by A. V. Zeppa
Making new friends was an important component of David’s college experience. The academic setting, and trying hard not to be so shy, made it a lot easier for him to meet people. As a result of these new friendships, David began seeing the world through a different lens.
His closest friend on campus was Miguel. They had so many things in common. It was almost as if they had known each other for years. They studied together almost every day, helping each other out with homework. In-between homework they theorized about all sorts of weird concepts as a way of exercising their brains. New mathematical equations, rotating universes, theories about what Dark Energy was, how the Big Bang and all the other probable ones happened, humans as infinite energy being able to exist without bodies or brains, and so on. It became a new game to see who could come up with the weirdest theory.
David was also teaching Miguel how to play the guitar after Miguel found out that playing a musical instrument makes the brain communicate at superior levels. David found it hard to believe how much they were alike even though they had come from different worlds.
For Marco, making friends was a nonissue, a boring endeavor, an easy commodity. He understood all about so-called friendships, degrees of friendships, calculated acquaintances. It was a game that needed to be played. A social requirement. And he always won.
Marco’s decided to let Avani and Rafi partially into his world since they lived on the same floor and were always inviting him to hang out. He had to admit that he liked both of them. They were funny and seemed sincere. Marco thought Rafi was really cute and enjoyed being his not so secret crush.
Marco also decided to become friends with Thomas and Reid, two guys that were in one of his literature classes. He actually liked them because they were crazy aspiring writers just like him. They even decided to form a writing group and got together several times a week to write and share ideas.
And as usual, Marco became one of the popular guys around campus. He was the guy everyone wanted to know and be seen with. He never consciously drew attention to himself, but he understood how his physical attributes and cordial charm made people gravitate to him. Word had also gotten around that he was extremely wealthy. That he lived in a penthouse on the Upper East Side, and had one of the private luxury dorm rooms.
People started dropping by to hang out. Marco didn’t mind at first, but finally had to put a stop to it because it was getting way out of hand.
Marco wasn’t the only one getting his share of attention. David was too, but in a different way. He was constantly impressing professors and peers with his academic prowess. While some students enjoyed letting others know how intelligent they were, David just went about his studies in his usual quiet manner. He never drew attention to himself because that kind of thing got in the way of what he was trying to achieve.
It became apparent to everyone around him just how intelligent he was, especially when they listened to him in the discussion sections. Graduate students taught these small classes where students discussed the lectures in more detail, and received help with the homework whenever it was needed. David had to attend them because it was a requirement to pass the class. But whenever he did ask a question, other students listened closely because his questions were never about the homework. His questions were always some sort of theoretical concept that either added to a given lecture, or challenged it like any good physicist would. His ideas went way beyond what was being taught.
David was also getting his share of attention from the gay community. At least a half dozen guys had asked him out since the beginning of the semester. He always politely declined, telling them he already had a boyfriend. A few girls had even asked him out, but he told them the same thing. Getting all that attention was nice, but it felt alien. He had been pretty much an outcast all through middle school and most of high school. He couldn’t believe how things had changed so quickly.
With David’s crazy schedule still consuming most of his days and early evenings, he started sleeping at Marco’s more often because it became the only time they could be together. David started to rethink Marco’s offer about living together. He decided to talk to Melissa about it to see what she thought, and would then let Marco know either way when they returned to campus from the Thanksgiving holiday.
CHAPTER 38
THURSDAY
David and Miguel sat in physics class listening to a lecture on gravitational waves and how their existence could possibly lead to mathematical harmony between General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. David’s phone buzzed just as the professor began to delve deeply into this theory. He discreetly pulled it out to see who it was. It was Marco. “I’m sorry, but I can’t meet up for lunch today. Something came up. I’ll make it up to you tonight ;-)”
David was disappointed, but smiled at the thought of Marco making it up to him. He texted back. “No problem. See you tonight.”
Miguel leaned in and whispered, “Is everything ok?”
“Yeah, it was Marco. He can’t meet me for lunch. Something came up.”
“Oh. Do you wanna have lunch with me?”
“Sure. We can compare notes while we eat.”
They both refocused their attention back to the professor.
A few seconds later Marco sent another text. “Hey, it’s all set. See you in an hour.” He sat in class trying to stay focused while waiting for a response. Thirty seconds later it came. “Cool, can’t wait.” Marco smiled knowing it was going to be another magical afternoon. He walked out of Philosophy Hall with Thomas and Reid when class was over, thinking it would never end.
“I’m starving. Do you guys want to grab some lunch?” Thomas asked.
“Sounds good to me,” Reid said.
“I can’t today. I’m meeting up with David in a few minutes,” Marco told them.
“Next time then.” They walked together until they got to lower campus, then Marco headed toward the 114th Street campus exit.
