Friends. And yet... Lovers?

The school bell rang. The guys were returning from the back room. The blonde with golden eyes said: - Listen, Arthur, let’s go look for one dog today. - A dog? – the brown-eyed brunette was surprised. - Yesterday I saw a little puppy on Mount Genesis. He was hurt and whining, but I overslept and might be late for school, so I had to leave him there. I feel like I have to do something. “ I agree,” Arthur smiled. “Al, maybe we’ll invite Aida too?” - Yes. You know, the holidays will start soon... Let's meet everyone?! - Yeah. - I hope things will allow it. After graduation, we’ll hardly be able to go anywhere. Arthur stopped: - Are you saying that we won’t see each other again? - a long silence fell - Just kidding. Let's clean up and go home. We are looking for a mountain. - Yes… A little later the guys met at the foot of the mountain. With them was a red-eyed girl with brown hair tied in two ponytails and a fair-haired guy with green eyes. - Wow! How beautiful it is here! - Aida, this is an ordinary mountain. “I don’t see anything special,” Arthur admitted. They began to climb up the stone ramps. “ In my opinion, someone deliberately spread bad rumors so that people would stay away from this place,” Albert suggested. - I don't think so. Why would anyone do something like that? – asked Adam. - This is the best way to protect your home. Especially when you don’t want anyone to know about him. You know, people avoid places that have horror stories. - The road divided - Arthur said, stopping - Let's go two by two and set a meeting time. - Great idea. Oh, today is the solstice! – Al said looking at the phone. - What? And it’s true – Adam agreed – We’ll meet here at 5. We wait for half an hour if someone does not appear, and then we go in search of him. - Fine! - Alberto smiled: “Solstice... It seems like today is a special day... But what kind?” - he thought. The friends split up: Al and Adam went left, but Art followed Aida to the right. - Hey, doggie! To me! - Albert shouted. - Puppy, come here! – Adam coughed. “It’s somehow too quiet on the mountain.” - You can’t even hear an echo. It’s strange, no one is visible at all, let alone dogs - they both turned around. - Tell me, Al, did you and Arthur quarrel, or what? - A? – Alberto turned around again. “ They didn’t say a word on the way here,” Adam explained the assumption. - Yes, we said too much to each other and realized that we had messed up. Although, in fact, it’s my fault... At this time on another track: - Hey, come to me, my dear! Hey! - Aida shouted. - Nobody here. It’s strange that we haven’t met anyone yet,” Art said. - Is it true? “ Let’s go back,” the guy suggested, looking at his watch. They went down to the junction of the roads. Al and Adam were already waiting for them there. - Well, how? Found it? – Albert asked. - No. “It didn’t work,” Aida answered sadly. - We didn’t see anyone either. Not a single animal at all. “ We didn’t meet anyone either,” Arthur said in surprise. - A? Isn't it strange? – asked Al. - Yes. Very. - Okay, let's leave. It's better not to stay here after sunset. The guy began to descend, when he suddenly trembled. - What's the matter, Al? – asked Adam. - Listen, has something changed now? - Look! Now there is only one road,” Art said in a cold voice. As soon as the sun had completely set, music was heard... - How so? – Aida asked confused. - Holiday music? Where? – Arthur asked.       “ Solstice... Festive music... Holiday...” - and then Albert remembered:        - It didn’t work out last year. Do you want to wear this to the “Feast of the Gods”? - he asked Arthur - We were given invitations again! - Stop messing with this devilry! I think we need to find other friends and play with normal people.       “Art’s words stuck with me more than that holiday. He didn’t want to interfere and I completely forgot!” - Trouble! We wandered into a holiday... “Feast of the Gods”! - he added in a voice - A special holiday that falls on the solstice. - So it’s a holiday. “We might meet some friends,” Arthur began, but Al interrupted him: - You can’t appear there without an invitation! Our friends will definitely not help us. Ordinary people are not allowed to enter there. - People! – three men in black suits approached them – Show me the invitations! “ I’ll figure it out,” Alberto said and came closer to them: “This won’t lie, but it’s useless to tell the truth!” – he thought and immediately said: - Sorry, we got lost and wandered here. So we don't have... - No invitations? – one of the men got angry – Not permissible! Ordinary people who entered these lands without invitation must be punished! -Can you punish me alone?! I'll do anything! – his friends were very surprised because of these words – You can load him with work or kill him! So please let the others go! I'm Alberto Valentino. Mister Yamada is my uncle! - What kind of nonsense are you talking about? – Arthur muttered, clenching his fists through his teeth. “I, Lord Arthur Hodalming, will not allow anyone to get hurt.” - And you are a funny little man. But, in your opinion, it won’t happen! – he hit Al hard in the stomach, and then twisted his arm and pinned him to the ground. Two other men grabbed Aida and Arthur. - Stop! - Albert shouted. - All of you, get ready for punishment! - but then 4 sheets with beautiful stones fell out of the guy’s pocket - Wow! So you have invitations! – the men let everyone go – I should have shown them right away. I wouldn't have to hurt you! - said the one who was holding Al - Since you have invitations, that changes things - he smiled. - Welcome! – added the second. - Have fun! - said the third. - Were we saved? – Alberto asked, but no one had time to answer... Arthur ran up to his friend and punched him in the face as hard as he could. - Enough! You always do whatever you want! – he shouted and ran further along the