“She is. Did I tell you that once, in junior year, she got in trouble for duct taping eye masks over every school mascot and statue on school grounds?”
“What? No. Why did she do that?” Cory asked with a laugh.
“Some political statement, I think. Every statue on campus is male and so is our school mascot. She was acting out in solidarity with the MeToo and Time’sUp campaigns in Hollywood or something. I think she got suspended actually, but I’m pretty sure her mother bought her a car or something for her punishment. Can’t fault her too much if she comes by it naturally,” Josh chuckled. “It was a good day, though, you’re right. I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that I’m done with school. Like, I could be done forever, if I choose to be.”
“Mmm, my baby, all graduated and ready to leave the nest. And in less than a month, he’ll be married, settling down, and starting his own family,” Cory mused, running his fingers through Josh’s hair again. “Lots of changes for you in eight weeks, love.”
Josh sat up and turned to Cory. He could still see some of his favorite details about the man, and he rested his hand on the side of Cory’s neck, just below his ear. “You’re right. Lots of changes for both of us,” Josh said, taking Cory’s fingers between his own and fiddling with them. “Finding each other, navigating our Connection, dealing with friends, becoming engaged, finishing school, and in three weeks, the biggest change of our lives. Or at least it will be until we decide to expand our family. And Cory,” Josh said. “I couldn’t even envision a more perfect person to go on those journeys with. If I haven’t already told you how much I’m looking forward to sharing our lives together, I’m telling you now. I can’t wait to be your husband, and not because it means you’re becoming mine, but because it means we’re becoming ours. Our life, our love, our Connection. Those are the most important things to me in this world. And in three weeks, you are going to fulfill every dream I never knew I had. I love you so much, Cory, and I’m looking forward to sitting with you for the rest of forever.”
Cory climbed into Josh’s lap, straddling him and placed a reverent, soul-deep kiss on his lips. “I love you, Josh,” he said softly, hugging Josh's head and neck tightly. “I know we’ve been talking about our wedding being a small thing at the pond in the park, or maybe on the bridge, but what would you say to having it here, on the hill? It’s big enough to have everyone we want to include and we’ve had so many amazing moments here. Our first kiss, watching sunsets, doing our videos and photos up here, tonight,” he paused, leaning back to look into Josh’s eyes. “I kind of feel like this was the place that started it all, the first time we really felt our Connection. What do you think? Is it good?” he asked, in a hopeful sort of tone.
“It’s perfect,” Josh said pressing a kiss to Cory’s lips, “Really. You’re absolutely right that some of my most treasured moments have happened right here, and I think it’s our place, the place we come to be together, to focus on us. It seems fitting, as the place we shared our first kiss, to be the place we share our first kiss as husbands.”
Cory kissed him again. “I think so too. Eek, I’m getting so excited talking about it,” Cory squealed, wriggling in Josh’s lap and petting his chest. “We just have the baseball banquet on Monday and my graduation, then it’s us. Just us, planning your birthday and our wedding and hopefully finding a place to live. But the stress of school and finals will be over, and we’ll be free to move on. I’m so looking forward to starting our lives, Josh. You and me and our little family.” Cory gripped the sides of Josh’s face and said in a tone of awe and reverence, “We’re going to be family, Josh. Can you even believe?” He wrapped his arms around Josh and they stayed just like that for several quiet minutes.
Josh thought about what Cory said. He realized they were getting married and that meant they’d be husbands, but he hadn’t gone so far as to call them a family. But, sitting there, holding his man, he realized Cory was exactly right. They were each other's family. Yes, they had their parents and grandparents, but this was their little family, just the two of them. And that night as they climbed down the hill and into bed, Josh found a whole new reason to be thankful for family.
