Unwholesome Things - Part 9

Beta by LP, all remaining mistakes are entirely my fault.



It took a lot of courage to walk into the bar alone. There was a crowd of people smoking cigarettes in front, probably due to the sign prohibiting it once inside. Oren felt like he was walking a gauntlet of attractive bodies, noise, and smoke. He was surprised by his bravery, a few months ago he would never have been willing to do this.

Once inside he looked for anyone he recognized. Everyone seemed to have the same bored, detached expression. If they didn't enjoy being here, he wondered why they didn't just leave.

Oren found Jeff first. He always seemed to find Jeff first.

“Oh, wow. What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to come so…” Oren used a shrug to complete his explanation. “Where's Will?”

“He's upstairs, this place has a three levels, but you probably want to stay out of the basement.” Jeff smiled. “Rezo is going to be pissed when he sees you.”

While that was the idea, Oren felt a small uprising of nerves anyway.

“Want a drink? You have an ID don't you?”

“How else do you think I got in?”

Jeff seemed proud of him. “Then I'll buy your first drink here, although if anyone asks, you lied to me about your age.”

“I don't know if I should.”

“If you're going to rebel, you may as well go all the way.”

Jeff's philosophy did have a certain appeal. “Um, what do they have?”

“A lot of things.” Jeff laughed and it was clearly at him for asking such a stupid question. “How about a rum and coke? Everybody likes those.”

Oren nodded.

A few minutes later, Oren found himself walking up the stairs to the second story. Jeff was blazing ahead, probably to make sure he didn't miss Rezo's face when he saw Oren. Rezo seemed to have an affinity for choosing friends that were remarkably good at annoying him.

Oren decided not to examine that concept too closely.

Oren watched as Jeff leaned in close to Rezo, as if to whisper something to him. Rezo straightened up, looking around until he saw Oren. Disbelief flashed across his features before his eyes narrowed and his mouth pressed into a thin line.

Oren had no doubt that this evening was going to end with him getting a thorough spanking. Maybe too thorough. There was an art to upsetting Rezo just the right amount and it wasn't something Oren had mastered yet.

Oren stood still allowing Rezo to approach him. He preferred to have this conversation away from Jeff and the others. Oren took a sip of his drink, grateful for something to do with his hands.

“What are you doing here?” Rezo asked.

“Hi Rezo,” Oren said. Just because Rezo neglected to greet him didn't mean he was going to be equally rude.

Rezo let out a large sigh as if he was in physical pain. “What's in the cup?”

“This one?” Oren looked at his cup as if there was any question as to which one he meant.

“Yeah that one.”

“Coke.”

“And…?”

“Well, they don't serve just coke, so I had to get something else in it.”

“If you're going to lie to me you could at least try to make it believable.” Rezo's tone was harsh and Oren winced. “How did you get in here?”

Oren didn't want Rezo to be angry with him; he just wanted things to go back to the way they were. While it was impossible to avoid upsetting him entirely, maybe the amount could be lessened.

“Money of course.” Oren tilted his head back so he could look down his nose at Rezo. “I just kept handing hundreds to the bouncer till he let me through.”

“Seriously?” Rezo turned to look toward the entrance, even though it was out of view, as if to see what the type of person that would accept a bribe would look like.

Oren frowned. “That was a joke.” Any time that had to be pointed out, the chance for humor was long past.

“How did you really get in?”

“I have an ID.”

“Give it to me.”

“No, I bought it a long time ago. I need it for…” Oren paused, there was no way he could tell Rezo that. His parents had been so upset over the incident he'd lost not only internet access but also the lock on his door. And Rezo was much stricter than they were. “Things,” he finished lamely.

“You could get in a lot of trouble for that.” Rezo held out his hand.

Oren stared at the open palm. This wasn't fair. Rezo couldn't just take his stuff. Punish him: yes, take his stuff: no.

“You don't want me to search you, do you?”

Honestly, any excuse to have Rezo run his hands all over his body never sounded like a bad idea.

Oren was proud of himself for not saying that out loud. Rezo certainly wasn't in the mood for a comment like that. Besides, he wasn't certain what the other patrons in the bar would think.

Slowly and with much regret, Oren slipped the ID from his pocket.

Rezo examined the ID and frowned, as if he was disappointed that the ID did, in fact, exist, and was not just another bad attempt at humor.

“Now,” Rezo gestured at Oren's cup, “give me that.”

