author.

Published by Eridani Books 2019

Daniel is a bookworm, nerd, loner, and a nobody. Brayden is the perfect boy—good-looking, fit, athletic, and an all-round sports hero who’s popular with everyone.

Brayden has a secret only his best friend knows.

Daniel has a crush on Brayden.

The trouble is, Brayden doesn’t even know Daniel exists…until a huge and very important homework assignment is announced, and the two boys are paired together. Of course!

A secret and a crush are just the beginning for these two!

1

Daniel

The Ventolin inhaler didn’t know what hit it. Daniel needed two extra draws from the thing already. Seeing him there was the cause.

Why was he in the library?

Wasn’t there some sort of sport going on where a group of sweaty boys dressed in the school’s PE uniform tried to gain control of an odd-shaped ball?

Daniel’s eyes darted to the exit too far away. He couldn’t get there. Not without having to walk past him. Nerves washed through Daniel, like the waves of a tsunami ready to wreck a holiday village built foolishly on the shoreline now that Global Warming was a thing.

He, of course, was Brayden Hollister—all swanky walk, confident smile, and dark wavy gorgeous hair with its longer fringe swooped casually to one side. Brayden was really fit and darn fine on the eyes, that was for sure. Today, he wore his numbered sports jacket, the red and white one, and those jeans. The ones that revealed his cute bubble butt all too well.

A butt Daniel would have liked to grab a hold of…many times.

But Daniel’s chest ached, his heart shattering inside it as he acknowledged the vast gulf between the fantasy of wanting someone like Brayden to be his boyfriend, and the reality. If his life was a teen movie, Brayden was his Mr. Heartbreak.

It had been like that for months…

From afar, Daniel thought about Brayden a lot. So far, in fact, that Daniel avoided him like he carried the Great Plague. It wasn’t until he was at home and in his bed that Daniel let go enough to think about how much Brayden affected him. Almost every night, his dick twitched to instant hardness when he imagined Brayden kissing him all over while they were both naked. Although, and rather unfortunately, the sock he kept under his mattress was all the comfort he got.

Regret and guilt always accompanied his ejaculations.  

But for the here and now, Daniel was stuck.   

His stomach knotted uncomfortably, and he licked his lips. There was no way out of the library. Instead, he shrunk further down in his seat at the computer stations he was working at in an attempt to hide from Brayden. He sucked on his inhaler again.

The tightness in his chest eased…only slightly.

As he did so, one of the many books he’d stacked haphazardly around him—a large tome on the history of ancient Rome—fell off the desk. It landed with a loud thud on the wooden parquetry, echoing throughout the library. People turned to stare at him, annoyed their revered silence was broken.

When Daniel looked up, Brayden had approached and was now standing over him. All of Daniel’s insides decided to occupy the space between his voice box and his tongue, especially when they made eye contact.

Brayden had dreamy ocean blue eyes.

“Hey, you dropped your book, buddy.” Brayden picked up the item in question, offering it to Daniel. His smile was bigger than the tome.

That was too much for Daniel to process; he was still caught up in the sound of Brayden’s voice. One that was all husky and powerful, with just a hint of manly roughness. In fact, Brayden could have read Daniel the phone book and have a similar effect to things he’d only ever dreamt about or saw on the net.

“Ummthankssomuch,” Daniel blurted quickly in blur of nervous words. They tumbled out in one incomprehensible sentence, displaying his embarrassing infatuation for the boy. He completed the picture of his complete awkwardness and his need to crawl away to hide in a hole in the wall somewhere with a strangled, “ErrrrBraaaaydeeeen!”

Brayden’s oceans of loveliness stared at Daniel for a moment; he became lost in them. “Okay…see you ‘round then.”

Those words ended the adventure for Daniel. He felt lonely all of a sudden as Brayden turned and walked away, the view of his athletic bubble butt trying to escape those jeans his only consolation.

The after-lunch siren wailed.   

Daniel flopped himself into his seat, in the front row and as close to the teacher as he could be without sitting on the man’s desk like a gifted apple.

Although, school work—even VCE history, his favourite subject—was the furthest thing from his mind. He was still daydreaming about Brayden and how close they had been in the library earlier. His heart ached and his dick wanted some serious hand action as compensation.

Daniel reminded himself that he’d have to wait until he got home for that; jerking off in the boys’ toilet wasn’t a good idea at the best of times. Not after he’d almost been caught by the resident thugs who prowled the school grounds for the weak and easily tormented a few months ago. That sock wouldn’t know what time of day it was once Daniel had finished with it later.

And that was a promise.

In fact, Daniel was still “inflated” by his library encounter with Brayden. Checking out the books he required while all awkward and uncomfortable in his own clothing was an interesting experience under the gaze of the prim and proper elderly library assistant, that was for sure.

He squirmed in his seat.

Mister Andersson entered. “Good afternoon, people. Settle down. Today, both history classes will be combined because we’re assigning work partners for the big end of semester assignment. An assignment that’s worth forty percent of class grading this term.”

It was then Daniel turned to notice the concertina partition had been pulled back to reveal the other class. The one taught by Ms. Hamdi.

Brayden’s class.

He gulped.

Mister Andersson continued, “Some of you need this one to pass. Now. Amira Patel, you’ll be paired with…” The man didn’t stand on ceremony, and straight away began rattling off names. Daniel usually got paired with Jonas Etherington since he sat next to him in most classes, even though they really didn’t talk. But with the joint class thing happening, he knew he wouldn’t be paired with Jonas this time.

But who then?

“…Brayden Hollister, you’ll be paired with Daniel Liebowitz…”

Wait! What?

There must have been some mistake. But as the rest of his classmates moved to their designated partners, he realized it was all true. Daniel’s stomach knotted as the ramifications of Mister Andersson’s words sunk in. The room spun. Daniel’s world became a surreal, confusing, miasma of panic, disbelief, and utter terror. He pulled out his inhaler from his school’s jacket pocket, his chest tightening all of a sudden.

Everything began to get hazy, like his mind was stuffed with cotton wool sprouting alfalfa, like his brain were some primary school science experiment. Even sounds were muffled, as if everyone around him was speaking from the hallway or through cans on strings.

Daniel inhaled once, then twice.

He relaxed.

The fog dispersed…a little. His mind began to calm, his body no longer jack-hammering to the beat of his over stimulated, disbelieving heart by what had transpired.

Then a voice pierced the lingering mist in his mind. “We meet again.” Brayden was sitting next to him, smiling. He was slouched in Jonas’ seat. Jonas’ seat! 

Daniel’s mouth dropped open. Another Ventolin dose was needed. “Hi,” he finally squeaked after almost overdosing, his head now spinning.

Brayden held out his fist; Daniel looked at it, confused by its purpose or his intention for doing such a thing. The next thing he knew, Brayden grabbed Daniel’s hand, his touch firm but warm and caring at the same time. Electricity coursed through Daniel’s body. Brayden was all he could see, everything else faded into darkness; Brayden the only light. It was as if the rest of the world was being kept at bay and they, in that moment together, were within the protection of a Faraday Cage.

Daniel gasped again.

“You’ve got to bump my fist,” Brayden said. “It’s the way dudes greet each other.”

“Eh?”

Daniel wanted to greet Brayden by kissing him with the added benefit of tongues touching. But a fist bump would be enough stimulation…for now.             

“Lookin’ forward to workin’ together?”

“Wha?”

Brayden hadn’t lost his smile. “You’re funny. Anyone tell you that?”

The room spun even more and Daniel almost fainted.

He must have been acting strange enough for Mister Andersson to show alarm. “Do you need to see the nurse, Mister Liebowitz?”

“N-no. No—I’m fine, sir. R-really.”

“Very well then.” He turned his attention to the rest of the class. “I want you all to pick your subject together over the rest of the class period. I expect you all to give me an assignment that will knock my socks off. I expect big things here, people. Big things.”

If the teacher could have seen how big Daniel’s infatuation for Brayden was right now after he’d only called him funny, it would be obscene and almost criminal.

Daniel’s balls ached, too.

Badly.  

2

Brayden

“You want me to give you a handjob?”

“Stop tryin’ to distract me,” Brayden said, fingers dancing over the PlayStation controls with his full concentration on the screen in front of him. “I’m winnin’ here.”

“Okay, fine then,” Harvey huffed, joviality laced within his voice. “Best two out of three, loser has to suck the winner’s dick.”

The corner of one of Brayden’s lips curled into a smile. “Ever since I told you I’m gay, you’ve been a real shithead, you know that?”

“Just trying to distract you.” Harvey’s kart came closer to Brayden’s. “Am I succeeding so far?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I wouldn’t suck your dick if it was gift wrapped, that’s why.”

“It is gift wrapped.”

“Exactly.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault my parents were hippies. Besides, everyone likes it as it is. I’m all mister popular in the downstairs department, especially around here. Being an enthusiastic uncut bi boy, I’m actually kind of unique and in demand, don’t you know?”

Brayden turned to look at Harvey. He’d now passed the finish line, the race won. “Who’s everyone?”

“Oh, no you don’t.” Harvey put down his controller, got up, and went to the bar fridge. The light when he opened it flooded into the dark den, revealing the seventies horror that it was in lurid detail; a basement room complete with mission brown shag-pile carpet, orange gauze curtains, walnut wood-panelling, and enough snack food and beer to survive a nuclear winter. Divorced parent guilt was a win/win situation; Harvey’s mum paid out to show how much she still loved him.

Brayden on the other hand only wondered why anyone would redecorate their house in that theme—especially here in the renovator’s paradise of St Kilda where old houses were a gold mine.

“Don’t what?”

After he’d grabbed two cans of beer, Harvey said, “You’re not doing that today, Bray. This isn’t about me, it’s about you. More so seeing as I know there’s something going on. For a start, you’re still here, and it’s late.”

Brayden was always here, and staying late had never been an issue before, so they were both moot points. He hung out with Harvey after school most days, even more over the weekend. They always ended up in his den.

Brayden cracked open his beer, his mouth watering at the snap and fizz it made. He guzzled it. When satiated, after an ahh, he asked, “Why is this about me?”

“‘Cause, it is.” Harvey cracked open his own beer. “I’ve seen the look on your face since you got here—and you’ve never played Mario Kart so well before, either. I know that look and I know you. Something’s happened.”

“I just feel good today.”

Brayden watched Harvey’s Adam’s apple bob as he guzzled his beer. Harvey was clean shaven, although he sported a shaving rash under his jaw towards his ears. Usually, his long, black wavy hair covered up most sins, like using an electric shaver instead of a razor. “Stop trying to avoid the subject. Spill it. What’s wrong?” he questioned after emptying half the can.

“Nothin’.” Brayden shifted his weight.

“Pigs fly nothing.” Harvey sat down next to him. Close. Real close. “Tell me, or I’ll give you a sloppy beer kiss you’ll taste for weeks.”

Brayden couldn’t help but smile again. “It’s true, your tongue is legendary.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere.” Harvey drilled his gaze into Brayden, at the same time putting his arm around him. “Pucker up…”

Brayden pushed him away playfully, almost spilling his beer. “Okay, okay. Relax. I’ll tell you.” He sucked in a breath. “It’s about a boy I met today.”

“I knew it!”

“Don’t go all over excited ‘parent at graduation night’ on me—it might be nothin’. But I think I’ve got a thing for Daniel Liebowitz.”

Harvey looked taken aback, his eyes wider than usual. “What the actual…?”

“I know, right!”

“The Daniel Liebowitz who kept pissing his pants in middle school, but is now so hot he sizzles? That Daniel Liebowitz?”

“I’m one-hundred percent sure he doesn’t piss his pants anymore. And yes, he is kinda cute. Enough for me to go and get a crush on him, anyway, thank you very much.”

“Oh, so that was why you disappeared into the library the other day.”

“Yeah. Gotta get my fill of eye candy, don’t I?”

“But what if he does?”

“Does what?”

“Piss his pants.” Harvey was laughing now, slapping his own knee for emphasis. “Well, if he does, I didn’t know you were into water sports, Bray. You could have told me, you know. I’m pretty much into trying anything with you…and pretty much anyone else who wants to worship me, now that I think about it.”

“Oh, right.” Brayden picked up his controller. “Remind me how your date with that person who called herself ‘Plastic Madam’ went again?”

Harvey’s cheeks turned a blotchy red. It usually took quite an effort for that to happen, Brayden mused. “How was I supposed to know she was a dungeon mistress?”

“Er, buddy, I think the name kind of gave it away.”

“She was harmless…in the end. I mean, after she stripped me naked, spanked me, then wrapped me in black bin-liner plastic with only straws up my nose so I could breathe and a hole cut out, so my dick was the only part of me exposed, I was fine with it. No biggie. The problem was that she just left me there like that. You have no idea how uncomfortable being wrapped in plastic can get after you’ve sweated out buckets for ages. And don’t ask me what she did with all that sweat either...I shudder to think.”

“Eww.”

