Sorry for the incredibly long wait for an update to this. I've had bits and pieces written, just nothing completed. Hopefully it won't take as long. Thank you for the reviews and patience!
Standard disclaimer. Title comes from a song by Tim James.
Chapter 2: I'll Be Your Secret
"You sure you're up to this?" Shane asked as he walked with Hunter down the street.
"Of course!" Hunter answered, although his enthusiasm was a little forced.
Shane knew that, but wisely said nothing. They walked in silence toward the movie theater, each lost in their own thoughts. Shane's were of Hunter, the panic he felt when he was told that he and Blake had disappeared into a bucket of popcorn. Hunter's were of his brother, and his actions toward Tori lately.
Both groaned when they saw the line pouring out of the theater. But two new movies were opening, although they weren't seeing either. They walked up to the end of the line, waiting patiently until they got inside.
As they stood in line, talking about the movie they were hoping to see, they tried to keep a respectable distance apart. But it was difficult. And every time they took a step forward, their hands would brush. That was, until Hunter shoved his hands into the pockets of his sweatshirt. He wore a slight scowl, its definition already known to Shane. He sighed, putting his fingers into his jeans pockets. It was times like that when all Shane wanted to do was reach out and grab Hunter's hand, but couldn't. And little things like that were adding up, making it hard to do anything in public anymore.
The last thing they needed was even the slightest slip, or to give the slightest clue. So they had to behave themselves, they needed to act like they were just friends. And that was the hard part, they weren't just friends, they were much more.
At the ticket counter, Shane asked for his and then Hunter got his own. Shane led Hunter to the concession stand, again they had to wait in line.
"Popcorn?" Shane asked with an evil grin.
"No way!" Hunter exclaimed, then whispered, "I'm still trying to get that artificial butter smell off me and the clothes I wore that day."
Shane chuckled, but added nothing more. They got their candy and soda, then headed into the almost empty theater. They chose seats toward the back, far away from the small crowd in the middle. When the movie started, Shane's hand found Hunter's and they sat like that through most of the film.
"This movie isn't as good as I thought," Hunter whispered, using it as an excuse to lean in closer to Shane.
"It's kinda boring," Shane agreed, turning to face Hunter.
Hunter quickly scanned the area, and no one was looking at them. He turned in his seat, just as Shane already had. Their lips brushed, then tentatively melded together. Hunter slipped inside Shane's mouth. A loud crash from the movie made them both jump, and they realized the film was most likely almost over. They decided to leave before the end, though, since neither cared what happened. After exiting the theater, they walked in the direction of their favorite diner.
"I don't know how much longer I can keep this up," Hunter announced just after they ordered.
"Keep what up?" Shane asked, taking a sip from his juice.
"This. Sneaking around…"
"Hunter, even if we tell everyone, some things won't change. What do you think will happen if we walk in here one day holding hands? Or if we kiss just before you go off to race or I go to do a trick?"
"Point taken," Hunter replied, twisting his napkin in his hands. "I just hate keeping this from Blake."
"Then tell him."
"He'll tell Tori."
"Then he tells her! And she'll tell Dustin…and then the world will know."
Hunter's head met the table with a thump. Shane reached over, patting the back of his head a couple times before leaning back in his seat. Hunter sat up a few seconds later with a reddish tinge to his cheeks.
"I gotta tell Blake. But I'll make him promise not to say a word to anyone."
"Whatever will make you feel better."
A strange silence began. Nothing needed to be said, but there was much to think about. Shane wished he had a similar relationship with Porter like Hunter had with Blake. And Hunter tried to plan how he was going to tell his brother. The serious atmosphere soon dissipated when their food arrived. Then they settled back into their 'friends' routine, talking motocross and skating.