Making It Work
Chapter 10 – Don't Let Go
"Sammy, what's wrong?" Rory asked as soon as he had opened the Pierces' front door and found his boyfriend waiting on the other side. Sam always looked good to Rory, and even now Rory had to admit he still looked amazing. But something definitely wasn't right. Sam looked pale and very rattled and a wide array of emotions seemed to be playing out across his face at a rapid clip. Relief seemed to be the one which won out as Sam charged through the door and embraced Rory with every ounce of his strength.
"Sam, ye'r hurting me," Rory said softly after a few seconds as he tried to gently pull away from him. It felt like Sam had his ribs in a steel vice.
"Where were you?!" Sam demanded as he pulled back far enough to look at Rory but kept a tight grip on his upper arms.
"Erm, right 'ere," Rory said feeling like he was in trouble but still not knowing why.
Sam took a deep breath and held it for a few seconds, willing himself to calm down. "Sorry," he said as he kissed Rory softly on the lips and gave him a quick, much more gentle hug. "I had a really bad day."
"Well come and tell me about it," Rory said sympathetically as he took Sam's hand and led him straight to the Pierce's kitchen table. He was starting to like this custom. They held hands and Sam started telling Rory about his day while Rory gently rubbed Sam's knuckles with his thumb. When Sam got the part about going to look for Rory by his locker in the morning Rory stopped him. "Wait, didn't ye' get me text?"
Sam shook his head. "No, I forgot to tell you last night, my phone's broken."
"What?! I didn't know that. Oh Sammy, I'd 'ave gone t'school if I'd known ye' would be worried." Rory felt terrible. It figured that that one time he skipped school something bad happened because of it.
"It's okay," Sam reassured him. "It's my fault for breaking it...I was kinda upset yesterday."
"Wait, ye' broke it on purpose?" Rory asked.
"Well, not on purpose so much as an angry accident. I sorta threw it against the wall after you told me to go after Mercedes on the phone yesterday." Sam was embarrassed and he hadn't wanted to tell Rory about what happened to his phone, but he felt like he had to be completely honesty, especially during conversations like these.
Rory felt even more guilty. "I'm sorry, I-"
"I know, Ror, you were only trying to do what you thought was best. And it's totally not your fault. I'm the idiot who freaked out," Sam said as he kissed Rory's fingers then continued telling him about his day. When he mentioned borrowing Finn's phone Rory stopped him again.
"Oh no! I 'ad me phone off," Rory said feeling more and more like all this was his fault. "It was in the text that ye' didn't get."
Sam shrugged and continued. When he told about what Mercedes had said Rory let go of his hand and jumped to his feet, clearly fuming.
"I can't believe she said that!" Rory said as he waved his arms around already imagining all the things he wanted to say to Mercedes the next time he saw her. Then Rory looked back at Sam and saw how hurt and defeated he looked and his anger quickly turned to sympathy for his boyfriend. "Aww, Sammy," Rory said walking around the table and pulling him into a tight hug. "I bet she didn't mean any o' it. No one could hate ye', Sammy. Ye'r way too incredible."
"Not true, Rory," Sam said fighting back tears as he nuzzled into Rory's neck.
"Yes, ye' are, darling," Rory insisted, awkwardly using the endearment. It didn't quite feel comfortable on his lips but he felt like the situation called for something.
"I meant about no one hating me," Sam said sadly. "Lots of people hate me now." Then Sam proceeded to tell Rory the rest of the story as the Irish boy sat in his lap and held him to be closer to him.
"Oh Sammy, I love ye' so much and I'm so sorry," Rory said desperately when Sam had finished the story.
Sam took another deep breath and sighed. "Not your fault, Ror. I guess I kinda brought it on myself."
"Ye' did not!" Rory snapped. "Ye' were nothing but good, Sammy. I know ye' still care about her, and forgive me, but if ye' weren't such a sweet person who tried t'be kind t'everyone that bitch wouldn't have hurt ye' and caused ye' all that grief. And I know that ye' probably will, but I won't ever forgive her for it," Rory stated firmly, anger roiling off of him again.
"Sshh, Ror, it's okay. But thank you for caring so much," Sam whispered into his boyfriend's ear. Having Rory so close and just feeling like he was in a safe place for the first time all day was already starting to make Sam feel much better.
"So ye' really threw up on Blaine," Rory said pulling back and trying not to giggle. He knew it wasn't really funny at all, to either Sam or Blaine, but there was something about it that couldn't help but tickle his grosser sense of humor.
"Yeah, I did," Sam said feeling ashamed. "Hey, let me use your phone real quick. I should apologize for that. He and Kurt were basically the only people who were nice to me and tried to help at all when everything went down."
Rory pulled his phone out of his pocket and handed it to Sam. When Sam turned it on he was surprised to see the volume of missed calls and texts. "Whoa, Rors, someone's popular!" he said handing it back to him.
Rory looked at it and blinked in surprise. He had twenty-two missed calls, seven voice mails, and fourteen text messages. "My God, Sammy, did the world end? I don't think I've gotten this many calls in all me life." Rory said clearly exaggerating. Sam suspected that he alone had called Rory far more than twenty-two times.
They spent the next half hour checking Rory's messages. Three of the calls were from Finn. Three were from Kurt. Three were from Blaine. Two were from Santana. Two were from Puck. One was from Quinn, whose number Rory didn't have but Sam recognized. One was from Rachel. One was from Tina, who left a voice mail identifying herself. Three were from Mike who also left a voice mail. One was from Artie, and two were from Finn and Kurt's home number and could have been anyone in the family. As expected one of the text messages from Finn's number was actually Sam's message, but two more texts from him and an assortment from other people, along with all the voice mails turned out to all boil down to more or less one of the same two things things. Either the messages indicated that Sam was having a crisis and wouldn't talk to anyone and Rory better call him or that Sam was missing and no one could find him at all and did Rory know where he was or how to reach him?
"Did ye' disappear, Sammy?" Rory asked feeling grateful and a little bit guilty that unlike their friends he hadn't had to worry about Sam until he was safely in his arms.
Sam shrugged. "Not really. I mean I stayed out of sight the rest of lunch...which I guess was when most people were looking for me. And I guess it's true that I didn't talk to anyone else except Santana or Brittany for the rest of the day, but I didn't even see anyone else," Sam insisted.
"Looks like they saw ye'," Rory pointed out.
"Yeah, I guess I was in my own little world," Sam said feeling embarrassed that he had apparently ignored nearly all his friends and also feeling bad for underestimating them to begin with. He had originally thought that no one cared enough to bother trying to help. Then Sam realized that he was still acting like he was in his own little world, and that his conversation with Rory was only half over. "Ror, I can't believe I keep forgetting to ask, why didn't you go to school today?"
"I had t'do some thinking," Rory said as his conflicting feelings and confused thoughts came flooding back.
"About what?" Sam asked still holding him.
"Being gay," Rory said quietly. "And religion."
Sam pulled him closer on his lap and rubbed his stomach. "What did you decide?"
What did I decide? Rory asked himself. He still wasn't really sure. Then Rory started to focus on Sam's arms around him, the caring and intimacy they had been sharing. They way they were taking care of each other. It just couldn't be a bad thing Rory realized. That just wouldn't make any sense.
"I realized that it's okay t'be gay," Rory said as firmly as he could.
Sam turned Rory's face to look at him, a huge grin had already spread across Sam's face and his green eyes were shining. "Really?" he asked excitedly.
"Really!" Rory confirmed believing it even more firmly now, looking at Sam's amazing smile, than he had just a few moments before. The expression on Sam's face made his hours of questions and contemplation seem instantly worth it.
Then Sam's smile somehow manged to get impossibly bigger and brighter still. Rory couldn't help but think that that was certainly one of the amazing things about Sam's beautiful, large mouth. "I love you," Sam said happily as their noses touched.
"I love ye' too," Rory whispered against Sam's mouth, barely having time to get the words out before they were kissing. A few seconds into the kiss Rory's phone started ringing.
"It's Finn's house number again," Rory said handing it to Sam.
"Hello," Sam answered. "Hi Carol. Yep, I'm with Rory. No, I'm fine. I'm sorry you guys were worried. Okay, I'll be right there. Okay bye." Sam hung up.
