Ride
At exactly a quarter to 3, he was standing outside of his dorm building. His hands were stuffed in his pockets and he rocked back on his heels. He tried hard not to feel nervous. But he couldn't help it. Something about Owen picking him up made it seem... more like a real date. Like... real, real. Although... he tilted his head slightly, thinking about it. Owen walking him home last night was very sweet and date-like. And staying up most of the night texting.
Zach smiled and felt his face heat up. He took a deep breath. "Relax." He whispered to himself. "Be cool." He rolled his eyes and shook his head at himself. He was just as much of a dork as Owen. He dropped his eyes to the ground and bit his lip.
A rumble made him look up. And there he was. Zach breathed in sharply.
Owen drove right up to the sideway and stopped just in front of Zach. He sat back and pulled his helmet off. He shook out his hair and smiled. "Hey."
Zach smiled and ducked his head shyly.
Owen's smile seemed to widen. He turned slightly and grabbed a second helmet. He held it out to Zach. "Safety first."
Zach smiled and pulled the helmet on over his head.
"That's hot." Owen said.
Zach rolled his eyes and smiled.
Owen bent forward over his motorcycle. "Climb on."
Zach hesitated. But Owen held out his hand and Zach didn't hesitate any longer. Owen helped him awkwardly climb up. He let out a laugh and slipped his helmet on. "Hold on tight."
Zach touched Owen's waist gently. "No." Owen said, shaking his head. "Not like that." He grabbed Zach's hands and pulled him forward. Zach's eyes widened as he was pulled flush against Owen's back. And then Owen placed Zach's hands on his stomach. "Tight."
Zach tucked his head against Owen's back.
Owen smiled. He revved the engine and they sped off down the street. Zach held on tight, just like Owen had said. He could feel the muscles in Owen's back as he moved and shifted. It was amazing. All too soon, they were slowing and Owen pulled the back to a stop. He kicked the stand out and leaned back. Zach was still holding on really tight. Like really tight.
"Hey... you can let go now." Owen smiled. "Or..." He added slowly. "You can keep holding on like that... but that'll uh... cause some complications..."
Zach's eyes widened. He loosened his grip and pushed away quickly. And then started slipping. And before he could stop himself, he was falling. Off the motorcycle. And onto the ground. He landed with a thud. And just wanted to die. Right there.
Owen looked back, his eyes wide. "Shit! Sorry!" He hopped off and bent down to help Zach. "You okay?" He asked, hauling the younger man up easily.
Zach nodded his head. He pushed Owen's hands away and refused to even look at him.
Owen stepped closer, ducking his head down. "You sure? Let me see." Owen pulled the helmet off Zach's head. And Zach's face was beet red. Owen smiled. "Okay. Come on."
Zach was grateful when Owen turned away from him. He took a deep breath and lingered beside the bike for a moment. Then he hurried to catch up with Owen. Zach looked up at the front of the building.
