Shell Of A Man

7 - Opening Up

PAST:

It had been two weeks since Jason started dating Ray, and they had been the best two weeks of his life. He slept better, smiled more, and had more energy. In short, he was beyond happy. Every time Ray's name was mentioned, his face would light up like a halogen bulb. Just seeing Ray would make his day.

The same could be said about Ray as well. The way he felt towards Jason, he had never experienced that before. He wanted to be with him every second of every day. So far, he had been following Cody's advice and was being patient with him. He tried to make him comfortable and talk on his own, but it was of no use. He just wouldn't share anything of real value. Nothing that gave Ray an insight into his head.

Also, Jason had been dismissing all of Ray's offers to hang out privately at either of their residences. Ray was getting impatient. He wanted more, more of everything, from knowledge about his childhood memories to every square inch of his body. Ray was dying to find out what was behind those tight-fitting clothes of Jason, but all he got was some over-the-clothes action during hot make-out sessions.

To speed things up a little bit, Ray came up with a plan. It was Friday, and Cody was obviously not coming back to the apartment. So, Ray told him that he was not feeling well and skipped his last class. He knew that it won't take long for the news to reach Jessica, and she was obviously gonna talk to Jason about it.

As expected, Ray got a text from Jason at around six in the evening.

Jason: Hey, Blondie! You sick?

Raymond: Yes. Mild Fever... Come, visit me?

Jason wanted to visit Ray, but he was nervous about it. He loved hanging out with Ray, going on dates with him, making out with him, and texting him all night long. But to be alone with him in the confinement of his room, that made him sweat. He still wasn't ready to answer all the questions that Ray might ask when he saw him naked. But he's sick. He's probably not gonna want to get all touchy-feely with me. And, it would be really nice to have that kinda privacy with him. Oh, fuck it... Jason thought.

Jason: I am at the club right now. I had a late shift today. I'll be there asap. Want me to get dinner?

Raymond: No, we'll order something if need be. I have some food here, btw. Just get here fast. Can't wait to see you, sexy. <3

Jason: Can't wait to see you too. Gotta go, bye.

Ray thought that Jason might get angry when he realizes that it was all a lie, so he decided to do something nice, something romantic. He went out and got a few scented candles and wine. Next, he went to Subway and ordered a few sandwiches. He precisely remembered Jason's order from their last date.

Meanwhile, Jason wrapped up his work at the club and took a shower. A while later, he was at Ray's doorstep. The moment the door opened, he knew something was off.

"You are not sick," said Jason.

"I... Okay, fine. I am not sick. Come on in," said Ray, as he grabbed Jason's hand and dragged him into the apartment.

"But, why would..." Jason trailed off mid-sentence as he entered Ray's room. He was taken aback for a moment by the ambiance of it. The lights in the room were dim, and when coupled with LED pipe lights that were taped around the ceiling and the scented candles around the room, they gave a very romantic vibe. A blanket was laid in the center of the room with a bottle of wine and a paper bag.