"I guess I'd better go," Sam said sadly as he handed the phone back to Rory.
"Yeah, I don't want ye' t'leave but I guess ye' better," Rory agreed not wanting everyone to worry.
Sam thought about it for a moment. "But after a day like today, I'm not going by myself. You're coming with me," Sam said grinning as they both stood up.
"Are ye' sure I won't be in the way?" he asked.
"No way!" Sam insisted.
Rory grinned feeling relieved. He had wanted to stay with Sam but hadn't wanted to intrude. The pair quickly left the house and got in Sam's car. While they were on their way back Rory sent out a mass text to everyone letting them know that Sam was okay now and would talk to them soon.
"Well, looks like I can cross 'coming out' off my list of things to do," Sam remarked while they were in the car. He had simply been trying to make a joke about how awful things had gone, but after he said it he realized he actually did feel at least somewhat relieved. It hadn't been at all how he had wanted it to happen, but at least it was over now. Plus apparently all his friends had cared enough to call after they found out, so that had to be a good sign.
Rory didn't find it amusing at all and looked horrified. "But Sammy, how are ye' going t'get through this?"
Sam shrugged. "Well the worst has to be over now, Ror. I mean it's slowly going to become old news right? And at least now my real friends know," Sam pointed out, realizing that his faith in his friends had more or less been completely restored.
"Okay, I'll tell everyone too," Rory said tensely as he clenched his jaw and looked like he was trying to fight off a panic attack.
"No, you won't, Ror!" Sam countered hating the idea instantly. "You're not ready."
"Ye' weren't ready," Rory pointed out.
"No, I wasn't," Sam agreed. "But why would that mean you should? You think I want to watch you get hurt?"
"Ye' shouldn't 'ave t'face the consequences by ye'self," Rory stated firmly. "Especially since I'm the one who's really gay and ye'r just..." Rory realized he still didn't know how Sam actually identified. "Awesome," he finished thinking it was as accurate as anything else he could come up with.
Sam laughed. "Well you're gay and awesome, babe. But you're not coming out. At least not to the whole school. You can tell our friends of course." Sam realized that he was kind of was hoping Rory would do that. It would feel good for them to at least be open about their relationship to the glee club. On the other hand, having that many people know would almost certainly guarantee that the secret would slowly leak out to the general school body.
Rory wanted to argue more, but decided to let it drop since today had been a tough day for Sam. He also had to acknowledge to himself that he was grateful Sam had vetoed the idea. He still dreaded the thought of even facing Finn, Kurt, and Blaine now that they knew. As Rory stared out the window and thought this fact over, he realized that that was exactly what he would likely be doing in the next few minutes: facing their friends that already knew.
"What's wrong?" Sam asked.
"How did ye' know?" Rory asked surprised.
"Body language, like the way you're clinching your mouth and hands. You relaxed for a little while after we quit talking about you coming out, but then the tension came back," Sam explained.
"Oh, well it's Finn and Blaine and Kurt," Rory said partially annoyed and partially grateful at how good Sam was at reading him.
"What about them?" Sam asked.
"Well they know about...ye know me being..." Rory trailed off as he realized they were now only about a block away from the house.
"Awesome?" Sam supplied with a smile.
Rory laughed. "Yeah Sam, about me being awesome."
"Ror, no offense at all, but you see what I mean? If you're still not real comfortable with just them knowing you're definitely not ready to be out to everyone in general," Sam pointed out.
"I know," Rory said quietly as they pulled up.
"Rory look at me," Sam instructed as he parked the car. When Rory glanced over and made eye contact with him he took his hand. "I love you," Sam said still making eye contact as he kissed his hand. "And you have nothing to worry about. I promise they're not going to be anything but cool about it."
"I know," Rory said smiling at Sam and trying to calm himself down. "It's just that it..." Rory didn't know how to finish.
"That?" Sam asked.
Rory shrugged. "I don't really know how t'explain it. It just makes it...I don't know final I guess."
"Right, I think I know what you mean. It's like once they know and you talk about it, it makes it more real. Like it's never going away?" Sam half said, half asked.
"Yeah, I think that is it. Did you feel that way?" Rory inquired.
Sam mulled that over. "No," he admitted as he continued thinking about it.
"Oh." Rory felt disappointed. It was nice that Sam at least seemed to understand his feelings, but it would have been more comforting if he had actually shared them.
"I didn't really have a chance to, Ror," Sam went on. "Everything happened really fast. Plus our orientations and backgrounds are different. I totally get why it's a big deal for you though, and I respect that and I absolutely don't want or expect you to rush it."
"Thanks, I guess ye'r right though. Those people in there aren't really the enemy," Rory said nodding toward the house.
"Nope, they're our friends," Sam said smiling and squeezing Rory's hand.
Rory took a few more deep breathes and forced himself to relax. This isn't about me. This is about what happened t'Sam today. I 'ave t'be strong, he urged himself. "Okay, I'm ready Sammy."
Sam smiled at how resolved Rory looked even though he knew he was still uncomfortable. "You're amazing Ror," Sam said leaning over to kiss him one more time before they got out of the car.
"Finally!" Finn said as he moved away from the window inside the house where he had been peeking through the curtain.
"Finn, don't overwhelm them when they come in," Rachel chided her boyfriend.
"She's right Finn, this is a tough time for them," Kurt added. Blaine nodded and Carol and Burt reminded themselves to take a step back as well.
"I won't overwhelm them!" Finn said sounding offended. "I just want to see if Sam's okay and find out where Rory was all day,"
A few seconds later they heard Sam's key in the door, but before he could open it, Finn crossed the room and flung the door open, pulling Sam's keys out of his hand. "Sam, are you okay?" He shouted pulling his startled blond friend in for a tight hug.
"So much for not overwhelming them," Kurt remarked under his breath to Rachel.
"Uh, hey Finn," Sam said awkwardly returning the hug. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"I'm so sorry, man!" Finn exclaimed pulling back to look at him. "I never should have left you alone at lunch. I should have made sure to hang around after what happened yesterday with Mercedes."
"Nah, it's not your fault, Finn," Sam said dismissively. He was grateful for the concern but really didn't want Finn to feel guilty. "It was mostly my fault. And bad luck I guess."
Sam walked further into the room, followed by Rory who appeared to be trying to make himself a part of the wall. "These guys tried to warn me too," Sam said nodding his head toward Blaine and Kurt. "Uh, sorry about your sweater, man," Sam added to Blaine.
"Don't worry about it," Blaine reassured him as he crossed the room and gave Sam a quick hug. "I have plenty of sweaters."
"You're lucky it was my boyfriend's clothes and not mine, Sam," Kurt joked as he also gave Sam a hug. "I might have had to quit speaking to you." Sam looked worried for a split second before Kurt assured him he was only joking.
"Sam, I just want you to know that we're all completely behind you," Rachel said throwing her arms around him and giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Both of you," she added looking past Sam to Rory. Coupled with her own suspicions, plus her ability to wring information out of Finn and Kurt, it hadn't taken Rachel long to learn of their relationship.
The Irish boy smiled awkwardly and tried to retreat further into the wall. He hadn't expected Rachel to be here at all - although he realized now that it made sense that she was - and he definitely wasn't expecting her to know about his sexuality.
"Honey, we're so sorry about what happened," Carol said giving Sam an embrace of her own. After she let go of him, Burt also pulled him in for a short hug. "Tomorrow morning we're going down to see Principal Figgins."
"About the swim team?" Sam asked before he realized there wasn't really a way for them to have heard about that.
"No, about the incident in the cafeteria and about bullying in general," Carol said confused about what any of it had to do with the swim team.
"What happened with the swim team?" Burt asked voicing his wife's question before she had a chance.
"Oh, um, nothing important," Sam said.
"So what unimportant thing happened?" Burt pushed.
Sam didn't want any of this to become a big deal, but he also wasn't comfortable lying. "I got ki- uh well I mean, Coach Roz recommended that I quit."
"What?! Why?" Carol demanded in a voice just under a shout.
"Uh, well um..." Sam couldn't get the words out. Suddenly out of nowhere it felt like talking about it was making it a lot more painful than it had been before. Before he had been angry, but now that he had calmed down, it just hurt. "I guess some of the guys...they..."
