The hand that was so tenderly brushing the hair back from Peter's face suddenly hesitated, hovered, and drew slightly back. So very slightly that it nearly escaped Peter's notice. But not quite. A barely perceptible pause followed, and Davy uttered, "Oh... well, of course you're straight. I already knew that."

He tried-oh how he tried so hard to sound casual. As if it were no big deal. Like... oh well, it doesn't matter that much anyway.

But Peter knew better. He knew as sure as he knew his address that Davy was hurting. The bassist felt like he was withering inside. But he'd had to be honest. To be any other way would have been not doing right by Davy.

Davy tried to quell the ache that was welling up. It shocked him with its intensity. It opened his eyes though. Not until now did he realize how serious his attraction to Peter really was. Even after all the days and nights of the torment of wanting him.

Peter's nearness was suddenly unbearable. Not only did he want Peter, but he needed him. A simple, uncomplicated attraction or even lust he might have been able to deal with. But this...

Davy practically sprung off the bed, Peter's head bouncing down on the bedspread when Davy's lap disappeared without warning. Davy couldn't handle the closeness a second longer. If he couldn't touch Peter lovingly as he had been when brushing the hair from his eyes, then he didn't want to even be in Peter's vicinity. There was too much longing. Couldn't Peter see how vulnerable Davy was right now? But then, none of this was Peter's fault. Davy himself had brought this all on.

Peter, sweet Peter saw nothing wrong with having his head in Davy's lap, or for that matter, snuggling in front of the TV. That was just Peter. His love for a friend, or his favorite pajamas or a bowl of ice cream or a downy comforter was pure. Untainted. Davy knew him like a well loved, well read book. Peter had an innocence, a naive nature that was not Davy's to tamper with, or soil.

The reasonable part of Davy knew he was guilty of no wrong-doing, yet he felt as if he had violated Peter somehow. Peter was a grown man-he knew about gay people, bisexual people...is that what I am? Davy shivered with half revulsion, half disbelief. What had become of him, wanting his friend and fellow bandmate in this way?

But it was perfectly true that Peter wasn't in the dark about things of this nature. So why did Davy feel as if he'd corrupted him? Maybe because Peter looked up to him, at times even emanating him. He had so much admiration and respect for Davy that Davy felt he had failed Peter by not being who Peter had thought he was. Had he really failed Peter? Disappointed him?

"I don't want you hurt..." Peter's voice trailed off. "You've been so good to me..."

"Forget it. I'll be fine. I'm not... that fragile." But even as he uttered the words, Davy was aware of how shattered he was inside. He was fragile, but he didn't want Peter to know it.

Peter tossed and turned all night that night, and he could hear Davy doing the same. Peter took advantage of his awake time by examining his relationship with Davy. He'd always had a warm feeling when Davy was anywhere near. Sometimes tingly as well as warm. He'd never gotten that feeling with the other guys. Davy's smile and sparkling eyes made Peter feel like he could accomplish anything. His encouragement inspired Peter to practice even more than he would have otherwise. To push himself. Even when Peter was exhausted and burned out, Davy's cheerleading qualities gave him incentive to keep going until he had his music as perfect as possible.

The affection Peter felt for Davy was unlike anything he'd known before, with anyone. He wondered if it went beyond affection-but at the same time, he couldn't even imagine doing more than the snuggling on the couch in front of the TV that had become almost a ritual with them. He couldn't, for instance, imagine kissing Davy or touching him as a lover would. And anything beyond that was, well... unthinkable.

Peter felt like a bungee cord. It had been happening for a few days-ever since Davy had made his confession. Life went on as usual, Davy attempting to appear as normal as he possibly could around the others, and Peter too. But Peter knew different. The bungee cord part came in when Peter got too far away from Davy physically. Every time he ventured past a certain point, he felt a strong, urgent pull back in Davy's direction. He thought at first that his mind was playing tricks on him. But he soon realized that wasn't the case. What was the case was, he couldn't standbeing away from Davy.

