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They’d been on the road for an hour and Luke already regretted everything.
Noah’s hands were steady on the wheel, eyes focused on the long stretch of highway ahead. He was eerily calm, like this was just a casual Friday drive and not a potential relationship spy mission. Meanwhile, Eli was in the backseat vibrating like he’d downed six Red Bulls. Which, unfortunately, he had.
“I can’t wait to see Nate’s face when he sees me,” Eli rambled loudly from behind them. “He’s going to be so shocked. Like, ‘Wow, Eli, you drove 6 whole hours just to surprise me? You’re so romantic and devoted and not at all unhinged.'”
Luke slowly turned in his seat and stared. Hard. “You hear yourself, right?” he asked.
“Nope!” Eli chirped.
Luke exhaled through his nose, trying to stay supportive because that’s what best friends did even when the plan was… questionable. Highly questionable. The kind of thing that could end with campus security politely tackling them. He leaned closer to Noah, voice low. “We shouldn’t be doing this.”
“I know,” Noah said simply.
Luke blinked. “You’re… admitting that?”
“Yep.” Noah kept his calm tone, eyes still forward. “It’s a terrible idea. Like, top-tier terrible.”
“So then why did you—”
“Because Eli is spiralling,” Noah said, glancing at the rearview mirror. “And we’re his people. We gotta support the cause, no matter how deranged it is. Plus, none of us had plans for spring break. I figured this would be a good way for the three of us to spend some time together, ya know? Like, before college and stuff. It might be the last time.”
Luke’s chest softened. Damn him for making this sound noble and lovely.
“Plus,” Noah added casually, “road trip with my boyfriend. What more could I want?”
Luke’s face heated instantly. “Stop. We’re on a mission.”
“Right,” Noah grinned. “A mission… with my boyfriend.”
Eli popped up between their seats like a very excitable meerkat. “If Nate is cheating, I’m kicking his Rhode Island ass. But like, metaphorically. Because I would lose a real fight with him. But you two will back me up if the other douchebag gets involved, right?”
Luke gave him a look. “Eli, we’re not going there to start beating up people in cardigans.”
Eli gasped. “You remembered the cardigan!”
Luke sighed and covered his eyes with his hand. “It haunts me.”
Noah flicked on his turn signal and merged into the next lane. “We’ll scope things out first. No confrontations unless absolutely necessary.”
Eli nodded seriously. “Yes. Reconnaissance.”
Luke groaned again into his palms. This is my life now, he thought. Three queer teenagers barreling up I-95 to possibly catch a cardigan in the act.
What could go wrong?
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They finally rolled into Providence just as the sun dipped behind tall brick buildings and the streets buzzed with college students heading out for the night. The GPS announced their arrival like it hadn’t just guided them through three states and Eli’s emotional crisis.
Luke stretched in the passenger seat, joints stiff from hours of sitting. Noah looked like he could fall asleep right there with his forehead against the steering wheel. But Eli? Eli was thriving.
He sprang out of the car the moment it stopped, practically bouncing on the pavement as if gravity held no power over him. “Come on, come on,” he urged. “Nate’s location hasn’t moved in twenty minutes which means he’s either studying, sleeping, or cheating. We need to go!”
Luke narrowed his eyes. “And you have his location why?”
Eli waved him off. “It was romantic at the time!”
Luke sighed softly. “That phrase concerns me so much. That’s kind of insane.”
“Is it?” Noah frowned a little. “I think having your boyfriend’s location is perfect normal.”
Luke gave him a flat look.
Eli was unfazed. He already had his phone out, marching ahead like a gay detective on the world’s most unnecessary case.
Luke pushed his door shut and hurried to catch up. “You know, Eli… confronting Nate out of nowhere on a college campus might, uh… go badly.”
“Nope. It won’t!” Eli chirped, spinning on his heel dramatically. “I’m just here for answers and closure and maybe also some physical affection!”
Luke and Noah exchanged a look—the exhausted, resigned kind that said; we have lost all control and must now simply survive this.
Noah nodded. “Fine. Lead the way, Inspector Clueless.”
Eli grinned and pointed toward a looming block of dorm buildings. “He lives in Linden Hall. Sixth floor. Room 614.” He said it with the confidence of someone reciting a lover’s name.
Luke blinked. “How—”
“I have been here a few times, ya know!” Eli snapped defensively. “Don’t shame me for supporting my boyfriend!”
“Excessively,” Luke muttered under his breath.
They walked across the campus green, the lamps casting warm circles of light across the frosted grass. Groups of students laughed nearby, brushing past them without a second glance. It was busy, loud and alive. College life ringing in every corner. Luke felt a strange twist in his stomach.
In a year… this could be me, he thought. Us.
