The New KISS High School

Ch 25: Sleepover (Eric C)

Ace let out a sigh, leaning back in the bleachers. "Damn, so much for being goalie," he said, glancing at the scoreboard. 12-1, almost a shutout. "I mean you've played other positions, right?" I asked, feeling my heart sink a bit. He nodded, giving me a grin. "Yeah, yeah. I'll still be on the team! Just might not be a starter anymore. Can't complain though, since these were my own fault," he said, running a finger along the harsh stitches on his face. "I'm just glad that's all that happened to you," I said with a shiver. Ace gave me a much brighter smile, ruffling my hair. "You and me both," he said. 

The final whistle rang and I jumped down from the bleachers as Bruce pulled himself out of the pool, muscles rippling as much as the water. I pushed my way through the crowd, waiting impatiently for him to finish shaking hands with the other team. Finally he had walked back over to the benches and I took the opportunity to run over to him. "Nice job!" I said cheerfully, jumping into his arms. With a laugh, he caught me, stumbling back a few steps as my weight crashed into him. I slipped my legs around his waist as he grabbed my thighs, trying not to drop me as I gave him a kiss.

"Thanks! You have fun watching?" he teased. "You know I did. How could I not when I was watching you?" I asked, kissing him again before finally jumping from his arms. He laughed, looking at how wet my clothes were now. "Smart move there," he said, finally taking a towel and wrapping it around his waist, pulling his hair from its bun. "Worth it," I said with a shrug, and his face turned pink. "I'm glad you enjoyed the game," he said, and I nodded. "Yeah! You're seriously really good, like damn. Peter had said you were good but I didn't realize you were that good. Like shit, you're able to get out of the water up to your waist," I said.

He shrugged, but by the color his face was going it was clear he was flattered by the compliment. "Well, I mean I've been playing for awhile," he said sheepishly. "Aw don't sell yourself short Kulick! So have I but I can't pull that off," Peter said, walking by us. "See? You're really good," I said proudly, as Bruce went even redder. "Thanks. That's really sweet of you," he mumbled. "I know, that's because I'm a good boyfriend." "Hey, you say that like I'm not!" he protested. "Maybe you are, maybe you aren't. Oh anyway, wanna come over tonight? Maybe to ah...spend the night?" I asked hopefully.

"The night? Hey now, we've only been dating for a week, don't move too fast," he teased, and it was my turn to go red. "Not like that! Just like a sleepover! Nothing sexual, damn," I grumbled, giving him a shove. He laughed, kissing me. "I'm down! You wanna go out for dinner first? I could kill for some pizza." My stomach rumbled in agreement and I nodded. "Ooh, that sounds good. Bet I can eat more than you," I said. He raised an eyebrow. "Oh is that so? I mean I did just play a two hour water polo game." "True, but I'm hungry," I countered. He grinned, ruffling my hair. "Loser pays the bill. Let me go get changed, I'll meet you in the parking lot," he said, giving me one last lingering kiss before walking off. 

I watched him go with a dreamy sigh before heading to the parking lot, waiting for him. At last he walked over, tossing his bags into his trunk. "I'll meet you at Vinnie's Pizza," he said, and I nodded. "Sounds like a plan!" I said, jumping into my car and driving off. I got there first, probably because I was speeding, and just waited again for him to show up. Once he got there, I took his hand, lacing my fingers through his and walking into the restaurant with him. "How hungry are you?" I asked. "Starving," he said, and I grinned. "I see. Let's go with an extra large then." 

"Oh is that so?" he asked, and I nodded. "That is absolutely so." "Uh huh. Again, loser pays," he said, placing the order of an extra large pepperoni pizza. I grabbed drink cups for both of us, getting him a water and myself a soda before taking a seat at the table. We just chatted casually until the pizza was delivered. It was big, bigger than I thought to be honest, but at the same time I was starving. "I'm still holding you to your bet," I said, taking my first slice from the plate and starting to eat it. "Hey that's not fair, you've handicapped me," he said, picking off the pepperoni. "What, you don't like it?" I asked, and he gave me a grin. "I'm Jewish. Pepperoni isn't kosher," he said, and I blinked, staring at him in horror before covering my mouth with my hand. "Oh my gosh Bruce I'm so sorry I totally forgot," I whispered. "Why didn't you make me order something else?!" 

"Because you were so excited about getting pepperoni! It was really cute, I didn't want to disappoint you," he said. I let out a groan, dropping my slice of pizza and burying my face in my hands. "Well now I feel bad! I'm gonna go order you another pizza, I guess I'll have this one," I said, rising to my feet. He caught my sleeve, sitting me back down. "No you will not. It's fine, I'll just take it off! I like cheese pizza anyway," he said. "Sorry," I mumbled, face burning as I turned back to my pizza. "Don't feel bad! I think I only mentioned it once. I said it was funny that me and Gene and Paul were all Jewish," he said, taking a bite of his now cheese pizza. "Still! I'm your boyfriend, I should remember these things," I muttered.

"Well, I'm sure you won't forget again," he said, reaching for another piece. "Hey don't think you're gonna use this as a distraction to eat more than me," I said, grabbing my own second piece. By the end of the meal, I had edged him out 9 to 7, much to his dismay. "Hah see? Told you I'd win!" I said gleefully, reaching for a tenth piece before deciding my stomach would hate me if I did that. "Oh, shut up. Maybe if I didn't have to spend so much  time taking off pepperoni," he teased, making my face go red. "You said you wouldn't hold that against me," I grumbled. "Mm maybe I lied. Anyway let me go pay, then we can head to your house," he said, rising to his feet as I boxed up the last four pieces.

We reached my house and I took his hand, dragging him inside and immediately leading him up to my room. As soon as he had set down his bag, I stood up on my toes and kissed him. "Wait, aren't you worried about your parents finding out about us?" he asked, looking at me in surprise, gently pushing me away from the kiss. I just grinned. "Oh, right. Hey Mom! I'm having my boyfriend over to spend the night!" I shouted down the stairs. "That's nice dear, tell Bruce I say hi!" she called back. Bruce stared at me, wide-eyed. "B-but..." he started. I shrugged, sitting on his lap and slipping my arms around his neck. "Bruce, they've known that I'm gay since like sophomore year. They know we started dated on Monday and they know not to tell your parents until I let them know we're both open about it." "Oh. Well...that's convenient," he said after a pause. "Very," I murmured, kissing him. 

"How'd you tell them?" If I can ask?" he asked after a pause, breaking away from the kiss. "Oh! Well I mean I wasn't like dating anyone at the time but damn if I wasn't turned on by like exclusively guys. So I sat down with them after dinner one night and I said 'I know this might not be what you want to hear but I don't want to hide who I am. It's taken me a bit but I've realized that I'm gay' and then they asked me some questions but told me they loved me no matter what. I had also talked to my older sisters about it for moral support because I figured they'd be supporting, and they were. I can't promise that your parents will accept you, no one really knows, but telling them straight up is good and I can promise you that I'll always be here for you no matter how they react," I said. 

He gave me a smile and a soft kiss, brushing a lock of hair out of my face. "Thanks. I'm lucky I've got you," he said. "Aw come on, I'm the lucky one," I teased.