Hello

1

just so ya know..this story is m/m, though not teribly explicit. don't flame me if it bothers you, because i AM warning you.2

“Zach, you promised you’d come!” Sarah complained.3

“I know, but…I don’t want to, Sarah-bear! I really don’t!” Zach whined.4

“Since when have you been afraid to meet new people?” Sarah asked.5

“It’s not just new people, it’s new people that you think I’m supposed to fall in love with. You’ve got me all nervous!”6

“Zachary Thomas Dauphin, if you are not at my dinner party in half an hour, I will send an assassin to your house. Now go and GET READY!” With that, Sarah hung up. Zach sighed. He really didn’t want to go to her dinner party.7

Sarah had invited him a few weeks ago, when she found out that her old friend Andrew was moving back. She told Zach that ‘he’d just fall in love’ with Andrew. 8

Zach highly doubted it. 9

He never fell in love with anybody; it was as simple as that. He wasn’t looking for love, just a way to get through college and relationships while keeping his head above water.10

“Although…I could do with a little action, now that me and Gregory have broken up,” he told himself, gazing into his closet. 11

“But…what should I wear?”12

He decided on black pants and a dark blue button-up shirt, and as he took a shower, he thought of what this person would look like. All he knew about him was what Sarah had told him. His name was Andrew DiCaparelli, he was the same age as he and Sarah, and had moved away before they started high school. He had been Sarah’s best friend, and she was constantly telling Zach stories of childhood, filled with sleepovers, marshmallows, and mud fights. But now he certainly had to be more grown up. So what would he be like? Would he be cute? What if he wasn’t? Or what if he was boring and dull? He wanted to be nice for Sarah’s sake, but he couldn’t tolerate boring people.13

“God, why is life so complicated?” he asked his frog shower sponge. The frog just stared back at him, not knowing the answer.14

“Useless frog,” he mumbled, and threw it down to the floor.15

He got out of the shower, dried himself off, and got about getting dressed. After applying a small amount of cologne (“After all, I don’t want to gag the guy,”), he grabbed a coat and his car keys. One last look in the mirror (“You look wonderful,”) and he was ready to go.16

*~~~*17

Andrew was nervous. More than nervous; it felt as if he was full of static electricity, and he was going to explode into a shower of sparks. Sarah had shown him a picture of Zachary a little while ago, telling Andrew that he was he was Andrew’s future husband, and that he’d fall madly in love with him. 18

The guy was GORGEOUS. 19

Soft looking brown hair, deep brown eyes, aristocratic nose, and pale skin…and that figure. He had to be dieting or something. He was just so thin and lithe looking…Andrew almost drooled – over a picture! 20

And to think, he was coming over in just a few short minutes! How was he supposed to control himself?21

Of course, he might be mean, or something. He’d had a few friends-great looking ones like that-and they tended to be a bit snobbish around other people.22

Oh well. He was still hot. Even if he was snobby, Andrew could still look at him, just tune out his voice.23

He sipped nervously at his glass of…whatever it was. He liked the rest of Sarah’s friends. There was a really nice guy named Luke, and he could tell in just about four seconds that Sarah was head over heels in love with him. Then there was a sweet girl named Michelle, who was Sarah’s roomie, and Michael, Michelle’s boyfriend. Andrew really liked Michelle. 24

She laughed a lot, and was nice to talk to. If he were still straight, he’d probably be interested in her. 25

The only one left to meet was Zach, who was a bit late. Sarah had left for a second, and when she came back, she said that Zachary was running a bit late, and that he’d be there soon.26

He moved up close to Michelle.27

“What’s Zachary like?” he asked her. She smiled.28

“He’s just great, you’ll like him, I’m sure of it. He’s really sweet, and he’s studying architecture in school with us. He’s a bit loud sometimes, and tends to be a little hyper, but he’s a sweet person.” 29

Andrew smiled. So, he wasn’t one of the mean ones.30

That’s good,” he said quietly. “Sarah didn’t tell me much about him…showed me a picture, though.”31

Michelle smiled a little wider. “He’s a looker, isn’t he?”32

Andrew blushed, and nodded.33

“I haven’t met a person yet whose head he didn’t turn. Boy or girl.”34

Andrew smiled. “I can see why,” he said quietly. 35

Michelle paused. “You’re awfully quiet, aren’t you?” she asked gently. 36

Andrew shrugged. “Just a little shy, I guess,” he replied.37

“Well, you don’t need to be. You’re in good company,” she said, giving his arm a gentle squeeze. Andrew smiled.38

“I’m sure I am,” he said.39

Just then, the doorbell rang. A little commotion at the front door indicated Sarah was being her usual self, and greeting the new arrival with her kisses and hellos.40

A soft, warm voice floated across the room to where Andrew stood.41

“So…where’s the new kid?”42

Sarah led him to where Andrew stood, with a nervous death grip on his wineglass.43

“Zachary Dauphin…meet Drew Campbell.”44

*~~~*45

Zach’s first impression was ‘HOT….DAMN.’46

Andrew was a knockout. He looked like an angel dressed in all crème and white. Amidst all of the lightness, he had smooth, tanned skin, and glossy black-brown hair. The best part was his eyes; they were an unusually deep blue, the color of sapphires, but darker, with little streaks of something shimmery, making them sparkle. He gave off an air of nervousness, and Zach wanted to wrap him up in a hug and…well, never mind what else he wanted to do.47

He settled for shaking hands, however.48

“Most of my friends call me Zach,” he said. ‘And you can call me anything you want, cutie,’ he noted to himself.49

“Okay…Zach,” Andrew answered in his soft voice. He smiled at Zach, and it made Zach want to melt. That smile was heartbreaking.50

He smiled back. “Are they treating you right?” he asked, referring to the other three guests, who he had almost forgot were there.51

“Yes.”52

Hmm, a man of little words. ‘I can fix that’ he thought.53

“Do you have a name you like to be called, Andrew?”54

“Almost everyone calls me Drew,” he answered quietly. ‘He must be really shy’ Zach mused. ‘I’ll have to pry you from your shell…even if I break it in the process.’55

“Well, I’m not like everybody else…how about I call you Andy?” he asked him.56

Andrew was silent for a minute, and Zach said, “If you don’t like it I can just call you Drew, like everybody el-”57