He caught Noah’s eyes briefly, and Noah gave him a tiny reassuring smile.
“Nice, right?” his boyfriend asked.
“Yeah,” Luke smiled. “I kinda like this campus. I’m kinda starting to regret that I didn’t apply here too. I can see myself here.”
“Me too, to be honest.”
“You can?”
“Yep,” Noah said, pointing to a small campus cafe. “Right in there, baking and serving coffee.”
Luke laughed lightly, smacking his chest with the back of his hand.
Then Eli gasped so loudly the two nearly jumped. “He’s still up there,” Eli whispered dramatically, staring up at a sixth-floor window like a spy in a bad movie. “Nate… my love… I come for thee.”
Luke’s eyes widened. “Please don’t shout that.”
But Eli was already power-walking toward the building entrance.
Noah sighed. “This is going to be a disaster, isn’t it?”
Luke nodded grimly. “Absolute carnage.”
Still, they followed him. Because this was Eli. And, apparently, they were his people.
The automatic doors of Linden Hall hissed open, swallowing them into a brightly lit, sterile lobby. The air, thick with the scent of cheap disinfectant and microwaved ramen, felt like a sudden plunge into a different dimension. Eli, however, seemed to breathe it in like mountain air. He was already halfway to the elevator bank, his steps light and purposeful, a man on a mission. Or perhaps, a very determined, slightly deranged little kid.
“Sixth floor, 614,” he announced.
Luke and Noah exchanged another weary glance.
The elevator ride was agonisingly slow, punctuated only by Eli’s rapid-fire breathing and the low hum of the mechanism. Luke fidgeted, adjusting his jacket, his mind racing through all the terrible scenarios. What if Nate was cheating? What if he wasn’t, but hated Eli for showing up like this? What if campus security actually did tackle them? The potential for humiliation was endless.
Noah, ever the stoic calm one, simply leaned against the wall, observing Eli with a mixture of concern and morbid fascination. His hand found Luke’s, a silent anchor in the turbulent waters of Eli’s drama. Luke squeezed back.
The elevator dinged, announcing their arrival on the sixth floor. The hallway was a quiet stretch of identical doors, the muffled sounds of music and conversation seeping from behind them. Eli’s eyes darted from number to number, a predator honing in on its prey.
“610… 612… 614!” he hissed, pointing a dramatic finger at a door just a few feet away. It was unremarkable, just like all the others, but to Eli, it might as well have glowed with ominous intent. He approached it stealthily, as if Nate might hear his footsteps through a solid oak door. Luke and Noah hung back, hovering awkwardly near the elevator, ready to offer moral support or, more likely, a rapid escape route.
Eli took a deep, shuddering breath, then, without a moment’s hesitation, he pounded on the door. Not a polite knock, not a gentle tap, but a full-body assault that echoed down the quiet corridor.
“Nate,” Eli’s voice called out loudly, though not quite a shout, carried the distinct ring of a man who had driven six hours and was not to be trifled with. “Nate, it’s me. It’s Eli. Open the door!”
A muffled groan came from inside, followed by the shuffling sound of movement. Luke’s heart hammered against his ribs. This was it. The moment of truth.
The door creaked open, revealing… chaos.
Nate stood framed in the doorway, shirtless, his hair a disheveled mess that suggested he’d either just woken up or wrestled a badger. His eyes, still bleary with sleep, widened comically as they landed on Eli. He was undeniably handsome, even in his current state of undress. All broad shoulders, a lean torso, and a smattering of freckles across his chest. But more importantly, his eyes were still fixed on Eli in shock.
Behind him, the room was a war zone. Clothes were strewn across the floor. Textbooks lay open and abandoned on a desk piled high with empty coffee cups and energy drink cans. The bed was unmade, a tangle of sheets and blankets.
“Eli?!” Nate finally managed, his voice thick with surprise and something else. Maybe a little bit of annoyance? “What are you doing here? You didn’t even tell me you were coming. What’s going on? Are you okay?”
“Why should I have told you I was coming?” Eli crossed his arms over his chest. “So you could hide your lies a little better before I got here?”
“What?” Nate asked in confusion. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Eli, however, wasn’t listening. His eyes had swept past Nate and landed on something else. Something that made him freeze.
On Nate’s desk, nestled amongst the academic books, was a framed photograph. And in that photograph, Nate was smiling, arm-in-arm with a very attractive, dark-haired girl. A girl who was definitely not Eli.
Eli’s face, which had been a mask of fury moments before, now crumpled. His eyes darted from the photo to Nate’s bare chest, then back to the photo. The pieces clicked into place in his head.
“Who… who is that?” Eli’s voice was quiet, stripped of all its earlier bravado.
