'Knock knock'
Joseph arched his head to see Dejen come in..
"Morning John. How're you this morning?" he smiled.
"Fair", Joseph lowered the duvet, slowly pulling himself up.
"Let's see", Dejen drew the curtains, sitting on the bed to check his face.
Perhaps because it was night & so much had been going on then but Joseph had just realized Dejen was attractive. His hands on his chin were too soft for a guy's & his lips? no, he shouldn't be thinking that.
Dejen would probably disfigure what was left of his face. It was the story of his life. Every guy he'd ever liked had hurt him, even Max once...
Their parents had gone for weekend work retreat the, the chance Joseph had used to confess his feelings. The crush had eaten away at him far too long.
Ever since the tragedy that had brought their parents together five years back, Joseph had been smitten by Max. It had been his first time to like any guy & although he'd tried had failed to fight it.
If Max hadn't closed his door, he'd watch him change. If Max was seated improperly, he'd try to peek into his shorts. If Max was fucking a girl in one of the store rooms, he'd sneak in & watch from another close by.
While they worked out at home, Joseph paid the wrong attention, his eyes always fixated on Max's sweat dripped body. Then, he'd steal some of his linen to cuddle himself with at night.
With 2021 ending, he'd decided to tick two things off his list. Max wasn't just his step brother, he considered him his best friend. They had unexpectedly got along so well, Max becoming his trusted protector at school, Joseph returning the favor by helping him with school work & chores, everything Max loathed. He was the only one he could talk to about his crush. Trevor wouldn't understand.
"There's something I want to tell you Max", he'd approached him in the living room.
"What?", Max had been watching a boxing match while he had his supper.
Joseph had hesitated.
"What is it?"
"I don't know how to say it", Joseph joined him on the three seater couch.
"Just say it!"
"Umm..."
"What?"
"Just give me a second ok? I...I love you"
"Bwahahahaha", Max burst out. "Nice one!", he turned back to the TV.
Joseph hadn't said anything else.
When Max shifted back, Joseph's gaze still fixed on him, he'd realized it wasn't a joke
"Wait...you're joking? right? You're not.."
"Iam"
Max's smile had slowly left his face. A gay in the family, the last thing he'd expected. What would his friends think of him when they found out?
Disgusted, he'd moved to the edge of the couch. Joseph had reached to touch him..
"Don't touch me", Max swatted.
"What's wrong?", Joseph asked softly.
"What's wrong? You like dudes..."
"No I don't. Its just...you"
Max shook his head standing up with his plate..
"Where you going?"
"You're crazy man. You gay & now what, you like me?? I'm your brother!!"
He'd made his way round the table but Joseph had got up, pulling at him, earning a punch that knocked him out cold...
Even though he & Max had got it off after that, Joseph couldn't risk a similar situation with Dejen. He had to thank him another way.
"You look better than last night. Will you be able to come down for breakfast ?" Dejen removed his hand.
"Yeah", Joseph nodded.
"Cool. Have a shower first", Dejen got up.
"Dejen?", Joseph called.
"Yes?"
"Why'd you help me?"
"Huh?"
"You don't know anything about me. I could be anyone..."
"Well, I know you're John &-"
"Actually I'm not", Joseph looked away.
"Hmmn?"
"My name is Joseph. I lied. I'm sorry.."
"Oh! Its cool. At least you've told me now. Shower & come..", he walked out.