“No, no, it’s okay. Andy is fine,” Andrew interrupted.58

Zach nodded. “Good.” He looked at the glass that Andrew was holding.59

“What are you drinking,” he asked, peering into it with a look of interest on his face.60

Andrew looked at the glass as well. “I really have no idea…you know how Sarah is when she passes out drinks. She goes by what bottle is the closest.”61

“Yeah,” Zach laughed. “Can I have a taste?” he asked. Andrew nodded, and watched as Zach took the glass from his hand and took a sip.62

Zach swallowed, and looked back at him. He almost had him… ‘I know’ he thought.63

He let his tongue sneak out and sweep across his top lip, then his bottom one.64

Andrew gulped.65

Yep, Zach had him now.66

“Yum,” he said. “I think I’ll get one of those. Will you promise to wait right here for me?”67

Andrew nodded, dazed.68

“Cross your heart?” Zach giggled.69

Andrew nodded again.70

“Good. I’ll be right back, don’t move.” He walked away, making sure his butt was always in clear view. 71

“So how do you like Drew, Zach?” Sarah asked him as she poured him a drink.72

“God, Sarah-bear, he’s so cute! And he seems pretty sweet, too.” He quickly glanced over to Andrew, who was standing next to the mantle, and looked a little dumbfounded.  “A little quiet, though. Is he out yet?”73

“Yes, but they were very hesitant steps out of the closet, believe me. I think he’s still getting used to the flirting. At least, from people other than his boyfriend,” she added.74

“Boyfriend?”75

“Yup, for a year and a half. They just broke up a while ago, and he’s kind of on the prowl for something new. Just like you,” she added.76

“Really?” Zach said mischievously. “Well…I better get back, he’ll think I ditched him.”77

“Okay. I’m really good friends with this one, don’t damage him, okay?”78

Zach just smiled.79

*~~~*80

When Zachary walked away, Andrew wasn’t sure if he was happy or upset. He liked Zachary already, that much he was sure of. But he felt guilty, for liking him so much, because he missed Paul. Paul was his first boyfriend, his only boyfriend - not someone to forget easily.81

If Paul were here now, he’d have his arm around Andrew’s waist. Andrew would be leaning against him, smiling happily, and letting Paul feed him, or kiss him, or refill his wineglass.82

Of course, there was the possibility that Paul would be in one of his moods. He could be yelling or throwing things, or calling Andrew names, which happened more than Andrew wanted to admit. He wondered sometimes if he actually missed 83

Paul as much as he told himself he did. 84

‘Maybe I just miss being loved,’ he quietly said to himself. ‘Even when he was being mean, he still loved me.’ 85

He just didn’t know.86

What he did know was that Zachary – Zach – seemed to be someone he could get along with. He was just so happy and cheerful, and warm. Andrew immediately liked him. But how much did he like him?87

“Guess I’ll just see how it plays out,” he mumbled to himself.88

“What?”89

Andrew whirled around, surprised. Zach had returned, drink in hand. He laughed, and Andrew smiled because it sounded twinkly, like a bell.90

“Did you think I had left for good?” he asked Andrew, giving him a poke on the side.91

Andrew shook his head shyly.92

They were quiet for a minute, and he noticed that Zach was staring at him.93

“What?” he asked. Zach smiled.94

“I’m sorry, it’s just that…this is gonna sound so stupid.”95

“What will?” Andrew pressed gently.96

“You have the most beautiful eyes.”97

Andrew’s said eyes widened a little, and then he blushed furiously. 98

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” Zach said quietly, taking his hand.99

“It’s okay, I’m just not used to it.”100

This time Zach’s eyes were the ones to widen. 101

“Not used to getting compliments?”102

“Not from other guys…except my ex-boyfriend, but I’m not getting compliments from him anytime soon.”103

“You poor thing, you must be just starved for affection,” Zach purred, stroking his arm.104

Andrew gulped.105

“So, Zach… Sarah tells me you’re majoring in architecture?” he said, trying to change the subject, and ignore the hand that was creeping closer and closer to his ass. ‘I won’t get a hard-on…I won’t get a hard-on…’106

Zach smiled happily. “Yeah! It’s really fun, and I have a new job at this really cool firm. What are you majoring in?”107

“Well, so far, I’ve been doing advertising and it’s great….”108

They talked for another half-hour, and all through dinner. Sarah couldn’t pry them apart. They were slowly forgetting that there were even other people in the house. 109

“You have to come by the house, sometime, Andy,” Zach was saying, slipping an arm around Andrew’s waist. “I’m all alone over there, and I’d love some…company.” He emphasized the last word by placing a hand on Andrew’s crotch. 110

The air around Andrew suddenly got pressurized. He was finding it hard to breathe when those liquidy eyes were staring at him in such a predatory way, and those hands were roaming over him. It scared him…and it did something else. Zach smiled, and fondled him a little. “It can get lonely at that house,” he said. They locked eyes.111

“It’s getting a little hot in here,” someone murmured, and Andrew turned around.112

“Huh?” he said dazedly. Everyone else laughed.113

“What?” Andrew and Zach asked in unison.114

“Aww, they’re like a couple already,” Sarah teased. “A year or so from now, they’ll be married.”115

Andrew blushed, and felt something brush his hand. He looked up to see Zach smiling at him.116

“Maybe,” he said in a low voice, still staring at Andrew’s eyes. Andrew blushed even more.117

“I think a two certain people are in love,” Sarah murmured, but they weren’t listening. They were once again locked in each other’s eyes.118

Unfortunately, the night ended, as all nights must. Andrew walked Zach to the door.119

“So, will I be seeing you soon?” he asked, handing Zach his coat.120

Zach smiled, and wrapped his arms around Andrew’s neck in a hug.121

“Count on it,” he replied. He backed off a little, and slipped his hands into Andrew’s pocket.122

“In fact,” he said quietly, almost in a whisper, “do you want to come over now? See the house…spend the night?”123

Andrew looked into his eyes. There was the same lustful shine he’d seen all night; it almost made him want to say yes. He could do it, if he wanted. All he had to do was tell Sarah he’d be over at Zach’s. He could spend the night with someone, have an orgasm, feel loved again.124

