20
ELLIOTT
T he applause still echoed faintly in my ears as I stepped outside into the warm night air. The energy inside Harmony Concert Hall was electric, conversations buzzing, congratulations exchanged, laughter rippling through the space. It was the kind of atmosphere that could buoy anyone’s spirits, but I needed a break from the noise. I wasn’t ready to join in the post-event revelry. Instead, I found myself drawn to the quiet of the parking lot, where my car sat under the glow of a single streetlamp.
As the crowd slowly dispersed, I lingered at the edge of the lot, watching familiar faces drift away in clusters, their voices laced with snippets of excitement and farewell. A few school administrators passed by each offering firm handshakes accompanied by warm, sincere smiles.
“Mr. Brooks, that was an incredible event,” said the principal, his tone laced with genuine admiration. “You’ve set a new standard for what the GSA can achieve. Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” I replied as I shook his hand, a flicker of pride igniting inside me. His words were a tribute to the countless hours of planning and dedication that had made the evening possible.
Praises continued to flow in from colleagues and community members as they passed by, their kind words forming a steady stream of affirmation. In the distance, I spotted Callie waving her arms in an exaggerated manner. “See you at the Taproom, Teach! Don’t keep us waiting!” she called out, her voice playful and bright.
I couldn’t help but smile, recalling how Jules would tease me about that very smile. My gaze shifted as Anna and Caleb emerged, their faces glowing with unmistakable pride. Caleb reached me first, enveloping me in a spontaneous hug that tightened my chest with the warmth of his affection. “That was awesome, Dad. Like, really awesome,” he exclaimed.
“Thanks, buddy,” I replied, squeezing him back before releasing him. Anna then approached with measured steps, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she drew me into a brief but heartfelt embrace.
“You should be so proud of yourself,” she whispered, her voice thick with sincerity. “Elliott, tonight was incredible. The way you pulled everything together, the way you moved people, it was beautiful.”
I nodded, swallowing hard against the unexpected lump in my throat. “Thank you,” I managed in a softer voice than intended. “It means so much that you were here.” Her hand lingered on my arm for a moment longer before she stepped back, smiling through the tears. Caleb hesitated a moment as he followed her, then looked back at me with a grin full of warmth.
“Dad?” he called, edging forward.
“Yeah?”
“I’ll see you soon, right?”
“Soon,” I replied, pulling him into another, tighter hug. I rested my chin briefly on the top of his head before looking him in the eyes. “I love you, Caleb. Always.”
“I love you too, Dad,” he answered, his voice light but sincere, before jogging off to catch up with Anna.
I stood there watching them leave, the quiet night wrapping around me like a soft blanket. In the rearview mirror, I saw Caleb turn to wave through the window, and I lifted my hand in return until his car rounded the corner and faded from view.
Turning back toward my car, I still heard the faint echoes of laughter and applause drifting from the hall, a reminder of how much the evening had meant, not simply for the students or community, but for each of us. Resting against the hood, I gazed out at the dimly lit trees bordering the lot. The crisp night air provided a welcome contrast to the enduring warmth of the auditorium, while my fingers idly toyed with the edges of my coat pockets. A nervous churn twisted in my stomach as I shifted my weight from one foot to the other.
I wasn’t ready to leave yet. Somewhere between the crescendo of Jules’ speech and the quiet close of the program, I knew I had to speak with him. There was something unspoken that I could no longer hold back.
The door to the hall creaked open softly, and I instinctively straightened. There he was. Jules stepped out, his colorful scarf catching the streetlight’s glow like a beacon of vibrancy in the night. His movements, usually so fluid and self-assured, were now slowed by a palpable hesitation. For a moment, he didn’t notice me; his eyes scanned the lot until they fell on mine.
“Hey, Teach,” he called, his voice light yet edged with exhaustion. “Hiding from the crowds?”
A quiet chuckle escaped me as I pushed off the car. “Something like that,” I admitted in a subdued tone. “I just… I need to say something.”
His playful smile softened into a more attentive expression, and as he stepped closer, his scarf slipped slightly from his shoulder, revealing his hands twisting the fabric anxiously. Jules was not one to exhibit nerves openly, yet tonight his usual spark was replaced by a tender vulnerability.
“What’s on your mind?” he asked cautiously, as if unsure if he wanted the answer.
I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. For so long, I had been adept at keeping things inside, at remaining silent. But Jules had a way of coaxing hidden truths into the open, and tonight was no exception.
