When Desire Strikes (18+)

BxB : Who knew?

Don't you just love it when you still find stories of old friendships, marriages which lasted forever, people who are still kind for no reason and maintaining bonds not forced by blood?

The Aarons and Lopezs were one such story. Both families had migrated here when the kids were toddlers and after struggling through thick and thin had still stayed as neighbours even though their localities upgraded or changed.

Mateo Lopez and Caleb Aaron were what you call brought up together in the real sense of the term. From often sharing cots and toys to classes, subjects and interests there was hardly anything about one the other didn't know.

But even when you know and share just about everything there are parts of your soul which you're reluctant to share for fear of losing whatever you're benefitting in small quantities by hiding your real self.

6 feet tall, lanky and spectacled Caleb was walking beside 5'10", stout and tan Mateo to their Chem lab for presenting their annual project which would define them getting the scholarship ultimately deciding their University.

Mateo could sense the waves of nervousness and anxiety rolling off Caleb as his body would shudder and shiver every few steps as if he suspected he would end up ruining it all. Holding his palm and giving it an assuring squeeze, Mateo spoke aloud with blind trust, "Hey, we're going to get this and you're going to rock it like you always do. Now take a long, deep breath and let's kick some chem ass!!"

A big smile broke the nervousness on Caleb's face. Mateo was forever the optimist and Caleb was the shy, smarter one.

Mr. Mitchell welcomed all lab partners with a big smile, nodding at Caleb and Mateo cause he knew their project had the potential of being developed into something that could be patented and would bring the school a lot of fame.

Despite the jitters, Caleb and Mateo delivered their presentation to the scholarship committee with a lot of clarity and fielded every question with more than satisfactory responses. Going by the expression of the judges it was a sealed deal which finally cured Caleb of the nerves he was holding. Mateo too visibly relaxed.

"Woohoo!!" Mateo whooped as soon as they stepped out of the school building, "Dazzling bright future, here we come!!"

Caleb laughed out loud seeing Mateo's happiness.

"So our Honorable Victor!! Where would you like to celebrate this occassion?!" Matao mock-bowed and asked Caleb.

"How about we go to the beach?"

"I knew you were gonna say the beach!!"

"It has been a month since we were holed up in the basement chasing after this project. I want some sea air to clean my clogged mind!!"

And your company.

"Seriously dude, you're getting more predictable with every passing day." Mateo chuckled.

"I love how you predict my mood" Caleb murmured.

"Say what?!"

"I said I like how you predict everything, O Lord of Everything!!" Caleb trolled Mateo good-naturedly.

I heard you fine the first time. Am wondering when you'll say those words out loud.

Grabbing a six-pack of beer, some snacks, swimming trunks and a beach towel big enough for both of them, they set out for the beach which was an hour's drive in Mateo's Jeep.

Donning aviators, a light blue tee and white shorts, Caleb sat with his eyes shut, laying his head back on the headrest, enjoying the  wind and Summer of 69 playing out loud on the radio. Mateo gulped as he saw the lights of the setting sun dancing on Caleb's sleepy form.