Aaron & Slade Ch. 08

Her laughter subsides long enough for her to answer. "I don't know. She dropped me off and said, there was a last-minute errand she had to take care of and that she'd be right back. Well, anyway, I'm about to change the subject to your favorite topic and mine - me. I've wanted to ask you somethin' for a few days," Candace says excitedly.

I smile feeling Slade slide his hand into mine, linking our fingers. "You don't want money, do you?"

She rolls her eyes. "No. I wanted to know if you guys wanted to do something this weekend?"

Unsure, I shrug. "I don't know, Can. This isn't the best time. Slade and I have some things we need to deal with, and we're not sure how they're gonna play out."

"Sounds serious. But so is this," Candace says, pouting with her sad puppy dog face. She grabs my free hand. "Can't you spare one day to hang out with the only baby sister you're ever gonna have? We haven't done anything together the whole summer. Please?! I wuv you, big brother!"

I groan lightly. "That's not fair, squirt."

"Please?!" She whines. In one swift motion, she stands behind Slade and me, wraps her arms around our shoulders, and pulls us in until we're cheek to cheek with her.

I sigh quietly, "It depends on what you want to do."

She lets us go and in an operatic voice sings, "Kings Dominion."

My shoulders droop when she mentions the amusement park. It's the only one she ever wants to go to despite Busch Gardens as another option for us. I look to Slade. "I don't even know why I asked. Whaddya say, Jones? Want to spend the day in the blazing sun waiting for hours to get on rides that last less than a minute?"

Slade shakes his head slightly. "I'm on the schedule for the rest of the week starting tomorrow. Y'all go without me and have fun."

I turn to Candace. "Maybe we can go next week, squirt." Her pout returns, but this time with pleading, watery hazel eyes. It's her signature move. She only does it when she really wants something. Sadly, I've yet to develop a defense for it. I throw my head back, cover my face, and groan loudly. I look at her again shaking my head. "Fuck!! I'm such a sucker! Okay. Fine. It looks like it's you and me, squirt. I'll buy your ticket, but no food. The last time you ate over a $100 worth all by yourself."

"What can I say, I love to eat." Candace pumps her hands in the air doing a little dance. Slade and I smile at her silliness. She stops, turns with a wide smile, and asks, "Can Michelle come too?"

After careful consideration, I nod. "Yeah, she can come. I'll get her ticket, too. But I'm serious about not buying food for you. You're gonna have to suck up to Dad for the money."

Candace leans over to kiss my cheek. "You're the best. Love you to pieces."

"Love you to pieces, too. Now, get out of here. Slade and I need to finish our talk."

"Yeah, sure! I'll let you finish your 'talk,'" she says with air quotes and an overly exaggerated wink.

I stand and steer her out of the kitchen. "Go away!"

"See you later," she says in a singsong voice.

Slade plants a quick peck on my lips when I walk back over to him. He nods towards the back porch. "Let's go watch the sunset."

******

We move to the couch on the back porch. Slade's arms wrap around me as I lie back against his chest. With my chin resting on his arm, he places multiple kisses on my neck. We watch the sun slowly descend behind the trees, but the sky stays lit with an orange-purple hue, which eventually fades to black. The stars and moon illuminate the night sky.

"It's only been two days, but being back at the house - it didn't feel like home," Slade says quietly.

I unwrap his arms from around me so I can face him. Taking his hands in mine, Slade's eyes water. He sniffles several times before continuing to tell me about seeing his family for the first time since coming out.

"When I got out of the car, Jules ran and jumped into my arms. It took everything I had not to cry when I saw how different she looked. Her wide-eyed innocence is no longer there, and it's my fault. I'll regret what she and the others went through 'til the day I take my last breath. They have a lifetime of dealing with situations that'll make them question why people act the way they do. If I'd kept my mouth shut, Pa wouldn't've been their first lesson." Slade pauses briefly. "Jules asked when I was coming back home."

Moving in closer, I ask, "How'd you explain it to her that you weren't?"

"The best way I could for a six-year-old to understand. I told her I was moving in with Auntie Bernie for a little while because Pa and I had a disagreement." Slade looks at me as tears fall. "Jules told me she didn't want me to go to hell. I asked her why she thought I was going there. She said that's what Pa said. I didn't know what to say to her, so I winged it. I told her he didn't mean it. That ePa was talking out of anger, but once he calms down, he'll realize how wrong he was for saying it and apologize."

