Of Truth and Trust

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Chapter 6


Nathanial groaned softly as he made his way up two flights of stairs and down the hall to reach his room. Due to increasingly bad weather, his physical education teacher had deemed it time to test them all on their outdoor finesse. That, of course, meant a game of football, juniors against sophomores, in the nearly freezing wind. The cold had consumed him quickly, slowing his reactions, though they hardly would have done him any good against the six foot one monster that ran him over in an attempt to get the ball. Now he was bruised and battered, pulled muscles making his back cramp painfully.

He entered the room with a grateful sigh and leaned against the wall. Just thinking about changing out of his muddied clothing was enough to exhaust him. He glanced around, finally spotting his roommate studying at his desk. “Be thankful…you were not there….”

Sebastian glanced up from his work, and couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of his roommate. “Oh, you poor thing.” He pushed to his feet and moved to take Nathanial’s knapsack. “Come inside before you solidify,” he laughed, urging him into the room with a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll get you warmed up.”

“I need a bath,” he muttered, allowing the other to help him to his chair. Once he was seated, arm around his stomach, he tried to toe off his shoes. “Dear Lord, I feel like they used me for the playing field.” Catching Sebastian’s expression, he couldn’t help a faint smile as well. “I look a mess, don’t I?” he asked humorously, if a bit weakly.

“You do,” Sebastian whole-heartedly agreed. He helped the other take off his shoes, then set on his vest. When Nathanial looked like he wanted to protest, he only laughed. “Don’t by shy. You need to get into some warm clothes, or you’ll get sick. And I can’t afford to catch anything from you.” He patted the boy on the head. “Right?”

He nodded with a sigh, trying to move as little as possible as his vest, shirt, and socks were removed. Then his modesty took over, and Nathanial gently pushed the other’s hands aside. “I can…take care of this.” Ignoring Sebastian’s continued insistence, he stood and moved to his wardrobe to pull out a fresh shirt and pants. He changed as quickly as he was able to before finally, thankfully, heading for his bed. “Thank goodness tomorrow is Saturday—I shan’t have to move all day.”

Sebastian’s carefully trained eyes easily recognized the slight shift of muscle as he walked, the tension between his shoulder blades. “You’re going to be sore in the mor,” h,” he remarked, leaning against Nathanial’s desk. “You look stiff already.” He smiled, flashing white teeth.

“Please don’t tease,” he muttered, crawling on top of the covers and lying on his stomach with the pillow beneath his chest. A tiny, strained cry escaped as his muscles were jostled and tensed. God, it hurts…. “Football is unholy,” he choked out, just to keep it from seeming like he was so hurt he’d need the nurse.

Sebastian’s expression softened, and he tiptoed forward slowly to sit on the edge of his roommate’s bed. “I…can help, if you’ll let me,” he offered. He chuckled. “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything inappropriate.” He rested the palm of his hand against Nathanial’s shoulder and worked it gently into the sore muscles there. “I don’t want yomplamplaining all through my Saturday afternoon, after all.”

Nathanial winced and drew away. “Don’t—” But he cut himself off, forced to relax as his movements only made things worse. He wasn’t used to such a deliberate touch, and it made him wary and…maybe a bit embarrassed. His face was hidden, though, so he decided that maybe…just this once…. If only to make it stop hurting. He nodded shortly. “O-okay,” he nearly whispered, fingers curling around the blankets. “Just…be careful….”

“I’m always careful.” Sebastian celebrated a silent victory as he edged a little closer, running both hands along the curve of Nathanial’s back. He knew exactly what he was doing—knew the shape of every muscle, even if this was a body he’d never touched before. With practiced ease he massaged the sore flesh, digging in with his fingers just slightly to loosen the knots around the base of Nathanial’s neck, the strained length of his biceps. “Just relax,” he told the boy all along. “It’s not so bad. You’ll feel better soon enough.”

