Chapter 5
Aaron was grateful that he slept far better that night, with no strange dreams haunting him. He woke up the next morning feeling much better, and he yawned and stretched before padding into the bathroom to start his morning ablutions. He looked at his own reflection in the mirror, seeing that the dark circles under his eyes had disappeared. He smiled at himself, thinking about his conversation with Connor last night and the date they were going on together this weekend. He felt really good about it. All the worries and fears he’d had seemed to have washed away during the night. Okay, it was strange that he was suddenly going to start dating another man, especially one so much younger than he was. But who cared? Connor was just…right. Right in a way that he couldn’t quite explain, but that he felt intensely. And now that he didn’t have to fear for his job anymore, he found that most of his fears had dissipated anyway.
He took a shower, grabbed some breakfast and got dressed. He realized suddenly that he was humming under his breath, and had been for some time now. He smiled ruefully as he went out to his car. If this was what love felt like, then sign him up for more. This was great, he felt wonderful. He turned the radio up a bit and sang along as he drove to work, looking forward to the day. The only drawback was that he wouldn’t get to see Connor today, but that was all right. He could still call the younger man on his cell and talk.
His day just seemed to speed by. He ate lunch with Vicky, who stared at him across the table. “What?” he asked. “Do I have something on my face?”
She shook her head. “No. It’s just that you look…different. I can’t tell you how or anything, but I can see it. Did something happen?”
He hesitated. “Sort of,” he began reluctantly.
She leaned forward over the table and made grabbing motions with her hands. “Tell Mama all about it,” she crooned.
He rolled his eyes. “Vicky, pleased don’t say that when we’ve slept together. That is just too icky an image.”
She grinned, resting her chin in her hand. “You have a point,” she conceded. “But come on…tell me what’s up.”
He thought about what to say, then finally sighed and just got on with it. “I met someone,” he began.
She snorted. “Of course you did, tiger. I could tell when you turned me down. Stupid excuses aside, I can tell when one of my fuck buddies is going to be downgraded to regular friend. So who is she?”
He rubbed at the side of his face with one finger. “Umm…it’s not a she,” he replied.
Startled silence as Vicky gaped at him. “Whoa! Are you going over the fence, Aaron?!’ she blurted out after a moment.
He laughed ruefully. “I guess that’s one way of putting it,” he said ruefully.
“I didn’t think that guys did it for you,” Vicky said, shaking her head.
“They never have before,” Aaron said with a shrug. “But this one…does.”
Vicky startled him by squealing and clapping her hands together. “Wow, this is cool! True love, slash style! That is awesome!”
“What are you talking about?” he demanded in bewilderment.
She grinned. “As a…formerly…hetero male, of course you have no idea what slash is. It’s something that we girls really like mostly, but that guys don’t unless they’re gay. And not even always then. It's male-on-male romances. It’s like the female equivalent of guys liking watching two girls go at it.”
“Oh,” he said in comprehension. “And women really like that?”
“Of course we do. We like men, after all. It’s really hot to imagine two men together. Anyway, who is this guy? Where’d you meet him?”
“Err…I actually met him in one of my classes,” he replied, not mentioning their first meeting when Connor had been twelve or so. “He was a student.”
“WAS?! Wow, I never would have pegged you for someone who liked teenagers,” Vicky noted.
“I don’t like teenagers, Vicky,” he replied sternly. “Not normally, anyway. And Connor was one of my students, but he withdrew from school because he didn’t want me to get in trouble for dating a student.”
“Wow, sounds like a cool kid,” Vicky noted. “But you didn’t coerce him into dropping out, did you?”
He gave her an indignant look. “Of course not! In fact, I tried to convince him to stay. I didn’t want to interfere with his education. But he told me that he was only going to college because his parents insisted, that he’s got a good job already as a video game designer so he really doesn’t need or want to go.”
She studied his face, then grinned. “Okay. I didn’t really think that you’d do something like that, Aaron. You’re way too good a guy to force someone to drop out just so you can get laid. This whole thing is just a little weird, is all.”
“Believe me, I am totally aware of that fact,” he replied dryly. “I’m still adjusting to it. Connor just sort of dropped it all on me.”
“What do you mean?” Vicky asked in fascination.
Aaron began to tell her about Connor’s insistence that they were soul mates and that they should be together. He looked disconcerted when she began to go visibly mushy, and she sighed as he finally finished his story. “That is SO completely romantic!” she blurted. “God, you lucky duck! How come I can’t get a soul mate to just appear out of nowhere and sweep me off my feet?”
