Tales of the Underground: Crestfallen - 41. The Golden Child

I looked at the two adults in front of me, as I held their son closely. I want them to know how important he is to me, that he’s number 1 in my life. I’ll prove it to them this weekend, I’ll show them that I’m taking their son to great places.

As they began to walk out I held onto Jayden a little tighter and slowed his pace “You mad?”

“No.” he shook “That was all just, it wasn’t easy to match.”

“I know…thank you for being here for me.” I comforted, resting against him “I love having you here, and at my wrestling matches.”

He lightly nodded “I love being there for you…it’s just hard sometimes.”

I laid a quick kiss on his head “I know.” I exhaled a deep breath “But J I’m going to the top, to the very top, and I’m taking you with me.”

“It’s a long fall from up there.” He muttered nervously

“Then let’s learn to fly!” I exclaimed letting him go.

He shook his head “What am I going to do with you”

“Hopefully marry me eventually.” I teased with a smile.

He quickly laid a big kiss on my lips before heading to the door “Just 8 more years until that.”

“6!” I argued “Don’t make me get you pregnant and have a shotgun wedding!”

He turned and exhaled an embarrassed laugh “Love you” he finally let out, running out of the door.

I giggled to myself and finally went back to my corner to get cleaned up.

“Love is in the air.” My trainer taunted as I did my best to get all the sweat off me.

“Hey, talking about my boyfriend is off limits!” I yelped

“Alright, alright.” He laughed “Just don’t grow up too fast on us, I like having you around to train.”

“You’re not following me all the way?” I poked

“There are much better trainers that can get you much further than I can.” He shrugged

I shook my head “This is the team I started with…if I make it to the UFC in 5 years….well this is the team I want to finish with.”

He nodded his head “The dreams of a child.”

“Throw on some gloves and we’ll see who the real child is!” I taunted in good fun.

He gave me a good shove and walked back towards the offices “I’ve been sparring with you since you were a boy, I know all your flaws, don’t forget that!”

“I don’t have any!” I laughed as he faded into the small office.

I felt a big shove push from behind me as I took the remaining tape off my hands “You’re a fuckin maniac!” Henry shouted “That was absolutely brutal!”

“Thanks.” I giggled

“God damn! I didn’t know you could hit someone like that…it’s just…wow!” he exclaimed, still excited about the fight.

“Well believe it!” I smiled “I’m making moves, next fight should be semifinals, then the title fight, I’m not slowing down.”

Ivy shot me a skeptical look before shaking her head “Thin ice” she reminded

“Don’t worry I know how to swim.” I spit back, teasing her a bit “I’ll be careful.” I exhaled, giving her a serious answer.

She nodded and led Henry out to the car. I grabbed my gym bag, and took a deep breath, looking around the huge warehouse. I could be the first big fighter out of this gym…the kids in generations to come…they could look around like I am, saying they want to be just like me. I nodded to myself and walked out of the big double doors.

The second I hit the open air a big puff a cigarette smoke covered my face ”Oh! What the fuck!” I exclaimed, not able to see the offender.

“Sorry.” Eli grumbled “I had no idea you were walking out.”

“Smoking really?” I poked “I thought you were trying to be a good role model.”

“I am” he sighed “This helps curb everything else, can’t be drinking if I’m smoking all day.”

“Eli, I don’t know…”

“It’s alright.” He hushed “I’ll cut smoking once I get control over drinking; this isn’t permanent, just the best way for me to transfer addictions.”

I shot him a concerned look “I don’t think that’s how that works.”

“So far so good.” He shrugged.

“So you haven’t drunken anything since?”

“I mean I buckled a few days ago, but other than that no.” he exhaled, taking another puff.

I nodded “and the pills?” He shifted his gaze down to the ground “the pills?” I repeated

“I’m working on that alright?” he breathed, trying not to get aggravated.

I nodded and forced a smile “Please, if anything…”

“Don’t worry, I’ll let you know.” He flicked the cigarette from his hand and smiled “That was one hell of a knockout tonight.”

“So people keep saying.” I laughed, trying to put my worries behind me.

“Its funny, I’ve seen you beat a man’s face in, but when it’s in a cage.” His cold blue eyes stared me down “When it’s official, it just feels so…so real.”

“It is real.” I shrugged

He snickered and leaned further against the wall “I know, but like, I don’t know…I guess I still can’t believe what you can do…what happens if you lose control?”

“I never lose control.” I lied trying to play off the question.

“Never?” he poked, reading right through me.

“Alright, but only once.” I sighed “Last time we we’re in the underground…when I was bashing out that guy’s teeth, I couldn’t stop myself…I…I guess I needed to prove I could do it.”