CHAPTER 39
The sun was just beginning to peak through the buildings as David lay next to Marco admiring his handsome face. He still couldn’t believe that sleeping angel actually loved him, that fate had brought them together. For David, the last couple of weeks had been way too busy with research, meetings with professors, and homework. The guilt he felt about hardly seeing Marco was taking its toll, so he decided to talk to Professor Logan about cutting back on attending so many department meetings with him.
David snuggled next to Marco just as he was waking up. “You look like a little boy when you sleep,” David whispered, before kissing him on the cheek.
Marco stretched and then turned on his side. “How long were you watching me? Was I drooling enough for you?”
David smiled. “No drool this time. Just fluttering eye lids. You must have been having a good dream.”
“I had several, and you were in all of them.”
“Awe, I love you. I’m sorry I haven’t been around lately. Everything’s been so hectic with my research and those department meetings. I’ve decided to make a change in my schedule so we can spend more time together. I’m going to see if I can make it happen today.”
“Don’t worry about it. I understand. I’ve been busy too. Just do what you need to do.”
“Thanks for understanding.”
“Will you spend the night again?”
“Yeah, of course.” David put his head on Marco’s chest and started tracing his sexy v-lines with his fingers. Marco giggled, “That tickles.”
“Your body is so beautiful.”
“Thanks. It was made just for you.” Marco said as he caressed David’s back. A few seconds later he whispered, “I’ll make you feel good anyway you’d like tonight.”
“Mmm…Well, I’ll take you up on that offer. I might just surprise you with my request.”
“Oh really?” Marco said, and then started tickling David. An all-out tickle fight ensued for the next minute or so before finally collapsing in each other’s arms.
Wi
thin their exhausted embrace Marco began to maneuver. “Do we really have to go to Jordan’s party tonight? Let me take you out for dinner instead. Then we’ll come back here and make love. I want to be alone with you tonight.”
David kissed Marco’s pouting lips. “Believe me, that sounds so good, but I promised Jordan we would show up this time. I don’t want to back out again.”
“Come on, please?”
“I’ll tell you what, we will only stay for an hour or so, ok?”
“Ok. I’m going to set the timer on my phone for exactly an hour, and then I will sweep you up in my arms and carry you back here.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
“I appreciate you going with me. To be honest, I’m kind of curious to see what Jordan’s apartment looks like. Marna says it’s really nice.”
Marco looked up at the ceiling. “I’m sure it is,” he said, and then changed the subject. “We better shower and get some breakfast, or we’re going to be late for class.”
David was eating his omelet and explaining Density Matrix Theory to Marco, who was pretending to listen while he moved his food around with his fork. David noticed his far away stare. “I am now going to quiz you on atomic and molecular physics.”
“What? I-I’m sorry. My mind keeps wandering to this story I’ve been writing.” Marco said, knowing he was caught.
“It’s ok. I know math isn’t the most exciting thing people like to hear about.” David changed the subject. “So how is your study group going?”
“It’s been great actually. I’ve learned a lot from Thomas and Reid. They’re really good writers.”
“That sounds awesome. I’m sure it is nice having other people to bounce ideas off of. That’s why I like doing my homework with Miguel. We talk about the future of math, and we discuss our own theories. It’s a lot of fun.”
Marco smiled. “I can just imagine what you two geniuses come up with. Just don’t blow up the universe, ok?”
“I promise. I like the idea of belonging to a study group.”
“Me too. It has helped my writing. Maybe you and Miguel could find one and join.”
“Jordan asked me to join his. He has invited me several times, but I’ve been too busy to go.” Marco put his fork down and looked at David, trying hard not to lose it. “Oh, I didn’t know that. Why didn’t you say anything about it before?”
“I guess I forgot. I’d like to attend one to see what it’s like. Marna told me they hold them at Jordan’s apartment, and he always has lunch catered, and he even has Apple TV so everyone can sync their laptops together.” Marco didn’t want David anywhere near Jordan’s apartment, but didn’t know how to stop it from happening. In a defeated tone he managed to sound enthused.
While walking across campus David reminded Marco that he was spending Saturday in the Bronx with Miguel. “What time are you leaving?”
“Around ten or so. We should be back by nine.”
Marco didn’t like it one bit. “David, you have to be careful. The Bronx can be very dangerous. Do you really have to go?”
“Yes. I wouldn’t want to insult Miguel. He wants me to meet his boyfriend, and show me around his neighborhood. I promise I’ll be careful. Anyway, Miguel said that he would be my guardian angel and protect me.” Marco visualized a sixteen-year-old kid protecting David and almost had a panic attack. “Do you want me to come with you? I can change my plans.”
“I’d love it if you could, but you need to go see your parents.”
“Yeah, I know. My father has been bugging me about getting together.”
All of a sudden Marco’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out to see who it was. “Are you coming over this afternoon?” He messaged back. “Yeah,” and then slipped it back into his pocket.
“Who was that?”
“Thomas. He wants to meet up after class this afternoon to discuss a story he’s been writing.”