path. - Art! – Aida wanted to follow him, but Al stopped her: - Wait! I need to talk to him alone. The guy rushed after his friend. - Arthur, stop, Arthur! - he caught up with him and, stopping him, turned him around to face him - Why are you angry, Art? Did I make you sad somehow? Explain yourself! - Al! It's you, Al! - a strange middle-aged man approached them - Long time no see, Al. - Mister Yamada! - How you have grown! I haven't seen you for a long time. I've been searching since childhood. And who is this? - This is my friend – Arthur. I talked about him. - A! So you are the boy Art?! - Nice to meet you! – he said a little hesitantly. - Yes, you have finally arrived! I'm so happy! “Exactly! Those invitations were once given to me by Uncle Yamada!” - Albert remembered. - Is something bothering you, Al? – Mr. Yamada asked. - Actually, we came to the mountain to look for one dog. - A dog? - Yes. Have you seen him here? He has a rope around his neck and appears to be injured. - A! Are you talking about A and Y! - A and U? – Alberto was surprised. “ They ran there,” he pointed to a path that branched off from the main road. - Al! Art! – the others ran up to them. - I'll introduce you. These are Aida and Adam - my friends - said Albert. - It's clear. I am Mr. Yamada - Ala’s uncle and the owner of these lands - the man introduced himself - Let’s go. I took care of the puppy this morning and brought him to W. - Tell me, Mr. Yamada, what are A and U? – asked Art. - The names that I gave to the puppies. There are two of them. - Are they okay? – asked Adam. - You can say so, but a few days ago strangers noticed them. Apparently, A bought time so that Y could escape. It seems that A himself managed to escape, but U howled like crazy. Still haven't made peace. They approached the tree. Two puppies were sitting under him. - The one you were looking for is sitting on the right. And U is sitting on the left. Well, they would have calmed down, said Yamada, but then U bit A and ran along the path to the left. Arthur and Albert ran closer. And he rushed to the right. - Why did you run there? - asked Al. - Lilac litter! - Mr. Yamada said. - We'll sort everything out! – Al and Art said in one voice. They remembered themselves. A few minutes later, Alberto was already sitting next to the puppy named A. “I was able to catch up with him, but I don’t know how to calm him down!” - he thought. - Baby, are you whining like that because you were bitten? No. Because he upset U. I see - Al patted him on the head - If you think about it, I recently did something similar and a friend cracked me . I was offended because I didn't expect it. I asked why he hit me, but if you think about it, everything is clear. I wanted to protect my friends, but in the end I only hurt them - he fell silent, remembering everything - I know what it’s like to worry about others, but I can’t really sort things out! Okay, come with me! Let's look for U together. Meanwhile, Art was looking for U. “Looks like he ran here!” - he thought. Turning behind the bushes, the guy saw a puppy. He struggled with the tree, thereby causing himself pain. - Hey, hurting yourself won't solve the problem. It will only get worse... - Arthur sighed - When you understand his feelings. But he is absolutely wrong. You feel angry, sad, and self-loathing. You experience them all, even though he is dear to you. Not easy, right? – he stroked the puppy on the head. As soon as Art removed his hand, A ran into U. Al came running after him. “ And suddenly he ran here, and I followed him,” he said. “ I see,” they smiled, looking at the puppies. The guys headed back. - Tell me, Art, do you remember how I invited you to this holiday? - Yes. Certainly. - Why did you then say that we would no longer contact my family? This always bothered me. “ I have one secret from you,” Arthur admitted. “I desperately tried to hide it.” It seemed to me that if he revealed himself, I would never see you again. I said not to get involved with these people because I was afraid of falling apart. I didn't want to be separated, even if I had to lie to you. “ And I always thought that you were avoiding me,” Albert said in surprise, stopping. “People leave sooner or later.” “I was preparing to accept the separation, whenever it happened,” he continued. Art also stopped and turned to face his friend: - And you thought that all this time?! - Yes. I thought so. I knew that one day... - hot tears flowed down his cheeks - You too will leave! And I was preparing for this... - Al... - their conversation was interrupted by the sound of drums, at the call of which all the people crowded towards the main house - Al! – he grabbed his friend’s T-shirt – We’ll get so lost. Don't stop, otherwise you'll disturb others! - Yeah! – Alberto wiped away his tears. - Let's! Hold on to your shirt! – they continued to walk with everyone – I’m not going to leave you! How long have I been with you? It's high time to understand. Al let go of his shirt and aligned himself shoulder to shoulder with him. - Thank you! And I'm sorry... - he said - You know, I'll try to rely on you a little more. Can? Arthur smiled: - Of course! What are friends for? They encountered Mr. Yamada and he led them to the waterfall. The others were already there. “ Listen, I want to go somewhere with you all during the summer holidays,” Al suggested, but Art remembered his words: “After graduation, we’re unlikely to go anywhere.” “And next year too, and the year after, along with everyone!” - I can’t wait! - Aida exclaimed. -Where are we going? – Adam asked. “You need to go to the sea in the summer!” “ And in the mountains,” added Uncle Yamada, “Hot springs are also suitable.” I demand barbecue and fireworks. - It’s breathtaking. Let's visit everywhere! – Adam suggested. - Next year and the year after? – Arthur asked in a low voice. - And then, if it works out! – Al smiled – Definitely! - Agree! – Art smiled too. - Guys, it's late. Isn't it time for you to go home? – Mr. Yamada asked. - Yes. Only... How did it happen that instead of two roads, there was only one in front of us? – asked Al. - Everything is very simple! - his uncle answered - There is a mechanism there. It pushes apart a certain piece of land, thereby opening the main road and closing both side roads. - So that’s why the remaining path is twice as wide as the others. If I understand correctly, there are three roads and only the middle one can get here. One question - this piece of land with trees, isn't it? – Arthur suggested. - Yes. That's right. Alright I have to go. Goodbye kids! – Mr. Yamada said goodbye. The friends dispersed at the foot of the mountain. Arthur and Albert sat down at the subway to get home together. People pressed them and Al found himself between the wall and his friend. “ Listen, your hair sticks out in different directions,” Art noted. - So what about you? You're completely overgrown! "ABOUT! His hair... It touches me lightly when he moves. So glad!" – Arthur thought and, leaning closer, said: - I'm going to the hairdresser this weekend. So there you go! - and then he sharply deviated: “Wait a minute! Why did I get so close?” - What are you doing? – asked Al. “What am I? And why is my heart beating like that?” - Artie blushed and put his hand to his chest - “My chest was squeezing, and my heart was beating like crazy! I’m suffocating...” He hugged his friend tightly. Then the metro stopped and he had to let him go. When they left, Arthur sat down while Al bought himself a drink. “I just wrapped my arms around him. No! I hugged him…” Art thought. - It’s good that you’re going to the hairdresser! – Albert interrupted his thoughts. - Yes. - Listen, can I go with you? How can I say... I want to spend more time together. At least while we're still at school! - I don't mind. - Thank you! - Al smiled - Okay. Let's go to. - Yeah. And by the way, I'll come pick you up. - Is it true? So I can sleep longer? “ Just don’t oversleep,” Art said sternly. - I'm just kidding! I actually have some plans. - Okay, then see you tomorrow! I will go. - Yeah. The next day Arthur came to Al's house. - ABOUT! Artie, good morning! - Kind! - he held the door with his hand - Listen, Al... - What's happened? - Someone was watching us now? - I didn’t see anyone. Arthur, let's hurry up! - Yes - “And this bungler may well have a pursuer!” - he thought and was afraid of his own thought. They headed into the city. Already there the girls called out to them: - Arthur? Wow, you look so beautiful! I'm terribly glad that we met! I'm from the newspaper editorial office. “Maybe this is one of them I saw then? No. There was definitely a guy there!” - he thought. - Can I have one photo? – asked the tallest girl with long dark hair. “ But I’m dressed inappropriately,” Arthur tried to refuse. - Yes, it doesn’t matter! We had a good idea to put the numbers of cute guys in the newspaper and you're perfect. - I do not have a phone. "Liar!" - Albert thought. - Stop worrying so much! Your photo will be only one of 20. So there is no reason to worry! By the way, you can take a photo with a friend - the girl did not back down. - Then I agree! Al blushed and wanted to run away, but Art grabbed his hand. - Why on earth?! - he asked. - Just because! - Arthur exclaimed, and then thought: “I wish I knew for myself!” - But I do not want! I somehow feel uneasy! - Why are they embarrassed here? Imagine that this is an ordinary photo for memory. - Well I do not know… - Maybe they won’t even publish it! Artie insisted, leaning closer and putting his arm around his friend's waist. - But they asked you exactly! – Al said in a pleading voice. “Is he about to cry?” – Arthur thought and whispered in his friend’s ear: - Let's just do this and that's it! - at this time the girl photographed them several times - Is this enough? - Maybe yes. It’s a little confusing... ” she answered. Albert blushed even more. He broke away and after the words “Sorry!” ran away. - Al! Wait, Al! – Arthur was completely confused. - Can we take a picture of you alone? – the girl asked. - Yes, probably. Albert was waiting under the bridge. Seeing his friend, he moved away from the wall and asked: - Arthur, are you finished yet? - Al? And I thought that you had gone home. - Well, I didn't want to go back. I guess I ruined your mood today? - There is nothing. I must apologize for forcing you. - Yes. I really felt embarrassed because it wasn’t me they needed! - That's it! – Art leaned on the wall next to his friend. - Are you used to taking pictures like this? - Not really. But sometimes it is necessary as a local attraction. - That's how it is! But you really are beautiful! “And you are so cute!” – Arthur thought in response, but said: - And your hair is so soft! – and stroked his head. - Sure sure! – Al finally smiled. - You know, I suddenly realized that I just wanted to show off to them such a cool friend like you! – said Art and added in his thoughts: “After all, I’m the only one who is nearby now. At this moment, only I can talk to you about everything in the world! And maybe now I’m the one who fell in love with you!” The guy began to slowly lean closer. - Artie? – Albert said in fear, but his friend did not listen to him. He opened his mouth slightly and, holding Al’s head with his hands, carefully gave him a tender kiss... - What the heck! - Albert asked, having freed himself - Sorry, but I’ll probably go - and, turning around sharply, the guy ran away. Returning to his house, he noticed that the doors were slightly open. - Strange! I definitely locked them... Well, okay. Al took off his shoes and went inside. Sitting down on the sofa, he blushed, remembering the kiss: - Damn, I just can’t get rid of this! – the guy covered his face with his hands: “His lips were wet... That’s