“What you said tonight,” I began, my voice faltering slightly, “about vulnerability, about stepping on stage without a script, it hit me harder than I expected.” I paused to gather my thoughts, meeting his gaze steadily.
“I’ve spent so much of my life hiding, Jules, afraid to take risks, afraid to be seen for who I truly am. And you… you make it seem so effortless.”
He blinked, his features softening as he regarded me. “It isn’t easy,” he admitted, his voice trembling with honesty. “I’ve been running my whole life, both toward and away from things, because the thought of getting close and then losing someone terrifies me.”
His words struck like a solid blow, and I clenched my hands in my pockets. “I know that feeling,” I murmured in a quiet, layered tone. “When I came out to my wife, to my son, I convinced myself that I didn’t deserve something like this. Like us. I wanted it so dearly, but after everything I put them through, I thought it wasn’t mine to claim.”
Jules edged closer, his eyes glistening in the soft light, his bravado giving way to raw emotion. He tilted his head, his voice taking on a gentle, deliberate cadence. “Elliot,” he began, “what are we?”
The question hung heavy between us, laden with both uncertainty and possibility. I opened my mouth to respond, but he continued, his voice shaking yet resolute.
“I can be patient,” he said. “I’ll wait as long as it takes. But I need to know, because I’m really into you. Despite all my fears of you leaving, there’s something about you I can’t shake. Something essential.”
I stared at him, my throat tightening as his words sank in. For a heartbeat, I could not speak, lost in the intensity of our connection. Then, slowly, I stepped forward, closing the distance between us.
“I want this too,” I declared, my voice steady despite the swirling maelstrom inside me. “Labels don’t matter. What matters is that we figure it out together. Wherever this leads… I want to go with it.”
Jules’ breath caught as his eyes searched mine, the anticipation thick in the cool air. Almost instinctively, I reached out, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from his face. My fingers trembled as they caressed his skin, lingering in a moment stretched by unsaid promises. He leaned in, his gaze unwavering.
“You don’t have to run anymore,” I whispered, my voice nearly drowned out by the pounding of my heart.
A small, genuine smile broke across his face as he responded in silence, and before I could overthink further, I leaned in and our lips met in a kiss that began as soft and tentative, a cautious exploration of shared vulnerability. As we deepened the kiss, it became a profound release of all that had been left unspoken, our passion unfurling like a long-held secret finally set free. His hands rested lightly upon my chest, anchoring me as the world blurred around us. I felt his warmth seep into me, igniting a slow-burning fire that had long been smoldering beneath layers of fear.
When we finally pulled apart, our foreheads still pressed together, our breaths mingling in the cool night air, Jules let out a soft, shaky laugh, a sound of pure relief.
“So,” he teased in a gentle murmur, “does this mean I’m officially on your spreadsheet?”
I chuckled, the sound light and sincere. “You’ve always been on it,” I replied, my tone filled with warmth. “I just hadn’t figured out which column you belonged in yet.”
His grin widened, the spark returning to his eyes as he looked at me with quiet certainty. “I think we’ll figure it out together.”
Unable to resist, I leaned in once more through our laughter. Our lips met in another soft, tentative kiss, a delicate conversation of desire and promise. The kiss deepened with each passing heartbeat, our lips pressing together more firmly as Jules’ hands swept up to cradle my face. His thumbs traced the lines of my jaw, sending delightful shivers down my spine. Our tongues met in a slow, sensual dance as his fingers explored the contours of my skin, pulling me ever closer. I wrapped my arms around his waist, and in the charged space between us, the undeniable heat of our arousal intertwined, provoking a surge of desire that coursed through me. My hands traveled lower, exploring the firm curve of his body beneath the fabric, the sensation intensifying the flame burning within us both.
When we finally broke apart, our breaths ragged and our foreheads still touching, I murmured softly, “I want this. I want you. No more holding back.”
His response was a soft, breathless laugh: “Then stop holding back.”
Jules’ laughter softened further into something warm and serene as he rested his forehead against mine for a lingering moment before stepping back just enough to meet my eyes. His playful smile was accompanied by a slight blush, and I could tell he was still catching his breath, just as I was.
“As tempting as this is,” he said in a low, teasing tone, “we did promise everyone we’d be at the Taproom tonight.”
I groaned theatrically, tilting my head back in mock despair. “Do we have to? What if we just… skipped it? My house isn’t far.”
