Tyler
TYLER
After his disastrous video call with Nate, had done his best to avoid Clay and Elliot. The next day, he’d been mostly successful in that regard. He suspected Clay was trying to avoid him, which worked out nicely. ran into Elliot near the end of the day, who smirked knowingly as he grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and disappeared.
The most he heard from Nate was a text telling him he had good news, but he would have to wait to give it to him. That piqued ’s curiosity, and he knew better than to push. Whatever Nate wanted to tell him, he would find out in due course.
He didn’t have to wait long. His phone beeped from the coffee table as he squinted at the laptop in front of him. While Clay and Elliot hadn’t said anything, knew he needed a job. There was still money in his savings, but he would prefer not to dip into it unless necessary.
He picked up the phone and read the message from Nate.
Busy?
snorted and tapped back, Just torturing myself looking for a job.
How would you feel about getting out for a bit?
Sounds good. You able to?
I wouldn’t be asking if I wasn’t .
“Smartass,” said fondly, typing back in the affirmative.
He closed the laptop and slid it onto the table. His phone beeped with Nate’s message confirming where to meet him, and hurried to get ready. He still had a couple of hours before meeting Nate at the same cafe they’d last met at, but wanted to make sure he was looking his best.
emerged from the shower, dressed and ready, just in time to almost hit Clay on his way down the hallway.
Clay stepped back, raising a brow. “What’s the rush?”
“Going to meet...someone,” said, evading at the last second.
Clay wasn’t fooled. “Right. Would that someone happen to be a rich boy with daddy problems?”
frowned at him. “That’s not fair, Clay.”
“It’s fair because it’s true.”
“It’s not fair because it’s not his fault, his dad is an asshole.”
“Still, those are daddy issues.”
“Clay.”
Clay chuckled, patting ’s elbow as he passed. “Don’t have a fit, . I’ve always liked Nathan. I’d like him better if his family wasn’t such baggage.”
“I might know a little something about that,” grumbled.
Clay chuckled as he stepped into the bathroom. “If you come back late, don’t forget to turn the alarm on.”
“I won’t.”
“And don’t forget your keys either. I don’t want to get up at a god-awful hour to let you in.”
“I’ll grab them.”
“And use protection.”
And with that parting shot, Clay closed the bathroom door, leaving to gape, mouth flapping uselessly. Deciding discretion was the better part of valor, he turned on his heel and walked away before Clay could think of something else to add.
When he’d put on his little show for Nate, which had been meant as a joke and somehow quickly became deadly serious, he didn’t think anyone had been watching. Then again, if Clay had happened to glance outside and figure out what was happening, he wouldn’t have said anything. Elliot, though, would have probably stuck his head out the window and commented loud enough for the neighbors to hear.
hurried out the front door before he could start thinking too hard about the look on Nate’s face. had only wanted to get a rise out of him, just something to tease him about, even if he had secretly hoped he was right. When Nate had been reduced to a gaping mute, had realized he’d got a rise of something .
The thought made him chuckle as he bound down the front steps. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea, poking the bear when they were barely friends again. Or hell, maybe it was the sort of thing they needed, their personal issues be damned.
There was only one way to find out.
* * *
Lost in his thoughts as he reached the cafe, he almost didn’t recognize Nate waiting outside. He was dressed in a loose tank top and jogging shorts. stopped short when he saw him, realizing he was staring a little too hard at the way the shorts cupped Nate’s ass as he turned, keeping a watchful eye out for .
When Nate spotted him, his sweaty brow lifted with a smile. “There you are. I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of getting your drink.”
took the offered cup, looking Nate over. “Run here?”
Nate ducked his head sheepishly. “Admittedly, you reminded me I’ve been behind on my exercise, and it seemed like a good place to start. Well, I figured running through the city would do me some good. I’m far too used to climate-controlled private gyms.”
That was one of his favorite things about Nate and the first thing that drew to him. For all the coddling and comfort he’d had growing up, he never got lost in the golden world he lived in. Nate had persuaded his father to let him go to a public school rather than the fancy private one. And it was Nate who always seemed willing to step outside the world he’d been born into, willing to see what the rest of the world had to offer.
took a sip from the cup, humming appreciatively at the concoction. “And how did you like it?”
Nate screwed his features up thoughtfully. “You know, I thought I might hate it. And after nearly getting run over by a few cyclists, dealing with traffic, the sticky heat, and the ridiculous amount of rude people, I was sure I would hate it.”
grinned. “But I’m guessing you don’t.”
“Looking back on it, hindsight has given me a greater appreciation. I never got out into the city much when I was younger, and that seemed like such a crime. But now, I have a chance, I’m willing to take it,” Nate told him.
“Not that I’m going to complain about this newfound attitude. I’m all for you taking risks and getting out. But why all of a sudden? No offense, Nate, but you seemed worried about what your father would do if you stepped out of line,” pointed out.
Nate chuckled. “Well, my father is out of town for at least a week, perhaps longer, depending on how things go.”
“Doing what?”
