Sebastian smirked. That would be something Matt would have to get used to. Matt sighed. He wasn't going to get out of having a conversation with the nosy Sebastian Smythe even if his life depended on it. And besides, something about this guy peaked Matt's curiosity. So, he bit the bullet and answered.
"No, Sebastian, I am not having boyfriend troubles." Matt whispered.
"Yes, you are." Sebastian replied smugly.
Matt eyed Sebastian's face. He was cute. Sandy blonde hair and a perfect chin adorned his face. He would've been classified as a preppy in the '80s – Polo striped shirt with the collar turned up, and tan khaki pants. He was very skinny. Almost as skinny as Matt.
"What do you want?" Matt asked exasperated.
"Welllll….", Sebastian coaxingly began, "I think you are the ideal person to do a duet with."
Matt eyed him carefully.
"Why me?" Matt carefully asked, "You haven't even heard me sing yet."
"Oh….I can tell." Sebastian said with a little smile, now turning so his shoulders almost touched Matt. "And, yes you are having boyfriend troubles. I'm single, you know."
Matt's head whipped so fast to Sebastian he should've had whiplash. Of course Matt should've known Sebastian was gay, but teenage gaydar isn't as fine-tuned as when you're an adult.
Sebastian just kept grinning.
"Thought you were fooling everyone?" Sebastian asked with just the barest hint of concern.
Matt was speechless.
Then, Sebastian cooled his demeanor.
"Yeah. I'm gay too." Sebastian quietly said. "You're not out?"
Matt thought for a second before replying.
"Sort of…."
Sebastian took the moment to look Matt up and down, before he returned his beautiful green eyes to Matt.
"Well, you and I should catch up some time." Sebastian said, just a little louder. "After all, we are the only openly gay students in our class, aren't we?"
Matt just nodded.
Around them, students were getting into their chairs, just waiting for Mr. Shuester's arrival and this weeks' glee assignment. If anybody heard or even cared about the boy's conversation, the boys didn't notice.
"Is your boyfriend out?" Sebastian quietly asked, reducing his voice back down.
"No!" Matt replied, alarmed.
"Don't worry, Matty, I won't ask." Sebastian just had an irksome way about him. He was cute and he knew it. He had a nice voice – and knew it. But he could get under your skin, make you feel disarmed. Matt was a little uneasy but agreed to try to get along with him. Strength in numbers, as they say.
"Alright. Let's have lunch some ti-"
"Today." Sebastian declared.
"No."
"No?"
"No."
"Why not?" But Sebastian asked this with a little twinkle in his eye and a cute, little turned up smile, as if to say he knew the answer.
"If you must know, I'm meeting my secret boyfriend for a nice, quiet, secluded lunch."
For the first time ever, Sebastian's face quickly grew serious. Matt studied his face, disarmed at how quickly Sebastian could change. Sebastian turned in his chair and leaned in a little.
"You'll get tired of secret romances, Matt."
.
Azimio was walking down the science hall, leaving physics. He was barely paying attention to the day's lesson, which was way too much about the endocrine system. Instead, Azimio was concerned about Dave. Dave was being so distant lately. He and Dave used to talk a lot more and play football in Dave's backyard. But over the past few months, Azimio was lucky to see Dave once a week. Azimio sighed.
He was headed towards study hall when he saw Coach Karofsky down at the end of the hall, talking to one of the science teachers. Azimio was concerned about Dave and thought he'd ask Dave's Dad if something was wrong.
As Azimio approached Coach, he saw a pensive look on his face, as if Coach was deep in thought.
"Coach?"
Paul jumped a little and then smiled when he saw who it was.
"Mr. Adams. How you doin'?" Paul asked smiling. The science teacher promptly left, seeing he was going to be left out of this conversation.
"I'm fine. And you?"
"Fine."
Silence. Both men had something to say and one of them would probably have to take the initiative.
"Coach?"
"Yeah, Adams?"
Azimio adjusted the strap on his book-bag a little and fidgeted. He had never asked a coach anything personal, let alone anything personal about the coach's son. But Dave was his best friend and was good at "lookin' out."
"Is Dave OK?"
Paul leaned back a little, regarding Azimio. Azimio's fidgeting worsened. He'd hit a sore spot with the coach and he regretted asking all of a sudden.
"Why do you ask?" Paul asked carefully.
