Notes: WOW A NEW CHAPTER WITHOUT MORE THAN A MONTH'S WAIT!

Anyway, FINALLY things will start to pick up, I apologize to everyone waiting for something interesting to happen on this fic. I really do.

Chapter 12: The Beginning Of Something Really… Unusual

TT: So, how are things with your charming admirer?
TG: hes not all that bad actually
TT: Oh? How come?
TG: i dunno
TG: theres something about him
TG: hes still a bit creepy because the circumstances are super weird
TG: but weve been having so many casual conversations for so long it doesnt really feel like im dealing with a total perv
TT: He's not some mindless pedophile then?
TG: not really the impression im getting from him
TG: i have to admit
TG: dude knows how to keep a conversation going and sometimes i even forget hes probably some guy in his late forties
TG: possibly fat and balding
TG: and ugly as fuck
TG: you know how these guys are
TG: you see them on tv all the time and its never some young attractive fellow
TG: its just men who make you go
TG: why no one ever suspected this fucker was bad touching children
TG: its never someone that gets you thinking
TG: i wouldnt mind much if that dude boned me
TT: I see.
TG: oh god I talked too much didnt i
TG: you are so writing that down to add it to your pile of bullshit analysis you have of me
TT: I promise to forget what you just typed.
TT: Either way, you seem to be bonding with this guy quite well.
TG: hes kind of interesting to talk to and is willing to listen to what i say
TG: maybe it wasnt total bullshit when he said he wanted to know me better
TT: Will you ever share any of your conversations with him with me?
TT: I can't help but grow curious about those.
TG: our chats are kind of boring
TG: discussing music and photography and shit
TG: theres no saucy conversation between us
TT: What a shame!
TT: I was looking forward to reading about a spicy and forbidden romance between a young boy and an older stranger whom was capable of sweeping him off his feet.
TG: rose this is not some harlequin novel

And just like that, another month flew by. Posing for pictures on even more and more ridiculous outfits - at some point Dave began to suspect just how specific were these people's tastes which demanded him to be on a sailor costume - reading page after page of perverted messages and chatting up with Mike ended up becoming regular things on the younger Strider's routine, to a point none of these really upset him.

And he was especially not upset to talk to his so-called admirer. Dave found himself not treating that man on the other side like a creeper and started to think of him as something better than that.

Not really a friend, but certainly something less cringe-worthy than an old guy creeping on a boy.

It was probably that one night he was pissed at his brother and ended up letting out more than intended. Told Mike he had an older brother. That wasn't part of the plan, but he seemed eager to listen.

Dave just threw himself on his bed and typed away on his phone.

i just dont know what he wants from me
hes fucking demanding and wants me to do so much shit and
im so damn tired
and im specially tired of trying to match him

You trying to be like him?

he
fuck it i can tell this to you
im probably never going to see you in person and you cant tell this to anyone i know
dude is my fucking role model
i wish i could be like him but i cant even compare
hes better at everything

I have no doubt that your brother is a great person if you are trying so hard to be like him.

But shouldn't you be more worried about being yourself?

nice attempt to try to cheer me up
but i think he kind of expects me to be just like him
im just tired of competing with him

How can you be so sure he wants you to grow up like him?

Have you ever talked to him about this?

fucker wont listen
he never does
he has just been a bit nicer lately because im helping with his stupid site

Well, the cat was out of the bag, too late to try and retrieve it.

So, your brother runs the site.

And... you want to stop taking pictures?

maybe
i dont even know to be honest
sometimes i just want to stop it all and i know he told me that whenever i said it he would respect my choice
for once hah
but at the same time it seems we are bounding
i mean shit just the other day i was helping him out with sewing those unsettling puppets
i know this is the worst thing for brothers to bond over but yeah

Did you two spend a lot of time together before this?

not really
we kind of always been distant

Don't you think it's possible that he's genuinely happy about you being an integral part of something of his?

