Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2015 19:33:05 -0700
From: Michael Wingler <mjwolfwriter@gmail.com>
Subject: Mated Chapter 7

Mated
Chapter 07- Getting Serious
by mjwolfwriter@gmail.com


August 24, Saturday
The afternoon was bright and breezy.  The air filled with the
slightest salty tang off of the ocean as the sound of water lapped at
the sides of the boat.

The *Solace* was a 30' light sport boat built by MackeyCraft and was
now used as a rental.  It was good for fishing trips or just a nice
cruise weekend.  It had a sleeping capacity of six.

Dylan and Zack laid out naked on towels on the top deck, soaking up
the Summer sun.  It was a perfect weekend, just the two of them and no
job concerns.  A real change for Dylan.  Ben was right, of course.  He
did not have to spend all of his time at work.

And Zack is his chief reason to embrace that policy.  He still gets
flutters in his gut every time he thinks of the sexy auburn Were lying
beside him.  And that feeling no longer concerns him.  He doesn't
think he's losing his mind anymore.  He realized the simple truth that
Zack just makes him happy.  Truly happy.

Dylan turned on his side to face Zack.  Reaching out, he lazily began
caressing the resting auburn's chest with a smile.  Just touching Zack
continues to bring tingles, and more.  To be completely honest with
himself, he believes he is developing a possessive streak.  Or maybe
it's just plain jealousy.  He has discovered he doesn't care for other
men to show any interest in Zack.  That feeling *does* actually
concern him.  Realistically, not every guy being friendly is after
Zack and he knows it.  But still.

"Hey babe?"  Yeah, that's new, too.

"Hmmmm.  Whaaat," Zack drawled out, eyes still shut.

"How do you feel about a swim?"

"I know what your game is, you're trying to make me move so you can
leer at my ass."

"Damn, you figured me out," Dylan replied with a chuckle.

"I'm not that kind of boy."

"Has there been a policy change I am unaware of?"

This time Zack chuckled.  "Not buyin' that, huh?"  He opened his eyes
and grinned at his lover.

"Well, given that I have done a lot more than 'leer' at that ass, I'd
say your argument is weak."  He leaned close and kissed, slipping his
tongue into Zack's mouth.

They enjoyed the kiss for several seconds before Zack broke it.
"Okay, fine, you win.  We swim."  Zack jumped up and wagged his ass at
Dylan before diving off of the deck into the cool ocean, laughing.

And Dylan did take a moment to leer at his auburn lover's ass before
leaping up and following him into the water.  Well, maybe not so much
leer as rapt appreciation.  It was, after all, the sexiest he has ever
 seen.  *Hmmm.  Possessive or obsessive?*

They swam and frolicked in the ocean for almost an hour before
re-boarding the *Solace*.  They quickly showered and set about
preparing their evening meal.  Dylan loved cooking for Zack, and even
enjoys his assistance in the prep.  Actually, he really enjoys *all*
of the time he has with Zack.

Dinner was grilled chicken breast, steamed rice, asparagus and chilled
Merlot.  Dessert was rum poached peach halves with vanilla ice cream.
After dinner they quickly cleaned up the dishes and made their way to
the bed.  A long time was spent on mutual body massages before they
moved on to *other* enjoyable activities.



August 25, Sunday
The clock read 7:15 A.M.  Dylan woke to the smell of coffee, eggs,
maple sausage, toast, butter and Wolf.  And a view he would love to
wake up to every day.  Zack was standing at the foot of the bed
wearing nothing but his usual smile, holding a tray from which the
wonderful food smells came.  Actually, the tray wouldn't even be
necessary.  Dylan got a goofy grin.

"Is that for me or the breakfast," asked Zack.

"Yes."

"That was a multiple choice question, big guy."

"I know, I chose 'C,'  All of the Above."  Dylan gave a toothy smile and winked.

"Yet again, you're lucky I'll *always* want you," Zack replied with a chuckle.

