“I went to stop my mom from worrying about me. I wasn’t out then. I didn’t come out until after the accident. Mom and dad were both cool with it, and I honestly think getting hit by a car helped. I probably owe that guy a thank you.”
“He ran into you,” Gabriel said. “You don’t need to thank him.”
“Maybe I will anyway.” Reid had never really thought about it before, not like this, but now that he did, he’d gained a lot from that incident. Silver linings, and all.
“Wait, you’re really hot,” Gabriel said. “In a classically masculine way. How did you not have a prom date?”
“I was a skinny kid, too. Like I said, I kinda owe that guy. I didn’t really become the person I am now until I was in my early twenties. People change.”
Gabriel laughed softly. “Just when I thought I couldn’t like you any more,” he said. “I knew you understood me. Right from the first time we met, I just… felt comfortable. Now I know why.”
Reid’s heart soared at the thought that Gabriel had always been comfortable around him, that he felt understood. He’d felt the same way, though he hadn’t quite been able to put his finger on it. Gabriel was like him, and he was going through all the big, life-changing stuff right now.
Reid wanted to be in on that. He wanted to watch Gabriel turn into whatever kind of person he was going to, especially if he could help. It had been such a good experience for him that seeing it in another person sounded amazing.
He cared about Gabriel. There was no point in pretending otherwise.
It didn’t mean this would work out, but itdidmean that Reid wanted to support him. Getting to hang out with him more often would have been reward enough for that.
Besides, with a little more confidence, Gabriel was going to begreatin bed. He already had the enthusiasm, the willingness to try new things. That was the important part.
“I’m glad to hear that,” Reid said, sighing happily as Gabriel finally leaned back against him.
Gabriel hummed, going quiet as they both looked up at the stars outside. This was nice. Peaceful.
It felt like it was exactly what they were both supposed to be doing right now.
“I want more of this,” Gabriel said after a long pause. “I mean… I have to go now if I want to stand a hope in hell of being on time in the morning, but… if you’re interested?”
“Definitely interested,” Reid said, his stomach clenching with excitement. Gabriel wanted to come back.
They were both free to see where this could go, and Gabriel wanted more.
That was exciting. That feltgood.
“One more kiss before you go?” Reid asked, backing away a pace to give Gabriel room to move past him.
Gabriel smiled up at him, stretching up to brush their lips together, a happy rumble escaping the back of his throat. He was so perfect when he was sleepy that Reid could barely handle it.
“I like kissing you,” Gabriel said as he backed off, wetting his lips.
Reid grinned. “Feeling’s mutual,” he said.
“I really do have to leave.” Gabriel glanced at the door, sighing heavily. “See you again soon?”
“Whenever you want,” Reid promised.
Gabriel had him wrapped around his little finger already, and he didn’t even know it. Hopefully, it’d stay that way.