because he licked them when he leaned closer. Well, what should I do now?!”, he thought and jumped to his feet. “I need to do something to calm down!” Exactly! - Albert took out his phone and, hearing “Hello!”, said excitedly - Adam? I need to consult with you! - OK. Just calm down! - came the answer. - Yeah... - Well, what happened? – asked Adam. “I can’t tell him that Arthur’s stupid joke bothered me so much!” - Al suddenly thought. - Well... I didn’t cut my hair! Sorry... This is stupid. - You don't need to apologize. We are friends after all! Although, this is really stupid. Suddenly something fell behind the door. - A? What is this? – Albert was surprised. - What's happened? – asked Adam. - No, nothing. I just heard a noise. Ghosts, probably... - I'm hanging up! - What? - but it was already too late - Well, Adam! He's been so nice to me lately! Okay... - Al put the phone in his pocket and headed into another room - Well, it seems the noise was here. Stop! I forgot to lock the door! - when suddenly the phone rang in his pocket, which made Albert jump - It’s just a mobile... - he picked up the phone. - Al? “ Artie...” the guy sighed with relief. - What? Something happened? – the friend asked. - No, nothing. Did you want something? - Listen, Al, about today...       At this time, Albert checked the door and it was locked: “Closed. Well, why did I get so excited?” - he thought. The guy's heart was just jumping out of his chest. - You are angry? – Arthur finally asked. - I'm not angry! You don't have to worry. - You know, I was thinking... Al, this was your first kiss? I won’t forgive myself because I took what you’ve been saving for a long time! - There’s no need to worry about me so much! - Albert got angry. - Then, I’ll come pick you up tomorrow. You do not mind? - Yeah. Okay - Al went around the house to check if everything was closed. - And I ask you, act as if nothing happened, otherwise I will be embarrassed. - Fine. - Bye then. Talk to you tomorrow! - Hey, stop! Wait please! - What's happened? - I'm locking the doors and windows now. Talk to me a little more! - Albert asked pleadingly, causing Arthur to laugh loudly - And there’s no reason for me to laugh in my ear! - Sorry Sorry! "Strange! Everything is locked. Maybe it was my imagination?” - Albert thought: - I finished! - he said. - OK, bye then! – Art said and hung up. - He quickly passed out! - Al remarked - I’m kind of tired today... Perhaps I’ll rest a little! A few minutes later he was fast asleep on the sofa. A strange guy in black clothes approached him... At this time, Albert had a dream: - Hey, be more gentle with me! - Arthur told him - Maybe sometimes I talk to you rudely, but you are the most precious thing I have! - then he hugged Al and slowly kissed him! “Wait a minute! Dreams reflect hidden desires, don’t they?! Hey! His tongue is in my mouth!” And then Albert dreamed that Art was gently stroking his legs and everything between them with one hand, and the other was undressing him and caressing his nipples! “Where are you touching me? Wait! What are you doing, Artie!” To the guy’s surprise, when in a dream Arthur began to kiss his neck, chest, stomach... he felt very pleased! - Valentino, you are so excited! - someone’s voice sounded distantly - This is the first time someone touches you, kisses your lips, hears your moans! Yes, Valentino? "What? Why does he address me by my last name?” - Excited... And so depraved! “This is not Arthur at all! Artie can say something offensive, but talking like that is disrespectful... Horrible!” - Albert! Al!       “That's definitely Arthur's voice!” – the guy thought. - Al! Hey Al! – the familiar voice continued to call.       And then Albert woke up: - Arthur... Arthur! – he said through tears. Art hugged his friend carefully. “I thought it was him who was caressing me!” - Albert thought with annoyance and pressed himself tighter to him. - Who dared? I will not forgive! Who dared do this to you?! - Art, I’m choking... He thought, “But you’re trembling all over!” and only a few minutes later he replied: - You know, I wanted you to always remain carefree and not be afraid of anything! - Let me go, please! Arthur stepped back a little and Al continued: - You know, I myself am to blame for what happened. This is my carelessness. Besides, I’m a guy, so there’s no need to worry.” Albert straightened his clothes. - And yet there is nothing wrong with being scared. By the way, if you think about it, this is also my fault. I should have walked you all the way home as usual. I promise to find this scoundrel and beat the crap out of his head! - suddenly there was a knock on the door - Oh, right! It was Adam who told me that something happened to you. He probably came to check if everything was okay - he opened the door. - Arthur, there are a lot of shoe prints in the garden. And the ground is strewn with leaves. Let's check all the doors and windows. Al, do you mind if I do this? – Adam headed to another room. - Yes, sure. Besides, you will do everything exactly the way you want. - Great. Let's start from the bottom. Art, let's go together! You suspect me, don't you? – Adam cast a sidelong glance at his friend. “ No, that’s not true,” Arthur answered and added in his thoughts: “This is different... Jealousy!” - Although there is a possibility that it was you who attacked Albert. Well, okay, I’ll go myself, and you lock everything here. - Fine! Listen, Al, your legs are shaking... - Art said a little hesitantly. - No, that's not true. I’m just excited... - Albert blushed. - What?! Are you horny because he groped you?! - No! He touched me just a little bit! I just had a dream in which a pretty girl caressed me. There was a long silence. "What? Is he dreaming about girls?!” – thought Art. "Crap! I can’t tell him that it was Arthur who caressed me! I can’t…” Al thought and blushed even more. - OK. You