Spin

Finally, fucking finally, I've had a breakthrough in my research. Granted, it hasn't been that long, but ever since I started this project, it's been disappointment after disappointment. Today, though, I had a moment of inspiration (after some sheer dumb luck). It was epiphanous, miraculous, serendipitous -- any positive -ous word I could think of. Even though there's still a long way to go, I now have a path forward. There's a light at the end of this godforsaken tunnel.

It's not like it was super necessary for me to get my PhD. However, the acquisition of a PhD (as my PI once put it) "separates the meek from the ambitious." Besides, I started this. I have to finish it -- and I have too much conviction to let myself fail.

Gus, of course, was the first person I called because I wanted to get some celebratory drinks. Unfortunately, he's busy with work, but Bruce and Liv both had some free time, so the three of us made some last-minute plans to meet up at our favorite bar. They know better than anyone how important this is to me, how much I've slaved over my research, how much time I've lost with my friends because I'm pursuing my career. Now, it at least feels like it's paying off. This is a nice way to thank them.

By the time I get there, Bruce and Liv have already arrived. There's a little bounce in my step that doesn't go unnoticed by either of them. Both of them smirk as I meander towards the bar with a peppy swagger and a smile slapped across my face.

"Someone looks happy," Liv teases, giggling.

"You have no idea," I murmur, giving her a hug so tight it makes her squeal like a squeaky toy.

When I turn to Bruce, he just grins as he embraces me and pats my back. "Let's get some drinks in ya," he says when he pulls back.

"Amen. First round's on me, fuckers," I say, and Bruce and Liv both smile approvingly. I order a round of shots for the three of us, and once the bartender pours out three whiskeys, my friends and I hold up our glasses.

"To our favorite nerd," Bruce says before I can get a word in.

"Hear, hear," Liv says brightly.

I just chuckle before we down the shots, each of us wincing and laughing. With the celebratory shots out of the way, we each order our own cocktails: a cosmo for Liv, a ginger mule for Bruce, and for myself, some sort of lemonade concoction listed as a house special. What can I say? I'm feeling pretty sweet.

Once our order's in, Liv grins and points at my face. "I honestly don't think I've ever seen you look this happy."

I just laugh. "I don't know. I feel like I just got head from God or something," I tell her, and she snorts.

"Still have a long ways to go, though, right?" Bruce asks.

I shrug. "Yeah, but I have a feeling the rest will be a cakewalk."

"What's left, anyway?" Liv asks.

I know neither of them care for science, so I leave out the particulars of the project. "Still a lot of research to do," I say. "It's mostly just gathering more data, but the foundation is so sound that I'm not worried at all. At this rate, I could probably finish a year early."

"That's great!" Liv says excitedly, slapping my arm. "Then you can come back to the real world."

I laugh. "True," I say before placing a hand on one of their shoulders each. Both of them are seated next to each other, but I stay standing in between them, knowing I won't be able to sit still. "Just wanna say... I love you guys," I tell them.

"We love you too, bro," Bruce says, amused by my behavior. This is how I talk when I'm drunk, but I'm not even tipsy yet. I'm just feeling damn good.

"I'm serious," I say. "You guys are my best friends. I don't say it enough, but I really appreciate you, and your support, and... well, yeah. I just love you guys."

"Aww," Liv says, reaching up and tugging on my cheek like a grandma. "He's so cute when he gets emotional."

"Shut up," I say, swatting her hand away. Both of them laugh.

"We're really proud of you," Liv says before smirking towards Bruce. "Well, *I* am."

Bruce nudges her chair with his foot as if threatening to push it over. "Fuck off."

I grin towards my buddy. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," he says. "I *am* proud of you. But I'll be much happier when doctorate-Jackie is long gone."

Can't argue with that. "Me fuckin' too," I murmur, and Bruce pats my arm.

"Seriously, though, I'm excited for you."

Just then, our drinks arrive. The bartender slides them over to us, and I slide a handsome tip back, feeling extra generous today. Honestly, this mood is kind of dangerous. At this rate, I'll end up buying the bar.

"Well," Bruce says, nodding his drink towards me, "here's to smooth sailing."

"I'll drink to that," I say, clinking my fruity little cocktail against his before taking a sip. Goddamn. Is it really the drink, or do things just taste extra good today?

"How's everything else going?" Liv asks, lightly nursing her cosmo.

