The Matchmaker - 9. Chapter 9 - The Aftermath

Now, where do I start? It's been a few days and I can already tell that the last weekend changed my life forever.

Sarah did not kill herself, let me get that out of the way. Nor did anyone I told you about in this story. Despite what she and I have been through (or maybe because of it), we've been making attempts to start talking again. We've learnt way too much about each other to just reset our relationship but we started building the bond upon the conspiracy we were sharing.

I should probably hate her. She toyed with my emotions and almost broke my heart to get laid with a gay dude. But she was being toyed with, too and in the end, I can't blame her. Alright, maybe I can but I can also forgive her.

I should also mention that Sarah dropped in school popularity rankings and now she’s on her way to becoming an outsider. I mean, she still is Sarah and her circle of friends didn't abandon her but ever since we broke up, even her closest friends started wondering if something is wrong with her.

In other news, James Mitt talked to me. Not once, not twice, but three times this week. He said he had no idea about the scale of Torry's manipulations but he still felt guilty. He said there's something about Torry that makes you want to do his bidding, no matter how crazy it seems. I'm not exactly in a position to take a moral high ground here.

Anyway, the weird thing I noticed is that I liked talking to him. We chatted about school and stuff and I learned that he's into history, just like me. And I don't mean that he likes it at school. He's read a billion books about the USSR, especially the Stalin regime. I liked that period as well but James turned out to be an actual expert on the subject.

We liked talking to each other so much that we repeated that for two days in a row. Since I suspended my friendship with Torry, there's been a position open for my big, tall friend and so far James ticked all the required boxes. I don’t think he knows I like boys too.

Speaking of which, you're probably wondering what's up with Dex. I have to admit that we sobered out a little after we had sex that other night. We had a serious conversation and decided we're both not ready for a relationship and that we should stay friends, maybe meet other people. It was very mature of him to take it so well. We haven't talked for a while but I consider playing Fortnite with him this weekend.

You should've seen your faces! Just kidding. I can't believe you fell for that. Dexter and I are so together! Am I getting bad habits from Torry?

So yeah, we’re a couple. My mom and my sister came back home on Sunday so it wasn't possible to arrange another sleepover.

We spend afternoons by the river, cuddle, and talk. Dex has to be home by 8 pm so I spend evenings watching TV with the family but really all I do is text with the boy.

***

We're watching some dumb movie. Or should I say, it's playing in the background because my mom is reading a book and the rest of us are doing stuff on their phones. At the moment, I'm just fidgeting with it and waiting for Dex to reply to me.

"Oh Kev," dad says suddenly, "I ran into Torry's brother after work today. He said he had seen us coming back from the fishing trip the other day and asked me if he could go the next time we go. What do you think, boy?"

"Uhm, sure," I say meekly but my eyes go wide.

"Cool. It's gonna be raining this weekend so maybe the next one?"

"Sounds good, count me in," I say casually but my heart beats faster.

I make sure my mom and my sister are looking away and I draw a heart with my fingers in the air and mouth "I love you" to dad. He just smiles and waves his hand.

***

The next day, I invite Dexter over. I tell my folks we'll be playing a game. Mom asks why am I not hanging out with Torry anymore. I say he's got a girlfriend and doesn't have time for me. I think she's still unhappy about me breaking up with Sarah and looks like she's about to make a mocking comment but she says nothing.

I don’t want to lie to her but I didn't know what else to say. I should have planned it a little better. And I should probably tell her about Dexter soon. I don't think she'll be mad but my relationship with her is much more official than with dad. Maybe I'll ask dad how to handle it.

Dex comes after school and we hang out in my room. Apart from kissing and gentle petting, we don't do much. The door to my room doesn't have a lock and it's not unusual for my mom to just rush in without knocking if she thinks she needs something urgently.

But being with him is enough for me even if I'm horny and having a semi all day. We do end up playing a game but we maintain some sort of physical contact at all times. At first, he just sits next to me on my bed but after a moment he makes himself more comfortable, lies back and rests his right leg on my lap. I don't mind.

I really do have to tell my mom and perhaps make it clear that I want to start having private time with Dex in my room. Even if we get to do something on the fishing trip, my balls will explode if I don't get to have sex with him regularly. I'm 15, it's not like I'm a kid. And not like any of us can get in trouble aka pregnant.