He nodded, understanding what I was saying “You’re a hell of a wrestler, and an even better fighter, you don’t need to prove shit.” I let out a deep breath and shook my head in disagreement “Oh I forgot fags can’t be good at sports.” He instigated, our eyes locked as he tapped into my biggest insecurity “You think who you love determines how strong you are?” he reached out and shoved me in the chest “Well get that crap out of your head! You’re 36-0, start acting like it!”

“It’s just….” I began “What if I’m not strong enough?”

He shook his head “Strong enough for what?”

“For whatever storm comes my way!” I argued

Eli bodied me as he began to walk to his car “You don’t see it.” He snickered “You don’t need to be strong enough to withstand a storm…you are the storm!” he barked “I get it, gay athletes…we have to work twice as hard just to be taken seriously, but we’ll do it with a smile on our face, and a big fuck you to anyone who doubts us.” He looked back and I saw a fire burning within “For the kids who can’t handle the burden…we’ll carry it for them.”

I nodded in agreement “For them.”

“Get a good night’s sleep Rook, you’ve earned it.” He yelled, slamming the car door behind him.

I waved over Perry and climbed into the back of the car. Brooke tried to talk to me about the fight, but I was just too distracted. Eli’s words began to hit me harder and harder as the fire that fueled me only burned brighter. I have to carry the torch…I have to lead the way….gaining the belt was never for my own gain, but to prove to all the kids like me that we can do it…that we can make it. Now more than ever I want that damn belt, I want that damn title, and I want everyone who tries to take it to know that a goddamn queer owns it.

The whole rest of the week I trained with a new hunger, whenever I hit my limit I remembered who I was fighting for…why I was fighting. I was even able to convince Jayden to come for added encouragement. Seeing him there watching…it just gave me a whole new tank to tap into, I never want to let him down…never.

When I wasn’t training my body, I was training Jayden for the dinner on Saturday night. I threw everything I could at him, questions about his birth, his upbringing, his family, his grandparents, his religion, his interests, his dreams…everything. The people at this dinner aren’t going to play nice, they aren’t going to go easy, especially not on Robert Taylors’ son and his date.

Whether we were ready or not Saturday night quickly reared its ugly head and I found myself standing outside of Jayden’s front door, suit and all. I couldn’t help but feel confidence engulf my stance, I love dressing nice, I love styling my hair…I just love looking good. As the front door finally squeaked open I felt my heart freeze.

“Holy crap” I let out taking in the image of the figure in front of me. The slim fit suit tightly hugged his body as his vest and black tie perfectly complimented the white button up shirt underneath. He must have gotten a haircut this afternoon because his now shortened hair perfectly grazed his forehead, exposing his deep brown eyes and freckles. I took in a deep breath as I felt my knees grow weak “Ugh…ugh…H-hi J”

He rolled his eyes “Cut it out Aidan, I don’t need to be patronized.”

“No you…you…wow” I exhaled breathless of the guy in front of me.

A smile grin grew on his face “Come on, cut it out.”

“You look stunning.” I breathed, still in shock “I-I’m not playing games Jayden, you looked beautiful.”

The grin grew into a sheepish smile “You’re not so bad looking yourself” he teased “Come on, Mom wants a quick picture before we head out.”

As I walked into the familiar house I saw both his parents standing and smiling. They were both dressed appropriately, but it was clear they were trying their hardest to look nice. I threw my night bag to the side of the room, remembering that I had promised Jayden I would stay the night in return for him coming.

“Can you believe how good Jayden looks?” I asked, still in awe of my boyfriend. MY boyfriend! He’s mine!

“He cleans up nicely.” His mom giggled “It’s just too bad he never wants to clean up!”

“Yeah well for a fifteen hundred dollar suit, he better look nice.” His dad muttered, still unhappy we wouldn’t let him pay.

We got in closely as his mom quickly snapped a picture on her phone “Alright boys, be good, we’ll see you there.” She smiled “Oh and Jayden!” she quickly gasped, pulling out a small black disc.

“No, no ani lo rotseh” he spoke trying to shut it down.

I smiled, and reached out for it “It’s okay J, see it even matches your suit.”

He muttered something to himself before clipping it onto the top of his head. I smiled at the finishing touches of my date for the night, and saw even more approval radiate off his parents.

“Jayden derech eretz” His dad reprimanded.

“Kenn aba” Jayden grunted as though they had already spoken about the topic. We made our way out of the house and to the black Rolls Royce waiting outside “That’s not your car.” Jayden exhaled in surprise.