Davy's aloofness was ever present, although he put on a good act in front of the others. Peter could feel it more than actually see evidence of it. Especially when they went to bed at night. Davy was a new Davy-distant and cool. He was just as nice to Peter as he'd always been, but a disturbing element had been added. He was guarded-that's what it was. He gave Peter a wide berth when they passed each other, stepping back first if they both reached a doorway at the same time. Instead of them both rushing forward and squeezing through at the same time, which had been the standard before this. As if he were afraid Peter would burn him if he were to, God forbid, touch him.

"What's with the shield, babe?" Peter asked one night as they undressed for bed.

"Shield?"

"David, you're on guard all the time."

"Maybe," said Davy, with that single word admitting he'd been avoiding Peter as much as was possible without calling undue attention to the two of them and their predicament.

Peter came over and sat beside Davy on Davy's bed. Davy stiffened with reservation. He didn't want to be this close to Peter.

"Relax... you've never drawn away from me like this before." Even as he heard Peter's words-heard the hurt in them, and even against his will, Davy could feel himself continue to withdraw.

"I'm not trying to do it, Pete. I just...can't...help it."

"You're afraid I'll hurt you, aren't you?"

Davy thought hard, but describing how he felt just didn't seem possible. He couldn't articulate it. The emotions were too strong.

"Its too...hard to explain," his voice sounded miserable. "You aren't feeling...the same way I am, Pete."

Peter gave Davy a break and went back to his bed. Davy tried several times to converse with Peter, but his mouth just wouldn't seem to operate. Mainly, he just didn't know what to say. There wasn't a fix for this.

After the lights went off, Peter's mind went into overdrive. Why was he wanting to be so close to Davy lately? Because Davy was pulling away, he told himself. And Peter wasn't used to that. Or maybe the warm feelings he'd had for Davy all along meant more than simple friendship? Was that why Peter had always cuddled up to Davy, but neither of the other two? And why did Peter feel such exaltation when standing close to Davy when they practiced or performed a gig? Actually making him feel giddy?

And why did he still want to be as near Davy as possible when they were both dead tired from twelve hour practices, trying to get it just right, and both irritable as all hell?

Peter didn't have the answers, but he did know things couldn't continue this way. His heart felt wrenched when Davy avoided him. What could he do about it though?

Confront Davy! That's what he could do! Well, not really confront Davy, as they both knew where Davy stood. It was himself he needed to confront. He needed to test himself, that's what! He needed to find out if those warm feelings he got when near Davy were more than friendship. And there was only one way to do that...

Peter, clad only in his shorts, crept from his bed to Davy's, and surreptitiously crawled under the covers before Davy even knew what was happening.

"What the hell...? Peter! What are you doing?"

"Calm down...let me explain." Peter then told Davy what he'd been thinking alone in his bed.

"Test yourself?"

"Yeah... 'cause now I'm not at all sure... if what I said the other day is true."

"About you being completely straight?"

"Yeah. The more I think about it... the more I wonder if these warm feelings might be something I've been... denying... even to myself."

"So you're using me... as a... guinea pig?"

"NO! David, you know I wouldn't do that! But I do need to find this out for myself. Its the only way. If you don't want me to... if you think I'm being cruel... just tell me."

Davy sighed heavily. Peter came up with the damndest things sometimes. You never knew what he was going to throw at you. He knew one thing for sure though-the temptation was going to be the death of him if Peter stayed in his bed much longer. But, at the same time, he did kind of understand Peter's logic. Peter was incredibly straightforward. It was just his way. This "test" probably made perfect sense to him.

"But... like you said... I don't want to mislead you by mistake." Peter looked pitiable in the nightlight's gentle glow, his lower lip stuck out just a bit, teasing Davy to no end. Poor guy was feeling bad and Davy wanted to just take it all away-kiss away the hurt.

"You break my heart and I'll break your ass," Davy said, grinning in a way that pacified Peter a bit and made the pout disappear.