Eventually, it's 8 pm and he has to go. We gently kiss goodbye and hold each other for a minute. But then I give him a sly grin, put my hand on his chest and with a swift push, I pin him to the wall. Then I attack his mouth with my tongue. We make out passionately and even bite our lips gently. I slide my hand underneath his t-shirt and hungrily feel his hot skin.

I stop kissing him for a second to see his face. Dex is all red and panting and there's this unmistakable desire in his eyes. I reach down for confirmation and yep, he's hard as rock. Just as I am.

"I wanna rape you so much right now, Dex," I say, out of breath.

"I want it too, Kev," he says, "is it still a rape if we both want it?"

"What's a little rape between friends?" I smile.

"Oh, shut up already," he says and kisses me again. He moans when I dare to pin him even a little harder to the wall and put my hand gently on his throat to assert my domination. I think he likes it. I'm not into sadistic stuff, believe me. I'm just experimenting a little to find out what turns him on. Better yet, what turns us both on.

And what we’re doing seems to be turning us on a lot. Dexter's body gets a little soft and limp and I'm practically holding him and still pressing him against the wall when we kiss. My hand is on his crotch and he rubs me with his. I’m about to have an accident. A moment later I'm losing strength and we both slowly collapse on the floor. We're both panting and smoothly go from kissing to licking each other. Yes, I lick his face like ice cream and it's so good to see that he wants the same thing.

After a minute, we contain ourselves a little bit.

"It's gonna be so epic next time we can do it, Kev," he whispers.

"You have no idea, baby," I say. My dick is hard and my eyes are foggy from desire. It hurts so much that we can't fuck our brains out after this amazing foreplay.

"I have to go Kev or else I'll do something we will both regret."

I hide my disappointment as best as I can and help him to his feet. Once he's left, I lock myself in the bathroom, strip down and start jacking off. It only lasts twenty seconds and I almost faint from the biggest mess my teen cock has ever made.

Later that day, we’re watching the TV with the family again and I get a text from Dexter. My heart starts beating faster as always.

"That was amazing," he says, "I never came so fast in my life."

"And I never shot so much in my life," I write back, "too bad you weren't there to witness it."

"I didn't know you had a wild side," he says.

"I only get wild when I'm with you, winking face emoji."

"I miss you already, Kev."

"I miss you too. Want me to call you later and say goodnight?"

"Yes, please. I have to go now. Playing Fortnite with the guys."

"Sure, talk to you later, bye."

I go back to watching the movie and realize I've been grinning like a madman the entire time. I hope mom didn't notice.

***

It's Friday and I'm at school eating lunch alone. I usually eat with Dave (that guy I play League of Legends with) but he's not around for some reason.

But there's Sarah. I watch as she goes to grab her food. But then, instead of joining her girl friends, she turns away and comes straight to me.

"Mind if I eat with you today?" she asks.

I have my mouth full so I just nod and point with my fork at the chair in front of me. She sits down. I feel people looking our way. I don't even want to know what they're thinking or whispering behind my back.

"What have you been up to?" I ask.

"This and that,” she says and fixes her hair, "I saw you were talking to James a lot."

"Yeah, we talked about everything that happened. He seems like a nice dude. I thought he was dumb. And it turned out he's a history geek just like me."

"Yeah, he is. I never thought of that. If I ever date anyone ever again, I have to ask him first if he likes history."

"I don't get it. If he does, you will do what exactly?" I ask between bites.

"Nevermind, here he comes. Don't turn back."

I don't have to, because in just a few seconds he's just next to me with his food tray.

"Mind if I join you guys?"

I shrug and look at Sarah, letting her know it's up to her. She hesitates only for a second.

"Sure," she says and we move our trays a little to make room for him.

People were giving us weird looks before but now they are just staring. All conversations seem to have ceased, too. It feels weird but there's something satisfying about it.

But it's so silent that it feels awkward to talk so we all just eat in silence for a while.

"I hope you guys don't mind even more rumours starting about us after this lunch," James says under his breath.

"Like what?" Sarah asks.

"Like," he says, "that we're in a love triangle or something."

"You could say that we are," I notice, "but indirectly. I've seen you both naked after all."

"Me too," Sarah adds with a smile.

"I didn't see Kevin," James says and turns to Sarah, "is he big?"

"Don't you dare," I warn Sarah, pointing at her with a piece of steam-cooked broccoli attached to my fork.

"That's what I thought," James claps his hands and I shake my head. He's being so gay right now. "Anyway. Aren't you guys enemies after what's happened?" he adds.

"Naaah," Sarah says.

