Date: Sat, 8 Oct 2011 15:25:37 -0400
From: Odin <belsport09@gmail.com>
Subject: Second Shot Chapter 6: Ask Me In The Morning

Disclaimer: Story characters belong to the author, any resemblances to real
people are entirely coincidental.

Content Advisory: Adult situations, language, sexual references

Copyright, 2010, Quonus10

I hope you enjoy it. Please comment to: belsport09@gmail.com


This story will continue to be posted on Nifty. It is COMPLETED, however,
and can be found also at
http://www.gayauthors.org/story/quonus10/secondshot

6. Chapter 6: Ask Me in the Morning


To accommodate soccer, Jason scheduled most of his classes in the morning
and tried to keep Friday free if possible. Away games often meant getting
on the bus by 1 p.m. sometimes earlier. The school tried to schedule
overnight away games on weekends to reduce the amount of classes student
athletes missed. There were only 5 in the two seasons Jason had played, but
he was told at the start of practice not to take a Friday class, but if he
had to, not to take a class after 10 a.m.

This semester he had to take a class that met on Friday - History. Sadly
for him it was a 9 a.m. class, requiring he get up earlier than he
wanted. Darryl didn't have a Friday class, but needed to take Psychology at
8:00 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday to do it.

By 10:00 a.m., Jason was done for the day. He had nothing to do except wait
eagerly for Peter to be free. Anticipating a long empty stretch of time, he
planned to fill some of it by getting a start on planning the off season
training schedule for the team. Further filling his time, he left his car
at his apartment and walked to class.

The field house was a short walk from class. With a little explaining to
one of the assistant coaches, Jason left with the email addresses and phone
numbers of all those who would be returning next year.

Securing his backpack, he set out for home. Jogging quickly for most of the
way, he would take off for short spurts until he hit `the mark.' This was
the post where he and Darryl would take off at a full dash for the door of
their building. They never measured it, but it was longer than a soccer
field. By the end of a run, the sprint from `the mark' to the door always
wore them out.

Resting both hands on his knees, Jason panted until his pulse went down
before going inside. The door to Darryl's room was open, but he was not
around. Jason used this opportunity to call Peter, free from anyone
overhearing his conversation.

"Hey handsome." Peter answered the phone.

Jason laughed. "Dag, I really hate caller ID. I never get to mess with
you."

"Don't even try, I'll know your voice even if you try to disguise it."
Peter sounded in a good mood.

"What are you up to?" Jason asked. "Finished moving furniture?"

"Yeah, Erin is taking me back to my place so I can shower and get to the
dojo." Over the music playing in the background Jason could hear a female
voice he assumed to be Peter's sister.

"My sister wants to see a picture of you." Peter said.

"Sure no problem." He doubted Erin was going to pass the photo around
telling everyone `this is my brother's boyfriend.'

"Are you going to send it?" Peter asked.

"Now?" Jason wasn't prepared for that request.

"Um, yeah doofus, now." Peter laughed. "She . . . hold on, she wants to
talk to you."

After a brief pause a female got on the phone.

"Jason? This is Erin."

"Hi Erin, nice to meet you - well sort of meet you that is." He laughed to
cover how nervous he was. This was almost like meeting the parents.

"Peter keeps telling me how cute you are and I wanted to see a picture
before his date tonight." She told him. "Be a doll and click one off for
me?"

"Um, sure Erin." Why not, he thought, it was going to Peter's phone not
hers.

"Shirtless would be better." She laughed.

"No, I am going to keep that on." He laughed back. "I want him to see me
shirtless in person a second time before I send one like that."

"You mean you two have only gotten passed first base once?" He couldn't
tell if she was asking him, Peter or both. Either way, he was blushing
furiously. In the background he heard Peter say, "so far."

"Wow, you really are different from the jerks Peter dated before." She said
approvingly. "I'm impressed little brother."

"There is, however, one condition." Jason said.

"Now there's a condition?" She sounded more amused than upset.

"Yes, just one." He laughed. "You have to take a picture of him and send it
to me."

"He wants a picture of you in exchange." This time she was talking to
Peter. Jason moved into the bathroom so he could use the mirror.

Holding the phone up he heard Erin say, "He said fine with him."

Jason snapped a few before he found one he liked. "Okay, sending now."

He put the call on speaker, then opened his text messaging app. Attaching
the one he liked, he hit send.

"You should have it in a few." He could hear them doing something - taking
Peter's picture no doubt - so he was fairly certain they did not hear him.

"No way, don't send that," he heard Peter laugh. "I look like a total
dork."

"But that's how I think of you Petey." Erin said.

Snickering, Jason went back to his room, setting the phone on the
bed. While Peter and his sister did whatever they were doing, he took off
his sweaty cloths.

"Hey you got a message from Jason." Erin said. "How do I open this?"

"Give me the phone." Peter demanded.

"Holy shit Pete, he is a total hottie." Jason wondered if she was just
saying that because he could hear her.

