Chapter 4
4
MALACHI
After taking a swig of my fruit punch energy drink, I set the can down on the beat-up wooden coffee table in Jesse’s garage where the guys and I practiced for gigs and just to play. “Let’s kick things off with ‘Sober’,” I said and moved to my microphone.
Jesse’s fingers danced across the strings of his Epiphone Les Paul, Elliott joined in with his Fender, Silas beat his sticks against his set, and I belted out the lyrics to the song by Bad Wolves. I lost myself in the words, closing my eyes as I sang about alcohol addiction from the loved one’s side.
Even though the guys and I dreamed of becoming rock stars, I wasn’t sure if I was down to party non-stop with drugs and alcohol like rock stars were known for. My dad’s father struggled with alcohol addiction and after seeing him lose his family by getting divorced and his kids not wanting contact with him and then losing his job because he was always drunk, I didn’t want that for my future. Sure, Jesse and I snuck a few beers at his parents’ when I’d stayed the night, but it didn’t compare to the fifth of vodka my grandfather drank each night. I didn’t want to be blackout drunk and not remember any point in time. I wanted to remember it all, especially if we became famous.
Still with my eyes closed, I sang the words as I pictured myself up on a stage in an arena filled to capacity. How the lights would shine down on us, and our fans would sing along to the songs we’d written.
As we finished the song, I opened my eyes only to meet those of Jasper’s. I hadn’t heard him walk up the driveway, but as our gazes collided, we both smiled.
“That sounded fantastic,” he praised. “Is that the one you guys are recording for The Band Showdown ?”
“Yeah,” Jesse replied as he set his guitar on its stand. “And I think we’re ready for our virtual audition.”
To try-out for the show, we had to create an account on their website and select a time to do a virtual audition. Then once we recorded a three-minute song during our selected time slot, we would be emailed the results. Well, Jesse would be, because he was handling all that stuff for us.
If the casting directors liked what they heard, we would have an interview and need to submit more songs, and then attend the live auditions in Los Angeles. It was a long process, but like Jesse said, it was our best shot at being recognized.
“I fucking hope so,” Silas stated. “I want to go to Cali and see all the half-naked chicks on the beach.”
I grinned at Silas’s remark, shaking my head. “Man, you and your priorities,” I teased, but deep down, I couldn’t help but share a bit of his excitement. Making it to the sunny shores of California was all part of the dream to hit it big.
Jasper leaned against the doorframe, a smile still on his face. “Well, when you become famous rock stars, don’t forget about us little people.” He chuckled.
“Never,” I replied.
Jesse walked over to the table and snatched his keys. “All right guys. I gotta take the birthday boy for his first tattoo. Be here tomorrow early so we can get some more practice in before our audition.”
“Cool. I gotta meet up with Donnie anyway,” Silas said as he stood from his drum set.
We had all gone to high school with Donnie Pierce. He’d been a known drug dealer when we were in school and still sold Silas weed. I didn’t like the dude. He thought he was badass all because he did illegal shit.
“Yeah, and I promised my mom I’d go grocery shopping with her,” Elliott advised.
Silas and Elliott gave us fist bumps, then headed to their cars to drive away. I hung back, which wasn’t unusual given my house was only a few doors down.
“So, getting a tattoo?” I asked Jasper and went to the table to finish my energy drink.
“Jesse talked me into it,” he stated.
I met Jesse’s gaze and arched a brow.
“He wanted to be lame and not do anything for his eighteenth birthday,” Jesse clarified.
“No.” Jasper pushed off the doorjamb. “I said I wanted to go out to dinner with my friends.”
“Which you did last night. Now it’s time for my present.” Jesse clapped his brother on the back.
“Mind if I tag along?” I asked.
Jasper’s eyes widened. “You want to come with us?”
I showed him the snake wrapping around my left arm. When I’d gotten the tattoo, I thought it was badass looking but then talking with the artist, he said in Chinese culture they were associated with luck and good fortune and that seemed fitting at the time. “Sure. I’m no stranger to ink.”
