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    Timothy M.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Timothy’s Terrible Prompt Stories - 5. Prompt 344 Why didn’t you just tell me that?

Best friends and their best intentions can help a lot - or not.
A Nelson POV chapter

“Why didn’t you just tell me that?”

I shrugged, but Jasper wasn’t about to let go of the subject. He had asked the same question last night, about why I hadn’t told him I was in love with Eric. At the time, I’d brushed him off with a repeat of my conviction that Eric was straight, but this time he suggested that since I was obviously wrong, I had given up too soon. If I had told him, we would have been able to devise a plan together in order to find out whether Eric might be interested in me.

I admitted he was right, but Jasper had asked me once more why I kept my crush on Eric a secret from him. I finally gave him a direct answer.

“Jasper, the gay guy being secretly in love with a straight boy is such an awful cliché. And yet I didn’t want to give up hope about Eric. If I had told you, I knew you would either persuade me to try and ask him out, or even approached him yourself on my behalf. I was too scared of having my dreams shattered. Ehmm,” I blushed, “the dream of Eric wanting me to be his boyfriend and inviting me out on a date.”

To his credit Jasper didn’t laugh, but said, “Why didn’t you just tell me that?”

At my shrug he gripped my shoulder and forced me to look at him.

“Nelson, we’ve been best friends forever. I was the first person you came out to, and you were the only one I told about being scared shitless and in love with Carolyn. You were the one who convinced me to ask her out, and that she was interested. I owe you for getting us together, but even if I didn’t, I’d help you achieve your dreams, whatever they are.”

I hugged him, and Jasper calmly hugged me back. It’s one of the awesome things about him, being totally cool about hugging me; it’s no different from hugging his family, which they do all the time.

“Thanks, Jazz. I know I should have trusted you, and I probably would have caved sooner or later, even if Rob hadn’t dropped the bomb on me.” I let go of him and returned to my pacing between the window and the bed.

Jasper flopped down on the bed and began laughing. “Dude, you should have seen your face! I wish I had it on camera. The surprise when he walked up and asked the f-question, and later when Eric came over to apologize for his brother, and Rob turned round and suggested you ask Eric on a date. I don’t know who did the best imitation of a flopping fish: you or Rob after Eric punched him.”

“Yeah, yeah, very funny. But now Eric expects me to ask him on a date, so it’s going to be even more awkward if I can’t get up the courage to talk to him. Or even worse, he’s pissed at Rob because he doesn’t want to go out with me, but he’ll feel obliged to say yes.”

Jasper rolled his eyes. “No he won’t. All he has to say is that he doesn’t want to be out, so he can’t date you, even if he does like you. It’s the oldest line in the book: It’s not you, it’s me.

“As if that’s going to make me feel any better; then I’ll be the pathetic guy with a crush on the closet case.”

I shook my head over the whine in my voice. This conversation was going nowhere. We’d been over the same ground last night, and there was nothing more to be said.

“Look, Jasper, let’s drop the matter for now. I didn’t see Eric in school today, and most likely I won’t see him tomorrow either. We should give him the weekend to cool down and think things over. If you really want to help, why don’t you ask Rob on Monday during baseball practice? You know, about what Eric has decided on coming out. But discretely, please!”

Jazz nodded. “Yeah, once we know if he’s out to his family and friends, you can start flirting with him to encourage him to invite you on a date.”

I was relieved that he agreed and started to ask what movie he wanted to watch. But suddenly he sat up and pointed at me. “Wait a minute; doesn’t Eric hang out with the ‘West Side Story’ couple? The guy Tony is in some of Carolyn’s classes, and his girlfriend is on the cheer-leading squad with her. I think Maria is a freshman, so maybe she has classes with Eric.”

I looked at him with suspicion. “Maybe, but what’s your point?” I had a feeling Jasper was hatching another one of his harebrained schemes, and I was right.