"I told you." Peter reminded her. "Did you think I was lying?"

"No, but you've said other guys were cute that were not. I'm totally
jealous little bro." Erin sounded sincere, which made him smile.

"You still there Jason?" Peter asked.

"Yes, still waiting for my picture." He laughed.

"Hold on Mr. Total Hottie." He joked. "I'm sending it now."

Jason could hear Peter doing something on the phone, so he waited
patiently. "No Erin you can't have the phone back, I want to talk to him
before work."

Sitting on the bed in just his boxers, Jason turned the phone off speaker.

"You should have it in a couple of seconds Jason." Peter told him.

"Cool, I'll make it your picture when you call me." Jason laughed.

"No don't do that," Peter said. "We can take a better one together."

"Sounds good. So we still on for dinner tonight?" Jason didn't think he
needed to ask, but he wanted to make sure.

"Of course." Peter sounded as anxious as he did. "Plan to come by around
7:00."

"Does that give you enough time?" Jason asked. His phone alerted him he had
a new message.

"Yeah, it will be fine."

"Hold on, I got the picture." Jason had the phone away from his ear so he
hoped Peter heard him.

Peter was sitting in the passenger seat of a car, red Phillies hat and what
looked like a grey sweat shirt. The way he smiled made him look cute in a
goofy way.

"That's cute."

"I can do better." Peter assured him. "But I'm almost home, so I'll text
you when I'm done with classes. Thanks for calling, nice to hear your
voice."

"Nice hearing you too. Say goodbye to Erin for me." Jason remembered to
say. "See you at 7:00"

"Jason says goodbye." He could hear Erin say goodbye before Peter repeated
it for him. "Bye Jase, see you in a bit."

Jason hung up, staring at the phone for a few seconds before getting up to
shower. Peter's sister approved, that couldn't be all bad, they seem
close. Jason wondered if he would ever have the chance to talk to Dean the
way Peter and Erin discussed their pending date. Seemed weird right
now. Dean would never say anything like - `oh he's a total hottie.'

Realizing that day was nowhere close, he put the thought out of his mind.


"Yeah I know." Darryl's voice woke Jason from a nap he hadn't planned to
take. "I will, he's here now."

Groggy, it took him a moment to realize Darryl was on the phone, which was
good since he only had on his boxers and the door was open.

"Sweetie, he is sleeping, but I will ask when he wakes up. I'll call you
back after we speak." Hearing only Darryl's side of the conversation, he
could still tell he was frustrated about something.

"Okay, I'll call back when I know more." Darryl said.

Shaking himself to wake up, Jason heard Darryl moving around his room. "Yo,
D, I'm up."

"Sorry Jase, didn't mean to wake you." Darryl poked his head into Jason's
room.

"Trouble in paradise?" He asked.

"More like trouble getting to paradise." Darryl answered cryptically.

"Care to flesh that out for me?" Jason wondered if he was still too sleepy
to understand or if Darryl was being vague.

"Emily wants to spend some quiet time alone." Darryl looked like she asked
him to go buy her tampons. "As you know, she lives in the dorm and her
roommate never goes out."

"Have her come here," he suggested. "If your door is shut you know I'll
respect your privacy."

"Yeah well, she says she feels weird staying over if she knows you're
here." Darryl explained. Now he understood Darryl's problem.

"Gotcha D." Jason nodded. He could use this to his advantage. "With certain
conditions I could be persuaded to disappear for the night."

Darryl started to laugh. "You are the king of conditions. Where did you
learn to haggle for everything?"

"Seems I'm always the one who has something others want." Jason
shrugged. "I need to make sure I maximize my assets while I can."

"Why aren't you studying business?" Darryl made a sour face. "Okay let me
hear your conditions."

"There are just two." Jason informed him. "One you should have no problem
with, the other, hard to say."

"Out with it blondie." Darryl demanded.

"First, don't ask where I go when I disappear." Jason held up his index
finger.

"That's weird. What's that about?" Darryl asked.

Jason wasn't sure if this was going to work, but he decided to give it a
whirl. "I'm not sure where I'm going to stay tonight, maybe with a friend,
maybe I might get lucky, I might sleep in my car, or go home for the night
or maybe even get a hotel room. If I end up in my car or a hotel, you are
gonna feel bad, I know you. This way, it's all good."

"Seriously Jase," Darryl's expression turned serious. "I'm not asking you
to sleep in your car or rent a room."

"I know, but I'm going to extract something I want next." He laughed. "This
way you won't feel too guilty."

"Hmm, so what is this dreaded condition number two?" Darryl didn't look
hopeful.

"Next weekend is my annual trek to Philly with Wendy to do early Christmas
shopping." He paused to see if Darryl could see where he was going. When
his friend said nothing he continued. "Recently she's been acting, shall we
say weird."

"You know she still digs you Jase." Darryl reminded him. "How come you two
never got together?"

"Yeah I know she does, but it is just not there. I can't explain it." Yes
he could, but he wasn't going to out himself. "Why don't you ask her out?"

