Jason sighed, “last night……….I had a family problem. I only just got home and……..look I’m sorry. I’ll run as many laps as you want, but I’m not coming to practice today. Not with what just happened.”
he didn’t have to be there to know that coach was furious with him. “and just what did happen Jason?”
Jason bit his lip, his mind frantically searching for something he could use. “my…….one of my friend’s father is dying and he had a bit of a break down, so I had to go over to his house and keep him from hurting himself or anyone.”
There was silence on the line for several seconds; long enough for Jason to question if his excuse had worked. A moment later he let out a silent sigh of relief; when coach spoke his tone had softened slightly. “I’m…..sorry for your friend’s loss. I’ll excuse the absence this once, but do not let it happen again. If you miss another practice I will bench you for the rest of the season. Understand?”
Jason nodded, more to himself than anyone else. “Yes.”
“Good.”
A moment later the line went dead. Closing his eyes for a moment Jason groaned before flicking over to his phone’s Inbox. Sure enough he had a text message from coach telling him there was a remedial practice today. But Jason frowned as he found that the text from coach was not the only message he had waiting from him. His eyes narrowed slightly as he found that Anthony had texted him some time in the night. For a full minute he debated whether or not to open the text or just delete it.
Deciding he should at least see what Anthony had sent him Jason clicked on the icon and watched as the message sprang open. As his eyes roved over the words he felt his heart clench in pain, the words ‘I hope we can still be friends’; made him feel somehow even worse then he already did. Was Anthony as upset and confused as he was? Was the purple turtle also laying awake trying to come to terms with what had happened? He’d rushed out of the house so fast….he’d never stopped to consider how that would make Anthony feel. He felt guilt well up in his stomach, like a cold slush that froze his insides.
His mind flicked back to that night, to the small sound he’d heard Anthony make when Anthony had handed him the pillow. At the time he’d been too tired to focus on the sound, yet now he found himself worried. If his memory was correct the sound had been a small sob. His stomach tightened painfully. He’d been rough with Anthony last night. Rougher then he’d even been before during sex. Was it possible…….had he actually hurt Anthony? Again his stomach tightened painfully. Anthony had said he liked things rough but not painful. In his heat induced frenzy had he actually hurt Anthony and not heard or maybe ignored the turtle’s protests? His breaths were becoming painful now.
It was starting to come back to him now; he’d hurt Anthony last night. Slowly he removed the pillow from over his head, looking up at his hands. He’d gripped Anthony’s hips so tightly, they were sure to bruise. He’d pounded into Anthony with no regard for how the violent thrusts might have made Anthony feel; he’d been so consumed by his own need for release.
He bit his lip. He had to make sure Anthony was ok. He had to go and……apologize to him. slowly he got out of bed pulling on his clothes before grabbing his keys and going out to his jeep. Soon enough he was driving down the streets. Why hadn’t he realized before; that the noise Anthony had made last night had been because he was in pain? Coming to a stop in front of a light Jason bit his lip again. Would Anthony even let him insides? He shook his head.
No, this was something he had to do; whether Anthony accepted it or not. He needed to apologize for causing Anthony pain. Pulling up in front of Anthony’s house Jason closed his eyes and willed himself to relax. Anthony was a reasonable turtle, surely he’d understand what had happened. taking another breath Jason got out of his jeep and walked up to the front door before knocking softly on it; he could hear sounds coming from a TV, followed my footsteps and then….. he watched as the front door opened and Anthony came into view.
For a full 10 seconds they just looked at each other, neither of them speaking. It was Jason who broke the silence, “I……I…..I just……”
god why was he stuttering like this? He felt his heart beat furiously in his chest as he looked at Anthony, who looked back at him. “can…..can I come in?”
Anthony nodded and stepped aside allowing him back inside the house that he’d frantically ran away from hours ago. A moment later Anthony closed the door behind him before turning back to Jason who stood awkwardly in the hallway. “I……um……I……”
He wanted to say he was sorry. Wanted to ask if there was anything he could do to make up for the pain he’d made Anthony feel that night. Yet he found all thoughts vanished from his mind as Anthony’s eyes and his connected. Before he knew what he was doing he’d moved; moving to stand only inches apart from Anthony who took a small step backwards his shell hitting the wall. He found himself enraptured by those perfect brown eyes. They seemed to suck him in and fill him with only one desire.