"So its okay? You're... sure?"

Davy nodded. If there was a chance... just the slightest chance that Peter might feel the same way about him, this "test" was worth it. Even the anguish if Peter should decide it wasn't for him, would be worth it, because then Davy would know for sure.

"Well... what do you intend to... do?" asked Davy uneasily. He felt a bit creepy at the moment. Being tempted by someone, and actually acting on it were two very different things. He was glad he was wearing shorts, and not sleeping nude tonight. Davy might well find out the feelings he had for Peter were just a result of their close friendship, and not desire. Then what would he do if Peter were to feel differently? Oh god, what had he gotten himself into?

Peter was tense-very tense. Davy suspected he was losing his nerve, regretting even coming to his bed, wondering how to find a way out of this.

"You gonna be stealthy... like you climbed into bed with me?" Davy was trying to lighten things up, and wonder of wonders, it worked. Peter laughed softly.

"What style do you prefer? I have a catalog to choose from."

"Oh, I take it you have experience in this, then?"

"Hell, no. But I'm up for suggestions."

"How about just talking... for a while... seeing if its possible for us both to relax," Davy was being serious now. Davy, pretending to shift his position to get comfortable, edged his hips, then his shoulders a bit closer to Peter in such a subtle, quiet way that Peter almost missed it. But not Davy's body heat-that he couldn't miss if he had tried.

"I haven't been...punishing you for what you said the other day. You know... about you being straight," said Davy. "I just couldn't help it... I just felt I needed to keep distance between us."

Peter nodded. "Understood. Now... would you mind if I stalked you a bit?"

"Ahh... stalk me as in eventually pounce on me... like prey?" Davy was enjoying this interchange. It was instrumental in easing them both into this foreign, unexplored territory.

"No... not exactly. I would prefer it be... mutual."

"A mutual attack..." Davy stifled a giggle. "No, you're right. A mutual 'test," ya know?"

"Test... yes."

They bantered for a while, growing more comfortable with the knowing that no pressure would be applied to either of them.

Somehow, somewhere along the way, they became physically closer yet. Whether it was Davy or Peter who closed the gap completely between their bodies was probably close to equal in the end. It was all so natural, the way it progressed. Soon they were touching, and not unduly worried about it either.

Every little movement Peter made was magnified a thousand times by Davy's senses. He was so hyper aware of Peter's body, Peter's low pitched voice, Peter's soft warm breath as he spoke.

Peter was on his stomach, propped up on his elbows, and Davy was on his back.

As if coming from out of a dream, Peter's fingers began to trail a path up and down the inside of Davy's arm that was nearest him. Davy could not stop the gasp that escaped his lips. Was it real? The weight of the touch was not much more than that of a feather, or dandelion fluff, mused Davy, but he was so acutely aware of it that he could hardly remember what they were talking about, so focused was he on the sensation. The effect it had was magnificent.

He had a full erection, and had had it for some time. In actuality, since only seconds after Peter had slipped into bed with him. How could he have doubted feeling more for Peter than friendship with that ominous stiffness? Davy's arm was now stretched out somewhat so it nestled partway under Peter's chest as Peter laid there supported on his elbows, his fingers still lazily tracing a line up and down the arm he had trapped under him. Actually, it wasn't trapped-Davy had put it there-snaking it slowly and surely under Peter's chest. He'd done it without even thinking about it.

Davy knew the caressing fingers were Peter's way of telling him that he was comfortable with the situation. If Davy had been caressing Peter's arm like this, he couldn't have been absolutely sure if Peter were receptive or not. But this way... Peter was reassuring him all was well.

Peter steeled himself. It had gotten this far, and he was feeling nothing but an easiness with Davy that was part of their everyday life. That, and desire. No revulsion, no disgust. This was really no different than nestling on the couch-just more intimate. He was braced for the impact of how close their bodies were to hit him. In bed together too. But no impact came. He just felt so right about it.