“Well, let’s go. Appointment is in thirty.” Jesse headed to his car.
Jasper got into the back while I rode shotgun. A few miles down the road, I turned and asked Jasper, “What are you thinking about getting?”
“I don’t know. My brother”—he glared at Jesse—“only told me about the appointment this morning when I opened his card.”
“You mentioned you wanted a tattoo last night and I called in a favor with my guy. You should be thanking me,” Jesse chimed in.
“Yeah, but I haven’t thought of what to get yet,” Jasper continued to protest.
“Just get something small,” I suggested.
“Small?” Jesse gasped. “He’s a man now. He needs something bold.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t listen to him. Just pick something you like.”
Once we pulled up to the tattoo parlor, we all piled out and walked inside. The tattoo guns buzzed as we approached the front desk. When I looked over at Jasper, he was pale and beads of sweat dotted his forehead.
“Hey.” I grabbed his forearm. “You don’t have to do this.”
He swallowed and looked up slightly at me. “It’s fine. I’ll get something small like you said.”
“Do you want to look at some examples?” the male artist asked.
“Sure,” Jasper replied.
“Just let me know what you decide.” The artist placed an album in front of us and Jasper flipped the pages as the guy walked away to set up his station.
“What if Jesse and I get tattoos too?” I offered. I wasn’t sure if the tattoo guy could fit us in, but I had to try to put Jasper at ease somehow.
“What would you get?” Jasper asked.
I flipped through a few pages of the book and then pointed at a set. “Well, one of us can get a sun, one a moon, and the other a star.”
“I’m not getting a matching tattoo with my brother,” Jesse stated, and his cell rang. He pulled it out. “It’s Liv. Pick whatever. I’m paying, but I’m not getting one.”
He walked out of the building, and Jasper and I returned to the album.
“Fine. What if you get a sun and I get a moon?” I offered.
“You want to get something that goes together?”
“Sure. It can be our little secret.” I winked.
I watched his Adam’s apple slide up and down as he swallowed. “Okay.”
“Or we can both get matching crescent moons.”
“I’d like that.” Jasper smiled.
I grinned back. “Me too. I’ll even go first if you want.”
“Okay.”
I wanted to lean over and kiss him, but I refrained. Instead, I called to the artist, “All right. We’re ready.” The guy walked over. “We’re each going to get one if that’s cool.”
“If it’s large, you’ll need to come back,” he replied.
“It’s not,” I clarified. “We’re going to get small matching crescent moons on opposite wrists.”
The guy blinked and then nodded. “Okay. Give me a few to get them drawn up.”
As we waited, Jesse came back. “What did you decide?”
“A crescent moon,” Jasper replied.
“Lame.”
“I’m getting one too,” I stated.
Jesse balked. “Really? Why? I thought you were joking about getting matching tattoos.”
“I offered to go first since your ass is too consumed with pussy and to show your brother it’ll be fine.”
“But matching?” Jesse shook his head. “People are going to think you’re dating if you get the same tattoo.”
I glanced at Jasper with a smirk. The idea of dating him made me smile. “It’s fine. It will be part of my collection.”
Jasper nodded in agreement, though he still looked like he was going to pass out. “It’s just a little something to mark my birthday. I’ll even go first.”
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“I’m a man now, right?” He rolled his eyes at his brother.
I chuckled. “Yeah, you are.”
The artist returned with the sketches of the crescent moons, and Jasper and I exchanged a glance before nodding our approval. As he settled into the chair, I gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
“You got this,” I whispered.
“You sure about a crescent moon, Jasper?” Jesse asked. “Once it’s on, it’s on.”
Jasper looked at me as he responded, “I’m sure. Let’s do it.”
The buzzing of the tattoo gun started as the artist got to work on the moon on his wrist. I watched his face closely, ready to offer distraction or comfort if needed. But to my surprise, he didn’t flinch as each press of the needle marked his skin.