“I could ask Carolyn to ask Maria if she and Tony want to double date with us. Then if we meet during the lunch break to set something up, I could sort of hint at the fact that I’d like you to go as well, but you don’t have a date. Their reaction might show if they know about Eric being gay, and if we’re really lucky they’ll offer to set you up on a blind date with him.”

“Fuck, NO! There is no way I’m going on my first date with Eric with you and Carolyn and his friends watching. You know I hate crowds, and if I tried to talk to him in front of strangers, I’d get all tongue-tied.”

I decided not to mention the fact that I’d probably be tongue-tied in Eric’s presence with or without an audience. If we ever went on a date, I’d have to suggest a movie, so I could be silent and admire him in secret. Plus I might get a chance to hold his hand in the dark. Maybe even get a kiss…

“Hello, earth to Nelson! What are you thinking about? Must be something nice.” Jasper snickered, and when I looked at him, he gestured to the bulge in my jeans. Fuck. This happened every time I thought about kissing Eric.

I took a step forward and fell on the bed face-first next to Jazz. He lay back down, and I turned my head to look at him. He stared up at the ceiling, and neither of us spoke for a bit. Then Jasper summed up the game plan.

“So, we keep to our schedule for the weekend, and on Monday when we have baseball practice, I try to talk to Rob in private and ask him about Eric. Do you want me to suggest that he should tell Eric to invite you out?”

He glanced at me, I made a face, and he went on. “If he says Eric isn’t out yet, we do nothing. I’ll let Rob know you’re interested, but Eric needs to make the first move. If he says that Eric came out to his parents this weekend, we can start planning the next step. OK?”

“I suppose so,” I grunted.

“Cheer up, Nelson. One way or another, I’ll find a way to get you together with the blond freshman.”

Why did the thought of Jazz’s good intentions make me cringe?

After this chapter a story discussion topic was created.
Copyright © 2017 Timothy M.; All Rights Reserved.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
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This is quite a laugh as now we getting the nervous reactions of Nelson. I see if it's left to Nelson and Eric they probably never get together. Just as well they have family and friends who have no qualms about steering them, albeit sometimes a little forcefully, in the right direction. Enjoying your prompt stories. Such a good idea and such fun.

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I agree with Jaro. It is time for Rob and Jasper to take things into their "straight" hands ;-), a bit of testosterone should speed things up (Tim, see what you've done to me?).

JAR

Ceterum Censeo: More about Rob!

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On 10/27/2014 01:11 AM, Jaro_423 said:
This is quite a laugh as now we getting the nervous reactions of Nelson. I see if it's left to Nelson and Eric they probably never get together. Just as well they have family and friends who have no qualms about steering them, albeit sometimes a little forcefully, in the right direction. Enjoying your prompt stories. Such a good idea and such fun.
Thanks Jaro, I'm so glad you're enjoying my prompt attempts. Yes, Eric and Nelson might have danced around each other for quite a while yet, if Rob and Co hadn't charged in and blown all caution to bits.

If Nelson wants to avoid Jasper's meddling, he should take action. Easy to say if you're not shy, lol.

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On 10/27/2014 01:19 AM, JohnAR said:
I agree with Jaro. It is time for Rob and Jasper to take things into their "straight" hands ;-), a bit of testosterone should speed things up (Tim, see what you've done to me?).

JAR

Ceterum Censeo: More about Rob!

John, you make me fall over laughing. How about some gay testosterone coming into play?

I'm writing on a Rob chapter as we speak - it may have to be a little longer than usual, since Rob has a lot to say and do. LOL

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When you get hit by the prompt bug, Tim, it really hits! I'm far from complaining about it--I love all the actors and the well-meaning friends who should really think things through before acting. :)

 

I feel so sorry for Rob...a man of action with a heart of gold..Why can't more sport types be as thoughtful and supportive of their brothers? I'm looking forward to the insights and drama to come in the next chapter--what will Rob do next?!