I have to admit this is an unusual bond, but maybe that's an opportunity for you to get closer?

i guess
its hard to tell with him hes a damn wall when it comes to emotions

I'm always here if you need to vent about anything.

Although I doubt I would be your first option for such a thing.

Dave looked at the small screen of his phone for a few before writing his next message.

actually i think its better if i talk to you about these
i mean you are just some random dude on the internet
i dont exactly need to hide this kind of shit from you

If anything is bothering you, just come talk to me. I can't promise I'll make you feel better, even if I wish I could, but I'll listen.

He never really thanked Mike for that last message, but he was grateful someone was willing to listen to him babble without being bothered or without taking weird conclusions like Rose.

Besides, it was like talking to a therapist, only cheaper.

That was the turning point on his relationship with Mike, where their conversations became a mix of hobbies talk, music talk and Dave having someone to spill out his insecurities without fear.

So what if he was some old man who was attracted to him? He was listening to him, and even advising him. And that was more than he could ask from some people. His brother especially, even if he did seem to be acting a bit more amiable and open, especially after that one day, after Dave's talk with Mike. The boy remembered that as if it was yesterday.

"I'M SORRY I'M NOT EXACTLY LIKE YOU!"

Those words left Dave's lips before he could keep them inside. They just popped up in the middle of an argument he was having with Bro about strifes. Again.

For the first time in years Bro was rendered speechless and didn't even know what to do. He just stood there, watching his younger brother gaze at his own shoes, fists clenched, face bright red and breathing irregular.

"Just cry already."

Dave lifted his gaze. Those words didn't really sound like they should. That was not how his brother spoke. Was there insecurity to his words? It couldn't be. And when he looked up at Bro's face, he was met with a sight he never thought he would see.

A tentative smile was there yes, but he... Was he sad? Did he look genuinely sad? No, his mind had to be playing tricks on him. His brother would never allow such a thing to slip... right?

"Can you just go ahead and cry this is getting awkward."

There was a failed attempt at a mocking tone to Bro's voice, as realization came to him. He was always so worried about making Dave grow up to be completely independent, he never really realized just how much of "himself" he was projecting on Dave and how much he was expecting from the boy. Even he had to admit he went overboard many times.

There was one, two, three quiet sobs. Then the tears finally began to roll from Dave's red eyes, and they just kept coming, stronger and stronger. At some point, he almost involuntarily walked up to Bro, face burying on his shirt as he hit his fists as strongly as he could against his older brother's chest.

Bro didn't dare stopping his younger brother. He pretty much deserved each and every one of those punches and he knew it.

It took five long minutes until Dave started to calm down, fingers clutching to Bro's shirt, his face still pressed against the wet spot in it as his crying subsided. As soon as the punches stopped, the older Strider placed a hand on top of his younger brother's head, fingers running through his hair.

"I never said you needed to be like me." Bro said trying to use the most reassuring tone of voice he could muster. He knew it wasn't the best one, but he was trying. "I just want you to be able to fend for yourself and be strong when you get older."

"I... I understand. And... I always keep trying to be as good as you, but I... I don't think I am…" Dave suddenly felt Bro pushing him away a bit, right before crouching in front of him, hands on his shoulders.

"Oh no, you are not going down that lane, kiddo." Bro looked straight into his younger brother's eyes, his fingers gripping on the boy's shirt. "If you are about to say you aren't 'good enough', you cut that crap right now."

Dave didn't utter a word. He just shifted his gaze to avoid Bro's intense state at his eyes.

"Tell me, how many kids out there know how to wield a sword and can fight one on one with an adult? And come out mostly unscathed?" Bro smirked, a hand on top of Dave's head. "And how many can come up with rhymes as sick as yours?"

"Wa-wait! How do you know about my rhymes?" Dave's eyes met Bro's once again, and he looked just like a deer caught in the headlights. He rarely showed anything of that nature to the older Strider, pretty sure he would laugh at his face due to his lack of experience.