"She's not my type, you know that."

Jason held up his hands drawing a nod from his best friend. "Anyway, she is
adamant we go this year. I want you to come. We can invite other people,
Emily, Eric, Matt, Veronica, Molly, whomever. I just don't want to be there
all day with her dropping hints and moping."

"Dude, she is gonna freak when you suggest we all come." Darryl warned.

"If she does, then I don't have to go and you're off the hook for condition
number two." Jason laughed. "I'm getting a bit tired of her constantly
trying to get me to date her. We've been friends since junior high. You
would think she would get the hint by now we're friends, but nothing more."

Darryl gave him a `what are you going to do' look. "Hope springs eternal I
guess. As long as you're single she keeps that hope alive."

"Maybe on the trip you can explain to her, nicely, that it's never going to
happen." Jason suggested hopefully.

"No way dude, that's between you two." Darryl said firmly.

"D, I've tried so many times and so many ways, I don't know what else to
do." Jason was reasonably sure if he started making out with Peter in front
of Wendy she might get the idea, but that was too extreme even for this.

"I know." Darryl agreed. "I tried to explain that to her gently, but you
know how she is when she wants something."

"Yeah, like a pit bull with it's jaws sunk in." They both laughed at his
description of their friend. "So do we have a deal? I leave tonight, you
ask no questions and you join us next weekend."

"What if Emily wants to come?"

"Bring her." Jason shrugged.

"Yeah, you think that's a good idea?" Darryl looked down his nose at him.

"What?"

"Think this through genius." Darryl alway called him `genius' when he was
missing the obvious. "Me and Emily, you and Wendy. What does that sound and
look like?"

"Double date." Jason realized.

"Exactly." Darryl nodded. "Care to change the conditions?"

"Yeah, I'm only inviting you."

"Great," Darryl scowled. "So to get the place free, I need to ditch her
next Saturday."

"Tell her I will make myself scarce next Saturday night too." Jason
offered. "That has to be reasonable."

Darryl considered the idea. "Okay Jase, deal. No questions asked and I go
next weekend. In exchange you leave me the place to myself tonight and next
Saturday night."

"Yup." They shook to seal the deal like they always did since they were
kids.

"Great. Let me go break the news to Emily." Darryl seemed reasonably happy
with the arrangement.

Searching for his phone, Jason quickly typed out a text. "Need a place to
crash tonite, let me no if I can stay w/ u." Shaking, Jason sent the
text. Amazed that things worked out so well, he hoped Peter didn't say no
otherwise he was going to have to scramble to find a place to stay.

The clock on his phone said 4:43. Knowing Peter would still be teaching
until five, Jason put some things in his back pack, anticipating a positive
answer. Tonight was definitely looking better than expected. All that
needed to happen was for Peter to be okay with the idea.


The parking lot was filled with the same well used older cars Jason
remembered seeing before. Despite Peter's assurances it would be fine,
Jason hesitated to park his car here. He worked two summers to pay his
parents back for his half of the loan. Loan in the figurative sense; they
paid for it and he owed them half the final cost. Between what he had saved
before he got the car and two summers working for his dad's accounting
firm, Jason needed just this summer to paid it off in full. Assuming no one
stole it first.

Always needing to be early for his father, Jason noted it was only 6:45
p.m. This despite having stopped by the video store, opened an account,
rented a movie, then found a store that sold flowers. He looked at the
`bouquet' sitting on the seat. How lame, he thought. Unfortunately, the
local florist closed at five so the only place he could get flowers was the
supermarket.

"It's the thought that counts, right?" He asked himself in the mirror.

Sitting in his car, he could barely contain his excitement. This would be
his first real date since - well since he accepted he was gay and stopped
pretending to date women. Sunday lunch was great, but too short. Hook ups
didn't count either. Even if they did, they never made him feel like he did
now.

A date, he thought. A real date with a guy. What was he thinking? "Would
you stop worrying." He said out loud. "You can't live in the closet
forever."

Knowing he was already hooked on Peter scared him. Thinking he would lose
Peter scared him more. Everyone always complained about finding someone
good. If he let Peter slip away, he might never find another like him. He
shuddered to think he would end up like the old men sitting at the bar on
college night at the gay clubs. They seemed to leer at him and anyone else
under the age of 30.

Besides, they WERE going to be careful. Peter promised. `No risk, no
reward' he remembered some of the people at his dad's firm would say when
discussing investments.

Remembering how he felt when Peter kissed him, he lost any reservations he
had. Scooping the flowers and the DVD from the seat, he decided to be
early. So what if Peter thought he was eager? He was anxious and he didn't
care if Peter knew it. Correction, he wanted Peter to know he couldn't wait
to see him.

There was no security lock on the front door, so he let himself in. Flowers
in hand, he wondered what the neighbors would think if they saw him walking
up to Peter's apartment. Did they know he was gay? If they didn't, did
Peter care if the other residents saw Jason walking up with flowers; an
obvious sign of romance? Maybe flowers were a bad idea.

