Jason was sitting in his desk staring out the classroom window watching the rain fall. It was now late October and this was the first time it had rained in the last few months. The bell that ended fourth period had rung nearly five minutes ago, but he was too lost in his thoughts to realize that he was all alone in the deserted classroom. A strand of light blonde hair fell over his right eye as he breathed softly, the cool air from the open window made him shiver slightly.
"The bell has already rung Jason...You'll be late." Luke whispered standing behind the blonde. His arms were full of textbooks and binders. A faint blush crept across the red head's cheeks as he admired the picture Jason made, sitting there lost in his thoughts.
"Hmm?" The blond said as he looked at Luke. "Oh, I'm sorry, I must've spaced out." He said standing up and throwing his backpack over one shoulder.
"You've been doing that a lot lately." Luke said, sitting down in the now vacant seat and arranging his belongings on the desk top.
"I guess it's because I have so much on my mind lately, I've just been out of it a lot." Jason answered brushing back his blond hair. "But hey, that's to be expected when you have so many responsibilities."
Luke nodded. "True." He paused, thoughts of the man before him floated in to his mind. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts he added, "Hey, I'll talk to you at lunch. You only have four minutes to get to class."
"Oh... right, see ya." The older man said as he shot a smile at Luke before leaving the classroom.
Luke blushed slightly and opened his notebook. All through the class all he could think about was Jason. `Why am I thinking like this?' He thought. This time it was the junior who spaced out and missed the lunch bell.
Jason sat in the quad with his back up against a tree looking up into the dark grey sky, his thoughts once again taking over him. 'Damn it...' he thought once he realized he had been spacing out. 'I really need to learn how to control my thoughts...'
Luke jogged up to the older man and stopped, panting. "Sorry. I'm late...missed the bell."
"That's alright." Jason said with a smile as he looked back up at the sky. "I kinda spaced out again anyway."
The younger man flopped down next to the blonde. "Mind sharing some of your thoughts? It might keep your mind from continuing to wander."
"Well, you know how my life is; I have so many things going on, maybe a little too many..." Jason started twirling his hair in-between his fingers. "I just don't think I can take anymore stress."
"I wish I could help." Luke said wrapping his arms around his knees. 'If only you knew the stress you put me through by just existing.'
"Are you busy tonight? I mean... do you want to hang out after school?" Jason asked as he looked at Luke.
"Sure." The younger man replied, biting his bottom lip to stop himself from blushing.
"Alright." The older teen said as he let go of the strand of hair in-between his fingers and focused his attention on Luke. "Meet you here?"
"Alright." Luke said nodding.
"Later." Jason stood up, picked up his things and started to walk away from the younger teen.
"Later..." Luke murmured, blushing dark red. To the red head, the rest of the school day seemed an eternity away.
When school got out, Jason was already standing by the tree. A book in one hand as he held one of the straps to his back pack with the other.
"Hey!" The young man walked over to the taller male, his book bag slung over his right shoulder.
"Hey." Jason said with a smile as he bent down to place the book in his bag. "You ready?" he asked as he reached in his pocket for the keys to his car.
"Of course." Luke said blushing slightly. He raised his hand to push back his dark red hair.
"Then let's go." The older male said as he began walking toward the parking lot. "I need to stop at my place to get a few things...do you mind?"
"I don't mind." The red head replied, following.
"Great." Jason said as they got to his car and he unlocked the doors. "Then let's roll."
Luke nodded and climbed into the passenger's seat.
Jason put the keys in the ignition and pulled out of the parking lot. When they arrived at his apartment he started looking around his bedroom for the things he needed.
"What are you looking for?" Luke asked, leaning against the door frame. "I might be able to help you find them."
"I found it." Jason said as he picked up a small box from under a pile of clothes and withdrew the money from inside. The blond then walked over to the full length mirror on the other side of the room, brushing his hair away from his face and then removing his shirt.
Luke traced the older man's form with his eyes and blushed and looked away. `What is with me?'
Jason stretched his arms then pulled on a white and blue button up shirt. "Okay, I think I have everything I need." he said as he looked at Luke.
"Alright." The younger man replied. "Where are we going anyway?"
"Not sure yet." Jason answered as he left his bedroom and walked towards the front door. "We'll figure something out."
"What's in the box?" Luke asked, following the older man.
"I keep all my money in it, that way I don't lose it so easily." The blonde said as he walked out side and got back into his car.