He stared at her, which caused her to chuckle. “Aaron, you are so clueless,” she said affectionately. “But I don’t hold it against you – you are a guy, after all. Guys are romantically challenged, they can’t help it.”
He grimaced. “I don’t think that’s much a handicap,” he replied dryly.
“You wouldn’t,” she said impishly. “Anyway, what’s next for you and your soul mate?”
He sighed. “We’re going on a date Saturday to get to know each other better.”
“Great. Do you want any help picking out what you should wear?” she teased.
“I think I can get dressed by myself, Vicky,” he told her.
A sly gleam entered her eyes. “Fine, but what about later on?”
When he gave her a questioning look, she pointed a dramatic finger at him across the table. “I’m talking about S-E-X, my boy. When you and Connor decide to get down and dirty together, what are you going to do?”
He looked perplexed. “What do you mean?”
“Well, unless I’m mistaken you’ve never had sex with another guy before. Do you actually know how to go about it?”
“I think I can figure it out,” he replied dryly. “After all, I’ve had anal sex before. Or have you forgotten?”
She tilted her head to the side. “No, I haven’t,” she said. “But what about blow jobs?”
He looked rather alarmed. “Blow jobs?” he repeated feebly.
She grinned wider. “That’s right, Mister Chips. Unless you never intend to do oral again, you’re going to want to give him one. Although maybe he could show you how?”
He shook his head in dismay. “No. He’s never been with anybody else.”
She winced. “Ouch, two clueless gay virgins. Tragic, really. Well, when the time comes and you two do decide to hook up, come to me. I have some instructional videos on how to give good head. What? Girls like to know how to make their guys feel good,” she pointed out. “And they were really helpful. You can watch them, and I promise to stay out of the room so you won’t be embarrassed.”
He suddenly felt grateful to her. “Thanks, Vicky,” he said. “For being my friend, and for not wigging out about this whole thing. I appreciate it.”
She smiled at him. “Hey, that’s what friends are for, pal,” she said easily. “Showing you how to give a good BJ,” she added slyly to make him laugh.
****
Aaron pulled his car up in front of Connor’s house. The younger man came out the door, waving his hand in greeting as he hurried down the walk. He grinned brightly as he climbed into Aaron’s car. “Hi!” he chirped.
Aaron found himself smiling in return. “Hi,” he replied. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah,” Connor said happily. He buckled up his seatbelt as Aaron pulled away from the curb.
“So how was your week? I missed you in class,” Aaron said.
Connor sighed. “The ‘rents hit the roof about me withdrawing from school, so I had to find a compromise,” he said dryly.
Aaron’s brows lifted. “A compromise? What kind of compromise?”
Connor sighed. “I am now enrolled at an on-line school, studying Video Game Design,” he explained in disgust.
Aaron had to clamp his lips shut on a full-throated laugh, as he was sure that Connor would not appreciate being laughed at. “I see,” he remarked, his voice only wavering a little.
Connor glowered at him. “You think it’s funny, don’t you?” he demanded suspiciously.
Aaron looked sheepish. “Sorry, but I sort of do,” he replied. “Besides, it won’t hurt you at all to have a degree of some sort, especially in your chosen career. That way if you ever decide to go work for a video game company instead of with your friend, you’ll easily be able to get a job.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Connor sighed. “Hey! Would you help me study?” he asked hopefully.
Aaron smiled. “I could do that,” he agreed.
Connor beamed. “Great! Can I come over to your house and study?” he asked, with a note in his voice that made Aaron’s body stir.
“We’ll see,” he said huskily.
Connor gave him a sloe-eyed look that said that the younger man knew how much his suggestion had aroused and intrigued Aaron. “Where are we going?” he asked.
“I thought we might go to a concert in the park today, and then get something to eat,” Aaron told him. “If that’s all right?”
“Sure. What kind of music?”
“Folk music. If you think it’s dull, just tell me. We’ll go somewhere else.”
Connor’s brows wrinkled. “Why would you assume that I’d think it was dull?”
Aaron glanced sideways at him. “Well, you are much younger than I am…” he began.
Connor frowned. “Just because I’m younger than you doesn’t mean that I’m shallow or stupid,” he snapped.
“I’m sorry. I’m not used to this, that’s all. I’m actually dating another guy…and a guy who’s almost ten years younger than me…” Aaron said apologetically.