Oren had forgotten how much he disliked the controlling part of their previous arrangement. He started to tell Rezo that, but then stopped himself. He gave Rezo his most innocent smile. Then he downed the drink in one long swallow.

“It's all yours,” Oren said as he handed the empty plastic cup to Rezo. “I think I saw a trash can by the stairs.”

Rezo opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

Oren realized he'd probably just committed one of those gone-too-far, gonna-get-a-paddling kind of transgressions. But Rezo's expression almost made it worth it.

“You have—” Rezo's words were cut off when Jeff looped his arms over Rezo's and Oren's shoulders, knocking both of them off balance.

“Rezzie, are you giving Oren a hard time?” Jeff seemed friendlier than usual. “He came to see Will and you're hogging him. What's up with that?”

“He shouldn't be here.”

“Says the guy that won't drive through empty spaces in a parking lot. Lighten up. Now let's go.” Jeff propelled them both in the direction of Will, but the way Jeff was leaning on them made Oren suspect he was relying on them to stay upright.

“You have five minutes,” Rezo whispered.

Oren didn't acknowledge the comment.

“Hey, Oren,” Will said. “I didn't think you were coming.” He was leaning against a pool table, cue stick in hand as if ready to play at a moment's notice. A few people Oren didn't know, but seemed to part of the celebration, had taken over a nearby table. Manny didn't seem to be one of them and Oren vaguely remembered he was underage.

“I wanted to stop by and wish you a happy birthday,” Oren said.

“Thanks.” Will smiled. “We're playing pool, or we would be if Rezo ever hurried up and took his turn.”

Oren could feel the tension rolling off of Rezo as he passed him to pick up his pool cue. Oren ignored his temper, taking a seat at the table to watch them play.

Rezo's turn was significantly shorter than Will's. Either Rezo wasn't particularly good at pool, or he was too distracted to focus on the game. Of course, his occasional pauses to make pointed glances at Oren and then the clock couldn't have helped his concentration. Maybe Oren would be charitable enough to point that out to him. The thought made him snicker.

It took Will only nine minutes to beat Rezo. Oren was almost surprised Rezo hadn't forfeited at exactly the five minute mark. As it was, he barely took the time to congratulate Will before he materialized at Oren's side.

“It's been longer than five minutes.”

“Maybe I want to stay and play pool.”

“You have to go home.”

“Or what?” Oren graced him with his most charming smile. “You'll carry me out?”

Rezo took a long, slow breath. He leaned down to whisper in Oren's ear. His breath was hot against Oren's skin.

“You're not making this easy on me.”

“Why should I?”

“We had a deal.”

“Maybe it's not working.”

Rezo growled and it was all Oren could do not to kiss him.

“What?” Oren turned his head to make eye contact, “I'm supposed to be responsible for my actions, remember? So if I'm not doing a good job then…”

“You're right.” Rezo sighed and stood up straight.

Oren blinked. “I am?”

“I said I was going to let you make your own decisions,” Rezo expression had gone from determined and angry to angry and resigned. “So no matter how stupid it is, this is apparently one of them.”

Rezo was giving up? Oren had obviously done too good of a job with his argument. Which seemed impossible since he had gone out of his way to be irritating and irrational. This was getting ridiculous, how far did he have to go to get one measly spanking? When he didn't want one, he had no trouble receiving one at all.

“Yes, but—”

Rezo silenced him with a wave of his hand before he turned and walked back to the pool table. He spoke with Will for a moment, then he motioned for Oren to join them.

“Oren wants to play,” Rezo announced, as soon as Oren was within range.

Oren stared in confusion at the cue that was pushed into his hands. Pool, like the majority of games that involved more than one person, was something he had absolutely no idea how to do. He'd been counting on Rezo dragging him out of the bar long before he was expected to participate in any activities.

“That's ok, someone else can go next.” Oren tried to hand the cue back to Rezo, but he simply walked away. Will wasn't listening either. He was gathering the balls into the triangle thing that Oren didn't know the name of. Damn it.

“Do you want to break?” Will asked.

“No, that's alright.”

Will nodded and moved to take his turn.

Oren watched closely, hoping to figure out how to play. He knew the point of the game was to get the balls in the holes. The details beyond that were what he was having a problem with.

It was Oren's turn all to soon. He stared at the table in dismay. Will had used the white ball to knock the others in, so that seemed like a reasonable tactic to start with.