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On 10/27/2014 01:39 AM, ColumbusGuy said:
When you get hit by the prompt bug, Tim, it really hits! I'm far from complaining about it--I love all the actors and the well-meaning friends who should really think things through before acting. :)

 

I feel so sorry for Rob...a man of action with a heart of gold..Why can't more sport types be as thoughtful and supportive of their brothers? I'm looking forward to the insights and drama to come in the next chapter--what will Rob do next?!

I know, but I'm blaming all of you too, lol. You keep fanning the embers in to a creative fire with all the nice comments.

I should have been preparing for a busy week at work and all I'm doing is thinking up things for the Rob chapter.

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I think you hit the nail on the head when you showcased the insecurities we have when we fall for someone. We often do everything we can to convince ourselves that it won't work or they don't feel the way we do. When we are in love we can be pathetic and need those close to us to calm us down and allay our fears. It is scary getting our hopes up so avoiding what is right in front of us is easy. Jasper did a good job of talking Nelson off the ledge and coming up with a reasonable plan. You are building both tension and anticipation as we head towards the inevitable date in a human and humorous way Tim. Other than missing Rob( cause I love him) the chapter was perfect in illustrating the nervous excitement that happens when we get close to the thing we want most. Kudos and thanks for the early posting...keep writing fast...we need some more Rob :boy: . Cheers....Gary

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On 10/27/2014 03:00 AM, Headstall said:
I think you hit the nail on the head when you showcased the insecurities we have when we fall for someone. We often do everything we can to convince ourselves that it won't work or they don't feel the way we do. When we are in love we can be pathetic and need those close to us to calm us down and allay our fears. It is scary getting our hopes up so avoiding what is right in front of us is easy. Jasper did a good job of talking Nelson off the ledge and coming up with a reasonable plan. You are building both tension and anticipation as we head towards the inevitable date in a human and humorous way Tim. Other than missing Rob( cause I love him) the chapter was perfect in illustrating the nervous excitement that happens when we get close to the thing we want most. Kudos and thanks for the early posting...keep writing fast...we need some more Rob :boy: . Cheers....Gary
I agree with AC, Gary. Your reviews have a way of expanding a story into something better and more than just fun fiction. You always nail that part of a tale which we can recognize from ourselves.

Nelson is getting his hopes up and trying to calm himself by denying the possibility rather than seize the day. It's easy for us (who have had a glimpse into Eric's feelings) to shout "Go for it, Nelson." But waiting to see if Eric comes out does seem prudent right now.

And I'm biting my tongue (like Kitt) not to reveal anything...

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Two chapters in one weekend! Nice! Can't wait for the boys to get to the next phase. Who will be the first to ask the other out?

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On 10/27/2014 05:17 AM, Puppilull said:
Two chapters in one weekend! Nice! Can't wait for the boys to get to the next phase. Who will be the first to ask the other out?
You're welcome. I'll pass some of the praise on to AC, who did some fast editing.

Good question, and the next prompt may provide the answer...

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ARRGH! Tim, I cannot take this! Why can't the two boys in love simply be allowed to talk to each other? :pinch: It's starting to feel to me like the constant intervention by the friends is actually slowing them down!

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On 10/27/2014 06:13 AM, Irritable1 said:
ARRGH! Tim, I cannot take this! Why can't the two boys in love simply be allowed to talk to each other? :pinch: It's starting to feel to me like the constant intervention by the friends is actually slowing them down!
Ah Irri, you're so cute when you're frustrated. :)

This part with Nelson actually takes place at the same time that Eric is coming out to Tony and Maria. But of course Nelson doesn't know this - unless Rob finds him the next day and tells him. It would be a very Rob-like move, lol.

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I like the way you are using prompts as the impetus for an ongoing story. Each has been well chosen. I'd forgotten the drama involved in high school dating. You nailed the teenage male ego ... first affections are complicated by insecurities and questions of what if, we worried so much about the possibility of being turned down and made to look foolish. Without the "help" provided by friends and siblings to carry hints and suggestions and prod us along we would often suffer from afar rather than risk ridicule.