To bad, he thought. If I can take a risk coming here, Peter could assume a
little risk having him over, if it was even an issue to start with.

Glancing at his watch he saw it was 6:50. Holding the flowers behind his
back, he knocked on Peter's door with the hand holding the DVD. Waiting for
Peter to answer, his heart was pounding so hard he thought it would break
free from his chest.

Footsteps alerted him someone was approaching. Not wanting to be in Peter's
face when he opened the door, Jason took a step back. First he heard Peter
release the deadbolt then the door opened.

Wearing a long sleeved plaid shirt tucked into his dark blue jeans, Peter
flashed him a huge smile. His short brown hair looked wet, but neatly
combed. As usual when he was home, Peter was barefoot.

"Early I see." He said. "Anxious must you be for date."

"Yes, Master Yoda," he laughed, bringing the flowers around. "Since this is
our first real date at your place, I figured I ought to be a proper
gentleman."

Jason didn't think Peter's smile could have been any bigger until it did
when he eyed the flowers. "Wow." Peter accepted the gift, stepping back so
Jason could come inside. "Do you know you are the first person to buy me
flowers?"

"You are the first guy I ever bought them for if that makes you feel
better." Jason leaned forward so he could give Peter a kiss. The quick peck
he expected turned into a much longer kiss once the door closed.

"This is really sweet of you Jason. Who knew you were a romantic?" Peter
led him inside the small apartment.

Slipping off his shoes and leaving them at the door, Jason followed his
host. "I never knew I was either until I met you."

He regretted the comment immediately. Did that some across as too serious
too soon?

"Romantic conduct earns you major bonus points." Peter laughed, looking for
something to put the flowers in.

"Is there a catalog of prizes I can redeem those points for?"

Peter put the flowers down. Walking back to Jason he kissed him saying,
"there is only one item on the gift list and you're looking at him."

"I like that list already." Jason kissed him back. He almost hit Peter in
the back of the head with the DVD. "Oh yeah, I got us a movie, in case we
have time to watch one that is."

Rolling his eyes at the suggestion, Peter accepted the offered video. "What
do you think I am; a total nymph? I didn't ask you over to spend the entire
time naked in bed."

"How disappointing." Jason pretended to be upset. "It's the last Indiana
Jones movie. I never got to see it in theaters, but I loved the others and
wanted to see this one. I hope you haven't seen it."

He rattled off his explanation so fast, he almost stumbled over the
words. Why did everything about Peter make him so nervous?

"Nice," Peter smiled. "I saw it, but I love this set of movies. You're
going to enjoy it."

Peter motioned toward the dvd player with the video, then gave it back to
Jason. "We can watch it after dinner."

Doing as requested, Jason put the video over by the TV. Neatly folded on
the end of the futon sat a blanket Jason never remembered seeing. Obviously
Peter had planned for them to spend time out here at some point.

"I'm so glad you're here." Peter walked around the counter, an opened
bottle of white wine in hand. "I know there's a no drinking rule, but since
we're not leaving the apartment, I figured it's okay."

"Um," Jason pretended to be concerned. "How did you get that? You're only a
month older than me."

"Why? Are you jealous?" He laughed, but didn't wait for a reply. "Erin got
it for me as a thank you for helping her move. I told her I wanted it for
our date. She is a sucker for romantic dates."

Jason laughed at Peter's description of his sister. "Since you put so much
effort into getting it, how can I say no. Just don't narc me out to Coach
Slewman."

"Blackmail is a Gregory specialty." Peter joked as he poured the wine into
a pair of glasses waiting on the counter. "One sip and I'm going to use it
to make sure you come see me often."

Accepting the glass, Jason quickly took a drink. "There," he said without
fully tasting what he drank. "I'm yours to extort."

"Damn," Peter took a small drink of his wine. "Who knew you were so easy? A
little dinner, a little wine and you're practically throwing yourself at
me."

"I'll let you in on a little secret," Jason pretended to act
surreptitiously. "I would have thrown myself at you without dinner and
wine."

"Geez you waited until after I cooked and opened the wine to tell me?"
Peter kissed him again. "Sit down while I finish."

Pulling up a chair by the table, Jason noted it was already set for
two. Plates and utensils rested on beige place mats, complete with a cloth
napkin by the fork. A pair of long tapered candles rested in old brass
looking candle sticks. The effort expended to make this night special left
Jason with a stupid grin plastered on his face.

Peter returned with the flowers, placing them in between the two candles.

"These will have to wait to be arranged better." He stole another kiss
before going back to the kitchen.

"Can I help with anything?" Jason offered. "I'm a lousy cook, but I am good
at following simple instructions."

"Get naked." Peter said.

"What?" Jason jerked in surprise.

"You said you can follow simple instructions." Peter laughed. "I was
testing you. You failed the test."

"I guess I'll need some more practice." Jason shook his head laughing.