“Damn right.”

“Although, you still blew your load though, didn’t you?”

Harvey shrugged. “Naturally.”

“So…gettin’ back to me, seein’ as that’s your aim here. Should I ask Daniel out?”

“Um, yeah!”

“In that case, if I decide to get more serious with him, you know there’ll be no more fun between us, right?”

“I respect that. But if you and Daniel ever want in on a threesome…”

“You’re incorrigible. Now, let’s just play.” The countdown to the start of the race began onscreen. “I want to whoop your ass again.”

“Promises, promises.”

After Harvey’s, Brayden walked home. Which wasn’t an accomplishment or anything; their houses were on the same street.

No sooner had Brayden opened his front door, his mother shrilled, “Plant your behind down in the nearest seat, young man, and don’t move. We’ve got some important things to discuss, you and me.”

Brayden swallowed. “Yes, Mum.”

He dropped himself down onto the nearest couch, kicking his school backpack aside as he did so. His mother entered the room from the kitchen, her stern expression revealing her familiar “I’m not impressed” face. She’d finished work, now wearing an apron over her uniform so she could prepare dinner. His dad wouldn’t be home until…whenever. Hauling cargo across state meant he wasn’t around much. Thank God.

Mum started on him straight away. “I just received this email from your school, Brayden. What’s up with you? Do you have problems, or are you deliberately trying to rise the bile up to my throat and choke me to death? Because if you are, job done, young man. Job done!”

No time for pleasantries then, Brayden mused. “What email?” He tried to sound as casual as possible, keeping his voice even and his composure nonchalant. He hoped he succeeded, reclining in the couch for emphasis. 

She still didn’t look impressed, her brows like two heavily manicured caterpillars mating. “The email from the school principal’s office that states that you need to pull your socks up and get that skinny behind of yours into gear.”

“Ah—that email.”

She folded her arms. Her face was now as unimpressed as a politician after an election defeat. “What you are doing about it then? Seeing as you knew about this and didn’t bother to tell me. Am I to understand that my only son is a lazy good-for-nothing and is going to fail high school? Or is there some hope of salvaging this?”

He shrugged. “I’m not gonna fail, Mum.”

“From what I hear, you’re going to need a miracle to pass.”

Brayden sat up. “By sheer chance I got myself paired with the—” He stopped himself before he could say the words “cute boy.” Instead, he managed around his suddenly tied tongue, “Smart kid…in the class I’m…strugglin’ with the…most.” 

There was an awkward pause.

She was analysing him, her cold, hard eyes intense enough to make him feel warm all over his face. Or was that because he was thinking of Daniel? Whatever the case, Brayden knew that look from his mother well.

She surprised him when she asked, “Your irritable bowel playing up again?”

That was a radical change of subject—but when it came to his mother, Brayden had learnt long ago that no matter how obscure things became, her words always served a purpose within their conversation. His mum was devious; she used her ammunition well against him.

“No. Why?”

“Because you look as though you’re in pain all of a sudden. Tell me, is this study partner of yours a boy or a girl?”

Brayden knew he was on thin and dangerous ice here. He had to back away. Quickly, if possible. A caged lion shouldn’t be provoked. The subject of his sexuality wasn’t her business; he’d only told Harvey that he was gay. She didn’t know and his father didn’t know. The longer it stayed like that the better, as far as Brayden was concerned.

“What’s that got to do with it?”

She dusted imaginary dirt off her apron. “We’ll see how much it matters soon enough, I’m sure.”

She knew.

Brayden didn’t reply; he also knew when to stay quiet. His mother always had more up her sleeve. This time, he suspected she’d worked it out about him. It wouldn’t have been difficult.

He’d never been interested in girls. Never spoke about them, either. Sure, he had girl friends, but never a girlfriend. Never had girly posters on his walls showing them draped semi-naked over flash cars worth about as much as their boob jobs. Never ogled girls, even when his father pointed them out at the mall or wherever.

“What about that one?” his dad would shout to the point of being embarrassing; he’d had a few drinks in him as well. That made him worse, sometimes to the point of being abusive. “She’s a right looker, hey?”

“She’s okay,” Brayden would utter in deflection.

“You must have high standards if you think she’s just okay.”

“Suppose.” But Brayden would then shut up.

His father stopped dead in his tracks. “You’re not one of those damn faggot boys, are you, son? ‘Cause if you are, I’d beat that shit right outta you, that’s a promise.”

Brayden never answered, just got mad and seethed to himself.

He was “one of those damn faggot boys” because even though he didn’t really have high standards, his standards required a dick. Girls generally lacked them. Nothing wrong with that, girls were cool. They just weren’t for him. He’d never tell his dad that, or his mum for that matter if he could help it.   

Now at seventeen, and with the school ball coming up in a couple of months, Brayden hadn’t even hinted he wanted to take a girl to a dance. He kind of liked the idea of not going to prevent his parents from getting the obligatory photographs of their supposedly straight son wearing a three-piece suit and a corsage that matched a girl’s dress or her bouquet of flowers.

Straight son.

Brayden almost laughed as he thought about that.

His parents weren’t him. If he went to such a thing, he would want to take a boy.

Could that boy be Daniel? He felt something between them, even though they’d just met.

But that would complicate things too much. And complicating his life right now wasn’t a good idea. If his mother found out for sure about him, she wouldn’t forgive him. Nor would his father. They’d probably kick him out of the house, to be honest. So no, he wouldn’t ever tell them about his sexuality.

Not a snowball’s chance in hell. 

3

Daniel

After Daniel managed to unstick his tongue from the roof of his mouth, returning to some semblance of normality—even though his heart pounded so much alternative rock bands could use its erratic beat as a metronome—he suggested to Brayden that they do their assignment on Ancient Rome.

Even hours later, he remembered Brayden’s reply as if his words were freshly spoken while he laid on his bed, laptop on his knees, wearing nothing but shorts and all alone.

Brayden had said, “I once heard that the Ancient Romans believed the use of your body to give pleasure to others, whether in a homosexual or heterosexual relationship, was important and needed.”

He couldn’t believe Brayden’s words. What’s more, they were spoken as though they’d been drizzled from his desirable lips like warm fudge onto the most sensuous parts of Daniel’s body, onto his hardening awareness especially.

“W-where’d you…hear t-that?”

Brayden cocked an eyebrow, the ocean of his eye underneath that widening. “Now that I think about it, it was Harvey who told me. Hmm, I can’t tell you if it’s true or not, ‘cause that would be somethin’ Harvey would say, for sure.”

“Why would he s-say something…like t-that?”

Brayden leant over, bumping Daniel’s shoulder. He’d never been so close to the boy he had a massive, suffocating crush on before—not even that moment in the library compared to this.

Where they connected, pins and needles shot down his arm. In fact, he remained so close for the rest of the class that Daniel was able to take in the scent of whatever hair gel, body wash, and deodorant Brayden used—the combination intoxicating him to the point of becoming stunned.

Daniel remained frozen.

“Harvey’s a bit of a dick and pussy whore, that’s why. But he’s cool—the best friend ever when you get to know him.”

“I-I see.”

Even now, Daniel didn’t really know what Brayden meant. Had he told him that so-called fact about Ancient Rome because his best friend was bi? Or was it something more convoluted than that? Like, was it Brayden himself who wanted to reveal something about his sexuality? Was it a subtle way of telling Daniel something?

Was Brayden bi?

Or better yet, gay?

That would be an absolute dream come true. Heat coursed through Daniel, his extremities going numb as he thought about Brayden being anything other than straight. He was sure his heart missed a few beats as well, his breath catching like a rabbit trapped in a hunter’s snare. Just like every time he felt Brayden looking at him.

Was the super attractive, athletic wonder, who gave Daniel wet dreams on a regular basis interested in boys?

Then again, he couldn’t be sure that was Brayden’s intention at all. And he certainly wasn’t going to ask. 

No way.

Trouble was, Daniel didn’t have any social cues or gauges to go by, either. No one talked to him beyond “get lost, freak” or “what you lookin’ at, jerk?”

So now that Brayden was sitting next to him, actually paying attention to him like he was a human, Daniel was as lost as ever, drowning in the rush of feelings that swam up from the depths to ignite his desires and fuel his passions.

He was sure he had a boner for the rest of the class.

Daniel climbed out of his thoughts, returning to the moment when his screen loaded a few seconds after he typed in a well-remembered URL. After a few more clicks, and with the volume turned down, he feasted his eyes on the sights before him.

Daniel liked watching porn that featured fit and fine jocks pleasuring skinny nerdy boys. That way, “art” imitated his desires. If only Brayden would pleasure him. After what had transpired at school, and with them doing their assignment on the sexual openness of Ancient Romans—something Mister Andersson approved of so long as it didn’t become too graphic—Daniel felt something strange for the first time in his life.

Was it hope that a boy was interested in him? Wish-fulfillment? Or something else?

Again, he wasn’t sure.

The first video loaded. A hot blond jock with a six pack that could have grated cheese was going down on a pretty boy wearing nothing but a suggestive enigmatic expression and thick-rimmed glasses.

Daniel gasped.

His own hand didn’t waste any time getting down to business either; there was a lot of tension to relieve after what had happened today. The video got more intense and so did Daniel’s action, the sock lying next to him expected to be called into service real soon.

“Braaaaydeeen!” Daniel gasped as he moved closer to the edge of release, almost at the point of no return.

There was a knock on the door.

Daniel’s mind locked up. In the stunned confusion that followed, there was another knock, louder and more determined. He forced himself back to reality. With one hand, Daniel stuffed his hardened dick into his shorts, while with the other, he snapped his laptop’s lid shut.

“C-come in, Ima!” he said with an exasperated whine.

How come his mother was home already?

The door opened with a creak. “Didn’t you hear me knock, honey? I haven’t seen you all afternoon. Are you all right?”

Daniel flicked his attention to his clock. It was six-thirty. He had been in his room all afternoon! Dreaming of Brayden sure wasted the hours, but in the best way possible.

Before his mother entered, he made sure to raise up his legs so that she wouldn’t catch a glimpse of what was happening between them. Although, it deflated fast at the sight of her.

“I’m okay. Just doing a bit of…research…for our main history assignment, that’s all. I must have got caught up and lost track of time.”

“I think it’s time you came out.”

“I…what?”

“Oh, honey, don’t looked so shocked. I only want you to put on a shirt and pair of pants so you can join us all for dinner.” She did her cute mother giggle, the one behind her hand. “What did you think I was saying?” Her eyes roved over to the laptop and then Daniel’s uncomfortable positioning on his bed.

He felt the intent of her stare, the way her eyes examined while her mind must have been working things out.

“Nothing…”

She knew.

“Anyway. Your father’s been asking for you, and dinner will be served soon.”

Daniel was now flushed hot with embarrassment. He also realised with gut-wrenching horror that his jerking-off sock was visible. She’d most certainly seen it. And even if she hadn’t, it wouldn’t have taken much to work out what he was doing; his mother never needed much evidence to jump to conclusions. 

“Um…err, yeah sure, Ima. Give me…um…two secs.”

“How was your day, Ben Sheli?” Daniel’s dad asked, using the more informal Hebrew phrase for “son of mine” in greeting when he sat at the already set out table. His younger sister, Ilana, and mother were already seated and dishing out the food. It all smelt great. 

“Good thanks, Aba.”

“I’m glad. But we will need to have a talk later.” He then turned his attention to the rest of those seated at the table.

Daniel lowered his head and closed his eyes when his father began the Brachah Rishonah blessing of their food that went with every meal.

While Daniel listened, he thought of his father’s tone and the promise of the talk that no doubt caused it, his mind wheeling over the past few days and what he could have done. He also knew better than to mention anything while they ate; to do so was disrespectful. This was family time, not Daniel time.

Aside from general chit-chat, his father would tell them all stories, especially ones about family history. Which was why history was his favourite subject…next to admiring cute boys, Daniel mused.  

“Tell us about the time Safta met Saba!” Ilana blurted. She liked that story, the one where their grandparents met.

Daniel’s father obliged. 

A couple of hours later, once they’d eaten and the stories had been told, his mother and sister cleared the table. Daniel stood, about to offer help, when his father raised his hand. “We will talk now, Ben Sheli. Sit down, please.”

“Yes, Aba.” Daniel sat without delay.

“Is there something you need to tell me?”

His father always started a discussion with a leading question. That way, if anything was on his mind, he’d leave it up to Daniel to admit it, whether that was the initial reason for the discussion or not.

Daniel knew well enough by now to not admit anything. “I don’t think so—everything’s fine, as I said, Aba.”

“Then in that case, you won’t mind bringing me your laptop. I would like to see what has been so important that you haven’t left your room all afternoon to even come say hello to your mother and I or help prepare dinner. Not to mention your other chores and duties to this house.”

Daniel felt the blood drain from his face.