To his amazement he managed to knock a ball into the net on the first try. Not just one ball, but two since the white ball followed it in. He wondered if he'd get extra points for that. He knew that since he'd got a ball in, that meant he got another turn. He wondered if he should retrieve the white ball or if he should designate another one.

He heard Jeff snort, Oren could only imagine what sophomoric crack he was about to make. There was so much fodder for him: balls, sticks, holes and even a gay man. Oren couldn't wait.

Trying to ignore him, he decided to choose another ball at random to use.

Jeff started audibly laughing.

“Um, Oren?” Will asked. “Have you ever played pool before?”

“Not recently.” Damn, it must have been the white ball after all. What a stupid thing to give him away.

Jeff and Will exchanged a look.

“Cause you just lost the game,” Will said.

“What?”

“You knocked the eight ball in before you got the rest of the stripes in. You also scratched.”

“Which means you knocked the cue ball in,” Jeff added.

Oren glared at Jeff for pointing out something so obvious, even if it hadn't been obvious to him. It was the principle.

Well there was one good thing about losing. It meant he didn't have to play anymore.

“Congrats Will. So who's turn is it now?” Oren held out the cue.

“No, that was too quick. Let me explain the rules and you can try again.” Will smiled and began putting the balls back into the unknown-triangle-thing of impending-pool-playing.

“You don't have to,” Oren protested, but his hope was fading.

“Eh, it'll be fun. Besides, it's nice to play against someone that can't mop the floor with me for a change.”

Oren looked back at the table to where he spotted Rezo. He swore his expression was smug. Which didn't make any sense. There was no way Rezo could be doing this to get back at him, since it was impossible for him to know that Oren couldn't play.

Will began to explain the process to him and Oren did his best to pay attention.

To his surprise it actually wasn't that bad once he knew some of the rules. He played against not only Will, but Jeff and even a few people he hadn't met before.

He found himself having fun, despite the noise and press of people in the bar.

Rezo mostly ignored him. Once or twice Oren caught him looking at him thoughtfully, but it was possible that was just wishful thinking. He was most likely just as angry and disappointed as he was when Oren had first arrived.

Having given up on anything discipline related happening, Oren decided not to do anything else to provoke him for the night. Or at least not get caught doing anything. He still continued to drink, but he was careful only to take sips when Rezo wouldn't notice. Rezo didn't seem to be drinking at all, which was too bad. It might have lightened his mood.



Sometime later, when the clock was too blurry to read, Oren found himself leaning against a wall with his eyes closed. After a moment he felt someone gently tugging on his arm. He hoped it wasn't the man he'd been consciously avoiding since he'd realized his intoxication was beyond the point of easy concealment.

It was. Rezo was looking at him intently. Maybe it was the alcohol distorting his perceptions, but he didn't seem nearly as angry as he'd been earlier. Even so, Oren decided it was important not do anything to give himself away.

Rezo pulled him close and sniffed. He made a clicking noise of disapproval and Oren's hopes were drowned.

“How many did you have?” Rezo let go of him.

“You're not supposed to be able to smell anything.”

“There's nothing wrong with my sense of smell.”

“No, because of this,” Oren stuck out his tongue to reveal a shiny penny.

Rezo blinked at him. “Why do you have a penny in your mouth?”

Belatedly, Oren realized he shouldn't reveal his secrets, even a failed one.

“I don't know,” Oren said.

“Try again.”

“The copper hides the alcohol because it's…a trace element. Or something I guess. I don't remember.”

“Who told you that?”

“Some girl in the men's bathroom.”

Rezo raised his eyebrows at that. Then he sighed. “Please tell me you washed it first?” At Oren's expression he just shook his head. “Give it to me.” He held out his hand so Oren could spit it onto his palm.

In Oren's condition it took a lot of concentration not to miss.

“Even if I couldn't smell it on you, you're weaving and slurring enough for anyone to notice.”

“I'm not that bad.”

“No?”

“I barely had anything, why don't—” Oren's speech was interrupted by a hiccup, “you believe me?”

Rezo laughed, and Oren was startled by the sound. He wasn't expecting anything other than reproach.

“You have the hiccups. Like in a cartoon. That's actually cute, in a way.”

“I do not have the hiccups,” Oren protested before he realized Rezo had just called him cute. But before he could attempt to expand on that he was interrupted by another one.

And Rezo, unfortunately, had moved on. “I told you not to drink anymore.”