Couldn’t he?125

It went against everything he had always held to himself. Sex was great, but it had to be real, not with some random guy from a dinner party; even if this person was excruciatingly cute, and nice, and not exactly a stranger.126

“I’d love to, but…” he started.127

Zach nodded. “You don’t do that kind of thing?”128

“Yeah,” Andrew said miserably. Damn conscience.129

“It’s okay, I understand. I admire anyone that can do that; lord knows I can’t,” Zach said. He smiled. “Get my number from Sarah and call me?” he asked hopefully.130

Andrew nodded. “Definitely.”131

“Good,” Zach said. He turned as if he was going to leave, but decided at the last minute to turn around and give Andrew a kiss. 132

Smack on the lips. 133

Right in front of the rest of the dinner party.134

The entire room got very quiet.135

Zach looked around. “Oh, you choose then to look at us?” he said sarcastically. He gave Andrew one last squeeze, then left.136

Andrew stared at the closed door, completely dazed.137

“Well, Andy…you have just met your future husband. What do you have to say?” Sarah joked. Andrew turned to her.138

“I think I’m in love,” he murmured.139

*~~~*140

Okay so he wasn’t going to score tonight. No big deal. It was obvious that Andrew liked him. Besides, he would see him again.141

“Tomorrow is another day. And a weekend day at that,” he told himself. He realized how tired he was, and got ready for bed.142

He listened to the empty apartment as he lay in the dark. God, how he hated the quiet. That was probably the only reason he dated, so that he wasn’t alone. It was never quiet when one of his boyfriends were here. There were the sounds of TV, or snoring, or fighting, or sex. Anything but the deafening quiet. 143

Fuck, he hated this! It was like being in a horror movie. One minute it’s all nice and quiet, the next you’re lying in a puddle of spreading blood. He shivered at the thought of it.144

The phone rang.145

“AHHHH!” Zach screamed, woken from his thoughts of killers with long knifes and hockey masks. He picked up the phone with a shaky hand.146

“H…Hello?” he asked pitifully, afraid of who would answer.147

“Zach?” 148

Oh, thank God…it was only Sarah. He instantly began a long rant about serial killers and midnight phone calls.149

“Zach…Zach…ZACH!” Sarah said, trying to get his attention.150

“Yes?” 151

“Do you know what all that means?”152

“What?”153

“Horror movies are the wrong way to amuse yourself!” she yelled. Then she calmed her voice a bit. “I called to make sure you made it home okay.”154

“Yeah, I’m okay,” Zach said, still shivering from his fright.155

“Jesus…. Go to sleep, I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said.156

“Good night, Sarah-bear.”157

“Good night.”158

*~~~*159

Andrew was happier than ever now that he had moved back. 160

He was going to school with Sarah and Zach now, and hanging out with them after school. He had been staying in Sarah’s apartment until he could find a place close to the school. When he brought up the fact that he was anxious to find a place, the first suggestion he got was to move in with Zach. Which he anxiously agreed to.161

It had happened so quickly. They had been at lunch – ‘they’ being Andrew, Zach, Michelle, and Sarah – when the conversation turned toward Andrew’s current living situation. 162

“Where exactly are you staying right now, Andy? With Luke?”163

“Well, the girls right now, but I’d like to find some place less…” He tried to think of the right words.164

“Cramped?” Michelle asked.165

“Exactly. Living in a two room apartment with two girls – as lovely as those girls may be- ”166

“Thank you,” the girls said in unison.167

“-I’d still like to have my own room. Or at least my own bed.”168

Zach snorted. “You guys share a bed?” he giggled.169

“Hey, only once in a while! And besides, a gay guy is the best thing to have in your bed,” Sarah said.170

“Unless you’re a straight guy,” Zach retorted. The entire table laughed.171

“Only if you’re the gay guy, Zach, dear. Even I wouldn’t want to sleep with you,” Sarah giggled.172

“You’re not my type, chicky,” he laughed. He smiled and leaned over, putting his head on Andrew’s shoulder, batting his eyes. “You’re my type, Andy…definitely my type.”173

Sarah just closed her eyes and shook her head.174

“Zach,” Michelle said, “Let Drew move in with you. You’ve got an extra room with Greg gone.”175

“Even when he was there they had an extra room,” Sarah said. 176

“Hush, Sarah. Don’t talk of such things at the lunch table,” Zach said primly.177

Sarah just stuck her tongue out. “It’s true, and you know it. You two were shagging like rabbits. And you talked about it whenever you got the chance.”178

Zach looked at Andrew. “I have no idea what she’s talking about, I’m sure,” he said. “Anyway, if you’d like to move in, I’d be glad to have you. I hate being alone, and I know I can get along with you.”179

“Well…if you’re okay with it,” Andrew said, smiling.180

“Better than okay,” Zach said, slipping an arm around him. “I’m sure of it.”181

So now here he was, in Zach’s apartment, unpacking boxes and boxes and even more boxes of junk.182

Zach knocked on his door late one night, as he was unpacking.183

“Break time,” he said using his foot to push the door open. He was holding two plates.184

“You come in here every five minutes saying that. I’ll never get finished if you keep coming in here and stopping me.”185

Zach frowned. “Fine. Keep at your strenuous labors. Me and my strawberry cheesecake will stay in the living room.”186

Andrew froze. Strawberry cheesecake? 187

“Hey, hey…I’m sorry,” he said. Zach smiled and sat on the floor with the desert.188

They sat in silence, eating. Andrew suddenly noticed a red line of strawberry flavored syrup at the corner of Zach’s mouth. 189

It looked so inharmonious there, marring the perfection of Zach’s mouth. He wanted to lick it away, and kiss those pale lips, and pull him close and never let go.190

‘You have to be bold, Andrew’ he told himself. ‘If you aren’t, how else will you get what you want?’191

He took a deep breath, leaned forward, and delicately licked the corner of Zach’s mouth. Zach made a small noise, but not a bad one, and let Andrew kiss him. His mouth tasted sweet to Andrew, like the dessert they had been eating, but there was something else, too, that made Andrew hungrily increase the depth of their kiss.192

Zach put his arms around Andrew’s shoulders. He leaned against the foot of the bed, pulling Andrew with him, and Andrew put a leg on either side of Zach’s lap.193

