The conversation in that little circle of team-mates suddenly fell silent. Milles had spit out his soda, choking and coughing, while the others looked surprised at Theodore. The omega was reddening his cheeks, whether from embarrassment or anger no one would know.
― What's up? You're joking...
― Did you guys... Kissed?
Their gazes went to Gabriel, who until then had remained a mere spectator of the discussion, eating his sandwich. The alpha raised his eyes, licking his ketchup-soaked fingers that escaped from his sandwich, only then realizing he was the centre of attention.
― Oh yeah, I'm staying with Theo. ― agreed the simplistic alpha.
― What? No, wait, wait, I think I heard wrong. Are you a faggot?
― Oh glory! Finally, the hoax got out of my way.
― Shut up Thunder. ― Poked Boyle, looking at Gabriel still surprised. ― I thought you...
― I've told you several times that I'm not into Sadie and you never listen to me. Taking this opportunity, I would like to kindly ask you to stop mentioning Miles' cousin. ― The alpha said, going back to eating his sandwich without seeming bothered by the surprise of the others. However, when he raised his eyes to the other two classmates, he left a clear coldness worthy of a horror movie killer.
― I don't believed...
As if the whole mess caused by that simple confession wasn't enough, Nicolas woke up from his sleep sitting on the puff, laying his head on Theodore's shoulder.
― Theoo, hungryyy!
After complaining, Nicolas got up and went inside the house bumping into the walls because he was still sleepy. Theodore had shaken his head stretching his neck to see what was left of the barbecue. Milles had stood up taking the plate with the cut pieces of meat on it and muttered.
― I'll heat it up, hold on.
― Thanks, Milles.
― Weren't you with the captain? ― Boyle asked, still in disbelief and taking up the subject again. And then he turned to Thunder ― Didn't you say you saw the two of them getting together?
Thunder, who was already all smiles as he ate the last piece of meat he had snatched from Miles' plate, turned to his friend and shook his head.
― I saw the captain kissing someone, and since it seemed to be a blond person I thought it was Theodore. ― Shrugged the boy. ― 'Fuck, I don't care about that.
― But...
― Why do you bother so much? ― Gabriel questioned, grabbing a napkin to wipe his ketchup stained mouth.
― I'm just confused....
― I'm staying with Theo, and the captain probably already has someone. You're still straight. That's it, it's not that complicated.
―Wait a minute, does that mean someone else at school is gay? And yet... The captain is unmarried and I'm not? ― Thunder complained in a grimace.
Theodore hadn't even dared to answer, even though curiosity had been directed at him for knowing the truth. He just took a bread from the bag and cut it starting to prepare the sandwich for Nicolas, who returned together with Miles and the plate of meat heated in the microwave.
Assembling the sandwich and handing it to his sleepy friend, Nicolas ate almost falling asleep. Every now and then the blond omega had to wake him up by nudging his cheeks, otherwise he would sleep just like that.
― What are you staring at me for? ― He growled grumpily with a piece of bread in his mouth.
― Are you a faggot?
― Yeah, so what? ― Complained Nicolas ― And it's not a fag, it's gay. You don't need to be afraid of speaking correctly, it just shows what an ass you are.
― Tell me, who would be the crazy one to stay with him? He's insufferable!
Milles wasn't even paying attention to the conversation, as he had gone back to the grill to put the last pieces of meat on.
― Anyway, our class is super-supportive of the cherub ― Sam said, smiling slightly, finally making himself present at that small meeting. ― And we know he will win the contest.
― Hey, hey, hey, the other character from that damned story is also participating in the contest and representing my class ― Thunder complained. ― That's it... I should use that story... Yeah... We can finally get the upper hand in this contest, and I'm supposed to win Sadie.
― Oh, that reminds me ― Miles shouted from the grill, making the others turn to look at him. ― I tried to warn my sister to take her mind off this whole Biel thing, but it looks like she's up to something.
Theodore petrified in his seat as he prepared a sandwich just for him. Raising his eyes to Miles, he replayed his words in his head, unable to believe they had been spoken so lightly.
― What do you mean?