“Am I in trouble?”

“Did you do something to be in trouble for?”

“I didn't think it mattered since I had jush a—just a little…” Damn it, he was slurring.

“Mmm hmm.” Rezo took Oren's arm. “Let's get you home.”

“I can't go home, Norman will tell my parents.”

“You should have thought of that before.”

“Please.”

“Don't look at me like that. If I took you back to my house my parents would kill us both.”

“But—”

Rezo sighed. “Let me see if I can work something out.” He steered Oren over to a sofa. “Do not move. Not one inch, understand?”

Oren nodded, which was a mistake, it made the world swoop up and down and his stomach acids start to creep back up his esophagus.

It occurred to him that Rezo was a very tolerant individual. He put up with a lot in the name of friendship. He should tell Rezo that more often.

Rezo returned with Jeff, who somehow managed to be better off than Oren despite being tipsy when Oren arrived.

“Need a place to crash?” Jeff asked him.

Rezo wanted him to go home with Jeff? Oren wasn't certain how to interpret that. He knew he didn't usually like Jeff, but at the moment he didn't seem that bad. He was the easiest of Rezo's friends to talk to, even if he did treat Oren like he was something in a museum.

“I'll drive him over,” Rezo said when Oren didn't respond, having apparently decided his answer wasn't important.

“Ok, here are the keys. I don't think we'll be ready to go for a while. So take your time.” Jeff winked at Oren in a way that was far from subtle.

Oren held onto Rezo while they walked, for once not in an attempt to be closer to him, but more to stop himself from getting too personal with the ground.

Eventually they reached a white van.

“This i-sh the wrong car.”

“It's Manny's. Remember? From the camping trip?”

“Oh.” He did now. That didn't explain why Rezo wanted him to get in it. Or why it was here if Manny wasn't.

“I'm the designated driver tonight,” Rezo said. “So after I drop you off, I'm coming back for everyone else—are you going to vomit?”

Oren had closed his eyes. “I don't want to.”

“I would rather you did it out here than in the van.”

“I'm ok.” Oren opened his eyes and attempted to project the opposite of queasiness at Rezo.

Rezo looked skeptical, but he proceeded to help Oren into the car anyway. When he leaned across to buckle Oren in, Oren reached out and pressed his hand against the front of Rezo's jeans.

Rezo inhaled sharply, but he didn't move away. Oren decided to take that as a sign of encouragement. He moved his fingers teasingly, intent on coaxing a reaction out of the other man.

But as soon as Rezo finished securing Oren into his seat he firmly grabbed Oren's hand and removed it from his body. Then he slapped it sharply with his other hand.

“Ow!” Oren gave Rezo his most injured expression. “Why did you do that?”

Rezo just snorted before getting into the driver's seat.

Oren was too impaired to resist sulking. “You could have just told me to stop.”

“You never listen.”

Maybe that was true, but that didn't make his feelings sting any less.

Oren, however, had something bigger to worry about. The road was more turbulent than he expected. Every little bump made him feel progressively worse.

Rezo gave him a worried look. “If you need to, I can pull over so you can throw up. Just let me know.”

Oren didn't feel like it was safe to open his mouth, so he nodded.

He'd forgotten why that was a bad idea.

And the evidence was now splattered across his lap, dripping all the way down to the floor boards.



When Oren woke up it was light out and he had no idea where he was. Or whose clothes he was wearing. He looked at them closely; he recognized the blue button up shirt and the black cargo pants that were a little baggy. They were Rezo's.

Please, please let them have gotten drunk enough to have had sex last night. As much as he would regret not remembering losing his virginity, he would be sure to make up for it by staying sober the next time. He didn't feel any different though, somehow he thought he'd feel different if he wasn't a virgin.

He was lying on someone's couch. Cautiously he sat up, he still felt mildly tipsy, if that was possible. He noticed his hair smelled bad, like vomit. He hoped he wasn't the one that had thrown up.

He didn't have to go far to find Rezo, he was asleep on the floor. His hair was messed up and his clothes disheveled in a way that made his body beg to be pounced on.

He reached down and gently shook his shoulder. Rezo came awake at once.

“Good morning,” Oren said.

Rezo rubbed the sleep from his eyes and stretched. Then he smirked at him. Oren wasn't sure how to interpret that.

“I'm wearing your clothes,” Oren said.

“What a coincidence, I'm also wearing my clothes.”

“I guess we have more in common than I thought.”

