Chapter Eleven

Fright Night. When everything changed. Doug could never have prepared himself for what unfolded in those few days. It all started to unhinge the day before Halloween.

With Ethan.

Pushed against the wall, Doug began to feel Ethan's hands in strange, new places. He was experienced, that was for sure. Doug felt his shirt ripped off in a matter of moments, buttons rolling across the floor uncared for. Ethan proceeded to kiss down Doug's neck to his chest, his tongue darting out across one of Doug's nipples in the process. Doug gasped, grasping Ethan's hair, his fingers curling around the strands.

"Ethan" Doug groaned.

"What?" Ethan grunted in response, getting to work on undoing Doug's trousers.

"Are we doing this here?"

Ethan stopped for a moment, looking at Doug as though seeing him for the first time. Doug wondered if he had spoilt the moment.

Next instant however, Ethan had lifted Doug's legs up onto his waist, causing an embarrassing squeak to protrude from Doug's lips. Ethan laughed as he carried him upstairs.

"Been working out have we?" Doug asked coyly as he was unceremoniously dropped onto Ethan's bed.

Ethan grinned, removing his shirt and revealing his taut muscles. "What do you think?" he asked, raising his eyebrows suggestively.

Doug smirked, welcoming Ethan on top of him.

Things got very heated, very quickly after that. Their kisses were intoxicating; Doug had never experienced anything like it. It was easy to forget that he was lying naked beneath his best friend, or that his friend was cradling his face and kissing him like there was no tomorrow.

Ethan hesitated, looking down at Doug with wide, fearful eyes. "Can I… I mean, can I…?"

Doug looked at him for several moments before he realised what Ethan was asking. He blushed. "Of course" he said throatily, taking Ethan's fingers and giving them a small squeeze before guiding them towards his entry.

Doug hadn't done this for a while and the discomfort was a little overwhelming at first but he powered through. Ethan was extremely gentle, and surprisingly able. It wasn't long until he lined himself up above Doug, looking into his face for confirmation.

Doug nodded, not taking his eyes off of Ethan as he entered him. The rest was almost a blur of kisses and caresses, Ethan's chest hair tickling Doug's bare chest. It didn't feel weird or awkward, it felt like coming home. Doug couldn't explain it, even afterwards as they lay together, Doug's head against Ethan's chest and Ethan's arm wrapped around his waist, stroking softly against his skin.

"I guess our friendship is officially ruined" Doug chuckled, closing his eyes.

Ethan laughed, tightening his hold. "That's alright. As long as you're here…" Ethan trailed off, his expression troubled.

"What is it?" Doug asked anxiously, sitting up on his elbows.

"Nothing" Ethan replied, taking Doug in his arms once more. "Don't spoil it"

"Ethan-"

"If this is all I get I need to savour it"

Doug sat up again. "What are you talking about?"

Ethan sighed, looking defeated. "That was a one off, right?"

"I…" Doug frowned. "Well I don't know"

Ethan pulled the covers off of himself. "Well I do" he sat up, grabbing his shirt from the floor.

"How do you know?" Doug asked, irritated.

"You love Seth" Ethan stated matter-of-fact.

Doug's eyes widened in horror. "Seth" he breathed. He had almost forgotten him in the heat of the moment.

"There we are" Ethan said, standing up to put his trousers on.

"Ethan, me and Seth aren't together anymore" Doug felt a lump in his throat.

"You only just broke up" Ethan said, buttoning himself up.

Doug looked down guiltily. "I shouldn't have done this"

Ethan smiled sadly. "I'll always be your mate, Doug. But I can't deny that I want you, just you. But I won't share you"

Doug looked at Ethan, affronted. "Share me? I'm not anyone's property!" Doug's cheeks flushed as he pulled himself out of bed.

"I'm not saying that-" Ethan began but Doug gave him a little push.

"What's your problem anyway? You wait until now to tell me all this? What about when we first met and I liked you?"

"Doug, I didn't know then!"

"More like you were too busy chasing skirt to notice!" Doug redressed himself hastily. "Don't you tell me you won't share me when I've had to share you with all of your women this past year. The minute I get someone in my life that I care about you can't deal with it. Poor little Ethan won't be ignored" Doug rolled his eyes.

"Don't mock me, Doug it doesn't suit you"

"Fine. Let's just leave it, yeah? I have to go see Lynsey anyway"

"Of course you do" Ethan nodded, looking smug. "What catastrophe is she imagining this time?"

Doug glared at Ethan. "She's telling the truth"

"Why are you so naïve?" Ethan asked, frustrated. "She's taking you for a mug!"

"She's my friend!" Doug shouted. "She trusts me and she needs me. Unlike some people"

"I do need you, Doug! Can't you see that?"

"Not really" Doug shook his head. "I have to go, see you later" Doug shouldered past him to the door, not looking back.

xxx

Doug returned later that day, somewhat calmer than when he had left. Ethan wasn't there; Doug didn't know if he was glad about that or not. He settled down on the sofa, head in his hands.