He leaned in groaned as their bodies pressed together gently. It felt so good, Anthony’s body was rough and ridged; not soft and squishy like Harmony’s his eyes flickered over Anthony’s face, those perfect brown eyes were watching his every move. He leaned in closer, feeling Anthony’s breath ghost against his face. he paused for a moment as Anthony’s hands came up to rest against his chest; a small barrier between them. “Jason……?”
he groaned, why did hearing his name spoken through those lips fill him with need. His hand moved, slowly coming up to touch Anthony’s arm. Their lips met in a gentle kiss. It wasn't sexual or lustful, it was gentle. For Jason it was like taking a cold drink on a hot day. It was everything he’d wanted the kisses with Harmony to be. All too soon though Anthony pulled away his hands pushing Jason away slightly. “don't…….”
Jason recoiled slightly. “A….Anthony?”
Anthony looked at him his eyes filled with want and desire; but still somehow managed to push against him again. “I……I don’t want to be hurt again.”
that once sentence made Jason's blood run cold. He HAD hurt Anthony last night. He took a step backwards away from Anthony who remained leaning against the wall. “I’m sorry……I……I never meant to hurt you.”
In front of him Anthony sighed. “I’m the one who should be sorry.”
Jason looked up at him confused. “huh?”
Anthony closed his eyes. “I…..I took advantage of you last night. I knew what kind of emotional state you were in and……and I used that to my advantage. It…..it was wrong. And I’m so sorry. I just……..”
Anthony’s voice trailed off as he opened his eyes and looked at Jason again. how could the muscle bound turtle be so perfect. Here he was apologizing to Jason for manipulating him and yet all his mind could think about was how badly he wanted Jason to kiss him again; how desperately he wanted to feel their bodies press against each other again. “how can you be so perfect?”
Jason looked at Anthony unsure. “I….I don't know what you mean.”
Slowly Anthony sunk down to the floor, before taking deep breaths to continue. “I……..I like you Jason. I like you more then I should like a friend. I…..I know it’s messed up. but I can't help it. I want you, I want you to kiss me and hold me and……and be mine. Last night…….” He broke off as he took another shuddering breath. “last night……..I saw a chance to have what I wanted. And I…….I took that chance.”
Slowly Jason knelt down so he was on Anthony’s level, while Anthony continued to speak. “but I made things worse. I always make things worse. I just…………” Jason felt his eyes widen as small tears began to run down Anthony’s face. “I wanted you to want me too. I wanted you to be mine. I’m……I’m sorry I did that to you.”
Slowly Jason spoke. “Anthony that’s not……”
but Anthony snarled and put his face in his hands. “RRRG!”
Jason watched as Anthony began to hit himself. Rushing forward he pinned Anthony’s hands against the
wall. “WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU?”
Anthony looked up at him, pain, sadness, anger; all of it reading clearly in Anthony’s eyes. “I can't stop. I can't……..even now I want you. I just……….I’m a horrible person.”
He began to struggle, trying to break free of Jason's grip; which proved to be too strong. After a moment his struggles were stopped by Jason who growled at him. “Anthony…..” he found himself drawn into Jason's green eyes. “I don't know if any of that is true or not……but you did something to me. Something has changed for me. I……..I’m not gay. The idea of men touching me or having sex with them makes me want to vomit…….but……….but the idea of touching you…….of kissing you and………other stuff……….it doesn’t.” Anthony watched as Jason looked away for a moment before looking back to him. “I’m not gay. But……but I think I like you as more than a friend. And……….I may not understand these feelings…..but…………”
Jason sighed and let go of Anthony’s wrists, before speaking again. “last night you said I don't process my emotions well. You were right. I have a hard time handling how I feel. My emotions get tangled up and confused and in the end I just get mad. But………but not with you.” Anthony felt his heart jolt as Jason reached out and gently touch his hand. “I don't understand these feelings……….but I want to see where they go. I want………I want to experience them and see what happens.”