~
Josh and Cory had been around Cory’s campus a few times since prom, due to Cory needing to do a lab, take the written exam on his Orwell book, and he’d given a presentation another time. Each time they’d been nervous about running into Nick and so far they’d been able to avoid him, but heading over to the baseball banquet had Cory near shaking and Josh wasn’t sure he felt much better. Remembering the panic and fear, along with the really pissed off bee magnets, made Josh’s hands clammy and his stomach roil. He clutched Cory’s hand in a steel grip as Jim drove them the short distance to Tony’s.
Cory had texted Travis along with Dylan and Liam, a few days after prom, to see what the scoop was about Nick and how he’d been acting at school. Travis had said he’d stopped hanging around their captain, with the exception of any team-related issues, and Dylan and Liam both said, other than directly interacting with them personally, he seemed normal.
So they were going to the banquet with mixed signals and nervous energy.
When Jim parked the truck and they all piled out, they paused on the sidewalk before going in. They’d talked about seeing Nick, and Cory’s parents had reminded them they would be there if they needed them for anything.
Cory squeezed Josh’s hand. “I hope you can eat pizza one-handed because I don’t think I’ll be letting you go anytime soon, ‘kay?” he smiled brightly, but Josh knew it was just a front to help chase away the nerves.
“Fine with me, love. I think I prefer that to the other, any day of ever. But we got this, Cory. Your parents are here, and we know better now. Nothing will happen. We’ll eat pizza, listen to speeches and go home, okay?” Josh asked, looking at his Complement.
Cory nodded and swallowed, then drew Josh into a tight hug.
As the door to the restaurant opened, Josh immediately noticed the aroma of tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs. Low music played from the speakers, and people of all ages milled about, sharing conversations and meals. There were some old-school looking pinball machines near the entrance and Josh even noticed a jukebox off to one side.
Cory led them to a side room that must have been used for parties and such, and when they entered, they were greeted with rounds of welcoming hugs and hellos. Only about half the team appeared to be present, and thankful that Nick was not among them, they went to find plates and seating.
After only a few minutes and a few bites of pizza, Travis walked in with Liam, and after receiving much the same welcome as Josh and Cory, he came right over to them and hugged them both tightly.
“I’m really glad you both came. I wasn’t sure if you would,” Travis said, looking between them.
“We weren’t sure if we would either, to be honest. But we talked about it, and I realized that I shouldn’t let one person ruin four years of something I love and keep me from celebrating with the rest of my friends and brothers. Even if that one person happens to be someone I would have called a brother just weeks ago. Now, I’m hardly sure if I can even still be friends with him,” Cory confessed and Josh pulled him into his side, pressing a kiss to the side of his head.
“Oh I totally hear that and none of this is really even about me,” Travis said, looking serious. “But I’m not going to just brush this away and ignore what he did to you. I’ve heard from all the other guys about how he’s been acting, and I don’t care if he’s jealous, or pissed, or confused, or whatever the hell he is, none of that gives him any right to treat you, either of you, the way he has been. And if I’m not mistaken,” Travis said, lowering his voice. “You two seem to have a pretty deep connection,” he gave them both meaningful looks. “No one messes with that.”
They were interrupted from their conversation by the arrival of more teammates and more bro-hug back-slapping. Josh caught Cory’s eye after they’d greeted Jake and Aiden.
What the fuck was that? he mouthed to Cory. Cory just shook his head and returned, I have no idea, then froze and stared at something over Josh’s shoulder. Josh turned around in time to see Nick walk in with his parents.
As if by some unspoken agreement, Dylan, Liam, Travis, Jake, and Samuel all stopped what they were doing and came over to stand behind Cory and Josh who watched Nick as he watched them. He swallowed, obviously getting the message. Josh had never been more grateful to be so readily accepted into a band of friends that would protect their own, even from their leader.
Josh noticed Jim and Diane, who had been talking to Liam’s parents, pause and watch the scene as well. Jim subtly gave Diane a squeeze, and they returned to their conversation.
Nick said something to his parents, in what looked like an attempt to get them to go sit down and as they turned to do so, he headed their direction.
Stopping a healthy distance away, Nick nervously rubbed his hands on his jeans.