"Maybe a lot." Peter corrected. "But in answer to your question, I have
this under control."

"Seriously, I'm not THAT bad in the kitchen. I can fetch a bowl, put
something in the bowl, carry the bowl to the table. I'm somewhat gifted in
those areas." Jason wanted to help; he felt weird letting Peter wait on him
like this.

"I see." Peter did not look up from the pot he was stirring. "Given those
uniquely valuable skills, you better come here so I can put them to use
immediately."


With Jason's `help,' the pair managed to get dinner on the table in short
order. The dinner menu, broiled chicken, steamed vegetables and seasoned
brown rice, only reinforced what Jason already suspected; Peter was a
health nut.

Dimming the lights, Peter lit the candles. The harsh light from the street
lamp added an odd element Jason ignored.

After dinner Jason commented on how everything Peter made for them was
steamed, broiled or simmered, never fried or breaded. Peter shrugged, "It's
better for you to eat right."

"I'm not complaining." Jason said honestly. "If everything healthy tastes
this good, I'm all in."

"I can't say everything healthy tastes good, but with a bit of practice you
can make healthy food taste good." Peter refilled their wine glasses.

Clinking glasses Jason sipped his wine and smiled at Peter.

"What?" Peter asked self-consciously.

"Nothing." Jason smiled wider. "Just sitting here thinking how beautiful
you are and how great this night is already."

For the first time since he had known Peter, Jason saw him blush. "You're
blind." He protested.

"Nope, got great vision with these contacts." Jason laughed. "Why would you
think you're not good looking?"

Squirming in his seat, Peter took another swig of wine. "I'm just
average. You, however, are as my sister confirmed a total hottie."

"That's not what I see in the mirror." Jason replied. "To my eye, I'm
average too."

Peter held up his glass, "Here's to being average then."

Touching glasses Jason downed the last of his wine. "Average or hot, you
make me happy."

"I like that better than being hot."

"Should we clean up?" Jason asked.

"Nah just leave it, we can deal with it later."

"You sure?" Jason sounded skeptical. "Seems to me we would be better off
cleaning up now so we don't need to interrupt anything later or worse,
leave it for tomorrow. There's no rush, I have all night this time."

He leered suggestively at Peter who smiled back.

"About that." Peter picked up a plate prompting Jason to do the
same. "Explain to me how you worked this out without raising suspicion?"

"I'm not sure if there are no suspicions, but Darryl wanted the place to
himself. I offered to clear out so long as he didn't ask where I stayed."

"Why do you think that won't make him suspicious? Peter found a sponge and
soap to wash the plates.

Jason hoped Peter didn't find any glaring holes in the ploy he used on
Darryl. "First I suggested I might end up in a hotel or my car. Darryl
would be mad if I did that. So I told him I would only leave for the night
if he didn't ask, suggesting if I did stay in my car or a hotel I didn't
want him to feel bad."

"That sounds smart."

"Then I asked for something in return." Jason continued to bring over the
dirty dishes and silverware. "My friend from High School, Wendy, you
remember the one who has had a crush on me since Junior High and told
Darryl about your missed connection. She wants to continue our annual train
ride to Philadelphia to do early Christmas shopping next weekend. Lately
she's been on a renewed kick to get me to go out with her."

"That's awkward." Peter observed.

"Tell me about it." Jason agreed. "I told Darryl I wanted him to come with
us so it won't be just her and I. Since we're going as just friends,
Darryl's presence would help reinforce that notion."

"So far sounds like a great plan." Peter sounded impressed.

"The best part is to get Darryl not to bring Emily, his girlfriend, I
agreed to leave again next weekend." Jason punctuated his remarks by
raising his eyebrows several times.

"You mean I need to cook for us again next weekend too?" Peter tried to
sound put out.

"Actually, no," Jason said. "Next weekend, I'm taking you out to
dinner. You just need to let me crash here; on your futon of course."

Jason noticed Peter made a face when he suggested going out for dinner. He
knew it was the issue money again.

"Of course you can stay over." Peter said. "But we can split dinner."

Having thought about this earlier, Jason took out his wallet and removed
some cash. "Fine, here is my half for dinner tonight."

Peter stared at the money with a frown. "What's that for?"

"Since I can't have you over, and don't know how to cook even if I could, I
never get to pay my fair share." Jason argued. "If I can't take you out
from time to time, then you have to let me pay half of the cost of you
making dinner, including utilities."

Peter's face squinched as Jason spoke. "That's stupid, I'm not accepting
your money."

"Then we won't be eating here much will we?" Jason was adamant about
this. It was completely unfair that Peter could do something special for
him, but he couldn't reciprocate.

"Jason . . . ." Peter tried to argue.

"No, Pete, I'm serious." Jason cut him off. "You insist we split dinner
when we go out, but you won't let me chip in when we eat here. The food we
ate tonight wasn't free. You spent money on it. How do you think that makes
me feel?"

Peter considered the argument. Finally he said, "Fair enough. You can buy
me dinner next week. But you can't always pay. I'm not poor."