“Yes it is.” I giggled “My dad usually takes it, but he wants his kids to arrive in style tonight.”

I opened the door for him and saw further wonder fill his face as he took his seat. I quickly ran around the other side and joined him in the back.

At first Brooke took a glance through the rearview mirror, but after taking a 2^nd and 3^rd take she finally turned around to look at him. “No, that’s not Jayden.” She shook in disbelief.

“Yes it is.” I giggled, grabbing onto his hand.

She shook her head once more “No that’s not the kid from my math class…that’s…. that’s not fair!”

His face slowly turned red “Well you better believe it is!” I smiled

“What the hell do you see in Aidan anyway?” she demanded. He shrugged his small shoulders and giggled. She let out a long deep groan and turned back around “Unbelievable!”

“I told you you looked good.” I laughed, admiring the teenager next to me.

Once more a bashful smile overtook his face “I-I…I’ve never gotten this much attention.”

“You look good J.” I encouraged “Like stunning good.”

As we drove to the event hall I could tell the moment was getting to Perry. He kept looking in the mirror and staring at the both of us. It was as though he had been dreaming of this moment, of seeing me so happy.

When we finally pulled up he reminded us of our manners and straightened up my tie “You’re growing into an amazing young man Master Aidan.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you.” I smiled

He went to respond but no words came out. We nodded and went our separate ways, both knowing how much that small moment meant.

As we reached the large banquet room I felt the nerves begin to radiate off Jayden “It’s okay” I quietly comforted “I’m here with you ever step of the way.” He nodded but didn’t say anything “You ready to meet my parents?”

“I don’t think I’ll ever be.” He exhaled looking over at me

I couldn’t help but laugh at his innocence “That’s the right answer.” He nodded to me, and I led him through to big hall and all the way to the front, where a large table stood. I heard my father’s booming voice coming from a table in the middle of the room but didn’t bother to turn around. “Mom” I called out as she approached the table.

“Yes, this is our table Aidan.” She dismissed, not even looking over.

“No Mom, look…There’s someone I’d like you to meet.” I urged, trying to keep it together. She picked up her head, and stared at the guy standing by my side. “Mom, this is my boyfriend Jayden.”

“This is your boyfriend.” She let out in shock “When did you start dating him?”

“For a while now…I told you about him” I let out in a breath of frustration

“Wait, this is the same boyfriend?” she asked in shock.

“Yes mom, this is Jayden Sanders.” I repeated.

She shook her head and shook his hand “Wow, you are not at all what I imagined…wow…you sure you want to date my son?”

“Yes ma’am” Jayden quickly replied, doing his best to fake confidence “There aren’t many guys out there like Aidan.”

“Well okay then!” she exclaimed, seeing someone else in the crowd she’d rather be talking with “I’ll catch up with you both later, it was nice meeting you Jordan!”

“It’s Jayden!” I corrected as she walked away.

“Bitch” Brooke mumbled taking her seat at the table.

I tilted my head towards her in agreement “She’s going to do that all night…I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Jayden smiled “She seems nice.”

“And bears seem cuddly” Brooke snickered

“Good evening men.” I heard my dad roar from behind us.

We both quickly turned around and looked at him “Dad, this is my boyfriend Jayden Sanders.”

Jayden reached out a trembling hand and shook “I’ve seen you at the fights if I’m not mistaken.”

Jayden went to nod his head but stopped “Yes sir.”

“Well that suit fits you perfectly.” My dad complimented “I’m glad you could join us tonight.”

“I’m glad I could come sir.” Jayden responded “My dad has actually been working for you for over twenty years.”

“Sanders…Sanders.” My dad thought over “What property?”

Jayden racked his brain trying to think of the answer “The apartment building out on west orange.”

“Ah Daniel Sanders.” My dad replied “One of my first managers if I’m not mistaken. Your father is one of our best workers. I would have thought of the name earlier, but as you can imagine the years and stress haven’t been good on my memory.”

“I understand.” Jayden nodded

“I’ll have to go seek him out and say hello later tonight.” My dad encouraged “You seem like a very smart boy I’m sure he’s proud.”

“He is.” I interrupted “Jayden’s a grade level above in almost all his classes.”

My dad made an approving face and nodded “Once more my instincts prove right, anyway please make yourself comfortable, and enjoy the evening.”

“Yes sir” Jayden responded, as my father walked back into the crowd to greet more people “He seems nice.” I gave him and blank stare and escorted us to our seats next to Brooke “What? Did I say something wrong?”