Cory reached for Josh’s hand, squeezing it in a death grip and he felt the metal of his engagement ring dig into his fingers.
Nick cleared his throat. “I can see that I’m not going to get to speak to you guys alone,” he started. “But I owe you both an apology. Cory, I’m sorry about what happened at prom. I only wanted to talk to you about some things that have been on my mind and since you’ll probably never answer if I call,” he paused again and looked at Josh, and the small crowd behind them, “and I obviously won’t get to talk to you alone. I feel really uncomfortable with everyone watching, but I’ve been wanting to say...” He trailed off. Josh didn’t know if the other guy would run away or throw up. Clearing his throat again and wiping his hands down his jeans, Nick went on. “I think I might like you, like more than just my best friend,” he mumbled out and looked down at the ground.
Everyone behind Josh and Cory remained silent, whether from shock, or to give the moment the respect it deserved, Josh couldn’t be sure, but Nick’s proclamation hung in the air, like a bubble about to burst.
“I know this isn’t the best place for this conversation, but I seem to have burned all my bridges, and I know that doesn’t excuse my behavior, or mean you need give me the time of day, but I just wanted to tell you,” he stammered, still looking at the ground. “I guess seeing you with Josh, just threw me for a loop and then I was confused and hurt that you were all of a sudden so close to him and choosing him over me. It made me realize that not only did I miss you as a best friend, but I missed you because you had come to mean more to me than I’d even understood. I don’t know if that makes me gay, or bi, or whatever, it just means that I like you. I know I’m probably too late, and it makes me a total jerk to be saying any of this in front of your boyfriend,” he gulped.
“Fiancé, actually,” Cory said, sounding firmer than Josh would have given anyone credit for in that moment. If the situation weren’t so tense and both heartbreaking and unsettling at once, Josh would have kissed his man right there on the spot, but he squeezed Cory’s hand at the admission and held his position next to him.
Nick’s head snapped up, and his eyes about bugged out of his head. “Fiancé?” Nick bellowed, then realized others had stopped to look at him after his outburst. He continued in a quieter tone. “You’ve only known him for like a month, Cory. What do you mean, fiancé?”
Cory went on, his tone firm, but not unkind. “I mean, Josh is my fiancé. We’re getting married in a couple of weeks. I don’t owe you, or anyone else, any answers about our relationship and as I’ve said to you before, I ask that you respect me and my decisions. Our families are happy for us and have supported us from the beginning. I also didn’t fail to notice that you said you owed us both an apology, yet never gave one to Josh. He’s the most important person in my life, and I understand that it took a lot for you to come over, knowing how you’ve treated us and the reception you’d likely receive, but I’m not going to stand by and just let you disrespect him. What you did to us both at your place, then mine, and by far the worst at prom, you owe him more than an apology.”
Nick stood facing them several feet away, with his mouth hanging open. “Are you serious right now?”
“As serious as I’ve ever been,” Cory stated, unmoving, looking up at Nick. Josh had to hand it to his man. He had some major balls, being as nervous as Josh knew he was, he was throwing it down and taking no prisoners.
Nick gaped at them and as his attention shifted to the row of solid support they had behind them, he swallowed again. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally met Josh’s eyes, though it likely killed him to do so, and apologized. “I’m sorry, Josh.”
Josh nodded once, not expecting anything more.
“And for the record, Nick,” Cory continued. “I didn’t choose him over you. You left on your own. Just because I’m with Josh doesn’t mean we couldn't have still been friends.”
Nick stared at Cory. “I don’t know if friends is enough,” he confessed hoarsely.