Rezo chuckled. “How's your head?”

“My head?”

“I tried to make you drink plenty of water before you passed out, but it kept coming back up. So you've got to be pretty hungover.”

Oh god. “Not really, my mouth is kind of dry, but that's all.”

Rezo snorted. “Of course you're not hungover, life seems to have a way of being unfair in your favor.”

Oren didn't know about that. “So, um, what happened last night?”

“I don't know if you want to know.”

“What?” That wasn't good. Or maybe it was. “I didn't do anything um, sexual, with anyone, did I?” Oren tried not to sound hopeful.

“You grabbed my crotch, but that's about it.”

“I—what?” Oren felt the blush rising in his face. Rezo had to be joking.

“I was buckling you into the seat of the van and you grabbed me.”

“Oh god, I'm so sorry,” Oren was starting to remember it. “Did you slap my hand?”

“Eh,” Rezo shrugged. “You seemed to be reduced to a toddler level of comprehension.”

Oren closed his eyes as if he could shut out the memories that were steadily returning.

“What's the last thing you remember?”

“Bits and pieces, but the last part that's clear is when I was sitting on a couch at the bar.”

“Ok, I'll give you the abridged version. I gave you a ride here to Jeff and Manny's place, you puked in Manny's van and all over yourself. I cleaned everything—including you—up, put you in the clothes I brought for myself, and then you passed out on the couch forcing me to sleep on the floor.”

“I think you were right, I really didn't want to know.”

“Ready to go home?”

Oren's eyes widened, “Oh god, Norman—”

“I called him last night, I told him you fell asleep on the couch and were spending the night.”

“You did?”

“Yeah, so don't worry about that, but Manny's van still smells pretty bad, so you might want to apologize to him later.”

“I really screwed up last night, didn't I?”

“It's a learning experience. Just don't do it again.”

If there was ever a time when he deserved a spanking, it was now. And not even a sexy one, but a real one. He felt incredibly guilty. He almost wished he could just ask Rezo to do it.

“So, um, am I in trouble?”

“Well, the police didn't catch you and I destroyed that ID of yours, so this should never happen again.” Rezo looked away and for a moment Oren thought he was going to say something, but then he seemed to change his mind. “I don't think Jeff or Will are going to be waking up anytime soon. Why don't I give you a ride home?”

“Ok,” Oren said. That single word didn't come close to covering all the things he wanted to say.

“I rinsed out your clothes but they need to be washed, so I put them in a plastic bag. You can just give me back my clothes later.”

“Um, thank you.” Oren was feeling progressively worse.



When they left the apartments, Oren recognized them as the ones people from his neighborhood had protested. There had been a fear that they would reduce the property value of the nearby homes. Oren didn't mention that to Rezo.

Oren was quiet on the drive back to his house. When it was time for him to get out of the car, he had difficulty making his legs obey.

“This is your stop,” Rezo reminded him gently.

“You're not going to come up? I mean, what I did was really terrible…I behaved really badly last night.”

“You did.” Rezo shrugged.

“And you're not going to…do anything about it?”

“I told you I wouldn't, besides you seem like you feel bad enough.”

That the problem. He felt terrible. He wanted to get it over with instead of feeling bad about it all day.

“I feel like I'm getting off too easy.”

“Do you want me to spank you? Because that's what you sound like.”

“No, of course not,” Oren said before he realized he probably shouldn't protest so much. “But maybe there were some benefits with the way things were.”

“Look, it wasn't my place to do that. It's not what friends do.”

“Friends look out for one another. What if I'd gone home with some random person and ended up chopped up in his freezer?”

Rezo looked like he was torn between being disturbed or amused by that analogy.

“Friends can talk each other out of stupid decisions,” Rezo said. “Honestly though, who you sleep with isn't any of my business.”

Oren didn't like the direction this conversation was taking. He very much wanted who he slept with to be Rezo's business.

“But it could be.” Oren's voice was sincere, embarrassingly so. It would be impossible to pretend what he'd said was anything but an offer.

Rezo tensed and his gaze fixed on a point in the distance. “I was afraid this would happen.”

Oren was suddenly unable to breathe.

“Look,” Rezo said, his voice soft, like he was trying to let him down gently. “I know you must have certain feelings—”

“Don't.”

Rezo was quiet for a moment. “I'm sorry, this is my fault.”

Oren didn't really care whose fault it was, it didn't make it any less painful.

