Trouble Plus Trouble. - 13. Chapter 13

Double The Trouble.

Chapter 13.

The speed trials were very exciting.

Coach had it all organised to run like clockwork, and when you weren't in something you were most likely helping. There was a stopwatch for every lane so that each swimmer’s time could be noted, and since there were fifteen guys in the team there were occasions when some events had two heats. Peter didn't win any of the five events he was in but he still felt great with a very close second behind Phillips in the fifty metre freestyle, breaststroke and side-stroke He got a third in the backstroke which also turned out to be the most exciting race of the day when Andy upset everyone's expectations and finished just ahead of Phillips. Peter's fifth event was the hundred metre side-stroke and once again he finished third behind Matthew and Phillips.

Matthew won every hundred metre event by a short margin and by the end of the trials everyone was agog with these results. Phillips had always been the star sprinter and now Matthew and Andy had both beaten him, and Peter was very close behind. After the longer distance swims where Kenny and Paul featured, coach sat everyone down and said how pleased he was, especially with some of the times which would be posted the next day.

"Start getting keen guys. We've got an ace team in the making and our first comp is coming up. We'll get off to a good start but you know there are two teams that will be very hard to beat. That might even be three now, because a new school with a strong reputation was admitted to the association at the special meeting last Wednesday. We also have two new events with 50 m and 100 m butterfly, so is there anyone who knows enough to have a go?"

"I will coach, and Marty will try the fifty metres."

Everyone laughed at Marty's expression when he heard Matthew say his name.

"Is that all right with you Marty?"

"Um... I guess so coach. But I don't even know how to do it."

"Good man. It looks like Matthew’s going to help you. Brent, I want to talk with you and Matthew please. Everyone else do a victory lap before you change."

There were grins and cheers as thirteen guys lined up for the team lap that Peter had heard was a kind of tradition that coach had started. The only rule was that everyone had to finish at the same time, to show that the whole team were winners. When Peter stood up at the end there were smiles all round and he felt terrific, with most of the guys clapping him on the shoulder and congratulating him for doing so well. Andy was super excited and dunked him after giving him a whack in the chest.

"Man, can you believe it? Isn't Matthew something else? Imagine me beating Phillips."

Peter looked back to where Matthew and Phillips were talking to coach and wondered why. Matthew must have seen him because he gave a quick smile.

The showers were running and the changing room full of chatter and laughter when he walked in with Andy.

"Yay Andy! Backstroke king."

Andy was grinning like crazy as he was surrounded then hoisted on Justin and Marty’s shoulders. Wow! Everyone was pleased for him. Peter watched as they paraded him round. He looked like a hero with a crowd of fans. That didn't last long. Kenny and Justin came up behind the trio and started goosing him. There was a great laugh as his butt lifted in the air in reaction. And again. Peter couldn't help laughing. Marty and Justin had grabbed Andy’s hands where he was supporting himself round their necks so he couldn’t let go, and had to sit there coping with goose after goose. Eventually he wriggled so much he slipped down between them and escaped. Not for long though. Marty prolonged the whole treatment by grabbing him from behind and marching him round the room so anyone could have a go at him. They all did, with whacks to the chest and stomach, which obviously didn't hurt much, and then Justin approached with a couple of bars of soap which he stuffed in the front of Andy’s speedos. At that stage Peter lost interest totally. He let out a squawk and leapt convulsively as one strong arm slid round his waist and another grabbed him.

"Check your bags Big D.."

Oh God. Marty was right. Why couldn't he keep his eyes out? Especially today when all along he’d been expecting something to happen.

Grope! Grope! Grope!

Peter jumped each time. Once again he was trapped by Phillips and couldn't do a thing about it. His squawks made him the new centre of attention, and in fact turned out to be his salvation, because as soon as they realised Phillips had arrived, Justin and Marty converged on him, hoisted him on their shoulders and carried him round the room for the same kind of treatment Andy had received.

Matthew arrived and he nodded towards a couple of showers which had been vacated and left on with all the high jinks. Quickly, Peter stripped his speedos off and stood under the running water. He knew that Matthew was trying to get away without any fuss.

"Bluey!"