"This feels good," he said simply. It was all that needed saying.

"Yeah... good." Davy confirmed that he felt as Peter did, knowing Peter needed to know-needed the reassurance. Peter had no doubt Davy was as confused as he was, this being virgin territory for both of them. He also knew he needed to be the "leader" of sorts so Davy would know without a doubt that Peter was feeling it too. Davy had already confessed-Peter hadn't.

Davy's hand that was under Peter's chest felt warm with Peter's heat. Davy, so naturally that it amazed him, curled his fingers a bit to explore Peter's chest hair. His first thought was that it was so soft-he hadn't expected that. Not unlike the hair on Peter's head. Silky. Secondly, it was stimulating to him. Even though his fingers barely brushed him, Peter's senses were on high alert, and he felt his groin tighten with Davy's first touch.

Ahhhh... there it was...there was Peter's proof. Proof that his feelings for Davy went beyond fondness and friendship. Otherwise, why was his cock stiffening? Just from Davy merely touching his chest hair? One thing was for sure-he was grateful they weren't on their sides, as Peter's erection would surely take him past embarrassment-all the way to shame. He had no way of knowing-yet-that Davy also had an erection.

Davy's fingers continued, and Peter felt himself getting more and more sexually excited.

"I like that..." Peter said softly, knowing Davy still needed encouragement. When Davy happened to touch Peter's nipple, it sent a shudder through Peter. He very nearly moaned out loud, but was able to stifle it before it came out.

Davy hadn't meant to do that, but he'd detected Peter's reaction. He'd felt the quiver, and also the need in Peter. He was sure of it. He would have bet money on it.

As if in answer, Peter, gathering courage, rolled onto his side, being careful not to get so close that his erection touched Davy, and caressed Davy's neck much the same as he'd done to his arm. Testing... This time it was Davy who had to choke down a moan.

Davy suddenly turned over onto his side. Peter hadn't known he was going to do it, and before he could back away, their erections collided. Startled, they looked into each other's faces, wide eyed and mutally astonished.

"Oh... sorry," said Davy.

"Me too!" Then they both laughed at the same time.

"This would be embarrassing if it weren't so damn funny, ya know?"

"I guess we're both guilty," said Peter. I thought maybe I was the only one."

"Not by a long shot, you're not."

That's when they hugged fully, Peter's lips coming down on Davy's neck. But unlike the last time, when Peter was just resting against him. This time his lips didn't remain motionless. They seemed to have a life of their own, and he began to kiss Davy's neck, and his breathing was something he couldn't stifle.

Davy had goose bumps almost instantly. He made a noise in his throat that sounded half strangled, half pleading.

If Davy had any doubts of Peter's arousal, it was now completely erased. Not only by his erection, but by his labored, quickened breathing and the feverish way the blonde was kissing his neck. The hot breaths of air against Davy's cheek and ear, the moans that Peter no longer gave a damn about holding back.

Davy thought he was going to lose it, right then, right there. He thought he was going to come. This arousal Peter was stoking in him...

"This feels so weird..." said Davy, trying without success to distract himself.

"Being in bed with me... like this?" asked Peter between neck kisses.

"Yeah. I've never done this before, have you?"

"No. I've never felt like this ... before... only girls turned me on... before." Peter stumbled over his words a bit, hoping the same was true for Davy.

"Same here," Davy sighed as Peter started to nibble very gently on his neck.

Peter felt a rush of relief. "Good. Then I get you... all to myself."

Once again, Davy felt as if he'd explode if Peter did anything more than kiss his neck. Peter's words had come out sounding so erotic.

"Wow, that's erotic," Davy figured he should tell Peter how his words had pleased him. The breathless way Davy breathed out his own words bounced off Peter with the same effect.

Right now, Peter felt like humping the bed, or even better, rubbing up against Davy. But even more overpowering was the urge to kiss Davy...but there was a big problem with that... he was terribly afraid...