“It's not a big deal,” Oren said. “Just forget about it.” He certainly wanted to.

“No, it is a big deal and I should have said something sooner.”

“Stop.”

“It's not just you.”

“What's not just me?”

“I'm attracted to you too and I let things get out of hand. I'm sorry.”

“Wait,” Oren was having difficulty understanding what Rezo was saying. “You're attracted to me?”

“Yes.” Rezo's expression was so serious, so remorseful, it killed any joy that admission should have caused. “But I made a promise that I wouldn't date anyone until I finish school.”

Oren frowned. “A lot of people date while they're in college.”

“It was a promise.” Rezo shrugged. “Besides, relationships really are distracting. This way I can focus on my studies.”

“But, that takes years, doesn't it? I mean, obviously it does, but how much longer do you have left?”

“A long time.”

“Why didn't you tell me this?”

“Because I liked the way things were.”

Oren could see the apology in Rezo's eyes. A lump formed in his throat and he turned to examine the dashboard. He ran is finger through a thin line of dust. He was surprised it was there; it didn't match his idea of Rezo.

“I liked the way things were too.” Oren kept his eyes focused on the pattern he was tracing.

“I was being selfish. I liked flirting with you too much.”

“You weren't very good at it, because I wasn't even sure if you were flirting most of the time.”

Rezo captured Oren's hand, pulling it away from the dashboard. His grasp was warm and solid and it drew Oren back into the moment.

Rezo smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. “I'm sorry.”

Oren sighed. He'd finally had the courage to tell him how he felt and then was rejected for a reason he'd never even imagined. He had always thought that if only Rezo was attracted to him, then everything would work out.

“I want something from you first, before we agree to just be friends.”

“What?” Rezo looked like he wanted to promise Oren anything but was terrified of what he might ask.

“A goodbye kiss.”

Rezo's frowned. “I'm not going anywhere.”

“You know what I mean.”

“No, not really.”

“Just this one time and that's it.” Oren searched Rezo's face, trying to read his reaction. “It'll do wonders for my pride.”

Rezo smirked at the last part. “Well…I wouldn't want you to feel bad about yourself, but I don't think that would make anything better.”

“You'd be doing me a service.”

“Would I now?” Rezo smiled and Oren felt a warmth spread though his chest. But it didn't last, Rezo was already shaking his head. He let go of Oren's hand. “It wouldn't be right.”

“Fine. Whatever.” So he wasn't even willing to give him that. A total loss without even a consolation prize. Oren's eyes were starting to blur and he decided it was best if he got out of the car as quickly as possible. He grabbed the handle and shoved but nothing happened. He'd forgotten the ole deathtrap had to be unlocked manually. If he did decide that he never wanted to see Rezo again, he certainly wouldn't miss the car.

“Oren, wait.”

Oren finally got the door unlocked, but he slammed it open so hard it sprang back on him. And his seat belt was still on. His anger was making it ridiculously difficult to escape.

“Don't leave like this.” Rezo touched his shoulder and Oren jerked away from his hand. He turned to undo the buckle.

He felt Rezo's hands grip his upper arms, forcing him to turn towards him.

Oren opened his mouth to protest and Rezo silenced him with his.

It was rough and needy. Noses were smashed together and both their faces were scratched with stubble. Rezo's eyes were closed while Oren's were wide open. Or at least they were until his brain accepted the message that yes, this was finally happening and he remembered how to kiss back.

Rezo was holding him tightly, his lips demanding as they sought a response from him. Even though Oren knew it couldn't possibly be what he intended, it felt as if he was trying to brand the word “mine” into every fiber of his being. Oren melted into it, only too willing to let himself be tagged, labeled and marked.

Rezo released him suddenly; sending him back into his seat with a gentle shove. As if to move the source of his temptation to a slightly more distant location.

“So that's it. Now we're just friends.” Rezo's voice was rough and his mouth was red. Oren was proud to be the one responsible. “Are you ok?”

Oren nodded, trying to ignore the concern in Rezo's eyes. He didn't want to be reminded that this was an end and not a beginning. Tomorrow he could spend the whole day wallowing in misery and regret, but he didn't want to think about that now. Not when he still had the taste of him on his lips.

Still not ready to speak and not any more clear headed, Oren finally managed to exit the car. He didn't say goodbye or wave.

But he stayed to watch until it disappeared from sight.

Chapter Ten

Master List of Chapters