Fat chance. And it was Andy too. In seconds Matthew was pulled from the shower and lifted on to Andy and Kenny’s shoulders so there were now two heroes being carried around. Poor Matthew. It made no difference that he was nude, except to give a more definite target when a few of them started goosing him. Oh God. Paul was rubbing a bar of soap on Matthew's wet groin and there were cheers and comments as he started to respond. The two riders were brought face-to-face then lowered to the floor, and when everyone gathered round Peter had to join the circle to see what was happening.

Straight away he knew. It was the grabbing thing, a competition between the two best swimmers of the day. Matthew wouldn't have a hope and he was already half boned, which Peter knew distracted him even though he didn't look like it. Phillips was looking pleased, at least that's how it seemed to Peter, and obviously didn't care that he was partly boned himself. Andy reckoned he liked getting boners in front of everyone to show how big he was. Before anyone gave the signal to start, his hand darted out and gripped Matthew who wasn't ready. You always had to be ready with Phillips. Phillips kept holding. There were a few laughs and comments and he still didn't let go.

"Hey! Don't wank him."

Finally, with a grin at Matthew, Phillips let go and they got ready. Peter thought it was kind of cheating because now Matthew had a full boner, but then it wasn't, because Phillips did too. Peter agreed with Andy. Phillips did like other guy’s dicks. Kenny set them going and Matthew lasted about a minute before Phillips once again had hold of him. Matthew had a funny look on his face. It was that squeezing stuff and Peter knew just how much of an affect it had and hoped Matthew could cope. A second time Matthew was caught and again Phillips’ hand started squeezing. For the third time Matthew was caught and this time he really looked out of it. Peter started to panic for him and frantically tried to think of something to do. Everyone had gone quiet and when Matthew gave a little gasp Peter thought it was over. To his total surprise Phillips let go, grabbed Matthew’s right arm and lifted it in the air.

"Bluey’s a champion."

Wow! Peter's impression of Phillips went up notches. He’d fully expected him to try and embarrass Matthew, especially after Andy had said he’d done it before, and here he was taking Matthew round the circle of watching guys to be congratulated. What a sight that was. Phillips with his great boner and Matthew with his fat one. Every guy in the room would get a close look.

"Boner check! Boner check!"

What now? There was renewed laughter as Kenny and Paul's names were called out and they were shoved into the centre of the circle. Sure enough. They both had half boners.

"Andy! Where's Andy?"

With his devil may care grin at full strength Andy stepped in as well. Oh no, he was looking straight at Peter, beckoning. Eyes turned to check Peter out and there were calls till he was pushed in as well.

"Big D.! Big D.!"

"Boner check! Boner check!"

Peter stood next to Matthew, wondering what this involved. Andy had never mentioned anything about boner checks. The six of them were lined up against the bench, and Justin, who instigated all this, moved along the line holding each person for a couple of seconds.

"Phillips and Bluey."

Phillips moved to one end of the line and Matthew quickly got the message to move next to him. David, one of the year twelves, went along the line now and his firm squeeze set Peter's blood going.

"Kenny."

Kenny moved next to Matthew and Marty started making his way down the line. When he reached Andy he gave a few extra squeezes before moving to Peter.

"Andy."

Peter wondered if all the team would move down the line. What ever happened, his name would be called next. By rights Marty could have called it this time.

"Big D.. Paul."

The six of them stood there, all the ones Andy had identified as growers, all sporting full on boners, while the rest of the team checked them out. Phillips was laughing and making comments all the time, likewise Andy. Matthew was taking it all quietly but he did have a smile. The comments got ruder as Phillips and Andy tried to outdo each other till the last person finished moving along.

"Big D.. Big D.."

The chant started.

Andy grabbed Peter’s arm and moved him to the head of the line as the calls reached a peak then suddenly stopped. Everyone was looking at him. Everyone was grinning. Everyone looked like they were waiting for something. They'd chosen him? But what did he have to do? What would Andy do? Feeling totally ridiculous, Peter held his arm up in the same gesture Phillips had made Matthew do. It seemed to work because of the smiles and the cheers that it brought. Then as if nothing had happened, the show was all over. There was a rush to the showers and general conversation and laughter built again. Peter missed out and had to wait while Justin used the shower where he’d left his soap.

 

"Good one Peter."

"You showed them."

"When are you going to wank it for us?"

"Big D.."