Because of the earlier interruption by his mother, he’d forgotten to delete his browsing history—something he was always very careful to do. He mouthed words for a while, before sound finally followed. Just like the difference between seeing the lightning and hearing the thunder was used to guess a storms distance, the delay between wanting to speak and actually speaking revealed the severity of Daniel’s dilemma.

“I…I…don’t…it was just a lot of school work…and I…I…”

His father raised a thick brow. He put down his glass of water. “Then let me see this school work. If it is as you say, then perhaps the school is giving you too much.”

Daniel’s eyes widened. He managed to compose himself in front of the tidal wave that was his father with a purpose before he revealed anything further. “I’ve got a…big assignment due…that’s all.”

“I see,” his father said carefully. Daniel knew his reply wasn’t going to cut it. Not when his father became worried, anyway. If his mother was a meddling detective, his father was the chief inspector. The next sentence affirmed Daniel’s suspicion with horrific pin-point accuracy. “I phoned the principal this afternoon. He told me that only study partners had been assigned for that history assignment so far, and that you’ve got weeks to complete it. All your other subjects haven’t increased their workload. So, I will ask you again—what’s going on, Ben Sheli?”

Daniel felt defeated, deflated, and as frightened as he’d ever been in his life. His hands trembled. He knitted his fingers in his lap to try and stop it, but to no avail. But he couldn’t lie to his father. The truth would come out soon enough—and then it would be worse for him.

Daniel’s stomach cramped. He winced. His father’s glare, gentle but concerned, bored into him. An answer was required—no, needed. With a deep breath, one that summoned up all the remaining strength he had left, even though he felt as weak and terrified as ever, he declared, “I…I’m gay, Aba.” 

The silence that followed could have deafened those on the Mir space station.

Daniel’s whole body became rigid. His throat constricted and his vision tunnelled so that only his father’s intensity could be seen. He was about to add something more—a justification, an apology, anything—when the man’s expression cracked to soften.

Finally, Daniel’s father said, “I am glad you had the courage and the trust in me to tell me that, Ben Sheli. Now, come over here and give me a hug.”

Daniel let out a breath, only then realising he was holding it. He didn’t hesitate. Not because he was asked, but because he needed to do so. Within the security and comfort of his father’s arms, he let everything go. The floodgate opened, and he cried. Great big weeping, ugly, relieving tears that stained his father’s shoulder.

His father didn’t let him go.

After an eternity in the man’s embrace, feeling validated, loved, and accepted for the first time in a while, his mother came back into the dining room.

“I’m glad you finally told us, honey.” 

Daniel wiped his eyes and face so he could see her better. His sister must have still been washing dishes or was told to give them privacy…which meant she’d be listening at the door. “You knew?”

She nodded, while his father confirmed, “We knew.”

“Oh.” Daniel managed to smile but didn’t want them to elaborate by asking any more questions; this had been too much already.

His mother sat down on one of the dining room chairs, heavy dark-wooden and carved monstrosities that had been passed down from generation to generation in this family since their people had left the desert. His parents looked at each other, then held hands. Returning their attention to Daniel, she asked, “Is that why you’ve been acting all secretive and strange lately? Has a young man caught your interest, honey?”

The wound was exposed, so he figured he might as well continue. “Kind of…”

If by that she meant that Brayden was driving him so crazy he needed to rub one out every two minutes because he couldn’t stop thinking of him, then yes, she was right. Brayden had “caught his interest.” 

His mother’s face ignited with curiosity, beaming a smile. “Well, don’t keep us in suspense. What’s his name?”

“Aww, Ima…do I have to?”

His father said, “Any young man who can distract our normally responsible son from his family duties for hours on end must be someone quite special.”

Daniel felt his cheeks heat again. “He is…and even though we’ve only just sort of met…he…makes me feel special. Like I’m not invisible or anything. I want to spend more time with him, other than just during history class where I’m his assignment partner…” Daniel sucked in a breath. No more delaying. His parents were fidgeting. He blurted, “His name’s Brayden. Brayden Hollister.”

At that, his mother’s smile went from curious to knowing within a blink of an eye. An expression almost imperceptible, except to Daniel who knew the nuances of the way her lips curled well. “If he makes you feel like that, then you should invite him around for dinner one day. We’d like to meet him.”

“Ima…stop planning our wedding already. We’re just study friends for now.”

She smiled deeper.

Daniel couldn’t help but wonder if she was planning something. 

4

Brayden

Brayden pressed a button on the till. The money tray opened with a clattering shudder of coins, then a halting clunk. Without thought, he accepted the customer’s money and fished out the required change.

“Have a nice day, sir,” he droned.

The customer grunted in reply without even looking up, slurping on his Raspberry Dream Slushie as he turned away.

Brayden sighed.

Even though it was a Friday night, the convenience store was quiet. He’d only served half a dozen people or so since his shift began at nine o’clock, and he worked four hours in total on Fridays.

Another customer—and the only one in the store—was a middle-aged woman. She now approached the counter, her hands full of what she wanted to purchase.

“How are you tonight?” he asked with polite disinterest.

“I’m fine, thank you.” She plonked down a four-pack of extra frosted donuts with rainbow sprinkles, a large carton of strawberry-flavoured milk, a packet of condoms, and a Cadbury’s caramel chocolate block, family size. The condoms made him look up at her while he scanned the other items. “And how are you this evening, Brayden?”

Brayden stared at her for a moment. Did he know her? Did she know him? Sure, he wore a name tag, so calling him by his name wouldn’t have been odd. It was more about the way she said it. The familiarity in her voice.

“Do I know you?” He picked up the condoms and scanned them. The bleep seemed louder than usual, almost startling him.

“I don’t believe so, but you do know my son.”

Brayden was taken aback. “I do?”

He knew lots of boys, hung out with most of them, played sports with many others, but he’d never seen her before at any of their homes or at any events. With her permed hair and striking demeanour wearing a fifties-style floral dress, she could have been anyone’s mother, to be honest.

“Yes, you most certainly do. He’s rather taken by you.” Brayden had to think. Again, a lot of boys—and girls—were “taken” by him. His puzzled expression must have spurred her on to add further clarification, “I’m Mrs. Liebowitz, Daniel’s mother.”

It all fell into place. “Ah, right. Now I see.”

She smiled, one that lit up her face, but also held a warning. “How much do I owe you?”

“Er…” He glanced at the till’s readout screen. “That’ll be thirty-five twenty, please.”              

She gave him the correct amount, right to the cent.

He handed her the bag of what she’d bought after he packed it. “Is there anything else I can help you with, Mrs. Liebowitz?”

“Now that you mention it, Brayden, there is.”

“Okay, sure. Name it.”

She composed herself, clearing her throat. “I want you to promise me something.”

“Right, yeah. No worries. I can do that.” But Brayden’s suspicions began to bubble. What was her angle?

He didn’t trust most older folks, not since his mum and dad used to promise him the world when he was younger, get his hopes up, then deliver nothing because they were always too busy for him. Eventually, that suited him. It was also why he never told them about his personal life; they hadn’t invested enough in him while he was growing up for him to want to.  

“I know you can,” Mrs. Liebowitz said, knocking Brayden out of his reverie. “But I would hope the interest you have in my son doesn’t wane once the school assignment you are both working on together is done. If you understand what I’m saying to you.”

“Ah.” Again, things became crystal clear. “So, if I am understandin’ you correctly, and I’m sure I am, you need to know that I won’t hurt Daniel in any way.”

“That’s about the sum of it, yes.”

Brayden leaned forward, almost to the anti-theft safety railing. “Just so you know, I really find him…interestin’ and…well, a great guy, to be honest.”

Her eyebrows raised slightly. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“In fact, I…um…wanted to ask him out on a date. And seein’ as you’re here…would I have your permission to do that, Mrs. Liebowitz?”

Her smile changed. The menace dissipated; now it only held joy. “You most certainly would, Brayden.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Liebowitz.”

“Anyone who makes Daniel happy makes me happy. I really look forward to getting to know you better.” She was about to turn and leave when she drew her attention back to him. “Oh, and I expect you to present yourself to the rest of the family before you do take my Daniel out—we are a traditional household that upholds certain values. My son on his first date with a boy would be something that qualifies as important to him, and to all of us. I’m sure you understand.”

“Sure.” Now it was Brayden’s turn to clear his throat. “No worries.”

“We would also expect to meet your parents at some stage as well. Now, I think that that’s all sorted, I must go. Goodbye, Brayden. I’ll see you soon, I’m sure.”

“Er…um…yeah…” Brayden’s suspicion had been taken over by something far worse. Even though he’d told Harvey he’d planned to ask Daniel out, and Daniel’s mum—miracle of miracles—was giving him the green light to do so. There was a big problem.

He’d have to tell his parents he was gay if he wanted to go out with Daniel.

“…goodbye.”

During the dead time between ten o’clock and the end of his shift—while the manager was on his dinner break, and after he’d marked down the close-to-code dairy products, re-stocked the specials, and tidied the rest of the displays—Brayden pulled out his phone to pass time.

He sat on the provided chair behind the till, deciding to text Daniel; they’d swapped numbers after class now that that were assignment buddies.

Hey, Daniel-sun. You up?

Typing that made him smile. He wondered if Daniel would get that Karate Kid reference—one of his favourite classic movies.

A middle-aged male customer with more front than back came in before Brayden could see if there was a reply. The man only bought a packet of chewing gum. Brayden’s phone buzzed while he was serving him. The man handed over a hundred dollar note for a two-dollar purchase. Brayden had been trained how to check for counterfeit notes, as it was a common practice to use convenience stores to break up large denominations of fake money.

The note checked out.

“Have a good night, sir,” Brayden chimed mechanically.

“Whatever.”

He checked his phone once the man left, Daniel had replied.

Yes?

And that was the entirety of his message. Brayden suspected Daniel didn’t communicate with too many other people via text…or otherwise. Another cute thing about him.

That’s good. Don’t mean to impose, but I’d like to see you outside of school. How about tomorrow after footy you come down to the oval and we can hang out after?

Which oval?

Brayden smiled again, this time wider. Gosh, Daniel was achingly cute—to the point where it made his convenience store uniform pants seem tighter all of a sudden.

Which oval? God, there was only one.

Then again, perhaps Daniel didn’t know about it. He’d never seen him there, or at any sporting game or practise session, for that matter.

The main one on Baker Street.

What time?

Anytime. My game starts at 9 and goes for a couple of hours. Come watch me play, if you like. I’d like that.

Okay.

G’nite Daniel-sun.

Goodnight, Mr. Brayden Miyagi.

Again, Brayden smiled—of course Daniel got the Karate Kid reference. His heart jack-hammered and he had to shift his weight on the seat. Why was it that boners occurred at the most inopportune times? Well, at least it told him in no uncertain terms that there was certainly something between them.

Brayden thought about the way Daniel’s cheeks blushed every time he talked to him. He sighed happily. 

“On your phone again, Brayden?” his manager blurted, still stuffing half a cinnamon donut into his face. Brayden hadn’t seen him return from his break.

Brayden sat up to attention, pocketing the offending item. “Yeah, sorry, Karl.”  

His manager, Karl, a guy who was not too harsh on the eyes even if he stank of last week’s college party and carried a few extra pounds, gestured for Brayden to get up off the seat. Brayden needed to do some adjustments to ease things downstairs as he got up while Karl sat down. “Try and get yourself laid on your own time. Now, go tidy the storeroom before you finish tonight.”

“Sure thing. And…was it that obvious?”

“Totally.”

Yep, Brayden had it bad for Daniel.

Brayden came out of the Preston Tigers’ club room, slinging his sports bag onto his back. They’d won the game and he was on cloud nine. Nothing felt better than a win, especially when he kicked the winning goal. The victory was sweet, one that included plenty of backside slapping, innuendo, jocular teasing, and towel flicking from his teammates in the locker room.

Harvey walked by his side. “So, have you seen Daniel naked yet?” he questioned so casually it was like he was discussing the weather. “I mean, you do know nerdy boys usually have massive pythons in their pants, don’t you? That’s why they’re so hot and in demand these days.”

“Oh my God. I’m not a slut like you, Harvey.”

“That’s not a yes or a no.”

“That’s a no.”

“Shame. I bet he’s packing some massive trouser furniture—you just wait. You’ll need a prayer mat and a whole tube of healing salve once you get down on your knees and he stuffs it down your throat, you mark my words.”

“Harvey, how about you shut up now?” Brayden caught Daniel walking towards them; hopefully he hadn’t heard his best friend’s manifestation of his dirty mind.

Daniel’s eyes darted about, and Brayden noticed he looked frightened, out of place. So cute. Brayden waved him over and Daniel nodded.

“Hi,” Daniel squeaked, stopping dead in front of Brayden.

“Hey, Daniel!” Brayden offered him his fist. This time Daniel bumped it. Harvey did the same, but Daniel’s attention never wavered from Brayden.

Brayden gestured to Harvey. “Daniel, this is my best mate, Harvey.”