After the meal was finished and dishes cleaned and put away they
showered and went out on the deck.  It was going to be another bright,
warm day.  The two maintained their clothing optional state, both
having agreed it felt so much better that way.  What's the point of
being on the ocean with your lover, miles from anyone, if you can't
really enjoy it...right?

Each enjoyed the other man's company...swimming, reading and playing
cards until noon.  A light lunch was prepared and eaten, after which
the two men settled on towels on the deck for more sun.  It was quiet
except for the sounds of their breathing and the lapping waves.  The
quiet was broken when Zack spoke.

"Dylan?"  The word sounded tentative.

"Yes, babe?"

"I need to talk to you."  The tone still had the ring of timidity.

"Isn't that what you're doing?"  Dylan flashed a grin, but had a small
flutter of unease.

"Dylan," Zack said softly.  "I'm serious.  We need to discuss something."

"Okay," he replied flatly.  The small flutter just became a knot in
the pit of his gut.  The 'We need to talk' conversation rarely ends
well for one of the parties in the relationship.  "What's on your
mind?"  He realized he had just slipped into 'Operations' mode.
Gather intel...asses data...formulate plan of action.  Emotions off to
the back.

"Well, we've spent a lot of time together."  Zack smiled brightly and
his eyes sparkled before his face looked serious again.

"Yes."  Indeed they had.  It was common for Zack to stay with him two
nights out of the work week, and every weekend.  And phone
conversations the rest of the evenings.  It was their routine.

"But still, there's *so* much we don't know about each other.  Things
we don't talk much about.  At least not in any detail."

"Such as?"

"Like, well...people.  The people that are important to us.  You know
vaguely who I work with.  A little more about my friend Dustin and
that's because I talk about him a lot.  Nothing of my family, really."

"True."

"And you...I know so little of those important people in your life.  I
know where you work.  I know you have a good friend named Benjamin
that you served and work with.  And some others that you see on
occasion.  And that your parents live in another state."

"Also true."  *Where the hell is this going?*

"And, well...I can't take it anymore.  I can't keep going on like
this."  It was stated with determination.

And there it is...the end.  As hard as Dylan tried to keep the
feelings at bay he suddenly felt lost.  Like his whole world was
crumbling and his heart ached.  "Okay," he managed, quietly.  He stood
up.  "One moment."

Zack watched Dylan go into the cabin.  *Something's going on here.
Something's wrong.*  He felt waves of sadness and hurt rolling from
Dylan.  His Soul Mate was in pain! When the muscled Wolf came back
out, he was dressed and looking somber.

"I'll take us back now.  We both have work in the morning anyway."  It
came out sounding lifeless.

The big Were continued on to the control deck.  Moments later Zack
heard and felt the engines and the boat got under way.  He went to
talk to Dylan.  "Umm, not to be a pest, but...isn't it a bit early to
head back," he asked, puzzled.

The sullen Wolf shrugged.  "Figured you would want to get back as soon
as possible."

Still somewhat confused, Zack inquired "And why would I want that?"
Dylan turned his head in Zack's direction, but the auburn Wolf noted
he didn't meet his eyes.  It looked like upstairs, Dylan was somewhere
else.  Some other place or time, but not here.  And those beautiful
blues didn't have the glimmer, the shine, that they usually contained.

"You *are* breaking up with me, aren't you?  I thought you would want
to get away as soon as you could."  Zack felt hurt and loneliness in
the big Were's reply.

"*What,*" he barked.  "Where the fuck did *that* come from?"  Zack
realized how harsh it must have sounded when he saw Dylan's gaze turn
back the the front and he tensed, or was it a flinch?

"Never mind, it's okay.  I understand.  I get that I'm not always the
most open person.  You might as well go and relax, it will take us a
while yet."

"Dylan, I asked you a question.  Where did yo..."

It felt to Zack like a switch just flipped and anger blasted from
Dylan.    The older Were looked over at him again.  This time his eyes
did meet, and there was a menacing darkness there.  Like a cold flame.
"Leave.  Me.  Alone."  It was frightening how cold and calm those
words sounded.