As different guys passed the friendly comments flowed, and a great feeling went through Peter. They did like him. All of them. He was part of the team and they were pleased about it. The embarrassment of his boner and large size suddenly dissipated. Not completely, but his logical mind told him it really didn't matter. How weird that what had caused him the most trouble at his last school was helping him here. By the time he’d rushed his shower he was almost soft, and keeping a wary eye on Phillips who was close by at the bench, Peter quickly dressed and headed out to Andy's wagon with Matthew.

"How’re you feeling Matthew?"

"It was a shock. I didn't expect Phillips to go that far. I was so close I really wanted him to keep going, even with everyone watching."

Peter nodded. He understood that feeling. He’d almost reached the same point himself the other day.

“I'm glad it was you Matthew, if you know what I mean?"

"I know, after what Phillips said on Friday I was expecting it would be you."

Andy and Marty were approaching.

"Boy, you really showed them everything today Peter."

"Very funny. How come you dragged me into it?"

"So you'd win. It's official now, you're the King Dick. They voted for you ahead of Phillips."

Official? Peter hoped it was just mucking round and didn't mean anything else.

"Hey, Matthew. What did coach want?"

Andy had just asked the question that Peter hadn't quite got round to.

"He wanted to know if I could help Phillips with his swimming."

"Ha, what did you say?"

"I said yes of course. He’s swimming with us every day for the next couple of weeks."

"Sheba. Will he get much better do you think?"

Matthew started laughing at Andy who grabbed him in a headlock.

"What's so funny rug rat?"

"You're just worried he’ll beat you in the backstroke."

"Well, will he?"

"He might, if you don't do what I tell you."

"I already do. That's how I got better."

"All right. Let me go, and stand still while I knuckle you."

"Listen to it Marty. He’s worse than Peter sometimes."

"He'll get faster Andy, but you've got more potential. If you train properly and concentrate on the backstroke he won't come near you."

"Don't I train properly?"

"Well, you're starting to."

"What about Peter? Marty and I both thought he'd beat Phillips in something today."

"So did I. He's just not strong enough yet."

Andy and Marty loved that and stirred Peter for being a weakling, runt, wuss, wimp.

After dropping Matthew off they headed to Marty's house for an hour of maths, except they didn't start for a while, because Andy wanted to talk about the afternoon’s events.

"How did you feel about it all Peter? You looked like it didn't worry you too much."

"I can’t believe it, but it didn't Andy. I thought Phillips was going to really go for me today and when he didn't I was so relieved that the boner thing wasn't too bad."

"Did you feel embarrassed?"

"A little bit, but by the end it wasn’t too bad, and so many other boners round made it easier too."

"Well Marty and I were really pleased. That was neat the way you finished up. No-one doesn't like you now. Could you tell?"

Peter nodded, remembering the smiles and friendly comments.

"You didn't really mind me dragging you into it did you? They would have caught you anyway."

"I was stirring you Andy. You always pick on me. I'm getting used to it"

"Ha, I’ll remember that. Hey, did Matthew say anything? Phillips really had him going."

"Yes, he said he was so close he didn't want it to stop even with everyone watching."

"Yeah, that's what it looked like. I wonder why Phillips stopped? What did you think Marty?"

"I dunno, I liked the way he said Matthew was a champion though."

"Everyone liked that. I think he might have let Matthew off in case we thought he was getting him back for beating him in the trials."

Peter disagreed with that and said so.

"Well it'll be interesting to see what happens when it's just the three of you training."

They worked on three-dimensional Pythagoras for the next hour.

Peter and Matthew were wondering all next day what Phillips would be like, and since Andy and Marty were doing something to the wagon and wouldn't be there, it did turn out to be just the three of them. At the beginning he carried on, stirring Peter about how he was going to check the shaving job and asking Matthew if he was ready for another grabbing game, but as soon as they started in the pool he turned serious and Peter quickly realised he was quite cluey and very conscientious about his swimming.

They all trained for a full hour then stood at the shallow end talking about what they’d done and what they would do in the future. It was different talking to him without having to be wary, and Peter couldn't help admiring his striking blonde hair and strong smooth muscles. Remembering when he'd been held by them, Peter thought he was probably stronger than Andy. He was wearing the regulation purple speedos, though from the look of him they must be a small size. They must be. While Peter was watching he made a quick adjustment. Hmm. He put himself sideways with the same effect that Peter always tried to avoid. Was he doing it on purpose? Realising he'd been looking a bit too long, Peter looked up, then was embarrassed when Phillips gave him a wink. Phillips thanked Matthew and then surprised them by offering to drive them home. That was no problem and they explained they were both going to Peter's house to study.

