Feeling it out

Projection

"Shhh! Here they come" we hear Niall whisper-yell to Liam as we approach the path up to the fire. We're still holding hands, letting our giddy, smitten smiles shine.

"Looks like we have another player for our team" I announce when we approach. Might as well just say it if he's gonna be this chill about it. I plop back down on the loveseat and crack another beer, handing one to Harry. He opens it, and slides closer to me. Once I sit back, he stretches, or so I think.

His large, warm arm drapes over my shoulders. Neither Niall, nor Liam speak. They're both physically frozen with their mouths agape. I look up at Harry adoringly, not believing my life right now.

"Is this really....happening?" Liam asks after a painful amount of time. He's looking directly at me. My flushed smile answers for me, but I nod, too. "No way..." he says in disbelief. Niall hasn't budged. I sip my beer, content with everything that's happening. I lean into Harry a little.

"It's happening" Harry says, sounding almost annoyed that they don't believe it. He gently pulls my chin towards him. His eyes ask permission, mine answer by closing, and leaning in. He kisses me slowly and sweetly, in front of our friends. His stepbrother, who he used to tease endlessly for kissing boys. Hey, he told Harry he could come. He asked me to try to get along with him. I'm all over it.

"HA! HOLY SHIT!" Niall yells out in shock, when Harry and I finally part. I want his lips back on mine. "Woah. Where did all of this come from? Thought I was going to have to spend the week keeping you two in line. You just...kissed him..." he says, still visibly trying to let it sink in.

I just nod and shrug. I don't know how or why this is happening, but I'm not complaining. He's so much different. I'm going to keep my guard up and my eyes open, but I'm not about to push him away when he's being so perfect.

"I did. I'm gay, guys. This one was right all those years ago. I apologize again for all of you being the recipients of my internalized homophobia. I like him. He's sweet. He's beautiful. He seems to be willing to show me the ropes...?" He says like a question, looking at me for confirmation. I nod vigorously, chuckling. "Are there any other questions?" Harry asks playfully.

They both look bewildered, but elated. Niall keeps looking at me, like I'm going to give him a different answer.

"Only one. But it's far too personal to ask. Congrats on coming out. And for...whatever this is..." Liam says amusedly, gesturing between the two of us. "Who wants a celebratory shot?" He asks, getting up. We all raise a hand.

"Ask it. I'm not ashamed of anything" Harry says, before Liam walks away. I look at Niall a little nervously, knowing damn well what the question is. Liam chuckles awkwardly, and scratches the back of his neck.

"Was just gonna ask who's gonna top, but don't feel pressured to think about that, let alone tell us" Liam replies with an apologetic laugh in his voice.

"Whatever he prefers. Open to either. Both" Harry shrugs, looking only at me. I smile shyly.

"I'm a little bottom bitch. Happy to switch it up now and again, though" I tell him. He beams an adoring smile.

"Oh sweetheart...even I knew that" He teases. Everyone laughs out loud. This is amazing. Perfect. I can't believe I considered not coming.

"I'm sure the shock will wear off at some point, but this is...pretty crazy" Niall says, lighting a joint and passing it to me. He looks at Harry almost skeptically, but with a twinkle in his eye. Liam is walking back with a bottle of Jack and a 2 liter of Coke. He pours out four shots, and four red solo cups of soda to chase. Harry grabs one of each, for him and I.