"We all got played like little kids," I shrug, "we're all victims here to some extent. And you can laugh, but I feel like I can't be mad at anyone anymore. Like if I achieved this zen-like state of consciousness, you know."

"I feel the same thing, "Sarah says. "I'm not sure if I'll ever trust a guy or fall in love again but I sort of feel like I'm above it. I don't care."

"Whoa, that's some serious relationship wisdom," James smiles.

"How about you James?" I ask, "still in love with Torry?"

"No. Well, I can't say I disliked what we did but… well okay, I still feel something for him. But he made me do things I didn't think I was capable of. It was just a little at first and then… he pushed me farther and farther."

"Tell me about it," Sarah and I say at the same time and we all snort. "And how about you, Kev?” she adds.

"Me?” I am a bit surprised. I take a moment to think about my answer. Oh what the hell. "I’m seeing someone.

Both James and Sarah give me funny looks. I find it amusing that I don’t worry anymore about what these two will think about me.

"You’re not wasting time, are you?” Sarah mocks me.

That's when my buddy Dave runs in late. He scans the room and when he finds us, his jaw drops a little. I smile and wave at him but he looks away, takes his food and sits alone at the far corner. The three of us look at each other and shrug.

I use it to steer the topic away from my relationship status. Surprisingly, they don’t press it. We have some five minutes left so we talk about school and then leave for the rest of the classes.

As soon as I leave the building, I take out my phone to call Dex. Damn, I've been missing that boy so much. But just as I'm about to dial his number, I hear footsteps and it's Dave catching up with me.

Guess I never told you much about Dave. He's been my main buddy ever since we started school. He’s not a friend and our relationship is limited to guy talk and playing games together but we get along fine. Torry used to be my true friend but he didn't go to my school so Dave was there to keep me company during and between classes. My main issue is that he ain't very smart so our conversations by definition are kept down at a certain level. In terms of appearances, Dave is a little chubby and has the most unremarkable face I’ve ever seen. He’s a decent five out of ten.

"Kevin!" he shouts, panting.

"Oh hey Dave," I say casually but I see he's probably never been less casual. He's panting and sweating in the summer heat.

"What was that in the cafeteria?"

"Meaning…"

"You and Sarah and James at one table?"

"Yeah, sorry. You weren't coming so I told them they're free to join me. And there was still room for you."

"... But… dude! You're both her ex-boyfriends! Are you sharing her now?"

"Man, no, come on. We're just friends. It didn't work out with Sarah so we're just hanging out. No hard feelings."

Dave is clearly out of words.

"You have no idea what people talk about you, do you?" He says.

"No and I don't care, Dave. What's past is past, you know?"

"You mean… you're not coming back to Sarah?" He asks.

"No way, dude. I think we shouldn't have even tried in the first place. We're not meant for each other."

"But did you fuck her?" He hisses.

"I'm not telling you that Dave. Why do you ask?"

"So… you wouldn't mind if I tried talking to her?" Dave looks at me.

I give Dave an amused look. And I hate myself for it and I burst into laughter.

"Dude, you're not anywhere near her league!"

"Oh yeah? But, of course, you are, right?" he sounds offended.

"Sorry man," I say when I calm down, "feel free to try, I won't mind. Just don't push yourself on her, she's been through a lot." If only he knew.

Anyway, I can barely contain myself imagining Dave asking Sarah out. Especially after she's been dating James and me. Like if people didn't have enough to gossip about.

"Thanks,” he says, "but you didn't have to be a dick about it, you know?"

"I'm sorry man, I didn't mean it. I'll talk to you later," I say when we get to a place when we usually split our ways.

"Cool. Wanna play the League later?" he asks.

I realise we haven't played for a while. My mind was too occupied with Dex to be able to enjoy games. Unless it was playing with Dex and serving as a footrest for the boy.

"I don't think I can, I have this… um… project I have to work on," I say. I couldn't sound less convincing if I tried.

"What project?" he asks.

As I said, he's not very smart but he's not stupid either. Now that I think of it, everything about him is average.

"Um, I…" I stutter.

But then, when I try to come up with another lie, I think instead: fuck it. I didn't go through all this shit to make excuses for what I've chosen to do with my life.

"I have a boyfriend now, Dave. I'm spending most of my free time with him," I say.

I don't know what to make out of Dave's face but it gets red and then pale.

"A boyfriend?" he manages.

"Yeah, a boyfriend. I think I'm bisexual, Dave."