"You study together? That's great. I wish I could do that with someone for Lit. It sure beats studying by yourself."

"We could help you sometimes. Peter’s great at Lit."

Peter nearly fell over. He hadn't expected that.

"Yeah? Are you serious Bluey?"

"Of course I am. We can do the assignment on the class novel. Have you finished it yet?"

After some discussion they organised to meet at Matthew's place next Tuesday after training. Phillips headed for the changing room while Peter and Matthew collected their gear from the other end of the pool.

"Hey Big D! How’s your balls?"

Peter nearly fell over again. Phillips was standing with Justin and David and he was telling them how Peter had lost the bet last Friday and was meant to have shaved. It was like he was a different person to the quiet and friendly one of a minute ago. By the time he’d dumped his bag on the bench the three of them were talking about how he needed his bags checked. Peter nearly pulled his shorts on over his speedos, but that would probably be laughed at, so he stripped and moved quickly to the shower. Oh no! They were standing in front of him.

"Time for your check-up big D."

"Three of you?"

That just made them laugh and say they had to be sure. Peter didn't want to just let them go ahead, so, knowing they couldn't refuse, he turned it into a challenge, the only one he had a hope with.

"All right. But you have to get me first."

"Get you? We've got you now."

"The grabbing thing I mean."

Phillips went for it straight away but also upped the ante.

"Bluey too."

"Only if you beat me first."

"Hey, you're game tonight."

They all knew what was going to happen. Peter could see it in their faces. No one had beaten Phillips at this, and there was no reason to expect a different outcome now. They started, and in a surprise move, something like the one he'd used on Friday, Peter grabbed Phillips in the first few seconds. What to do? Peter decided on the standard three quick tugs rather than the treatment he expected if he was caught himself. Even in that time he felt Phillips grow in his grip. He released him and knew there'd be no more easy wins. Phillips’ cocky air was almost gone, replaced with heavy concentration. Thank god for all those practices with Andy and Matthew. For a minute it was a real battle, neither having any success, and Peter wondered if he'd judged badly and put Matthew in for some serious embarrassment.

God. What was he doing? Phillips kept moving closer and each time Peter backed a little, till he couldn't move because of the tiled wall. Phillips suddenly thrust himself forward so their bodies were pressed close. Flummoxed at this weird move Peter went to push him away. The push left him open and quick as a flash his semi-boner was firmly gripped. Tricked. What a clever move. He nodded in acknowledgement and was given almost a querying look in return.

Squeeze.... Slow, slow tug.

It was the rude kind of action and before the first one was even finished he understood he was going to get the works.

Again.

Again.

That was three times. Instead of letting go Phillips gave him another look.

"Time for your first check big D."

Still holding, his free hand moved in, and just as Andy had showed, cupped Peter's balls. Oh no. Squeeze... Slow, slow tug... And roving fingers which made his hips jerk in reaction.

Again.

And again.

Wasn't he going to stop? Peter felt so hard. The hands fell away and Peter quickly moved from the wall. He mustn't be caught again. The battle restarted and Peter's quick reflexes and fast learning helped him take control. Yes, he had Phillips for the second time. It was time to give him his own medicine.

Squeeze... Slow, slow tug."

Feeling very strange with it all, Peter repeated his action six times, the same as had been done to him, and gave one more for good measure. It was absolutely effective too, Phillips was looking funny and feeling so hard in Peter's hand. The competition was different now. Phillips was changed from being on the offensive to protecting himself. Occasionally Peter glimpsed the surprised look he had. Finally Peter caught him for the third time, and nearly let him go. It was definitely like a payback as a slippery substance changed the action of his hand.

One.

Two.

Three.

All of them slow and very rude movements. Was he feeling this much? He must be.

"Hey Phillips, remember you lost the bet too."

Peter's other hand closed in a loose grip and moved slowly over the tight sac. He had a sudden attack of nerves and wanted to let go, but quickly fought it off. This might be the only time he could get this message through.

Four.

Five.

Six double actions and there was a gasp. Looking up, Peter saw that Phillips had his eyes closed and his mouth slightly open. Good, one more squeeze should be enough. He let go and stepped back, then wondered if he'd gone too far. Phillips still had his eyes closed. There was silence as the four of them watched him hold his dick and turn away. After ten or twelve seconds he turned back.