"They weren't comfortable changing around Sam and 'aving him see them in their swim clothes," Rory said with an angry look on his face as he thought about his boyfriend being treated that way. Despite his preference for sticking to the wall, Rory walked into the center of the room and put his arm around Sam, trying to ignore how exposed he felt.
"That's blatant discrimination," Burt growled. "There's no way they're getting away with this."
Sam looked at him with a scared look on his face. "Please, can I just drop it," he pleaded quietly. "I mean, thanks, but it's just embarrassing."
"But sweetie, you didn't do anything wrong," Carol reassured him. "You have nothing to be embarrassed about."
"Thanks, but...I don't want to be a part of the team anymore anyway. I mean if that's their attitude...even if they did let me back on, I wouldn't want to," Sam said, then in a stronger voice he continued. "Thanks, for everything, but I'm fine now, and there's no need to involve Figgins."
"Of course there is!" Kurt insisted. "It's his job to make sure you're in a safe environment, and Rory too for that matter," Kurt added intentionally appealing to Sam's concern for Rory's well-being.
Rory blushed and wondered if there was any way he could go and wait in Sam's room without being rude.
"Are you his boyfriend?" Burt asked the teen. He already knew that he was based on what Kurt and Finn had told him, but he wanted to hear it directly.
Rory felt a wave of terror crash over him as all the eyes in the room, including Sam's turned to look at him. "Yes sir," He said almost inaudibly to Burt. Then he realized how low his voice had been so he added a vigorous head nod for good measure.
"Well good for you guys," Burt said looking between Sam and Rory. "But in that case the same rules apply here that apply to Blaine and Rachel. No more sleepovers. Unless you want to sleep in Finn's room or on the couch."
Sam felt his heart drop and wanted to protest, but realized he didn't really have any grounds to do so. Rory was also disappointed but he just silently nodded his assent.
"And we are going to go and talk to Figgins tomorrow," Burt continued, turning his attention back to Sam. Sam started to protest but he waved him off. "But we won't ask him to put you back on the swim team since you've made it clear that you don't want to be back on it. We just don't want a repeat of what happened to Kurt last year. Especially since Rory is already being bullied."
Sam moved back to Rory's side and put his arms around him. He could tell Rory was uncomfortable with all the attention and though he liked the idea of the school administration keeping an eye on him he didn't want him to feel like his privacy was being invaded like he had felt last week. "Rory's not ready to come out yet, or to have a lot of people know," Sam said still holding him.
"That's fine," Carol reassured them. "We're mostly just going to make sure that the school takes bullying and harassment of all kinds seriously. There doesn't need to be a focus on Rory's sexuality at all."
Sam looked at Rory for his reaction. After a few seconds the teen spoke up. "Thank ye', Mrs. Hummel. But please don't go out o' ye'r way on my account."
"It's not just on your account, Rory. No student should be bullied. We especially don't want it to happen to you or Sam, but it's something that needs to be discussed either way," Carol answered.
Carol's statement pretty much ended the discussion and after a little while the adults left the room, leaving Rory and Sam alone with the other two couples. They soon all settled down and started watching TV and chatting casually. Sam thought it was kind of cool that the six of them were just hanging out like this, while Rory on the other hand thought it was kind of weird and a little bit uncomfortable. Although, he did appreciate how nice everyone was being.
"Mike feels really bad," Finn said after a few minutes to Sam. "Puck was kind of pissed at him too."
"Why?" Sam asked. He didn't remember Mike saying or doing anything mean, just acting surprised.
"He thinks he should have done something to stop what happened in the cafeteria," Finn explained.
"Nah, I can see why he was surprised to suddenly find out, and besides he did try to help before when Mercedes first got mad. It wasn't his fault at all." Sam said making a mental note to tell Mike that the next time he saw him.
"Puck and Mike don't uh, know about me, right?" Rory asked Finn nervously.
"Nope, not that I know of," Finn answered. "I think just us and our parents know."
"And Santana and Brittany," Sam added.
"Well, I for one am not speaking to Mercedes until she sees the error of her ways," Rachel stated.
"Her dads are gay," Sam whispered in Rory's ear, unsure if he knew about that or not. Rory just nodded.
"Rachel, I think that's a little harsh," Kurt said trying to defend his friend. "She didn't even intend to out Sam. She's just..." Kurt trailed off when he noticed the challenging glare Rory was giving him. It was the last thing he had ever expected to see from the boy, but he thought it was sweet how strongly Rory was reacting to someone hurting Sam. "She made a mistake," Kurt finished simply.
"So how come you weren't in school today anyway, Rory?" Finn asked him, eager to change the subject.
"I 'ad a stomach virus," Rory said casually. "I'm fine now."
Sam looked at Rory in surprise, completely taken off guard by his statement. He couldn't believe how quickly, and how well, Rory had just lied. He's just as good as Santana or Quinn, Sam thought before he could stop himself. That observation terrified Sam. Santana and Quinn had always been able to manipulate Sam however they wanted to because he tended to believe whatever they told him. What if Rory did that? How would Sam know?
"Sammy?" Rory asked patting his arm.
"Huh?" Sam asked shaking himself out of his thoughts.
"Would ye' mind taking me back to Brittany's?" Rory repeated. "I need t'work on some homework before t'morrow."
"I'll take you, Rory," Rachel volunteered. "I have to pass right by Brittany's on the way home anyway."
"Thanks Rachel, but I don't mind," Sam said right away, knowing that Rory would be uncomfortable riding alone with her, especially since she had just found out he was gay.
"It's really no trouble, and you must be exhausted after everything," She said to Sam.
"I'd appreciate that, thanks Rachel," Rory said politely. He would have preferred for Sam to take him, but he knew Rachel had a point; Sam had had a tough day. "I'll call ye' before bed, Sammy," Rory said forcing himself to give Sam a quick kiss in front of the others despite his discomfort.
"On what?" Sam asked smirking when they had separated.
"On my phone," Kurt volunteered right away. Finn had filled him in on Sam's broken phone earlier that afternoon.
"Or mine," Finn offered.
"Thanks guys," Rory said smiling at both of them in turn, and already deciding it would be Finn's phone he called.
"Are you sure, Ror? About not wanting me to take you?" Sam asked one more time, hating to give up even a few minutes with Rory.
"It's not that I don't want ye' to, Sammy, but Rachel has a point," Rory answered.
Soon after Rachel and Rory left, Blaine did too. Burt and Carol came back briefly after that to tell the boys good night and remind them not to stay up too late, then they went to bed, leaving the three housemates alone to chat and watch the rest of their show. Once it was over though Finn went to his room to work on some homework and Kurt yawned and stretched. "I guess I'll say good night too," He said to Sam as he got up.
"Hey Kurt, before you do, can I ask you something?" Sam asked resolving to talk to Kurt about what was on his mind. He realized that Kurt had been full of good advice the last few days so it felt natural to talk to him about this concern as well.
"Sure," Kurt said sitting back down. "What's on your mind?"
"Do you think I'm gullible?" Sam asked cutting to the chase.
"Well, yes," Kurt said with little hesitation.
"Oh," Sam said feeling disappointed.
"It's not such a terrible thing, Sam," Kurt continued. "It's just because you trust people. There are much worse traits to have."
"But what if people lie to me?" Sam asked.
"And by 'people' you mean Rory?" Kurt inquired.
Sam sighed and felt frustrated at how easily Kurt had figured that out. It seemed as though everyone always knew just what he was thinking, while Sam himself couldn't see past what others were telling him. He just shrugged in response to Kurt's question.
"Rory cares a lot about you, Sam," Kurt said leaning over and patting his hand. "He could lie to you if he wanted to, but I don't think he would. Not about important stuff anyway."
"Really?" Sam asked looking up at Kurt hopefully.
"Really," Kurt insisted standing back up. "But you should talk to him about it, not me. That's more your style anyway," Kurt said giving Sam a wink as he left.
Sam went to his own bedroom shortly after that and spent the rest of the evening working on his homework as well as Rory's Valentine's Day present. As promised Rory called that night when he got home and they talked for about a half hour until Rachel called on the other line wanting to speak with Finn.