Feeling it was better (safer?) to give Dylan some space right now,
Zack went back to the main deck, still sensing his lover's anger and
hurt.  A short time later he went and got dressed.  He spent most of
the trip back reading and thinking.  He was pleased to sense that the
anger in Dylan had dissipated, but the hurt was still there and the
lonely had returned.

Dylan's call that they were just minutes from the marina pulled Zack
out of his book.   He decided he needed to talk to his Wolf and find
out what was wrong.  He felt that he needed to confront Dylan and get
to the bottom of what was wrong and try to fix it before they got off
of the boat, or Dylan may try and avoid him after.

Gathering his resolve, Zack went back up to the control deck to speak
to his wounded Wolf.  "Umm, Dylan," he began cautiously "can I talk to
you a bit, please?"

"About?"  Dylan sounded so melancholy.

"I think...I think there has been a misunderstanding somewhere and I
want to fix it.  I don't know how it happened, just that you're
upset."

The big Wolf released a mirthless laugh.  "After what you said...*you*
don't know what's wrong?"

"No, I don't," Zack replied plainly.  "Why do you think I'm breaking
up with you?  What did I say that told you I wanted to break up?"

"You said 'I can't take it anymore.  I can't keep going on like this.'
 Don't you recall saying that?"

"Yes I remember saying those things, but oh my god, I didn't mean I
was breaking up with you."

"Well what *did* you mean by them then?"

"Oh hon, I meant that I'm tired of us not knowing about the other
people in our lives and I mean to change that, at least about myself.
You should know more about my friends, my family."  Zack looked down a
moment.  "Especially my parents, for instance?"  He sounded hopeful.

"Wait...parents?  Are you saying..."

"Yes, I want you to meet my parents.  Next to you, they are the most
important people in my life.  And they keep asking when I will be
bringing you to dinner."

Dylan's response was to grab the smaller Wolf into a big, tight hug.

"So...that's a yes, then," Zack chuckled.  He felt a nod as his reply.

* * * * *

August 26, Monday
The Coyote watched as Zack danced his way up to the bar.  A short time
later, the auburn Were half-danced his way back to the table with
drinks intact.  Zack thrust a cold bottle into Dustin's  outstretched
hand.  "Brew, bro."  His smile was all teeth.  One could always tell
when the Wolf was really excited or happy, his canines showed so
prominently.  "So, what's the occasion for FUR tonight, Dust?"

"Who says there's an occasion?  Maybe I just wanted to go for drinks."

Zack looked doubtful.  "It's Monday.  You know the last time you asked
me out on a Monday?"

"Yeah I do.  It was after that douche bag Carver messed you up in the head."

"Yeah, and that was months and months ago.  Now I have Dylan and
things are great.  And don't tell me you still have a problem with
him.  You've seen  firsthand how cool he is."

"Not him as a person, no."  Dustin got a pensive look.  "But I do miss
all the time we used to spend hanging out."

"Oh, yeah...I hadn't thought of that.  I'm sorry Dust.  I promise,
I'll try and do better.  I just got so..."

"Involved?"

"Uhmmm, yeah.  I haven't felt so good in so long.  Aaand... it's gonna
get even better."  The smile was dazzling.  One might even be able to
assign a wattage to it.

"God, man, you spend more nights a week with the guy than at home.
What do you mean, better?  Wait, are you moving in with him?"  His
tone and expression was of concern.

Zack laughed lightly.  "No, I'm not moving in with him."  He looked
serious for a brief moment.  "At least, not yet.  We actually haven't
discussed that far."  Zack suddenly got a big grin.  "But I know we
*will* end up that way."

"Again I ask, how is it gonna get better?"

"He's agreed to meet mom and dad."

"Whoa, trial by fire.  I though you said you loved him," Dustin smirked.

"Oh fuck off.  I don't see you taking anyone to meet *your* folks," he
chuckled.  "Just wait until your *one* comes along.  You'll be a gooey
mess inside."

"Unlike you, who seems to be on a mission to stay a gooey mess all..."

