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t w e l v e

Evan wasn't so sure if he wanted to go through with this idea, but his curiosity got the best of him as usual. Plus Jonathan kept trying to convince him to do it.

So there he stood in front of his mirror, legs practically completely exposed, except he was wearing shorts this time instead of a skirt. Still, it didn't matter which he wore because both went to his mid-thigh.

But that was the point, wasn't it?

The young college student had to admit that he loved the way Jonathan was always on him when he did stuff like this. Who knew legs could make someone so hot and bothered?

With a small sigh, Evan grabbed his white Converse and began to put them on, trying his best to tie the laces the same.

I can't believe I'm actually doing this. It's December, for goodness sake, I shouldn't be wearing shorts! Well, at least it's not that cold outside... I should still grab my coat-

"Hey, are you- Wow..."

Evan looked up and saw Jonathan's eyes gazing over him. Hungrily, he might add. Like a predator gazing at prey.

Although Evan liked it when Jonathan did that, it always struck him as peculiar. He understood that his legs were satisfying to see (apparently), but he didn't fully understand why. Of course he shaved them when he felt like wearing a skirt or shorts, but they weren't exactly "feminine." Perhaps that's what made the roommates gay: the fact that neither saw each other as girls.

Obviously.

"Am I...?" Evan suddenly asked, breaking the silence and urging the other to finish his question.

Jonathan brought himself back and turned his attention to Evan. "I was gonna ask if you're ready, but it appears so. I'll grab our jackets and we'll go."

With a nod, they both left the bedroom and dormitory, making their way outside to Jonathan's car. The heat was instantly turned up when they got in and closed the doors.

"So whose party is this?" Evan asked, shivering.

"My friend Luke is throwing it. He came here last year but decided to drop out. We were roommates; that's how I met him. Cool guy, honestly. Like the brother I wish I had."

"Who's all going to be there? I doubt it's anyone I know."

"Well, I wouldn't say that, exactly. Most of my friends are dating your friends so... Like I know Craig is with Tyler and Brock is with Brian." Jonathan laughed. "I promise you won't be stuck with me the entire time. Unless you want to be, 'cause I have no problem with that."

A roll of the eyes and a soft smack on the arm is what made Jonathan finally shut up and drive.

• · • · •

"Alright, guys, the party is here!"

A bunch of red plastic cups were thrown at Jonathan and then laughs from everyone followed.

"Jon, don't lie to the people like that. We all know I'm the real party!"

"I gotta agree with Luke on that one. Why do you think he always throw them and we don't?"

"Shut up, Brian, you're as much of a party as David is!"

"Hey!" two Irish voices shouted in union.

Evan chuckled as he left his boyfriend's side to go talk to his friends.

"Yo, Evan! What's up? I wasn't expecting to see you here. You're not exactly the going-out type of guy. Nice outfit, by the way. Love it."

"Thanks, Brock. Yeah, I don't know, Jonathan was hyped for the party and I didn't want to spoil his joy."

"Aww, how cute."

"You're not one to talk, Craig."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Evan rolled his eyes and took a seat next to them on the couch. "So who else is here? Or is supposed to be here?"

"Tyler, Brian, Jonathan, David, and Luke are here. Plus us, of course. Lui is upstairs. I know John and Lucas are coming later. Marcel and Scotty should be here any minute, actually. Um... Who else, Craig?"

"I think Luke said he invited both Anthony's and Cam... Then there's Bryce and Ryan, although that'll end up in a fight for sure... And I think that's it. Quite a big group."

"No kidding," Evan groaned.

Brock and Craig both laughed. "C'mon, Ev, we'll stick with you the entire time if it helps."

Before Evan could answer, a loud thud and a child's scream was heard. All three guys went to find out what it was.

Lui was laying on his side at the bottom of the stairs; David was on his knees right next to him, tending to any injuries.

"What happened?" Craig asked.

Luke laughed. "You know how sometimes you think you've gone down all the steps and then end up missing one and trip? That's what happened. Except Lui is already drunk so..."

Brock joined in on the laughter. "Honestly, I expected Brian to be the first one to get drunk."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, Brian. Nothing."

• · • · •

The countdown to the new year was about to start and all the guys were making their way towards the television.

Evan and Luke were making small talk as they brought some more snacks and drinks from the kitchen to the living room, but it was no more than that.

As everyone stood near and watched the two reporters talk about the party in New York, something squeezed Evan's butt lightly.

"Jonathan," Evan whispered sternly. "Don't do that here."

Looking at his boyfriend oddly, Jonathan whispered back, "Do what?"

The sincere confusion in his voice made Evan confused as well. They were standing next to each other (and dating, for God's sake) so naturally he assumed it was Jonathan who grabbed his butt.

"I'll tell you later," was all Evan whispered in response.

When everyone shouted, "Happy New Year!" and blew horns and threw confetti into the air, Evan still stood there confused.

Little did he know, the culprit was looking at him from a few feet away and smiling, thoughts conceiving a plan that would be perfected within a month's time.