Andrew stopped kissing him for a moment, and Zach waited for him to start again. When a second or two had gone by, though, and he still wasn’t getting kissed, he looked up.194

Andrew was staring at him, obviously thinking hard.195

“What did you come in here for?” he asked.196

“What do you mean?” Zach asked innocently.197

“It’s awfully late for you to come in here with cheesecake…unless it’s a cover-up.”198

Zach closed his eyes and sighed.199

“Do you want an honest answer?” he asked slowly?200

“That’d be nice,” Andrew answered.201

Zach opened his eyes, looked straight into Andrew’s, and said slowly and deliberately, “I came in here to get fucked. Now I’m just a bit mad, so I’m going to go to my room.” He got up to leave, but Andrew stopped him.202

“Wait! Zach, please…wait,” he said, standing up.203

Zach stared, then smiled at him, and walked out the door, beckoning him to follow.204

Andrew thought for a minute, then went into Zach’s bedroom, where Zach was sitting on the bed with his shirt pulled off. 205

He reached out and took Andrew’s hand, and placed it on his bare chest.206

“I just want to try it once, see if it works out. I’m going to be honest and say that I have no idea if it will, but I really hope it does.”207

Andrew nodded. “Okay,” he said quietly, leaning over to kiss him. Zach pulled off Andrew’s shirt, trailing his hands down to his pants buckle.208

Once they were undressed, and had slipped into bed, Zach gave Andrew a soft kiss.209

“Are you going to regret this in the morning? Because if you think you will, then this is a good chance to leave.”210

Andrew smiled. “I want to stay,” he said softly.211

“I want you to stay, too.”212

*~~~*213

Lovemaking had been a strange and wonderful experience. Strange because their bodies seemed to just fit, like pieces in a puzzle; wonderful for the same reason. When they were kissing, when Andrew was moving inside of Zach so slow and sweet, even when they were spooning afterwards, everything fit. It was like one had crevices that only the other could fit. 214

It had been two hours of experimental bliss, and now they were exhausted. Andrew was on his side, with his arms wrapped around Zach’s slim waist, and he pulled him a bit closer, and placed a kiss on the back of his neck, sucking at the salty warm skin.215

“Well…I guess it ‘worked out’ pretty well, huh?”216

“Mmm, yeah,” Zach purred, pressing back against Andrew. “Pretty damn well.”217

Andrew ran a finger down Zach’s spine. Then he ran it about half way back up, and kissed the rest of the way. Zach shivered.218

“Are you cold?” Andrew asked.219

“No…it’s just…when you touch me…” Zach shivered again, and leaned back against him. “It’s like a shock…electricity, you know?” He sighed. “I like it.”220

Andrew smiled, and kissed the back of his neck. “You know you looked right into my eyes when you came?” he whispered.221

“It freaks people out,” Zach murmured.222

“I thought it was sexy,” Andrew said, turning Zach over to kiss him.223

“Oh really?” Zach asked. “Is that so?” He stroked Andrew’s cheek.224

“Yeah…everything you do is sexy. The first thing I noticed about you was how sexy you were.” He straddled him, leaning over to nuzzle his chin. “You’re pretty, too,” he said.225

“I’m not sure if I’ve ever been called pretty,” Zach giggled.226

“You are,” Andrew said, smiling. He gently nibbled at Zach’s earlobe, going down to his jaw, then to his lips.227

“I could eat you up with kisses, you know that?” he said.228

Zach looked up at him in wonder. “You’re so different, Andy,” he whispered.229

Before Andrew could even think of how to react to that, Zach pulled him down for a kiss, eagerly pressing every inch of skin against him. 230

A little later, as Andrew was driving into him, and tenderly biting his neck, it hit Zach hard. This was what he wanted in a relationship. Not someone he fought all day and fucked all night, but someone who was a lover and a friend. He hadn’t known Andrew for very long, but he was sure the young man was capable of being both.231

He pressed a kiss to Andrew’s temple, and tried to pull him closer. His efforts failed, and he moaned in frustration.232

“Deeper, Andrew,” he whimpered.233

“What?” Andrew asked him, opening his eyes and trying to focus on him.234

Zach arched his neck, throwing his head back. “I want you to go deeper…please…” He pushed Andrew away for a second, and turned onto his stomach, pushing his back to Andrew’s stomach. “Come on, Andy…” he whispered.235

Andrew took his place back inside of him, and Zach threw himself back with every push.236

“Like that…is that good?” Andrew panted, kissing the back of his neck.237

Zach just gasped and groaned, and Andrew took that to mean yes. Zach couldn’t make a verbal answer at the moment. A chain reaction had already started, and it was going quickly. Explosion after explosion went off inside of him, and he felt 238

Andrew shudder with the same explosions. He was getting closer and closer, and suddenly it stopped, and he was there, in that place, and so was Andrew, and he shook his head trying to gain control over his senses. He closed his eyes tight.239

When he opened them again, he was on his side, with Andrew next to him. Zach turned on his side to look at him.240

He was a bit flushed, glowing from their recreations. His dark hair was plastered onto his sweaty forehead, and Zach pushed some away to kiss him. Andrew opened his eyes at the contact, and Zach smiled at him.241

“You know what, Andrew?” he whispered.242

“…What?”243

“I think this is the start to something extraordinary.”244

Andrew mumbled an agreement, and buried his head in the crook of Zach’s shoulder. Zach smiled, and held the warm body as he fell asleep.245

*~~~*246

Zach woke up first the next morning – well, technically the next afternoon; when he glanced at the bedside clock, a neon green 12:47 stared back at him.247

He got up, showered, then went back into the bedroom, where Andrew was still sleeping. He was lying on his stomach, snoring lightly. Zach sighed in content, lowering himself onto the bed slowly, and ran his hands up and across his back, feeling the warm, relaxed muscles under his skin.248

He gave Andrew a kiss between the shoulder blades, then another, and another.249

“Wake up, baby,” he said in a quiet, sensual voice. He pressed his cheek to the base of Andrew’s back.250

Andrew wiggled, then relaxed. “Gimme a minute…then I’ll be up,” he groaned.251

Zach giggled, and got up to dress.252

“Okay. Want coffee?” he asked, pulling on a tight pair of pants, and a tighter shirt.253