“No you played it perfectly” Brooke exhaled “But our dad, he’s…”

“He’s a shark.” I finished “He’s a negotiator, he knows how to play people, and get what he wants. You have to be very very careful around him.” I warned. Jayden nodded trying to understand, but I knew he didn’t “Just don’t talk to him unless I’m with you.”

“Why you know how to negotiate?” he giggled

I went to speak but Brooke interrupted “Our Dad has been grooming Aidan ever since he was a little kid; Aidan is just as good at manipulation.”

“Gee thanks” I muttered

“It’s true.” Brooke shrugged “Not my fault you turned out to be the golden child.”

“Aidan’s the golden child?” Jayden asked, getting to see a new side of me.

Brooke scoffed at the question “Oh yeah, watch how many board members come over to speak to him, or how much my dad brags about him. For a father and son who don’t get along…well they sure can get on the same page real quick.”

“He gets it.” I growled, wanting her to shut up.

“It’s alright Aidan.” Jayden giggled “I know you; I know what you are, and what you aren’t.”

“You better.” I exhaled, beginning to relax once more.

As the night went on I saw a different part of Jayden, one that seemed to actually fit my father’s demands. One that could fake the confidence he needed and play the part. There were a few times I thought he was going to slip when board members came over, but he found a way to keep it together and push through.

Finally when the food started to come out, my parents and other important members of the company joined us at the large table.

“Excuse me.” My father announced, banging his fork against his glass “As the food comes out I’d like to take a second to remind everyone that it is your hard work that makes it possible for us to gather and celebrate another great year as a company. From the heads of sanitation, to the property managers, to the various chief executives, Taylor Properties would not exist without each and every one of you.” He paused to look around “When I started this company as a young man I never imagined it would come this far. Yet here I stand, at a table with my beautiful family and the various board executives that have helped me get here. In fact, every day I look at my children and am reminded of how much I have to be thankful for. My beautiful daughter Brooke who excels at everything she achieves in life, especially when it comes to her wonderful singing voice.” I heard Brooke snicker at his empty words

“My son Aidan who is joined tonight by his boyfriend Jayden, whose father Daniel Sanders has been with us for more than 2 decades.” My dad looked towards the back to where the managers were sitting “Daniel, you have an amazingly intelligent son, he’s taking courses above his grade level for those of you wondering.” My dad paused, and I discreetly held onto Jayden’s hand “Of course, it is no shock to me and my wife that my son would bring home such an accomplished boyfriend. As many of you remember, he is an active MMA fighter with a black belt in kickboxing, red belt in Muay Thai, and has most recently become a varsity wrestler at Bellmont High. In fact, he now has an MMA record of 36-0, and has worked to put himself within striking distance of the league’s first ever lightweight title.” He paused as applause filled the air.

“We could learn a lot from these 3 amazing kids. The most important of these lessons is learning how to be accepting of one another. Here at Taylor Properties we don’t discriminate based on color, sexuality or creed.” I squeezed Jayden’s hand tightly as I finally saw his end game “I want to lead this company into a new age, one that gives housing for all people. Regardless of who you are, or where you have been. You see that is our new mission going into the next year, and my new challenge to each and every one of you. Learn from our amazing kids here, go out there, and make us a proud company which breaks down the rising walls of prejudice and discrimination. Together we can accomplish amazing things. Thank you, and enjoy the rest of your evening.”

As my father sat down the tables around us slowly began to rise for a standing ovation. I took a breathe and was forced to follow their lead, once more playing the act of the proud son. As I went to sit our eyes locked, and I knew I had lost the nights battle. The reason he invited Jayden, and dressed him up nicely wasn’t to try and show him this life style, but to parade us around as a heartwarming message and direction. I discreetly lifted a lip and sneered at him, but quickly dropped it so no one else would notice.

“So Aidan, still undefeated?” One of the board members poked from across the table “I fear you’re just as deadly a negotiator as a fighter.”

“I’m still learning the ropes” I politely smiled

“Is that so?” He asked looking towards my father “So there’s hope you’ll take over the company after all?”

“I’m not sure about all that, my main objective right now is the UFC.” I clarified “but if I never get there, I want to become a marine.”

“A Marine?” he repeated “That’s very honorable of you. I have connections at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania if you’d like.”

“Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind, but right now my number one is West Point.” I nodded

“Oh no, you misunderstood.” He started, sitting up “Valley Forget has elementary and high school programs. If you’re really serious about this we could get you in next semester, I’m sure they would accommodate you being an MMA fighter as well.”

I looked to Jayden then back to the board member “No thank you sir, I think I’m happy where I am now.”

“Just keep it in the back of your mind.” He instructed growing more serious “A boy like you has a very huge future ahead of him. You should really begin to plan.”