"You should be more careful with that beaten up notebook of yours." There was a brief chuckle from Bro as he watched his younger brother's eyes widen behind his shades. "There's some good material there, but you need help with some stuff."

"You asshole! You weren't supposed to read that! Those weren't finished!" Dave felt his ears burn, his brows knitting.

"Heh… Now, don't get so angry. I just said they are good, didn't I?" Bro moved away from Dave, standing up straight again. "I could help you perfecting your weak points though."

"I don't need your help." Dave said without hesitation, his pride speaking louder than his willingness to spend more time with his brother and get better at rapping.

"Oh, so you gonna figure out everything on your own then? Well, my offer still stands so whenever you change your mind…" Bro shrugged, still smiling, before leaving the room to go to the bathroom. "By the way, we are eating out tonight. You should take a shower and put on some fancy clothes."

Dave watched as his brother disappeared on the corridor and heard the bathroom door open and close. Maybe, he really could use some help with his rhymes.

After that day, their routine didn't change much, although, it was as clear as the day Bro was trying his very best not to overburden his younger brother. Sure it was hard work. After all, old habits die hard, and he constantly found himself falling back into his regular demanding ways, telling Dave to be faster and sharper and stronger at moments which didn't really call for such an attitude.

All the while, Dave would randomly vent at Mike about whatever was bothering, even if his complaints were getting rarer and rarer with each passing day. Maybe Mike was right. Maybe that whole experience with the site had to happen for him and his Bro to make emends and start to get along a bit better. Why, he was even able to put his stupid Strider pride aside and ask the older man for help with his raps. And he was actually glad he did.

It was the end of that fated month, and Dave could barely believe how things were progressing, both with his brother and his admirer. But, the path of his conversations with Mike was soon to change gears.

It as a Saturday night and no one was online on Pesterchum. Jade told him something about having a picnic with Bec under the moonlight – God, he could never tell her just how lonely she sounded when telling him about such plans – John was going out to the movies with his dad, and Rose had some manner of "urgent" school paper that required her full attention.

For that reason, his computer was off, and he was just lying in bed, playing some silly game on his phone to pass the time. He really needed a new X-Box game, and needed one soon. Maybe he could bother his brother to death until he took him to the game shop.

A notification noise came from the small gadget, and a note signaling he got a new message from Mike popped up on the screen. Reading it sounded better than lying around doing jack shit. Besides, that wouldn't be the first time he would exchange messages with him while on the phone.

Good night! I know it's a Saturday night and maybe you aren't even there? Maybe your brother decided to treat you to some quality dinner time?

Well, whenever you get this, I would like to talk.

Wandering just what Mike wanted to talk about – it had been a while since he sent any e-mail with that kind of line – Dave quickly responded.

im here
no nights out for me it seems
my bro is busy with whatever the hell hes doing back in his room
probably sewing more of those dolls

After hitting "Send" it only took a few minutes for Dave to get an answer.

I'm actually relieved you are around right now.

There is a thing I want to discuss with you. Something I've been delaying to ask you for a while.

Dave looked at the small screen of his phone and, even though he had an idea of what was about to unfold, he didn't want to jump to conclusions. Doing that with Mike proved to be quite stupid.

alright
whats the deal

Since we've been talking to each other for a while and I've been feeling that our bond has grown stronger, I think it's the right time for me to bring out this subject.

I don't suppose you ever kissed anyone, right?

For a moment, Dave was surprised. Sure they were finally beginning to walk down the politically incorrect path of their relationship, but it sure started a lot more "tame" than the younger Strider predicted. Either way, that was going to be interesting, in a way.

nah
im not one of those boys whom the moment they hit thirteen they begin to crave exchanging saliva with others

I see.

You probably have more things in your mind than that.

like you wouldnt believe
my bro keeps me busy
not to mention school and music making
and the photographs

The boy had never realized just how involved he was his his obligations and hobbies to start investing in a legitimate relationship. Besides, he always thought he was too young anyway. Life had more to offer than smooching someone.