The anger I feel towards his father churns my blood and makes my heart beat faster. But how I feel right now doesn't matter, this is about Slade. I steer the conversation towards the rest of his family. "What about everyone else? Are they okay?"

Slade smiles briefly and nods. "For the most part, they're fine. Kev's pissed at me for not fighting hard enough to stay. Davey and Jordan are usually running around wreaking havoc, but today, they were quieter than I've ever seen them. Clay was curious. He asked why I wouldn't do what Mama and Pa wanted so I could stay. I asked him, would it be fair for anyone to tell him who he is, is wrong? I asked, would it be okay for anyone to tell him that he can't love who he loves? I told him denying my sexuality, and how much I love you would be the worst kind of lie. I explained that I was born gay and that there was nothing I could or would do to change it just to make Mama and Pa happy because it'd make me unhappy. I think that's when he and the others began to understand what our parents are asking me to do. I reassured them how much I love them, and that my leavin' has nothing to do with them. I could hear Mama crying behind us and couldn't take it," he sniffles. "I asked Jules to help me pack when she wouldn't let me go. I carried her to my room, and Mama followed."

Confused, I ask, "Why?"

"She wanted to talk to me," he says, as I wipe the tears from his face. "She basically repeated everything she said over the phone that sending me to Auntie Bernie was for the best. She apologized for not supporting me against Pa, but then in the same breath says she can't accept me being gay. She condemned our relationship. She honestly thinks once you're gone I won't be gay anymore. I told her being gay isn't a 'choice' I made, it's who I am. She started sayin' how wrong it is. I finally begged her to stop 'cause Jules was listening to her."

Flabbergasted, it takes a few seconds for me to find the words to ask. "What was the point of her asking you to come over today?"

He shrugs. "I honestly don't know. I thought this was gonna be good. A first step in finding some common ground and we'd go from there, but how can we when my own mother can't accept me? I asked her to leave while I packed. It didn't take long to grab my clothes and everything of sentimental value. I walked over to say my goodbyes when Juliet handed me Mr. Waffles. She said, 'Here, Slay. When I sad, I hug him, and he makes me better. You're really sad. Hug him, and he makes you better.' I hugged them together. And oddly enough, I did feel better. After one big sibling group hug with me in the middle, I said goodbye to them, but I didn't say goodbye to Mama. As much as I love her, I couldn't even look at her. I got in the car, and watched them get smaller and smaller 'til I couldn't see them anymore," he sniffles.

I move in closer staring into his eyes. "Jones, tell me what you need me to do, and I'll do it."

"You being here is all I need, Aaron," he replies, putting his head on my shoulder.

I kiss his cheek and hug him. Slade nuzzles my neck. We hold each other for a long while. Eventually, he's lying on his back, and I'm on my side with his legs draped over mine, and his head rests on my arm. I kiss his cheek up to his ear. I stick my hand under his shirt and rub his stomach. There's a slight purr of approval when I massage his chest. I move to hover over him. He spreads his legs for me to settle in-between them. Slowly, I grind our hips together. There's a slight hitch in his breathing, and he groans quietly. Stretching his head upward, Slade barely grazes his lips against mine, when my body melts over his. He wraps his arms tightly around my neck, deepening the kiss.

Our mutual undulating has us both moaning softly. Slade suddenly tears his mouth from mine when I rub the outline of his cock through his shorts. "Baby, stop. We can't," he says, trying to pull my hand away.

I continue to grope him while nibbling his earlobe, and whisper, "Why?"

Slade moans again. "'Cause we're about to hit the point of no return with your dad and sister upstairs," he replies breathlessly. My persistent neck kissing and licking cause him to laugh gently, but he pulls away, staring into my light brown eyes. "Aaron, your dad's still adjusting to the news about you, about us. We can't put him in the position to either see or hear us out here havin' sex. It's not right."

Everything he said makes perfect sense in my head, but the little head between my legs is the one making my decisions for me right now.

"Please?! I need you," I whispered desperately, still rubbing our cocks together. Damn. The way his body's reacting to mine has me so horny. I kiss him with the hope that he won't stop me.

"I know, Aar, but we can't," Slade moans. He manages to push me away, roll off the couch, and kneel beside it with shallow panting breaths. I see the regret in his blue eyes. He whispers, "Dammit."