“I will sir, but right now my hearts here in Short Hills.” I reiterated “In my boyfriend, in my gym, and in my high school team.”

“Careful son, loyalty can lead you to dark places.” I felt the conversation began to tip as my father took interest. He peered at the board member then me, eager to see how the conversation would carry out.

I nervously laughed at first, but quickly recomposed myself “That’s the complicated thing about loyalty then isn’t it?” I looked up and tilted my head “But depending on your definition of dark places, I can’t imagine it ever failing me.”

“It depends where you want to go in life.” He elaborated “A lot of men who are loyal to their friends, their family members, well they rarely achieve the life you have lived so far. They don’t get Armani suits, and Ferraris.”

“So far I’ve learned there’s much more to life than suits and cars, wouldn’t you agree?” I provoked, gaining some ground.

“The innocence of youth” he let out a deep breathe “Oh to be young again. There is more to life; however it can’t be achieved by staying in this town forever.”

“Why’s that?” I pounced, trying to further rattle him.

“Well son, if you remain loyal to this town your whole life, you’ll never go out and gain the experiences you need to reach the next level.” He fixed his tie, and sat up “You won’t make the money your father makes.”

“The more I see, the more I realize money corrupts men.” I took a breathe and looked him dead in the eyes “What good is money if you have no one to share it with? What good is a Ferrari if you have no one to ride in it with?”

“I believe you know the answer to that question.” He smugly answered ”You know the prestige and power that wealth can bring.”

“I know the loneliness it can bring.” I corrected “It’s fun to dress nice, to put on an Armani suit and ride in a Bentley with my boyfriend, but it’s even more fun to go to a diner at 11 pm. I’m not interested in wealth and power. I have no use for any of it.” I smiled as I saw confusion enter his face “If I live my life in small house with a man I love…well that sounds a lot better to me than dying rich with no one.”

“You can have wealth and love.” He argued “The two are not mutually exclusive.”

“Well as you were talking about you a degree of selfishness to acquire wealth, no?” He nodded supporting what he had previously said “Well sir, love requires full loyalty and selflessness. If you are that loyal to money than you can never really be all that loyal to your partner.”

“I wouldn’t say that.” He fumbled “I mean look at your parents, they’re quite the happy couple.” My dad turned his head and stared at me. Our eyes locked and I immediately got the message, if I was going to challenge a board member I better win.

“They are, but they spend days apart, sometimes even weeks. Marriages like theirs come a dime a dozen.” I lied, knowing my parents were only still together because of the money involved “Loyalty may leave you in the middle class, maybe even in the lower class, but love and friendship…no amount of money in the world can buy you that.

“I would say I still have both of those things in my life, and I have a rather large amount of money.” He quickly countered, as the tables ears focused on us.

“When’s the last time you went out with your wife, or with friends? Not including work functions.” I confronted seeing a weakness.

“Well I never married, as for friends. Well with this New York merger, I’ve just been so busy; I haven’t really seen a friend in close to a year.”

“Then I believe when you said loyalty leads you to dark places, you were speaking of loyalty to money and self-worth. If my loyalty costs me millions then so be it, at least I’ll still have those around me.”

He went to argue a point but caught himself, realizing that he had talked himself into a trap. My father laughed and looked over to him “Well Walter, you should have known better than to challenge my son. He may be young, but he could sell fire in hell.”

“You’re your father’s son.” The board member exhaled, finally escaping the conversation.

Jayden looked to me and I winked, hoping he knew that the love I was talking about was him. The rest of the night went a little bit smoother. The conversation lightened up, and pretty seen they had finished talking to the kids at the table, and moved onto talking “adult” stuff.

Eventually me and Jayden slipped away and made our way to his father’s table. “Shalom Aba” Jayden let out as we got into hearing distance.

His father turned and smiled “Well look who’s gracing us with his presence.” His father teased “You sure you don’t want to stay up there with the CEOs?”

“I think I’ll pass for now.” Jayden giggled, looking around the table.

“You guys remember my son Jayden right?” Mr. Sanders announced pulling his son closer “And of course his boyfriend, Robert’s son, Aidan.”

“Hey Aidan, how about getting us all raises?” one of the men teased, welcoming us to sit with them.

“I don’t think I can swing that, but I can get my dad to stop giving those terrible speeches.” I shot back with a smile.

A few of the managers laughed, but it was clear my presence worried them “Hey this year Jayden was mentioned in it, so I’m perfectly happy.” Mr. Sanders smiled.

“Yup, we got to be the diversity card.” I teased, to the tables approval “Wasn’t that fun Jayden?”