The next day at school Sam realized how Rory must have felt the previous Friday when he was being watched so closely. Today the glee club's focus - especially Finn's, Puck's, and Mike's – was squarely on Sam and he felt like he couldn't get a moment's privacy. Finn even went to the restroom with him. Sam appreciated the way everyone was looking out for him, but like Rory had, he found himself starting to resent the unspoken implication that he couldn't take care of himself. Nevertheless, Sam reminded himself that he had shot off his mouth to Rory the previous week about how he would be grateful if he were in Rory's position and now that he actually was all he could do was grin and bear it. Sam also didn't want to make any waves since he still felt guilty about accidentally ignoring everyone the day before. Apart from all that when they weren't keeping an eye on Sam, Rory was still getting his fair share of vigilance as well, and since Sam felt like he was in no position to defend Rory against bullying right now, he definitely appreciated that gesture.
"So you like dick, huh?" Puck asked between one of their morning classes.
"I don't know, I've still never had any," Sam answered unfazed.
Puck laughed. "Never had a dick, huh?"
"Anyone else's," Sam clarified rolling his eyes. "Besides, I still like girls, I just happen to have feelings for this one guy."
"Cool, glad we can still rate racks together," Puck answered. "So who's the guy?"
"I wanna tell you, man, but I can't," Sam said. "He's not ready to go public with it yet."
"Okay, but if he hurts you I'm gonna break him," Puck said as casually as he could, trying to downplay it. Puck had already taken it upon himself to throw a good scare into the hockey guy who had tripped Sam in the cafeteria the day before, and he was also looking for any excuse to get into it with Azimio. Sam was one of his best friends and he had no intention of letting anyone push him around.
"Thanks, Puck," Sam said putting his arm around Puck's shoulders. Sam knew that if Puck actually realized that 'the guy' was Rory there was no way he would do anything to him even if they did break up. In fact Sam suspected that he himself would have more to worry about from Puck than Rory would if they had a bad break up. Either way he just didn't see it coming up.
"Hey, lay off with the gay stuff, dude," Puck said shaking Sam's arm off, but giving him a smile to make sure Sam knew he was kidding. "So what do you think, 8 or 9?" Puck asked nodding to a girl across the hall.
"Definitely a 9," Sam answered grinning.
At lunch Sam was surprised to find that the entire glee club sat with him at their usual table while Mercedes was no where to be found. They got a few looks from people at nearby tables and a few random insults and names thrown at them, but for the most part things had cooled down even more than Sam was expecting. Rory was sitting next to him and he had to keep reminding himself not to touch him or put his arms around him. In fact they had intentionally kept a distance from each other all day, at Sam's request, to ensure that Rory wouldn't be suspected as 'the guy' Mercedes had mentioned.
Rory had both hated the idea of not being seen with Sam, but also been secretly relieved by it. He felt ashamed of himself for not standing by Sam and ignoring what anyone else had to say or think about it, but every time he imagined doing it he felt terrified. He and Rachel hadn't said much to each other on the drive back to Brittany's the night before. In fact about all she had said to him was that she was glad for him and Sam and that Rory should take his time coming out, and that Sam wouldn't mind. He knew all that was true, but it still made him feel weak for not being able to be there for Sam in what Rory perceived as his boyfriend's time of need.
"I'm really sorry about yesterday," Mike said for about the fifth time that day as he and Tina walked Sam to his next class after lunch.
"I'm sorry too, Sam," Tina said quietly, feeling like she should have stuck up for him too.
"Thanks guys, but really, don't worry about it," Sam insisted. He actually dreaded the thought of Mike or Tina getting in the line of fire of bullying or insults. They were both such quiet, sensitive people that it didn't seem right to Sam that anyone should be mean to them. He was even kind of glad they hadn't done anything to put themselves out there the previous day.
"So is it Rory?" Mike asked softly after looking around to make sure no one could hear but Sam and Tina.
Sam stopped walking and looked at him in surprise. How could he have guessed that? Sam wondered. "Um, I can't really say," Sam said lamely. Mike and Tina both smiled knowingly and dropped the subject. Sam's reaction had pretty much told them everything they wanted to know.
"So what do you and your mystery man have planned for Valentine's Day?" Tina asked lacing her arm with Mike's.
"Quiet, romantic dinner at home," Sam answered grinning. "I'm going to cook."
Surprise and horror flickered across Mike's face as he remembered the Home Ec class he and Sam had had together last year. Most of Sam's dishes weren't even something he would have even been comfortable feeding to his dog.
"What are you making?" Mike asked, hoping the answer would be something along the lines of a boiled egg.
"Chicken and rice," Sam said proudly.
Mike thought about that for a few seconds. "Isn't it awesome how cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165° kills all the bacteria?" he exclaimed, doing his best to seem excited about the factoid.
"Um, yeah, I guess that's pretty cool," Sam answered, confused by Mike's enthusiasm. "Anyway, this is my class. I'll catch you guys later."
As Sam walked into his class Mike sighed to himself and shook his head, hoping that Sam and Rory wouldn't be out sick with salmonella poisoning the next day.
Later that afternoon as Rory was leaving his last class he was surprised to find Quinn waiting for him in the hall. He had half expected one of the glee club members to escort him to Sam's car, but he hadn't expected Quinn to be the one to do it. Rory hardly knew her and found her very intimidating.
"Hi, how was class?" she asked politely as she gave him a smile.
"It was good," Rory responded returning the smile nervously as he started to walk with her.
"I 'traded' with Blaine so that we could talk," Quinn said.
"Cool," Rory said, still confused. "What did you want to talk about?"
"Sam," Quinn said stopping with Rory by his locker while he gathered his things.
Rory had no idea how to respond to that so he just glanced at her and nodded. "Oh?"
"I'm really looking forward to getting out of Ohio," Quinn said seemingly changing the subject. "It's a fresh start for me."
"That's great, congratulations again on ye'r university," Rory said giving her a more genuine smile. He was glad for her, but he also couldn't help but wonder what any of this had to do with him or with Sam for that matter.
"Thanks. Anyway, it's taken me a long time, but I'm finally okay with Finn and Rachel," Quinn said throwing yet a third topic into the conversation. "Finn really is a good guy. I want him to be happy."
"Yeah, he's great," Rory agreed as he zipped up his bag and closed his locker.
"So is Sam though," Quinn said giving Rory an appraising look. "I want him to be happy too."
Rory's stomach dropped and he swallowed nervously. Did someone else know their secret?
"It's fine, Rory," Quinn reassured him. "I don't have a problem with it. I'm not even surprised. Sam's a very open, affectionate person. He doesn't fit in the same little box that most guys do."
Rory looked at the ground and nodded, not knowing how else to respond.
Quinn laughed softly, and laced her arm through his, pulling him along toward the parking lot. "I just wanted you to know that I wish you two the best. And also that you're lucky to have him."
"Thank ye', I know I'm very lucky," Rory agreed earnestly as he finally made eye contact with her again.
"Good," She said happily as they walked the rest of the way to Sam's car in silence.
"Hi Quinn, Hey Ror," Sam greeted them in the parking lot, surprised to see them together.
"Hi Sam," Quinn said as she released Rory's arm and gave Sam a hug. While she was hugging him she whispered in his ear, "Congratulations, he's adorable."
Sam pulled back in surprise and looked at her, then he glanced at Rory who just gave him a silent nod of assent. "Thanks Quinn! I'm really happy," he said grinning at her and giving her another quick hug.
"Have a good Valentine's Day, boys," She said as walked toward her own car.
"Thanks, you too," Sam said before it occurred to him that as far as he knew she didn't have a date.
"Thanks, I will," She said, briefly turning back. "I'm spending this one alone. And that's just fine."
"She's nice," Rory said as they got into the car.
"Yeah, she really is," Sam agreed, happy to see Quinn doing so well. "I can't wait for you to try dinner tonight!" Sam exclaimed as his thoughts bounced back to Valentine's Day for about the thousandth time that day.
"I can't wait too, Sammy!" Rory said finding his boyfriend's enthusiasm adorably contagious. "Are ye' sure I can't help ye' though?"
"No way! It's part of my present to you," Sam said as they pulled out of the parking lot.
Rory blushed. "Oh I didn't need a present. I don't want ye' t'go out o' ye'r way." Rory had never spent Valentine's Day with anyone before and he was worried his own present to Sam wasn't romantic enough.