"Finish that thought and lose a body part."  Zack glared, but it was
definitely more show than anything.

"And if this *fantasy* scenario happens," Dustin asked, waving his
hand in a wide arc in the air.

"Then I get to be as big a pain in your ass as you've been in mine,"
Zack chuckled

"Uh huh," the Coyote deadpanned.

"Oh!  Aaand you'll owe me another dinner out with Dylan."

"Why does it seem that *your* relationship is costing *me* so much?"

"Times are hard for the unbeliever," Zack laughed and stuck his tongue out.

"Yeah right.  Ya know, with as much money as your family has, you
should be paying *me* to put up with you," Dustin remarked with a
wink.

Zack scowled.  "That's not funny  I don't have access the the family
money and you know it."

"Only because you are too damn stubborn to ask for it."

"It's not that simple, Dust."

"It fucking is.  Your father is the Westvale Pack Alpha for fuck's
sake.  God only knows just how much of Westvale your family either
controls or just plain owns."

"Shut up Dustin," Zack said tersely.  He glanced around the room
quickly.  *Fuck, I hope nobody heard that.*

"I mean seriously...this whole 'Make it on my own' shit?  That's just
crazy, man."

"Shut.  Up.  Dustin," the Wolf growled quietly, eyes narrowed.

"No!  And while we're at it, do you really think *anyone* at work
doesn't know that you're a Rivert..."

The Coyote didn't even register what was happening before he was
jerked out of his seat and a hard fist impacted his face.  He fell on
his ass with a stunned expression.  Zack stood over him clenching and
unclenching his fists.  "You know what your biggest problem is
Dustin," he snapped, glaring at the dazed Coyote.

"Uh, not at this moment."

"You can't keep your big fucking mouth shut," Zack hissed, irises of
his eyes ringed with red.

"I...I thought you liked that I don't bullshit you Zee."

"Time.  And.  Place.  And FUR is neither of those things for my family
particulars."  Zack looked around them again, but it didn't appear
that anyone was really paying them any attention.  He reached down and
helped his friend up.  His eyes had lost the red rings.  "Sorry Dust,
let's just...change the subject okay?"

Dustin nodded and reclaimed his seat, rubbing his jaw.  "So I guess
it's back to talking about your man-toy," he smirked.

"Gods.  Don't call him a man-toy.  It makes him sound like a giant dildo."

The Coyote chuckled.  "Well if the name fits.  You do refer to him as
Dyl a lot,"  Dustin said with a light laugh.

Zack grinned.  "I'll let that pass seeing as you've recently suffered
a sudden fist in face event."

"Yeah, I wonder how that happened," Dustin returned, sticking his
tongue out.  "Aaaanyway, when are you leading the prisoner to his
trial and all?"

Rolling his eyes Zack said "It's not like that.  They're gonna love
him.  And hopefully this weekend."

"So...a week to live.  Ouch.  Maybe I should get him a 'Nice to know
you' card or something."

The Wolf chuckled.  "You're such a dick, Dust."

"Well...yeah.  But then, you looove the D!"

Zack sighed.  "I guess I left myself open for that one."  Thinking how
that sounded, he held up a hand in a 'Stop' gesture.  "Not one word,"
he chuckled.

"It's your own fault for making it so easy.  Speaking of easy..."
Dustin arched a brow.

The auburn Were put on a scandalized look.  "I am *not* easy."

"Should I ask your 'not a man-toy' that?"

"Oh hell no.  Totally not fair.  He'd side with *you*."

"Ah, I see.  So you *are* easy," the Coyote chuckled.

"Only for him, dickbreath," Zack retorted, sticking his tongue out.

They both had a good laugh at each other and decided to go dance some.
Being a typical 8 P.M. on Monday, the floor was not yet packed.
Though not barren either.  There were perhaps a dozen or so others
dancing.  The current music was slow dance music, which would soon
give way to the faster techno/club mix block that would last for most
of the evening.  It seriously made Zack long for Dylan's presence.  He
made a mental note to remind himself to ask his Mate if he would like
to go dancing sometime.  Soon.  His happy musing was only briefly
marred by the thought that his lover had yet to seem to realize the
Mate bond.  *He will,*  He affirmed to himself.