Harvey kept his fist held out. Daniel glanced at it but returned his full attention to Brayden. After an eternity, Brayden coughed. “Harvey’s an all right guy, Daniel. He won’t do anythin’ to you.” 

Daniel’s deep brown eyes held so much interest in him, so much intent, Brayden almost gasped.

“Okay,” was all Daniel offered.

In that moment, Brayden felt something profound between them; it was as if Daniel saw him and no one else, that he was the centre of the universe. It was a strange feeling…one he could get used to.

Harvey gave Brayden one of his patented “is this guy for real” looks, and said, “Well, I’ll just be over there continuing to be invisible if you need me, Bray.”

When Harvey left them alone, Daniel said nervously, “I came…as you asked.”

Brayden couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “I can see that. You okay?”

Daniel nodded. “I heard my Ima—my mum, I mean—came and saw you last night.”

“Yeah, she did.”

“S-sorry.” Daniel lowered his gaze for the first time.

Brayden stooped so he could look into Daniel’s soulful but enamoured eyes once more—the feeling of missing them, even during that short time when Daniel took his gaze away, was profound. Again, there was that whole world of wonder there waiting for him. “We had a great conversation actually.”

“You d-did?”

“Yeah.” Brayden now grabbed Daniel’s hands. Daniel stiffened but a crooked smile drew across his kissable lips, so Brayden boldly pulled him closer; he heard Daniel suck in a breath. He became excited, nervously so. But he knew this was what he had to do. Daniel was the only one he could imagine being with. With all his heart, even if it was in his throat, he said, “I now have permission to ask you out. Did you know that?”

Daniel’s mouth opened and closed. No sound but a low, long whine eventuated, until he uttered, “No…I didn’t.”

Brayden got down on one knee, his confidence rising. “Then I’ll make it official. Daniel Liebowitz, would you like to be my boyfriend?”  

Daniel swayed before collapsing into Brayden’s arms.

“Yes.” was all he uttered but the embrace, tight and warm, spoke much, much more than any words conveyed. Brayden was being held unlike at any other time in his life, with acceptance, wonder, joy, and as if he was indeed that person’s whole universe. Like the stars and galaxies within it turned for him.

Daniel was perfect.

5

Daniel

The boy Brayden introduced as his best friend returned from wherever he’d gone. Daniel couldn’t remember his name; Brayden was all he needed right now. Daniel couldn’t help himself, he got misty-eyed, and he quickly wiped his face. Once they’d finished their embrace, he noticed Brayden hadn’t let go of one of his hands.

Was this for real?

“That got me right here,” the best friend said, touching his fist to his chest. “Right here.” 

Brayden squeezed Daniel’s hand; he could feel that he was nervous, sweaty already, and that Brayden knew it, too. But he felt contented in his new boyfriend’s grasp. 

New boyfriend.

He had to say it over and over in his mind to let it sink in. That was going to take some getting used to.

Daniel missed the first part of what Brayden said as a result of his musings. “—over, shall we? Daniel, this is Harvey and he’s your friend now as well.”

“Hi.”

“A man of such few words,” Harvey said while patting Daniel on his shoulder. Daniel had to use all his self-control not to flinch or turn his shoulder away from such a touch. He wasn’t used to it. “It’s the quiet ones you’ve got to watch out for.” 

“Behave yourself, Harvey,” Brayden growled.

“Whatever.” Harvey shrugged. “So, you both coming back to mine? I’ve got plenty of snacks and beer in the den. And once we’ve chillaxed a little, we could compare dicks. It’ll be awesome.”

Brayden shot him an acidic stare. “For the love of—I just told you to behave!”

“That was me behaving,” Harvey said with a cheeky grin. 

Daniel couldn’t help it. From deep within him, something bubbled, something awakened. He smiled as the sensation grew. “I’ve never been to anyone’s house except Jonas’ before.”

Harvey said, “See! Daniel thinks it’d be a cool idea, Bray.”

“No. He just said he hasn’t been to anyone else’s place.”

“Same difference.”

Now it was Brayden’s turn to utter the word, “Whatever.” But after that, he added, “What do you want to do, Daniel? Go back to Harvey’s or do somethin’ else?”

Daniel had never been asked either question. No one usually cared what he did so long as he went away and never returned; hence, his lunchtimes were spent in the library. “I’ll do…what you want me to do…Brayden.”

“Oh, no,” Braden replied immediately. “A relationship doesn’t work like that. We do what we both want to do.”

Daniel loved the word “relationship” when related to him. Brayden Hollister was his boyfriend. His boyfriend!

“Then I’d like to go to Harvey’s place and…hangout…for a bit. Then I’d like you to come back to my house and…” He trailed off. His cheeks felt warm. Daniel couldn’t believe what he was going to say. He hung his head again.

“What?” Brayden asked, crouching down to meet his eyes once more. The blue of them was piercing. Wonderful. “What would you like me to do?”

A knowing smile formed on Harvey’s face, but Daniel ignored that and continued, “I would like you to come over to mine for…dinner? If that’s okay…I mean…I’m not being too pushy, am I?”

Now Brayden smiled, one that melted away the doubt in the asking. “I’d love that. And to be honest, I think your mum’s waiting for that to happen.”

Daniel felt as though he were drunk, light-headed, and weak on his feet. “Then I’ll text my Ima.”

“Now, Dan.” Harvey had already shortened Daniel’s name in the brief time he’d known him. Daniel didn’t mind. In fact, he’d never experienced anything like Harvey’s den or how Harvey and Brayden joked around with each other. The place was magical, their company more so. Daniel hadn’t stopped laughing all afternoon; his jaw ached and his stomach hurt. “Truth or dare?”

Daniel wasn’t ready for a dare. The last one was directed at Harvey and Brayden dared him to strip down to his underwear and run through the street shouting, “The end of the world is nigh!” Harvey did it, too. Except when he got back into the den, he kicked off his boxer briefs and waggled his dick at Brayden. “If your boyfriend wasn’t here, I’d so turkey slap your face to death, Bray, for making me do that.”

Daniel was in stitches of laughter, great peels of it exploding from him as he rolled across the shag-pile carpet. Harvey sure wasn’t shy and seeing an uncut dick outside of gay Euro porn was something Daniel wouldn’t forget for a long time. He wondered what Brayden’s would be like; he knew he wasn’t Jewish either. Not that Daniel cared. A boy was a boy, uncut or cut. 

Brayden pushed Harvey away. “You just had to get your dick out, didn’t you?”

“When you got it, flaunt it!”

Brayden’s next words brought Daniel back to the moment. “So, Dan! Truth or dare?”

“Truth…I-I think.” 

Harvey smiled evilly as he climbed back into his clothing. “Aside from Brayden, who’s the one boy who would make you spank your monkey?”

Daniel felt heat rise all over him. “Um…”

“C’mon,” Harvey prompted. “Don’t be shy, we’re all friends here. We won’t laugh—much!”

Daniel cleared his throat. “Okay…I kind of had a thing for…Mister Andersson…for a while.”

Harvey didn’t laugh much at all, only like a hyena in heat. Brayden grabbed Daniel’s hand; he knew that it was sweaty from his sudden discomfort, but his boyfriend didn’t seem to mind. His oceanic blue eyes looked calm and understanding. Daniel got lost in them again for a moment. In fact, he’d never want to be rescued from them.

Brayden said, “Don’t worry about Harvey. Besides, you’re right. Mister Andersson is kind of hot, for a teacher.”

“T-thanks.” But Daniel managed to sum up the words from within him to add, “But you’re…way hotter, Brayden.”

Brayden’s cheeks went blotchy red. “You’re hot, too.”

“Wow,” Daniel breathed, unable to believe his ears. Brayden called him hot. Daniel’s heart pounded faster again, the blood rushing to redden his skin as much as Brayden’s cheeks.

Harvey wiped his eyes of his laughter, getting back up so he could join them within their sitting circle. He sipped on his beer. “Okay. Okay. Bray, truth or dare?”  

“Dare.”

Harvey got his phone out, tapping the camera app. “I dare you to kiss Dan and let me take a photo of it for evidence.”

Brayden sat up straighter and Daniel felt him tense. “Harvey, that’s not fair. We haven’t got there yet. Give me another dare.”

“You know that’s not in the rules.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

Daniel, even though that previous surplus of blood had drained from his face at what Harvey said and he thought he was about to faint, stuttered, “I…I don’t…mind, Brayden. Kissing you now…I mean.”

Harvey went “Oooh” while Brayden’s lips crawled to a knowing smile, one that brightened his face further. “You sure, Daniel?”

Daniel nodded.

As Brayden shuffled closer, Daniel’s heart started to thump against the back of his ribs with intent. That fainting feeling he had before was nothing in comparison, a mere speck in the vast landscape of his feelings right now; the landscape of fear, wonder, expectation, excitement, and disbelief. His dick hardened as well, just to make sure he hadn’t forgotten about it.

When Brayden’s lips met his, Daniel’s whole body went into what he could only describe as sensory overload. He wasn’t sure though, since he had nothing to compare it to. He’d never been kissed by a boy. Let alone by someone like Brayden.

Again, the whole thing was surreal.

Daniel became split in two as Brayden continued to kiss him. One part of him was numb and the other so overloaded it tingled, especially where they were connected. Brayden tasted how he smelt, clean after showering but also a little musky, manly. It was intoxicating. Enchanting. Wonderful. 

Brayden then wrapped his arms around Daniel. He melted into them, moaning deliciously as his boyfriend deepened their contact. With his mind already spinning, Daniel soon found out that was the calm before the storm. Brayden gently parted Daniel’s lips, exploring until there was suddenly an intense sensation that coursed right down to Daniel’s toes as their tongues touched.

Daniel groaned and Brayden continued kissing him. Now his boyfriend’s hands were running the length of his back right up to the tingly spot at the nape of his neck. Such a touch from Brayden made Daniel’s skin ignite into sensuous, hypersensitive, gooseflesh. Daniel drank in Brayden’s affection, falling deeper and deeper into him, into his kiss, his hold, his world.

He was rock hard and aching and uncomfortable, but he never wanted Brayden to let him go; he certainly held onto him for dear life. As such, he began to reciprocate and move with purpose so that he was kissing Brayden back. Now Brayden groaned. When they finally parted, after what seemed like a moment that had lasted for an eternity but was over too quickly, Harvey said, “Whoa, dudes. That was so hot it gave me a hard-on.”

Daniel’s lips were numb; the rest of him he didn’t have a clue about, except for his ever-hardening desires for Brayden. “Can…can I see the p-photo?”

Daniel still couldn’t believe it, even after looking at himself with his lips pressed against the most beautiful boy in the world, eyes closed, lost and found all at the same time. That was all the evidence he ever needed to know this wasn’t a dream.

“You all right, Daniel?” Brayden asked.

“I’ve never…been better.”

“Oh, Danny boy here wants more lip action, don’t you, Dan?”

Daniel nodded. “B-but can you send me…that pic, Harvey?”

“Sure can, Dan my man! Now, get those lips working again while I grab us some more food. Cheetos or Cheezels? Also, you want another beer, Bray? Dan?”

“I don’t want another beer,” Brayden said. “And always Cheezels, Harvey, ‘cause you can put them on your fingers like rings when you eat them.”

“Yeah, of course!”

Daniel couldn’t answer; he was swimming in his boyfriend’s attention once more. Another kiss tantalizingly close. Daniel inhaled, closing his eyes while Brayden moved so their lips could be together again. The anticipation was killing him already.

Although, if things got any more intense, he’d need Harvey to point him to where the bathroom was.

6

Brayden

“Ima’s texted me again,” Daniel said, showing Brayden his phone.

They were standing outside Harvey’s house by his koala-in-a-tree sculptured letterbox. Harvey had hugged them both goodbye after he said he needed them to go because watching them suck face all afternoon was getting to be too much and he’d have to beat off if he had to endure that anymore.

“Don’t listen to him, he’s gonna go wank anyway,” Brayden told Daniel playfully. But now Brayden’s attention was elsewhere.

He sucked in a breath when he saw what was written on his boyfriend’s screen.

How long will you be, honey? Everyone’s here and we’re all waiting for you to introduce us to Brayden. I love you, my special boy. Ima.

“What should I reply?” Daniel asked, knocking Brayden from his reverie.

To tell the truth, Brayden wanted to keep kissing Daniel in private. The boy kissed how he acted, all shy and chaste but with an underlying burning desire, one waiting to be freed. Kissing him felt so right and he couldn’t wait to find out what he’d be like when he really let go. It certainly made Brayden think of plenty of other things they could do together as well as all their lip on lip deliciousness.

Brayden grabbed Daniel’s hand. “Tell your mum we’re coming now.”

“Won’t you have to text your Ima—I mean, mum—to tell her you won’t be at your house for dinner?”

Brayden shrugged. “She won’t care.”

“Oh.”