"Hell Big D., you’re dangerous."

He was starting to smile though and it didn't take long for Justin and David to start asking him when he was going to finish the show.

"Any time you want to take me on Justin."

It was all apparently over and everyone had a quick shower. On the way to his car, Phillips did the big switch again, hardly saying anything till they neared an old battered heap and he turned to Peter.

"Well, I asked for that didn't I? Thanks for stopping."

He unlocked, and when they were belted up, made three attempts at starting before the engine caught properly.

"She always starts Peter. Even if you have to push."

The talk on the short trip to Peter's place was all about their Lit novel, which Phillips said he'd be finishing on the weekend, then he thanked Matthew again and said he'd see them tomorrow. As his car drove off Peter turned to Matthew.

"Dr Jekyll. "

"Mr Hyde."

"What did you think of him Matthew?"

Peter was eager to know this. He suspected Matthew had some reason for inviting Phillips to do the Lit with them.

"I like him Peter. You like him too don't you?"

"Yes, I didn't for a while but that was really from Andy and Marty saying so much about him and what he'd do to me."

"Well he did do those things."

"I suppose. But he was okay about it. It was when you beat him on Friday I liked him the most."

"Yes, I feel sorry for him."

Sorry? Peter couldn't figure that out.

"How come?"

"We’re all beating him Peter, and he’s worked harder than anyone on the team. Haven't you noticed he's been there every day we have? Coach says he trains on the weekends too, so it must be important to him. I kind of wanted to let him beat me because he tries so hard, but that's not fair either."

No wonder his mum thought Matthew was so special.

"Is that why you asked him to do Lit with us?"

"No, I think he's lonely."

"Matthew, he's always carrying on and laughing and joking with the guys."

"Yeah, but he sits by himself in class, and have you ever seen anyone walking out of the pool with him, or going in his car?"

"He sure doesn't look like it."

"Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde."

My God. Matthew might be right. Who would have thought it? Andy or Marty would know if he had any good friends, and Peter resolved to find out from them the next day.

"I don't think that old car of his will last much longer."

"You've got some mail Peter."

"It'll be junk mail or a bill."

A couple of gaudily colored leaflets poked from the opening of the letterbox and Peter wasn't much interested as Matthew went to collect them. He was thinking how quickly Phillips had jumped at doing the Lit with them.

"There is one for you. Who's A Wishart?"

Peter's attention fixed on the letter being held towards him.

"Amy. …From Anglesea. …You know. At the restaurant."

Wow this was interesting. They'd always said they'd write when he'd left during the holidays, but he didn't really expect it would happen. It was probably because of their trip two weekends ago. He tore the envelope open and saw there were three pages of writing. Inside the house he sat on the sofa to read while Matthew organised a snack and poured drinks from a cold bottle of ginger beer. It was all interesting and by the end of it Peter had a smile plastered all over his face, which was clearly intriguing Matthew.

"What's that goofy grin for? Have you fallen in love?"

Matthew was stirring, but it fitted in so well.

"No, but I think she has."

"Gosh, what are you going to do?"

"Not me dopey. Someone who was down there with me."

Various expressions went flashing across Matthew's face as he went where Peter was leading him.

"Bad luck Matthew, not you. Marty."

For an instant Peter had the impression that Matthew looked relieved, then they were both laughing.

"She doesn't straight out say it does she?"

"No, but half the letter’s about him and she wants to know if we’re all coming down again, and if he’s got an e-mail address, and even if we've got any photos of him."

"Oh My God. All that and she’s only met him once? She did like him though. Remember how she said he must be so strong and we stirred him about it all day? Hey, he wanted to go back to the restaurant in the evening too, and Andy said we all knew the reason for that. What are you going to do?"

"He's got an e-mail address, I know that. But we haven't got any photos and I don't know if we'll get down there again."

"Let's talk Andy and Marty into it."

"Marty would have a fit. He'd be all embarrassed."

"We could make it a surprise for him."

"Matthew. That's evil."

Maybe Peter was saying it was evil, but he was already planning it in his mind.

"What about photos? Where would we get some? From Andy?"

"No, if Andy knew about it he couldn't resist stirring. You know what he’s like. Dad’s got a digital camera I could use. If we take it everywhere we’ll get stacks of pictures. We can act like we’re mad about taking photos and they'll just think we're being geeky as usual."