The Wolves saw that there were more males than females on the floor,
and mostly Wolves.  Dustin grinned.  "This has some possibilities."

Zack smirked.  "For you, yeah."

The Coyote perked a brow.  "What, you wouldn't just dance with a guy.
It's not like you're taking him home for God's sake."

"You and Dylan are the only guys I'd feel comfortable dancing with.  I
know you won't try to get in my pants.  And duh, Dylan."  Zack flashed
a mischievous grin.

"Well, there's a few chicks.  That more in your safe zone?"  Dustin
gave him a wide grin.

"Are you sure you weren't dropped on your head as a child?  I think
there is some definite brain damage.  Anyway, we came in here to
dance."  Zack held out his hand.

Dustin looked at the offered hand.  "Aaand what am I supposed to do
with that, might I ask?"

"There are more ways to dance than wiggle your butt around you know."

"Well sure.  But that usually gets me what I want," Dustin winked.

"Gods, there is something to be said for style and class Dust.  Mom
and dad made sure I understood that and I'm gonna teach you something
that may just be helpful later.  Now take my hand, I'll lead."

Dustin frowned.  "That's just a bunch of old people BS, man.  No
practical value."

"Have you never been to a formal event, Dust?"

"Not really.  My family was never into anything like that.  I'm
guessing yours was, right?"

"Oh yeah.  Come on, let me teach you some ballroom style," Zack
grinned.  He spent the next half hour showing Dustin the basics of the
Waltz.  The older Weres in the room watched and smiled, occasionally
making nice comments.

After a few minutes, a tall female Wolf approached the two friends.
Zack noted she was as tall if not taller than Dylan with a clearly
athletic build to her.  A fellow red head, he also noticed her blue
eyes.  And one could not miss her rather ample endowments up top.  Not
that they did anything for him, but it was truly amazing.

"Hey cutie," she smiled.  "Wanna sweep me off my feet?"

"If you mean dance, sure thing.  If you mean something else, my
boyfriend may have something to say about that," he chuckled.

"Damn, all the cute ones are gay or taken."  She looked over at
Dustin.  "Is this your other half?"

Zack laughed.  "Him?  No, he's my pain in the ass.?"

The Coyote piped in "I thought Dylan was your pain in the ass."

Fiiine.  You're my no-sexual best buddy pain in the ass.  And I
wouldn't call what he does a pain."  Zack turned back to the female
Wolf with a smile.  "So, do you still want to dance?"

She shrugged, reached out and took his offered hand.  "Sure."

The shorter Wolf took her hand and started dancing, easily sliding
into form.  "I'm Zack Rivers, by the way.  The big mouth Coyote is my
friend Dustin Berg."

"Okay, cool.  I'm Penny McCorkle.  And is your...partner, here?"

"No.  My Mate is either at work or at home."

"How long have you been with him?"

"We've been dating for several months now."  A brief frown flickered
across his face.  He hated that his lover still thought of it as
dating.

"Did I speak out of line," Penny inquired.

"No.  He just...hasn't realized the Bond yet.  But he will," he added hastily.

"Good luck with that."

"Uh, thanks."  The Wolves continued with their Waltz until the slow
dance music stopped and the energetic dance beats began.  Zack thanked
Penny and stepped back with a gentlemanly bow.  "Have a good evening,
Red," Zack said with a wink as he headed off of the dance floor.

Stepping up to the bar, he ordered another Dog's Breath Brew for
Dustin and a Night Wolf Ale for himself.  Reaching his friend, he
handed him his beer and opened his own drink.  "So, are we still
having a good time?"

The Coyote snorted.  "I have yet to shake my booty enough for that.
God knows it will take some time to wake from the Waltz-fest," he
chuckled.

"You know, a little culture here and there wouldn't hurt you Dust."