"You're too cute," Sam said, barely managing to resist the urge to lean across and kiss him while the car was moving. "Finn & Rachel, Kurt & Blaine, and Carol & Burt are all going to be out too. So we'll have the place completely to ourselves!" Sam exclaimed, then he realized that that might sound like he was putting pressure on Rory to take things to a sexual level. "I just mean, that way we'll have privacy for talking and stuff. Not because I want to do anything sexual."
"Oh," Rory answered trying to hide his disappointment. He was nervous, but he was also a ball of hormones, hormones all telling him to jump Sam. I guess he's just not ready t'get too sexual with a guy yet. But it was so hot when we did stuff on Sunday. It seemed like he was really into it. I hope he at least wants t'do that again.
Sam glanced over at Rory's adorable face and bright eyes. When Rory caught him looking he gave Sam a bright smile and Sam felt a huge wave of lust course through his body. Oh god I want him so much! I really want to try out all this new stuff with him too. But I've got to quit with the pressuring until he's past his religious conflicts and completely ready.
"So what are we 'aving for dinner?" Rory asked as he tried not to look at how muscular Sam's arm looked gripping the steering wheel.
"Chicken and rice," Sam answered, mentally going over the list of things he needed to do to prep the dish.
"That sounds great!" Rory said enthusiastically.
Once they got to the house Rory excused himself to change into the nicer clothes he had brought for their evening together. He walked into the kitchen awhile later wearing a dark red shirt and black slacks. He had also restyled his hair.
"Wow," Sam said putting the slotted spoon he was holding down before he dropped it.
Rory blushed and smiled at him. "Do I look okay?"
Sam wiped his hands on a towel and then left the stove and walked over to Rory, looping his arms around his waist and pulling him close. "Nope, you definitely don't look okay, Ror," Sam said as seriously as he could.
"Oh, I don't?" Rory asked, his spirits dropping as he reconsidered that perhaps Sam's earlier 'wow' had been a remark of unpleasant surprise.
"Nope, not okay," Sam said grinning slightly. "Completely hot and irresistible." Then Sam proved how irresistible he found Rory as he abruptly pushed him back against the refrigerator and started kissing him.
Rory moaned softly and grabbed Sam's butt through his jeans, pulling him forward and grinding their growing passion together.
"You really like that don't you?" Sam asked emphasizing his point by rolling his hips long and hard against Rory's, maximizing the contact and pressure between their crotches.
Rory trembled. "Oh yes," he gasped out in a low, lusty voice.
Rory's tone of voice, distinctly different from his usual light, innocent tones, dialed Sam's desire up to an even higher level and before he even realized what he was doing he had pinned Rory's hands above his head against the refrigerator and was grinding into him even harder than before as his tongue assaulted the Irish teen's mouth.
Rory was overwhelmed with erotic overload. He barely knew where to focus his attention. With every thrust of Sam's hips, Rory felt Sam sliding against the full length of his hardness. All the while Sam's strong chest was pinned against his own and the blond had also completely invaded Rory's mouth. Rory was loving every second of this, every sensation, but just as he was trapped against the refrigerator, delightfully at Sam's mercy, he felt like his own lust was about to explode if he didn't do something. It almost seemed as though his lust was as immobilized as Rory himself was. He had to get free, he had to have his way with Sam the way Sam was with him.
In one firm, strong move Rory broke the hold Sam had on his hands and pushed himself away from the fridge, simultaneously pushing his tongue into Sam's mouth and gently nipping at Sam's bottom lip. As Rory pushed him backward, Sam felt the hard stone surface of the kitchen's center island pressing against his upper thighs and acting on instinct alone he found himself leaning back onto it and pulling Rory down on top of him. Rory's sudden show of aggression and force had taken Sam by surprise and had injected a new feeling into the already heady cocktail of lust and emotion that was churning through him. As Rory practically ravished him, Sam felt turned on in a new way; he felt wanted and desired. As the kissing intensified, Sam tangled his left hand into Rory's no longer perfectly styled hair, while his right hand snaked into the back of Rory's pants between he slacks and briefs.
Rory moaned again and broke the kiss as Sam grabbed a handful of his buttocks and gave it a hard squeeze, once again creating a blinding sensation of pleasure for both boys as Rory's hardness pressed against Sam's. The new angle made Rory aware of a very slight wet sensation in the front of his underwear and he realized he was literally dripping with excitement.
"Too much?" Sam asked concerned that he had crossed a line by entering Rory's pants.
"Not nearly enough," Rory said trembling again with excitement. He pulled back enough to shamelessly stroke Sam's erection through his jeans. He was almost aching to see it and feel it in the flesh.
Sam's hands shot up to Rory's collar as he deftly unbuttoned his shirt. When it was halfway open he slid both hands inside squeezing and caressing Rory's pecks and chest. "Mmmuuhh," Sam mumbled as he realized what a pleasant surprise Rory's chest turned out to be. It was nothing like the chests he had caressed in the past but he realized instantly how much he liked the firm, toned, muscular flesh beneath his fingers.
"Ssam," Rory croaked out, finding it difficult to form words. "I think it's done."
Sam was confused by Rory's statement. Rory's hands were still stroking Sam through his jeans and Sam was quite sure that he himself wasn't done. Sam's hands traveled down from his boyfriend's chest to his crotch. As he felt Rory through the black slacks, relishing the way the Irishman felt in his hand, Sam decided that, no, Rory definitely didn't feel done either.
'Ohh, uhhh," Rory muttered further losing the ability to speak as Sam rubbed him. "It's...it's going t'burn,"
Burn?! Wait what?
Just then Sam's nostrils were affronted by the smell of smoke and overcooked chicken.
"Oh no!" Sam exclaimed as the boys jumped off the counter and Sam raced to the stove. "Owww! Crap!" Sam said as he grabbed the handle of the hot skillet. Unfortunately he had already picked it up enough that when he let go of the handle in pain the whole thing crashed to the kitchen floor and bits of their would-be dinner scattered everywhere.
As he looked at Sam standing next to the stove, sucking on his fingers, and still sporting a huge erection which tented the front of his jeans, Rory felt three conflicting emotions. He still felt very turned on from their recent activities and he was also very concerned about Sam's fingers. However, the third thing Rory felt was incredibly amused by the whole thing. At first he covered his mouth with his hand to try to hide his amusement, but within a few seconds his muffled giggles had turned into obnoxiously loud chuckles as he gripped the side of the counter for support.
"Rory!" Sam snapped shocked and irritated by his response. At least he was irritated until he saw the jovial, happy look on Rory's face and noticed how musical his laughter sounded. Then Sam glanced around and noticed the rice and pieces of chicken covering the floors and cabinets, much of the rice had also splattered onto his pants and shoes. "Okay, I guess it's a little funny," Sam admitted starting to giggle himself. Rory continued laughing and pointed at Sam's crotch. When Sam realized he still had a raging erection the absurdity of the situation sank in and he started laughing out loud too.
Despite the hilarity abounding in the room Rory managed to compose himself enough to cross the kitchen and pull Sam to the sink and put his hand under cool, running water. Since the insulated handle had provided some protection from the heat, Sam's hand turned out to be fine and he didn't even end up with a mark.
"Go get changed and cleaned up. I'll take care o' this," Rory insisted gently pushing Sam out of the room.
"No, I'll help," Sam countered.
"After ye' change," Rory insisted thinking how uncomfortable Sam must be in his sticky, stained clothes.
Sam re-entered the room several minutes later having not only changed out of his stained clothes but also dressed in his nicer clothes for their evening together. He was wearing a new pair of jeans and a dark brown collared shirt and Rory couldn't help but notice the way the shirt clung to his broad chest and shoulders while accentuating his slim waist and hips.
"Ye' look great, Sammy!" Rory exclaimed. He had already finished cleaning up all the big bits from the floor and cabinets and now he was working on wiping down the surfaces to remove the stickiness.
"Thanks," Sam said as he playfully smacked Rory's butt while the teen was leaning over cleaning.
"Hey! None o' that or I'll put the mess back," Rory warned jokingly.
"I'm really am sorry about dinner. I don't know how that happened," Sam apologized feeling very disappointed that the meal he had so carefully planned had been ruined.
"Ye' don't know how it happened?" Rory asked. "Hmm, I guess I didn't make much o' an impression."