Connor’s face softened. “I understand, Aaron. At least you’re willing to go out with me, even though this weirds you out. That makes me happy,” he said.
Aaron felt that warmth inside of his chest and stomach again as Connor’s soft, glowing eyes met his. This boy stole his breath away, he thought distantly. He’d never felt this way about anyone else, male or female. Of course, that probably had to do with the fact that Connor was his soul mate. He swallowed and turned his eyes back to the road. He had to concentrate on his driving, or else they’d end up in an accident. But that didn’t help his acute awareness of the younger man’s presence in his car. So close…he could reach out and touch Connor, and boy did he want to…
It was a beautiful day. Aaron had brought a blanket for them to sit on so that they could listen to the music together. Connor sprawled down on it cross-legged, tilting his head a little as Aaron sat down next to him. “This is really nice. It’s so cool that we’re on our first date together,” he remarked happily.
Aaron had to agree. He stretched his legs out in front of him. “I love days like this,” he said. “Especially when I’m out of the classroom. It would be a shame to be indoors on this kind of day.”
“Yeah. Taking classes on-line isn’t so bad – at least I can set my own hours for studying. So I can go outside and do stuff anytime I want to.”
“Don’t make me jealous,” Aaron teased.
Connor grinned. “At least you get to spend time outdoors today,” he pointed out. “With me.”
“That’s true,” Aaron agreed. He heard a microphone being turned on, and they both looked at the make-shift stage set up on the grass nearby. The first singer gave a little speech, welcoming everybody for coming to the concert today and explaining that it was being held for charity. Then he segued into an old American folk song, strumming a guitar as he sang.
Aaron glanced at Connor. The younger man seemed enthralled, listening to the song with interest. He shook his head at himself. He shouldn’t have just assumed that Connor would get bored just because he was younger. He couldn’t treat Connor like a kid – not and date him as well, since he wasn’t into kids. He just had to wait and find out more about Connor, his likes and dislikes. Besides, he really wanted to know those things anyway. He wanted to know everything about Connor Herlihy. He was fascinated by this man who claimed to be his soul mate. And why not? Why wouldn’t you be fascinated by someone who was literally the other half of yourself?
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Aaron was grateful that he slept far better that night, with no strange dreams haunting him. He woke up the next morning feeling much better, and he yawned and stretched before padding into the bathroom to start his morning ablutions. He looked at his own reflection in the mirror, seeing that the dark circles under his eyes had disappeared. He smiled at himself, thinking about his conversation with Connor last night and the date they were going on together this weekend. He felt really good about it. All the worries and fears he’d had seemed to have washed away during the night. Okay, it was strange that he was suddenly going to start dating another man, especially one so much younger than he was. But who cared? Connor was just…right. Right in a way that he couldn’t quite explain, but that he felt intensely. And now that he didn’t have to fear for his job anymore, he found that most of his fears had dissipated anyway.
He took a shower, grabbed some breakfast and got dressed. He realized suddenly that he was humming under his breath, and had been for some time now. He smiled ruefully as he went out to his car. If this was what love felt like, then sign him up for more. This was great, he felt wonderful. He turned the radio up a bit and sang along as he drove to work, looking forward to the day. The only drawback was that he wouldn’t get to see Connor today, but that was all right. He could still call the younger man on his cell and talk.
His day just seemed to speed by. He ate lunch with Vicky, who stared at him across the table. “What?” he asked. “Do I have something on my face?”
She shook her head. “No. It’s just that you look…different. I can’t tell you how or anything, but I can see it. Did something happen?”
He hesitated. “Sort of,” he began reluctantly.
She leaned forward over the table and made grabbing motions with her hands. “Tell Mama all about it,” she crooned.
He rolled his eyes. “Vicky, pleased don’t say that when we’ve slept together. That is just too icky an image.”
She grinned, resting her chin in her hand. “You have a point,” she conceded. “But come on…tell me what’s up.”
He thought about what to say, then finally sighed and just got on with it. “I met someone,” he began.
She snorted. “Of course you did, tiger. I could tell when you turned me down. Stupid excuses aside, I can tell when one of my fuck buddies is going to be downgraded to regular friend. So who is she?”
He rubbed at the side of his face with one finger. “Umm…it’s not a she,” he replied.
Startled silence as Vicky gaped at him. “Whoa! Are you going over the fence, Aaron?!’ she blurted out after a moment.