Nate blinked, following Eli’s gaze to the photo. A slow, dawning comprehension spread across his face, quickly followed by a flush of irritation. “That’s my friend, Chloe,” Nate said, his voice flat. He ran a hand through his already messy hair, looking utterly bewildered. “We’re in the same major. Why are you… what is going on?”
“A friend?” Eli scoffed. “Sure. Tell me more about this friend that you’ve never mentioned.”
“What? Why?” Nate asked, eyes sharp. Then his eyes flickered to the side and finally landed on Noah and Luke who awkwardly raised their hands in sheepish waves. “What the hell is going on here? Is this some kind of ambush?”
“Maybe!” Eli snapped. “Do you feel ambushed?”
“Kinda, yeah!” Nate snapped back.
“Good! Maybe you should have thought about that before you decided to cheat on me! You seem awfully stuck in that doorway. Got something to hide? Maybe Chloe is in there right now, huh? Perks of being bisexual, I guess. You just get your pick. Or is it cardigan boy? Huh? Is he in there right now hiding in your closet? Is he?!”
Silence filled the hallway whilst all four boys held their breaths.
Nate’s eyes eventually darkened and Luke held his breath. The older boy he had known from high school was always so fun and carefree. Right now though, he just looked mad. The sleepy confusion was rapidly replaced by a simmering anger.
“Are you serious, Eli?” Nate’s voice was low, dangerous. “You thought I was cheating on you and you just showed up unannounced with a whole entourage?” He gestured vaguely at Luke and Noah, who instantly tried to look as inconspicuous as possible, which, in a brightly lit dorm hallway, was impossible.
Eli was too far gone to care about social niceties. “Well, what was I supposed to think?! You’ve been radio silent, Nate! You haven’t FaceTimed me in a week! And I saw that picture on your Instagram, the one with that cute cardigan boy laughing, and I thought, ‘Oh my god, he’s found someone else! Someone who actually lives in Providence!'”
“I’ve been studying, Eli!” Nate exploded, his voice rising. “Midterms are next week! I’ve been locked away in the library, practically living off caffeine and terror because I failed all my exams back in March but they’re offering me a second chance. And the guy on my instagram was just my new friend Jenson! He’s been tutoring so I don’t fail these exams too!”
“How was I supposed to know that, Nate?!” Eli retorted, his voice cracking. “You didn’t tell me! You just… ghosted me! For make up-midterms exams? You’d rather study than talk to me?”
“Yes, Eli! Sometimes, yes! Because I need to pass my classes so I can actually stay here and graduate. And because, unlike you, I don’t have the luxury of spontaneously driving six hours across state lines to accuse my boyfriend of cheating!” Nate’s face was flushed, his jaw tight. “Do you have any idea how insane this is? How humiliating? You know the reason why I failed my exams in the first place? Because I was constantly on the phone to you. All I ever did was try and make time for you because god forbid Elijah Coleman has to deal with being alone with his thoughts for more than 5 fucking seconds. I’m trying so hard to be the best boyfriend for you, but I need to put me first right now, Eli. I can’t fail these exams!”
Luke and Noah pressed themselves further against the wall, trying to become one with the beige paint. This was worse than carnage. This was a full-blown, public relationship meltdown, soundtracked by the distant thrum of dorm life.
Eli’s shoulders slumped. The fire in his eyes died down, replaced by a wounded childish pout. “So… you’re not cheating on me?”
Nate stared at him, almost drained now. “No, Eli. No, I’m not cheating on you. I was asleep. I was trying to get a few hours of rest before I spent the entire day in the library again tomorrow. And now you’re here in my doorway screaming at me about my friends.”
“I’m not screaming!” Eli wailed, proving exactly the opposite. “And you’re shirtless! What if I had found someone else in here? What if there was a cute cardigan-wearing gay guy in here? You would have been caught red-handed!”
“There’s no one here, Eli!” Nate practically roared, throwing his hands up in exasperation. “Just me and Gus!” He pointed a furious finger behind him at a…dog? A dog, who sensing the tension, had now started to whine softly. “The college is strict against pets, but I smuggled him in because I was stressed out and missed you and wanted something to cuddle, and now you’ve woken him up and he’s going to bark and get me evicted!”
Eli’s eyes widened, then filled with tears. “You… you smuggled a dog in for me?”
Nate threw his head back, letting out a frustrated groan that scraped against Luke’s nerves. “No, Eli! I smuggled him in for me! Because I’m lonely and stressed and I miss you. But now I just want to wring your neck!”
A heavy silence descended, broken only by Gus’s soft whimpers. Eli looked utterly devastated. Nate looked utterly furious. Luke and Noah looked like they desperately needed a very strong drink of any alcohol they could get their hands on.
“So… no cheating, then?” Eli finally whispered, his voice small and pathetic.
