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Jayden swung the door open to reveal a beaming Samuel and a smiling Paul. It was the night of the ball and they were looking exceedingly handsome and charming in their expensive designer tuxedos.
Jayden scowled at them before stepping aside to allow them entry into the dorm.
‘Noel,’ he called, walking to sit on a stool at the kitchen counter.
Paul took a seat on a couch whiles Samuel walked over to him. He was holding a zipped-up coat bag which he presented to Jayden with a proud smile.
Jayden looked warily at it. ‘What’s that?’
‘A tux just in case you change your mind,’ Samuel explained beaming happily at him.
Jayden’s expression would not have been amiss if he had been presented with a used rag. He raked his eyes over the tux with complete disgust before scoffing and turning away.
Samuel smiled undiscouraged and placed the tux on the counter before taking a seat by him. ‘Just in case you change your mind,’ he said.
Jayden rolled his eyes and proceeded to ignore his presence but Samuel did not allow it.
‘I’ve never seen you smile,’ he wondered aloud. ‘Every time I see you, you are either scowling or glaring. You should try smiling, it’ll make you feel better plus, it would be a nice look on you.’
Jayden threw him one of his fiercest glare yet but Samuel was unperturbed.
‘Here, let me show you.’ He then proceeded to throw a series of different smiles at him.
‘Noel!’
Samuel looked up at him. ‘It’s not that difficult. Here…’ He reached out a hand and tried to stretch Jayden’s lips into a smile.
Jayden moved quickly to avoid his grasp. He hopped down from the stool and threw himself onto his couch.
‘NOEL! Get your ass out here right now else I swear on the seven realms of hell, I would drag it out myself!’
Noel came out of the room buttoning his cuffs. ‘I’m here, I’m here. Geez! What’s the rush?’
Jayden glared at him. ‘What took you so long?’
‘I needed to look good. You can’t rush perfection.’
Paul stood and smiled at him. ‘You look more than perfect.’
Noel smiled and looked down, grateful his complexion hid the furious blush on his face.
Paul turned to Samuel. ‘Shall we be off then?’
‘Wait,’ Noel said hurriedly. ‘We need to take pictures.’
‘But we don’t have…’
Noel had already rushed into Jayden’s room and had come out with his phone. He held it up proudly. ‘We can use this.’
Samuel took it from him in surprise. ‘How did you manage to sneak one in?’ he asked Jayden in a voice tinged with admiration.
Jayden ignored him and they proceeded to take selfies with it. After a while, Samuel tossed the phone to Jayden who looked up in surprise.
‘We need you take a couple of pictures of us. Please,’ he added, knowing what his answer was going to be.
Jayden sighed and stood up. He proceeded to take a series of pictures with them in a range of poses. It started serious and formal enough but their poses began to get sillier and sillier with each shot he took.
He finally had enough. ‘That’s it. All of you, out.’
‘Wait,’ Samuel spoke up. ‘We haven’t taken any pictures with you.’
Before Jayden could protest, he had dragged him over and they took another round of selfies with Jayden glaring at the camera.
‘Are you done?’ he asked after a while.
‘Hold on,’ Samuel replied. He perched the phone on a chair and stepped back to them after setting the timer.
‘All of you look sexy,’ he ordered.
They straightened their tuxedos and fixed their hair as they smiled into the camera.
Noel glanced at Jayden and complained. ‘Why are you scowling? He’s going to ruin the picture.’
‘Don’t worry I got it.’
Samuel bent down and whispered into Jayden’s ear. ‘Imagine this; you are standing on top of a high hill. You look down, and what do you see? The whole school and not only the school, but the entire population of upper-class snobs are being engulfed by fire. Flames as far as the eye can see, people squirming and screaming in a pain that will never end, begging for a death that would never come.’
He straightened up. ‘Done. Now everyone smile in three, two, one…’
Jayden continued to scowl but as he pictured the scene Samuel had described so vividly, a battle began to rage on his lips and as the camera flashed, a wicked grin had snaked its way onto his face.
Samuel walked over and studied the picture closely. ‘A bit disturbing but it’ll do.’
He saved his contact on the phone and sent the images to himself before shooing the others out.
‘Come on, we’re already late. Let’s go.’ He turned to Jayden. ‘Don’t wait up for us cause we’re gonna be out all night!’
They let out a whoop and a cheer before filing out with a last wave to Jayden. Jayden closed the door behind them with that evil smirk still on his face. He couldn’t help it though, the idea pleased him far too much.
He settled down on his favourite couch with a copy of the Mein Kampf and begun to read as he waited for their return.
——————————————————————
The Christmas ball was an extravagant event. Two grand ballrooms had been combined into one for the ball. Lights and streamers adorned every tree, every shrub, and every bush on campus.
Fairy lights twinkled all around and the celebration spilled out onto the grounds. Fake snow lay on the grounds and some was even sprinkled on a few plants. The combined ballrooms glittered and shone like polished gold as the light from the chandeliers bounced of the jewellery of the guests.