Nathanial couldn’t help a few more soft, whiing ing cries, some from pain and others simply out of surprise. It took some time, but eventually Sebastian’s words proved true—his muscles began to relax, coaxed to surrender by strong, knowing hands. The gasp in his breath slowly vanished, giving way to quiet sighs. “Better…” he murmured as he sunrtherther into the mattress. I didn’t think…he could do something like this…. I don’t want to move…don’t want him to….

Works every time. Though he had a feeling he’d done enough for now, Sebastian didn’t let up just yet. He edged a little closer, not enough that their bodies were touching, and continued to work his hands firmly into the small body beneath him. He feels so good. So soft. With eyelids hooded he added a bit of strength to the caress, rubbing the small of Nathanial’s back so that he was pressed slightly into the mattress.

A shiver ran up his spine that had nothing to do with pain, though it made his stomach twist faintly. That’s…. It felt good, and warm, but…somehow too close. Like Sebastian was reaching beneath his skin, was touching something so deep within that—

Nathanial shrunk from those hands with an uneasy murmur. Please…that’s too much…. Sebastian….

Sebastian relented, returning his hands to more…chaste areas of attention. I know, Nathan, I know. He curled his fingers around tight shoulders, working his thumbs into the base of his neck. “See? I’m not such a bad person, am I?” he asked lightly, pausing to ruffle affectionately at Nathanial’s well-kept hair.

Relieved, Nathanial smiled lightly. “No…I suppose not,”murmmurmured, relaxing once more. He reached up absently to brush at his hair. Though now I’m getting tired. He turned his head, just enough so he could see the other out of the corner of his eye. “Thank you, Sebastian, that does feel better.” Much better. I almost wish….

What’s gotten into me? Nathanial settled back against his pillow, shoulders creeping up a bit. He…shouldn’t have been so easy with the other’s touch, should he? Shouldn’t be letting Sebastian so close…. It was confusing.

Sebastian sat back a little, interpreting that as his cue. “You’re quite welcome,” he said with a smile, giving Nathanial’s back one last good rub before pushing away from the bed. “Let me know in the morning if it’s still bothering you.” With that he cracked his knuckles and moved away, back to his studies. “You don’t mind if I keep the light on for a while longer, do you?” Slowly. It might take a long time, but I’ll pry you open eventually.

“No, it’s fine,” he replied, rolling onto his back. It almost doesn’t hurt anymore—just a little. With a minimal amount of wiggling, Nathanial managed to slip beneath the blankets. He tugged them up over his ears as he faced the wall as usual. “Thanks again,” he murmured, already half asleep. “Good night….”

Sebastian blew him a silent kiss from across the room and smiled to himself as he returned to his book. “Good night, Nate.” His eyes glinted against the lamplight. And pleasant dreams.

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Nathanial made his way back to his room, feeling tired but accomplished. Michael and the other freshmen were a wonderful lot, and the coming of the semester’s finals had them in such a state that they had taken to pouncing on their older mentor after every dinner. Not that I mind. I think my grades might actually be improving because of them. He let his bag swing childishly at his side.

When he reached his door, he thought he could hear voices. He paused, wondering if he should knock, then decide just to go in. Nathanial almost immediately regretted the action, as he found the lights were off and, as his eyes adjusted, two clothed figures were intertwined on the bed.

stiastian didn’t notice at first that they had a visitor—he was too preoccupied with the wide hands pressing into his buttocks, the hot, eager mouth of his older companion. He liked the upperclassmen, as they were always ready and couldn’t wait to get their hands on his young, slim body. It was refreshing to not have to do all the work. Walter was no exception, and they’d had their fair share of nights spent this way.

After a moment, however, the boy realized they weren’t alone, and sat upright with a heavy sigh. He glanced over his shoulder. Perfect. “Oh, Nathan,” he greeted with a breathless grin. “How was dinner?”