"Hey.  Look around you, Zee.  This is culture, too.  Don't be such a snob."

Zack sighed.  "I'm not trying to be a culture snob, I just think we
should embrace the older ways as much as the new shiny life.  They
still have value."

"If you say so.  Personally, I think they're outdated.  Society has
moved forward."  Dustin took a long drink of beer.

"Okay, clearly we're not going to agree on this.  Let's finish these
and get back on the floor, you have to wiggle your butt for the boys,"
Zack smirked and drained the rest of his ale.

Dustin grinned.  "Now you're talking sense."

By the time the got back onto the dance floor, it was much more
populated with writhing, gyrating bodies.  They danced for awhile
before the Wolf noticed a big blond man staring in their direction.
He looked almost as tall as Dylan with a muscular yet lithe body.  The
man's gaze remained steady as he started toward them.  He definitely
had a grace to his movements.

The guy stopped next to  Dustin and himself.  They both stopped
dancing and looked at the man.  Zack could tell the guy had peaked
Dustin's interest.  The Cougar got a distinctly predatory grin before
placing his right hand in the middle of Zack's chest and shoved him
back.  "You can go now, puppy.  A real man's here now."

Affronted by the rudeness, Zack was about to voice his irritation when
he felt his cell vibrate in his pants pocket.  He quickly checked it.
He grinned at the text he received:

     [DYLAN] Hey babe, are you coming over tonight?

It took no thought to send *On my way :)*  He stuck the cell back in
his pocket.  He looked at Dustin.  "I'm out.  See you tomorrow."  He
reached out and gave the Coyote a hug.

"Hey!  Just take off already," the Cougar snapped, pushing him back again.

Addressing the Cougar he snarled "Touch me again and you lose a hand,
pussy cat."  With that, he turned and swiftly left FUR.

* * * * *

Hearing the door chime, Dylan got up from his recliner in front of the
TV and raced to answer the door. He knew it was Zack, having
recognized the sound of his boyfriend's Katana motorcycle coming up
his drive.  He whipped the door open and jerked the grinning Wolf into
his arms, planting a passionate kiss on the slighter man.  "Glad you
could make it," he said as he released Zack from his embrace and
stepped back to let his man come all the way inside.

"It would have taken a hell of a lot to keep me away," Zack replied
with a smile.  He moved to the side so Dylan could close the door.
Unzipping his leather jacket, he shrugged it off and tossed it to the
side.  He found himself suddenly pinned against the wall.  Dylan
nuzzling the left side of his neck, a low, happy growl rumbling
through him.  He felt Dylan tense and heard him sniff deeply.

Dylan moved down a few inches and sniffed Zack's chest closer.  *What
the FUCK?*  Fucking Felidae!  He didn't like that smell at all.  Not
on his boyfriend.  His nostrils flared.  "Who touched you?"

"It's nothing Dyl," Zack said quietly, stroking Dylan's right arm.  He
could feel the sudden anger in his Mate and tried to calm him.

An intense jealousy and rage filled Dylan.  His eyes got that blue
fire blaze when his anger was high.  He stepped out of Zack's reach.
"WHO...TOUCHED...YOU," he roared.  *Where the fuck did that come
from?*  Okay, not just intense.  INSANE jealousy.  No sooner had the
words died out than he sensed something he never had  before...he had
scared Zack.  He actually felt it.  Horror and shame filled him as he
saw his boyfriend slam back against the door with a look of wide eyed
terror on his usually happy, sometimes mischievous face.

"M...m...maybe I should go home," Zack stammered.  Against his wishes,
memories of his ex's violent temper came rushing into him.  He went to
reach down for his jacket, eyes remaining on Dylan.  He knew this was
an irrational fear, that his Mate would never hurt him on purpose, but
the urge to flee was strong.

*NO!  No, no, no,* Dylan's mind screamed.  *He can't leave.  I can't
let him go like this.*  He took several deep breaths to try and calm
himself.  "Please," he whispered hoarsely.  "Please don't go.  I'm
sorry.  I'm...I'm not angry at *you*.  Please stay."  He wanted so
badly to wrap his man in his arms, but was unsure if the frightened
Wolf would let him get that close now.