“Yes, please.”254

“I’ll go make some, then,” he said, smiling at Andrew’s quiet politeness. His voice suddenly took a serious tone.255

“Andrew? Can I ask you a question?”256

“Yeah?” Andrew asked turning from pillow.257

“Do you regret anything from last night?” he said. 258

Andrew smiled and closed his eyes.259

“I don’t regret a single second, Zach. I just wished it had lasted longer.”260

Zach smiled. God, he loved this one.261

He sat next to Andrew and gave him a kiss on the back of his neck, and then on his cheek.262

“Are you hungry?” he asked, stroking Andrew’s skin in a light massage.263

“Mm-hmm,” Andrew replied. 264

“Okay, then, I’m gonna make breakfast, anything you want. Waffles? Pancakes?”265

“Pancakes sound good,” Andrew said, smiling.266

“Pancakes it is then.”267

Zach went into the kitchen, and had started to pull things out for their breakfast when the doorbell rang, loud and obnoxious in the quiet house.268

Not wanting do disturb his sleeping beauty, he rushed to the door and opened it.269

“Hi, Sarah-bear,” he said. Sarah kissed his cheek.270

“Hey babe. I tried calling earlier, but no one picked up.”271

“We just got up,” Zach said, letting her inside and shutting the door.272

“That would explain it, then,” she laughed. She walked into the kitchen. “Where’s Andrew?” she asked.273

“Sleeping, I think.” He was quiet for a second. “No shower; I hear the water running.” He sighed dreamily. “I’m glad he’s moving in. I really like him. We get along…perfectly.”274

Sarah looked at him suspiciously. “What did you guys do yesterday?”275

“Why?” Zach said defensively, feeling funny under her look.276

Sarah’s eyes widened, and her mouth fell open. “You slept with him,” she whispered.277

Zach sighed, and turned back to his pancakes. “It’s a free country, Sarah. What, I’m not allowed to have a little fun?” He looked up at her. “Look, I didn’t force him into anything, okay? He did it of his own free will. Leave me alone”278

“Zach, you two barely know each other!” Sarah protested.279

“I’ve known him for a few weeks. And besides, it’s one of your friends. I trust him completely.”280

Sarah sighed, and was silent for a long moment. Then she sighed again, this time in defeat. “Well…was it good, at least?”281

Zach smiled, and sat down. “God, yes…I really like him, Sarah. He’s so different, you know? Like, in a nice way. He’s not like any other guy I’ve been with…we just…clicked. It was perfect.”282

“I never thought I’d see the day,” Sarah said after a moment.283

“What?” Zach asked, looking at her curiously.284

“You’re in love.”285

Zach waved a dismissive hand at her. “You’re ridiculous. It’s too soon to be in love.”286

“Love at first sight? Or first fuck, in your case.”287

Zach just shook his head. “I don’t fall in love. Not since, like, seventh grade.”288

“Well, you did this time,” Sarah said, giving his cheek a pat.289

Zach looked over towards the bathroom, thinking. Maybe…290

He started when he heard a sound come from the bathroom. 291

He went in to find Andrew, dripping wet and chattering his teeth.292

“The w-water went c-cold,” he said, pulling a towel around himself and rubbing briskly.293

Zach looked confused, then apologetic. “I’m so sorry…it’s the landlord…the water heater shuts off automatically after a while. Greg and I were used to taking a short shower together, it never bothered us…I’ll fix it today, okay?” He grabbed another towel, and started rubbing the cold skin. “Is that a little better?”294

Andrew was still shivering, but he nodded. Zach pulled him a little closer, rubbed a little harder. “How about that?” he whispered, giving him a kiss.295

Andrew sighed. “Yeah. I’m gonna get dressed…wanna come?”296

Zach smiled wickedly. “I’d love to come. A few times, in fact. But I think we should wait till later for that. I have to finish those pancakes I promised you.”297

Andrew laughed. “Alright. See you in a minute.”298

Zach kissed his cheek, and went back to the kitchen to get breakfast finished.299

Andrew came in a few moments later, giving Sarah a kiss on the cheek. “Hey, Sarah.”300

“Long night, stud?” she asked.301

Andrew just gave her a smile. “A wonderful one,” he said, wrapping his arms around Zach’s waist from behind. He kissed the back of Zach’s neck, and Zach purred.302

Sarah laughed, and helped them with the pancakes.303

“I’d better get moving. Michy and I are going to go shopping.”304

Zach gave her a kiss. “Okay. We’ll see you later.”305

“Later, sweetie.”306

Zach let her out, then came back to the kitchen.307

“And now were all alone again,” he sang quietly. He cupped Andrew’s cheek, and kissed him.308

Andrew sighed, picking him up and sitting him on the countertop. Zach wrapped his legs around his waist and deepened the kiss.309

“Mmm…oh, Zach,” Andrew breathed. He ran a hand up Zach’s thigh, brushing it over his zipper. Zach moaned and moved the hand back. 310

Andrew began fumbling with it, when Zach opened his eyes.311

“Andrew…Andrew, not in the kitchen…come on, we gotta stop,” he whispered.312

Andrew sighed. “Alright. But we’re finishing it later.”313

“Count on it,” Zach said, sliding off of the counter. He picked up the plates of pancakes and turned back to him.314

“Hope you’re hungry,” he said, giving him a kiss on the cheek and sitting at the kitchen table.315

“Starving.”316

They began eating. Zach trailed a finger through some of the syrup on his plate, and looked up at Andrew slyly. 317

Andrew smiled back, and Zach reached across the table and touched it to Andrew’s lip.318

Andrew pulled the finger into his mouth, and Zach smiled at the feeling of the warm, silken concave wrapped around his finger. Andrew nipped his finger, and Zach laughed.319

“Still want to eat me up, I presume?” he asked in a husky voice.320

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Andrew said, he leaned over and nibbled at Zach’s lip.321

Zach giggled, and Andrew kissed up his jawline to his ear, nibbling again.322

“I like being eaten,” Zach said. He looked into Andrew’s eyes. “But I like being kissed more.”323

“I can do that, too,” Andrew said. He leaned over and pecked him on the cheek. He started to pull away, but Zach pulled him back.324