“No clue. He didn’t deign to tell me anymore than he deigned to leave me in charge of household affairs while he was gone. I am to be a good boy, listen to Sonia and James, and do exactly what my father expects of me.”
“And you’re here.”
“Sonia is in charge of me, after all. And she was perfectly okay with it.”
“Because she’s your partner in crime.”
Nate beamed. “She is, and I adore her for it.”
Maybe it wasn’t quite the over-the-top rebellion that might have helped him, but was more than willing to take what he could get. Even if it was just a week, it was a week of relative freedom for Nate, and that’s what mattered most to .
“So,” began, clearing his throat.
Nate blinked. “So...what?”
looked down at Nate’s jogging shorts. “Are those your revenge for my teasing yesterday?”
Nate frowned, looking down at himself. “Oh. Honestly, I hadn’t even considered that when I put them on. I just chose my most comfortable workout clothes.”
Which reminded of something else from when they were younger. Nate had never been big on sports like football or wrestling but loved soccer. And it was then, following an offhand comment that had stuck in ’s head for weeks, that he learned how comfortable Nate had become wearing a specific style of underwear.
met Nate’s eyes. “You wearing underwear?”
Nate scowled. “Of course I am. Unlike some people, I don’t run around the city with everything bouncing all over the place.”
“Noticed that did you?” asked.
“Difficult not to notice all...that.”
“All that, huh?”
Nate’s cheeks went pink. “ All that, yes.”
“So, still fond of jockstraps then?” finally asked.
Nate narrowed his eyes, sniffed indignantly, and pushed past . “I thought we might enjoy a day on the beach.”
“It’s almost six,” pointed out. “Not much of a day.”
“A walk then. Maybe we can get some food along the way.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Then let’s go.”
caught up, nudging him. “I’m going to guess your lack of an answer is your way of telling me, yes, you still wear them when you workout. And are probably wearing them right now.”
“I’m not telling you, ,” Nate said evenly, sipping his coffee as they walked.
“Well, that’s just no fun,” huffed.
Nate chuckled. “The fun is in the discovery, not in being told.”
blinked, stopping on the sidewalk as the words settled into his head.
“Are you coming?” Nate called over his shoulder, a faint color on his cheeks telling exactly what he needed to know.
“Yeah,” called, hurrying forward. “I’m coming.”
* * *
In his attempts to do things like a normal person, Nate elected to use the showers on the beach to rinse the sweat off his body. After purchasing a change of clothes from one of the shops nearby and a pair of flip-flops for the shower at ’s insistence, they found a stall.
waited patiently for Nate while he rinsed off. He would have been lying if he claimed he hadn’t wanted to take a peek, even as he knew the thought was creepy. If Nate had meant what thought he’d meant earlier, then Nate would get to see everything in due time.
Nate was all smiles When he emerged in loose shorts and a bright blue t-shirt with damp hair. Dinner was on , and he purposefully sought out a small stand that served what he considered the best tacos he’d ever eaten, and he’d yet to find a place with better tamales.
Thankfully, the beach wasn’t busy. It was after families left and before the party crowd. Though there were people milling about, they were pretty much alone as they walked along the shoreline.
Nate looked content as he walked beside him, the plastic bag with his workout clothes hanging from one elbow. His one hand was occupied with maneuvering a particularly thick taco into his mouth as they walked.
“You weren’t kidding,” Nate said around a mouthful. “These are delicious.”
“I told you. Elliot introduced me to them a few years back, and I make an excuse to come down here whenever I’m in town to grab a few.”
“I can see why.”
“I tried to convince them to buy a bunch, freeze them, and ship them to me, but they refused. Elliot said it wouldn’t taste the same.”
Nate wiped his mouth. “You never did say what you were studying.”
“Oh, I didn’t? Uh, Criminal Justice. Bachelors at the moment, but I might go for a Masters. I’m not sure yet,” told him, handing over one of the spare napkins.
“Thank you,” Nate said, cleaning himself off. “Planning on becoming a police officer? Or rather, a detective with that degree.”
shook his head. “No. FBI.”
Nate raised a brow, shoving the napkin into his pocket. “Is that so?”
“Don’t look so surprised,” laughed. “You grow up in the shithole neighborhood I did, and it makes a mark. Some people end up drug dealers. I decided to go the other way.”
“Don’t mistake me,” Nate said hastily. “I didn’t mean to infer that it was surprising you would pursue the career. You’ve always been well-behaved, and I can see you upholding the law rather than breaking it.”
winced. “Yeah, tell that to Clay.”
“Clay? What’s he got to do with it?”
laughed. “Well, we met when I, uh, tried to mug him.”
Nate stopped, feet splashing in the surf as he stared at him. “Excuse me?”
laughed, rubbing the back of his head nervously. “Yeah, you can kinda see why I don’t tell people that story.”
“You...tried to rob Clay ?” Nate asked.
“Yeah, not my smartest decision. My mom was super behind on bills, and we were desperate. I was fifteen, and it was either trying to take the money from someone or go into dealing, and I really didn’t want to do that. So, I tried to rob the first person I thought was a good target.”