“You good?” I asked.
Jasper nodded. “Yep. Just feels like I’m being scratched.”
“Yeah.” I grinned. “Maybe your next one will be bigger.”
“I’m not sure I’ll get another one.”
I snorted a laugh. “Sure you will. You’ll get the bug.”
Once the artist finished up, Jasper admired the new ink on the inside of his right wrist, a grin spreading across his face. “Thanks, man,” he said, turning to me. “And thanks for helping me stay calm.”
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. “No problem. Anytime.”
With Jasper’s tattoo done, it was my turn next. I settled into the chair, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nerves. But as the tattoo gun started up, and I felt the familiar sting of the needle against the inside of my left wrist, I knew that every time I looked at the moon, I’d think of the guy I shared stolen kisses with.
Later that night, after we pigged out on Chinese takeout, we sang “Happy Birthday” to the birthday boy, then ate cake. Even though I spent most of my time at their house, it was the first time I stayed for Jasper’s birthday celebration. No one questioned why, since I was always welcome there and felt like part of the family.
“Oh, honey,” Mrs. B said to Jasper. “Are you going to show us your new tattoo?”
Jesse snorted a laugh and Jasper’s eyes met mine. I smiled at him and gave him a slight nod.
“Sure.” He moved the sleeve of his long T-shirt up his arm, exposing the tattoo that was covered with plastic wrap around his wrist. He lifted it to reveal the crescent moon.
“Malachi got the same one,” Jesse continued mockingly.
“I’d offered because Jasper was a little nervous,” I clarified.
“Aw, that was sweet of you.” Mrs. B beamed.
“Why a crescent moon?” Mr. B asked.
Jasper’s eyes widened, and I knew he didn’t know what to say, so I answered with a shrug of my shoulder as though it was no big deal. “It was just something small. Figured it was best to get something that didn’t take a long time to do.”
“I didn’t know he was such a baby,” Jesse teased.
“Shut up!” Jasper glared at his brother.
“It can always be added to or covered up,” I went on.
“Maybe you should have just given your brother the money instead of making him mark his body,” Mrs. B said to Jesse.
“Meh. He’ll live.” Jesse stuck the last bite of his cake into his mouth.
After the cake, we gathered in the living room to watch an action movie Jasper had picked. He and I sat next to each other on one couch, Jesse lounged on the floor, not watching the movie as his focus stayed on his phone, and their parents were on the other sofa next to us.
Grabbing the blanket from the back of the couch, I draped it over me and then offered to share with Jasper. He nodded and moved closer, so I spread the blanket out over us. Our legs pressed together, and the blanket shielded our contact from view. Unable to follow along with the movie, I slowly slid my hand to his leg and trailed my fingers up his thigh. His breath caught, and he swallowed, but didn’t take his stare away from the TV.
Inch by inch, my hand moved up his leg, and when I couldn’t go any higher, I walked my fingers to the bulge in his shorts. He groaned and then cleared his throat before leaning over to grab his can of soda from the side table next to him. He took a sip, returned it, then leaned back. He glanced over at me, and I mouthed, “Relax.”
With his family a few feet from us, I wasn’t going to go any further than keeping my hand on the outside of his cargo pants. Instead, I caressed his dick and felt it stiffen beneath my touch. My own cock was hardening, like it wanted to break through the zipper of my jeans, and I wished the movie would end. I wasn’t sure what would happen when it did, but since I had yet to kiss him all day, I knew I wanted to give him a proper birthday kiss before the night was over.
I looked over at his parents to see that his mom had fallen asleep, and his dad was playing a game on his phone. Jesse was still engrossed in his, probably texting with Olivia. If only everyone would go to sleep, then I could get what I really wanted.
Jasper leaned over and whispered, “You need to stop before we’re caught.”
I nodded and withdrew my hand. Without a word, I stood and went to the bathroom, where I waited a few minutes for my dick to calm down. Just as I was about to leave, a faint knock rapped on the door. I opened it to see Jasper on the other side.