"It has nothing to do with your finances and everything to do with my not
being able to pull my weight." Jason argued. "We both know we're going to
probably eat here more than eat out. As you said, it's easier to be careful
if we aren't seen eating together in a restaurant all the time. If you
won't let me buy groceries, won't take money from me, and then won't let me
take us out now and then, how do I not become a mooch?"

"You're not a mooch Jase," Peter must have sensed this bothered Jason. "I
like doing this. I love the fact I have someone I want to cook for."

"And I love it too. Tonight was so great." Jason got behind Peter and began
rubbing his neck. "But I can't do the same for you. Lame as it is, taking
you out to dinner is the only thing I can do to contribute."

Tilting his head back under Jason's hands, Peter closed his eyes
contently. "I guess we'll have to figure this out. I didn't look at it from
your side. All I see is I can't afford to eat out that much."

"Buying food for two all the time isn't going to do wonders for your budget
either." Jason replied.

"That's true, but it sure is cheaper than eating out." Peter turned around
to kiss Jason. "Sorry I didn't think of how it makes you feel. Obviously
you understood my side before you raised the issue."

"Maybe we can take turns." Jason suggested. "You can take me shopping and I
can buy food for dinner sometimes. Then you can show me how to cook, or at
least help me do it. That way I not only contribute, but maybe I'll be able
to do something like this for you."

"That sounds workable." Peter started rubbing Jason's chest. "I'm a bit
embarrassed to say this, but I misread you. I didn't see what a romantic
you are."

"Never had an excuse to let it show I suppose." Jason put his hands around
Peter's waist. Sure he had girlfriends before, mainly in high school, but
he never really felt excited like he did now. "We should finish cleaning up
or it might not get done until morning."

Without saying a word, Peter kissed Jason again, then resumed the clean up.


When everything was washed, dried and put away, Peter took Jason's hand,
leading them to the futon.

"Hold on." Jason protested, grabbing his knapsack. "I want to brush my
teeth before we relax."

"Relax?" Peter laughed. "You think we're going to relax?"

"I plan on it." Jason stuck out his tongue as he disappeared into the
bathroom. Pulling his brush and toothpaste out, he just started to brush
when Peter showed up in the doorway.

"You can put you bag in here." He pointed to the bedroom.

With a mouth full of foam, Jason handed the bag to Peter while he
finished. He just spit out the paste when Peter returned.

"Move over a bit, I need to do the same."

Moving to his right, Jason, rinsed his brush and started over, smiling as
Peter casually did the same. It felt like they were friends forever the way
he was so relaxed around Peter. Sure his pulse raced and his stomach
churned now and then, but being here felt so right to him.

Reaching in the closet to get the mouthwash, he took a swig, then held the
open bottle until Peter was ready. Giving him the cap and bottle, Jason
spit out the liquid and waited. Peter was between him and the door and he
was in no rush to get past.

Once Peter spit, Jason said, "Wanna check to see if I'm ok?"

"Of course," Peter laughed. "I think it's required."

Their kiss left Jason weak in the knees, something he didn't remember
feeling before he kissed Peter. "Yeah," he said. "You're fine."

"So are you." Peter said softly.

The video was cued up and ready when they returned and Peter had the
blanket draped across the back of the futon. Seated next to each other in
the middle of the couch, Peter reached up and wrapped them in the soft
cotton.

"You're going to like the movie I think." Peter hit the play button.

Jason moved closer, happy to press himself against Peter's body.


When the movie ended it was still not even 10:00. Peter turned the video
off, putting the music on softly. When he returned to the couch, Jason
lifted the blanket invitingly. At nearly 6'2" Jason was barely an inch
taller than Peter, a difference that left then almost perfectly matched for
holding each other.

Content for a time to just lay together, Jason couldn't resist leaning over
for a kiss. His one kiss became several as the two stretched out on the
futon. When Jason almost fell off, Peter motioned with his head toward the
bedroom. "Want to go inside?" He asked mischievously.

"Is that the right time?" Jason asked with a smirk.

"Yeah, why?" Peter played along. "Got somewhere to go?"

"Nope. Just wondered." Jason stood up and let Peter guide them into his
bedroom.

Although Jason peeked inside earlier, he never really looked at the
room. The flannel sheets and blanket had been pulled back almost to the
dark blue comforter at the foot. Jason's bag sat on the floor next to a
dresser with a mirror. A wallet, a blackberry and some change were the only
items on top of the dresser.

Peter turned on a small lamp on the nightstand before shutting the overhead
light. In the dim light, Jason noted Peter's gym bag at the end of the bed
and a pair of shoes, but not much else. The sound of the door closing let
Jason know Peter wasn't beside him any longer.

"It helps keep the room warm." Peter explained. "Though I'm reasonably sure
that won't be a problem tonight."

Jason laughed nervously. "I have a confession." He said weakly. "Please
don't think I'm a total dork, but I've never slept with a guy before."