For a long moment, Nathanial was too shocked to move, but Sebastian’s mischievous smile finally woke him. Sebastian. Sebastian, I thought we had agreed. Straiging,ing, he flipped on the lights on and opened the door wide. “Dinner was well,” he answered in as calm a voice he could manage. “It’s rather too bad you both missed it.” Recognizing the other boy, he nodded in greeting. “Hello, Walter. I’m sorry to interrupt, but could you excuse us?”

But Sebastian placed a hand firmly on the boy’s chest and wouldn’t let him reply, let alone try to leave. “Is that really necessary?” he asked lightly, blinking in the sudden light. “Be a sport just this once, won’t you, Nathan? We won’t even need a half hour.”

His eyes narrowed. “I’m sorry to spoil your fun, but we’ve discussed this. Maybe Walter’s roommate will be more accommodating. I, on the other hand, need the room tonight.” He forced himself to keep Sebastian’s gaze, trying to ignore the position both boys were in and his own embarrassment.

“Walter’s roommate is no fun,” Sebastian drawled, but he was still grinning. “But all right. If you’ll only allow me a moment.” He bent down, slowly, to draw a deep kiss from his partner, who returned it eagerly. Perhaps I should simply invite him to join us. He almost laughed between their lips. Yes, I would enjoy that a great deal.

Nathanial frowned, but waited impatiently for the pair to finish. Though…he had to look away. There was something strange about the act, about the way…Sebastian’s back curled when he bent over the other. He wasn’t sure how to describe it, but it made his stomach curl with discomfort.

At last Sebastian pulled back with another long breath, and he patted Walter on the stomach before climbing off of him and the bed. He straightened his rumpled clothing. “There now.” He tugged Walter to his feet to whisper in his ear. “I’ll meet you downstairs.”

“All right.” The elder boy’s eyes flickered excitedly, and he shoved his hands in his pockets as he moved to the door. “Sorry,” he muttered to Nathanial as he passed.

Silently nodding, Nathanial easily made room for Walter to pass before continuing inside. He began to organize his books on the desk without facing his roommate. Why do I feel like you did this on purpose, Sebastian? “I thought I asked you not to bring your ‘affairs’ into this room.”

“I hadn’t planned on it,” Sebastian admitted as he brushed past him on his way to the door. “Walter came here looking for me—he was quite insistent. Apparently he’s aroused by the mere thought of me.” He chuckled warmly and shook his head. “And you weren’t here, so I thought it couldn’t hurt for a while. I kind of miss having another in my own bed.”

“Then perhaps you should have requested a single room,” he suggested, keeping his head turned so the other couldn’t see the embarrassed expression on his face from such words. “In any case, please practice more restraint in the future. Perhaps you are not so frightened of discovery, but I’m sure Walter would rather not let the entire school know about his personal life.”

Sebastian paused, his hand on the door as he considered those words. He didn’t suspect Nathanial was trying to threaten him, but he’d heard such things before. Slowly, he turned to face his roommate. “The only way anyone will know about Walter is if they are told. And if anyone is to tell them, it will be me, and not you, Nathanial.” There was something almost cold when he smiled. “I suggest that you be the one to practice more restraint.” Especially where I am concerned. I like you, Nate. Don’t make me hurt you.

Nathanial shook his head, still not looking up. “I would not speak a word of Walter’s ‘preferences’ to anyone,” he said, somehow put out that Sebastian would suggest such a thing. “Have I not kept quiet with regards to you and Christopher?” Organizing his papers and taking up a pen, he sat down to begin his work. “Please don’t assume I would do such a thing.” I’m not like you.

Sebastian’s genuine smile returned. “Glad to hear it, then. Forgive me, Nathan—you know I have to be careful. I won’tbt ybt you again.” With a soft chuckle he slipped outside, giving the door frame a tap. “Don’t wait up.” Still laughing he closed the door behind him and started down the hall towards the stairwell.

Sighing, Nathanial sat back in his chair and ran a hand though his neat hair. He didn’t know why the whole affair had unsettled him so much, but he suddenly didn’t feel like he would be able to study well. And…it was frightening.

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