Brayden squeezed Daniel’s hand. “Don’t stress—I pretty much fend for myself at home. It’s just a roof over my head, really. My parents don’t care what I do so long as I don’t do anything illegal or the cops get involved. They won’t even realise I’m not home; I usually hang at Harvey’s until late Sunday night anyway.”

“I couldn’t imagine living like that at all. My house is very different, as you’ll soon find out.”

Brayden couldn’t help but notice how much more confident Daniel had suddenly become. Amazing what a few kisses could do. Then again, spending an afternoon in Harvey’s den and witnessing the magic only he could summon would knock the shyness out of anyone. After the truth or dare game, Harvey decided it was too hot for him in there and stripped down to his underwear. His friend wasn’t lying when he said watching him kiss Daniel was giving him a boner. It was an eyeful! Daniel even stared at it for ages.  

That’s when he decided to leave Harvey to it.

“I look forward to meetin’ your family,” Brayden said.

“Um…when my Ima said that everyone was there, she meant everyone.”

“Wha’choo talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?”

Daniel laughed. “I love how you reference old TV shows or movies sometimes.”

“It’s a talent of mine, Daniel-sun. Now, text back your Ima and tell her we’ll be there ASAP.” 

Daniel let go of Brayden’s hand so he could do so. “I think that Harvey’s a rather…interesting…boy, isn’t he?”

Brayden snorted. “He’s a damn dirty ape, that’s what he is.”

Daniel laughed, pocketing his phone then grabbing hold of Brayden’s hand once more. His touch was sweaty, nervous, but wonderful. “That one was brilliant.”

“You give me a reason to be brilliant.” 

Brayden and Daniel hopped off the City Circle bus, hand in hand. While onboard, they’d kissed all the way to Daniel’s street, a good fifteen-minute trip complete with stops. The driver didn’t seem to care that they were doing so and neither did the three other passengers. One man, a young professional still attired in his business suit, even gave them a wink and an approving nod as they got off.

Brayden couldn’t believe how fast he’d sunk into Daniel’s world. The boy had enchanted him completely with his innocence, his kind-heartedness, and how damn cute he was.

Even holding his hand seemed so…right.

“I think I’m fallin’ in love with you, Daniel Liebowitz.”

Daniel stopped dead in his tracks to look into Brayden’s eyes. Even though it was dark, the nearest streetlight’s halogen glow was caught within them, making them sparkle as much as he did. “I’ve always…loved…you.”

Brayden’s heart warmed as much as Daniel’s hand at hearing those words. It was a strange, almost foreign sensation to be loved—yes, Harvey loved him, but Daniel’s love was different. More intense. More wonderful.

But there was something he had to tell his boyfriend; something that could potentially poison the waters of their relationship if he didn’t get it out in the open now. “My parents don’t know I’m gay,” he announced. 

“Are…are you going to tell them?”

“Not in a million years.”

“But your parents should care about you and who you are—mine most certainly do.”

“Daniel.” He pecked Daniel on the cheek; the skin flushed where he’d kissed it. “I only care about what you think.”

Daniel led Brayden to his house, still walking hand in hand through tree-lined streets where expensive cars were parked in double driveways. Too soon, Daniel announced, “Um…we’re here.”

They had come to a large, double story house complete with colonial windows and massive columns that went up to a fancy wrought iron-framed balcony. The landscaped gardens were pristine, and the manicured lawn had a plastic statue of Jesus on it complete with water fountain that tinkled annoyingly.

A lot of cars were parked out front and along the street.

“This is it.”

“Looks like it.”

“Prepare yourself, Brayden. You’re about to enter the madness that is the Liebowitz family in all its overzealous and overbearing glory.”

“How many are there in there?”

“Only the immediate family—about fifty or so.”

Brayden swallowed. “Right.”

He squeezed Daniel’s hand. It was an amusing turn-around that he was now the one with sweaty, nervous hands. Although, Daniel wouldn’t have noticed since he hadn’t stopped being sweaty and nervous since he’d asked him to be his boyfriend back at the football oval this morning. So cute.              

What a day it’d been.

Daniel opened the front door.

“There’s our Bubelah, and his man!” an elderly woman cheered as soon as they stepped beyond the threshold. 

From that sentence on, everything was not only unbelievable but a real eye-opener as well. And he thought Harvey was full on. The boy had nothing on Daniel’s whole family.

“Ima and Aba will be waiting to meet you, but tradition in our family is to introduce you to them last—the guests come first.” With that, Daniel led Brayden to a big man wearing a brown pin-striped suit first. “This is Uncle Ezekiel. Uncle Ezekiel, this is my boyfriend, Brayden Hollister.”

Brayden liked the way Daniel said boyfriend, complete with voice break and squeak at the end.

“Brayden Hollister is it?” the man questioned—even though they had just been introduced. He shoved out his meaty fist. Brayden shook it.

“Yes, sir. It is.”

“Tell me, are you circumcised?” The man leaned closer, then whispered, “I know really good Mohel who’ll do it for a great price. Trust me. He’s no butcher.”

Brayden couldn’t form the words to reply.

“Always the kidder, aren’t you, Uncle Ezekiel?” Daniel said half with joviality and half serious but pulled Brayden away quickly. Straight into the clutches of another hungry-to-get-to-know-him guest.

“Oy, I’m kvelling here! And you two look so adorable together,” another woman said as she pulled Brayden into an embrace and then planted wrinkled kisses on his cheeks, many times. “What with all the hand holding and the romantic glances, it gives an old woman joy to see young love blooming.” She wore what could only be described as a stolen curtain from some house on one of those renovation shows, loud and so out of fashion already.

Brayden literally became engulfed in her as she wouldn’t let him go.

“Er…yeah. Thank you,” Brayden stuttered. 

Again, Daniel came to the rescue. “Yes, thank you, Aunty Irma—we’ll come back and talk to you soon. We’ve both got to get something to eat as we’ve both had a big day. You understand.”

“Sure do, Zeeskeit,” she said as she planted one more kiss onto Brayden’s cheek. “Sure do.”

He turned to Daniel; he must have understood the quizzical look. “She called me ‘sweetness’.”

“Ah.” 

Over the course of the next hour, Brayden didn’t eat much. Not because he wasn’t hungry, he just didn’t get much of a chance. Daniel’s “immediate family” was huge. His mind spun as he was introduced to them all, one by one; uncle this and aunty that, cousin so-and-so with cousin whatsit, and kids and nephews and nieces with names he had no hope of remembering. All of them were mingling around, plates piled with food, laughing, talking…doing what a family should—sharing their warmth and love for one another.

But all through it, Daniel surprised him.

No longer was he the shy, awkward boy. With his family, he showed his true colours, the walls he built up around himself had crumbled. To the point that if an embarrassing question was asked—and there were many—Daniel deflected them perfectly.

One uncle, Brayden would never forget. He was tall, thin, but dripping in expensive clothing and jewellery. Daniel warned Brayden that he was also the family’s lawyer and that he was a “bit different” before they approached.

“How different?” Brayden asked.

“Just let me do the talking.”

They approached the man. He examined Brayden as if he were a murder case client, cold and hard and disbelieving. “So, when two boys are together—and I’m not going to use the word fagele, so I won’t use the word fagele—but when two boys are together, which one of them carries the wallet?”

Daniel snorted a quick laugh, then rolled his eyes. “Uncle Fiezel, you just used that word twice. And if you must know, what we do together is our business. Okay? You know I love you, but some things are best left unknown—not everything has to have an answer.”

“I see.” He roved his gaze over Brayden; his expression, however, softened as he must have contemplated Daniel’s words. “You’re a good boy, Daniel. And Brayden, look after him. He might be like a ferocious tiger, but he’s got a golden heart that’s precious and rare. Now, I think there’s a couple of chicken wings left begging for my attention.”

And that was that. The man turned and left them to it.

Daniel said, “There. That’s all of them.”

“Thank God!” Brayden drew Daniel closer. “I’m so glad I had you here with me through all that. It was an…experience, for sure.” 

“It’s not quite over yet.” Daniel led Brayden towards the back of the house. “Time to meet my Ima and Aba, I think.”

Brayden sighed relief. After meeting the rest of the family, he was actually okay with meeting Daniel’s parents. It had been his intention all along, of course. Okay, he’d briefly met his mum at work, but that didn’t count. This was a real “meet the parents” situation. And Brayden was looking forward to it. 

Still holding hands, they went into the “good” room, the one with the couch cushions still protected by the plastic it came in from the factory. Daniel’s parents were at the centre of attention while family Brayden had already met gathered around them, talking loudly and laughing, enjoying the food and hospitality. 

As Daniel and Brayden approached, everyone but his parents dispersed. His mum was how Brayden remembered her: prim, proper, and someone who held herself with pride. His father was a solid man, stern but with Daniel’s soft, deep brown eyes. 

Daniel’s father put his hand onto his mother’s shoulder when he stood to greet them. “So, is this the boy who’s been causing you all that trouble, Ben Sheli?”

“Yes, Aba,” Daniel answered. “May I formally introduce you both to Brayden Hollister, my boyfriend.”

“Hello there, Mr. and Mrs. Liebowitz.” Brayden held out the hand Daniel wasn’t holding. “Pleased to meet you.”

“Boyfriend?” Mrs. Liebowitz interjected.

“Yes, Ima. Brayden asked me to be his boyfriend this morning, and I said yes. He wanted to make it official before he came and met you both.”

She nodded, but Brayden could have sworn he saw her wink at him. “That’s good to hear.”

Daniel’s father shook Brayden’s hand; his grip had Daniel’s warm sweatiness as well. “Do you see what you have done here, Brayden? Take a good look at my beautiful son and tell me if you can see it, too.” Brayden did so, turning his attention to Daniel. His boyfriend was smiling, a grin filled with contentment and…the look of unmistakeable love.

Had Daniel been like that all through their greetings and pleasantries tonight? Brayden wasn’t sure now that he thought about it, everything had been such a whirlwind.

His father continued, “Do you see what you have done to him?”

“I can.”

His father smiled as well. “Then that is all I need to know. Welcome to the family, Brayden. May peace and love fill your heart as much as you have obviously filled that of my son’s.”

Brayden embraced Daniel in front of them. Mrs. Liebowitz “awed” while his father kept the happiness on his face. Daniel fell into Brayden’s arms, putting his head onto Brayden’s chest, as he always did. He had never, ever in his life felt so loved and welcome and so complete.

7

Daniel

After everyone had left, and while helping clean up the kitchen, Daniel said, “I think that was wonderful what you did for us tonight, Ima.”

“You didn’t give me much time to organise anything too fancy, but I did what I could,” she said while putting away crockery. “But nothing’s too much trouble for my boy, you know that.”

Brayden was drying dishes.

When his mother came back up from rummaging around in the kitchen cupboards, she grabbed another pile of plates. “Brayden, I’ve had the spare room made up for you tonight.” 

“Oh, it’s okay. I can go home or crash at Harvey’s. I don’t want to impose or anythin’.”

His mother laughed; it was the first time Daniel had heard her let out a guffaw in a long time. “Oh, honey, there is no imposition. You’re a part of the family now, as we told you. Now, I’ve made up the spare room and that’s where you’ll sleep. I’ve gone through Daniel’s clothes and I think I found a pair of shorts you can wear—even though he’s all skin and bones and needs fattening up.”

“Ima!”

“Okay, sure.” Brayden said. “I’d be happy to stay.”

“Oh, and no funny business between you two. I know what boys are like with all their hormones and what not—you’re not married yet. So, keep it clean, all right?”

“Ima!” Daniel whined again. “Stop embarrassing us.”

Brayden was smiling.

After the kitchen was cleaned up, he excused himself and Brayden.
When his mother had kissed them both goodnight, Daniel led Brayden to his bedroom.

“Wow, this is a nerd boys paradise in here,” Brayden said with a whistle. “I mean, astronomy posters? Really?”

“I do what I can.”

While Brayden was admiring his surroundings, Daniel pulled out his phone from his pocket, ready to put it on the charger. Earlier that night, he’d uploaded the photo Harvey sent him of Brayden kissing him onto his social media sites. He’d also changed his status to “in a relationship” and had tagged Brayden.

There were thousands of likes. But the comments made Daniel smile: he wasn’t a freak anymore, because people actually noticed him. Even if it took the hottest boy in school to ask him out and being seen with their lips locked.

Oh my God Brayden where did you find a hottie like that?

YOU TWO ARE SOOOOO CUTE!!!!!

Wow. Hot nerd boy alert! 

I ship! I ship!

What? I thought you were all mine, Brayden. I’m so dumping you. (That one was from Harvey).

“BrayDan” is a gr8 ship name 4 u 2 QTs

Love the lip action, next time show us more!

“What you lookin’ at, Daniel?” Brayden inquired.

Daniel turned off his phone’s screen. “Just admiring how much everyone admires us, that’s all?”

“Yeah? Well, I don’t care what other people think. You’re all that matters to me.”

“I know that.”

“Now, let me kiss you some more.”