Azimio's fidgeting came to an abrupt halt, as he leaned in a little.
"Dave's been acting…weird."
"In what way?" Paul asked quickly. It became apparent to Azimio that the coach probably wasn't going to give any information as to Dave's odd behavior.
"Well…." Azimio politely began, "Dave and me hardly hang out anymore at your house. He always seems to be busy or somethin'. It's….."
"Weird?" Paul supplied.
"Yeah."
The men looked at each other for a moment before Paul smiled.
"I'm sure it's nothin' Azimio. Girl trouble maybe?"
Azimio chuckled. "I hope so. But….I haven't seen Dave with a girl in a long time."
Paul instantly frowned.
"Introduce him to a Cheerio or something. Get Dave's mind back in the game. Invite him over for dinner, Azimio. I think Dave likes your parent's cooking."
Azimio felt instant relief. He just wanted guidance on how to handle this situation and a coach is always good at giving advice.
"OK. Will do, Coach. Thanks!" And with that, Azimio left Paul standing where he was with a big smile on his face. But Azimio was hardly consoled. An uneasy feeling was brewing inside Azimio, and the Coach's advice had seemed…rehearsed.
Paul frowned.
.
Lunchtime. Dave's favorite time of the school day. And, no, it wasn't because he was a big guy who needed tons of calories, which he did. This was the time when he and Matt would secretly meet outside the choir room and sneak into the supply room. Dave was almost always first. When he would see Matt, Dave would quickly dart into the choir room, go through it, and into the supply room. A minute or two later, Matt would enter.
This was a special time for them. They would talk, share stories, share football, art, glee, or other fun stories. The boys would sit, eat their lunches, and Dave's foot would always be wonderfully rubbing Matt's leg. Matt would giggle. And, of course, there were always a lot of gratuitous make-out sessions.
When lunch was over, Dave would leave first. He would kiss Matt goodbye. This kiss was bittersweet – he loved holding his boyfriend's face, gently stroking just below the earlobe. Occasionally, a tongue would flicker along Matt's lips, but Matt would rarely allow French kissing during the school hour. That was just too….intense. Matt was always afraid it would lead to…other activities. Then, Dave would make a hasty exit, usually with a tickle or a pinch to Matt's ribs along the way. A minute or so later, Matt would emerge, go to class, and the boys would finish their day.
This lunchtime ritual was almost daily. That Monday was no exception.
Dave was leaning along the choir room, backpack with his lunch over one shoulder and his cell phone in his other hand, playing a video game. He would occasionally look up to see if Matt was coming. When the coast was clear, the video game occupied his time. Dave loved Resident Evil.
Dave was so engrossed in his game that he didn't even notice that Matt had already arrived. Suddenly, a loud banging sound came from down the hall and Dave looked up. Matt pretended to drop a textbook. When Matt stooped down to pick up his sociology book, he stood back up to see that Dave had already left. Smiling, Matt went into the choir room and into the supply room. He barely got one foot in before he was predatorily grabbed.
"Hey!" Matt whispered.
"Shhhhh." Dave quietly responded. His hands were now roaming Matt's firm back as Matt dropped his book-bag. The boys smiled at each other for a millisecond before their mouths crashed together.
The boys loved kissing. Who doesn't? Dave's hands quickly grabbed the back of Matt's head and the kiss deepened. Matt shivered just a little. Dave moaned in satisfaction.
The kiss went on and on until Dave finally broke it – sort of.
"Do you know-" Dave started to ask while he kissed Matt, "what I missed-" more kissing "the most about you-" and still more kissing "today?"
Matt of course couldn't answer because Dave's tongue was insisting on entering his mouth. Of course, Matt knew this was a trap – once Matt tried to answer, Dave's hungry tongue would enter and Matt would disappear…
So, Matt tried to wriggle out of Dave's grasp. This was much easier said than done. Matt grabbed Dave's shoulders and tried to push him away. After two unsuccessful pushes, Dave evilly chuckled into Matt's mouth. Matt, then, used plan B.
Matt gave up and firmly placed his hands on Dave's shoulders, falling deeper and deeper into the kiss. He really didn't want the kissing to end. He loved Dave's size and how safe and protected he felt. Dave made him feel so wanted and thoroughly desired. But he had to get a hold of this situation and fast, or else clothing could be removed. Or worse – more hickeys to hide.