― It's the biggest bullshit, but I'm just saying she hasn't given up on Gabriel yet.
― They just assume romance in front of the school. I don't know, kiss, have sex... ― Shouted Thunder pale. ― Come on... Now that I was getting my hopes up...
Theodore looked at Gabriel wondering if he was thinking the same thing he was. They should prepare for the following week, for the school would be in an uproar.
When nightfall had fallen, only the two couples remained in the Milles' house. The relief of having survived one of the storms was unparalleled. Admitting to the volleyball team that he and Gabriel were together had made him nervous, but happy at the same time. At least with them he could feel more comfortable.
Doing the dishes, Theodore imagined the various scenarios he would face when he went to school on Monday. The most natural response would be to pretend it wasn't up to him and try not to attract attention.
That is, if he hadn't kicked the bucket.
― What are you thinking so much? ― Raising his face, Theodore found Gabriel staring at him from the kitchen counter, slowly approaching with more dishes to wash.
― Just some nonsense.
― Are you going home? Milles said we could sleep here if we needed to.
― I have to go, I'm spending the holiday with my father and I haven't even packed my things yet.
Theodore froze again when he felt fingers caressing his cheek. Looking at the owner of that hand, he could see Gabriel was close enough to him. Enough for his heart to race, his scent to intensify, and his longing for his next step.
― I was going to ask you out this weekend. But that's okay, now we have a break until the championship starts.
― Invited me? Like... For a date?
The clear eyes widened and sparkled like beautiful pearls, making Gabriel let out a low laugh at the clear joy of that omega.
― Now that they know we're together, we don't have to hold back... Don't we?
Stifling a euphoric scream, Theodore swung himself onto his tiptoes, turning off the tap while his hand was still soapy.
― So... If you don't mind, what do you say you join me next week for some shopping?
― Shopping? What do you want to buy?
― My dad's getting married again so I need a suit... And he wants us to go matching, so I need to choose a specific colour.
Gabriel leaned against the sink and crossed his arms, looking Theodore up and down.
― This cherub in the business suit... Hm, I'm in.
The omega's cheeks warmed right up, and he looked away to finish the dishes. Gabriel had stood by his side helping him so they could finish as quickly as possible, only before the omega left the alpha held his waist and lifted him up to sit him on the countertop.
Staring surprised at the alpha, Theodore could already feel the nervousness embrace him again. It always happened when Gabriel was around, leaving him anxious without knowing what to do. He hoped he would touch and kiss him, because he felt desired.
And that moment was no different.
― I'll let you go, soon. I just want to steal more of your time.
Having those brown eyes on his and his hands on his waist were enough to make Theodore daydream. For a moment he had felt the need to touch Gabriel's face, to caress his cheek and feel the warmth of his skin to remind him that this was real.
And when he leaned in to kiss him, Theodore felt complete. Kissing his soul mate was the best thing. The feelings involved were conveyed in the simplest of touches, and the warm sensation that lingered on his skin when he was touched could last forever.
Even if the kiss wasn't so intense, being slow, Theodore still wished he wouldn't leave that place. He wrapped his arms around Gabriel pulling him to be between his legs, being able to go a little deeper than touch.
The way the alpha explored his mouth and played with his tongue was passionate. It mattered little where they were and the time, they just wanted to soak in each other's essence.
The instant Gabriel had begun to touch Theodore's back under his blouse, the alpha had broken the kiss.
― Please Theo, can't we just enjoy this a little longer? I'll drop you home bright and early.
It was the first time he'd seen him desperate, pressing him against himself and kissing his cheek to make him change his mind. Theodore eventually burst out laughing.
― Are you trying to negotiate with me?
― You said you would celebrate the victory with me, and that you would teach me how to use the other hand.
Arching an eyebrow at the alpha's sagacity, Theodore couldn't resist. He himself longed to spend the night with Gabriel, to be in his arms and receive his kisses since they wouldn't see each other for four days.
Then... Why deny it?
― Which room did Milles tell us to use?
Gabriel grinned before holding Theodore's thighs firmly and lifting him onto his lap to go to the room.
In fact, Theodore had taught Gabriel to use his other hand.