Peter cocked his head. "I thought you said you hooked up before."

"Yeah, but never slept with any of them." He explained. "I would leave once
we were done."

Peter smiled, shaking his head. "Not a problem. If you snore I'll pinch you
or something."

Putting both hands on Jason's face, Peter gently kissed his lips before
running his hands across Jason's chest.

"I'm so glad you are here Jason." He said before kissing him again.

Unsure exactly what to do next, Jason ran his hands slowly across Peter's
back and butt. Shaking uncontrollably he said, "I'm really nervous."

"Don't be." Peter held him closer. "Everything is going to be fine."

Peter slowly pulled Jason's shirt up, exposing enough skin to get his hands
under the fabric. "I'm glad I get to see your chest in person again before
I see it in a picture."

Inch by inch Peter raised the shirt, kissing Jason's stomach and chest as
he went. When he had reached Jason's shoulders, he carefully pushed it over
his head tossing it to the side.

"Yeah much better in person." He smiled.

"Ugh, I hate how I look." Jason complained. "I have like four chest
hairs. I look like a twelve year old."

Putting a finger to Jason's lips Peter shushed him. "Stop. I think you look
great."

As if to prove a point, Peter started to kiss and lick his chest and
nipples.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Jason pulled Peter's head up. After a long
kiss, he returned the favor and started to unbutton Peter's shirt. Tossing
the outer shirt to the ground, he quickly removed the tee shirt underneath
exposing Peter's tight hairy torso.

"Hmm how nice." Jason smirked.

"Since when was skinny hairy white boy nice?" Peter said, exposing his own
insecurities.

Jason imitated Peter and put a finger on his lips. "Don't say that. You are
so beautiful."

Slowly they sank onto the mattress, with Jason letting Peter lie on top of
him. How long it took to remove the rest of their cloths Jason couldn't
recall, but they took their time knowing they had all night.

After the second time, they crawled under the covers to cuddle. Peter
maneuvered behind Jason to hug his partner. Happy and content, Jason let
his fingers traced Peter's arm and hand. Enjoying the warmth of Peter's
body, he slowly drifted off to sleep.


Sunlight greeted Jason the next morning. His right arm was draped over
Peter's chest, their naked bodies pressed together. He remembered waking up
twice in the middle of the night and wondered what time it was. Without his
contacts, which he remembered to take out when he woke up the first time,
he could barely see the clock. When he tried to move closer, he felt Peter
move.

"It's 9:23 handsome." Peter informed him.

"Thanks," he sank back against his pillow.

Peter rolled onto his back, leaving Jason's hand on his chest. "I love your
chest hair," Jason said as he ran his hands over Peter's torso. "How about
you give me some for my prepubescent chest?"

"How about I leave it where it is and you come play with it whenever you
like?" Peter turned his head to smile at Jason.

"I guess that works too." Jason let his hand run under the sheets, down
toward Peter's crotch. Even under the blanket and sheet, Jason could tell
he was hard again. "Damn four times in a night and you're still up and
ready to go."

Jason let his hand confirm what he already knew to be the case. He could
feel Peter's hand moving toward his groin. Peter found Jason in a similar
state of arousal.

"Looks like I'm not the only who can't get enough." Peter moved his head
closer getting a kiss from Jason for his efforts. "Unfortunately I have a
class to teach at 11:00. This will have to wait." He gave Jason a squeeze
before he let go.

Much as he didn't want the night/morning to end, he knew Peter had
work. Releasing Peter's erection, he contented himself with another kiss.

"Regrets?" Peter asked.

"Huh?"

"Saturday at dinner when I asked you if you had any regrets you said ask
`me in the morning.'" Peter explained. "Well here you are naked beside me
in the morning. Do you have any regrets now?"

"Yes." Jason said as seriously as he could. "I regret I didn't meet you
sooner."

His face split into a smile, getting an equally large grin from Peter.

"No need to regret that, we'll have plenty of chances to make up for lost
time." Peter promised. He tossed the sheets back as Jason watched.

"You realize this is the first really good look at you naked I've had."
Jason told him.

"Sorry to scare you like that this early in the morning." Peter replied
without making eye contact.

That forced Jason to pop out of bed. "Stop that." His voice sounding
angrier than he planned. "I hate when you put yourself down like that."

Equally naked, Jason was slightly self conscious that he was `standing at
attention.'

"What if I just said this is my first look at you and damn I like what I
see?" Peter smiled.

Jason shook his head. "No, that won't do. You need to learn to accept a
compliment because I really mean it when I say I think you are so
beautiful."

Peter blushed again. "Thanks Jase, I appreciate hearing it from you. I just
don't always believe it."

"Why not?!?" Jason was stunned by the comment. "Can't you see what I see?"

"I still see scrawny hairy white boy." Peter said. "I hate how I look."

Jason reached out and Peter let himself be hugged. "Want to know what I
see?"

"Not really." Peter laughed. "But tell me anyway."