Nate just stared at him, his chest heaving. The anger was still there, but beneath it, Luke could see the exhaustion and the hurt. This wasn’t just about the surprise visit; it was about a deeper insecurity and a lack of trust that had been laid bare in the most spectacular, public way possible. “Get inside, Eli,” Nate said, his voice quiet. “And you two,” he added, glaring at Luke and Noah, “can wait in the hall. I need to talk to my boyfriend alone and I need to get dressed before my RA thinks I’m running a brothel.”
Eli, looking like a chastised puppy, shuffled past Nate and into the room. Nate, without another word, slammed the door shut, leaving Luke and Noah alone in the silent, echoing hallway.
Luke leaned his head back against the wall, exhaling slowly. “Well,” he murmured to Noah, “that went exactly as I expected.”
Noah just shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. “It was a terrible idea. My bad.”
“Yes. It is definitely your bad,” Luke agreed, pushing off the wall. He glanced at the closed door, then back at Noah. “Think we should wait for Eli?”
Noah considered it, then sighed. “Nah. Let’s be honest, they’ll kiss and make up and probably spend all night fucking.” Luke’s cheeks warmed at the idea of his friends having sex behind that door. God, he was such a virgin. Noah noticed his tinged pink cheeks and he snickered. “Come on, you. Let’s go. I’m going to need a very large coffee, or a very large whiskey. Maybe both.”
Luke nodded his head. The argument inside Nate’s bedroom was already escalating, muffled shouts and indignant cries seeping through the door. This was far from over. But at least, he thought, there was no cardigan guy. No cheating. Just a very dramatic, very insecure high school boyfriend, and a very stressed out, very exasperated college one. And two very tired best friends, caught in the crossfire.
“So, where shall we go?” Luke asked Noah as they walked across the quad towards the car.
“I’m thinking a nice, fancy hotel,” Noah said, his grin spreading like he knew he’d already won.
“Excuse me?” Luke squeaked, his eyebrows shooting up as if the words alone were absurd.
Noah leaned back slightly, still smiling. “What? Is it bad that I wanna spoil my boyfriend? You didn’t think we were gonna sleep in the car, did you?”
Luke hesitated, looking down at his hands. “Well… no, but—”
“Come on, it’ll be nice,” Noah interrupted, his tone softening, though the playful sparkle in his eyes didn’t fade.
Luke frowned slightly. “It’s not about the hotel.”
Noah’s grin softened into something warmer. He stopped walking abruptly, making Luke halt too. He then reached over and gently cupped Luke’s face in his hands, thumbs brushing lightly against his cheeks. “You know, just because we’re going to a hotel doesn’t mean I’m automatically saying we’re gonna… ya know?”
Luke nodded, a faint blush creeping up his neck.
“I respect your boundaries, Luke,” Noah said quietly, his voice low and steady.
“I know you do,” Luke replied quickly, a bit flustered. “I never meant it that way.”
“You’re just nervous, and that’s okay,” Noah filled in, his eyes soft, giving Luke permission to be vulnerable.
“Yeah,” Luke admitted, glancing down sheepishly.
“I promise to keep my filthy hands to myself.”
Luke still looked uneasy. “Why can’t we just crash at Gabe’s?” he asked, surprising himself.
Noah hesitated, and that same flicker of something unreadable flashed through his eyes. Unlike before, Luke had definitely caught it this time. “We can, but it’s almost an hour’s drive from here and I’m kinda tired. Plus, he has a roommate,” Noah said tightly.
Right. The elephant in the room.
Youngjae.
“Yeah, but I’m sure if I called ahead, Gabe could sort something out for us,” Luke said, a hopeful edge in his voice.
“No, wouldn’t you be more comfortable in a big, comfy bed?” Noah asked, tilting his head slightly. “What’s the big deal, anyway? We’ve slept in the same bed before.”
Luke’s cheeks heated. “I know,” he said bashfully. “Nothing, it’s… it’s nothing. Fine. Yes. Let’s book a hotel.”
“Good,” Noah said, his grin returning, softer this time, warm like sunlight.
“But we can see Gabe tomorrow, right?” Luke asked in a hopeful voice, leaning toward him.
“Yeah, if you want,” Noah replied casually.
“I do,” Luke said, a small genuine smile spreading across his face. “I miss my brother.”
“I’m sure you do.”
“Make sure you don’t book somewhere that’s too expensive.”
“Why? It’s my treat.”
“What? No! We can split.”
“No, way,” Noah said firmly, a frown at his face. “It’s my treat.”
“Noah,” Luke said sternly.
“Shut up, Luke.”
Luke huffed to himself.
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Noah pushed open the door of their hotel bedroom, and a rush of cool conditioned air hit them. The hallways smelled faintly of citrus cleaner and polished wood, and soft classical music played somewhere overhead. Luke hesitated at the threshold, hands stuffed in his pockets, trying to look casual while his heart hammered in his chest.