Jules burst into a hearty laugh, the sound echoing softly in the still night. “Oh, believe me, that idea is very tempting,” he admitted, his eyes sparkling mischievously. He reached out and adjusted the lapel of my coat where his fingers had lingered earlier. “But no. If we don’t show up, Callie will have half the town tracking us down, and I’m not in the mood for that kind of scandal.”
I sighed, leaning comfortably against the car’s hood. “Fine. But don’t expect me to be sociable.”
With a knowing smirk, Jules glanced downward briefly before his eyes flicked back up to mine with a playful glint. “Seems like we both need a moment to savor this before heading in,” he quipped, his grin hinting at a mischievous secret as he made a subtle adjustment beneath his pants.
My own laughter bubbled up in response, mirroring his playful awkwardness as I tucked my own erection up into my waist. “You’re not making this easy, you know.”
“I’m not supposed to,” he shot back in a tone developing into flirtatious warmth. Leaning in deliberately once more, he kissed me again, this time softer, yet no less intoxicating. His lips lingered against mine with a gentle insistence, leaving me craving more even as he drew back.
I exhaled sharply as the space between us suddenly expanded, the temporary absence of his warmth leaving me momentarily unsteady. Jules grinned at my dazed expression, his head tilting in that infuriatingly charming manner of his.
“You’re REALLY not making this easy,” I admitted, my voice rough with emotion even as a smile tugged at the corners of my lips.
Jules winked playfully, his laughter trailing behind him as he stepped toward the hall. “Come on, Teach. Let’s not keep everyone waiting. I’m sure Callie’s already halfway through a karaoke rendition of ‘Vogue.’”
I followed after him, my heart still racing with both anticipation and contentment. For the first time, being off my usual schedule felt perfectly right, whatever tonight had in store, I was ready to embrace it, as long as it was with Jules by my side.
The taproom pulsed with an infectious energy as we crossed the threshold, every corner filled with the low murmur of lively conversation blending with the bubbly rhythm and synthesizers of Madonna’s Holiday . The Rainbow Taproom was in full, exuberant swing; its walls boasted a riot of neon signs, and the colorful flare of pride flags draped luxuriously over every available surface. Maxie Glam, the undeniable queen of the town’s drag scene, commanded attention by the intimate karaoke stage. In a dazzling sequined gown that shimmered under every light, she radiated her signature charisma, warming up the eager crowd with every animated gesture and flamboyant smile.
Jules, the epitome of vibrant energy, was already a step ahead of me. His presence drew admiring glances even before I had fully witnessed his every move. He waved exuberantly at Callie, who sat regally at a spacious corner table, surrounded by our familiar friends. Just watching Jules caused my heart to race; every laugh and every confident stride seemed to have a magnetic pull that I found irresistible.
Seated around a table that overflowed with familiar, friendly faces, each one brightened by the shimmering glow of the neon lights, I felt at home. Callie, ever graceful, slid a cocktail toward me as soon as we sat, her wink punctuating the clink of our glasses. Nearby, Tess and Max delved deep into conversation with Sam, while Renzo leaned intimately close to Ezra, his hand resting with a tender familiarity upon Ezra's arm. On the far side of the table, Liam captivated Harper and Avery with a story so funny that it sent bursts of laughter across the room. When Liam locked eyes with me and winked knowingly, a smile tugged at my lips as he greeted me with, “Hey there, Teach!”
Jules gracefully slipped into the seat beside me, our legs meeting under the table with a subtle, electrifying brush of knees. That slight contact sent a jolt through me, and I caught his sly, knowing smile before he turned his attention to the animated tale Callie was spinning. My pulse quickened, and I took a long, steady sip of my drink, silently pleading for the alcohol to steady my fraying nerves.
Throughout the evening, Jules found every opportunity to lean close. He’d touch my arm when he spoke, his fingers lingering just a beat too long. At one point, he laughed at something I said and rested his hand on my thigh under the table, his fingers brushing dangerously close to my cock. I swallowed hard, my cheeks burning, and Jules smirked knowingly.
“Having fun, Teach?” he murmured, his tone low and intimate, ensuring his words were meant only for my ears.
I cleared my throat, desperate to regain focus on the surrounding chatter, yet his hand remained, a constant, delicious distraction. When Callie burst into an enthusiastic suggestion about karaoke, Jules leaned in once more, his breath warm and inviting against my ear.
“You should sing something,” he teased with a playful lilt. “Something sexy. Maybe ‘Careless Whisper.’”
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, even as my heart pounded wildly. “Not happening,” I retorted.