"Oh you made an impression all right," Sam said as he helped wipe away the rest of the stains on the floor. "All over my blue balls."
"What blue balls?" Rory asked looking around the room to see if there were any balls in the kitchen that had gotten messed up.
Sam laughed out loud. "Rory, they're not on the counter; they're in my pants."
"Oh, those balls," Rory said blushing a deep shade of red. "Why are they blue?"
"It's just an expression," Sam explained. "It happens to guys when they get really turned on for awhile but don't cum. Everything sort of stays a little bit sensitive and achy for a little while."
Rory felt his cheeks burning even hotter as Sam described it and he realized what he meant. He was still feeling a little extra sensitive down there himself. "So um, how do ye' get rid o' the problem?" he asked as innocently as he could.
Sam wasn't sure how to respond. He was starting to feel like he was pressuring Rory or making him feel guilty and that wasn't what he wanted to do at all. "It's really not a big deal. I was just joking around."
"Oh okay," Rory said. He was embarrassed to admit to himself that all he could think about was going back to what they had been doing before they were interrupted, but he didn't want Sam to know that.
Sam stood up as they finished cleaning the floor and put his hand on Rory's shoulder. "I really am sorry about jumping you earlier. I know we were both enjoying ourselves a lot, but I hope I didn't get carried away and go too far."
"Ye didn't, Sammy, not at all," Rory assured him.
"Good, because I meant what I said the other night. I don't want us to do anything you'll ever regret or feel guilty about. I just..." Sam blushed again feeling like he was being cheesy. "I just want it to be a completely good experience for you. No bad feelings later."
Rory felt his heart flutter at Sam's words. "Oh Sammy, that's the nicest thing I've ever heard," he said giving Sam a big hug. "Thank you," he whispered in Sam's ear before letting him go.
Sam smiled at him as they pulled back. "So you're sure you're okay?" he asked one more time for confirmation.
"Yeah absolutely," Rory said returning the smile. "Are you?"
Sam laughed again. "Yeah, Ror, really it's not a big deal," he said glancing down a little bit.
Rory snickered. "That wasn't what I meant," Rory clarified. "I wanted t'make sure ye' felt okay about everything too. I mean I know all o' this is ye'r first time doing stuff with a guy. I hope it didn't freak ye' out."
"Oh no way!" Sam said immediately. "It was amazing. It felt really good and it was pretty cool how into it I got. Didn't freak me out at all."
Rory was glad to hear that, but he also didn't quite understand it. "But how?" he asked confused. "I mean it's taken me me whole life t'feel this okay with it. How are ye' so fine with it so fast?" Rory felt ashamed of himself that it was so much harder for him to process his feelings when Sam could apparently just get his head around everything and be raring to go in under a week. Without even realize what he was doing Rory went and sat down at the kitchen table. Sam joined him and pulled his chair right up next to Rory's.
"Ror, everybody's different," Sam said as he put his hand on Rory's back. Rory just rolled his eyes at him.
"No, I mean it," Sam insisted. "Everyone has different experiences growing up and stuff. When was the first time someone told you it was okay if you were gay?" Sam asked to make his point.
Rory thought it over. "I guess it was ye' the other night when I told ye'. No one knew before that."
Sam nodded, "And did anyone tell you before they knew? I mean how often did you hear the message that if you turned out to be gay later on in life it was fine? How often did you hear that in general it was okay for people to be gay."
Rory stared at his hands as he considered Sam's words. "I guess I didn't hear that at all. Not until the last few months."
"And did anyone tell you the opposite? That it was bad to be gay?" Sam asked softly.
Rory looked up at him with a mix of pain and anger on his face. "Ye' know they did, Sam," he said scowling.
Sam pulled him up against his chest and wrapped his arms around him. "I know, Ror, and I'm really sorry that happened. But that's what I mean. Since you were a kid you heard the message that it was bad, that it wasn't okay, that if you felt that way something was wrong with you," Sam felt his heart sinking as he realized that his words were true. That Rory had gone through so much pain with this. "But that didn't happen to me," he said softly feeling a little bit guilty. "When I was a kid my parents actually did tell me that if I ever turned out to be gay or bi that it was completely normal and okay. They had gay friends and stuff, and it wasn't a big deal. Then the older I got the more I met other gay people around my age, and not everyone was okay with it, but I could easily see that they were the ones with the problem, not the gay people. It's not scary for me to be with a guy because no one I ever really cared about or respected told me it was bad, and now I know it's not for myself. It's just different," Sam finished kissing the top of Rory's head and rubbing his back. Rory continued to snuggle against his chest for several more minutes just enjoying the closeness.
"So what are we going t'eat?" Rory asked when he finally stood up and stretched.
Sam checked the refrigerator. "There's a leftover casserole in here,"
"What kind?" Rory asked.
"Tuna."
"That sounds good. Are ye' sure we can eat it?" Rory asked.
"I don't see why not. Finn might be a little disappointed that he doesn't get to polish it off, but he'll live," Sam said as he pulled it out of the fridge. Rory brought over a couple of plates and a few minutes later they were sitting down to eat the re-heated casserole.
"This isn't as romantic as I had hoped," Sam remarked as he realized that not only had his original dinner been ruined but he also hadn't gotten around to setting the table or putting out candles like he had planned.
"It's great, Sammy. As long as I get t'eat with ye' I'm happy," Rory said as he brushed his leg against Sam's under the table. The pair continued their meal with pleasant, light conversation. Rory was curious so Sam recounted some of his past Valentine's Day experiences. When he asked Rory to describe his perfect Valentine's Day date the Irish boy tried to tell Sam that this was it, but eventually Sam managed to prompt him for a more romantic, ideal story. Naturally Sam took mental notes for next year.
When they were done with their dinner they quickly did the dishes and then settled down on the couch with Sam sitting up and Rory lying down lengthwise with his head in Sam's lap. As Sam ran his fingers through Rory's soft brown hair and looked down at his peaceful, round face and soft features Sam couldn't help but think how beautiful Rory was. Again he found himself wondering if 'beautiful' was the right way to describe another guy, but 'beautiful' definitely seemed like the best word to use.
"What is it?" Rory asked as he noticed the intent way Sam was looking at him.
"Just thinking how beautiful you are," Sam admitted gently stroking Rory's cheek with the second knuckles of his hand.
"Ye'r the looker, Sam," Rory insisted as he gazed up at his boyfriend. "Ye're honestly the most gorgeous guy I've ever seen."
"No way," Sam said blushing.
"Definitely, Sammy. If I had anymore doubt about being gay ye' removed it," Rory said winking. "Besides, I've been looking at guys longer than ye' so ye have t'believe me."
"Silly," Sam said tapping the end of Rory's nose with his finger. Sam loved Rory's nose. It was so cute and perfectly shaped.
"Ye' know what ye're favorite facial feature o' mine is, Sammy?" Rory asked grinning at him.
"Hmm, eyes?" Sam guessed.
"Nope, they're amazing and me favorite thing t'look into, but it's not ye'r eyes," Rory said as he stared into Sam's bright green eyes.
"Do you like my lips?" Sam asked a little self-consciously. He remembered Rory saying before that he liked them.
"I love ye'r lips, Sammy. They're the best thing ever t'kiss and they look and feel terrific, but it's not ye'r lips." Rory traced his finger around Sam's lips enjoying his game.
"Is it my hair?" Sam asked.
"Ye're hair isn't on ye'r face!" Rory chided as he reached up to run his fingers through Sam's blond bangs. "It is really great though."
"I have hair on my face!" Sam insisted snickering. "I just usually shave it."
"Not what I meant," Rory protested. "Guess again."
"Nose?" Sam guessed.
"Hmm, nose?" Rory said staring at it. "Nope, it's a nice nose, but that's not it either," he said tapping on it.
"Ears?" Sam guessed thinking he was about out of facial body parts.
"Yep, ears!" Rory declared sitting up so that he could kiss each one of Sam's lobes.
"Really? Why?" Sam asked never having thought much about his ears.
"They're adorable, Sammy." Rory said very seriously. "A lot o'people's ears are awkward looking, or they only look good from the front. But ye'r ears are a great size and shape, and they look fantastic from the back, side, or front."