As unlikely as this is, I wouldn't mind being the first to kiss your lips. I have entertained the thought for a while in my head and I thought of quite the lovely scenario for that to happen.

With a scoff, Dave allowed a half-smirk to appear on his lips. Yes, that was going to be interesting indeed.

and what exactly do you have in mind dude
share it with the class

If you say so. I apologize if this gets lengthy though.

I thought we could be sharing a couch, both of us sitting side by side, having our habitual conversations. Then I could wrap an arm around your shoulders, pull you closer to me.

Would you have any objections regarding that?

There was a head tilt from Dave.

why are you even asking me that

Because making advances towards you without your consent is not what I want. Like I said, you are too beautiful and if I ever hurt you I won't be able to forgive myself.

So, do I have your permission to keep going?

The younger Strider was a bit perplexed by that, but still he couldn't help but feel a strangely warm sensation inside. So, the guy wasn't a mindless, sex hungry predator who only thought of himself. That was different, considering the situation.

dude just get on with the fucking story

Very well then.

I would pull you close, and my hand on your shoulder would move to your neck, my fingers brushing against your soft skin and reaching for your chin. Then I would guide your head so you would look my way.

And then, naturally, I would lean towards you, until my lips were brushing against yours, very softly at first, then a bit stronger. Maybe I could even nibble on your lower lip a little. How does that sound?

Dave tried to imagine how that would feel, which was kind of hard. Not that he never entertained thoughts of kissing, but those definitely didn't involve him and some way older guy. It didn't sound completely terrible though.

ok i guess
kind of hard to tell to be honest

And what if I legitimately kissed you? Tilted my head to the side, slid my tongue past your lips and inside your mouth? How would that be?

Honestly, the boy wished he could say he was disgusted by the idea, but...

i have no clue what real kissing feels like
all i know about it is what ive seen on tv
but doesnt look like such a bad thing

Coming from you... Dave thought to himself before hitting send. He had no idea why he wasn't completely weirded out by Mike as he was supposed to. Maybe because he took the time to know him? Didn't mind when he rambled about his problems? Stuck to his word and never showed any signs of trying to find out details about his life, like where he lived and such?

Dave didn't really know and, to be honest, he didn't care much. It wasn't like the guy was going to reach out through his computer screen and abuse him, so it was harmless, right?

Well, think about it for a while, yes? I believe it's kind of hard to imagine yourself in a situation you were never into, but do that for me, OK? I would be eternally grateful.

And sadly, I can't keep talking to you. I have some things to attend. But drop me a line as soon as you give my messages a bit more thought.

The younger Strider laid in bed for a while, his phone lying by his side as he stared at the ceiling, thinking. Not exactly about those messages that were just sent to him, but how he accepted them so naturally.

Why he felt so damn comfortable with Mike was beyond him, but he did. Not that he would ever tell Rose about that. If he ever let anything out about his next conversations with his admirer, he would most definitely paint a different picture to her, saying the guy was a creep and was sending him unwanted messages. He didn't want to deal with Rose trying to find a reason for his behavior, and coming up with some bogus explanation based on those psychology books she read.

The rest of the night was slow and boring, with Dave even going to the apartment's main room to spend his time watching TV, as Bro typed away on his computer to fix bugs and other things on the site.

And the night would have stayed completely uneventful, if it wasn't for one thing that happened to Dave while he was asleep. Most of his sleep was dreamless, but at some point, he could feel a weight over his body, and a face pressed closed to his, lips and hot breath brushing against his own lips as breathy words he couldn't decipher entered his ears, and a hand rested softly against his waist.

That went on for almost a minute, until Dave woke up with a jolt, sitting up and looking around his room. It was still 3AM, and his room was just poorly lit by the moonlight coming from the window. He shook his head and quickly tried to go back to sleep, giving little to no attention to the dream he just had.

He was probably just impressed by those messages.