Across from him Anthony inhaled deeply. He wanted this, and yet…..
“don't play with me Jason. I…….I’m not something you can try out for a while and then decide you don't like it.”
Jason growled, sending a small jolt up Anthony’s spine. “I’m not playing Anthony. I’m not saying I know what’s going on or what will happen but………but I want to find out. And…….and I want you to be with me when and if something does happen.”
As he spoke he squeezed Anthony’s hand gently. After a moment Anthony spoke. “O…..ok. If you’re willing to try……..then I’m willing too.”
As he spoke he squeezed Jason's hand. For a moment they just looked at each other the weight of what they had just said slowly sinking into their brains. After a moment Jason moved, leaning in to plant another kiss on Anthony’s perfect lips; and this time Anthony didn’t push him away.
CHAPTER 10
Leo groaned and slowly sat up in bed feeling Alex shift slightly as he did so. Glancing around the darkened room Leo found that his cellphone had been what had woke him up. Reaching for the phone Leo muttered a small apology to Alex who groaned and rolled over, burying his head under his pillow as Leo finally got to his phone. “h….hello?”
A man’s voice responded to him, “hello. Is Leo there?”
Leo dropped back down so he was laying against his pillow. “this is him.”
The voice paused for a moment before continuing. “my name is Henry Ranbot; I’m your father’s lawyer.”
Leo frowned. “my father had a lawyer?”
The voice responded, “yes. He hired me to ensure that his will and last wishes were carried out according to his instructions. Firstly I regret to inform you that your father died several hours ago.”
Leo bit his lip, “I know. I was there.”
The voice again paused for a moment before continuing. “I’m sorry for your loss Leo. Now according your father’s last wishes he’s to be buried in less than 24 hours after his time of death; in accordance with the burial rights of your mother. There will be a public funeral tomorrow and you will need to attend, because your father left you several items in his will.”
Leo sat up a little straighter. “Really? What did he leave me?”
Next to him he felt Alex shift, looking over at him while Henry continued to speak. “I’m sorry but in order to claim your inheritance you’ll have to attend the funeral. Your father was VERY specific about this.”
Leo groaned and rubbed his eyes. “ok fine. I’ll be there. But I’m not going to get up and speak. I hated my father, and if you make me speak I’ll say that to everyone.”
Henry was silent for a moment before speaking again. “that will not be necessary; just show up at the funeral and once it’s over we’ll read his will.”
Leo sighed and nodded to himself. “ok. I’ll be there.”
“thank you Leo. Once again I’m sorry for your loss. Goodbye.”
A moment later the line went dead. shutting off his phone Leo groaned as he set the device down on the bedside table before closing his eyes and cuddling back up to Alex. It was too early in the morning to think about this kind of stuff, hell the sun was barely even up. next to him Alex shifted, “who was it?”
Leo shrugged as he nuzzled in closer to Alex’s neck. “my father’s lawyer. He says I was left some things in he will, so I have to show up at the funeral tomorrow if I want to claim it.”
Alex shifted, rolling onto his shell to look at Leo. “really? He left you something?”
Leo nodded, “yeah. I guess so. But I have to go to the funeral if I want o claim it.”
Alex looked at him for a moment before speaking. “are you scared?”
Alex’s voice was soft, it made Leo bite his lip and sigh.
“a……a little. I know Minerva will be there, along with other members of his side of the family. Most of them hate me, and the ones who don't hate me; don't give a crap about me. I…….I don't want to have to face all of them…….alone.”
Alex cocked his head sideways at Leo. “alone? Who said you’re going alone? I’m coming with you.”
Leo’s eyes widened. “Alex……..no. I can't………I……..”
He broke off, struggling with the feelings of built and shame that welled up in his stomach as the memories of Alex flinching away from him in fear flashed through his mind. But Alex shifted, reaching back to grip Leo’s hand.
“Leo, listen to me. I’m coming with you. I don't care if you don't want me there, or if you’re afraid you’ll flip out again. I’m coming. And nothing you say will change that. Ok?”
Leo bit his lip. He wanted to protest. To say it was too dangerous. To tell Alex that he wasn't even planning on going in the first place. Yet as he lay there looking into Alex’s eyes he found his mood changed. Gently he squeezed Alex's hand back.