“Cool.” David kissed Marco. “I’ll see you later. Have fun today. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
As soon as David disappeared around the corner Marco sent another text. “Hey, I just want to let you know that I’m free all day tomorrow too if you wanna get together again?” His body was alive with anticipation as he waited for a response. It came as he approached Philosophy Hall.
“Oh yeah ;-) Very cool. Um, I have a couple of friends who want to join us. Are you interested in a four-way?” Marco smiled. “Hmm…sounds fucking hot. Can’t wait.”
“Cool, I’ll let them know ;-) Now go learn something.”
“I’ll try, but it’s gunna be hard.”
“Yeah. I like it hard, and so do you ;-)
CHAPTER 40
FRIDAY EVENING
Marco lay on David’s bed waiting for him to finish showering. He dreaded going to Jordan’s with him. Everything was getting way too complicated and he didn’t know what to do. Instead of trying to get his life under control, Marco let his mind replay his secret afternoon of sex. It was so perfect because there was no emotion involved. Just two bodies giving each other sexual pleasure.
Then guilt and jealousy brought him back to reality. He knew Jordan wanted to take David away from him. He wanted to use David to get off, just like they were doing with each other. He knew Jordan was using the study group as a ploy to achieve his goal. The only thing that kept Marco from going insane was knowing that David would never cheat on him.
A couple of minutes later David came out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist and walked over to the bed. “You look very enticing in that position.”
“So do you sexy boy.” Marco pulled the towel off, exposing David’s semi-hard dick. He sat up and began kissing David’s bellybutton and gently stroking him. “Let’s stay here and make love just the way you like.”
“You know I’d love to. I promise we’ll leave after an hour, and then we can finish this, ok?” David bent down and kissed Marco.
They walked out of Hartley hand and hand, filling each other in about their day. When they got to the end of the sidewalk, David started walking toward the Broadway exit.
“Hey, where are you going?”
David stopped. “Jordan said his apartment is on 112th Street and Broadway.”
“What’s the address?”
“234”
“Let’s take a shortcut,” Marco suggested. They headed to the campus exit on 114th Street instead. A minute later they were on Amsterdam Avenue walking towards 112th Street. As soon as they turned onto 112th they saw the address on a green canopy one building away. “Wow, how did you know it was so close to Amsterdam?”
“I’ve lived here my whole life silly, so I know how the numbers work.”
The doorman acknowledged Marco with a nod and then let them in. Marco was unusually quiet on the ride up to the twelfth floor. “Thanks for coming with me. It means a lot,” David said, as he squeezed Marco’s hand.
“You’re welcome. Anything for you.”
Marco stood nervously behind David as he knocked on Jordan’s door. No one answered, so he knocked harder because the party seemed to already be in high gear. A few seconds later it opened and there stood Marna with a flirty smile and a drink in her hand. “David,” she said, in a giddy voice, and then proceeded to give him a hug while looking over his shoulder at the most gorgeous guy she had ever seen. She kissed David on the cheek and asked, “Is this the guy that makes your heart go pitter patter?”
“Yes. Marna, I’d like you to meet my boyfriend Marco.”
“I’m happy to finally meet you. You’re all David talks about when he’s not talking about math.” Marco tried his best to smile before receiving her awkward hug. “It’s nice to meet you Marna.”
They locked eyes for a split second. Marco knew she knew. “Come with me boys.” She put her arm around David’s waist and guided him into the living room as Marco followed close behind.
The living room was packed with people in full party mode as Radioactive
by Imagine Dragons blasted away. Marco scanned the room trying to find Jordan, and that’s when some guy tapped him on the shoulder and passed him a blunt. He turned around so David couldn’t see and took a couple of hits off it, then he passed it back. “Thanks. I needed that.”
“Anytime. My name is Cole.”
“I’m Marco.”
“I’ve seen you around campus.”
“Cool. Excuse me, but I have to catch up to my boyfriend.”
“Let me know if you need a couple of hits later. I’ll save a blunt just for you.”
“Thanks.” Marco’s slid his fingers down Cole’s forearm and smiled, then he worked his way through the crowd and caught up with David. At that point, Marna introduced them to everyone. A few seconds later Joshua walked up and gave David a hug. “I’m glad you decided to show up.”
“Me too. I’ve wanted to hang out, but I’ve been kind of busy. Joshua, this is my boyfriend Marco.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Joshua, nice to meet you too.”
“Can I get you guys something to drink?” he asked.
“No thanks,” David said. Marco wanted something strong, but held off. “I’ll have something in a little while. Thanks.”
“No problem. Excuse me while I go and make myself one.”
Two seconds later someone announced that the appetizers were being served. Marco turned around and saw Jordan and another guy placing two large trays of food on the dining room table. His heart beat frantically thinking about how good Jordan had made him feel just a few hours earlier.