Brayden sat next to him on the bed, doing as promised. Daniel’s heart skipped a thousand beats then thumped out the deficit once he’d caught himself and brought Brayden closer into him, holding him tight.

“I want us to…have a shower…together,” he stumbled once Brayden lips parted from his. “I mean…it’s been a big day and I—”

“You don’t need to say anymore. I’d love to have a shower with you…if you’re ready, that is.”

“I’m so ready.”

“But…won’t your mum hear us?”

Daniel gestured to the top bedside table drawers. “Open the top one. Ima had a talk with me after she came back from the convenience store. The rainbow sprinkled donuts were the sweetener to her discussion about...well, what’s in there is the result.”

“I don’t quite understand.” Brayden leant over. Seconds later, he was holding a certain packet he recognised from Mrs. Liebowitz’s purchases the night before. “Um…these are the condoms she bought—oh, I see.”

“Yeah,” Daniel put his hand onto Brayden’s leg. “She knows we’re going to do stuff, she just wants us to be safe when we do.”

Brayden’s eyebrows lifted. “You want to…do it…now?”

“I don’t think we’re ready for that. I just want to see you naked and you know…perhaps give each other a helping hand…that sort of thing.”

“Ah, I see. Yep, hand jobs sure are a good start to get to know each other, that’s for sure. And safe, too!” He inspected the packet. “But there’s one missing here.”

Daniel felt himself flush and heat again all over his face and chest—and not for the first time today, either. “I…I wanted to see what one felt like on.”

Brayden laughed. “And what was it like?”

Daniel shrugged. “A bit weird, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.”

“I hope so.”

“Can I ask you something, Brayden?”

“You just did.”

Daniel pushed him. “Oh, very funny. I’m being serious.”

“And you’re even cuter when you are.” Brayden pushed him back. Soon they were on top of each other on the bed. Daniel felt that all too familiar pressure within him build, engorging his dick. “But ask away.”

“Have you ever done…it…with anyone else? All the way, I mean?”

Brayden kissed Daniel again, his lips hot and sensual. “I’ve only ever done things with Harvey. But we’re not going to talk about exes or anyone else; that shower is callin’ our names.”

“Okay.”

Before Daniel knew it, they were in the bathroom and steam from the shower surrounded them. Daniel was rock hard, as was evident even before he took off his shorts.

“Wow! You’re absolutely beautiful!” Brayden said with a gasp, grabbing both of Daniel’s hands and drawing him closer. “And by God, you’re sure packing heat there, too. Wow!”

Daniel felt himself go warm all over yet again. Not from a fierce blush of embarrassment that time, but from being complimented and appreciated. He’d never been naked in front of anyone before, let alone another boy. But he somehow felt that this was the most natural thing ever. He wanted Brayden to touch every inch of him, even the hard inches.

“I…want to see you now.”

Brayden let go of Daniel. He slipped out of his T-shirt. His chest, pecs, and abs were well defined. His skin perfect, his underarm hair and treasure trail dark. Before Daniel could reach out and feel the strength behind his muscles, he’d kicked off his shorts and underwear. Opening his arms, he presented himself to Daniel. “Do you like what you see, Daniel-sun?”

Daniel couldn’t form words. His mouth opened and closed. Brayden was achingly beautiful. And his dick was even more perfect, straight up hard and ready for attention. “Oy…y-you certainly don’t need the s-services Uncle Ezekiel offered…do you?” he finally uttered through his emotions.               

Brayden grabbed Daniel’s hand, enticing him into the shower. “Since I got your approval, let’s get hot and wet together.”

“That’ll be a-awesome!”

The next few moments were a blur of euphoric bliss and disbelief. Daniel had dreamt about doing this sort of thing with Brayden for a lifetime. Not only were Brayden’s kisses indeed hot and wet, but the moment when he ran his hand down his body to touch his dick, at first soft and gentle, almost teasing, was mind-blowing. 

Then Brayden’s grip got more intense.

Daniel gasped, unable to do anything but writhe under Brayden’s touch as the shower’s spray warmed him even more.

“Braaaaydeeen,” he called out as he reached the point of no return. 

Daniel didn’t last long after that.

Thank God the shower’s water washed away the whole days’ worth of tension he’d built up. There was a lot of it.

“That was amazin’…watchin’ you come,” Brayden said, still planting kisses onto him. “You do this cute thing with your lips, they go all twitchy and curled up in the corners at the same time.”  

Daniel didn’t really hear him. His knees were weak, and he had a hard time controlling his breathing. The result of Brayden’s attention still coursed through him. “My…my t-turn.”

Brayden didn’t need long, either.

After their shower, the last thing Brayden said before he kissed Daniel goodnight was, “I think we’ll need to practice being together a lot more, don’t you?”

“Yes, please.”

Daniel slept well that night.

“I hope that you both slept well,” Daniel’s father said as soon as Daniel and Brayden joined the family for breakfast.

They’d had another shower together. That time, Daniel lasted a little longer than it took for a kettle to boil. He got to enjoy the experience more. They also washed each other. That was an experience that spurred on more kisses all over and plenty of hand action as well. Each time, Daniel felt more at ease touching Brayden; it wasn’t panicked now, like the first couple of times. He could savour the moment more.  

Daniel looked at Brayden and giggled. He’d slept like a babe in the woods, to be honest. The best night he’d ever had. “I did sleep well, thank you, Aba.”

His jerking-off sock would be retired, for sure.

“I did, too.” Brayden then asked, “Is there anythin’ I can do to help you this mornin’, Mrs. Liebowitz?”

“Please, call me Freeda, Brayden. You are family now, remember.” She placed a massive plate of pancakes drizzled with lashings of maple syrup onto the centre of the table. “And no, there is nothing you need to do right now.”

Daniel’s father coughed, “Although, I dread to see the water bill when it comes in.”

Brayden shot Daniel a look; they giggled knowingly again.

His mother then got one of her patented mischievous smiles, one that drew across her face slow and deliberate as she placed down the utensils. One Daniel knew well. Her next words were going to embarrass him, no doubt. “Now, remember, honey—and you as well, Brayden. If you’re going to call out each other’s names while in the shower together, just remember you’re in a small tiled room in the centre of the house that enhances and echoes sound. All right?”

Daniel had assumed correctly. His mother knew the perfect combination of words to speak for maximum effect—like a laser targeted rocket, she was, that was for sure. 

“You woke up your sister,” Daniel’s father added. He was smiling knowingly, too. “She thought there was a ghost in the house.”

“We had to tell her it was only her brother wailing in his sleep, having one of his bad dreams again,” his mother teased.

Daniel felt himself blush again and Brayden looked the same.

More giggles.

After the prayer of thanks for the food and the hearty breakfast itself—one that also included eggs on toast, cereal, and sausages—Daniel could only remember how he kept looking at Brayden, admiring him, taking him all in, even when he ate. He was mesmerising and so achingly handsome. Daniel could go another round in the shower already to make it four times of relief.              Almost a record.

When everything was cleared away and cleaned up, Brayden held Daniel’s hand. “Time I got myself home, I suppose.” With a sigh, he said, “Not that I want to leave you, but we’ve got school tomorrow. Hey, at least we’ll be workin’ on our history assignment together.”

“I don’t think I can wait until then to see you again.”

On the front porch, Brayden kissed Daniel goodbye. They hugged. Daniel took in his scent, shower freshness and manliness, as deeply into his nostrils as he could; he wanted to remember it until he could smell it again for real.

Daniel watched Brayden walk down the street until he couldn’t see him anymore. He stood watching nothing for ages, the sun beating down on his face as he remembered the time they’d had since yesterday morning, how his life had been turned upside down.

He touched his lips with that thought.

The lips Brayden had kissed.

“I can see how he really does make you happy, honey.” His mother had put her hand on his shoulder.

“He makes me more than happy, Ima. I love him.”

“We love him, too.”

8

Brayden

Brayden walked on air all the way to the bus stop. Daniel’s parents had offered to drive him home, but he politely declined. He was too happy to be stuck in a car, the fresh air wonderful as he breathed it in while thinking of Daniel. He even hummed the tune of some pop song while he dreamily looked out the window on the bus, watching the world go by.

Everything was perfect.

After he got off the City Circle bus, he thought about stopping off at Harvey’s to tell him how wonderful the night had been. How he loved how Daniel gave him wings made of joy, no matter how heavy he felt.

But he needed a change of clothing, so he decided to go home.

When he got to his house, entering as quietly as he could so his mum wouldn’t hear him and nag about how useless he was, he heard talking coming from the kitchen.

His dad was home.

That was different. The man was never home; at least not over the weekends when he spent most of his time at the pub or anywhere but where his responsibilities lied.

He headed for his room as stealthily as he could. He’d grab a change of clothing, then head over to Harvey’s. The less time he was here the better, especially with him around fouling up the place.

His bedroom door creaked, and Brayden froze.

Silence.

Then, “Get your sorry ass in here, boy!” his dad bellowed, the words slurred. The man had been drinking. Brayden’s stomach clenched. It was only mid-morning on a Sunday.

Did the man have no standards?

“What’s up?” He tried to sound as positive as he could but knew all too well that it’d be useless. They never spoke to him unless it was to tell him off or let him know how much of a waste of space he was. Why they even touched uglies seventeen years ago to have him was beyond his comprehension.

When Brayden entered the kitchen, he saw the reason why he’d been summoned, why they bothered to even pay attention to him.

He also saw why there’d be no redeeming the situation.

Placed on the bench between his parents was his mum’s iPad. Not that that such a thing was strange. She used it for work as a customer service representative at the local bank. The problem—as plain as day—was what was displayed on its screen.

The photo of him kissing Daniel.

He was in for a lecture, the one he had feared since he realised that he was gay at fourteen and Harvey had shown him the thrills and pleasures of touching another boy’s dick. 

His mum’s arms were folded, her expression furious. “Can you explain this photo, Brayden? A photo that seems to have gone viral, so that everyone in the whole world can now see with the click of a mouse how dirty and disgusting you are behind our backs.”

Brayden’s stomach had gone from being tight and uncomfortable to one where the ice-floes of his fears bobbed within the maelstrom of his many emotions. “I’m not trying to do anythin’ behind your backs—and how did you…?” But he trailed off his words. It wouldn’t have been difficult to see the photo. Daniel had tagged him in it. He’d done so innocently, but the damage was done—so it would seem.

“Don’t come the raw prawn with us,” his dad spat. “What’s going on here? And be very careful how you answer, because if this isn’t some sort of joke and is really intended to upset us, then you’ll have hell to pay.”

Brayden felt his shoulders slump. But inside, even though he was now scared of what would happen next—no doubt he’d be kicked out of the house—his love for Daniel continued to warm him, give him hope.

“It’s not a joke. His name’s Daniel, and he’s my boyfriend.” There, it was said. He was out of the closet as far as his parents were concerned, not that he really cared what they thought. All who mattered to him already knew.

Whatever happened next, it was up to them now. In a way, that was a relief, he supposed.

His dad balled his fists but stayed silent; his face grew redder and redder, though. Was he a powder keg about to ignite? He sure looked like it. Brayden thought about turning and leaving right there and then, save the man any bother, but he needed his clothes and other belongings before he could do that.

For now, he had no choice but to stand there and take whatever it was they were going to dish out. He’d then go stay at Harvey’s for a while…or even Daniel’s. Mrs. Liebowitz had told him the made-up spare room would always be there for him, if he needed it. It seemed that would happen sooner rather than later.

What his mum said next didn’t kindle any further hope. “I mean, Brayden, we’re having a hard time understanding you lately. First, you’re failing at school, and now…now you’re kissing—what’s his name again?”

“His name’s Daniel.”

“Daniel who?” his dad growled. “Answer your mother properly, you disrespectful piece of shit.”

Brayden was taken aback, but replied, “Daniel Liebowitz…Mum. His name’s Daniel Liebowitz.” 

She looked as though she was about to retch. “Oh, my God! If we weren’t worried enough about you hanging around with that white trash boy Harvey Osborne, now you’ve got yourself involved with another boy who’s a disgusting, money-grabbing Jew of all things!”

“What?” Brayden couldn’t believe his ears. Not only did they think they were above everyone else, they were anti-Semites, too. Brayden was more shocked by that than anything else; his whole body was now a statue, frozen to the spot by disbelief. Harvey wasn’t white trash, and Daniel was nothing but kind, considerate, and wonderful, Jewish or not.

What did it matter anyway?

Daniel loved him, and he loved Daniel.

That was all that mattered.

He also loved Harvey as his best friend. That was the sum of it.

Brayden began to feel curls of anger lick at his insides as he thought about his parent’s hatred for everything he loved in his life. Before he could help himself, he saw red and lashed out. “You’ve never been worried about me before. You’ve only ever cared about yourselves. I’ve been nothing more than an inconvenience for you. Well, I’m not sorry about who I am.” Brayden had worked himself up in those few short sentences. He was furious now, his anger seething where his fear once ruled. “And for your information, Daniel’s a great guy. He’s loving and caring and—”

Brayden didn’t get to finish the rest of his sentence.