“Hey, now,” he said softly, and started to kiss Andrew. “I want a real kiss.”325

“Oh, you want a real kiss,” Andrew whispered. Zach nodded.326

Andrew smiled. “Come here, then,” he said, patting his thigh.327

Zach smiled, and moved over to sit in his lap. Andrew kissed him slowly, savoring the weight of his body, and the warmth of his mouth.328

“Why didn’t we start this weeks ago?” he asked after a moment.329

“Because I’m stupid,” Andrew said, kissing the underside of his chin. “But believe me, I plan to make up for lost time.”330

“Sounds good to me,” Zach said. He got up from Andrew’s lap, smiling, and brought the dishes to the sink.331

Andrew sat for another moment, then got up to help. He handed him a glass, and their fingers touched. Zach smiled at him and swayed about the kitchen, cleaning up. Andrew watched him. It gave him a homey feeling, like this was right, like was what life was supposed to be for them.332

He loved Zach. If it wasn’t love, it was something like it. Everything the other boy did enthralled him, every touch, or sigh, or blink he made with his gorgeous eyelashes.333

He loved the way Zach walked, talked, hummed, kissed, groaned, slept…he could go on forever. His smile was sunlight; his laugh like bells.334

Zach pulled him close, leaning against his chest and sighing.335

“Well...it’s a lovely Saturday afternoon…what do you want to do?”336

Andrew was silent for a moment. “Can we go to the aquarium?”337

“If you want. What’s at the aquarium?” Zach asked.338

“I don’t know. Sarah said I should see the new aquarium.”339

“That’s right, you moved before it was finished,” Zach said. He smiled. “You’ll love it. It’s really neat; it’s built through the bay, with thick glass tunnels, so it’s like you’re underwater. The plants are natural, and there are always different fish and things.”340

Andrew smiled. “Cool. Let’s go.”341

*~~~*342

Andrew stood behind Zach, with his arms crossed around his new lover’s chest.343

Zach leaned against him, smiling.344

“Aren’t the fish beautiful?” he asked.345

“You’re beautiful,” Andrew murmured, giving him a kiss on the back of his neck.346

Zach blushed in content.347

“You’re so sweet you give me a toothache,” he said. “You’ve been treating me like a prince since we met.”348

“Well, I like you.”349

“I’m certainly glad you like me…I like you too.” 350

“You do?” Andrew asked, nuzzling his ear. 351

Zach closed his eyes and sighed happily. “Yes. Very, very much,” he answered. “So much, it kinda scares me.” He turned to face Andrew, putting his arms around his shoulders. “Sarah thinks I’m in love with you.”352

Andrew looked at him seriously. “What do you think?” he asked, tilting Zach’s face up a bit.353

“I think it’s too soon to tell, but if I’m going to fall in love with anyone…” He gave Andrew a kiss on the cheek and smiled. “I’d want it to be you.”354

Andrew returned his happy smile, and kissed him.355

“Well…do you want to see if it’ll work with us? This ‘relationship’ thing? We’re both a bit shaky on how to run one,” he said, stroking Zach’s cheek. Zach smile and kissed Andrew’s palm.356

“All the more reason for us to try,” he said, hugging Andrew tight. He sighed at the feeling of Andrew rubbing circles on his back. “This feels right,” he whispered. He nuzzled Andrew’s chest with his cheek, and gave him a kiss through the soft cloth of his T-shirt. He suddenly felt Andrew’s chest rumble with a gentle laugh.357

“What?” he asked, looking up.358

“I was just thinking…we set up my room for nothing.”359

*~~~*360

“Hey, babe, hand me those streamers, please?” Zach asked, pointing to a pile of blue tissue paper.361

“Sure,” Andrew said, giving it too him with a kiss.362

They were setting up for Michelle’s birthday party. Zach had never seen the girl’s apartment so stuffed with crepe paper and balloons.363

Andrew was thinking the same thing. “You guys pull out all the stops, don’t you?” he said, looking around.364

“Well, Michy is the baby of the group. Makes her the favorite.”365

“Next to me,” Zach added.366

“She’s worth it, no doubt,” Andrew said, ignoring his boyfriend. “I’ve really grown to love her.” He sat on the couch, and Zach sat next to him.367

“What about me?” he pouted.368

“I’ve really grown to love you, too, baby,” Andrew said. Zach giggled, and leaned over to nuzzle Andrew’s ear. Andrew smiled, and touched his lips to Zach’s.369

“You two had better not do that at the party tonight. You’ll be the center of attention,” Sarah laughed.370

“What’s so bad about that?” Zach said, his arms wrapping around his lover.371

“It’s Michy’s special day, she should be in the limelight, not you two…keep it up, and I’m taking you home, Zach,” she added as Zach slipped a hand down to Andrew’s zipper.372

The boys pouted.373

“Spoil sport,” Zach pouted. He turned and began sucking at Andrew’s tongue, eventually travelling down his throat.374

Sarah just laughed. “As much as I like the idea of you two fucking in front of me, I think Michelle deserves to come home on her birthday and see her friends fully clothed.”375

They laughed as Michelle came in the door, as if on cue.376

“What’s so funny?” she asked. Zach got up and gave her a hug.377

“I’ll tell you later. Happy birthday.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek, and let Andrew and Sarah give her their hugs and kisses.378

“Go change, everyone’s going to be here soon,” Sarah said, taking Michelle’s jacket and books. “Go on, hurry!”379

Michelle smiled, and went to her bedroom.380

Zach went back to the living room to sit on the arm of the couch, next to Andrew. “You’re gonna dance with me tonight, right?” he asked, rubbing his nose on Andrew’s cheek. “I just love dancing.”381

“Really, now?” Andrew said, smiling at him. “I’ll be sure and save you a dance.”382

“Save me seven?” Zach whispered.383

“As many as you want,” Andrew whispered back. Zach slipped into his lap.384

“And some alone time outside?” he asked, tracing little circles on Andrew’s chest, and looking up at him through his eyelashes.385

“Of course,” Andrew said, mesmerized by the little flakes of gold in Zach’s eyes.386

“Good. I’ll be right back. I’m gonna use the little boy’s room,” Zach said, giving him a quick squeeze on the arm before he got up and left.387