"Matthew Peck. You're too sneaky."

Matthew returned the sentiment and over their snack and cool drink the two conspirators laid their plans. Up in Peter's bedroom they talked more, particularly about the shower-room stuff.

“I thought we were in for it Peter, when he grabbed you this afternoon. Did you think you could beat him when you started?"

"I wasn't sure, but Andy gave me so much practice I thought it was worth trying."

"It gave him a shock. I wonder why they do so much sex stuff?"

"I know. Andy reckons it won't happen so much once they know where everyone fits in."

"Ha, like pecking order with chooks you mean? Well, you're the rooster now."

"Yeah. …Well Matthew, you're the Peck."

"Idiot. What are we going to study first?"

Peter wasn't quite ready for study.

"How strong will I have to get?"

"What?"

"You said I wasn't strong enough for swimming."

"Oh, did I say the wrong thing? Of course you are. ...In about three weeks well."

He grinned and grabbed Peter.

"When you can beat me a wrestling. ...Without those sneaky holds."

A quarter of an hour later, dishevelled but happy, they finally got started on their study.

Beth arrived, and after their hugs and a short talk they went back to work, which except for their meal kept on till ten-thirty. Peter could work like that quite easily, and with Matthew there the time passed twice as quickly. While Matthew had his shower, Peter set up the mattress next to his bed. It was his turn to sleep on it, since they'd made an agreement to take turns. Then, back from his shower, he wanted to show off so he slipped on the jocks that Andy said looked good. After all, Matthew had chosen them.

"Wow Peter, they look terrific."

"You like jocks don't you? I mean the look of them."

"I like the feel of them too. What about those? Do they feel good?"

"Um, they make me feel kind of rude."

"They look it too. You could be a model for the ads."

"You reckon? You'd be much better as a model than me."

"No way."

Peter grabbed the red pair from his drawer and tore the still unopened packet apart.

"Go on, try them."

Matthew jumped out of the bed and swapped his blue jocks for the new red ones. Peter laughed.

"See, we’re both models now."

Carrying on, Matthew made a pose then opened the cupboard door with the mirror on the inside.

"Boy, they sure show you off don't they?"

"Keep them Matthew. You like them, I know. Or would you like these blue ones better?"

Matthew called him an idiot, there was a lot of that going round tonight, but he kept the jocks. Peter now took his own jocks off and looked at Matthew. He was almost certain he'd read this right when they were talking earlier.

"What?"

"Come on, you need to practice. It worked for me with Andy."

"You don't mind do you Peter? I feel all right with you."

"Of course not. I feel the same."

Matthew didn't have a hope, and time after time Peter caught hold of the thick boner waving in front of him. He only gave one tug each time before letting go. Matthew was getting better though and they could both sense it. Secretly Peter wanted to feel Matthew's hand on him, so he started the one hand behind his back idea.

"This is what Andy made me do to even things up when I got better than him. I think it was the main thing that helped me improve."

It evened things up so much that Matthew was successful a few times and he kept improving. They stopped, Peter because his feelings got too strong, and he was sure Matthew was the same, and agreed to have a few more practices as they climbed into bed.

"What are you thinking about Matthew?"

Matthew had gone quiet, which he did occasionally, and Peter was wondering why. There was a soft laugh and Matthew rolled close to the edge of the bed to look down.

"I was thinking about you."

He stopped there, which still left Peter wondering.

"Hey, you have to tell me more than that."

"Well I wanted to give you a hug for being my friend, but it's awkward at the moment."

"Because you've still got a boner?"

"Yes."

"I don't mind, I like your hugs. And I'm used to your boner."

"You mean you want me to hug you now?"

"Yes, we'll still have the sheet between us."

Matthew slid down next to Peter, gave him a strong hug, then let go.

"Don't let go. I want a long hug."

"How long?"

"I'll tell you."

Matthew's arms replaced themselves behind Peter's back. They felt warm and reassuring and Peter started talking.

"You're the best person I've ever known Matthew. We’re best friends aren’t we? I’ve never had a real friend since I was little. You're like magic. When we saw the shooting star together it was like you'd made it happen just for me. Mum says you’re special and she's always right, but I know you are anyway. Everything is changed so much since we came here it's like I've moved into someone else's body and no one's found out yet."