“I told everyone I was going to bed,” he said.
“Oh,” I breathed.
“Jesse wants to go meet up with Olivia.”
“Okay.” I nodded. I got it. Jesse was in love and was just being a good brother. Now that the birthday boy was going to bed, he could leave.
“I’m going to sleep with the window open.”
I blinked at Jasper’s words as I tried to understand why he was telling me, and then it clicked. “Oh. Okay.”
“Have a good night.” He winked and walked to his room. Once I heard the click of the lock, I went back to the living room where Jesse was waiting.
“I’m headed to Liv’s,” he said when he saw me.
“Yeah, sure. I’ll head home,” I lied.
Jesse’s dad turned off the TV and then woke his wife as I headed to the front door. Pretending to go to my house a few doors down, I walked down the sidewalk until Jesse got into his car and drove away. Turning back around, I moved toward the side gate of their house, opened it quietly, and then shut it softly behind me.
Tiptoeing to Jasper’s window, I saw the light shining through the open window and I hurried over. “Psst,” I called out.
He scrambled off his bed, rushed to the window, and whispered, “Did my parents go to bed?”
“Yeah.”
“Good.”
I hoisted myself up and into his bedroom. I’d never stepped foot inside it before—never needed to. It wasn’t much different from Jesse’s or mine. It had a full-size bed, plus a nightstand and dresser that matched. On the desk was a laptop and what looked like homework next to it. What differed from mine and his brother’s room was the cookbooks scattered around instead of magazines like Rolling Stone .
Keeping my voice low, I said, “I like your room.”
“Thanks so … um …”
“You want me to finish what I started?” I grinned, and he nodded. “Then get on your bed.”
He did, and I climbed on beside him. He lay on his back as I once again trailed my hand up his thigh and then over to his bulge.
“You know, this would be easier if you weren’t wearing pants.”
“Okay,” he breathed and then got to work, unbuttoning them and lowering his fly. “What about you?”
“You want my jeans off too?” I smirked.
“Fuck yeah,” he replied.
“All right.”
We both shed our pants, but I got off the bed to remove mine. Instead of immediately sliding in next to him, I also shucked my shirt and boxers, then straddled his lap fully naked. Leaning down, I kissed him, needing finally to taste him. As our tongues worked together, I rolled my hips; the pressure and friction made my bare cock harden against his, which was still hidden by his boxers. He moaned against my mouth, and I pulled back slightly.
“You know, I didn’t give you a birthday present today.” I kissed down the side of his neck.
“That’s okay.”
“It’s not.” I kissed his collarbone and then lifted his shirt to expose his stomach. “But I have the perfect gift in mind.”
As I worked my way to his shaft, I grabbed ahold of his boxers and tugged them slightly down his legs. He was rock hard and my mouth watered at the sight of his erection.
Wrapping my fingers around the base of his rod, I held it up and swirled my tongue over his leaking tip. He bucked, his back arching, and I groaned as his saltiness hit my taste buds.
“You like that?” I asked.
“Abso—”
I didn’t wait for him to finish speaking and took him into my hot mouth. His hands clasped the sides of my head, and his fingers threaded into my hair as I bobbed up and down and sucked him like the best fucking lollipop I’d ever had.
“I’m going to come.”
I popped off his dick and smiled. “Then do it.”
Returning to my task, I blew him fast and hard, my hand joining in to work in sync with my mouth. It didn’t take long before his body tensed and he blew his load, the taste of him exploding over my tongue.
I swallowed it all down and then kissed my way up his stomach, to his throat, and then claimed his mouth again.
As our tongues played with each other, Jasper reached between us and fisted my rock-hard cock.
“My turn,” he said against my lips.
“Nah. That wouldn’t be fair. That was your birthday present.” I nipped at his bottom lip.
“Are you sure?”
“There’s always tomorrow.” I winked as I met his gaze. “But you can still jerk me off.”
And he did.