Jules pouted dramatically, his lips brushing teasingly against my ear. “You’re no fun.”
At one point, Max asked if I could walk with him to the bar to grab another round of drinks. Jules shot me a mischievous glance as I hesitated, my mind racing. The tenting in my pants had only worsened thanks to Jules’ relentless teasing, and standing up wasn’t an option without giving the whole table a very clear view of my predicament.
“Uh, I think I’ll stay put,” I stammered, awkwardly shifting in my seat. “Maybe Callie can go instead?”
Jules bit his lip in suppressed laughter. As soon as Max departed with Callie, Jules leaned in closer, his voice a husky whisper meant solely for me. “What’s the matter, Teach? Can’t stand up?”
I glared at him, though a small, reluctant grin betrayed my amusement. “You know exactly why.”
He stifled a laugh, his hand drifting back to my thigh with a slow, deliberate touch that sent shivers coursing through me. “I do,” he replied, his voice rich with amusement and desire. “And I’m loving it.”
As the table erupted into laughter over one of Liam's jokes, Jules' hand slipped higher, his fingers tracing the outline of my erection through my pants. The movement was bold, concealed only by the thin tablecloth, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through me. I inhaled sharply, my drink teetering on the edge of the table as I set it down, trying not to draw attention to myself.
“Jules,” I warned under my breath, my voice low and tinged with strain.
But he only smiled, his eyes locking on mine with a daring glint that promised more mischief. He didn’t withdraw his hand; instead, he applied a gentle, teasing pressure that sent tremors of pleasure down my spine. “You're not going to make a scene, are you?” he whispered, his warm breath tickling my ear.
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, trying to maintain some semblance of composure, but it was no use. The heat between us was palpable, and I could feel myself getting harder by the second. Jules' hand remained in place, a constant reminder of the thrill and danger of what we were doing.
Just when I believed I might reach my limit, Jules leaned closer still, his lips softly brushing against my ear once more. “I love watching you squirm,” he murmured in a sultry tone. “It appears Mr. Brooks has been keeping a big secret down there,” he teased, his voice low and dripping with playful intrigue. And with that provocative remark, he gave my cock a firm, confident squeeze before finally retracting his hand, leaving me breathless, flushed, and achingly wanting more.
By the time the evening began to wind down, I felt utterly spent. Jules’ relentless teasing, his lingering touches, and the weight of his provocative glances had driven me past my limit. When Maxie Glam finally announced last call, I rose abruptly, smoothing my jacket with a determined finality.
“Well,” I announced to the table, “this has been a night full of delights, but I believe I’m calling it a night.”
Jules raised an eyebrow, his smirk resurfacing as he noticed the tension in my posture. “Already, Teach? The night’s still young,” he teased gently.
I brushed off his words, turning towards Callie and the others to offer my goodbyes. “I’ll see you all soon. Have a great night,” I said softly.
Jules followed me out into the cool embrace of the night, his grin widening as we stepped away from the warmth and clamor of the Taproom. I said nothing; each step toward my car was measured and resolute.
“What’s the rush?” Jules called after me, his voice laced with playful curiosity.
I paused and turned to face him, an impish smile breaking through as I replied, “You know exactly what the rush is.”
His laughter, rich and genuine, filled the space between us as he stepped closer, his hand resting lightly on my chest, a tender balance of mischief and affection. “You’re too easy, Elliot,” he whispered.
“And you’re impossible,” I muttered, though I couldn’t hide the warmth of my smile.
Jules leaned in once more, planting a quick yet deeply lingering kiss on my lips, his hand trailing up to cradle the back of my neck. When he pulled away, I was left breathless, each heartbeat a reminder of the night's passionate promises. “Ready to head home?” he asked in a softened tone that contrasted with the earlier sparks of electricity.
“More than ready,” I replied, opening my car door for him.
“Good,” Jules replied, his voice rougher than I expected, thick with want.
My gaze dragged over him, drinking him in. “Because I’m ready to fuck you.”
The way his fingers tightened on the car door sent a fresh wave of heat straight to my cock. I knew exactly what I was doing to him, and fuck, if that didn’t make it worse, make me need him more. The cool air was useless against the fire under my skin.
I stepped closer, just enough to let my breath warm the space between us. My fingers ghosted over his wrist, then trailed up his forearm, slow, deliberate. “Get in,” I murmured, smirking as I watched his throat bob with a swallow. “Before I decide we’re not making it home.”
Tonight was far from over.