Chapter Five
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Dustin appeared to be enjoying himself at the party at the Bradley's house, talking with the others, a smile on his face the whole time. He cracked jokes, sang along with the radio, and offered hearty congratulations to the two brothers. But inside he was dying. He'd gone in that evening with the intention of faking his way through the night, like he always had before. But as he and Hunter met eyes he knew that was impossible.
And that scared him. How was he ever going to do this? He had to tell Hunter, and he'd made up his mind to do so, but he was so scared of what might happen. He'd gone through the different ways it could go over and over in his mind, he had every scenario played out at least once, but that didn't make it any easier. Now he waited, anticipating the right moment. When could he tell them? Should he pull him aside and just admit everything? Or wait for the right moment to come? He had no idea, so he just played along in his charade till he could figure it out.
He smiled as Hunter made a dry joke, and Hunter looked at him, something strange in his eyes. Dustin stared at him a moment, but looked away before it became too obvious. What was Hunter thinking? Did he have any idea how Dustin felt? Did he want him to? Maybe it would make everything less of a shock; maybe he would take it better. There was no way to know. Not until he said something.
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Hunter stole yet another glance at Dustin as he sipped at his beer silently. He seemed to be having fun, almost like himself again, and Hunter was glad. Maybe everything was okay again, whatever had been wrong. Or Dustin was just putting up a good show. It was impossible to tell with him.
He knew his brother was right, he should make a move. And he wanted to, he really did. He'd even tried a few times that evening, but he just couldn't get it out. Maybe that was just how he was.
But then again, maybe he would have to change. After all, neither pride, embarrassment, nor fear were good reasons for ruining his chances and hiding how he felt. He needed to get over it all and just say something. And he would. Tonight.
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"I'm gonna grab another soda," Dustin said, standing up. "Anyone want anything?"
They all shook their heads, but Hunter stood. "I'll come, I'd like another."
Dustin looked at him a moment, then nodded. "Okay." They left and went to the kitchen, and he opened the refrigerator, grabbing a can and looking back at Hunter as he straightened. "What do you want?"
"Uh, I don't know," he replied. "Just toss me something."
Dustin took out another can and shut the door, then turned and looked at Hunter, taking a deep breath. "We need to talk."
Hunter looked at him for a long moment. "About what?" he asked quietly.
He leaned against the refrigerator, trying to think of the words to say what he wanted to. All the scenarios disappeared from his mind and he couldn't think of anything. "Uh, you know how I've been kinda . . . distant lately?"
Hunter nodded. "Yeah." He said nothing else.
"Well, you said I could talk to you if I wanted to," he continued. "And I think I have to or I'm gonna totally freak out or something."
He frowned and came towards Dustin, concern in his eyes. "What's the matter? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything's fine," he said slowly. "Everything except me." He sighed and looked away. "Look, for a long time I've—I mean I—" Fuck, this was hard. "I, really like you," he continued. "Nobody knows but, uh, I'm—I'm bi. And I've liked you for a really long time."
Hunter stared at him in silence for what seemed like hours, but finally he blinked. "You have?"
Dustin nodded. "I just couldn't say anything. You're one of my best friends, and I didn't want to ruin it. And I still don't, and I know I should have said something before, and I'm sorry for lying to you, but I just couldn't tell anyone. I don't know why." He paused quietly, his breath becoming shakier as he waited for Hunter's reaction.
"Probably for the same reasons I couldn't," Hunter said quietly.
Dustin looked up quickly, feeling his eyes widen as they met Hunter's. And for the first time, he saw everything. Just like that. He knew what he'd seen before in those eyes, he knew what the looks and the smiles and the concern really meant. And he couldn't believe it. He shook his head slowly. "You mean, you . . ."
Hunter nodded, smiling hesitantly, just a little. "I wanted to say something, for a long time."
"Believe me, so did I." Dustin stepped forward until he was only inches from Hunter's ace. Slowly he leaned forward and pressed his lips to Hunter's. He immediately responded, putting his hands on Dustin's shoulders and gripping them tightly. Dustin ran a hand up Hunter's back and opened his mouth slightly, pleased when Hunter did the same. Nothing else mattered in that moment, everything was perfect.
Until they heard a sharp voice. "What the hell is going on?"
And they turned quickly to see the others in the doorway. They didn't look happy.
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