Matthew tightened his hug for a second then lifted his head.

"Everyone knows you're in the right body Peter. It's just taking you a while to get used to it. It's the best body ever."

Peter had to think about that. It was the kind of thing his mum said, except it was different because it was Matthew.

"Idiot, it's not as good as yours, or Andy’s or Marty's or Phillips’ either."

"Of course it is. The inside matches the outside."

"Matthew, you're getting too complicated."

Peter sat up and pushed Matthew down beside him.

"What?"

"Nothing, I'm seeing if you've still got a boner."

"You're looking at my boner?"

"Yes. …It's fat."

"You can talk. Yours is long as well as fat."

"I'd never even seen another one till a few weeks ago and now it's like they're everywhere."

"Well they are."

"Matthew, you know what I mean."

"Yes, it's Andy and the swimming team. If they weren't around you wouldn't see any."

"I’ve seen yours away from the team."

"That's different. I can't control it. It's nearly as bad yours."

"What makes you think I can't control it?"

Matthew obviously thought that was very funny.

"Peter, it's half a mile long right now. Show me."

"You want to look my boner?"

"You're looking at mine."

"That's because it's fat and I never seen one like it before."

"Yours is long and I've never seen one like it before."

"All right, you won't laugh will you?"

They were both already almost laughing and when Peter pulled his sheet off Matthew goggled his eyes and acted out a burst of silent hysterical laughter.

"Idiot."

Maybe it was being overworked as part of their conversation, but it was the appropriate word.

"What's it feel like to be so long Peter?"

"How would I know? What's it feel like to be so fat?"

"I see. …It just feels normal I suppose. Do you still wish you were smaller?"

"A bit. …Like you would be just perfect."

"Me? You say I'm fat."

"Yes, it makes you look kind of strong. So what size do you reckon would suit me best? "

"Well, I like you now. It's special so it suits you."

"Yeah? I used to hate it so much I wanted to cut it off."

"They say you bleed to death if you do. The blood pours out so fast your body shrinks and you turn white as a ghost."

"My God."

"I made that last bit up, but it sounds good doesn't it? Why are we talking about boners so much?"

"Um, it just kind of happened. Not really. Because I’ve never had anyone that I could say what I think to I guess."

Matthew laughed but it was a nice laugh.

"So what else are you thinking? Come on, tell me."

"How did you know?"

"Easy, I’m Merlin and I can read your thoughts."

"You say then."

"No, that spoils the mystery. Anyway it's your mind Peter."

"I wondered what you thought when you shaved me the other day. You never said anything much about it."

“It happened too quick to think about it much. Mostly I was nervous I might cut you and I was sort of annoyed that Andy got you into it."

"Why did you take so long?"

Matthew sat up with a funny grin.

"That was your real question wasn't it?"

"Um. …Yes."

"It was your fault. Your balls kept jumping round. Every time I was about to shave you they'd move, and I had to try and get them in a safe position again. Watch."

Peter jumped when Matthew’s finger pressed against one of his balls.

"Did you feel yourself move?"

"You gave me too much of a surprise."

"Stay still and I’ll do it once more."

This time Peter was ready, and at the soft touch both his balls tightened and sort of tried to run around in his sac.

"See, it's like they've got little motors or something. Hey, was Phillips shaved?"

"I don't know."

"You checked him out though."

"I did but I was too busy concentrating to notice properly. He's tricky."

"Not then he wasn't. You tricked him."

"How long before your boner goes away?"

"Look who's talking Mr Big."

" Mr Fat."

"Mr Long."

"Mr Strong."

"Idiot. ..Thanks for the jocks."

"Have you finished talking about boners yet?"

"Peter. You're a pot."

"A pot? I don't get that."

"The one that called the kettle black."

"You're the pot Matthew."

"Why?"

"I can see your handle."

"Rude. ..You're the kettle then."

"Go on. …Say it."

"’Cause you're on the boil."

Peter groaned and laughed at the same time, then asked Matthew for his goodnight tickle.

Your what?"

"You know. What you do at your place."

"All right, pull the sheet over us first. You're distracting me with that big pot handle."

Peter jumped up and switched the light off before diving under the sheet.

"Now, close your eyes and tell me when you've gone to sleep."

Peter giggled. He loved the way Matthew said funny things like that.

The end of chapter 13.

Iarwain.