Jason put his hands on either side of Peter's head. Staring him in the eye
he said, "I see an incredibly handsome, smart, funny, caring guy who looks
amazing naked. I know you think I would say that even if I didn't believe
it, but I REALLY mean it. Even if you don't think you are, will you at
least accept that I think you look great?"

He got a kiss from Peter for his efforts. "Since you put it that way,
sure."

Jason kissed him one last time before letting go. "Good. Glad we got that
settled."

Peter motioned to the bathroom, "I need to hit the head."

"Huh?"

"Bathroom, I need to piss." Peter spoke slowly.

"Oh, sorry," Jason laughed. "Go, I'm just looking for my boxers."

"Try at the foot of the bed, I think I tossed them there last night." He
said as he disappeared into the bathroom.

The absurdity of the moment struck Jason as funny. He just spent the night
with a guy, a guy he really liked and rather than be freaked out about what
he did, he was casually discussing the location of his underwear.

"Want to go to the Java Shack before you go to work?" Jason called out.

"You think that's a good idea?" Peter asked.

"Yeah, I really need some good coffee in the morning." He heard Peter turn
the water on to the shower. A moment later, Peter appeared with a towel
around his waist.

"What I meant was, do you think it's smart for us to be seen there together
this early in the morning?" Peter said. "Supposedly we're trying to be
careful. It could get back to Darryl we were seen there together early this
morning. He would have to suspect you spent the night with me."

"Damn," Jason swore. "Being careful is going to be harder than I thought."

"Between the two of us, I think we can manage." Peter promised before
disappearing into the bathroom.

Jason realized he needed to pee. "Pete, do you mind if I come in piss?"

"No, as long as you use the toilet." He laughed.

"That's nasty." Jason snorted. "Don't think for a minute I'm into that."

"Yeah yeah yeah," Peter said from behind the curtain. "You shy innocent
types are really animals in bed once you're unleashed."

Jason finished then poked his head around the curtain. "Sounds like you've
been around the block some Mr. Gregory."

"I'm not a virgin that is for sure." His eyes were closed as he rinsed his
hair. "But I'm not exactly well traveled either."

Jason was still staring at him when he opened his eyes. "Want to join me?"
Peter asked.

"Yes, but if I do, you'll be late." Jason laughed.

"C'mon, we're just going to get clean, promise."

Shucking his boxers, Jason climbed in, unsure what to do next.

"First time showering with someone?" Peter stepped aside so Jason could get
under the water.

"What gave it away?" Jason let the water hit his face. Before he could
clear the water from his eyes, he felt Peter's hands rubbing his chest and
stomach.

"Lucky guess." Peter answered.

Jason let Peter wash his chest and stomach before Peter gently pushed him
around. Enjoying the feel of Peter washing his back, Jason nearly jumped
when he ran his soapy hands around his butt.

"Easy Soccer Boy." Peter cautioned. "I'm not going to do anything crazy."

Relaxing as best he could, he felt Peter continue to wash his butt before
reaching under and doing the same between his legs. Peter then reached
around and began washing his crotch, paying special attention to his
already hard cock.

Jason leaned back, rubbing his soapy back against Peter's hairy chest. "I
thought we were just going to get clean." He reminded Peter.

"I'm using soap, right?" Peter laughed.

Jason could feel Peter rubbing his cock between his butt, though he never
ventured low enough that Jason worried he would try to penetrate him. After
several wonderful minutes, Peter stopped and told Jason to rinse off.

"Your turn." Peter handed Jason the soap.

Tentatively, Jason tried to copy what Peter did to him. Although he was
less sure of his movements, he could tell Peter enjoyed it. When Peter
backed himself up against Jason and began rubbing against Jason's chest and
crotch, Jason dropped the soap and exploded all over Peter's back and butt.

"Sorry." He stammered. Completely embarrassed he knelt down, searching
frantically for the soap. Peter gently pulled him up, holding the soap in
his hand.

"Easy Jase," he said softly. "That was hot, why are you embarrassed?"

"Sorry, I wasn't expecting that. I mean you said we were just going to get
cleaned up and I couldn't control it." He might have continued but Peter
kissed him instead.

"Stop." Peter kissed him again. "It's fine. More than fine it was
awesome. Just help me clean up so I don't go to class all sticky."

Peter stuck out his tongue playfully then turned around so Jason could wash
his backside again. Peter shut the water once they were completely free of
soap, kissing Jason one last time.

"That was a nice way to end our date." He told Jason who was still feeling
awkward. "Jason, please. You didn't react that way when we were in bed, why
is this so different?"

"Because it wasn't supposed to be sexual, it was supposed to be romantic."
He explained.

"Romantic can be erotic and sexual." Peter countered. "Besides, it was
sexual, just different."

He ran a towel over Jason's chest getting the last drop of water off. When
he smiled, Jason felt his defenses melt. "You know that smile of your is
disarming."

"I don't think I smile this way at other people." Peter said with a wink.
"Let's get finished or I will be late."