Sarah shook her head. “He has you so whipped,” she said, almost laughing, but still quite serious. “Either you’re totally in love, or he is amazing in bed.”388

Andrew smiled. “I think it’s both. I like him so much, Sarah, more than anyone else I’ve dated. Everything he does just amazes me, Sarah. Every time he moves or smiles, it’s like magic. We sat in bed for three hours last night talking. Talking! Paul and I weren’t even in the same room for 3 hours, unless we were sleeping. But we talked, about everything and anything. He’s smart, you know? Like, some of his ideas and stuff…they blow me away.”389

He sat quiet for a moment, and Sarah smiled. “I’ve never seen you so love sick, Drew. I mean…I don’t know what I mean. You’re different this time. I say you when you first met Paul…it was nothing like this.”390

Andrew just smiled, and Sarah laughed.391

Zach came back in then, and he slipped back into Andrew’s lap, cuddling against him.392

“What did I miss?” he asked.393

“Not much. Discovered the meaning of life, solved world hunger…the usual,” Andrew laughed, kissing his cheek.394

Zach giggled, tickling him gently. Sarah smiled.395

“Actually,” she said, “We were talking about some amazing people. And the amazing people who love them.” 396

Zach looked up at Andrew. “You should have mentioned us,” he joked.397

Andrew pretended surprise. “Why didn’t I mention us?” he asked in fake disappointment. 398

Zach laughed, hugging him tight, and sitting up to look at Sarah.399

“I’m forever in your debt, Sarah-Bear,” he said. “Do you know how happy I am you introduced Andy and I?”400

Sarah smiled at Andrew. “I think I have an idea,” she said, smiling.401

Zach sighed, and nestled into his lover’s arms. “We’re gonna look back on this day, far in the future, and we’re gonna say 402

‘Remember when we fell in love?’”403

Andrew smiled. “I hope so,” he said, nuzzling Zach’s cheek.404

*~~~*405

Zach looked around; the party was in full swing.406

“Wow, Sarah, the place is packed,” he said, trying to be heard over the music.407

“What?” Sarah shouted.408

“Packed! The place is packed,” he said.409

Sarah just smiled and nodded her head.410

‘She’s not hearing a single word…’ he thought. Suddenly he felt someone take his arm. He turned to see Michael smiling at him. He leaned over and said into Zach’s ear, “Your boyfriend has stolen my girlfriend. Care to help me separate them?”411

“With pleasure,” Zach laughed. They walked to where Andrew and Michelle were dancing and talking.412

“Mind if I cut in?” Michael asked.413

Andrew saw Zach, and smiled. “I suppose you can have her,” he said, giving Michelle a kiss on the cheek and giving Michael her hand.414

Zach put his arms around Andrew’s shoulders. “You owe me seven dances,” he said into Andrew’s ear.415

“And some time outside,” Andrew said, kissing his cheek.416

“It’s raining.”417

“SO…alone time somewhere else.”418

Just then, a slow romantic song started playing. Andrew kissed Zach on the corner of his mouth, and pulled him close, letting his hands rest on Zach’s slight hips. He took the lead and started to sway, gently steering Zach as he danced.419

After a moment, Zach pushed a little closer to Andrew, pressing against his chest.420

“Andrew…come to the bathroom with me?” he whispered.421

“The bathroom? How romantic.”422

Zach smacked his chest playfully. “Just come with me,” he pleaded. He took Andrew’s hand and led him down the dark hallway to the bathroom. He locked the door as they went in, and leaned against it.423

“So…why’d we come in here?” Andrew asked, walking in and turning to Zach.424

Zach had a feral look in his eyes, like a cat ready to pounce. The corners of his moth turned up in a wicked smile.425

“Uh-oh,” Andrew gulped, backing up against a wall.426

Zach pounced.427

Before Andrew could register that Zach had moved, he was on the ground, with Zach sitting on his stomach and pummeling him with kisses.428

“Do you know that you turn me completely on?” Zach asked between kisses.429

“I do now,” Andrew answered.430

Zach wiggled down and worked at Andrew’s pants.431

Andrew pulled them back up. “Zach! We’re in Sarah’s bathroom! We can’t do that here!”432

He stood up, and Zach scrambled up wit him, pressing him against the wall.433

“But I want you,” Zach moaned quietly. He tugged at Andrew’s shirt, and bit the juncture of his neck and shoulder.434

Andrew twitched and moaned. “Zach… can it wait just a bit longer? The party will be over soon, and-”435

Zach pressed his cheek against Andrew’s. “Now…I want you now…” he moaned. He attacked Andrew’s pants, and Andrew fought to keep him at bay. Jeez, put a little alcohol in the boy, and he was all arms. He tried to wiggle out of his grasp, but Zach was persistent.436

“Andy…at least kiss me,” he said, putting a hand on each of his cheeks. He pulled Andrew close, brushing his lips against Andrew’s.437

Andrew moaned again. “This is torture, Zach…” he whispered.438

Zach fell to his knees, looking up at Andrew and stroking his thigh. “I can get you off right here, Andy.”439

Andrew moaned, and pulled Zach back up, giving him another kiss.440

“God, Zach…who did you train from, the devil?” he asked.441

Zach just smiled. “I’ll let you fuck me right here, against the wall.”442

“You are the devil,” Andrew whispered, finally giving in.443

“I know,” Zach whispered back. He was just getting Andrew’s belt undone when someone knocked on the door.444

“Drew?” It was Sarah.445

Andrew closed his eyes, and let his head fall back in defeat.446

“Yes?” he said.447

“Come on out, we’re bringing out the cake. Hey, have you seen Zach?”448

Andrew opened his eyes, looked into Zach’s, and smiled.449

“Yeah, I’ve seen him.”450

“Well, get him and get out here. Michy won’t blow out the candles if you two aren’t there, and wax is getting everywhere!”451

“Okay…I’ll be there in a second.”452

“Hurry!”453

He listened as her footsteps went away, then looked at Zach. “Michy won’t blow out here candles until we’re out there,” he said.454

Zach laughed softly, and pressed his cheek to Andrew’s as he hugged him.455

“Well, then, we should go.456

“…Happy birthday, dear Michy, Happy birthday to you!”457

Michelle blew out her candles, and everyone cheered.458

As the cake was cut, Zach moved lose to Andrew and took his hand. “In a little while, can we go home?” he asked. “She’s already done her presents, and we’ve been with here all day. She won’t miss us.”459