"Don't tell me it's Torry?" he demands.

"No, it's not Torry. I can't tell you yet. I must check with him if it's fine. Or better yet, have him tell you himself.

"Do I know him?"

"Uh, yeah, guess you do," I admit.

"Have you been on drugs the last few weeks, Kevin?" he says, accenting almost every word.

"Not unless you call love a drug," I say and barely stop myself from laughing.

That's enough for Dave to turn around and walk away.

***

I'm lying on my bed and reading a book about Talleyrand. French diplomacy of XVIII and XIX century is something I just discovered recently and I've been visiting the library every other day to find a new book available on the subject. Luckily, there were plenty.

Dexter is resting his head on my belly and we're forming a letter T. I got pretty good at holding the book with one hand and playing with his short hair with the other. He's reading Harry Potter. Dexter read maybe ten books in total in his life and I told him we would be changing that if he wants to be with me. So obviously, I didn't make him read James Joyce or Shakespeare for starters but Harry Potter was good enough. Yeah, he didn't even read Harry fucking Potter.

It's painful that we're not having sex yet but there's something magical about it. It forces us to find so many ways of spending time together. We read, go on walks, sit by the river and hold hands, play video games, watch movies, ride bikes. It feels like being a couple and nothing has ever been more comforting and fortifying. My only regret is that we're still in the closet and we're not seeing people as a couple. But I'm working on it. I want to start with Dave who is our mutual friend or maybe Sarah.

"How's Torry?" I ask out of the blue after I finish a chapter and put my book aside.

"We're not talking much," Dex answers vaguely and turns a page.

"Why?" I give his hair a few extra strokes and he puts away his book too.

"I… I made him do something…" Dexter hesitates, "and he hasn't done it yet."

"What did you make him do?" I raise my eyebrows.

"He's done something he didn't tell you about. I'm not talking to him until he does."

"Oh, is it something bad?" I ask.

"Not inherently bad but yeah, it's very bad if he keeps it secret from you."

My mind goes racing. I'd like to claim I'm smart enough to at least come up with some theories but nothing comes to my mind.

"Why won't you just tell me?" I ask.

"I will if he doesn't," Dex says and purrs when I scratch him behind his ear, "but I'd like him to start redeeming himself and going back to society."

"He hasn't been talking to anyone, has he?" I say and place my hand on his chest.

"I don't think so. But he told me he will call you, so do tell me when he does."

"Okay. Uhm, Dex?"

"What, Kevin?"

"I talked to Dave the other day and we'll, I kind of told him I have a boyfriend."

"Oh," he just says and I can feel him tense up.

"But I didn't tell him it was you. But I would like to. We're doing so many things together and I would kinda like to show us to the world. One step at a time, I mean. But I don't want you to be my little secret. You're my boyfriend."

"I love you Kevin," Dex says, "but Dave? He's not very open-minded. Could we start with someone else? Maybe your sister. Or that girl Sarah?"

"My sister is out of the question, Dex," I say, "at least until I talk to my mom. Because if my sister knows, then everyone else on the planet Earth knows."

"And Sarah?" he asks without resistance.

"You'd be more comfortable in front of a girl?" I ask.

"Yeah, I guess."

"Then Sarah it is. I actually slipped to her and James that I’m in a relationship. No details,” I add when Dex stirs nervously.

"Sure Kev. By the way, I can't wait until the weekend…" Dex starts but then my phone buzzes and he stops.

I reach to grab it.

"It’s a text from my dad,” I say slowly.

"What does it say?” Dex looks up at me and presses my stomach painfully.

"It says Code Red!"

"What about code red, Kev?"

We learn soon enough. The door to my room open and my mom storms in just like she likes to do. But usually, I can hear her steps well before she can grab the doorknob. Not this time. She must’ve been stealthy on purpose.

She stands in the doorway and gives us a look that can mean anything. Dexter still rests on my tummy and my hand is frozen playing with his hair. Not exactly what regular friends do in their free time.

She says nothing. She stands there for maybe 5 seconds and looks offended. Not angry or sad. Offended. Then, without a word, she closes the door and leaves.

We don't move an inch and don't say anything for a while.

"That takes care of your mom," Dex says when he shakes off.

"It's not over yet," I say.

I was worried I would be panicking but with Dex by my side, I know everything will be sorted out. I only feel a tight grip on my throat when I realise our fishing trip is at risk.

Then another text from dad comes.

"Tried to warn you. Come down both of you when you're ready," I read aloud.