His dad propelled himself forward, using the kitchen bench as a launching pad. He had his fist raised.

A searing pain shot through Brayden, emanating from his right cheek. He saw stars and was grabbing at air before he fell to the floor with a sickening thud. Brayden coughed and blood splattered on the tiling, but he managed to sit up, even though his back hurt where he’d landed. Tears of pain and continued disbelief blurred his vision.

He could make out that his father was standing over him, fists still clenched. “Get up and say that again. I dare you, boy. You disgust us, you know that? How could you treat us like this after we’ve provided you with everything? You’re nothing but a disappointment and now we know you’re a dirty faggot, too. Some thanks. Some gratitude. You’re an abomination.”

Brayden tasted his own blood.

He wiped his face with the back of his hand; it was streaked with his dad’s homophobia and hatred. “I’m not dirty or disgusting or anything else. I’m me!” Brayden pulled himself up to his feet, even though he swayed when he was finally able to stand. Sharp pain coursed through him, down his spine to settle on his lower back. But he didn’t want them to win. He had to show them he was strong, even if that meant he only had enough strength to walk out the front door. 

He didn’t get a chance.

His father struck him again.

That time, Brayden was better prepared, but only just. He managed to block the blow with his forearm, instantly pulling back to unsettle his dad’s balance.

It worked and the man staggered forward.

His mum was screaming at his dad, clawing at him, but the man didn’t hear her words. Brayden couldn’t make them out either. His ears rang from the adrenaline-fueled blood that rushed through his veins.

What Brayden didn’t anticipate was another attack so soon. And definitely not from behind.

He fell forward from the force of the blow, his forehead almost striking the tiles before he was able to catch himself. He rolled over to face his dad, pain stabbing at him all over as he did. But he managed to raise his hand, let his dad know he wouldn’t fight back. He surrendered, accepted whatever consequences would befall him.

His dad didn’t seem to care; instead of accepting surrender, he started kicking Brayden. Laying into him with his boots, over and over.

Brayden screamed, “Stop! Dad! Stop! Stop!”

“You deserve to die!” his dad yelled at the top of his lungs.

His mother kept screaming.

“Dad! Sto—” Brayden tried his best to protect himself but failed and his dad kicked him in the head.

His world sank into the chilling darkness of unconsciousness, moments later.

9

Daniel

The doorbell rang.

It was six o’clock in the evening and Daniel was peeling potatoes; the rest of the family were helping get dinner prepared as well.

“Now who could that be?” his mother asked.

Daniel put down the peeler and offered, “I’ll go see.”

On the doorstep was Harvey. He looked worried, his eyebrows almost one. “Hey, Dan. What up?”

“Harvey! What…brings you h-here?” Daniel still felt nervous around Brayden’s best friend, even after their revealing truth or dare game yesterday. Although, the pangs of anxiety were nowhere near as bad now.

“Say, have you heard from Bray?”

“Um…no.” Daniel reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone. “Not since this morning, anyway.”

Those worried eyebrows of Harvey’s rose slightly. “He stayed with you last night?”

“That’s not what it sounded like, Harvey.”

“Oh, right. Hot nerd and cute jock spending the night together—nothing happened. Yeah and my balls aren’t drained from jerking myself off all night thinking about you two together.”

“I’m…I don’t know…what to s-say to that.”

“Nothing to say, really. Just enjoy the magic that is Harvey in all his glory. You’ll get used to it. One day.”

“And you think I’m…h-hot?”

“The hottest. If you ever get rid of lover boy, I’ll get down on my knees for you anytime, Dan. Any. Time.”

Daniel decided to ignore Harvey, knowing the conversation could go ‘round in circles. It was probably the best policy. “There’s nothing here from Brayden. Did you want me to text him?”

“I’ve tried. He hasn’t answered. Usually we’re guzzling down beers by now and talking about how I’m gonna whoop his cute ass in Mario Kart.”

From the kitchen, Daniel’s mother called, “Who is it, honey?”

Daniel almost forgot himself. It was rude to leave guests—even uninvited and surprise ones—dithering on the doorstep. “Well, you might as well come in, Harvey, now that you’re here. You’re just in time for dinner, if you want something to eat.”

“Naw, I’m all—” Harvey sucked in a deep breath as he passed Daniel and came into the hallway. “Okay, that smells too good to pass on. I’m in for dinner, Danny boy.”

Daniel stifled a laugh. He wondered what his parents were going to make of his new friend. He didn’t have to wait long to find out. “Ima, Aba, this is Harvey. He’s Brayden’s best friend and…well, my friend too now by association, I suppose.” 

Daniel’s father turned his attention away from the steaks he was cooking on the indoor grill that sat on the benchtop. “A friend of Brayden’s, you say?”

“Yes, Aba.”

“What brings you here, Harvey?” his mother questioned.

“Well, Mrs. Liebowitz, I haven’t been able to contact Brayden and when I went to his house there was no one home. I thought he’d be here, ‘cause he’s usually over my place by now.”

“Brayden’s not here,” she responded.

“Yeah, I kind of got that from what Dan—Daniel here told me.”

Daniel’s father chimed in, “I suppose if you’re worried about Brayden, then we should be as well. You know him best.”

“Right, Mr Liebowitz, sir. I’m a bit stressed out about it, actually. It’s not like Bray—Brayden, I mean, to not leave at least a message.”

Daniel become concerned all of a sudden, too. “Maybe we should call the hospitals or emergency rooms. Maybe he got hurt. Maybe he was mugged after he got off the bus, or something. Maybe he’s—”

His father raised his hand to stop Daniel’s spiral. “I will make a few calls. But we will all need something to eat before we do anything. A few more minutes won’t make any difference—I’ll forgo my story time. Harvey, you’re welcome to join us if you like.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Daniel’s father returned from the lounge room once the dishes were cleared, washed, and put away. Harvey had helped Daniel do his part of after meal clean-up.

“I’ve never done that before—the domestic stuff, I mean.”

“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.”

His father coughed into his hand to get everyone’s attention. “I have some bad news, I’m afraid.”

Daniel’s face drained; he felt numb, but not in a good way. He instinctively reached out to hold his mother’s hand and Harvey held his other one. The worry on his friend’s brow returned.

“What has happened, dear?” his mother asked.

His father shook his head.

“What is it, Aba?”

He coughed again; Daniel realised he was holding back his emotions. That scared him more than anything. “Brayden was admitted to Royal Melbourne a few hours ago. I don’t know all the details, because they won’t tell me, but it sounds to me like he’s been beaten up pretty badly from what I understand. I’ve called Uncle Fiezel. He’s going to come around soon.”

Daniel’s world came crashing down. A world that had so lovingly and wonderfully been built around him over the weekend. “No, Aba, that can’t be true. I—we only saw him this morning. He was…f-fine…” Daniel felt his eyes sting, his vision blur. His breathing became more and more erratic as his chest tightened. “What happened? Who would have done that to him?”

His mother embraced him.

As soon as her loving embrace was around him, Daniel let go.

He cried his heart out. 

Harvey, for the first time since Daniel had known him, was silent.

Uncle Fiezel arrived within the hour.

Daniel and Harvey hadn’t stopped worrying, and more tears flowed as a result. They comforted each other, even though Daniel would have preferred to see Brayden, no matter his condition. His mother made them tea while his father paced the room, wearing a groove into the rug.

“There you are,” his father said as Uncle Fiezel was brought into the house by his mother. They shook hands and embraced. “What can you tell us?”

Uncle Fiezel looked sombre. “It’s an unusual case, as the parents have been arrested.”

“What?” Daniel blurted. His stomach clenched; only yesterday Brayden had told him he wasn’t going to tell them he was gay. Had he decided to do so, and that was what had happened to him? Daniel could feel anger coursing through him. He should have gone with Brayden, should have been there for him.

How could anyone hurt someone so beautiful?

Harvey clarified, “They beat him up? The bast—I mean, what the hell! Why?”

Uncle Fiezel shook his head. “I can’t answer that question, young man—whoever you are.”

“I’m Harvey Osborne, Daniel and Brayden’s awesome best friend, that’s who I am.”

“I see.” Uncle Fiezel continued with the matter at hand. “At the moment, Brayden’s father is being held for questioning, while his mother is being cooperative. It is in the very early days with this case, so the details are still sketchy. But seeing as Daniel is Brayden’s recognised boyfriend, thanks to some very strong legal language from me, I have been able to get him some visiting rights.”

Daniel jumped up off his seat. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

The car ride to the hospital was excruciating. Daniel’s mind went over every possible scenario and then some. He thought the worst most of all, expecting to arrive and be told Brayden was in a coma. Or unable to wake up ever. Or that he had passed away from his injuries.

Harvey held his hand, as did his mother. Daniel cried more tears than he’d ever cried in his life. Even Uncle Fiezel looked worried. His sister sat in the far back seat of their people mover, quiet. The orange from the highway’s lights bathed the interior of his father’s car in an eerie sunset-like glow.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine, honey.”

“What are you basing that on, Ima?”

She closed her mouth. Daniel knew he’d stepped over a line with his outburst, but considering the circumstances, his mother only replied with a tight press of her lips.

He would apologise to her later. 

The hospital carpark was full on all but the upper levels. Daniel ran with Harvey towards the information desk, not caring that he was sweating like a race-horse when he arrived there from his exertion.

“Slow down, Dan,” Harvey gasped. “You’re killing me!”

“Brayden needs me.”

Daniel announced himself to the receptionist as soon as he was called, which seemed like it took an eternity. By the time he was, his parents, sister, and Uncle Fiezel had caught them up.

“Yes, can I help you?” the receptionist droned.

“I’m Daniel Liebowitz and I’m here to see my boyfriend, Brayden Hollister, please.”

She typed nonchalantly on the keyboard for a while. If she were chewing gum, it would compete the picture of a totally disinterested persona. Daniel wanted to jump through the viewing glass and hurry her up; Harvey put his hand on his shoulder like he could sense Daniel’s agitation. “Ah, yes. Daniel Liebowitz. Here you are. Well, good news. Your boyfriend is out of emergency, awake, and asking for you.”

Daniel let out the most relieving breath he’d ever had to exhale. Harvey did the same. He wanted to burst into tears again, this time ones of joy.

“Thank you. Thank you. Which way to find him?” He could have kissed the receptionist. “Thank you.” 

“He’s in room twenty-seven, ward eighteen.” Daniel was already heading for the lift, almost at a high run and with Harvey in tow. He heard the receptionist shout after him, “Floor ten!”

To see Brayden was wonderful. To see him beaten up, bruised, and with injuries visible on his face and body was horrific. Daniel felt a stone weight inside him as he sat down by his boyfriend’s bed, holding his hand.

It was cold.

With his whole family gathered around him, including Harvey, Daniel knew Brayden was surrounded by those who loved him.

“Hey, cutie,” Brayden said with a voice so thin it frightened Daniel.

“Don’t talk,” Daniel said, squeezing his hand tighter, but not too tight; he didn’t want to stop the flow of blood or hurt him. He made a vow, then and there, to never let Brayden go. “Just know I’m here—we’re all here for you now, okay?”

Brayden nodded, slowly.

Harvey stepped up to the foot of the bed. “I suppose you think this means you get out of me whooping your ass in Mario Kart now, right?”

Brayden cracked a smile and obviously tried to laugh, a shuddering cough the result. “You…wish.”

Uncle Fiezel then approached. Daniel noticed there were two other men with him, one in a suit and the other in a police uniform. “Brayden, this is my associate, Duncan Armitage. He specialises in custody law. I think, when you have time, he’d like to have a chat with you.”

“I can chat now,” Brayden wheezed. “Good a time as any—besides, I have my Daniel, my new family, and my best friend here with me. Everythin’s fine.”

Over the course of the next hour, Brayden explained everything. Daniel couldn’t believe what he heard. When he told them that his dad had screamed that he wanted his own son dead, that was almost too much. Daniel got too emotional, hugging Brayden with all his might with tears in his eyes, thankful that he was alive, if beaten.

The policeman left after writing down notes; he told them Brayden’s father would be formally charged after hearing Brayden’s informal deposition. Seeing as it was his mother who called the police, her fate would be decided at a later date. Daniel still couldn’t believe it was Brayden’s dad who’d beaten him. He couldn’t imagine the horror his boyfriend had gone through. 

“I don’t…want to go…back there,” Brayden stammered, obviously emotional.

Uncle Fiezel assured him, “We will organise a supervised visit for you to go to your house and retrieve your belongings. For now, I’m sure the Juvenile Courts will accept the proposal by Freeda and Yosef Liebowitz to take care of your needs. Because you are already seventeen, you are able to make some decisions about your own care and a councillor will be appointed to make sure you understand that. But I do believe that seeing as you have people willing to take you in, there should be no problem with the formalities.”

“What does that mean?” Daniel questioned, shooting a glance at his parents.

