"Hey, Ralph. I don't usually invite myself round people's houses, but I had this huge argument with my gran and… Can I stay with you tonight, please?"

"Sure, Simon. That's fine, come over when ever you want."

"Thanks."

Simon and I had been good friends for years now. He had always been one of the people that understood me and I understood him.

Over the last few weeks though, I had been noticing things that I hadn't usually noticed before.

Like how his eyes were a beautiful shade of green. And when he spilled something on his shirt, he took it off to put it in the wash, and I noticed his skinny flawless body, slightly tanned from a recent holiday. I noticed how his hair was soft and how his lips looked softer…

We had a good laugh that night. I guess we were kind of flirty as friends. But that's all Simon was. All flirt, with nothing else. He had a girlfriend, that he told me he wanted to kiss more than anything. But he couldn't assert himself enough to make a move, despite the many opportunities that had presented themselves.

All night, I just wanted to kiss him. To grab him and make out with him like he should be getting from his girlfriend.

But, I didn't have the guts. I mean, he was straight. And scared shitless of anything more than a hug!

We watched a few films and reminisced the old days of our friendship. After the end of the second film, I brought up the idea that I had been brewing all night.

"So, I have some cider and lagers in the fridge. Can I interest you in one?"

Simon considered. "Yeah, okay."

I ran downstairs and found that I had one can of cider and one and a half cans of lager. This had to do. I was determined to make a move tonight.

Simon took the cider and I consumed the lager. These drinks had more effect than I thought, but still, it wasn't ideal. I was still really nervous.

We started to get silly. I subtly budged closer to Simon all the time, until I was so close he was probably feeling claustrophobic. At this time, I didn't care. This was the moment. Now or never.

"Simon?" I breathed.

"Yeah?" he whispered in reply.

"Could I… kiss you?"

"… Yeah." he said. And without hesitation, I leant over and kissed him.

My eager lips met his still ones. I kissed his closed mouth for a few seconds, then pulled away slightly.

"Are you gonna kiss me back or…?"

Simon just opened his mouth in response. This was a pretty weird reaction, but I didn't waste my opportunity. I began to kiss him again. He kissed back idly. I hinted with my tongue, by running it along his open lips. This gained no outcome. I sighed inwardly. We pulled apart.

"Haven't I got a girlfriend?" he asked bemusedly.

"She doesn't need to know." I said, as a desperate attempt to get him to show some enthusiasm.

There was a knock on my door and I pulled away to an acceptable distance. My mum walked in.

"Ralph, what are you doing on the floor, get in bed."

I obeyed her orders and scrambled into bed. I fell asleep within minutes.

—©—

The next morning, I opened my eyes dazedly. I caught sight of Simon on the mattress on my floor.

"Ohhhhh god…" I thought. The memories of last night came flooding back. I felt rather embarrassed, and I felt bad for Simon. Not only had I practically forced myself upon him, but I was also the same gender and he had a girlfriend. I felt like a complete bastard.

But one can of strong cider wouldn't have knocked him out that much. I mean, he could of pushed me off if he had wanted, right? I wish I would ever find out, but I knew I wouldn't. I knew that we were going to act like this had never happened and never speak of it again.

Well… At least I'd conquered my nervousness and done it. At least I had that.