"Ohh..." The red head climbed back into the car and looked over at Jason. "How about a movie?"
"That'll work." The older teen said pulling out of the drive-way.
"Okay." Luke replied, laying his head on his hand. His thoughts began to wander once more.
"What's on your mind?" Jason asked as he glanced over at Luke.
The red head blushed slightly. "N-nothing. My mind was just wandering."
"Oh... alright..." The blond said as he parked the car in the movie theatre drive-way and stretched his arms.
Luke lifted his head off his hand and looked at Jason. "What movie should we go see?"
"I don't really care." The older man said as he leaned up against the car door and looked up at the sky.
"What's up? I can tell you're thinking of something."
"It's nothing really; there's just been a few things that have been bothering me lately." Jason answered as he kept his focus on the clouds.
"Like what?" Luke asked, watching his friend curiously.
"Rumors." The older man said as he brushed his blond hair out of his face.
"Rumors are rumors. You shouldn't let them bother you." The red head stretched his arms. "What have you heard anyway?"
"Never mind." Jason said as he started walking away from the car. "There's no way it can be true anyway."
"No I want to know. What is it?" Luke said trying to keep out with his friend's pace.
Jason turned to face Luke, his hands in his pockets. "Are you gay?"
"Ah...What? Were did you hear that?" the red head asked, shocked. `Who the hell could of??'
"It's something that I've heard around school." Jason answered as he looked into Luke's eyes. "And it bothers me not knowing if it's true or not."
"I..." Luke murmured and diverted his eyes.
"It's alright Luke; I don't care if you are." Jason said as he looked at the younger teen.
"That's just it..." The red head said, looking back his friend. "I don't know..."
"You're not sure?" Jason asked as his eyes locked with the red head's. Luke nodded mutely.
"There's nothing wrong with that." Jason said as he looked at Luke and smiled. "You are what you are; you have no control over that."
"I guess... I wish I knew for sure though..."
Jason tucked his index finger gently underneath the dark haired teen's chin and made him look into his eyes. "I am."
"You-you are? I never knew."
"Nobody does." The older man said as he looked down at the concrete. "And believe me; keeping something like this inside for so long really damages you."
"I'll keep your secret for you."
"Thanks." Jason said as he moved closer and kissed Luke softly on the lips.
Luke blushed deeply. "Ja-Jason..."
"I'm sorry." The older man said as he slowly pulled away. "I-I shouldn't have done that."
"No no...It's..." The red head looked away, blush deepening.
"What?" Jason asked as he looked at Luke.
"It's nothing."
"Don't lie." Jason said as he looked at the red head. "I know you well enough to know when you're lying."
Luke was blushing so much that the tips of his ears turned red. ""Re-really, it's nothing."
"Let's skip the movie, I don't really feel like it." Jason said as he walked back toward his car.
"Wait..." Luke called, biting his knuckle. `I can't believe I'm gonna do this...'
"Hm?" The older teen asked as he turned to look at the red head.
The red head took a step forward and pressed his lips gently against the other man's and pulled away. "I didn't mind that kiss..." He whispered.
Really?" Jason asked as he looked at Luke and smiled as he got back into his car. "I don't want to force you into something you're not ready for, alright?"
The younger man climbed back into his seat. "I understand..." Luke whispered.
"Where should we go now?" Jason asked as he leaned back in the driver's seat.
"I don't care. I'm out of ideas."
"Then let's go to the beach." Jason said with a smile.
Luke looked up and smiled. "Okay...we're not swimming are we?"
"No, just for a walk." Jason said as he started driving once again.
"Then that's fine, just try and not walk so fast, you're the athlete not me."
"Sorry." The blond said with as he got on the free way. There was no reply; the red head busied himself by looking out the window. When Jason finally stopped the car, he got out and took a deep breath. "It's a bit chilly out here." He said as he looked at Luke.
"Yeah it is." Luke murmured, shivering through his tee shirt.
"Let's go." Jason said as he stuffed his hands in his pockets and started walking towards the ocean, the cool sea air blowing lightly through his blonde hair.
The young artist walked beside his friend, the smell of sea salt tickling his nose. "I love the smell of the ocean." Luke sighed, running his right hand through the deep red strands of his hair.
"So do I." Jason replied as he looked at Luke. "It helps clear your mind."
Luke nodded and smiled. "It's also very calming."
"Indeed it is." The blond said as he looked down at his watch. "We can't stay out here too long alright?"