The chapters are entertaining and well conceived.

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Could you write Irri or me into the next chapter please, so that one of us can take the two of them, put them into a broom closet or something and come back an hour later to see if they have finally sorted it out!?

Great chapter btw. :)

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On 10/27/2014 10:48 AM, dughlas said:
I like the way you are using prompts as the impetus for an ongoing story. Each has been well chosen. I'd forgotten the drama involved in high school dating. You nailed the teenage male ego ... first affections are complicated by insecurities and questions of what if, we worried so much about the possibility of being turned down and made to look foolish. Without the "help" provided by friends and siblings to carry hints and suggestions and prod us along we would often suffer from afar rather than risk ridicule.

The chapters are entertaining and well conceived.

thanks dughlas, I hope I can keep finding suitable prompts, but otherwise I may have to write one final long chapter to end the story.

Yeah, prodding can be good sometimes, lol.

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On 10/27/2014 06:00 PM, aditus said:
Could you write Irri or me into the next chapter please, so that one of us can take the two of them, put them into a broom closet or something and come back an hour later to see if they have finally sorted it out!?

Great chapter btw. :)

interesting you should say that, aditus, because ....

well that would be spoiling things. :)

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You realize that if you add a fight every couple of chapters showing off the Martial Arts stuff, and a couple of locker room/cheerleading squad room scenes you have the perfect MTV Teen Angst series? Oh you also need at least one Asian chick and a couple of big black dudes plus the smart and handsome Latin stud!

 

We'll be rich when the royalties start rolling in and I get my cut as your agent!

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On 11/02/2014 06:52 PM, Carlos Hazday said:
You realize that if you add a fight every couple of chapters showing off the Martial Arts stuff, and a couple of locker room/cheerleading squad room scenes you have the perfect MTV Teen Angst series? Oh you also need at least one Asian chick and a couple of big black dudes plus the smart and handsome Latin stud!

 

We'll be rich when the royalties start rolling in and I get my cut as your agent!

I'll trust your word on this, since I never watch MTV or sitcoms or anything to do with teenage angst. Read about it, yes, but watch it 'live' - hell no!
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LOL Jas is working out to be a pretty good wingman for Nelson. I agree with some of the other reviews though - these boys need to be put in a room alone to talk.

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On 04/02/2015 12:49 PM, EagleIsaac said:
LOL Jas is working out to be a pretty good wingman for Nelson. I agree with some of the other reviews though - these boys need to be put in a room alone to talk.
Well, Jas is Nelson's best friend and probably knows him better than anyone. We all need a BFF like that, don't we? As to the room, keep reading... :)
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On 07/23/2015 08:54 PM, Caz Pedroso said:

I do love Nelson, he is shy but protective all in one.

Great instalment :)

Oh, I'm glad to have you and Victor on Team Nelson. He was supposed to be the hero of the story, but he got upstaged by Rob. :lol:

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There is no way I’m going on my first date with Eric with you and Carolyn and his friends watching.

 

- HA! I like how Rob and Jasper think alike. "Let's double date, come on!"

 

I’ll let Rob know you’re interested, but Eric needs to make the first move.

 

- Little do they know that Eric's already in that type of mind frame! Hee hee.

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On 03/11/2017 09:41 AM, Thirdly said:

There is no way I’m going on my first date with Eric with you and Carolyn and his friends watching.

 

- HA! I like how Rob and Jasper think alike. "Let's double date, come on!"

 

I’ll let Rob know you’re interested, but Eric needs to make the first move.

 

- Little do they know that Eric's already in that type of mind frame! Hee hee.

Yes, Rob and Jasper do have the same mindset on several matters. And they definitely agree about pushing Eric and Nelson into each other's arms. :lol:

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I love how you a weaving a story together from these prompts and I LOVE the “West Side Story couple”❣️❣️  (I had totally forgotten until that mention).

This story is delightful and intriguing, a different spin from what I’ve previously read about gay high school angst.

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