All characters in this story are over the age of 18 and consenting adults.
Tom woke first, the morning light filtering through the gap in his curtains and the pressure in his bladder impossible to ignore. He carefully untangled himself from Jake who was still out cold, curled on his side, lips slightly parted, looking unfairly adorable and pulled on a pair of loose grey sweats. He padded barefoot onto the landing, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
Matt was just coming out of the bathroom, towel round his neck, hair damp.
“Morning, big man,” Matt grinned. “Sounded like you had a proper good night. You were absolutely railing that lass walls are thin, mate. Didn’t think you’d be trying to pull with Ryan’s little brother crashing in your room. Where’d you stash Jake?”
Tom froze mid-step, brain scrambling for an answer. “I uh I didn’t pull anyone ”
Matt’s brow creased in confusion. “But I definitely heard ”
Perfect timing, as always: Tom’s door creaked open and Jake himself shuffled out, hair a mess, lips swollen, wearing nothing but Tom’s oversized rugby hoodie that hung halfway down his thighs and a pair of boxer briefs. He looked thoroughly debauched and completely unaware of it.
Matt’s eyes went comically wide. “Oh…shit.”
Tom shook his head frantically, a silent plea. Matt pressed his lips together, but the damage was done.
“Morning, Jake,” Tom said quickly, forcing a casual tone. “You go ahead and use the bathroom first, yeah?”
Jake blinked sleepily, smiled that soft, smitten smile that made Tom’s chest ache, and murmured, “Morning, guys,” before disappearing into the bathroom.
The door clicked shut behind him. Matt turned to Tom, voice low but furious.
“What the actual fuck, Tom? You were fucking Jake last night? Ryan’s little brother? What is wrong with you? Was he pissed did you take advantage of him? Are you fucking gay now? What the hell, man?”
Tom raised both hands, heart hammering. “No it wasn’t like that. I swear. I really like Jake. We’ve… kind of got a thing going on. It’s new. I don’t know what it is yet. I’ve never been with a guy before him, but he’s… different. Last night wasn’t the first time. Please, mate, don’t say anything to Ryan or anyone. We just need time to figure it out. It’s not just sex I’m not taking advantage of him. I genuinely care about him. It’s complicated and I’m freaking out a bit, but please…”
Matt stared at him for a long second, arms folded. “I don’t know, Tom. It’s Ryan’s little brother. That’s a big secret to keep. Look I’m not gonna sprint downstairs and blab, but you need to tell him. Soon. Not necessarily today, but soon. He trusts you to look after Jake, and you’re using that trust to… well, get your dick wet.”
Tom winced.
Matt softened slightly. “If you say it’s more than that, I believe you. But if it’s more, then Ryan deserves to know that too. Otherwise Jake’s just your dirty little secret.”
Tom looked stricken. “He’s not he’s fucking amazing, he’s ”
The bathroom door opened again. Jake stepped out, rubbing his eyes. He caught Tom’s gaze and his whole face lit up in this helpless, beaming grin.
Tom couldn’t help smiling back like an idiot. Fuck, he was cute.
“Jake, go downstairs,” Tom said gently. “I’ll sort you some breakfast in a sec, yeah?”
Jake’s grin turned shy and giddy. “Okay.” He padded past them and down the stairs, barefoot and oblivious.
Matt watched him go, then turned back to Tom with raised eyebrows. “Fucking hell, mate. He’s properly smitten with you. Sort it the fuck out this weekend, alright? Before it blows up in your face.”
Tom nodded, throat tight. “Yeah. I will.”
Down in the kitchen, Tom threw himself into making breakfast bacon, eggs, toast, beans the full hangover cure for everyone. The lads filtered in one by one, Ryan last, looking like death warmed up.
“Morning, you animals,” Ryan croaked, stealing a piece of bacon straight from the pan. “Good night, yeah?”
General grunts of agreement. Tom plated up food, handed Jake his with a subtle brush of fingers that made Jake duck his head and smile into his beans.
Eventually Tom caught Jake’s eye and tilted his head toward the stairs. Jake nodded, understanding immediately. They slipped away while the others were arguing over who’d eaten the last hash brown.
Back in Tom’s room, Tom shut the door softly and sat Jake down on the edge of the bed. He took both of Jake’s hands in his.
“Listen, baby… we got overheard last night. Matt heard us when he got back. And then this morning he put two and two together when you came out of my room. He’s promised not to say anything right now, but he thinks and he’s right that we need to tell Ryan. Soon.”
Jake’s face drained of colour. “Oh my god. He’s going to kill you. He’s going to kill both of us. Ryan’s gonna hate me”
“Hey, hey,” Tom soothed, cupping Jake’s cheek. “I’m scared too, alright? This is all brand new to me. I never in a million years pictured myself with a guy… and now I’m sitting here wanting nothing more than to pin you down and kiss you stupid. It’s terrifying. But we’re in this together.” He lifted Jake’s hand and pressed a soft kiss to his knuckles. “If Ryan flips out, I’ll take the blame. I’ll tell him I pushed it, whatever he needs to hear. I’m going to make this right, Jakey. I’ll protect you, no matter what.”
Jake’s eyes filled, but he nodded, leaning in until their foreheads touched. Tom kissed him then slow, tender, full of everything he couldn’t quite say yet.
When they pulled apart, Jake managed a watery smile. “Okay. Together.”
They headed back downstairs hand in hand for only a second before letting go at the bottom step old habits.
Ryan looked up from the sofa, still nursing a coffee. “Thought you two were getting dressed. Fancy catching a film later or something? Chill day?”
“Yeah, sounds good,” Tom said, forcing his voice steady. He glanced at Ryan. “Actually, Ry… can I grab you for a quick word first? In my room?”
Ryan frowned, picking up on the tone. “Yeah, sure, mate. Sounds serious.” He set his mug down and stood. “Lead the way.”
Tom’s stomach twisted as he led Ryan back upstairs, Jake watching them go with wide, anxious eyes from the doorway.
Whatever happened next, there was no going back now.
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