“What you doing, Tommy?” three year old Timmy asked excitedly.
Turning around, Tommy looked at his friend sheepishly, keeping his right hand behind his back
“Hey, Timmy. I’ve got something for you.”
“What?”
“Close your eyes,” Tommy said, taking a deep breath.
Hearing a shuffle at his side, Timmy peeked through his lids and saw Tommy take out a box.
“Open,” came his friend’s voice.
Opening his eyes, he saw Tommy was holding a box of brown chocolates.
“For me?”
“Yeah, Timmy.”
“Where’s you gotten that from?”
“I stole it from my mom’s drawer, just for you.”
Eying the chocolates hungrily, Timmy looked at his friend before deciding to take it.
“Won’t you get in trouble?”
“It’ll be worth it for you, Timmy.”
Suddenly shy, Timmy slowly opened the box and took one out. Then he held the box for Tommy to take one.
Not meeting his eyes Timmy asked, “You love me, Tommy?”
“Yeah, my Timmy.”
“We gonna get married someday?”
“You betcha.”
Timmy leaned forward and puckered his mouth as Tommy pecked his lips.
* * * *
“And in conclusion, I would like to reiterate the social and cultural significance of the library as we know it. The institution has been improved and bettered, but not replaced, by the World Wide Web. And hopefully our children will come to know as well.”
Tim basked in the applause of the audience for a moment, then made his way off the stage. He saw the look of surprise that clouded his boyfriend’s face every time he watched him as captain of the debate team. He was shy in general, but blossomed on stage when presented with rational facts that he could debate with his peers. The handsome smile on his boyfriend’s face was beckoning to him. His shorter and thin athletic frame was a contrast to his boyfriend’s much taller and muscled frame and, although he felt self-conscious over his shorter length, Tom seemed to love the difference. Walking up to him, Tom enveloped Tim’s slender form in a brotherly hug, giving him a quick peck on the cheek.
“You were amazing, babe,” Tom said.
“You’re biased,” Tim jaded softly.
“Mr. Bailey,” said Mr. Franks as he approached, “a mighty fine speech, sir. I dare say the best you have delivered to date.”
Beaming, Tim was just about to reply when Tom cut in.
“You know, sir, I was just telling Mr. Bailey that myself, but he refuses to accept any praise for his excellent presentation.”
Rolling his eyes, Mr. Franks acknowledged Tom. “Mr. Watkins. As I recall, you have an overdue paper promised to be submitted over a week ago.”
“And how is Mrs. Francs doing, sir?” Tom grinned
“You do realize that mouth of yours will get you out of a lot of sticky situations in your life?”
“That’s what I am counting on, sir.”
Rolling his eyes at the boys, Mr. Franks excused himself.
“Must you always torture our teachers?” Tim asked in mock reprimand. Adrenaline still coursing his veins, the prospect of heading back to his big, empty bedroom was too depressing. “Wanna grab a coffee?”
Feeling his boyfriend tense against him Tim looked up at Tom and knew the answer to come.
“Can’t tonight, babe. Sorry, but I’m already late. Was supposed to meet the guys at Seasons half hour ago.” Seeing the depleted expression on Tim’s face, he added, “We won’t be too late. Why don’t you come over tonight?”
“Rain check. I’m actually in the mood for a quiet night.”
Squeezing Tom’s muscled back, Tim disentangled himself from Tom’s strong arm around his shoulders and headed for the parking. It was quite ridiculous for him to have to say goodbye to his boyfriend with an arm squeeze, but Tim had made peace with it ages ago.
“Timmy,” Tom called after him.
Sighing, Tim looked back at Tom and a small smile crept over his face at the boyish smile on his boyfriend’s handsome mug.
“I’ll call you, yeah?”
“Sure. Later,” Tim said, turning around before he submitted to the overwhelming urge to hug his boyfriend intimately.
* * * *
“One drink, dude. That’s all I’m asking! And it’ll be my treat, for missing my best friend’s final show-down of his high school debate team career.”
“I’m tired Charlie,” Tim complained. “We can do something on the weekend. I promise.”
“It won’t be the same as tonight, and besides…” he heard a horn. “…I’m already in front of your house. Don’t keep a girl waiting.”
He hung up and made his way down the stairs with an exasperated sigh.
* * * *
“Man, you know I would’ve been there had I had the chance, right?” Charlie asked too convincingly.