"I don't like you very much right now, Jones," I murmur, turning over onto my back, but I keep my eyes on his. Slade licks his lips upon looking down at my cock protruding against the flimsy material of my basketball shorts. Grabbing hold of the hard bulge, I say, "Yeah. This is your fault."

He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, quickly stands up, and grabs his own large bulge. "And this is yours, so we're even."

Without another word, Slade walks into the house, letting the screen door slightly slam after him. I cover my eyes with my forearm and groan quietly to myself. He can't be that upset, can he? I didn't do anything I hadn't done before in the two years we've been dating. When he doesn't come back after a couple of minutes, I decide to go in after him. Just as I put my feet on the porch, he comes back out with a small baggie of ice, a hand towel, and a large bowl of ice cream.

Smiling, I ask, "What's this?"

"This, genius, is ice and the ice cream. Duh," he replies sarcastically. "They're for you."

"I thought you were mad at me," I mumble.

He sighs. "I'm frustrated... not mad. If your dad and sister weren't upstairs, and your mom home at any minute, believe me, I wouldn't've stopped you," Slade answers matter-of-factly, wrapping the ice in the towel, and hands it to me.

"I'm sorry for trying to push it," I say softly, taking and placing the bundle over my eye.

"Don't be. We're definitely gonna make up for it," he says with a naughty smile.

With the bowl in hand, Slade takes a spoonful of ice cream, holds it out to me, and I wrap my lips around the cold mix of coffee and Oreo. I savor the deliciousness as it slides down my throat. When it's gone, I stare bewildered at him. "Did you read my mind or something? How'd you know I wanted ice cream?"

Slade's brows furrow briefly. "Oh, c'mon, remember when I was driving back, and you said that you wanted me to feed you ice cream 'cause you got stuck feeding me?"

I don't recall saying it to him, but I play it off as if I do. "Oh, yeah, yeah. I guess it slipped my mind with that headache I had earlier. You're the best," I tell him with a quick peck on his lips.

"I know," he says, holding out another spoonful to me.

Slade feeds me a couple more spoonfuls until I take the spoon and begin feeding him. After we demolish what is left, I turn around and lean back against his chest so I can finish icing my eye. He rubs my stomach and kisses my ear, as I caress his leg with my free hand. Once I'm done with the ice, I place it inside the empty bowl and get comfortable in my man's arms.

Some time passes when I start feeling tired, so I close my eyes. Slade clears his throat and asks, "Aar, when do we tell the guys?"

I yawn. "I don't know, but the sooner, the better. They can't find out from someone else."

"Who'd tell them? Only our families know. Pa wouldn't tell anyone his son's a fag," he murmurs.

Hearing him say that word hurts my heart. I tilt my head back, throwing my arm behind his neck, and let my fingers run through his short chocolate-brown hair. Peering into his sad eyes, I say one word, "Don't."

Slade places a soft kiss on my cheek. I scoot back further, which allows him to hold me tighter.

"I hope they take it better than my folks. I don't think I can handle someone else turning their back on me or you," he whispers sadly. "Josh and Randy were your friends way before I came into the picture. I'd hate for you to lose them on the count of me."

I turn taking both his hands and hold them to my heart. "I love you, Slade. You're the one I can't lose. Don't get me wrong. I love Josh and Randy like brothers. It'll hurt like hell if they reject us. But if they can't accept us, then we're better off without them." Slade doesn't look convinced. He's about to say something, but I put a finger to his lips and smile. "Let's tell them first. Then we'll deal with the aftermath. Let's get it over and done. How about after your shift tomorrow, but only if you want to?"

He thinks it over for a few seconds and nods. "Yeah. Sure. That's good."

"I'll call them," I offer, but I soon realize I don't have my phone. "Damn. My phone's upstairs."

"Use mine. It's charging in the living room."

I kiss his forehead. "Okay, I'll be right back."

"You'd better be," he says, smacking my ass hard when I bend over to pick up the bowl. I jokingly shake my fist at him before rubbing the sting from my butt cheek, and he laughs.

Once I dump the baggie of water and wash the bowl and spoon, I hear the front door open.

Ma calls out, "Where is everyone?"

"Hey, Ma," I say, walking towards her. "Dad and Candace are upstairs. Slade's out back."

She places her keys on the hook by the door.

"Okay. Oh, sweetie, how are you feelin'? You eat your supper?" she asks, looking me over carefully.