"Okay." The red head turned and gazed at the white capped waves. Jason sat down in the sand and moved his hand slowly through it. Luke sat down in the sand next to the blonde. "Thank you for taking me here, Jason."
"No problem." Jason replied as he leaned over and kissed Luke again just as the sun was beginning to set over the cool blue water. The red head blinked, caught off guard. The blond stood up and looked down at the younger man. "We better go, I'll drive you home."
"Alright." Luke said, standing as well. `Oh what I would give to have him ask me to stay the night with him.' The red head blushed slightly and shook his head, shocked at his own thoughts.
When they got back on the highway, Jason heard a really strange noise from the car. "What the-" he slowly pulled the car over and got out.
"What's the problem?" The younger teen called from the passenger's seat.
"The tire blew." Jason answered as he walked back over to the driver's side of the car. "Damn it and I don't have a spare."
"What now?" Luke asked worryingly.
"We'll have to wait here and pray that someone stops to help us." The older teen said sitting in the front seat.
"You don't have a cell phone on you?" The red head asked hopefully.
"I figured I wouldn't need it." Jason said as he laid his head back on his seat.
The younger man sighed. "What bad luck..." Luke pulled his knees to his chest. "It's cold out here."
Jason put the keys back in the ignition and turned the heater on. "Better?"
"Yes, a little."
"That's good." The blond said as he smiled at Luke. A slight blush touched the younger man's cheeks. "Damn it." Jason said under his breath as he tried to relax. "I have a dead-line that's due tomorrow and I'm stuck in a car."
"I know how you feel. I have a project to finish as well." Jason leaned his head back again and closed his eyes. Luke reached out and touched Jason's arm. "I'm sorry something like this had to happen."
"Don't be, neither one of us had control over it." The older teen said, his eyes still closed.
"I'm still sorry. If you weren't with me this probably wouldn't have happened."
"I know, but you know, what if people at school kind out about me? Things won't be the same."
"I'll be there to support you. You shouldn't care what people think, you should be proud of who you are."
"But that's exactly my problem, if I come out; do you know how much trouble that will start? I'll probably get kicked off both the tennis team and the football team."
"Why would they do that? You're the best player they have."
"Because I'm gay that's why." Jason said as he looked into Luke's eyes. "They don't want a gay player on their team."
"That's just wrong! It's discrimination."
"Do you honestly think they care?" Jason asked brushing back his hair. "And then there's the name calling."
"I don't know why you're worrying." Luke said placing his hand on Jason's arm again. "I'm not going to give away your secret."
"That doesn't mean it won't get out eventually." Jason answered leaning his head against the steering wheel.
"Jason..."
"What?" Jason asked as he looked up at Luke.
"Please stop beating yourself up." Luke whispered, looking up pleadingly into Jason's eyes.
"How can I not? It's hard enough being in the closet, what happens when I'm out?"
"It could be better, you never know. You don't have to worry about your parents disowning you and having nowhere no go..."
"True, but being in the closet tears you up, you can't keep something that big inside, it'll destroy you."
Luke leaned forward. "I know how you feel, really I do."
"It's not the easiest thing in the world." Jason said turning up the heater and shivering. "Being gay and all."
"Would it be easier if you had someone to share your thoughts and feelings with?" The red head asked, searching the blonde's face.
"That would make my life so much easier." Jason answered as he glanced out his window at the passing cars.
"There's always....oh never mind." Luke looked away.
"No, tell me." Jason said as he tucked his index finger under the red head's chin and made him look into his eyes.
"I...I have feelings for you. I don't understand them but they are still there..." The red head murmured, cheeks flushed.
The older teen smiled and looked at Luke. "So do I."
The younger teen blinked. "You do?"
"Yes." Jason answered looking into Luke's green eyes.
"Then this.....this is a date then?"
"I wouldn't necessary categorize this as the perfect date, but yeah that's pretty much what it was."
Luke sighed. "I hope someone helps us soon, or the gas will run out and we'll be without heat."
"Hopefully." Jason relied as he cupped the red head's chin and kissed him softly. "I'm going to come out, I want you with me."
"I'll be by your side." Luke replied, pressing his own lips against the older man's.
"Hey, you guess need some help?" A man said as he walked over to the driver's side of the car.
"What timing...." Luke growled under his breath.
"Um... yeah, the tire blew." Jason said opening the car door and getting out.
"Well if you want, I can give you two a ride home so you can call a tow truck or something."
"Thanks that would be great." The blonde said looking at Luke.