“no matter what happens…….don’t listen to them. no matter what horrible things they say……no matter how they treat you……I will always love you. Promise me you’ll never forget that.”
Alex smiled and leaned in to nuzzle Leo’s neck.
“I promise. But you have to promise me that you’ll try to keep yourself under control. Freaking out at a hospital is one thing, but at a funeral……that would be much worse.”
Leo smiled sheepishly at Alex who continued to nuzzle his neck. “ok I’ll try to keep myself under control……but for now I just wanna lay here and enjoy this, what we have right now.”
Alex agreed by letting out a small churr, as he continued to nuzzle Leo’s neck and Leo slowly shifted so Alex was half laying on top of him. after a moment Alex pulled back and looked down at Leo who smiled up at him. “I love you Leo.”
Leo smiled and reached up, cupping Alex’s cheek. “I love you too Alex.”
Alex’s lips were soft as they pressed against Leo’s; while Leo’s arms pulled their bodies in closer. Alex groaned, enjoying the feeling of Leo’s lips against his own. He felt Leo’s hand move, gently circling his neck before coming to rest against the back of his head, pulling him deeper into the kiss. His nostrils flared inhaling as much of Leo’s scent as he could. He moved, crawling so he was straddling over Leo as they kissed. He could feel his body reacting, his heart starting to pump harder, while small trails of heat began to build up around his hips; a signal he was getting aroused. After a moment they broke apart, each of them gasping for air before crushing their lips together again. “Leo………”
Leo’s response was to run his hand down Alex’s chest, gently tugging at his shirt which made Alex smile before leaning back and pulling his
shirt off so Leo’s hands could roam his chest and stomach. He groaned as Leo’s hands rubbed and caressed his chest, sending small shivers of pleasure through him. Beneath him Leo spoke. “you’re so perfect.”
Alex blushed slightly. “no, no I’m not. but……thank you.”
But Leo shook his head. “no….you are. Let me show you.”
A second later Alex yelped comically as Leo spun their bodies so he was now straddling Alex’s hips with Alex under him. “you are perfect Alex……you’re skin is so soft…….”
As he spoke Leo leaned down to nuzzle and rub his face against Alex’s neck and shoulders. “and you taste…….”
Leo slowly drew his tongue along Alex’s shoulder, making the smaller turtle moan and whimper as the hot muscle ran along his flesh. “….delicious.”
he pulled back, looking down at Alex who panted and looked up at him. His eyes silently pleading with Leo. Leo grinned and pressed in, running his hands down Alex’s stomach, before slowly beginning to tug down his pajama pants. “and I love how you feel when I press against you. It’s almost…….”
His hand pushed Alex’s pants down, all the while making sure his arm rubbed against Alex’s growing bulge making the young turtle whimper and moan his fingers coming up to grip Leo’s shell. He gasped again as Leo’s hand slowly shifted, coming to cup and rub against his slowly growing bulge. Leo grinned, enjoying the moans and whimpers that escaped Alex’s lips as he pressed in harder, grinding his hand against Alex’s bulge. “You are perfect Alex.”
As he spoke he ground his hand against Alex’s bulge grinning as he felt Alex’s body shudder as he cock finally emerged from its pouch only to be confined by his boxers. Alex’s whimpers became more needful as Leo hooked his thumb under the elastic of Alex’s boxers before tugging them down and off Alex’s body. “Leo……”
Leo grinned, enjoying the low churr that escaped Alex’s lips as he wrapped his fingers around Alex’s organ. Their lips crushed together, their tongues coming out to run inside the other’s mouth, enjoying the taste of the other. But their kiss was broke and Leo began to move, slowly pumping his hand up and down making Alex’s had tilt back exposing his throat while a low rumbling churr escaped his lips. Leo leaned in, nuzzling Alex’s neck occasionally licking the sensitive skin as his hand worked; pumping Alex’s organ up and down enjoying the sounds he got in response. He felt Alex’s grip on his shell tighten. “L…..Leo……”
The Lives We Lead (A Student In Need Book 2) Page 16