may feel uncomfortable, but we have to go. Adam approached them in the corridor. “ I locked everything,” he said. - Thank you. Found something? – asked Arthur. - Yes. Keys. They were lying outside, on the windowsill, near the doors. - Keys? Now I’m definitely going to go crazy with worry,” Art said and pressed his friend against the wall. “Al, do you happen to know how they could have ended up there?” - No, sorry... And thank you very much! - Why are you blushing?! – Artie exploded. - Yes, you too! You know, I just thought you were actually a really cool friend! You hugged me so tightly then... Although it embarrassed me, it also encouraged me at the same time! “ It’s just a habit,” he justified himself. “There’s nothing special about it, so there’s no reason to be embarrassed!” - Have you become a habit because you often communicate with girls?! - Now it sounded like you were jealous! - What? - Adam sighed and headed towards the exit, unable to bear their conversation, but Al immediately caught himself - Well, okay, I’m still grateful, although you’re trying to insult me in return. - Save your gratitude for Adam. - Well, you are modest! – Albert smiled. - You know, it is this trait of your character that constantly helps me out. I don't know how to communicate with people. I probably seem too stubborn during a conversation, but I don’t act this way consciously! I find it difficult to get along with other people because I am straightforward! And yet you... When we first met, we didn’t quarrel only thanks to you! - What are you doing? – asked Al. “In the past I experienced completely different feelings, but now I understand that I am falling more and more in love with him!” - Art thought and smiled: - Nothing. Do you remember how we met? – he added loudly. - Yes. You were so cute back then, just like in my dream! - Dream?! - Yeah. You didn't look like yourself. In my dream you caressed me so excitingly! – Al was a little embarrassed. - It was me?! – Arthur didn’t believe what he heard. - Exactly! That's why I got excited. - What? But you said it was a girl... Suddenly Albert realized that he had missed. He blushed deeply and covered his face with his hand. His heart was ready to jump out of his chest. The phone rang. - I will answer! – Adam interrupted the silence. - Maybe we should go? – Art asked embarrassedly. - Al, it was your mother. She and dad will stay overnight with their grandmother, Adam said. - What?! But why… - Listen, I'm worried about you. Can I stay here until your relatives return? I'm sure Adam too... - I'm going home! - But why? I will be very grateful to you! - I don’t want to babysit you. Artie, keep an eye on him, okay? That's it, I left. And don't forget to lock the door! – Adam shouted from the yard. - Hey, why are you so worried about him then? How could you just leave like that? – Arthur got angry. - So he doesn’t want to babysit. Okay, let's watch something! – they entered the room – Is this suitable? – Al asked, taking out the disk. “ Yes,” Art answered and blushed a little: “ He’s so close! ” Why did Al’s presence suddenly excite me so much?” – the guy’s pulse quickened – “Turn on the light!” Albert, I'll close the curtains... - Oh, yes! Please! – he also became a little embarrassed – Okay, let’s watch the video! “Does my presence really not leave him indifferent? No! You can’t take wishful thinking!” – Arthur thought and, sitting in front of the TV next to his friend, leaned his hand on the table. - Wouldn’t it be more comfortable to sit on the sofa? – asked Al. - You can see it better this way. Any problems? - “Perhaps he will react normally to this!” - he thought. - Not really. Then I turn it on - Albert pressed once, twice, three times... But the recording still did not start. - The disc is not inserted! – Art remarked and handed it over. “Am I really that worried?!” - Al thought and extended his hand to pick up the disk, but touching his friend’s fingers, he let it go: “I’m such a fool!” – he scolded himself. Arthur, meanwhile, moved closer, squeezed his hand in his own, and placed the other on Al’s shoulder... - You are afraid? – he asked in a whisper. - Why are you? A… Artie took advantage of the moment. He moved his hand from his shoulder and now held his friend's head with it. Then, opening his mouth slightly, the guy began to slowly bend over. And in the end... French kiss! The friends enjoyed this for a few minutes, but Al pushed Arthur away and covered his lips with his hand. He blushed deeply. - Scared? – asked Art. - Not really... - “Not really... What am I talking about? My pulse is going through the roof!” – he removed his hand and their gazes met. “This is getting dangerous! Too dangerous!” – Arthur thought, turning away. He was also embarrassed, but still dared to suggest: - Al, let me turn all your fears into pleasure! - What? Ah... Well... Art didn't wait for an answer. He sat behind him and wrapped his arms tightly around him, which made Al wince. - What's happened? “ No-nothing...” he answered stammeringly. “ I see,” Arthur smiled and bent down, pressing his friend to the floor. “If you’re embarrassed, you can turn away.” - Wait… - But you can’t wait anymore! The guys found themselves in a rather comfortable position: Artie was on his knees, pressing Albert, who was lying on his side. Al thought: “He’s scary! Scary? Not true!". Arthur spread his friend's legs and began to stroke them. “Ah-ah! Why am I so scared! I can just stand up and tell him...”, - Art put his hand in that place... “Oh! I’m hard!” thought Albert. Artie lifted his T-shirt and slowly ran his hand over his stomach . “ I won’t let anyone touch you again!” – he said and unbuttoned his friend’s pants – Al, you’re so excited again! - Well, naturally! -Are you afraid? “ Not... Not really...” Albert said hesitantly and, putting his head in his hands, thought: “In fact, I’m afraid to even resist!” Arthur