"Anything's better than staying here." Luke said nodding.
"Come on, I'll give you guys a ride." The man said as he backed away from the car.
Jason got out of the car and put his keys in his pocket. "Let's go." The blond said with a smile.
"Right." The red head agreed, smiling as well.
-
- * When they got into town, the stranger dropped them off at Jason's apartment. After he got off the phone with the tow truck company, he walked over to the couch and sat down beside Luke. "I'm sorry about all this; I'll take you home as soon as my car gets here alright?" The blond asked as he looked into the junior's green eyes and smiled.
Luke shrugged his shoulders. "That's fine. I don't really mind hanging out here." `Ask me to stay with you, damn it!' He leaned back against the couch and folded his hands behind his head.
The blonde's hand moved slowly onto the younger teen's knee. "It doesn't bother you does it?"
The younger teen twitched slightly. "Hmm?"
"My hand... Do you mind?" Jason asked as he scooted closer to the red head and looked into his eyes.
A slight blush crossed the red head's cheeks. "N-no."
"Luke..." The older teen whispered as he leaned closer to the junior. "When we go to school tomorrow, I don't want either of us to pretend like none of this happened, alright?"
"Alright Jason." Luke whispered.
"And also..." Jason said as he stood up. "I want you to be my boyfriend."
Green eyes blinked in surprise. "What?"
"I want you to be my boyfriend." Jason repeated.
"Why me?" Luke asked curiously.
"Because you're not like other guys, you're different." Jason answered with a smile.
"Oh, how am I different?" The junior replied leaning forward.
"You're not a total jerk like some people are." The blond said as he walked over towards his room.
"Is that all?" Luke said standing and walking over to the older teen.
"And you understand me." Jason said as he leaned against his bedroom door. "I really like you Luke; we've been friends for what a year?"
"Almost. It'll be a year in a week."
"Well I don't just want to be friend." Jason said as he opened the door to his bedroom and walked inside. "I'm willing to do anything I have to do to be with you, alright?"
"I understand Jason, it's just... If my father finds out..."
Jason sat down on his bed and looked into Luke's green eyes. "I don't want you to worry about anything alright, I'm here for you."
"Jason..." Luke said softly, sitting beside the blonde.
Before the older teen could say anything, the phone rang. Jason stood up and disappeared out of the room to get the phone. "Hello?" He answered as he picked the phone up from the receiver. "Oh, hi mom." Jason said leaning against the kitchen counter. "Yeah I'm fine, I'm home now." The blond sat on top of the counter and started twirling his hair in between his fingers. "Alright, see you soon, bye."
"Your mom?" Luke said wandering into the kitchen.
"Yeah, she just wanted to see how I was doing." Jason said with a smile as he hung up the phone. "She's always been a bit protective over me, but I guess I can't blame her for it." The senior said leaning up against the wall. "Did you want to call your parents?" Jason asked as he held out the phone. "Let them know you're alright."
"Sure, but it's parent, mom walked out on us two days ago."
"I'm sorry." Jason said as he tried to sound comforting.
Luke shrugged. "It's no big deal really, she hated me anyway, both my parents do..." the red head sighed and looked down at his feet.
Jason slid off of the counter and walked over to Luke. "Things will get better, I promise."
"Thank you." Luke whispered faintly.
"No problem." The blond said as he caressed the red head's cheek. Jason walked over to the front door and stared out the screen. "What's taking them so long with my car?" he said in almost a whisper.
"What's the problem?"
"Nothing, their just taking forever with my car and it's getting late." The older teen glanced at Luke. "I have to get'cha home soon, it is a school night."
"Oh, right..." `Can't you see that I want to stay here with you?'
The blond smiled at Luke and closed the door. "If the car isn't here in half an hour, call you're dad and tell him you're staying at a friend's house." He said placing the phone in the red head's hand and sitting back down on the couch.
The young artist set the phone on the counter and walker over to where Jason sat. Kneeling in front of the older teen "Jason," He whispered, placing his hands on the blonde's legs, "Thank you for all of this." Luke leaned forward and pressed his lips against his best friend's.
Jason's eyes closed as he slowly began to kiss the younger teen back, when he heard the sound of the front door's lock snap. He quickly placed his hand on Luke's chest and pushed him away.
"Hi honey." Jason's mom said as she walked into the house, a large brown paper bag in her arms.
"H-hi." the blood rushed to Jason's cheeks as he stood up and took the bag from his mother.