Nate blinked slowly. “You did not pick the right target.”
“Ah, no. Clay...well, let’s just say he’s more capable than he looks. He took me down before I had any idea what was happening. Then, turns around and throws me a bunch of money,” said.
“He gave you money?”
“A lot of it. My mom was so pissed when she found out. God, Clay kicked my ass, then my mom did. She didn’t believe the money was legit until she met Clay. She still used the money before she met him. There wasn’t much choice. But she felt better after meeting him, even if he didn’t tell her why he had so much and was staying on our side of town.”
“ Why did he have so much?”
shrugged. “No idea. Clay is Clay, and that’s all he’s ever been to me. I don’t know what he was like before or what he did with his life. I think the only person who knows completely is Clay, though I’m sure Elliot knows a lot.”
Nate chuckled, shaking his head. “Raised by Serena, in a horrible side of town. Then practically adopted as a younger sibling by a former Marine, turned capable private security man, and some mystery man with too much money and skills.”
“That’s...I never thought to sum it up like that,” admitted.
“No wonder you chose something like an FBI agent.”
“Yeah, Clay calls it working for the enemy. Again, I don’t know why and don’t ask.”
“You have a very strange family, .”
“Yeah, they’re weirdos.”
“And they love you.”
smiled at that, looking out over the horizon where the sun was beginning to set. “That they do. I think Clay almost cried when I chose to move to Greenford for school.”
“Where you met Jessica,” Nate added.
’s smile faltered. “Yeah, where I met Jessica. Though, honestly, I’d prefer not to ruin the mood by bringing her up.”
Nate looked out, watching the orange and red light bathe the ocean. “The mood.”
“Well, unless you want to hear about the others while we’re at it,” offered.
“There were others?” Nate asked, voice even.
snorted softly. “I’m not a party or casual sex person, but that doesn’t mean I was a nun the whole time. Yes, there were other people, not many, but a few. Are you telling me you didn’t find yourself a guy or two at college?”
Nate ducked his head. “Not many opportunities, especially with the risk of anyone willing to report back to my father. I had to be careful.”
“Your dad’s an ass,” told him. “No offense.”
Nate let out a bark of laughter, the sound almost fragile. “No need to worry. As always, you speak the truth. My father is an absolute bastard, but he’s my family.”
wound an arm around his shoulders, squeezing him to his side. “He doesn’t have to be. Blood doesn’t determine family.”
“And do what, ? All I have rests on my blood,” Nate told him.
“There’s always opportunities somewhere out there, Nate. You don’t have to live this life, not if you don’t want to,” insisted.
Nate opened his mouth, closed it, and frowned. They watched the sun slowly sink beneath the horizon, filling the sky and the ocean's surface with brilliant colors. It spread over Nate’s face as he watched it thoughtfully, making him radiate yellow and orange.
“Was I the first?” Nate asked softly.
smiled at the subject change, not just because it was less tension-filled. If Nate wasn’t going to argue with ’s point, it meant he was considering it. would just have to wait until Nate came to his own conclusion.
“Well, since all we did was kiss,” said, shaking Nate gently.
“That’s what I mean.”
“Oh. Then, yes.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really.”
Nate put his arm around ’s waist, holding him tight. “That makes me happy. Selfish as it is.”
shook his head. “It doesn’t make you selfish. It makes you happy that you were the first to kiss me. And truth be told, I wanted you to be the first person I ever kissed.”
Nate looked up. “You did?”
turned to him, still keeping an arm on him. “Of course. I had a crush on you from, like, way back at the beginning of our friendship. Despite all the bullshit you’ve had to deal with from your dad, you’re still kind and sweet. You’re willing to come outside your bubble whenever you think you’re going too deep and you were the best person I ever could have had as a best friend.”
Nate’s eyes widened as he whispered, “?—”
smiled gently down at him. “I wanted you to be the first person to kiss me. I wanted it so badly. I wanted you to be the first everything, and honestly? I wanted you to be the last everything too.”
And then he was being pulled, Nate’s hand on the back of his neck pressing their lips together.
barely remembered their hurried, almost desperate kiss years ago. But he was pretty sure even that, the culmination of his young fantasies and dreams, couldn’t compare to the feel of Nate kissing him at sunset, water lapped lazily at their bare ankles, and Nate’s fingers pressed tight into the back of his neck.
He was warm, and his body fit neatly against ’s. tightened his arm around Nate, pulling him closer as their lips parted, tongues tapping against one another furtively. Nate’s breath came in little gusts against ’s lips, and he could feel the sudden tension of need through Nate’s body.
Nate eased back a few inches, speaking hurriedly. “I can’t promise anything, but ...can we have tonight? You and I, for the night?”
would have gladly given the man anything at that moment. It was even easier to agree to what had been flitting through his mind from the moment their lips met. Nate couldn’t promise anything, but didn’t need him to. For now, he would take Nate in whatever form he could, and they would deal with the rest later.
“Yeah,” told him softly. “You and me tonight.”