“After you,” Noah said with a teasing bow.
Luke swallowed and nodded, walking past him. He kept his steps measured, tried to smooth his shoulders, but couldn’t stop his fingers from fidgeting with the zipper of his jacket.
“Room 512. Pretty standard, but I guarantee it’s comfier than anywhere you’ve crashed in before,” Noah said to him.
Luke forced a smile. “Yeah… looks great,” he said, voice a little too high and a little too rushed.
Inside the room, Luke’s eyes widened slightly at the plush bedding, the soft glow from the bedside lamps, and the small balcony with a view of the city lights. He paused near the door, as if anchoring himself before stepping further in.
Noah set down their bags and glanced back at him. “You okay?”
Luke forced a small, calm nod, pretending to be nonchalant as he dropped his bag near the corner. “Yeah… yeah, it’s… nice,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. His hands twisted together, betraying the calm tone he tried to maintain.
Noah chuckled and stalked over from behind, resting a hands lightly on both of Luke’s arms and brushing his chest against Luke’s back. “You don’t have to act all tough, you know,” he murmured, his chin perched on Luke’s shoulder from behind. He pressed a small kiss to the back of the boys ear. “I like seeing you relaxed too.”
Luke’s stomach flipped. He laughed softly and awkwardly, trying to brush off the nerves. “I’m fine. Really. Just… tired, I guess. Long drive.”
Noah didn’t push, just gave him that small, knowing smile that made Luke feel both exposed and safe. Luke moved toward the bed, testing the comfort by sinking in slightly, then straightening up like it was no big deal.
“I’m gonna freshen up,” Luke mumbled, heading toward the bathroom but stealing another quick glance at Noah, who just leaned against the wall, grinning in amusement.
Luke closed the bathroom door behind him and leaned against the counter, staring at his reflection. His fingers traced the edge of the sink as he took a shaky breath.
“Okay, Luke,” he whispered to his reflection. “Come on. You can do this. It’s just a hotel room. Just you and Noah. Nothing… nothing has to happen if you don’t want it to. Grow a pair and chill the fuck out.” He looked harder at his reflection. “And he knows. He knows me. All of me. My body, my chest… everything. He’s not going to—he’s not gonna care. He’s… he’s not gonna do anything I don’t want. He’s—he’s patient.”
Luke swallowed, trying to let that thought settle. He smoothed his hair, adjusted his hoodie, and gave himself a tiny nod in the mirror.
“Okay. You’ve got this. Just sit down, breathe, and don’t freak out. You’re fine. Totally fine.”
Taking one last deep breath, he opened the door and stepped back into the room. The soft light made the space feel warmer, almost comforting. Noah was sitting cross-legged on the bed, fiddling with the key card like he didn’t have a care in the world.
Luke hesitated in the doorway for a moment before walking over and perching on the edge of the bed, careful to leave a respectable distance.
Noah glanced up and smiled. “Feeling better?”
“Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine,” Luke said quickly, forcing a calm tone. He tried to keep his hands still, tried not to squirm, tried not to let the nervous tension show, but Noah’s eyes caught it anyway.
“Good,” Noah said softly, patting the bed beside him. “You can sit closer if you want.”
Luke’s stomach did a little flip, but he shook his head slightly. “I’m… I’m okay here,” he said, keeping his voice steady, though his ears burned.
Noah tilted his head but didn’t push. “Wanna watch a film?” he asked instead.
“Sure,” Luke said robotically.
Noah nodded and grabbed the remote from the bedside table. “Well, you’re gonna need to get comfy for that. Come on. I won’t bite. Just lean against the headboard or something.”
So Luke did. He shifted again on the bed until his back hit the headboard. He kept his hands folded neatly in his lap, trying to act casual, but the quiet of the hotel room pressed in, making his chest feel tight.
Noah glanced over at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re awfully quiet. Well, more than usual,” he said softly, his voice low and gentle.
Luke threw him a sheepish smile. “Sorry. I’m just thinking,” he murmured.
“About?”
“Uh…” Sex. “Nothing much. Just about us.”
“Us?” Noah seemed pleased.
“About how comfortable i’m getting with you,” Luke admitted. “I don’t know. It’s weird.”
Noah leaned a little closer, just enough that Luke could feel the warmth radiating from him, but not enough to make him panic. “Maybe it’s because we’ve known each other a while now,” Noah said. “Or maybe it’s because you’ve realised what a swell guy I am,” he grinned.
Luke rolled his eyes playfully.
It’s true. Noah was a swell guy. He was so nice. So caring. So damn popular at school. He was everything Luke wishes he could be.