Bruce just laughs. "She means 'How's Gus?'"

"Shut up," Liv says, rolling her eyes at Bruce, which makes me think they were discussing my relationship before I arrived. She peers up at me. "Is he joining us?"

"Nah, he was in the middle of work," I tell them, frowning a little.

"Boo," Liv says, looking disappointed. "I haven't seen him in a while."

"I thought you all hung out last night," I mention. In an effort to get to know Gus a little better, Bruce invited him over for dinner with Liv and his pseudo-girlfriend whose name I can never seem to remember.

"I couldn't make it," Liv says with a dramatic sigh. "But we all gotta get together soon! I demand it."

"Yes, princess," I tease, sipping my drink after dodging her elbow.

"Gus mentioned he met your folks the other day," Bruce chimes in.

Liv perks up even more. "Oh my God! Were they in town? I miss your parents! How are they?"

"Same old same old," I say fondly. "Mom actually mentioned you."

"I wish you told me!" she says, hitting my forearm. "I miss her. I like her more than my own mom."

"Don't be rude to Rachel," Bruce playfully warns.

"Stop crushing on my mom, it's weird," Liv says, and Bruce chuckles while I just grin to myself. Bruce has always had a bit of a thing for Liv's mom -- and I don't blame him. She's the definition of a MILF.

"Whatever," Bruce says.

Liv turns to me. "So? How'd the meet-the-parents thing go?"

"They love him, no surprise there," I say. "I thought they were gonna make a bigger deal about the whole 'Here's my gay lover' thing but... it went really well."

"Well good!" Liv says, smiling brightly. "Guess everything's going pretty well for you, huh, Casanova?"

She's not wrong. I smile to myself as I bring my drink to my lips, feeling truly grateful. I've got a great family, great friends, great boyfriend, and the stress of my doctorate has almost evaporated. It almost feels silly to say, but... life is fucking good.

I stay with Bruce and Liv for several drinks, wanting to hear all about their lives. Liv's putting on her big-girl-entrepreneur shoes and considering starting up a yoga studio in town, and Bruce is just doing his normal Bruce thing: taking it easy. For once, Liv doesn't have any boy-related drama. In fact, the only complaint the entire evening is that Liv doesn't feel drunk enough -- and I quickly remedy that by buying us more drinks. Soon, we're all quite toasted, laughing and reminiscing and soaking up each others' company.

~ ~ ~

After the bar, I walk off the alcohol as best I can (which is not super well) and briefly head home on my way to Gus's to grab an overnight bag. Gus is on babysitting duty yet again, so as usual, I'm going to enjoy the rest of the evening at his apartment. One quick subway ride later and I find myself at Gus's front door. I knock and hear a small voice reply, "It's unlocked!"

When I step inside, the first thing I see is Gus's little brother hanging out on the couch and watching cartoons on the big screen. "Hey Gabe!" I say with a smile, kicking the door shut.

He peers over at me and smiles. "Hi, Jackie," he says, his hand absentmindedly stroking the cat in his lap. He doesn't look surprised to see me. "Gus ran out to get something. He said he'll be right back."

I grin a bit. That "something" must be weed. "Mind if I sit with you, then?" I ask. I'm still a bit drunk, and swaying on my feet isn't a great look. Gabe just shrugs and then nods, and I take a seat beside him. "What are we watching?"

"'Rick and Morty'," he says, eyes still on the TV.

I've vaguely heard about this show. "Isn't that a little... old for you?" I ask. I thought it was for adults.

Gus just turns and grins at me. "Mom hates that I watch it but she never stops me," he says.

I laugh, nodding. "Guess she doesn't hate it that much."

Then, randomly, Gabe has a question. "Are you in love with my brother?"

I glance at him with surprise. He doesn't seem put off. Just curious. "Um... yeah," I say, almost laughing. Should I have said that?

"Weird," he says, wrinkling his nose.

"Why's that weird?"

"Being in love," he says. "It's weird."

I smirk. At least it's not a homophobic thing. "You been in love before, champ?"

In comic fashion, he looks at me like I couldn't have suggested something more vile. "No," he says.

"Don't knock it 'til you try it," I tease, patting his thigh.

He wrinkles his nose again, shaking his head. "I'm never gonna be in love," he says defiantly before he looks up at me again. "Are you gonna get married?"

I feel my eyebrows raise. Slow down, kid. "I don't know about that just yet," I tell him.

