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The first golden rays of dawn filtered through David's bedroom window, casting a soft glow over the tangled sheets and the two boys lying entwined in each other's arms. Brady stirred first, blinking sleepily as he adjusted to the warm light. David's head rested against his chest, his arm draped protectively over Brady's waist.
Brady ran his fingers lightly through David's hair, his touch reverent. He felt like he was still floating, like the world had shifted beneath his feet and he was weightless, carried by the intensity of what they'd shared the night before.
David stirred, his eyes fluttering open. When he looked up at Brady, his lips curved into a slow, sleepy smile. "Morning."
"Morning," Brady replied, his voice soft.
For a moment, they simply lay there, gazing at each other in comfortable silence. Brady's hand slid from David's hair to his cheek, his thumb tracing the curve of his jaw. "Last night," he began, his voice breaking slightly, "it was... I don't even have the words."
David smiled, leaning into Brady's touch. "Me neither. But it felt like... everything."
Brady nodded, his throat tight with emotion. He cupped David's face with both hands, pulling him closer until their foreheads touched. "I feel like I know you better now. Like... I can't imagine ever being closer to someone than I am with you."
David kissed him softly, their lips barely brushing. "Me too."
Brady hesitated, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
Brady's cheeks flushed, but he held David's gaze. "Breathe on me."
David blinked, confused. "What?"
Brady smiled shyly, brushing his fingers along David's arm. "I want to feel you... all of you. I want to breathe you in. Your very essence."
David's confusion melted into a tender smile. He shifted closer, pressing his body against Brady's as he exhaled softly against his face. Brady closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of David's breath on his skin.
"Again," Brady murmured, his voice barely audible.
David obliged, his breath slow and even, ghosting over Brady's nose and lips. Brady felt like he could drown in the moment, in David. It wasn't just physical--it was deeper, more profound. He breathed in, feeling like he was inhaling a piece of David's soul, letting it fuse with his own.
When David pulled back, Brady opened his eyes, his gaze intense. "I love you," he said, the words tumbling out before he could stop them.
David's smile widened, and he leaned in to kiss Brady's forehead. "I love you too."
--
Brady returned home, practically floating on air. He headed to the kitchen to grab a soda, only to find his sister Megan standing by the counter, pouring herself a cup of coffee.
"Megan!" he said, surprised but happy to see her. "How is everything? How's college?"
She looked up and smiled. "Hey Brady! Well... college is a lot. But I'm enjoying it, and I've made some really good friends. How are you? How's junior year?"
"It's... good. It's... really good," Brady replied, unable to keep the dreamy tone from creeping into his voice. His thoughts were already drifting back to David, to the weekend they'd just spent together, and he could feel the grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Megan squinted at him, her head tilting slightly. "Okay, what's going on with you? You've got this ridiculous smile plastered on your face."
Brady's grin widened as he tried--and failed--to play it cool. "What? Nothing! I'm just... happy."
"Uh-huh," she said, her lips curving into a skeptical smile. She didn't press further, but there was a knowing look in her eyes, as if she could already guess the answer.
Monday came too soon, bringing with it the harsh fluorescent lights and the sharp edges of high school life. Brady and David walked into Richwoods together, their hands brushing as they passed through the crowded hallways.
By lunch, though, their quiet contentment was shattered. Brady was heading to his locker when Zack, one of the jocks, blocked his path. Zack was tall and broad, with a smug grin that made Brady's stomach twist.
"Hey Gallagher," Zack began, his voice dripping with mockery. "What's it like being a fag?"
Brady froze, his face draining of color. He opened his mouth to respond, but no sound came out.
"Speechless, huh?" Zack sneered. "Guess it's true, then: you and Sanchez. Stacey saw you together kissing on his porch. Fucking gross!"
Before Zack could finish, David appeared, stepping between him and Brady. His expression was calm but firm, his dark eyes unwavering.
"Yeah," David said, his voice steady. "We are boyfriends. Got a problem with that?"
The hallway seemed to go silent. Brady's heart raced as he watched David stand tall, completely unflinching.
Zack blinked, clearly taken aback. He opened his mouth, closed it, then shook his head with a forced laugh. "Whatever, man. You're both freaks."
As the crowd dispersed, Brady stared at David, his chest tight with a mixture of awe and gratitude. "David, I--"
David turned to him, his expression softening. "It's okay, Brady. Don't let people like him get to you."
Brady nodded. He wanted to say so much, to tell David how much he meant to him, how incredible he was, but all he could manage was a quiet, "Thank you."
David smiled, reaching out to squeeze Brady's hand briefly before letting go. "I've got your back. Always."
Brady smiled back, knowing that whatever came next, they'd face it together.