He laughed ruefully. “I guess that’s one way of putting it,” he said ruefully.
“I didn’t think that guys did it for you,” Vicky said, shaking her head.
“They never have before,” Aaron said with a shrug. “But this one…does.”
Vicky startled him by squealing and clapping her hands together. “Wow, this is cool! True love, slash style! That is awesome!”
“What are you talking about?” he demanded in bewilderment.
She grinned. “As a…formerly…hetero male, of course you have no idea what slash is. It’s something that we girls really like mostly, but that guys don’t unless they’re gay. And not even always then. It's male-on-male romances. It’s like the female equivalent of guys liking watching two girls go at it.”
“Oh,” he said in comprehension. “And women really like that?”
“Of course we do. We like men, after all. It’s really hot to imagine two men together. Anyway, who is this guy? Where’d you meet him?”
“Err…I actually met him in one of my classes,” he replied, not mentioning their first meeting when Connor had been twelve or so. “He was a student.”
“WAS?! Wow, I never would have pegged you for someone who liked teenagers,” Vicky noted.
“I don’t like teenagers, Vicky,” he replied sternly. “Not normally, anyway. And Connor was one of my students, but he withdrew from school because he didn’t want me to get in trouble for dating a student.”
“Wow, sounds like a cool kid,” Vicky noted. “But you didn’t coerce him into dropping out, did you?”
He gave her an indignant look. “Of course not! In fact, I tried to convince him to stay. I didn’t want to interfere with his education. But he told me that he was only going to college because his parents insisted, that he’s got a good job already as a video game designer so he really doesn’t need or want to go.”
She studied his face, then grinned. “Okay. I didn’t really think that you’d do something like that, Aaron. You’re way too good a guy to force someone to drop out just so you can get laid. This whole thing is just a little weird, is all.”
“Believe me, I am totally aware of that fact,” he replied dryly. “I’m still adjusting to it. Connor just sort of dropped it all on me.”
“What do you mean?” Vicky asked in fascination.
Aaron began to tell her about Connor’s insistence that they were soul mates and that they should be together. He looked disconcerted when she began to go visibly mushy, and she sighed as he finally finished his story. “That is SO completely romantic!” she blurted. “God, you lucky duck! How come I can’t get a soul mate to just appear out of nowhere and sweep me off my feet?”
He stared at her, which caused her to chuckle. “Aaron, you are so clueless,” she said affectionately. “But I don’t hold it against you – you are a guy, after all. Guys are romantically challenged, they can’t help it.”
He grimaced. “I don’t think that’s much a handicap,” he replied dryly.
“You wouldn’t,” she said impishly. “Anyway, what’s next for you and your soul mate?”
He sighed. “We’re going on a date Saturday to get to know each other better.”
“Great. Do you want any help picking out what you should wear?” she teased.
“I think I can get dressed by myself, Vicky,” he told her.
A sly gleam entered her eyes. “Fine, but what about later on?”
When he gave her a questioning look, she pointed a dramatic finger at him across the table. “I’m talking about S-E-X, my boy. When you and Connor decide to get down and dirty together, what are you going to do?”
He looked perplexed. “What do you mean?”
“Well, unless I’m mistaken you’ve never had sex with another guy before. Do you actually know how to go about it?”
“I think I can figure it out,” he replied dryly. “After all, I’ve had anal sex before. Or have you forgotten?”
She tilted her head to the side. “No, I haven’t,” she said. “But what about blow jobs?”
He looked rather alarmed. “Blow jobs?” he repeated feebly.
She grinned wider. “That’s right, Mister Chips. Unless you never intend to do oral again, you’re going to want to give him one. Although maybe he could show you how?”
He shook his head in dismay. “No. He’s never been with anybody else.”
She winced. “Ouch, two clueless gay virgins. Tragic, really. Well, when the time comes and you two do decide to hook up, come to me. I have some instructional videos on how to give good head. What? Girls like to know how to make their guys feel good,” she pointed out. “And they were really helpful. You can watch them, and I promise to stay out of the room so you won’t be embarrassed.”
He suddenly felt grateful to her. “Thanks, Vicky,” he said. “For being my friend, and for not wigging out about this whole thing. I appreciate it.”
She smiled at him. “Hey, that’s what friends are for, pal,” she said easily. “Showing you how to give a good BJ,” she added slyly to make him laugh.