Suddenly, Matt dropped his hands to Dave's ribs and tickled. Immediately, Dave jumped away, guarding his rib cage much like he would do if a defensive end was rushing towards him on the football field.
"No fair." Dave pouted.
Matt smirked. "You deserved that."
Dave pouted a little longer, half smiled, and reached for one of Matt's hands. The boys looked at each other in the semi-dark room. Rows and rows of office supplies surrounded them, along with years and years of dust. But they didn't care. They were alone. They were together. They were kissing. They were happy.
Not letting go of Matt's hand, Dave walked over to a couple of chairs, positioned them side-by-side, and sat down, gently pulling Matt along. The boys got situated and began eating their lunches. Dave took a huge bite of his bologna sandwich while Matt was inspecting his veggie burrito.
"I don thin we should sto fo yur purents." Dave said with his mouth full.
"Chew." Matt ordered. "And swallow."
Dave looked at him sideways, a little smile on his face. He obediently chewed his food and swallowed.
"I don't think we should stop for your parents." Dave clarified.
Matt heard Dave but didn't respond. Dave bowed his head a little, checking if Matt was OK. He wasn't.
"I don't want to stop either, Dave." Matt earnestly began, "But if our parents aren't going to support our relationship, we'll be on our own."
Dave straightened his frame, becoming a towering presence even while sitting down.
"I'm prepared for that." Dave declared.
Matt smiled. He loved it when his boyfriend puffed out his chest, especially when Matt was involved. He admired Dave's confidence and was completely supported.
"I guess I am too." Matt said, a little quietly.
"You guess you are?"
Matt took the moment to look at Dave. At this close proximity, Dave's hazel eyes had a dark strength that Matt admired. He loved Dave's strong, peaceful face, which was a stark improvement over 'Karofsky.' He knew 'Karofsky' would never reappear.
"No. I am." Matt said resolutely. "I'm just not used to going against my parent's wishes."
Dave nodded.
"At least they seem to like me." Dave said thoughtfully.
"Yes, they do. They just don't like our clashing social statuses at school." Matt said. And then, added, "And our plan."
"There's nothing wrong with our plan." Dave said quickly.
Matt gently stroked Dave's full cheek.
"I know. And I'm right with ya'."
Dave smiled, turning his head to feel more of Matt's affection.
"I just wish….."
Matt didn't need to finish that sentence. There was a lot the boys wished for in that moment. They wished Matt's parents fully accepted their relationship. They wished Dave's Dad wasn't so hateful. They wished that when they come out after the state championship game that everyone will accept them. They wished they could get through high school.
They wished a lot.
Dave hungrily took another bite of his sandwich as Matt finally took his first bite of his burrito.
"Do you really think we'll win the state championship this year?" Matt genuinely asked.
Dave shrugged. "Dunno. We have a really good team. I haven't had much trouble reading the nickel and dime packages defenses throw at us, even with two safeties and five cornerbacks."
Dave had taken a third bite of his sandwich before he looked over at the blank stare coming from Matt. Matt knew next to nothing about football, much like Dave knew next to nothing about painting.
"I mean," Dave gently clarified, "I haven't had much trouble doing my job as quarterback."
"Oh." Matt nodded, taking another bite of his burrito. "Do you think you will?"
"Eventually, yeah." And then, Dave smiled that winning, beautiful, boyish smile of his before adding, "But I got it."
Matt smiled, loving this eager, young side to Dave. The boys were facing heavy decisions lately and this reprieve was much wanted and appreciated. They finished their lunch and put wrappings and other trash in Dave's paper bag. Setting the bag aside, Dave pulled Matt closer to him. Matt, being much smaller than Dave, couldn't help but fall onto Dave's chest a little.
They loved this. They loved these little, quaint moments when they could be together. But in the backs of their minds, they wished they could do this outside, in broad daylight, for the world to see.
"Grizzly?" Matt asked quietly.
"Yeah?" Dave replied gently, sensing something important was about to be said.
But Matt paused. Dave just pulled him even closer.
"Could I ask you something…important?"
"Of course. What's up?"
As Dave was waiting for an answer, he used his other hands to brush off some bread crumbs from his Izod shirt. When he was done, Matt still hadn't said anything. Dave took the time to wrap his other arm around Matt. He engulfed Matt.
Finally, Matt spoke –
"Do you love me?"
.