caressed his nipple with one hand and stroked between his legs with the other. He smiled. -Are you laughing? – asked Al. “ Let’s deprive you of the opportunity to speak,” the friend answered and, putting his hand into his underpants, began to jerk off. Albert was shaking all over. - Wait, Artie! Stop... - he asked in a pleading voice, turning on his back. But his friend didn’t seem to hear him. Arthur gently kissed the guy's hand and, looking straight into his eyes, licked his finger. - Don't hold back your moans! - he ordered. Suddenly hot tears rolled down Al's cheeks. He covered his face with his hand, but his friend had already noticed them and froze in bewilderment. - You are crying? - he asked. - All because I feel so good! - Albert justified himself. - It's clear. I'm sorry that I stopped and you still couldn't finish... - What?! Are you completely stupid? “ You’re wet,” Artie smiled and continued his work. - Don't talk about it... - You're about to cum... Just like that... Yes. - Arthur! Ah-ah-ah-ah! - You're fast, aren't you? - Art, you are so impudent! - Yes. “I’m like that...” the friend answered calmly. “Why did it feel so good when Artie touched me?” – Albert wondered. - Al, I ... - he pressed the guy’s hands to the floor and put his knee between his legs - You... Love... - the doorbell suddenly rang, which took the guys by surprise - Forget it! “Annoying!” – thought Albert – “What? Why does this bother me?” - Al, Art, I know you’re home! Open up! – a familiar voice sounded. “ It looks like it’s Aida,” Arthur suggested. He stood up, but Albert grabbed the guy by the arm. - I... This is... Artie smiled. He leaned towards his friend and kissed him tenderly. “I have crossed all boundaries! I never could have imagined that I would lose control of myself!” - he thought. Albert went to bed while Arthur let the girl in and made her coffee. - Hold it! - he said, handing over the mug. - Can I have the one in my left hand? – asked Aida. - What, exactly, is the difference? “Hey man, I think you were having fun with Al here! Have you even washed your hands?!” – the girl thought, but only answered: - Not with anything. Forget. I see you've settled down here. You are in charge of a friend’s kitchen without his permission... - Why did you come? – Art asked, clearly angry that he was interrupted. “ Well... Adam told me...” Aida drawled and thought: “What was I supposed to do if my friends were going to do such things?!” - Today someone broke into Albert’s house. - What? Wait, aren’t you talking about yourself now? - I just want to protect him. Although, I should have called the police... I want Al to depend only on me, to be grateful only to me... What to do?! – Arthur bowed his head – I love Albert so much! - P... Sorry. You have problems here, and I just barged in like this! – the girl apologized. Al couldn't sleep. “Damn, I can’t calm down! Artie can’t get out of my head!” – he jumped out of bed with the thoughts : “Enough! Stop remembering this! Okay, we need to go drink some water to cool down!” - and headed to the kitchen. At this time, Arthur was just heating the kettle. They made eye contact. - Artie! - Aida’s voice and steps were heard, which is why Al hid behind the refrigerator - I don’t want tea. Better make some noodles for me. By the way, I’ve been thinking about what you recently told me in my spare time... Perhaps this is the first time you truly fell in love. - What?! One more word and I will kill you! - Art said, blushing, and grabbed the girl by the shoulders. “Say your name and I’ll kill you!” - What? Why? For what? – questions rained down from her side. - I will definitely kill you! - Relax! I'm just kidding. It's so much fun. - Weren’t you trying to hurt me? – the guy asked, turning away. - No no! I was just interested to see your reaction. It was you who sold girls to your friends after you slept with them. - Stop it! – Arthur ordered. “Albert is still here! Maybe this is punishment for what I did?” - he thought, and when Aida again wanted to say something, he covered her mouth with his hand. - What's happened? – she asked indignantly, removing her hand from her face. - I'm just too stupid. That’s why I acted so unfairly, playing with other people’s feelings! I will never do that again! I swear! “It turns out that Art has changed so much because he fell in love with someone? Here I am, running around with my perverted fantasies, while my best friend is becoming a mature person! How pathetic I am! From now on, only restraint! Restraint!" - Albert thought. The next morning they all had breakfast together and got to school. Al was completely broken. “I just have to avoid him...” he thought. - What happened to you? – Adam asked, coming closer. - Yes, it’s simple. - Listen, Art is asking about you. The guy trembled all over. “No, I’m not mentally ready for this yet...” he thought. “ Al said he wasn’t feeling well,” Adam told his friend. “ Ah... Well, actually, I just came in like that,” Arthur answered and thought: “Why did he suddenly start avoiding me? Is it really because I was pestering you back then? No. He reacted to everything completely calmly. What if he now feels disgusted? Crap. This was not enough yet! Okay, stop panicking! No matter how I figure it out...” After class, Art went into class to pick up a friend, but not finding him, he went home alone. - Jerk! – several men shouted and wanted to attack Albert, but his friend arrived in time and eliminated the offenders. - Are you okay? – he asked. “I was worried when I found out that you left earlier.” - Move away! - Al ordered. - But… - I'm not going to leave this just like that! - OK. Then I will help you! The friends were surrounded in a dark but fairly wide alley, and they were forced to stand back to back. - If anything, I didn’t ask you. You have nothing to do with it! - Actually, these are my problems too. We are still friends! – Arthur answered. - Take them!!! - the head of the bandits commanded and several dozen strong men attacked their friends. In just a few moves they were able to deal with the approaching danger. Only the commander remained, but Albert knocked him out with one blow. - It passed. Maybe we can have a drink? – suggested Arthur. “ So be it,” Al sighed. The guys went to the bar. - Sorry for what happened yesterday! But you are simply magnificent! - You know, you’re the first one to tell me this...” Albert said, a little embarrassed. “ Indeed, even in my male opinion, you are really cool... and very attractive,” Arthur smiled. - A? Yes? - Yes. And especially your hair. I just can't look away! – Art answered and patted his friend on the head. - Yeah. My hair is so light you could go blind. Anyway, let's have another drink. Let's not hold back! - Fine.       