“What do we get to be next year?” he laughed

“Well gay will probably be out by then, so you won’t be invited back.” I taunted with a smile “Maybe he’ll use Brooke for some women in power type of speech.”

The table slowly began to relax as they saw how unlike my father I was “You know Aidan got in a fight with a board member.” Jayden quickly informed the table, trying to keep his voice low.

“J!” I yelped in laughter. I saw the eyes quickly dart to me “It was a debate, not a fight.”

“About money and power.” Jayden poked, trying to impress his dad and his colleagues.

“Oh yea?” Mr. Sanders poked beginning to take interest “What’d you say?”

“I just said money’s not all there is to life.” I shrugged “You know how some of those board members can be, money and power is everything!”

“So you don’t agree?” one of the managers prodded.

“Not at all.” I snickered “I mean I like having it, but I’ll be just as happy being with Jayden and my friends.”

“Well I’ll be damned, there’s a Taylor here for the working class people.” One of them cheered.

Mr. Sanders looked at me and laughed “He bears the last name, but he’s nothing like his father.” The table grew quiet in fear of Mr. Sanders’ words, but I smiled and nodded in approval. The table began to roar and cheer in laughter of the revelation. Suddenly the kid they had seen paraded around all these years was human, he was like them.

“Alright boys, go back to your table before you start a riot!” Mrs. Sanders reprimanded “We’ll see you both at home.”

We nodded and went back to the table. The rest of the night normally would’ve dragged on, but having Jayden by my side seemed to make it fly by. While the rest of the table debated politics and business, we simply goofed around and whispered to one another.

Finally as the night was coming to a close my dad pulled me aside “So I’ll see you at home later?”

“No sir” I shook “I’m staying at Jayden’s tonight.”

“Oh, well alright then.” He nodded “You did well tonight; you took Walter down a peg or two.”

“And I got to be the diversity chip for you.” I snarled, reminding him that I had figured it out.

“There’s that too, Jewish, that was a nice touch.” He instigated “You’ll be following in my foot steps before you know it, whether you like it or not.”

“Whatever.” I muttered “I better be going, the Sanders are about to leave.”

“Alright, then take this.” He said discreetly handing me a wrapper, and patting me on the back “be smart tonight.”

As I began to walk away I slowly looked at the square in my hand. The light blue wrapper flashed, as I made out the words Trojan across the front. I threw it into my pocket and threw my hand up. Oh my god! That sick fuck! Isn’t he supposed to be the father here! Isn’t he supposed to discourage this type of behavior!

“You look like you just saw a ghost.” Jayden giggled, as I approached them.

“I might as well have.” I mumbled, joining them on their way to the car.

I spent most of the ride thinking to myself as Mr. Sanders explained the night at the managers table. I politely smiled and laughed as he spoke, but couldn’t help but be disturbed by what my father handed me. I mean was he drunk, or is he that bad at parenting? Don’t get me wrong…I like Jayden like that, but a condom from my father? Hell no!

Finally we pulled up to the house and made our way inside. I picked up my bag and followed Jayden into the small bedroom, where an air mattress laid on the floor.

“Men” Mr. Sanders interrupted before we could speak “Me and the Mrs. are going to bed, so we’ll trust you’ll both keep it down.” We both nodded at his words “Normally we would…well the couch isn’t exactly comfortable…We’re both trusting you to be mature about staying in the same room…so no funny business tonight.” He lectured, dancing around the words.

“Okay” we both replied in unison.

“Hashem is watching Jayden.” He warned “Good night boys.”

“Goodnight” we both replied once more.

Jayden giggled to himself “Well that wasn’t awkward at all.”

“Ughh thats 2 for me tonight.” I sighed, throwing my head back.

Jayden made a face and looked over at me “What?” I took the condom out of my pocket and threw it on the mattress “Oh Aidan…I…”

“No, no…my dad gave me that!” I groaned “As he said goodbye!”

“Oh…well that’s nice.” Jayden giggled, trying to play it off.

“You don’t think that’s weird?” I grumbled

“It’s really weird!” he laughed “but maybe he’s trying to be a good dad. Maybe he just doesn’t know how.”

“Don’t try and defend him” I shook

“Maybe he doesn’t, I mean you’ve had Perry your whole life.” Jayden shrugged “It’s clear he’s tried to at least give you a strong upbringing. His speech today was good.”

