Brad was wide-awake as the mid-morning sun shone on Tyler's face and woke him up. Tyler rubbed the sleep from his eyes and watched Brad lay there deep in thought.

"It's just so weird," Brad finally said.

Tyler sighed dejectedly. "Being with me? Being with a guy?"

"Being back in this apartment," Brad said, unconsciously stroking Tyler's hair.

"Right. Because Becka used to live here and... "

"Right."

Tyler felt Brad's heartbeat even out with the cadence of his breath as they lay in silence.

"Do you... miss her?" Tyler finally asked.

"I miss who I was when I was with her. I miss knowing who the fuck I am."

"Am I the first guy that you ever... ?"

"No. I mean, I fooled around with a couple guys in college. And like in junior high."

"You're the second."

Brad rolled over to look at Tyler. "Whoa. Like, ever?"

"Yeah. Is that bad?"

"Nah. It's sweet." Brad kissed him on the forehead then got out of bed.

"Where are you going?"

"I don't wanna be a bother," Brad said putting on his boxers. "You don't need me taking up your whole day."

"I don't mind."

"It's cool. I get it. I've hung out with Charlie enough to know how it works."

"Well... will I see you again? After this?"


Tyler stopped putting on his shirt. "Do you... you really want me to stay?"

"Yeah."

Brad kissed him softly and lay back in bed. "All right dude. I'll stay."

Tyler lay his head on Brad's chest. "Happy New Year."

###

Can't think of a better way to start off the New Year than launching Volume 5! Just joining us? Catch up here:

Volume 1 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 2 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 3 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 4 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five


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