****
Aaron pulled his car up in front of Connor’s house. The younger man came out the door, waving his hand in greeting as he hurried down the walk. He grinned brightly as he climbed into Aaron’s car. “Hi!” he chirped.
Aaron found himself smiling in return. “Hi,” he replied. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah,” Connor said happily. He buckled up his seatbelt as Aaron pulled away from the curb.
“So how was your week? I missed you in class,” Aaron said.
Connor sighed. “The ‘rents hit the roof about me withdrawing from school, so I had to find a compromise,” he said dryly.
Aaron’s brows lifted. “A compromise? What kind of compromise?”
Connor sighed. “I am now enrolled at an on-line school, studying Video Game Design,” he explained in disgust.
Aaron had to clamp his lips shut on a full-throated laugh, as he was sure that Connor would not appreciate being laughed at. “I see,” he remarked, his voice only wavering a little.
Connor glowered at him. “You think it’s funny, don’t you?” he demanded suspiciously.
Aaron looked sheepish. “Sorry, but I sort of do,” he replied. “Besides, it won’t hurt you at all to have a degree of some sort, especially in your chosen career. That way if you ever decide to go work for a video game company instead of with your friend, you’ll easily be able to get a job.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Connor sighed. “Hey! Would you help me study?” he asked hopefully.
Aaron smiled. “I could do that,” he agreed.
Connor beamed. “Great! Can I come over to your house and study?” he asked, with a note in his voice that made Aaron’s body stir.
“We’ll see,” he said huskily.
Connor gave him a sloe-eyed look that said that the younger man knew how much his suggestion had aroused and intrigued Aaron. “Where are we going?” he asked.
“I thought we might go to a concert in the park today, and then get something to eat,” Aaron told him. “If that’s all right?”
“Sure. What kind of music?”
“Folk music. If you think it’s dull, just tell me. We’ll go somewhere else.”
Connor’s brows wrinkled. “Why would you assume that I’d think it was dull?”
Aaron glanced sideways at him. “Well, you are much younger than I am…” he began.
Connor frowned. “Just because I’m younger than you doesn’t mean that I’m shallow or stupid,” he snapped.
“I’m sorry. I’m not used to this, that’s all. I’m actually dating another guy…and a guy who’s almost ten years younger than me…” Aaron said apologetically.
Connor’s face softened. “I understand, Aaron. At least you’re willing to go out with me, even though this weirds you out. That makes me happy,” he said.
Aaron felt that warmth inside of his chest and stomach again as Connor’s soft, glowing eyes met his. This boy stole his breath away, he thought distantly. He’d never felt this way about anyone else, male or female. Of course, that probably had to do with the fact that Connor was his soul mate. He swallowed and turned his eyes back to the road. He had to concentrate on his driving, or else they’d end up in an accident. But that didn’t help his acute awareness of the younger man’s presence in his car. So close…he could reach out and touch Connor, and boy did he want to…
It was a beautiful day. Aaron had brought a blanket for them to sit on so that they could listen to the music together. Connor sprawled down on it cross-legged, tilting his head a little as Aaron sat down next to him. “This is really nice. It’s so cool that we’re on our first date together,” he remarked happily.
Aaron had to agree. He stretched his legs out in front of him. “I love days like this,” he said. “Especially when I’m out of the classroom. It would be a shame to be indoors on this kind of day.”
“Yeah. Taking classes on-line isn’t so bad – at least I can set my own hours for studying. So I can go outside and do stuff anytime I want to.”
“Don’t make me jealous,” Aaron teased.
Connor grinned. “At least you get to spend time outdoors today,” he pointed out. “With me.”
“That’s true,” Aaron agreed. He heard a microphone being turned on, and they both looked at the make-shift stage set up on the grass nearby. The first singer gave a little speech, welcoming everybody for coming to the concert today and explaining that it was being held for charity. Then he segued into an old American folk song, strumming a guitar as he sang.
Aaron glanced at Connor. The younger man seemed enthralled, listening to the song with interest. He shook his head at himself. He shouldn’t have just assumed that Connor would get bored just because he was younger. He couldn’t treat Connor like a kid – not and date him as well, since he wasn’t into kids. He just had to wait and find out more about Connor, his likes and dislikes. Besides, he really wanted to know those things anyway. He wanted to know everything about Connor Herlihy. He was fascinated by this man who claimed to be his soul mate. And why not? Why wouldn’t you be fascinated by someone who was literally the other half of yourself?
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