“Yeah well one of Hitler’s best qualities was his speeches.” I muttered, Jayden’s eyes bulged as my words reached him. He went to speak but nothing came out. “Oh no…” I felt my face begin to burn up “I-I…I didn’t…” I stuttered “I forgot…I don’t…I…I…”

“It’s okay.” He laughed “Let’s just leave that name out of this house, it’s a bit of a sensitive topic.”

I nodded grateful he didn’t kill me over my slip up “He’s just not the guy you think he is okay?” I sighed “Besides he totally used us tonight!”

“He did do that.” Jayden shrugged “Just…I don’t want to hold you back.”

I couldn’t help but laugh “Trust, me my father and I never got along.”

“I don’t mean with that.” He exhaled “You have a great opportunity at that military high school, I don’t want you to miss it because you don’t want to leave me.”

“But I like being here with you.” I teased, blowing him off.

“I’m serious Aidan…I don’t want to be the reason you miss out.” He looked at me, and I saw concern overtake his fragile face.

“You’re not…I have no interest in any of that okay?” I admitted “I want to go to West Point, but I also just want to be a normal high school kid for a while. I want to go to prom, and mess around in class…I get enough working out at the gym.” I walked over and joined him on the bed “You’re not holding me back at all.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” I comforted, taking another look at him in a suit “Damn I have a hot boyfriend.” I exhaled

“Stop!” he giggled “I’m not hot.”

“You’re unbelievably hot.” I let out, leaning in and landing a deep kiss on his lips.

He shook his head and giggled “Stop! I can’t wait to get this freakin thing off! I don’t even know how!”

“Well you start with the jacket.” I laughed. He rolled his eyes and we both got our change of clothes together “So I’ll go…”

“You can change in here.” He bashfully let out “I mean…we’ve been dating for a month, we can get changed in front of one another right?”

“Sure.” I nervously laughed taking apart my suit. The second Jayden took off his suit jacket I raised a hand “Stop!”

He raised an eyebrow and made a face “What?”

I took a step back and observed him in a dress shirt, vest, tie and suite pants “Damn it! I knew you would look better in just a vest! God look at you!”

He rolled his eyes and returned to hastily trying to get his suit off. As I slid off my button up I realized he was still struggling with his. “la'azazel!” he mumbled doing his best to get the buttons undone “fuck…la'azazel!”

“Having trouble?” I giggling kicking off the last of my suit.

“I can’t get this damn shirt off!” he looked up and froze for a second

“Come here I’ll help you.” A blush began on his face as he made his way over, and I slowly helped him undo the buttons “You need to wear an undershirt with buttons up J.” I sighed

“I don’t own any” he giggled

“I would’ve lent you one of mine.” I sighed finally getting the shirt undone.

I reached out and pushed his stomach making him laugh more “Stop! And put on pants already!”

I laughed and made a face, putting on a pair of gym shorts. “Put on your pants already.” I mimicked, trying to copy his slight accent. “I love the way you…” I turned to look at him but my words froze when I realized he was standing there in just boxers.

“Hey no staring!” he yelped

“No J.”I let out reaching out and grabbing onto his hand “You…you’re beautiful you know that?”

His blush grew “Will you just let me change already?!” he sheepishly insisted.

I nodded but couldn’t keep my eyes off him. It wasn’t even in a sexual way…Jayden was just…he was truly astonishing “I…I…I like you in boxers” I let out, not thinking “Not like that…” he looked at me and made a face “Okay a little like that, but still you just…underneath it all, you’re beautiful.”

“you really think that?” he shyly asked

I shook my head in disbelief “Yeah…I do.”

I grabbed the shirt from his hands and threw it on the floor “Aidan!” he exhaled, but before he could get it I took off my undershirt and threw it on top of it.

“Now we’re even.” I teased

“Fine, but the rest of the clothes stay on.” He giggled

“Deal!” I yelped, taking a seat on the bed.

“For now at least” he winked, taking the seat next to me. Before I could react he grabbed something off his desk and began drawing on my arm.

“Jayden!” I resisted, trying to pull away.

“No come on!” he insisted “I want to do tattoos when I grow up…you owe me!”

“Fine” I mumbled letting him continue “Just make it look good.”

“Of course!” he smiled, continuing his piece of art “Why is your arm so rigid? Jeez it’s like I’m drawing on stone.”

“Good, it’s because I’m all muscle.” I teased, flexing my arm to mess him up.

He reached up and ran his hand threw my hair to annoy me, but I leaned over and pecked his lips “Hey! You didn’t flinch!”

“Nope.” I grinned “I guess I’ve gotten too comfortable with you.”

He shook his head and continued working “Are we really that close already?”

“Well yeah” I laughed “It’s almost been a month since we started dating.”

“It feels like so much more.” He let out “In a good way that is.”