The completely embarrassed teen buried his head in his knees. "Why do you hate me? What did I do to you this time?" He groaned, wanting to kill whatever higher power he could get his hands on.
When Jason's mom noticed Luke she smiled and looked at her son. "Who's your friend?" she asked as she began unpacking the bag.
"You remember Luke don't you?" he asked as he leaned up against the counter.
"I don't think we've met."
The red head rose and leaned against the wall. "I think we met briefly at the championship tennis match last year. Remember the kid sitting next to you with a sketchpad. That was me. I don't wear glasses anymore though, so I understand if you don't recognize me."
"Oh, I think I remember you now." she said with a smile as she opened the refrigerator door.
"Hey mom, do you mind if Luke stays the night, I was supposed to take him home but my car still hasn't got here."
She looked at her son for a few moments. "But Jase, it's a school night." She said as she put her hands in her pockets.
"Please?" The blond asked as he helped her by putting away the rest of the items in the bag.
"Fine then." She answered, knowing she had no hope in winning."
"Thank you for letting me stay here."
"No problem." Mrs. Reese said as she turned the faucet on.
"Come on." Jason said as he grabbed Luke by the wrist and pulled him into his bed room.
Luke blinked and looked up at Jason. "You were in a hurry to get out of there."
"I don't like it when she asks a bunch of questions like, How are your parents? Are they good people, stupid stuff like that." The blond said sitting on his bed and turning his C.D. player on low.
"Thanks for getting me out of there. I wouldn't like to answer any of those questions either." The red head flopped on the bed next to Jason.
"Well, it's getting late." Jason said looking at the clock on his bedside dresser. "We should probably go to sleep."
"Yeah, don't want to oversleep and miss school."
"Do you want the bed or the couch?" he asked as he looked at the love seat in the corner of his room. "Your choice, I don't care where I sleep." he asked as he stood up and disappeared inside the walk in closet.
"I'll take the couch. I'd hate to rob you of your bed." Luke said running his hand through his red hair.
Jason walked out of the closet wearing his gym shorts and a black tank top. "Are you sure? I don't mind giving up my bed, you're my guest after all." he said as he sat down on the love seat.
"I'd still feel guilty."
"Don't worry about it." Jason said with a smile.
"Oh...alright you win." Luke sighed defeated.
Jason smiled and laid down on the couch. "Get some rest alright?" Jason said as he pulled a blanket from the floor over him and turned off the light.
"Hmm..." Jason whispered as he sat up slightly on the love seat. "What time is it?" he asked as he turned on the bedside lamp and rubbed his eyes.
"Three in the morning."
"Hold on..." the older teen said faintly as he reached for the bedside table again and taking out his glasses. "I don't have my contacts on." He slid his glasses on and sat up in bed. "What's wrong? You can't sleep?"
"Yeah." The red head said, drawing his knees to his chest. "My mind won't stop thinking."
"About what?" Jason asked as he stood up and walked over to his bed. "You can talk to me you know?" he asked as he brushed a strand of red hair away from Luke's face.
"I'm so confused. My emotions don't make any sense. It frightens me."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Jason asked as he wrapped his arms around Luke and held him. "It might make you feel a little better if you have everything out in the open."
"I-I don't know what to think about you. I don't understand this feeling you create within me..." Luke murmured burring his head in the blonde's shoulder.
"You don't have to worry about it alright? Just try to clear your mind and go back to sleep, we have to be up in a few more hours." Jason said as he ran his fingers gently through the younger teen's hair.
"I know...I just don't think I can."
"Well, I'm right here if you want to talk." The older teen said with a smile. "You have my full attention."
"Jason..." Luke brushed his lips gently against the blonde's. "Help me understand this feeling. I-I can't bear not knowing."
"What can I possibly do to help you Luke? If I could...If I can, I'll do whatever I can to help you." The older teen said as he held Luke tighter.
The red head snuggled close to Jason. "Don't let me go..."
"I won't." Jason answered as he tucked his index finger under Luke's chin and kissed him softly on the lips. "I'll never let'cha go." he whispered as his arms wrapped tightly around the younger teen's waist.
"Thank you." Luke whispered, wrapping his arms around the blonde's neck.
"No problem." Jason answered as he held the younger teen closer to his chest, his finger running loosely through the red hair.
TBC... Feed back is highly appreciated. The good stuff, the bad, stuff and flames. I'm prepared for whatever comes. Phantomphan95020@yahoo.com