Harvey replied before they could, “It means, Danny boy, that when Brayden is able to get out of here, you can have him with you twenty-four seven. You lucky thing.”

“Is…is that true?”

Uncle Fiezel nodded. His mother and father came to embrace Daniel. “Once your father phoned your uncle to find out what had happened, and he found out Brayden’s father was the suspect, he told him he would like Brayden to be a part of our family for good.”

“Aba, you said that?”

“Yes, Ben Sheli. I would do anything for you and your happiness. And Brayden’s as well.”

Daniel felt overwhelmed, loved beyond measure. But he also felt guilt prick at the back of his neck. “I have to apologise, Ima, for being abrupt with you earlier. I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologise, honey. You were worried, and rightly so.”

Uncle Fiezel cleared his throat. “Now, we will leave you all to it. I need a coffee after all that—and where’s a seven-eleven? I need a donut.”

When his mother, father, sister, and Uncle left, Harvey said, “Did you want me to give you some private time with your man, too?”

“You can stay, Harvey. I…I like your company. And…and thank you for what you did for me tonight. I’ll never forget it.”

“You can thank me by showing me your dick, Dan my man.”

Brayden spluttered at that. “Behave yourself, Harvey.”

Daniel stifled a laugh, using the excuse of kissing Brayden’s hand to do so. “How long did they say you’ll be in here?”

“A week, maybe more,” Brayden replied. “Dependin’ on how things go.”

“I hope you get better soon. I need to…” Daniel kissed Brayden’s hand again; he didn’t want to complete that sentence. Not in front of Harvey. His thoughts were only for Brayden.

Harvey must have picked up on Daniel’s intent. Of course. “You don’t need to wait until Brayden’s better. You can do stuff here.”

“Um…like what?” Daniel sounded incredulous.

“Oh, what little imagination you have, Danny boy. You could do plenty in private, even with your boy laid up in bed. A good old fashioned and healthy for the soul strip tease for him would do wonders, for example. Nothing revives the spirit more than the sight of dick waggling about seductively.”

Brayden coughed. “Go away, Harvey.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know, I’m going.”

When Harvey left, Daniel confessed, “I was so worried about you. I was actually so scared, I couldn’t stop crying. I think I made a complete fool of myself, to be honest.”

“You could never be a fool for caring about me.”

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” Again, Daniel felt his eyes well with tears but this time, ones of joy because Brayden, even though injured, was okay.

“All I could think about, even when he was beating me up…all I could think about was you, Daniel, and how I might never see you again. I love you, Daniel.”

I love you, too, Brayden.” And with that Daniel stood up and kissed him on his lips, the only part of him that wasn’t broken from the beatings.

10

Brayden

Brayden stayed another week in hospital, as expected.

Daniel never left him, only to go home to sleep. Freeda would pick him up around seven, then bring him back at nine. The one good thing, aside from seeing him and drinking in his presence, was that they did most of their history assignment together, plus other class work.

That was the agreement for Daniel to stay, that their schoolwork still got done. Daniel didn’t argue and Brayden couldn’t have been happier.

“Hey, I was right you know,” Brayden declared as he thumbed through the tome on Ancient Rome—the one he’d picked up off the floor when Daniel dropped it in the library. He went looking for Daniel that day, because he had a massive crush on him from the moment Harvey pointed him out a few months before, with typical best friend speak of “I bet he’s as horny as a toad. Most nerdy boys are, you know. That and he’s probably got a monster in his pants.”

On the last point, as it turned out, Harvey was also correct. He had yet to find out if the first point was true. He couldn’t wait, to be honest.               

Brayden smiled. 

Daniel interrupted his reverie. “What were you right about?”

“Er…” Brayden gathered his thoughts. The one thing about being injured and in hospital: it didn’t affect his libido. He had to wriggle about to get more comfortable, especially when Daniel kept kissing him. “That the Ancient Romans believed the use of your body to give pleasure to others was a thing. Be that homosexual or heterosexual, it was important and needed to them.”

“You’d also be pleased to know that homosexual relations added to their social status,” Daniel added. “But most of the time for that to happen, you had to be the giver, not the taker. Still, homosexual acts were considered normal back then for a while. Until certain things happened to the economy and the like, and gays were blamed for that, of course.”

“There you go.”

“I think Mister Andersson will be pleased with what we’ve got here.”

Brayden was sitting up. He felt a lot better these past couple of days. At least it didn’t hurt so much when he moved anymore. And having Daniel with him was a godsend. He didn’t know how he would have coped without him. Shower times were getting more and more interesting, too, to say the least.

Daniel was getting good at hand jobs.

“Is that the Mister Andersson a certain boyfriend of mine had a crush on, pray tell?”

Daniel didn’t flush with embarrassment that time. “I’m only human.”

“True.” 

Finally, the day came when Brayden was released.

Daniel jumped around like a kid who’d had too much candy, making sure nothing of Brayden’s was left behind in any of the drawers or cupboards. He was just happy to be out of there.

After the supervised visit to his house, and with Uncle Fiezel attending, Brayden once again had all his stuff. He didn’t speak to his mum. He had no words for her anyway.

“Thank you, Uncle Fiezel,” Brayden said.

“Don’t mention it. I’ll send you the bill when you’re fully recovered. But I must warn you, I’m not cheap you know. You’ll be working for years to pay off my retainer. Now, where’s the nearest Nando’s?”

“What?”

Daniel laughed. “He’s joking.”

The whole family moved Brayden into the spare room: his room. Brayden had to admit, he got a bit emotional as all fifty or so of them contributed in some way.             

“They’re only here for all the food afterwards,” Freeda announced with a chuckle. “But we love them all.”

Brayden even got on well with Uncle Ezekiel the second time around.

“You know, I appreciated your offer before,” he began. “But I don’t require the services of a Mohel. I’m happy with what I’ve got as it is. But it’s not about what we’ve got in our pants, anyway. Daniel and I love each other, and that’s all that matters.”

The man smiled. “That’s a good answer.”

That night, Daniel came into Brayden’s room wearing nothing but a smile, a plain blue T-shirt, and his white night-time shorts.

“You all right, Brayden?”

“Couldn’t be better.”

Daniel sat on the bed next to him. “Can…I…talk to you…for a minute?”

“Why all nervous again?” Brayden put his arm around him, drawing him closer. “I thought we were beyond that now.”

Daniel cast his gaze to the floor. “It was my fault, wasn’t it?”

Brayden knew what he was referring to: the photo of them he’d posted on Facebook. “No. It wasn’t your fault, and don’t you think for one minute that I believe that it was.”

“But they saw it…and then you got…I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.” Daniel’s eyes became watery.

Brayden kissed away a tear that fell onto his cheek, tasting his boyfriend’s salt-water sadness. “Don’t you apologise for being wonderful. We’re together now—and I’m kinda glad it happened.”

“You are?”

“Not about havin’ the shit beaten outta me by my own dad, but because it revealed their real nature. They are not only homophobes and elitist, but they’re anti-Semites, too. And I want nothin’ to do with that.”

“Anti-Semites?”

“Yeah. What they said about Harvey was bad enough, but what they said about you…I can’t even…”

“B-because I’m a Jew? Right?”

Brayden kissed Daniel again. “Who you are is who you are. Remember, I’m a better person because of you.”

“And I’m better because of you.”

“Then what does it matter who we are? So long as we’re together.”

“I love you so much, Brayden.”

“And you know I love you with all my heart back, my Daniel-sun.”

“Can I ask you something else?”

“Sure.”

Daniel reached into his short’s pocket and produced a couple of condoms. “If you’re ready and up to it of course. I’m ready as well…if you’re all right, that is.”

Brayden leaned into Daniel and kissed him again, this time deeper and with more intent, their tongues dancing delicately. Brayden pulled away only to reply, “I’m fine and so ready. But what are you talkin’ about here? More fun times with foreplay? Goin’ all the way? Or somethin’ else?”

“I’m talking about doing everything.”

“By the Power of Greyskull, wow! Okay, that was unexpected…but so hot at the same time.”

Daniel ran his hand up Brayden’s leg, stopping where Brayden could feel all too well his awakening hardness. “And I want it to start with us being together in the shower—seeing as that’s the only lockable door in the house.”

“So long as you don’t scream out my name and wake up your sister,” Brayden chimed in with a giggle. “I’m up for that.”              

“Good.” 

Brayden put his hand onto Daniel’s bulge. “What have I created? Where is Daniel and what have you done with him?”

“Old Daniel left once a good-looking boy went to the library one day to look for him.” Daniel kissed Brayden, his lips moist and warm, eager as well. “Don’t think I don’t realise now that’s what you were doing there, either.” 

“Looks like I was busted then, doesn’t it?”

“You were.” Daniel smiled mischievously. “And your punishment for being caught is to take me right now into the bathroom so I can see you naked.”

“Yes, sir.”

With the water running and steam filling the bathroom as much as the passion between them, Daniel and Brayden kissed feverishly, hands all over each other.

“I want to…go down on you,” Daniel gasped, his plump, sensual lips wet from both the shower and their contact. God, he was hot. His deep brown eyes, almost pleading, were asking for permission to proceed.

Brayden gave it with a resounding, “Hell, yeah!”

He ached with anticipation as Daniel placed the condom onto his hardness, felt absolutely euphoric in fact as he hissed though his teeth while Daniel kissed down Brayden’s still bruised chest and stomach. He shivered with delight, moaned as Daniel’s intent intensified.

Sometimes Brayden still hurt when he got into certain positions, but for Daniel that was a small sacrifice. Nothing could ruin this moment.

And Daniel was eager.

Harvey was right, Daniel was horny. Not only did he give Brayden the attention he had desired for so long, but then asked him for permission again to complete how hot and cute he was. He pleaded, “I’m so ready. I want you inside me.”

This time Brayden denied his boyfriend, but for a good reason. “Only after I’ve given you a blowjob.”

“Yes, please.”

Daniel writhed and moaned while Brayden worked his mouth over his magnificence. He was big. More than enough. Too much, really. But that didn’t stop him from giving his boyfriend everything he desired, as he desired it. Daniel grabbed Brayden’s hair, massaging it while Brayden worked his mouth, lips, and tongue everywhere that made him gasp.

Moments later, Daniel almost doubled over. “That was…that was…”

“Now I can make love to you, my beautiful Daniel-sun.”

Daniel mouthed words, but no sound came out. Instead, Brayden embraced him, kissed him, lavished all his attention and focus on his boyfriend. When he was worked up again, he moved so he could be behind Daniel, while at the same time embracing him as they stood together in the shower cubicle.

The feel of Daniel’s body against his was electrifying. 

With the water cascading over him, Brayden moved so he could do to Daniel what they both needed. What they both had been working up to. What they were both ready for after so much had happened in the short time they’d known each other. 

Daniel moaned, craning his neck so he could still receive kisses. “Be gentle with me…at first…”

Brayden and Daniel were soon moving as one.

As they were meant to be.

Their intimate connection so right…so perfect. Brayden had never felt so complete. Daniel was the healing he needed from his past life, as he was also his bright, loving future.

Brayden shuddered, close already.

Daniel moaned. “It…it hurts, but it’s so…oh, Braaaaydeeen!”

“Daniel!”

The was a knock on the door, just as Brayden gave Daniel everything he had, filling the condom no doubt. “Hurry up in there, you two. The water bill! Remember the water bill!” Yosef shouted from the other side of the bathroom door.

Daniel turned so he could hold onto Brayden once they’d separated, falling into his arms as he always did. His head rested on Brayden’s chest. He held him with everything he had.

After a moment of post-euphoric bliss, Brayden remembered he needed to reply to Yusef. He would still be on the other side of the door. “We won’t be much longer.” To Daniel, he kissed him some more and said, “Now it’s your turn to be inside me…I’m ready for you.”

The end

Author’s Note

There are so many people to thank once again. Most of all, I’d like to thank one of my dearest friends, Allen, and my mentor and editor extraordinaire, Charlie, for their continued and unfaltering support as I wrestle with my demons.

All my stories feature the use of condoms—especially in this Cute Gay Romance series. Not only does safe sex help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, using them with the one you want to be intimate with is a sign of both respecting them and respecting yourself. And that’s important, too!

Thank you for reading!

More to come in the “Cute Gay Romance” series with: “Help! I’ve Got a Crush” coming May 15th, 2019.

Also by Eridani Books

The Arty Tekken Chronicles:

Book One: The Battle of Crystal and Water

Book Two: The Struggle of Flesh and Stone *includes the bonus short story: The Scarab Beetle Key

Book Three: The War of Mind and Matter *includes the bonus short story: Arty and Tobias.

Short Stories/Novellas:

Enough Blue Sky to Mend a Pair of Sailor’s Trousers

Dylan’s Love

About the Author

I write LGBTQ+ stories. As a therapist who helps people with all sorts of conditions, injuries, and disabilities I'm an advocate for those people, especially if they're teens.