“I know what you mean.” I giggled “I can’t imagine life without you.”

“So then you meant what you said at dinner?”

“When I said….?” I droned on waiting for the answer

“That you’re okay with living in a small house with the man you love.”

I nodded my head “Well yeah, I mean it when I say I want to grow old with you…I know we have a long road ahead of us, but you’re the one for me Jayden Sanders.”

“Done” he smiled, letting go of my arm.

I looked down to see a big S on my upper arm. It was carefully decorated with arrows, spears and armor “How long until you can actually give me that tattoo?” I teased

“I don’t know, 5 or 6 years.” He shrugged “Would you actually want that?”

“Something similar, maybe you can work more on the concept.” I giggled “You’re gonna be a great tattoo artist.”

His faced started beaming with pride as he pushed me on my back “Here I have another one”

“Are you crazy!” I yelped as he began to draw where my heart was “Is that marker nontoxic?”

“Oh don’t be a baby!” he teased “It’ll be my best tattoo yet.”

“You can’t even say tattoo right!” I pestered “Tattooo” I mocked “Tattooooo”

He reached up and thumped me on the forehead “I say it fine.”

“No you don’t” I bothered with a laugh “Your accent makes it sound funny.”

“I don’t have an accent.” He defended with a face.

“Yes you do!” I insisted “Its small but it’s there.”

He shook his head, knocking his shortened hair free “English is my first language. You’re hearing things.”

“So, it’s still there!” I giggled “I think it’s cute.”

“Whatever” he finished, throwing the marker back on his desk. I looked down at his newest masterpiece. A big equal sign covered where my heart was, the names Aidan Taylor and Jayden Sanders were inside each bar. “like it?”

I pulled him back on me and he let his weight rest on top of me “Its perfect, just like you.”

He leaned into kiss me but stopped himself “So, I’ve been meaning to ask, who kisses better me or Eli?”

“What?” I let out, feeling my face begin to blush.

“He told me you kissed him.” Jayden provoked

“No J! No…it wasn’t like…I”I stuttered and panicked “It was before we started dating, the day after you yelled at me for kissing you…when you weren’t sure…I just needed to get it out…you…I.”

“Relax” he giggled “You’re stuttering worse than I do!”

“I…it didn’t mean anything to me, I didn’t even feel anything.” I sighed “But your kiss…even that first kiss…it felt like time froze.”

“I know it didn’t, I just wanted to see what you would say.” He laughed “Eli said you suck at kissing by the way!”

“I knew you two becoming friends was trouble.” I muttered “What do you say about my kissing?”

“I say it needs some practice” he teased, starting to kiss me once more.

Slowly but surely Jayden was starting to grow into himself…the way he acted at dinner…the way he’s composing himself right now. He’s come a long way from the scrawny kid getting beaten up in the parking lot, and yet that sweet innocent soul is still there.

He slowly began to trace over my abs with his hands as he let instinct take over. We kept going at it for a few minutes before I had to pull away “Uhm Jayden.” I nervously let out “I ugh…ugh…maybe we should take a break.”

“Oh sorry, I thought it would be…”he started, removing his hands from my chest

“No it’s not that.” I nervously admitted “Its…if we keep…I just need things to relax for a minute.”

“Oh” he let out thinking it over “OH!” he repeated “Wait really?” he jumped up looking down “I…I’m causing that?”

“No J, Ryan gosling is!” I sighed “Of course you are!”

He laughed to himself before leaning his forehead against mine “I turn you on!” he proudly smiled “So you really do think I’m beautiful?”

“Yes!” I yelped “Why do you think I keep saying it?”

“To be nice” he shrugged

“Well I must be being extra nice right now!” I sighed, trying to create more space between us. As I pulled away he let himself fall back on top of me “Jayden, I’m not joking right now.”

“Neither am I.” he teased “Maybe I…I’m ready for that next step.”

“J don’t let me force you…”

He giggled and rolled off of me “Trust me you’re not forcing me to do anything!”

“Yeah but…you said you weren’t sure…”

“Aidan.” He sat up, and gently laid a hand on my leg “let’s just say I’m not just staring at your stomach when you wrestle.”

“Jayden!” I let out in shock.

Our eyes locked and I saw a new devious side of Jayden flash in his eyes. It’s easy to forget he has the same desires and wants as me…as every other teenager. That night we grew closer than I ever imagined. I mean when I heard sex I always assumed people did it to make babies or for fun…never in my wildest dream did I imagine it would draw us even closer together. It felt that any barrier left had been torn down…that I met Jayden in a whole new way, and there was no going back.