Eric and I quickly drove down the busy urban streets. The city gained a new appeal, as though I was beginning to view the world around with new eyes. The lights took on newfound meaning and intensity, shining brighter than they ever had. "Being with you has taken me beyond the limits of happiness I've come to know." Eric said, squeezing my hand. "All of this is so overwhelming. I never thought this could ever happen." I confessed, looking straight down the road ahead. I felt his deep stare on my face, and with that he eased my uncertainty. Without any words needed, I knew we were together. "Con, I have to be honest with you. People don't really know." ".me neither!" "So." "I think it's for the best! Let's just keep this discreet, at least for the time being." I said. There was just so much anger in the world, at least the one that around Eric and I lived knew, and it was the only option. Neither of us was ready to make our announcement, and for the time being we had not yet outgrown the closet. "Just don't ever think that my feelings for you are anything but true." He said. Eric knew exactly what to say, no matter how I felt. I suppose he had a sort of intuition about me, and that was a comforting thought. Eric parked the car and we began walking toward the small theatre. After a few steps he outstretched his arm and drew me closer by the waist. Kissing my temple, he rested his head onto my shoulder and slapping my rear causing me to speed up ahead of him. "Damn!" Eric said biting his lower lip. He moved closer cupping my cheeks with his strong hands and slid them around my stomach. Looking behind me I couldn't resist stealing a kiss and another on his neck. "Did you get lost?!" With the same dark eyes and supple lips, stood an attractive man a few years older than Eric. Other than being a bit taller and with brown curly hair, the resemblance between he and his brother Will, was uncanny. Eric introduced us, remaining subtle about our relationship. Behind Will stood a beautiful girl, tall and thin with brown hair past her shoulders. Recognizing Eric at once she smiled dawning her cheeks with a rosy glow. She was holding hands with a man standing at her height, ruggedly handsome with a muscular build. After becoming quickly reacquainted, I was introduced to Robin and Marco. Will began to delegate tasks. "Robin and Marco, start waiting in line for refreshments. Eric and Connor save us seats in the theater and I'm going to the washroom." Giving some money to Robin and Marco they left. Eric took tickets from his brother and began to walk away. "Actually I need to go too!" I said, remembering all of the water I drank during practice. I joined Will as he led me toward the washroom and once finished, we were rinsing our hands in the sinks. "So you're him?" he asked inquisitively. "What do you mean?" "I've known about Eric since we were kids. He hasn't said anything, but a brother always knows, well at least I do. A couple of years back, he just started acting differently. It was like something has awakened a part of him that he kept hidden. And I've seen that quality in him more than ever the last few days. Especially now! He's happy and Connor, it's because of you." I couldn't look up from the sink, but I could see him smiling warmly from the corner of my eye. I finally got the courage to look. His face was pleasant, as though the thought of Eric being happy was reason enough for his happiness. "They'll be waiting." He said. We dried our hands, but not before Will could flick me with some water and I gladly returned the favour. "Take a year why don't you?!" Eric said as I took the open seat beside him. Under the darkness of the theater, he grasped my hand firmly. I squeezed back without any hesitation. Managing not to attract Eric's attention, Will leaned over from beside me: "You two try and to keep your attention on the movie!" And we did. The film was about a shopkeeper who fell in love with a woman working in a diner. Not the greatest film of all time, but it managed reveal that love could be found in the unlikeliest of places. And I was experiencing that lesson first hand. When the movie was over, Eric and I said out goodbyes to Will and his friends. Mentioning how nice it was to meet them, I thanked them for letting me intrude in their plans. "No intrusion whatsoever! We'll be sure to do this again soon, right?" Will asked, while inconspicuously winking in my direction. I agreed and we were on our way. As we left the theater I became once again enthralled by the lively world around. My concentration was broken when Eric threw his phone in my lap.
"What's this for?" I asked. "Call and tell your parents that you're staying over at my place!" He answered. "oh.but I don't even have a change of clothes!"
"You won't be needing them." He smirked. I couldn't help but laugh, and we could both sense the excitement growing within us. I called home, telling my mother that we were going to spend the rest of the evening working on an assignment due the following Monday. The excuse was hardly original, but being put on the spot did not exactly encourage my creative process. We pulled up to a large house a few minutes later. Eric explained that his parents were often away from home, spending their time in California and focusing their attention on a growing computer software business. His brother lived on campus and sometimes passed by the house to check up on Eric, but the workload would occupy most of his time. Opening the front door, I stood in amazement. His home was beautiful, down to the last detail. Taking my hand, Eric led me to the kitchen. A good idea considering I'd probably stray and get lost somewhere and that wasn't exactly how I wanted to occupy my time. He opened the fridge, throwing me a soda. Grabbing one for himself, he closed the fridge and took me once again by the hand, and led me away from the kitchen. We went up the stairs and I found myself staring right at Eric's hard tush. He opened the door to his room, which was decorated rather nicely and was surprisingly organized for a teenage boy. I was hit with his sweet smell as I entered, making me feel enveloped by his presence. My heart began to race as Eric turned around. Placing his lips onto mine, we began to kiss more intensely than ever before. I was overcome by the passion and I drew myself closer to him, leaving not even the slightest bit of space between us. I pushed him away and onto the bed. As he lay there in anticipation, I mounted his legs and began to kiss his neck, being driven by his sweet smell and soft touch. I lifted his shirt over his head and began to kiss his strong pecks. Rubbing my hands over the core of his body I kissed his flat stomach for a few moments. Once again lingering for the taste of his supple pink lips, our faces met. Taking my hand and placing it on his chest, he spoke. "I give you my heart, Connor." He kissed me deep and slowly. After some time had passed, I rested my head on his stomach and closed my eyes. Eric held me with his arms as our legs lay intertwined, and we remained in such a way until the morning.