It was already deep night. Al saw his friend off and collapsed on the bed at his house. He positioned himself in the middle, spreading his legs slightly and placing his hands under his head. - Of course, you know how to drink, but today you had a little too much. Wait, I'll give you some water now. - Forget! You know that I started drinking since kindergarten. - Ha! Well, of course! – Art smiled. He looked at his friend and spilled some water. Al turned onto his side causing his robe to shift, revealing his chest and legs. “An open robe is so exciting! Crap! I look at him and desire rises in me again!” – Arthur thought and, sitting down next to him, asked: - Shouldn't you be coming home? - No. My grandmother came to see me, and the house is small, so they asked me to spend the night with you. Maybe you can give me shelter today? -Are you sure everything is okay? - I’m telling you, everything is great! - Fine. This is very good! – Art unbuttoned his shirt and, kneeling on the bed, leaned over Al. - Your skin is so smooth! This is simply excellent! Can I touch you? – he asked his half-asleep friend and turned him over on his back. Then the guy began to slowly stroke his chest with one hand, and raised his leg with the other. “Why do I feel so good when Art touches me?” - Al thought and blushed. Arthur put his hand on that spot and his friend shuddered. - Hey, where did you go? – Albert resisted, but immediately hesitated. Artie caressed his nipple with his tongue. - Don't worry, I won't leave any traces! - he said, breaking away - I want you! Really want to… - Wait a minute! – Al said excitedly, but his friend did not listen to him. He began to move lower with slow kisses, untying his robe - even lower... - You'll allow me, won't you? “I’ll be very careful,” Arthur said in a half-whisper. The guy moved his knee between his friend’s legs and when he moved it a little, Albert pressed his legs towards him. - Art, no need. Please! - He blushed. - But still not so bad. Am I wrong? - Yes, but... doing this with a guy somehow... - Artie leaned over and kissed him, not allowing him to finish. - Isn’t it all the same who will give you pleasure: a man or a woman? - he said, and then kissed his friend again. - No, wait! - What's the matter? Since you don’t resist, I’ll take the opportunity,” Arthur said with a smile. - It is forbidden! - Al stood up - If we go too far... It’s already hard for me to be around. I constantly think only about you! This is unbearable... - he said in a pitiful voice - Why are you staring at me?! “ Didn’t it dawn on you that you just made an important confession?” Just tell me one thing. What you feel about me? If you say so, I'll leave you alone... - I love you! I love you, Arthur Hodalming! - Well, you finally confessed! Now I won't let you go anywhere. Let's be happy together, okay? – Artie said and leaned over to kiss his friend, but he hid his face. Art smiled slightly and kissed his forehead. - But you yourself said that you would leave me alone! – Albert was indignant. - I lied. I've held back for too long and I won't give up knowing that you feel the same! - Deceiver! - And I even like your naivety. - What? - Alberto Valentino, I love you too! Al became very embarrassed when Arthur kissed him using his tongue. Art forced his friend to lie down. - Artie, what are we doing? - instead of answering, he kissed him again - No... Arthur tenderly kissed his friend’s neck , and then his chest, stomach and something below... - Well, stop! - Al, you feel good. Then how about this? – he asked and slowly inserted his finger into his friend’s... - Ah-ah-ah-ah! This… “ I love you, Al,” Arthur carefully ran his hand over his stomach. “This is your first time?” - Certainly! – Albert answered a little indignantly, through tears. - Relax! I feel you are ready... The guy positioned himself between his friend’s thighs and pressed his hands to the bed. - Albert... - he leaned over and kissed him on the neck, and then... - Ah-ah-ah-ah! Arthur moved slowly at first, allowing his friend to get used to the new sensations, but over time he sped up. - Art, this is wrong. - Not at all. This is absolutely normal sex! – a long silence fell. It seemed that they only heard each other’s accelerated pulse and intermittent breathing... - Al, I’ll be there soon... - Stop it! Enough. It hurts... - but Artie still came inside. In the morning, Albert woke up alone in the room. "A? Where is he? Did God knows what to me, and then just abandoned me?!” – he thought and went to the shower. He was haunted by only one thought: “I will never forgive him!” Arthur returned with his shopping and found his friend coming out with a bath. ― Arthur Hodalming! – he said in a terrifying tone. - S-s-sorry! I went shopping for breakfast ingredients! - You are a shameless idiot! Bring me a knife from the kitchen! - What? Wait, you're not going to, are you? - I resisted to the last! And you think that I will just forgive something like this? Even if it happened while drunk... Get out! - he said, pointing to the door. - But this is my apartment. - Shut up! I can't see you... - It's clear. Just, Albert, please leave before I get back. Arthur put the bags on the floor and left. “Nothing can be fixed now! Damn, why couldn’t I restrain myself?” - he thought. The guy returned only in the evening. - I wonder if Albert got home okay? - he said in a low voice, turning to himself - I needed to control myself. Alas, it’s too late to regret anything! Art dialed him several times on his mobile phone, but to no avail. Then he wrote him a message:

Al, are you home already? I'm worry. I'll probably send Aida or Adam if you don't answer. Arthur.

And then I dialed again. - What did you want? – asked a familiar voice. - Well... How are you feeling? - It’s great to hear this from a rapist! You don't have to worry about me. Although I didn't think you'd go this far. I didn’t expect that by forgiving I would fall into a more cruel trap. If that's all, then I hang up. - Wait, I'm talking about school. I don't think you want to see me anymore... I'll transfer before you get back. - Fine. From next week I shouldn’t see you,” Albert said and hung up. Arthur sighed. Hot tears rolled down his cheeks. “Well, why couldn’t I strangle my desires then? But now there is nothing to be done. Hell, even now, just hearing his voice made me want to hug Al tightly. I love him! I love! And this is unbearable!” - he thought. On Monday Al went to school. - Albert, do you happen to know what happened to Art? He transferred so suddenly! – Aida said, approaching him. “I tried to call, but my mobile phone was turned off.” - I don’t know anything about this. - Did something happen to you? – Adam asked, accidentally overhearing the conversation. - No. - You are sure? – the girl was surprised. - If not, then no! – Al raised his voice and left. “Of course, I didn’t want to see him, but I didn’t forbid him to see his friends!” – he thought, dialing Arthur. - And he really doesn’t answer! So, I'll have to go to his house after school. Classes ended and the guy cleaned up the classroom, after which, late in the evening, he went to see a friend. Nobody opened it for him. - Hey, Art! I want to talk! Are you home? Albert noticed that the mail had not been picked up for a long time and suddenly thought: “Arthur is missing! This can't be true! But still... I'm worried! He was about to return when he ran into Adam and Aida. - ABOUT! And are you here? – the girl smiled. - Yes. I see we are all worried. - Listen, maybe he still told you something? – asked Adam. - There is nothing. And in general, this is his personal decision. So there is no point in discussing... - Maybe you’re right, but we can’t even contact him! – Aida interrupted. “He transferred without warning anyone.” Something must have happened to him! - In any case, I don’t care about him. I am going home! - Albert said and ran away. - He's fast, isn't he? – Adam noted. - Yeah. Very much! – the girl answered. The next day the friends did not speak to each other. In the evening Al came to Arthur's house again. “Of course, I didn’t want to see him, but I didn’t even think that he would disappear! You have so many friends... Even if it’s not with me, at least keep in touch with them!” - he thought. The guy knocked, but no one opened. The door was also locked. - As I thought, Art is not here today. This went on for two weeks. Arriving once again at the closed door, Albert began to cry. - Why? Why is that?! At least let me know about you! Naturally, I was furious after everything you did... But... I didn’t want to cut off all ties with you! - he said, and then thought: “Maybe I really didn’t want to get rid of it? Then it turns out that I will be glad if all this happens again? I... I... I love you, Arthur! Please come back to me! After all, this is the first time I feel such a feeling of loss...” The guy lost even the slightest hope, but still came the next day. He pulled the door and it opened... It opened for the first time in such a long time! Albert ran inside and froze when his and Arthur's eyes met. - Why are you here? Al, I thought we wouldn’t see each other again... - Where have you been all this time? – a friend asked through tears. - I saw off my family and stayed there for a while. Were you looking for me? - It doesn’t matter... Art, you could have... and called... - Why suddenly? You yourself wanted to cut off contact with me. I love you and that's why I have to step back. - And even so ... I ... - Albert became a little embarrassed - You shouldn’t leave your friends! - If I had kept in touch with them, I would have met you sooner or later. - Idiot! I thought that if you just give up everything like that, then I will too?! You idiot, I came here every day while you were away... - Al started crying again - He probably thought that I wouldn’t feel anything?! Yes, you know how worried I was... - Sorry... I couldn’t even imagine that you would react like that. Please forgive me! “Art was completely shocked by what was happening. He hugged his friend and felt his pulse quicken because Albert was also hugging him. Arthur kissed the guy and, letting him go, sat down on the edge of the bed. - You know, I'm not sure I can restrain myself. My body is reacting to you! - he said. Al sat down next to him and carefully placed his hand on something hard. - What are you doing?! – exclaimed Art. - Looks like you really want me... - Don’t do that again and you yourself know why! I could lose control of myself! - Well, okay… - WHAT?! Why? “ I want this...” Albert answered embarrassedly. Arthur hesitantly laid the guy down... - I don't mind if you really want me, but are you ready for the consequences? - he asked. - At a moment like this, nothing matters to me. - Now I can say the same thing! Although... Al, I would like to clarify something... We are lovers now, aren't we? - Friends. Or is it... Lovers?