With Dylan's sudden emotional swings, Zack reasoned that his Mate must
be feeling their Bond.  Even if he may not realize it.  "Are you sure?
 Because I can come another time..."

"No.  I mean...I want you here.  I *need* you here," Dylan implored.
*What was that?  Did I just say need?  Shit, I did say need.*  "Please
babe," he asked, reaching out for Zack and stopping just shy of
touching him.

Zack nodded and wrapped his arms around his Mate.  "Okay.  But, I'm
not really in the mood for...you know," he said softly.

Dylan tightened their embrace.  "I understand.  I acted shamefully.  I
hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

"It's okay hon.  There's nothing to forgive.  I know why you reacted
that way.  We're good."  Zack rested his head against his man's
powerful body and smiled as he rubbed circles on his back.  *We're
real good*, he thought.

Relief flooded Dylan.  The big Wolf slid his hands down to cup Zack's
butt and lifted him up.  He felt Zack's legs wrap around his waist.
"We'll just have a quiet cuddle," he whispered as he made for his
bedroom.

* * * * *

August 30, Friday
The sharp swat to the left side of his face snapped Dylan from his
thoughts and brought him back to the present situation.  "Uhh, what
was that?"  *Just great, I zoned out yet again.*

"Damn it Dyl, it's like you're not even here." grumbled Ben.

"Sorry Benny.  Guess I'm having more trouble focusing than I thought."

The blond Wolf arched a brow.  "And do we owe this continued state of
distraction to your mystery woman?"

Dylan frowned with irritation.  "Yesss," he growled softly.  "It is
related to the person whom I am currently dating."

"So, what's going on?  You are clearly well passed the first date nerves."

"I know this wrecks my coolness reputation, but it's a lot worse than
first date nerves."

"Asking for a serious commitment," Ben asked.

"Despite what some might think, I am not afraid of commitment in a
relationship," snapped Dylan.

"Then what could possibly be worse?"

"Parents," Dylan replied somberly.

"Wait, let me get this straight...big bad Wolf Dylan Tyler is afraid
to meet some chick's parents?"

Dylan rubbed the back of his neck and said sheepishly "I, uh, never
met anyone's parents before."

"Shut the fuck up.  All these years, and you have never met someone's parents?"

"Well," the big Wolf hesitated, " there was never one I felt this
close to before.  None of my previous relationships lasted this long."

Ben got a serious look.  "So, this is getting serious, then?"

Dylan nodded slowly.  "Yeah, I think it is, man.  I don't understand
it, but I can't get them out of my mind for long.  I want to be with
them all the time.  And not like the usual new fuck kind of thing.  I
mean the just having them close all of the time kind of thing."

"Like, moving in together?"

"I think it could be heading that way, yeah."

"What's wrong with you, bro?  That's fucking great!  You know Sasha
and I live together.  It's about damn time you have someone at home.
And if this gal's been making so happy, I'd say grab her and fucking
keep her man."  The blond was all smiles.

"But what if I can't handle that?  What if they don't want that?  I'm
not sure I'm ready for that."

"How often do you see each other?"

"Just about every other day.  And most weekends," Dylan said with a
smile and a glitter in his eyes.

"Any other contact?"

"Yeah, we talk on the phone every day we aren't together."

"Dumbass.  You're ready for it.  You two really need to talk this shit
out," Ben chuckled.

"Yeah, you're probably right.  For once," Dylan snickered.

"Always, asshole," Ben smirked as he smacked the side of Dylan's head playfully.

"So, umm, you want to come over tonight?  I know it's been awhile, and
I'm sorry."

"I thought those days were over, what with the new steady and all."

"No, I really miss just hanging.  And I'm sure they'll understand that
I want to hang with my bestie."

"Sure thing bro.  I'll tell Sasha and meet you at The Grove around eight?"

"That would be great, thanks.  Bro's night rides again."