And honestly? The idea of doing anything with Noah had always been in the back of his mind, but it had always felt so impossibly far away…until now, when the thought didn’t scare him quite as much. He looked to the side at Noah’s face, the soft lamplight making him look almost angelic, and Luke realised his heart was doing something different.
Maybe… maybe I could…
“Luke,” Noah startled the navy haired boy out of his overthinking. “Stop it.”
“Stop what?”
“Stop freaking out. You’re gonna end up giving yourself a panic attack or something.”
“Sorry,” Luke mumbled.
Noah placed his hand on top of Luke’s. “If you wanna kiss me, kiss me. If you wanna throw me off this bed and make me sleep on the floor, do it. Honestly, i’ll do whatever the hell you want me to do. As long as you’re comfortable. That’s all I want.”
Luke’s chest jumped at the touch, a mixture of panic and… something else. Something new.
God, why did Noah have to be so fucking nice?
His lips parted slightly, but no words came out. He felt small and exposed, but also… eager? Noah wasn’t rushing him. He wasn’t demanding anything. But Luke knew his boyfriend wanted something more than just the make out sessions they usually had. Being with Noah in a sexual way might not be as scary as he had originally thought. Maybe he was just overthinking it? Maybe it would be… good. Luke realised that he might actually be ready for more.
“I don’t wanna have sex,” Luke blurted out. Noah blinked at him and Luke blushed hard. Subtle. “I don’t wanna have sex tonight, but I wanna do other stuff. With you. To you.”
“To me?” Noah repeated.
“I wanna make you feel good.”
“Luke. you don’t have to—” Noah started to say.
“I don’t wanna be a pathetic 18 year old virgin anymore, Noah. I wanna get some action like everyone else at school. I feel fucking stupid for being this terrified,” Luke interrupted, the words tumbling over each other in a rush, a strange mix of defiance and vulnerability. His cheeks burned, but something in him had snapped. He was tired of the fear, tired of the hesitation. He wanted this. He wanted Noah.
…Noah snorted.
Luke’s jaw dropped a little. “Are you laughing at me?” he asked, and despite all the testosterone in his body, his voice came out squeakily high.
“Sorry, it’s just funny that you’re begging for sex all of a sudden after not wanting to go past kissing for ages,” Noah said, trying not to laugh.
“I’m not begging for sex!” Luke huffed.
Noah waggled his eyebrows. “You really want me, huh?” he asked in amusement.
“You know what? Forget it. You’ve ruined it,” Luke said flatly, rolling his eyes and starting to rise from the bed.
A hand suddenly shot out and grasped Luke’s wrist. He yelped as he was tugged back, thrown down on the bed, and had his arms pinned to either side of him. He blinked up at Noah, startled.
“Tell me what you wanna do,” Noah said in a quiet voice, eyes flickering across Luke’s face.
“Noah, what—”
“I didn’t mean to laugh. I was just surprised. It was a nervous laugh. You’re not the only one who’s freaking out, alright?” Noah told him calmly.
“Surely you’re not a virgin,” Luke said, frowning.
“No, but it would still be my first time with somebody like you,” Noah told him.
Luke tried not to feel offended. “Somebody like me?” he asked in a timid voice. What? Like trans?
“Yeah,” Noah said with a frown. “Somebody I really like and have genuine feelings for. It’s kinda terrifying. I’m trying to be cool about it.”
Oh.
Luke felt bad for assuming the worst. Noah wasn’t like that. Noah wasn’t focused on the whole transgender thing like Luke thought he was. Luke hoped he wasn’t, anyway. That would have been bad. Very bad.
A shaky breath escaped Luke’s lips. “I… I just want to make you feel good, Noah. I wanna try,” he repeated, his voice barely a whisper now. The fear was still there, a knot in his stomach, but it was being slowly untangled by Noah’s unwavering gaze.
“You already make me feel good. Just being here with you, like this… that’s enough.” He paused, his eyes dropping to Luke’s mouth, then back up to meet his gaze. “But if you want to explore, I’m all yours.”
A thrill, sharp and exhilarating, shot through Luke. This was it. This was the moment he’d been both dreading and yearning for. “Okay,” he breathed
Noah’s hands released Luke’s wrist and he sat up again. Luke also slowly sat upright.
God, what the hell do I do? How do I start?
Noah must have seen his hesitance because his fingers went to the nape of Luke’s neck and tangled in the soft hair there. He pulled Luke gently forward, closing the small distance between them until their foreheads touched. “Maybe we should just start off by kissing. Stick to what we know.”
Luke nodded shyly. And then he was kissing him, a slow and tender exploration that deepened quickly, Noah’s lips parting to invite Luke in. Luke’s tongue tentatively met Noah’s. The kiss was intoxicating, a swirling vortex of warmth and sensation that made Luke’s head spin. His hands, which had been resting awkwardly on his knees, found their way to Noah’s shoulders, gripping the soft fabric of his shirt as if to anchor himself.
