The Best Friend
Alex had been Matthew’s best friend since childhood. Growing up, they shared everything – food, clothes, homework, everything. They even got in trouble and were often punished as a pair.
Blond, blue eyes, and unusually handsome, Alex was Matthew's equal in every respect. Everyone talked about their good looks, as both were an exceptional pair.
While Matthew treated Alex like a younger brother, Alex idolized Matthew. There was no one more loyal to him than his best friend.
* * * * *
Outside of his family, Alex was the person Matthew felt closest to. But after moving back home and taking on added farm responsibilities, Matthew didn’t have the chance to reach out to his best friend yet.
Then one day, Matthew overheard some disturbing gossip. Months earlier, Alex was arrested for having sex with a truck driver at a public rest stop.
Matthew struggled with the news about his best friend’s sexual orientation. Unsure of what to do, he went for a drive without a destination in mind and, unexpectedly, found himself parked outside of Alex’s house.
It was past midnight, but Matthew wanted to see his best friend, so he snuck into Alex's room.
"Who's there!"
"Alex, it’s me."
"What … are you doing here?”
“I came to see you.”
"Didn’t you hear the rumors about me?"
"I don’t care about rumors."
“Matt … I’m gay.”
“So what? Do you wanna talk about what’s bothering you?”
Alex shook his head.
“I just wanna be alone right now. Can you please leave?”
Alex sat on the bed in silence, his back to Matthew and the window. After what felt like an eternity, he heard footsteps and the window slide shut. Alex was relieved that Matthew had finally left.
In the dark, Alex’s thoughts drifted. He closed his eyes and tried to focus on his breathing. Eventually, he laid back and opened his eyes. That was when he saw Matthew, upside down, staring back at him.
"Matt! Why are you still here?"
In the end, Matthew refused to leave. After all, this was his best friend who always stood by him in the past. How could he not do the same?
"Move over."
Matthew undressed, stopping at his boxer briefs, and slipped into his best friend’s bed.
"What … are you doing?"
Alex was half annoyed by the intrusion and half mesmerized by Matthew’s lean, muscular body.
"I know you don’t wanna talk …. That’s okay, I won’t force you. I'm sorry I didn't reach out sooner. I've been going through a lot recently and needed some time to myself. Alex, you’re my best friend … that hasn’t changed.”
Alex was overwhelmed with emotions. He didn’t want to explain himself. Instead, tears began to roll down his cheeks.
To comfort his best friend, Matthew slipped his arm around him and held him close. Matthew didn’t pester Alex with questions, just the occasional signs of affection, patting his back, smoothing his hair, until his best friend dozed off.
If there was anyone in the world who could pull his heartstrings, it was Alex. Matthew held his best friend until the morning light crept in through the window. Then, slipping out of bed, Matthew gave Alex an innocent kiss on the forehead and began to put his clothes on.
"Why didn't you call?" murmured Alex in his sleep.
Matthew knew that his best friend was asleep but he still answered.
"I'm sorry."
"You should have called," sobbed Alex in his sleep.
"I’m sorry, Alex. I had no idea what you were going through."
"I thought you had abandoned me," cried Alex.
"Never. I would never do that …."
During his drive home, Matthew felt disgusted with himself. Alex had suffered alone and he was partially to blame. If he hadn't gone to London, he could have been there for his best friend.
* * * * *
The voice on the other end was deep and seductive.
“Are you naked?”
“Matthew … is that you?”
“What are you wearing?”
“Work clothes.”
“Sounds hot. Do you wanna take them off?”
“I can’t right now. I’m in the office.”
“Too bad. I was gonna take off my clothes too ….”
“Stop teasing me.”
"Gordon, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you."
"What is it?"
“Why didn't you take advantage of me on your birthday?"
"How could I? You were drunk. Besides, you are more than just a pretty face and body. I wanted the whole package."
"But what if you can’t get the whole package?"
"Then I'll settle for your hot body," chuckled Gordon. "But seriously, I didn't want to take advantage of you when you were drunk."
"But I wanted you to. I owe you."
"You don't owe me anything. You've already given me a lot. Besides, I got lucky with you more than once, remember?"
"Show off!"
* * * * *
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