Wine and champagne flowed freely and glasses and laughter tinkled in the air as an orchestra played a happy tune. Gowns twirled and diamonds sparkled as the happy guests danced the night away. It was a night straight out of a fairy tale.
Samuel, Paul and Noel had arrived an hour into the event. As soon as they arrived, they proceeded to move to the great tree where they had promised to meet their dates.
‘Charlotte, you look amazing! Heaven must be missing an angel.’
Samuel leaned over to place a chaste kiss on her lips as Charlotte beamed happily at the compliment.
Paul smiled at Samantha and gave her a peck on the cheek before curling his arms around her waist to pull her close.
Noel smiled shyly at Pearl. ‘You look really beautiful Pearl.’
Pearl blushed. ‘Thanks. You look great too.’
Samuel spoke up. ‘Enough of all this chitchatting, let’s dance!’
He dragged Charlotte to the dance floor and twirled her around before pulling her in for a slow waltz.
Paul smiled at Samantha. ‘May I have this dance, my lady?’
‘You may, your highness.’
He grabbed her hand and led her out to the dance floor leaving Noel and Pearl alone.
Pearl looked askance at him. ‘Would you like to dance?’
Noel rubbed his neck bashfully. ‘I’m not much of a dancer.’
Pearl gave him an encouraging smile. ‘That’s okay. We can do something else. Why don’t we walk and have a look around?’
Noel nodded and they set off. They walked around for an hour before they took a seat at one of the tables outside beside a twinkling fountain. They sat there for another hour talking about everything they could think of.
‘Do you want something to drink?’ Noel asked after a while.
Pearl smiled up at him. ‘Why not.’
Noel left their table and made his way to the bar. He glanced at the bartender and raised two fingers in the air. The bartender nodded and began to mix the drinks.
Whiles he waited, he was joined by a slightly intoxicated Samuel who threw an arm around his shoulder.
‘Hey there, how are you enjoying the party?’
Noel frowned at him. ‘Are you drunk?’
Samuel giggled. ‘Not yet. Getting drinks for your girl, I see. Why don’t the two of you join us, we are about to play a game.’
Noel looked suspiciously at him. ‘Not a drinking game I hope.’
Samuel shook his head. ‘Nope, we’re done with those which might be for the best. We’re about to play truth or dare then spin the bottle.’
Noel looked unsure. ‘I don’t know about that.’
‘Come on, it’ll be fun, Besides what other thing do you have planned for the two of you to do together?’
‘Nothing, but-.’
‘It’s settled then. Let’s go.’
He dragged Noel away before he could protest further and led him to his table.
Pearl looked up at them in surprise. ‘What’s going on? Where are the drinks?’
‘Change of plan,’ Samuel stated. ‘You two are going to play truth or dare with us.’
Pearl smiled and stood up. ‘That sounds fun. Let’s go.’
Samuel turned around to smirk at Noel. ‘See.’
He then led them to a large table where a group of people were already seated.
‘Guys, I found some new people to play. Now we can get started.’
A few of them frowned when they saw Noel but they said nothing when Samuel forced him into a chair.
Noel was getting uncomfortable with the stares and he grew even more uncomfortable when he realised who was sitting directly across him.
Charles glared at him. ‘What are you doing here brat?’
‘Valentina control your man or else I’ll have to ask you both to leave.’ Samuel cut in coolly.
Valentina, who was looking stunning in a blood-red gown, grabbed Charles’s hand and squeezed it warningly. Charles scowled but said nothing.
‘Alright,’ Samuel rubbed his palms gleefully. ‘Let the games begin!’
The truth or dare commenced and Noel found out to his surprise that he was actually having fun. He learned a few things about Samuel, Paul, and even Charles.
For instance, he found out that Paul couldn’t swim and was deathly afraid of the water, Samuel had been to every country in the world even Antarctica, and Charles had been scared of the dark until he was fifteen years old.
He even participated in a few dares, doing silly things like trying to walk on his hands and talk with his tongue sticking out.
Everything was going fine until it was Valentina’s turn to ask Charles. He had to pick dare because the last time he picked truth.
Valentina tapped her chin thoughtfully with her long crimson nails. Her eyes lit up as a thought struck her. ‘I’ve got it.’ She grinned wickedly at Charles. ‘I dare you to kiss Noel.’
Noel froze.
Charles scowled at her. ‘No.’
‘That’s a strange dare Val,’ a girl from the table spoke up. ‘Why would you want your date to kiss another person?’
‘And a boy no less,’ another girl chirped.
Valentina waved her hand in dismissal. ‘It doesn’t matter besides there’s some tension here which is nothing a good kiss won’t solve. Plus, I want to see some boy/boy action.’
Noel stammered in. ‘I… I don’t th… think that’s such a… a good id…idea.’
Charles scowled at him. ‘Relax brat. It’s not happening so you have nothing to worry about.’