When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Noah’s eyes were dark with desire, but still full of that comforting patience. “Better?” he murmured, his thumb stroking Luke’s cheek again.
Luke nodded, a small, shy smile gracing his lips. “Much better.” He took a deep breath, steeling himself. “Okay. So… what now?”
Noah’s gaze dropped, lingering for a moment on Luke’s lips before moving lower. “You said you wanted to make me feel good,” Noah prompted gently, his voice low and husky.
Luke’s heart hammered. “Yeah,” he confirmed, his voice a little shaky. He met Noah’s gaze, a flicker of determination in his eyes. “I do.”
“Then go ahead.”
This was it. No turning back.
Slowly and tentatively, Luke shifted on the bed. He reached out, his hand hovering for a moment before he gently placed it on Noah’s big bulky thigh, just above his knee. Noah’s muscles tensed slightly under Luke’s palm. The navy haired boy slid his hand slowly and deliberately up Noah’s thigh, feeling the warmth of his skin through the denim of his jeans. Noah’s breath hitched, a soft sound that was music to Luke’s ears. Luke continued, his fingers brushing against the growing hardness beneath the fabric.
When his fingers finally reached the zipper, Luke hesitated, his gaze darting to Noah’s face.
Noah’s eyes were half-lidded, his lips slightly parted. He gave a small, almost imperceptible nod.
With a shaky breath, Luke unzipped Noah’s jeans. The soft rasp of the zipper seemed incredibly loud in the quiet room. He then reached in, his fingers fumbling slightly as he navigated the fabric and found the soft, warm skin beneath. Noah’s erection sprang free, above average and pulsing, but Luke didn’t flinch. He felt a moment of awe, a primal fascination.
He looked up at Noah, whose gaze was fixed on him, a mixture of desire and tenderness in his eyes. “Is this… okay?” Luke whispered, needing the reassurance.
“More than okay,” Noah murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
Luke took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to remember everything he’d ever heard or seen. It’s not like he had a dick of his own to practice on. He knew the basics, but the reality was far more overwhelming than any fantasy. He reached out, his fingers tentatively closing around Noah’s length. It was hot, firm, and surprisingly soft to the touch.
He started with a gentle stroke, up and down, watching Noah’s reaction. Noah’s eyes closed briefly, a soft groan escaping his lips. That sound, that raw expression of pleasure, fuelled Luke’s confidence. He tried to replicate the motion, but his hand felt awkward, his rhythm uneven. He was too hesitant, too self-conscious. He could feel Noah’s slight stiffness under his palm, not from arousal, but from the slight clumsiness of Luke’s inexperienced touch. Luke frowned, a flicker of self-doubt creeping in. He was supposed to be good at this, or at least…not bad. He wanted to be good for Noah.
“Relax,” Noah whispered, his eyes opening, a small reassuring smile on his face. He reached out, his own hand covering Luke’s, guiding him. “Like this. Slow at first. Feel the rhythm.”
With Noah’s hand over his, Luke’s movements became smoother, more confident. He felt the subtle shift in Noah’s body, the deepening of his breathing. Noah’s hips began to move instinctively, pressing into Luke’s hand.
Luke pulled his hand away from Noah’s, wanting to do this himself, to prove he could. He tried to remember Noah’s guidance, focusing on the sensations, on the way Noah’s body responded to his touch. He used his thumb to trace circles around the glistening head of his boyfriends annoyingly good looking dick. He tried varying the pressure, the speed, the angle. It still felt a little clumsy and a little hesitant, but he was learning.
He watched Noah’s face, captivated by the pleasure etched there. Noah’s head was thrown back against the headboard, his eyes closed, a soft moan escaping his lips with each stroke. The sight was incredibly arousing, a powerful surge of desire blossoming in Luke’s own body. He leaned closer, his free hand finding Noah’s chest, feeling the strong beat of his heart under his palm. He wanted to be closer, to feel more. He wanted to taste him.
Luke let his gaze drop to the base of Noah’s erection, then back up to the tip. He remembered something else he’d read. He leaned down, his breath warm on Noah’s skin as he hesitantly opened his mouth.
Noah’s body stiffened, a sharp intake of breath. “Luke…” he murmured, his voice a low warning, but there was no real protest in it, only anticipation.
Luke ignored the warning, his tongue darting out, a tentative touch against the slick, sensitive tip. Noah groaned a deep, guttural sound that vibrated through Luke’s entire body. The taste was musky, salty, intensely masculine, and surprisingly intoxicating. He took a little more into his mouth, then a little more, trying to mimic the movements he’d seen in videos, the gentle suction, the slow slide. It felt awkward, his jaw quickly tired, and he felt like he was mostly just gumming it. He wasn’t sure if he was doing it right, if he was even making Noah feel good. He pulled back slightly, a worried frown on his face.