“Well it’s all I have to offer, Nick. We’ve been best friends for four years, and you never said anything, never hinted at the possibility of there being anything more than friendship between us, so forgive me if I think the timing is a little off. I think you just miss the way things were. Everything’s changing right now with the end of baseball, the end of high school, and you going away to college in the fall. I think you’re just trying to hold on to the consistency of the way things were. I can appreciate the courage it took to admit what you did, and if you need an ally, or someone to talk to about whatever you’re feeling, of course I’d be available to listen, but that’s all I can offer, Nick. I’m marrying Josh on the twentieth. I’d still like to try to be friends with you, but it’s up to you if you can accept that Josh and I are a package deal now.” Cory took a deep breath and sighed, almost slumping from the energy of remaining composed. “If you’re willing, let’s talk on the phone later. Right now, I think we should enjoy the party and let things cool off a bit.”
Nick had a whole range of emotions play over his face and Josh squeezed Cory’s hand in reassurance. Cory gave him a look he understood perfectly.
“If you’ll excuse us, I think we need a minute to ourselves,” Josh said after clearing his throat. He shot a glance to the row of guys behind him and Travis nodded, apparently understanding exactly what they needed. With one last glance at Nick, he tugged Cory’s hand and his man followed him out of the room and out to the street.
Josh didn’t stop until they were standing next to their bench by the pond. He drew Cory into a tight hug and held his man for several minutes, just allowing the adrenaline from their confrontation to wear off. Cory all but sagged against him after a time, and Josh guided him to sit down on his lap and rested Cory’s head on his shoulder.
“I’m really proud of you,” Josh said softly, stroking his man’s back, in slow rhythmic patterns. “It took a lot of guts to stand up to your best friend that way. Hopefully, he’ll come around and you guys can stay friends.”
Cory was fiddling with the collar of Josh’s shirt, and he hummed a small sound in his throat.
Josh rested his arms loosely around his Complement and stared out at the shining surface of the pond. He understood that Cory needed some time to regroup after having such an intense moment with someone he was so close to.
After a few minutes, Cory slowly pulled back, sitting up on Josh's lap and looked him in the eye. He leaned in and pressed a sweet kiss to Josh’s lips, then rested their foreheads together. “I love you, Josh. I’m sorry you got dragged into all this—”
Josh cut him off with a kiss. “None of this is your fault, Cory. Neither of us knew this would happen and even though I’m so profoundly grateful for our Connection, it did throw a wrench into things. I’m not saying you would be with Nick,” Josh rushed on when Cory opened his mouth to protest. “But I am saying, both of our lives would be really different if we hadn’t found each other. It does stand to reason that there would be conflicts and problems tha
t needed figuring out with every Connective pair. We’re lucky our only problem is a friend and not dealing with a marriage, or significant other situation. I love you, Cory, and we’re just fine. None of this ‘I’m sorry’ crap, okay? We’re in this together, love, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Cory nodded, and Josh willingly accepted the kiss his fiancé shared with him. “By the way, I’d still be in a coma if it wasn’t for you, so yeah, I’d say my life would be pretty different,” Cory smirked and Josh chuckled a little.
“All right, smarty pants, since it seems like your sense of humor is back, what do you say we go back inside and have some more pizza. One piece is all we got before all this, and I’m sure your parents are wondering if you’re okay,” Josh said as Cory climbed off his lap.
“Sounds good. I don’t think Nick will bother us again, and I’m definitely not leaving your side, so let’s go get me a baseball trophy.”
Josh laughed. “Glad your mind in is the right place, champ. By the way, nice throw down with the fiancé card. I’m sure everyone thinks we’re insane now.”
“I don’t care what everyone thinks, Josh. Only you matter, and I’m pretty sure you’re okay with it,” Cory said, taking Josh’s hand as they started walking back toward Tony’s.
“I’m more than okay with it,” Josh said, pecking Cory’s shoulder as they walked. “Hey,” he said suddenly, tugging Cory to stop. “What was up with that comment from Travis? ‘You two seem to have a pretty deep Connection’? What the hell? You think he knows about Connectivity?” Josh asked.
Cory shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe. Or maybe he was just saying we seem so perfect for each other and that we have good chemistry,” Cory said, giving Josh a sexy look that promised good things later.
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