"Seriously?" Sam asked embarrassed by all the attention his ears were suddenly receiving.
"Absolutely," Rory said. "It was one o' the things I noticed the first time I saw ye' from the back."
"Oh really?" Sam asked smirking. "So that's what you look at when I have my back turned?"
"Among other things," Rory answered innocently.
"You know what my favorite feature of yours is?" Sam asked.
"Me eyes?" Rory guessed pretty sure he was right.
"No fair guessing it right away!" Sam complained before moving forward and aiming his lips right at Rory's left eye. Rory looked surprised but closed his eyes just in time for Sam to plant a soft kiss on his lid, which he quickly followed up on the right eye.
"Weirdo!" Rory chided with a huge smile as he reopened his eyes and held Sam's hand.
Sam laughed. "So are you ready to open your Valentine's present?" he asked.
"Yes please!" Rory exclaimed feeling a rush of excitement.
"Okay, let me go get it," Sam said standing up. "Now remember I only had a couple of days. I'll do better next year."
Rory felt a wave of happiness wash over him as Sam casually mentioned next year, seeming certain that they would still be together. Rory couldn't wait!
"Come on, it's in here," Sam said taking his boyfriend's hand and leading him down the hall to his room. Once inside he opened the drawer by his bed and pulled out a bright red CD case with "Rory & Sam" neatly printed on it inside of a heart.
"Aww, ye' made me a CD! That was so sweet and thoughtful, Sammy," Rory said already eager to hear what Sam had selected as he gave him a kiss.
"Nope it's not a CD," Sam corrected.
Rory looked confused and opened the case staring at the shiny disk inside. He held it up for Sam to see as though for proof.
"Okay, fine, I guess technically it is a CD, but it's not music," Sam explained laughing slightly.
"It's not?" Rory asked. "Then what is it?"
"Put it in the computer and find out!" Sam instructed.
Rory did as he was told and a slide show instantly started loading. He saw picture after picture of himself and Sam, or just one or the other, with the glee club, with random friends, or just hanging out together in various places. As the pictures came and went on the screen Rory was delighted to hear his favorite band "Celtic Thunder" playing in the background. After a few songs had played the music switched to some of Sam's favorites as well, then it was back to Rory's favorites, and so it went throughout the show. Rory was thrilled to see that a large share of the pictures were from Christmas with Sam's family. There was shot after shot of Rory or Sam playing with the kids or goofing around with Sam's parents, and there were several great pictures with all of them together. There were even shots of everyone opening their Christmas presents and playing with their new stuff. Rory was ecstatic! Despite not being able to spend Christmas with his family that year it had been one of the happiest Christmases he had ever had, and he often thought about how important it had been in shaping his and Sam's friendship. It was also the time when Rory had made so many steps toward self-acceptance. To have it documented like this was incredible for Rory! As he watched he was amused to see that in several shots it was pretty obvious that he was looking at Sam as more than just a friend. What really surprised and touched him though was that there were also shots in which Sam seemed to be looking at him the same way.
"Sam?" Rory asked pausing the slide show on a picture that really seemed to highlight Sam's feelings for him. Rory was playing tag with Stevie and Stacy in the park and Sam was watching from a distance, staring at Rory with a big, goofy in-love look all over his face.
"Yeah, I noticed that too," Sam said as he sat behind Rory on the bed, holding him. "It's pretty cool huh?! I guess my head hadn't really wrapped around what I was feeling yet but my heart – and eyes – already had," Sam said pressing his lips against the top of Rory's ear. Ever since Rory had called Sam's attention to ears, Sam had been paying more attention to Rory's and he had to admit they were damn cute.
"This is so amazing, Sammy, thank ye'," Rory said earnestly when the slide show was finally over.
"I'm glad you like it. I know it's kind of lame that I didn't buy you anything, but-"
"No, not at all!" Rory cut him off. "It's perfect. Way better than any store bought gift could be. Makes me kind o' ashamed o' me own gift."
"What is it?" Sam asked grinning and looking forward to finding out.
Rory went to his backpack and pulled out a red envelop with Sam's name on the front. Sam opened it and giggled at the silly Valentine's Day card Rory had gotten him. It was sweet but more humorous than mushy and Rory had crossed out all the 'she's' and 'her's' and replaced them with 'he's' and 'him's' which made it even funnier to read. Inside was a folded slip of paper. Sam opened it and read 'I O U – new iPhone.' Sam looked at him surprised.
"Sorry, I didn't 'ave a chance t'actually go t'the store," Rory said blushing. "But I was thinking we could go after school t'morrow."
"I can't let you do that, Rors. It's way too expensive," Sam protested.
"Nah, me parents send me some money every couple o'weeks. I've been saving up," he explained.
"Yeah but-"
"No buts, Sammy, I insist. Besides ye' having a phone is partially for me anyway. It's sort o' a selfish gift," Rory said covering Sam's mouth with his fingers.
Sam smiled and gave in when he saw how excited Rory looked. "Thanks Ror, I'm going to love it! I can't wait!"
Rory kissed him again and smiled. "Good then it's settled."
"Now that the dinner and gifts part of the night are over, you want to watch a movie and cuddle?" Sam asked thinking about how nice and relaxing that would be.
"No," Rory said simply.
"Oh, well um we could go out for some dessert," he suggested.
"Nope," Rory said shaking his head playfully.
"Oh, well okay, whatever you want to do then," Sam said out of ideas but happy to go along with whatever Rory wanted to do.
Rory swallowed and took a deep breath. Since their conversation earlier in the evening this had been on his mind and he realized now was the time. Rory got up off the bed.
"Well, there is something I've been wanting t'do," Rory said as he walked toward the door.
"What's that?" Sam asked shuffling to the edge of the bed and getting ready to get up.
"This," Rory said as he clicked the lock and then turned back around to look at his boyfriend. Sam looked so hot. His dark shirt contrasting so strikingly with his light skin and blond hair, ruffled slightly from where he had been lying on the bed. "I want t'go further this time, Sammy," Rory stated as confidently as he could. "I don't want t'stop till...till our balls aren't blue," Rory said wondering if he was using the expression correctly but certain that Sam would get his meaning.
Sam gaped slightly as his face flooded with lust. "Are you-"
"Completely sure I'm ready," Rory finished nodding. "I want t'do this, Sam. I know I won't regret it or feel bad about it."
"Then get over here!" Sam demanded, his voice already thick with lust.
As Rory crossed the room he removed his belt. It was a simple thing to do, and it didn't actually make him anymore exposed than he was before he took it off, but the implication made Sam's cock throb. As soon as Rory was back on the bed Sam was on top of him, one hand behind Rory's head and the other running all over his chest and neck as he kissed him.
This time Rory was grateful to have Sam taking charge of the situation. He knew where he wanted things to go, but he wasn't sure how to take them in that direction. After a few minutes Sam broke the kiss and quickly removed his shirt. Rory was delighted by this turn of events. Sam's chest and stomach were one of his all time favorite things to look at, and this time he realized that he would have free range to touch and kiss wherever he wanted.
"Oh Sam!" Rory exclaimed not even trying to contain his excitement. He quickly rubbed his fingers over Sam's hard, rippling abs, loving the warm firmness beneath his fingers. As Sam lowered his head to resume their make out session Rory hands traveled up to Sam's chest and he reveled in the strength and hardness he felt there. Every movement of Sam's arms was reflected in his chest and Rory relished the way the muscles flexed and relaxed under his fingers. Meanwhile Sam's mouth and tongue were proving to be more than expert as Rory's lips started tingling from all the kissing.
Sam was completely enthralled by the body beneath his own. Everything about it was so exciting. The way Rory tasted against his mouth, his smell, the deep throaty noises he was making as Sam writhed against his slender, hard body. Sam broke their deep kiss so that he could delight yet another sense. "Rory, let's get this off," he panted as he swiftly opened the buttons of Rory's shirt.
Rory was just as eager as his boyfriend to get rid of the fabric separating his skin from Sam's. He started pulling his arms from the sleeves before Sam had even finished opening the front of the shirt. As it completely fell away Sam moaned softly in delight as he took in the teen's bare torso. Sam's hands immediately traced the muscles along Rory's slim sides and followed them up to his broader chest. There was something absolutely captivating about Rory's skin tone and Sam's eyes and hands couldn't get enough.
