Chapter 4

Matt

I don't know what came over me that night. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed when I found Near sleeping when I came out of the shower. However I couldn't blame him. He was quite exhausted. I was a bit anxious wondering what might happen with us sharing a bed that night. I didn't know how I should approach it, or even if I should. All these thoughts were racing through my mind as I showered. Perhaps it was for the better that he fell asleep, maybe we weren't ready yet.

I couldn't help myself though. Lying there in bed next to him, was more than I could take. He had the covers pulled halfway up his bare chest. He looked beautiful. Peaceful. I imagined what it would be like to kiss his neck, the smooth skin of his chest, to suck gently on the end of his chin. What would he taste like, smell like? What sounds would he make? I imagined a heated moan escaping from his soft pink lips. I simply couldn't help myself. I pleasured myself next to him, heart in mouth for fear he would wake up. When I came, I had to stifle my voice as I called his name quietly with a half moan/half whisper sound. I'm glad I did it though, because I don't think I would've slept a wink that night otherwise.

The next morning Near got up before me. He had gotten dressed and went down to the hotel lobby to grab some breakfast for us, a thoughtful gesture.

"How'd you sleep Near?" I asked, more than just out of simple curiosity.

"Very well. I desperately needed a full night's worth. I thought I was going to fall asleep standing up."

"Did you have fun yesterday?" I asked. He looked up from his plate.

"Yes, I honestly can say that I did. Thank you Matt."

While his voice was typically unaffected, his eyes told the whole story. I felt good inside. I made near laugh, smile. Nobody ever sees more than a dry, sarcastic smirk from this boy, let alone laughter. It meant to the world to me to see him genuinely happy, and to know I had something to do with it.

"Can I... Can I keep the shirt you lent me Matt?" He asked.

"Of course! I've got plenty."

He nodded in thanks. The rest of the day went by quickly. Roger only had a few small things planned for us, as were leaving a little bit after noontime. On the drive back, I was somewhat concerned about the angry Mello that would be waiting for me there. However, I don't think this trip would have been as enjoyable had he been there. Actually it may have ended up being downright unenjoyable, trying to split myself between him and Near.

Sooner than I realized, we were back in Winchester, and only moments from home. I could see the mansard roof in the distance as we rounded the bend. When my feet hit the ground I realized how hot it had gotten outside. It seemed even hotter than it was yesterday. We entered the familiar building, and I set off to my room to put away my things. I found Mello sitting on my bed munching on a chocolate bar, waiting for me.

"Well look who's here? How was the trip?" Mello said.

"It was fine. How's your ankle?"

"Did you and Near play nicely?"

He had an icy flare in his voice, ignoring the concern I had for his injury. I stopped putting my things away. I could see where this was going already.

"Why do you ask?" I could feel the anger roiling in my stomach like a cauldron.

"Oh just curious. You seem to be spending an awful lot of time with each other lately. You seem to be getting..." He rose up and brought his face close to mine, his breath reeked of chocolate. "close."

"Just what are you playing at?!" I snapped, backing away from him.

Mello shrugged his shoulders dismissively. Mello pushing me around is nothing new, but when Near is involved I wouldn't stand for it.

"Look, he's a good bloke. Nobody's paid him enough mind to ever notice that. He's my bloody friend and he's a damn sight better friend than you are to me!" I verbally spat towards him, unsure of where I found that fire inside of me. "And here's your bloody book!" I snatched the book from the table and threw it at him in one motion, not hard enough to damage it or to injure, but enough to get my point across, it landed into his midriff and fell to the ground. "Now fuck off out of my room!"

He stared me down, saying nothing. I could almost hear his teeth grinding. I was worried he might try to hit me. I dared not flinch though as he moved closer. He started to leave, and bumped shoulders with me forcefully as he walked out the door. I closed it behind him, and collapsed on my bed, trying to catch my breath. I had always figured I'd feel awful after a confrontation like this with Mello, but I felt some relief. While I was tiring of him for a while, I didn't realize just how lousy I was being treated until Near pointed it out to me. I felt like a fool. He has done nothing for me. My blind lust for him turned me into a fool. My lust for his blond hair and pretty bloody face, which turns out to belong to nothing more than a narcissistic cock.