It was all too much. Lynsey was freaking out, scared witless. Seth was nowhere to be found, him and Ethan weren't speaking… Doug just wanted to make things right. He wanted to be a good friend to everyone, but he didn't know anymore how he was supposed to do that.

The door clicked open and Ethan sighed at the sight of Doug. Doug took his head out of his hands and Ethan's expression changed.

"Doug? What's the matter?" He rushed forwards, trying to reach out to him.

"Everything is a mess" Doug said, alarmed that tears were falling down his cheeks.

Ethan sat beside him, putting an arm around him. He had always been so hesitant at physical contact before but since they had slept together, things had changed.

"Is it Lynsey?"

Doug nodded, bowing his head.

"And me?"

Doug looked up at him, wiping at his eyes. "I'm sorry we argued"

"No, I'm sorry. I got caught up in the frustration I feel over it"

"Let's forget it for now" Doug stood up. "I need to go out"

"Now?" Ethan grabbed his arm. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I need to see Lynsey again"

Ethan let go reluctantly. "I'll see you soon though, yeah?"

"Yeah" Doug nodded weakly.

xxx

When he returned later, Ethan was listening to his music with his back turned. Doug approached him, feeling more frantic than ever. Ethan had to listen to him this time. He accused Doug of wanting Lynsey again but Doug let it pass, they had bigger things to worry about. The moment he mentioned Theresa, Ethan paid attention. He still cared for her after all.

They went to Chez Chez to find Lynsey. She wasn't best pleased that Doug had brought Ethan with her. Doug tried to go after her but Ethan grabbed his arm.

"Doug, just leave her"

"I can't!"

"Listen, I'm here. Nothing is going to happen to her while I'm here, promise"

"You don't even believe her!" Doug ran his hands over his face. "Please, Ethan. If you can't trust her, can't you trust me?"

Ethan looked at him squarely. "Of course I trust you. Let me go see if Theresa is okay. I'll keep an eye on Lynsey as well"

"Alright" Doug nodded as Ethan made his way upstairs. Doug brought his phone out, calling Seth again for about the fifth time. No answer.

He felt as though he wanted to kick something. Or someone. He was scared; his palms were itching and he was sweating profusely. He angrily brought his phone out again, calling Seth. He decided to leave a message when there was no answer.

"Seth. Please call me back. I need to speak to you, it's important. Something's not right, please keep yourself safe. I…" Doug hesitated. "I love you, okay?"

Doug went up the stairs only to see Ethan and Theresa talking. Ethan pushed a lock of hair away from her face, his expression tender. It bothered Doug far more than it should have. He stormed outside onto the balcony, breathing hard. Dodger eventually came out, looking for Texas. It was going to be a long night…

xxx

Seth had been ignoring Doug's phone calls. He couldn't speak to him right now. It was only when his phone buzzed to tell him he had a voicemail message did his resolve waver. He listened to it, feeling tears spring to his eyes at Doug's words. But it also made him tense, a horrible feeling of foreboding washing over him in an instant. He started to text him, asking to meet up. He couldn't call him, it was too hard.

Jason came through the door with Ethan. Seth really didn't want to see him right now. He had just texted Doug when he heard the broken note in Jason's voice and turned, asking if his Mum was okay. Jason and Ethan's expression confirmed it for Seth before Jason uttered the words.

"She's dead"

Seth turned to Riley, willing him to say it wasn't true, that their Mum was okay and this was all some sick joke. But he looked just as shocked as Seth felt. There was no happy ending here. Seth felt his insides twist into knots. This couldn't be happening. This happened to other people, not his family.

And through the daze his phone buzzed in his hand.

"Come find me if you need me"

xxx

Doug went home eventually after trying to get a hold of Ethan for Lynsey. She had gone to speak to Riley, even though Doug had advised her not to. He was feeling so useless right now. He had told Seth to come to him if he needed him but he didn't really expect him to. What could be possibly say to make this alright?

"Doug?" Ethan had arrived home. He sounded exhausted.

"You alright?" Doug stood, feeling detached.

Ethan stared at him blankly. "I'm so sorry" he croaked, starting to cry.

"Ethan-" Doug said, panicked. Ethan practically flung himself at Doug, holding him tight.

"I was so wrong. I should have listened to you"

"Shh, it's okay" Doug stroked the back of Ethan's head. "People make mistakes"

"I made a huge one. How can I ever forgive myself? How will anyone be able to?"

"They will. You didn't do this, Ethan. And you weren't the only one to believe him. I'll be here for you if no one else will"

Ethan pulled away, his face wet with tears. He looked at Doug adoringly. Doug had never seen him look so open before. "Thank you" he said, staring down at Doug's mouth.

"Ethan, I-"

"Doug?" Seth was heard before he was seen. Doug and Ethan sprung apart guiltily.

"Seth?" Doug saw him as he reached the doorway, utterly broken. His heart went out to him.

"Oh, Doug" Seth flew into Doug's open arms, gripping him hard and sobbing into his shoulder. "I do need you, now more than ever"

"I'm here, I'm here" Doug soothed, opening his eyes and realising that Ethan was gone.