chapter 5

When Ashton telephoned Percy again, he was ecstatic. It was late and he had spent the day with James. He honestly had never been so happy in his entire life. He didn't want to ruin it, because he had learned all good things never lasted.

James was in bed. He had not planned on telling anyone at Hensley that he was gay. Why should he? It was his business and nobody else should have a say in his love life. He kind of thought Ashton was a bit, well, gay, but he wasn't going to be a prick and ask him about it.

James had only told his parents and older siblings that he was gay. They took it pretty well. He was glad they were so supportive and he was glad to have such a wonderful family. He lay in his bed, wondering where Ashton had run off to.

He didn't think he'd find a guy so cute AND gay at Hensley. He thought he had such soft features and a small, slender body. He liked little guys and Ashton sure was little. He was only about 5'6", making the height difference between the two quite noticeable, with him himself standing at 6'4".

He also thought about his weight. It bothered him a bit because, well, he would never have pigged out so much if he had known he'd meet somebody. He didn't want to admit it, but he had gained fifteen pounds in his successful attempt to quit smoking.

His khakis didn't fit the way he wanted and he remembered all the times he walked around shirtless.

James couldn't stand it. He remembered how round his belly had been and how fat his thighs looked. Ashton had seen him like that. His face reddened in the dark and he closed his eyes tightly. He vowed to go on a diet immediately. Where was Ashton? He turned over and fell asleep.

The next day was Saturday and James saw Ashton folding his laundry. It was a little after ten and he sat up. He liked sleeping in his underwear and realized he needed a robe. He didn't like pajamas. He felt constricted in them, but he needed to learn to like them if he was going to have a roommate.

He jumped up and went into the bathroom after saying good morning. He brushed his teeth and used the bathroom. He pulled on his robe, which was a bit tight.

"What are you always listening to?" James asked as he eyed Ashton, who was folding some t-shirts. Ashton unplugged his iPod and plugged it into his small speakers.

"Promise you won't laugh?" he asked, wishing he didn't have to share his musical tastes. He simply loved classical music, and guys at Hensley didn't listen to it. They liked Metalcore and Hip-Hop. He played his favorite song and waited. James laughed. He unplugged it and felt his face burn red.

"It's stupid," he said. "I probably should try to get into more teen music." James lumbered over to him and plugged it back in. He didn't think it was stupid, just that his grandpa was the only one he knew who actually listened to classical music. It didn't sound bad or anything. He just had absolutely no idea how he could listen to it without falling asleep.

James started dancing. Ashton was a bit taken aback. He surely hadn't expected that. James wasn't very good, but he was trying his hardest. He grabbed Ashton, with Ashton taking the lead to get them both in tune with the music. 1-2-3, 1-2-3. They were laughing and Ashton felt himself smiling the most he had in so long. Both boys could feel the romantic tension between them.

Ashton even hummed along a little bit. They were dancing and laughing and having a great time. James looked down at Ashton. His eyes looked so sad and cat-like. He kissed him. It lasted only a few seconds, as James was a bit frantic and embarrassed he had just basically assaulted Ashton.

James reprimanded himself. "I'm sorry," he said. The song had ended and the music had stopped. Ashton wasn't smiling either. That had been his first kiss. Ashton thought for a moment, then tugged at James' neck and kissed him again.