I started to calm down as I paced the room. I needed to get out of here... do something. I knew I had to see the only person who would make me feel better.

I knocked on Near's door.

"Come in!"

I entered his room and found him unpacking his things and putting everything away neatly. I entered the room and sat down at the foot of his bed.

"I just had an argument with Mello. I found him in my room waiting for me."

"Is everything ok Matt?"

"Oh fuck him! I threw him out of my room."

"Is he ever going to accept responsibility for injuring his own foot instead of blaming you?"

"I dunno. I don't care either. I just want to get a way for a little while. So I found you."

I didn't dare tell him what the argument was actually about. He didn't need to know that it involved him as well.

"So what are we going to do? Movie? Games?"

A fantastic idea came to me.

"Fancy going outside? I know somewhere we can go."

"Normally I would say no, but I trust you." Near said, getting up off his bed.

Wammy's house is surrounded by forests, and I knew of something there, deep into the woods that might be fun. I led him down the stairs to the side door near the pantry. The air was hot outside, like a hairdryer in your face.

"Wow.. It's a little uncomfortable out here. Are you sure you want to be out here?" Near asked pulling at the collar of his long sleeved shirt.

"It wont be a problem. Follow me." I said as we dashed into the forest, shielded from the sun by the trees above us. It was still extremely hot and humid, making breathing laborious.

"How far are you taking us?" Near asked, his forehead glistening with sweat, his hair plastered to it in places.

"We're here, just beyond that clearing! Cmon!"

I dashed ahead excitedly as we reached the clearing, the sun strong above us.

"It's a... lake?" Near said with a perplex look on his face. I stepped onto the large rock that jutted into the mouth of the lake and started to take off my shoes.

"Matt, I don't know how to swim."

"Well we'll have to do something about that, wont we?"

"Besides, we don't have bathing trunks. I don't even own a pair."

"Just swim in your underwear. It's just us out here!"

I stripped down to my gray boxer briefs. Near's eyes widened in disbelief. I cannonballed off of the rock, holding my legs to my chest. The water was refreshingly cool, not cold. Near stepped onto the rock and slowly started to unbutton his shirt.

"I'm still a bit concerned about my lack of swimming ability. I understand the mechanics behind it, but experience is..."

"I wont let you drown Near, I promise. Besides as you can see, this part is shallow enough to stand." I replied standing straight up, the water reaching just below my chest.

Near is a bit shorter than me, but surely he could keep his head above the surface. Near removed the rest of this clothes, and now stood before me on the rock, in his white briefs, looking simply stunning. He was thin without looking gaunt. Not much muscle definition, hardly a surprise for someone who rarely exercises or engages in physical activity, but he was as far as I could tell, perfect. His body was nicely proportioned and had just enough curve in his pectorals to make them out, and a flat tummy. His legs were shapely, and hairless, and appeared longer than I would've thought, considering his diminutive stature. I could've stared all day, but as he carefully approached the edge of the rock, he needed my assistance.

"Jump!" I called out to him. He hesitated for a moment. "C'mon jump!"

In one movement he leaped from the rock. I hoped he wouldn't end up landing on his stomach, and fortunately he didn't. I moved my way over to him as he resurfaced.

"It's a bit colder than I expected..." He said, blinking the water from his eyes. "But it's refreshing."

"So, are you ready for lesson one?"

Near had an easier time swimming than I had thought. It should be of no surprise that he's a very fast learner. I had to hold him up while he swam in place for a bit. It was less than sensual contact, but contact nonetheless, and that was enough for me at the moment. He was smiling and sometimes laughing through it all. At one point he managed to find his way to the deeper part of the lake and lost his momentum. I quickly swam over to him and held him above water, his chest pressed close to mine.