“Is this okay?” he mumbled, his voice muffled.
Noah’s eyes fluttered open, dark and heavy-lidded. He reached out, his hand coming up to cup Luke’s face, his thumb brushing against the corner of Luke’s mouth. “It’s perfect, baby,” he whispered, his voice thick with pleasure. “You’re doing amazing.”
Baby?
Noah had never called him that before.
Luke blushed hard.
The reassurance, delivered with such raw sincerity along with the pet name, banished Luke’s doubts. He felt a renewed surge of determination. He might not be perfect at it, but Noah liked it. And that was all that mattered. He plunged back in, trying harder, trying to relax his jaw, to use his lips and tongue more effectively. He focused on the sensations, on the way Noah’s body tensed and relaxed under his ministrations. He could feel Noah’s hands in his hair now, not pulling, but gently guiding and encouraging.
Noah’s hand, which had been in Luke’s hair, slowly slid down underneath, coming to rest on Luke’s chest, right over his binder. Luke froze for a split second, a jolt of panic shooting through him. His breath hitched. This was the boundary, the unspoken line he’d always been terrified of crossing. His binder and his chest was the most vulnerable part of him, the part he hid, the part he was most ashamed of.
But Noah’s touch was gentle. His fingers didn’t press, didn’t explore, just rested there, a warm, comforting weight. It was a silent acknowledgement, a tender acceptance of a part of Luke that he usually kept hidden.
Luke looked up, his eyes meeting Noah’s.
“It’s okay,” Noah whispered, his voice barely audible, as if he could read Luke’s deepest fears. His thumb stroked gently over the fabric of the binder, a gesture of quiet reassurance. “It’s okay. You’re okay.”
The words were a balm to Luke’s raw nerves. He felt a wave of relief so intense it almost brought him to his knees. Well, he kind of already was on his knees. But the fact is, Noah had finally touched his chest for the first time and Noah wasn’t repulsed. Noah accepted him. All of him.
A powerful surge of emotion coursed through Luke. He wanted to give Noah everything, to drown him in pleasure, to show him just how much this acceptance meant. He leaned back down, his mouth finding Noah’s length again, his movements now more fluid, more confident, fuelled by the emotional release. He focused entirely on Noah, on the sounds he was making, on the way his hips bucked slightly, on the gentle pressure of Noah’s hand still resting on his chest, a silent promise of acceptance.
He heard Noah’s breathing grow heavier, faster. Luke knew what that meant. He worked harder and faster, his lips and tongue moving with an instinctive rhythm now, driven by the desire to see Noah shatter.
Noah’s fingers tightened on Luke’s chest, a soft gasp escaping his lips. “Luke… oh, God, Luke…” he groaned, his voice raw, close to breaking.
Luke felt the first throbbing pulse against his tongue, hot and insistent. He kept going until Noah cried out a loud, ragged gasp, his body arching against Luke’s mouth as he came, a wave of hot, thick liquid filling Luke’s mouth. Luke swallowed it all down like a champ. He held Noah’s cock until the tremors subsided, until his body relaxed against the bed, his breathing ragged but slowing. Then he pulled away slowly, his mouth tingling, a triumphant smile on his face. He looked up at Noah, whose eyes were still closed, a look of bliss on his face.
“Noah?” Luke whispered, his voice a little hoarse.
Noah’s eyes fluttered open. He looked at Luke, his gaze soft, unfocused, then slowly sharpening. A slow smile spread across his face, a smile of profound contentment. “Holy shit, Luke,” he breathed, his voice still rough with recent pleasure. His hands left Luke’s chest to gently cup his jaw instead. “That was fucking hot.”
Luke blushed. He might have been a little clumsy at first, but he’d done it. And Noah had loved it. And Noah had touched him, truly touched him, and it hadn’t been terrifying. It had been… freeing. “I’m glad I got to make you feel good,” Luke said quietly, a genuine joyful smile finally breaking free.
Noah chuckled, a soft, rumbling sound. He pulled Luke closer, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “You did. You really did.” He wrapped his arms around Luke, pulling him into a tight embrace, his hand going back to resting gently and protectively over Luke’s chest, specially his binder. “And you know what?”
“What?” Luke asked, his voice muffled against Noah’s shoulder, a sense of peace settling over him, a peace he hadn’t thought possible.
“I think I want to return the favour.”
Luke’s cheeks flamed with warmth and he squeaked out a, “maybe next time.”
Noah just laughed and held him tighter.
…
Authors Note: 👀
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