Andrew nodded, and Zach smiled, then went to go give Michele a hug and kiss.460

Andrew watched him and sighed. He would tell him tonight. Definitely, tonight. It had been a month…he knew for sure.461

Zach came back and took his hand. “Ready to go?” he asked him, kissing his cheek. 462

“Yeah.”463

They said their good-byes and went out to the car. The rain had stopped, and everything was quiet and wet.464

Zach gazed out of the window on the way home.465

“Everything looks so different put here at night,” he said quietly. “It’s so peaceful, you know?”466

“Yeah…Zach?” Andrew asked.467

“Mm-hmm?” Zach asked, smiling at him.468

“I…nothing,” he said. He scolded himself for having no courage. He stayed quiet the rest of the way home, letting Zach chatter.469

He pulled into the driveway and turned off the car, but instead of getting out, he turned to Zach, and took his hand.470

“Zach?”471

“Yeah?” Zach asked.472

“I love you.”473

Zach smiled. “I love you too, Andy. Now come on, let’s go in, it’s freezing out here.”474

“No, Zachie…listen.”475

Zach smiled curiously. “You’ve never called me that befo-”476

“Zachary! Listen to me. I mean I love you. Like, I really love you.”477

Zach wasn’t smiling anymore. “You mean…like with capital letters, like LOVE love?”478

Andrew nodded, and Zach looked down at their hands for a second.479

“Andy?” he whispered.480

“Yeah?481

“I love you too,” he said, looking into his eyes.482

Andrew smiled. “Good…let’s go inside now.”483

Zach nodded, and they walked silently into the house. Just as they got inside, Zach turned to Andrew. “Oh my god,” he whispered.484

Andrew smiled. Here it came…485

Zach clapped his hands, and threw his arms around Andrew, pressing close against him. “You really love me? You aren’t just saying it to say it, you really mean it?”486

Andrew nodded. “Yes, Zachie, I really love you.”487

Zach laughed again, squeezing him tightly.488

“I love that name! And I love you! God, I love you,” he said, tilting his head up to kiss Andrew hard. He let his hands fall down to Andrew’s belt loops, and he pulled Andrew to the bedroom. He lowered himself onto the bed, and pulled the other man after him. He sat up suddenly, and broke their kiss.489

“Say it again,” he whispered490

Andrew smiled, and pressed his lips to Zach’s ear.491

“I love you, Zachie.”492

Zach moaned happily, almost laughing again, and hungrily kissed Andrew. He parted his legs, lightly wrapping them around Andrew’s waist.493

Andrew grasped the backs of Zach’s thighs and rocked down gently. Zach whimpered.494

“Oh, god…Andy, do that again, and you’ll be forced to fuck me,” he whispered, stroking Andrew’s hair.495

“Really? Doesn’t sound like much of a threat, Zach,” Andrew laughed, kissing his neck. He rocked again, and Zach gasped and shivered.496

“That’s it,” he said, turning them over so he was on top of Andrew. He all but ripped Andrew’s clothes away, and then stood up and wiggled out of his own. Then he hopped back onto the bed, crawling over to rummage through the nightstand.497

“I told you what would happen if you kept it up,” he said, pulling the necessary items out of the drawer. “Now you have to fuck me.”498

Andrew tried not to laugh, and he gave Zach a finger to suck on. “Oh, I will…long and hard,” he whispered into his ear. 499

He turned his lover closer to him, and a few moments later he was being slowly and sensually opened, arching his back as Andrew hit a sensitive spot.500

“This is hardly the prelude to dirty hot monkey sex, is it?” he mused quietly.501

This time, Andrew did laugh, so hard that he almost passed out from no air. He rolled over onto his back, clutching at his sides, and trying to gulp for air.502

“Oh, Zach…I think you killed it,” he gasped.503

Zach studied his crotch for a moment.504

“Nope, it’s still alive… I might have to give it mouth to mouth, though.”505

Andrew couldn’t help but start to laugh again.506

*~~~*507

Zach looked at Andrew as he slept, smoothing back hair from his flushed, damp forehead.508

“Go on and sleep, baby,” he whispered, smiling contentedly. “You should be tired.”509

They had spent the last three or four hours doing nothing but having sex. Andrew had a lot of stamina when provoked.510

He gave his dormant lover a kiss on the cheek, and tried to go to sleep. After tossing and turning or a while, though, he realized that sleep was not going to come any time soon, despite their exertions. He finally just got up from bed, and went out onto the back porch. It smelled like rain and grass. He took a breath of the night air and smiled. This was turning out so incredibly well.511

“I guess I am in love,” he said to himself quietly. “What a trip.”512

“What are you doin’ out here?”513

Zach turned around to se Andrew with messed up hair and a sheet around his waist. He smiled.514

“Thinking,” he said simply.515

“What are you thinking about?” Andrew asked, taking a sleepy step toward him.516

“You,” Zach said, holding his arms out. Andrew walked out to the porch and let Zach embrace him. 517

“What are you doing up?” he asked sleepily.518

“Couldn’t sleep,” Zach answered. “How about you?”519

“I felt you moving,”520

Zach kissed his cheek. “I’m sorry, baby,” he said. “Next time, I’ll stick around.”521

Andrew smiled, and cuddled him. “Come to bed…” he said, pulling Zach toward the door.522

They went back inside, and Zach laid down, pulling Andrew close and tucking his leg under his own.523

“Better?” he asked, kissing the underside of Andrew’s chin.524

“Much better, thank you,” Andrew said. “Good night.”525

Zach whispered good night back, and watched Andrew fall back to sleep.526

This is so strange, he told himself. What am I supposed to do with him? Do I need to keep track of our anniversaries and birthdays and stuff? I don’t know how to have a relationship!527

He squeezed his eyes shut, and when he opened them, his mind was clear.528

And there was Andrew. Sleeping by him, mumbling the smallest bit in his sleep.529

“I’ll learn for you, Andy,” he whispered. “You’ll see, I’ll try so hard…I’ll make this work for us.”530

He smoothed some of Andrew’s dark hair, and closed his eyes, finally falling asleep.531