"Yes, ma'am, I did. Thank you. It was delicious. I feel a lot better," I say, giving her a hug and a kiss. "Where'd you go?"

"Ah, I think I should tell that to Slade. Can you go get him for me please?" Ma asks, peering around me.

"Can it wait? I'm grabbing his phone. We're gonna call the guys and have them meet us tomorrow. He's a little nervous about telling them," I say quietly.

Ma smiles kindly at me. "Aaron, I know everything will work out fine. You boys are thick as thieves."

I shrug. "I've known Josh and Randy since the first grade. But even after all these years, I have no idea how they're gonna react to the fact that Slade and I are gay, and that we're boyfriends. If Slade's parents can treat him like there's something wrong with him, what's to stop them from hurting him too?"

Sympathy pours from her eyes as she stares up at me. "Sweetie, the only way you're gonna find out is by telling them. And if they don't want to be your friend after everything y'all have gone through, then screw 'em. You don't need negative people in your life, who'll try to bring you down, and steal your sunshine."

Leave it to her to put everything into perspective.

I laugh softly. "Thanks, Ma."

"You're welcome. Okay. Now, go grab Slade for me," she repeats.

I look at her and can't gauge her expression, so I instinctively go into protective mode. I cross my arms like a bouncer to deny access to the man I love. I shake my head. "No, ma'am, I'm sorry. He's still upset about this afternoon. I can't have you upsetting him more."

She places her hands on my biceps giving them a squeeze. "Aaron, calm down. He's not gonna be upset with what I have to tell him."

"Miss Dani, what's wrong?" Slade asks, coming up from behind me.

"Let's go sit down, and I'll tell you," Ma says, gesturing her hand towards the living room.

Once we're seated, Slade asks again," What's wrong?"

"Okay - um, I know what happened when you went home. I didn't like what I heard, so, I went to talk to your mother," Ma explains, looking at Slade.

"That's the errand you had to run," I ask dumbfounded.

Ma nods and continues looking at Slade. "I know I should've stayed out of it, but what's goin' on isn't right. This weekend has been stressful for all of us, especially, for you. You've had more downs than ups in these past 48 hours. The fact that it's because of your parents pisses me off to no end. They've made this about them. You need their support, but they're too selfish to give it to you. The worst thing about all of this is April. You're hurting, and she's more concerned about herself. She's wondering what she could've done to keep you from 'turning gay,' and about what you need to do to get back into her good graces. The ultimatum your folks gave you is cruel. They're sacrificing your happiness for their own to save face. I held my tongue 'til she accused you of ruining your family. I shut her down real quick and let her have it."

Slade's eyes widen. "You hit her?"

Ma laughs gently. "No. I didn't hit her. But I did tell her to get her head outta her butt, 'cause it's your parents who are ruinin' your family, not you. I told her, if they keep using your sexuality as a negative against you, that it'll destroy the love you have for them. I also told her that she has every right to grieve for the life she dreamt of you meeting a girl, falling in love, getting married, and having children. It's what I did. But I told her you can still have all those things, but to picture Aaron by your side instead of a girl. She asked how I dealt with it. I explained it took time, but seeing how much you and Aaron love each other made it easier."

He looks at me and smiles, but I can see the sadness in his eyes. I kiss his forehead, and he places his head on my shoulder.

Ma smiles at both of us. "I told her God doesn't make mistakes. If He wanted everyone to be the same, He would've created us that way. No one 'chooses' to be gay considering all the hatred out in this world. I let her know, gay people face enough opposition from strangers, they shouldn't have to deal with it from their family."

Slade smiles appreciatively. "What did she have to say to that?"

Ma shakes her head and shrugs. "Nothing. She was quiet for a while. We started talking about your siblings. Your talk with them opened their eyes to how unfair your parents are being. The boys are angry, and you know children Juliet's age have no filter, they'll tell you exactly how they feel. So, she told April flat-out that she was mad at her for making you sad. Then she told her, she was most mad at her for making you go away 'cause she wanted you home with her. They've started to show their dislike for the whole situation."

He shifts closer, gripping my hand tighter. "What? What've they done?"

"Other than the answers of 'yes, ma'am' and 'no ma'am,' they aren't talking to her. I saw it for myself. Usually, they're all hanging around her, but not tonight. They were upstairs playing and only came down if she called them, to get something to snack on or to drink."