Valentina smirked at him. ‘What’s wrong? Scared you’ll enjoy it?’
Charles’s scowl deepened. ‘No. I just don’t want my lips on some filthy beggar.’
Samuel shot him a glare across the table. ‘Just because you are snivelling pussy doesn’t give you the right to insult him.’
‘Yeah,’ another guy commented with a chuckle. ‘Don’t put it on him just because you don’t have the balls to do it.’
The table murmured in agreement. Someone called out, ‘Pussy boy,’ which caused the entire table to erupt into laughter.
Charles’s scowl had darkened with every minute. ‘I can if I want to, I just don’t want to.’
The table continued to laugh as they stared doubtfully at him.
‘Oh really?’ Valentina smirked. ‘It’s not just a peck to the lips, it’s supposed to be a proper long kiss with tongues and everything. Somehow I doubt you have the balls for that.’
The table roared into another bout of laughter that was cut short when suddenly, Charles smashed his fist onto the table causing them to start in shock.
He stood up and with a furious look, marched up to Noel with his fist clenched. He raised his fist and Samuel shot to his feet.
Charles pulled Noel from his seat and raised his hand but instead of punching him, he pulled him forward and crashed his lips on his.
Everyone froze in shock. Noel had closed his eyes expecting a punch and he swung them back open in surprise when instead of a fist, he felt lips on his own.
Despite the aggression that Charles exhibited, the kiss was surprisingly gentle. Charles lips seemed to fit perfectly with his and he found his eyes fluttering close as they kissed.
Charles kissed him gently and softly, rubbing his lips with his tongue as he begged for entry. He bit softly down on Noel’s lips using the small gasp that parted his lips as an opportunity to insert his tongue. Instead of fighting for dominance, his tongue played softly with his, rubbing and teasing it eliciting a small moan from Noel.
He raised a hand to gently cup Noel’s face, using the pad of his thumb to gently caress it. After a while, he broke away for breath and placed his forehead on Noel’s as their hearts raced.
Noel looked up into his eyes and was surprised to see the tenderness in them. He found himself lost in those brown orbs and was jolted back to reality when someone let out a loud wolf-whistle.
‘Damn,’ Valentina said. ‘That was some hot shit.’
Charles suddenly pulled away and went back to his seat. ‘Happy?’ he snapped at Valentina.
‘Very. I just can’t believe you actually did it. I’m impressed.’
Charles said nothing. He cast a quick glance at Noel who remained where he had left him. He appeared to be in a daze, snapping back when Paul placed a hand on his elbow in worry.
Noel sat back down and placed his eyes firmly on the table, refusing to look anywhere but there.
The game continued as before, the entire episode forgotten by everyone except the two whom it had affected.
Noel had spaced out and when Pearl nudged him back to reality, he looked up to find the entire table staring at him.
‘It’s your turn,’ Samuel explained. ‘Cherry just dared you.’
Noel blinked. ‘To do what?’
Cherry spoke up from her place. ‘To kiss Pearl. I’ve seen you kiss a boy now I want to see you kiss a girl.’ She giggled. ‘If it’s anything like before it’s bound to be hot.’
Noel was getting uncomfortable. ‘Erm… I don’t know.’
‘Oh come on, why not?’
‘Yeah,’ another person chipped in. ‘Besides it’s a dare so you can’t back out.’
Noel shook his head. He looked up at Charles who was studying him intently. He gave Noel a small frown but said nothing.
‘Come on,’ Pearl leaned down to whisper. ‘It’d be fine.’
He nodded uncertainly and turned to face her. A rock settled in the pit of his stomach as he leaned in. Pearl’s sweet perfume engulfed his senses and he felt himself panicking. She touched his arm lightly and he felt the bitter taste of bile begin to rise in his mouth.
He sprung away and shook his head. ‘I can’t, I just can’t.’
One of the guys at the table narrowed his eyes at him suspiciously. ‘You didn’t have this problem when you were kissing Charles. Are you a faggot or something?’
‘Yeah, he must be a fucking fairy.’
‘Filthy homo.’
‘Disgusting queer.’
Noel shook his head trying to ignore the voices. He couldn’t however and tears began to build in his eyes. He turned to look at Charles but he just sneered at him.
‘What’s the matter, wanna cry princess? Why don’t you take your queer ass out of here, dirty fag. You’re about to make me puke.’
That was the last straw. Noel shot up from his seat and bolted with his face strewn with tears. Paul and Samuel tried to talk to him but he ignored them and they could only stare helplessly as he disappeared into the night.
No one noticed the look of regret that flashed across Charles’s face.
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
Damn! I’m sensing some chemistry between Charles and Noel. Are you?
I’m wondering how that will play out.
I kept my promise and it’s a double update! I’m the best aren’t I, double updates TWO times in a row and they’re all extra lengthy. I deserve a medal, scratch that I deserve an OBE!
Hope you enjoy the chapter and don’t forget to vote and comment if you do.
Love,
Akhenate❤.
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