"Oooh, ohh," Rory moaned softly enjoying the firm, impromptu massage he was receiving.
"You're so hot!" Sam said before he attached his lips to Rory's left nipple.
"Mmmm, ohh oohh." Rory found it impossible to contain himself as he felt this completely new sensation. His left hand soon tangled in Sam's blond hair, encouraging his boyfriend's efforts. Rory's senses were on fire as Sam's hands continued to rove all over his body and before he even realized what he was doing Rory's right hand slipped into his pants and underwear to touch himself.
When Sam realized what Rory was doing he let go of his nipple and sat up, enjoying the erotic sight. When he realized Rory was starting to feel self-conscious he leaned forward and softly whispered into his ear. "Yeah, Rory, stroke yourself for me." Then Sam tilted Rory's head back and began kissing and sucking along his jawline.
Between Sam's sexy encouragement and the way he was now gently nipping at the sensitive skin of Rory's neck and throat the other boy had to stop touching himself and take a few deep breaths to regain control of himself.
During this short break, Sam pulled away and started fumbling with his jeans, desperate to get them off. Rory didn't need any more encouragement and he quickly shed his own pants, leaving him in just his white briefs. Sam almost tripped as his legs became tangled up in his jeans and he took in the sight of his boyfriend laying on the bed in just his underwear with his legs spread wide and in an extreme state of arousal. It was one of the hottest things he had ever seen.
As Sam finished removing his pants and moved closer to Rory again, Rory's own eyes were locked on the black boxer-briefs Sam was wearing, a small wet spot had formed right around the head of his organ due to his prolonged arousal and it made the head of his cock all the more visible beneath the thin material. Rory swallowed hard and then sunk lower on the bed, hooking his legs around the back of Sam's thighs and pulling him forward. Sam didn't need a second request as he wrapped his arms around Rory and thrust against him as hard as he could. Rory moaned and wrapped his arms and legs around Sam's nearly naked form, eager to maximize the contact their bodies were making.
As Sam's naked torso crashed again Rory's the warm, intense sensation of skin on skin was driving him into an erotic frenzy. He once again latched his mouth over Rory's, desperate to find an outlet for his consuming passion. Rory moaned into his mouth and squeezed his arms and legs against Sam's body even more tightly. The Irish lad was desperate to be completely enveloped in Sam's burning heat. After several intense minutes Rory pushed Sam away enough to speak. "Pplease...can we-"
"Take them off?" Sam finished breathing heavily.
"Yes," Rory breathed, frantic to remove the last pieces of clothes separating their bodies.
"God yes!" Sam exclaimed quickly reaching for Rory's briefs and peeling them down his thighs and legs. The procedure resulted in Rory raising and contorting his legs to aide Sam in his task and in the process he also gave Sam an amazing view of his ass and inner thighs which felt very personal and intimate to Sam, as well as wholly and absolutely hot as hell. When Rory's legs came to rest once again on the bed Sam was left with an up-close view of his groin.
"Yep, I like cock too," Sam said as he stared wide-eyed at Rory's engorged member.
"I do too, Sammy!" Rory insisted pointedly as he not so subtly pushed against the leg of Sam's boxer-briefs with his toe. Rory had waited his entire life for this experience, for his first time being this sexual with a guy, and it was completely and utterly blowing him out of the water, but he was nevertheless aching to take it to the next level. He had to connect with Sam in an even more intimate way and he had to do it now before he exploded.
"Oh yeah right," Sam said removing his own underwear without preamble.
Rory's eyes bulged a little. He had known from the feel and outline that Sam was big, but he looked huge now that everything was finally out and exposed. Then Rory took a moment to pass his eyes all over Sam's naked body. "Fuck, ye're a work o' art, Sam," he declared, mesmerized by every incredible inch of him.
Sam beamed at the compliment, finding it even more meaningful since he rarely heard Rory swear. "You're the masterpiece, babe," he said as he slowly leaned forward and kissed him, reveling in the way their bodies slowly locked together, completely nude for the first time.
They continued making out and grinding their naked, sweaty bodies together for what felt like hours, but was really only about fifteen minutes. The pleasure and intimacy building to ever higher levels. Suddenly Rory's breathing sped up and became even heavier than it already was, and then he began moaning into Sam's mouth. He was maddeningly close to his release and desperate to spend himself against Sam's body, but when Sam realized how close Rory was he broke their kiss and embrace and sat back on his heels.
"Nooo!" Rory practically screamed, willing himself not to go over the edge.
Sam smiled devilishly and leaned over Rory's naked, trembling body to pull a small bottle of lube out of his nightstand. He quickly opened the bottle and squirted a good quantity into his hands, briefly rubbing it around so that it wouldn't feel so cold on Rory's skin, then he took the Irishman directly in his hand for the first time.
"Ohh, ohh, wow!" Rory moaned as he was touched by someone for the first time ever. "Ohh Sam yes, YES!" Rory shouted arching his hips off the bed, desperate for more contact with Sam's hands. Rory soon became completely lost in the moment. It felt so much better than when he touched himself. The world started bending around him, and everything felt hazy as he got closer and closer to the inevitable. Sam gripped him in both hands, using his right hand to create the traditional up and down movements, but using his left hand to stroke only Rory's head. It felt agonizingly good, and the combination of movements was something completely foreign to the boy which somehow seemed to keep him on the edge impossibly longer. "Oh my God, Pleeeeasse, pleassee!" He begged desperate for release. Sam grinned at him and stroked harder and faster, removing his left hand from Rory's glans and giving the organ the more familiar treatment it was used to.
Rory gurgled something completely incoherent as he exploded in the most intense orgasm he could ever remember experiencing. It shot out of him like a geyser and drenched his chest and stomach.
Rory's release triggered something urgent in Sam and he quickly got back on his knees and frantically jerked his cock as fast as he could. He was insanely aroused by the sounds Rory had just made, and continued to make, and the evidence of so much pleasure all over his boyfriend's body turned him on more than he could have imagined. As his own release got achingly close he inhaled deeply and caught Rory's scent in the air. The extra, added level of stimulation sent his senses into overdrive as he too unloaded a powerful orgasm all over Rory's chest and stomach.
He collapsed on his hands and knees, his face and body inches from Rory who still had his eyes closed, basking in the endorphins and afterglow. Sam kissed him and stroked his face with the outside, dryer portion of his hand. "I love you, you're so amazing," he said quietly next to Rory's ear. "Stay there," he said more loudly as he climbed off the bed and hurried out of the room. He returned a little while later with a towel which he used to gently cleanup the considerable mess covering Rory's body.
Rory's head was still swimming from everything that had just happened. He was trying to memorize every feeling and sensation, every sight that he could; he wanted to remember this forever. As Sam continued gently rubbing him down with the towel he realized that Sam had gotten his wish: Rory did feel nothing but good about what had just happened. When he realized this he even took a few seconds to check deep down within himself for any sign of guilt, but he couldn't find even a trace. He just felt awesome, content and deeply happy.
"I love you, Ror," Sam said softly again as he finished cleaning Rory up and tossed the towel aside.
"I love ye' too, Sammy," Rory said as he kissed his boyfriend softly on the lips and hugged him lightly before settling back down exhausted. "Can we sleep for a little while?" Rory half-asked, half-pleaded.
Sam checked the time on the alarm clock by his bed. It would still be at least a couple of hours before anyone else got home. "Yep, we can," Sam said as he felt fatigue settling into his own body. He quickly set an alarm on the clock and then spooned up behind Rory. Sam wrapped the arm he wasn't lying on around Rory's stomach, a finger lightly resting in his navel as he pressed his chest into Rory's back and his still semi-hard erection pressed into the upper part of Rory's buttocks. Sam's other arm snaked beneath the pillows their heads were resting on and emerged to embrace Rory's chest with his hand and forearm, pulling him even further back into Sam.
Rory sigh contentedly basking in the intimacy of their naked cuddles and relishing how safe and secure he felt in Sam's strong arms. "Sammy?" Rory murmured barely awake.
"Yeah Ror?" Sam asked.
"Don't let go," Rory requested in a groggy voice.
"I won't Ror," Sam promised kissing the back of his head and squeezing him tightly as he too slipped into a deep sleep.