We were out there for a few hours at least, frolicking, splashing. The sun was starting to become low on the horizon. I decided it's time to dry ourselves off before the sun sets and we were left in the dark. Near followed me onto the rock, his soaked white briefs leaving little to the imagination. We laid there for a bit, waiting for the hot summer air to dry us.

"How'd you find this place Matt?" Near asked.

"I was just walking around. Mello had me feeling a bit down on myself for once, and I just decided to walk into the forest. Once I found the lake, I went for a swim right then and there. Everything seemed better afterwards. Just like now." I replied. We laid there for a while in silence. I nearly fell asleep. The sun was beginning to turn orange now as it began to set.

"Matt, I think we should get going. The sun is starting to set." Near asked, nudging my shoulder.

"Ok. Ok." I said through a yawn.

We put our clothes back on and walked back into the forest, back towards the house.

"So, what are we doing after this?" Near asked.

"Lets go back to my room and we'll think of something." I replied. We re-entered through the pantry door. Nobody seemed to have been looking for us while we were gone.

We reached my room. I opened the door hoping I would not find Mello inside again. He wasn't there. After Near and I entered, I locked the door behind me.

I saw Near tugging at his shirt uncomfortably.

"I think I may have gotten sunburned." He said, trying to look down at his shoulder.

"Oh Near I'm so sorry! I didn't consider that your skin is so fair it would burn easily!"

"It's ok Matt, I had such an amazing time today I don't care. I'll just go visit the Nurse."

"And tell her what exactly? Let me see the sunburn."

Near removed his shirt. The sunburn wasn't really bad at all. I would've been surprised if he had much sunburn at all considering most of the lake was in the shade. His shoulders maybe were a little pink, but I guess if he wasn't used to much sun exposure it must've bothered him a bit. I had an idea, and it gave me goosebumps.

"I've got something that will help. Lie down on the bed." I said, pulling a bottle of massage oil from the nightstand cabinet.

"Why do you have a bottle of massage oil in your nightstand?".

"Do you really need me to answer that question?" I replied, feeling myself blush. Near took a moment to process my statement.

"Oh... never mind." Near said, as he laid on his stomach.

I climbed on top of him, opened the cap, and poured some of the oil on his bare back. With both hands I worked the oil into his skin, rubbing his shoulders gently. I honestly had no idea if this would help sunburn or not. I didn't care either. I could feel every muscle in his body as my fingers slid over his smooth skin.

"mmm..."

He seemed to be enjoying this as much as I was. I was beginning to sweat nervously as I touched him I ran my hands down his sides, and reached around towards his stomach. He inhaled sharply, surprising me with his sudden reaction. I had to go further.

"Near turn over." I said.

He obeyed, turning over onto his back. His eyes were still closed.

I poured more oil on his chest, and began to work it in. My hands sliding all over him. His skin was tight. I could feel his heart banging away as my hand passed over it.

What was I doing to him?

My heart was beating faster too. His skin was hot to the touch. I worked my way to his stomach, which had gotten a strong reaction from him earlier.

"unnhhh."

I ran my hands up and down his sides, pushing a little harder into his firm flesh. I could feel his hardness beneath me as I straddled him. I thought I was going to burst at the seams, unable to believe where I was and what I was doing at that moment. Suddenly, Near's eyes opened as he propped himself up on his elbows. I've never seen him like this. I don't think anyone has. His blue eyes were glassy, his breathing comprised of deliberate, shallow breaths. His face was flushed. He stared deep into my eyes, his mouth slightly agape. I was frozen.

Near grabbed me by the collar of my shirt and forcefully pulled me towards him. He kissed me. This wasn't a gentle, tender kiss. This kiss was hungry. His tongue forced it's way into my mouth and I accepted it readily, letting it tangle with mine. He pulled away slightly biting my lip, teasing me. Then, in one movement he pulled my shirt off over my head. I was shaking. I thought my heart was going to explode inside my chest. Near had taken over. This was no longer a game.

I had awoken something inside of him.