"Oh," he says, looking a bit disappointed. "Well, when you do, can I be the flower boy?"

I can't resist a smile. What was I like when I was little? Was I anything like Gabe? I make a mental note to reminisce with my parents the next time I see them -- but for now, to make Gabe happy, I nod and say, "You got it, buddy."

He beams up at me, satisfied.

Just then, I hear movement in the hallway before I notice his mother bustling into the room. "Oh, Jackie, sweetheart! So good to see you!" she says, looking hurried as usual. Despite the fact that her shift is consistent, she's always rushing, practically out of breath.

"You too, Mrs. Fenway," I say.

Then, as if remembering something, she pauses. "I'm glad you're here, actually," she says, eyeing the room as if looking for someone -- presumably Gus. "I wanted to talk to you."

Uh oh. There's something in her tone that I don't particularly like. It feels like I'm about to be chastised or hear something that I don't want to hear. Still, when she beckons me over, I slip off the couch and stand next to her, hoping she can't smell the alcohol on me.

She lowers her voice a bit. "What's your plan?"

I blink. "My plan?"

"Yes," she says. "With my son, I mean."

I stare at her blankly, unsure what she's getting at. At first, I thought she was talking about Gabe before I realize she's giving me a knowing look. She's talking about Gus... Me and Gus... Gus and me together...

"Don't be coy," she says, smirking slightly. "I know what's going on between you two."

I wince a bit. I don't want to say anything and put Gus in an awkward position with his mother, but she's basically cornering me. "Sorry," I murmur.

She waves me off. "Oh, honey, that's not a problem. It's rather cute. But," she says, pausing here for dramatic effect, "I just ask that you don't whisk him away from me. Boston is our home and my kids are all I have. That's all I wanted to say."

I gulp a bit. Even though she's smiling and seems rather happy, I can't help but feel a little stressed out. The last thing I want to do is cross Mrs. Fenway. I wouldn't put it past her to haunt the everliving fuck out of me should she die of a broken heart. "We don't have any plans," I tell her.

She claps her hands together. "Good! Keep it that way," she says before rubbing my arm affectionately. Then, she resumes with her bustling in the kitchen and getting ready for work, leaving me confused.

Gus takes a while to return. In fact, his mother has to run off to work, but I tell her I'll keep an eye on Gabe so she won't be late. For about fifteen minutes, I lounge with Gabe, watching a random episode of "Rick and Morty" before Gus finally comes home.

"Hey!" he says, surprised to see me.

"Hey, babe," I say with a little grin, eyeing him up and down. Goddamn, he's fucking cute. Every time I see him, my insides lurch forward as if wanting to be closer to him.

He smiles at the affectionate word and, after kicking his shoes off, comes over to the back of the couch and gives me a quick kiss upside down. He also greets his brother by ruffling Gabe's hair. "Sorry it took me so long. Mom still here?"

"She left," Gabe says, eyes still fixed on the television.

"Cool," Gus says before his eyes turn to mine. "Wanna...?" He gestures to his bedroom.

I nod. "Yeah."

"We'll be in my room, Gabe," Gus says as I stand up. Then, happy to get some alone time with my guy, I follow Gus down the hallway into his bedroom. Once we're inside, he shuts the door to establish a little bit of privacy. "Sorry," Gus says. "Work was stressful and I ran out of weed." He pulls out a baggie from the pocket in his hoodie and tosses it on his desk.

"It's all good," I say, amused.

"Oh, but hey!" he says, turning to me with a bright smile. "Congrats!" Gus saunders up to me and gives me another kiss on the lips. Thankfully, we hold this one for a little longer.

"Mmm. Thank you," I say, resting my hands on his sides to keep him close to me. There are too many clothes in the way, though. Feeling his heat through fabric just seems like a cocktease.

"And sorry I couldn't make it to the bar tonight," he adds.

"It's okay. I'd rather have you to myself," I murmur, leaning in to kiss his neck.

Gus laughs -- and then, those laughs quickly turn into moans, especially when I start to get handsy. Both hands slide around and down, gripping his ass through his sweatpants. "Mmf, don't," he grunts, stopping me. "Wait 'til Gabe goes to bed."

I groan. "But I miss you."

"I'm right here," he says, amused.

"Sexually," I clarify, and Gus chuckles.

"He probably won't stay up much longer," Gus tells me, patting my cheek. "Wanna watch a movie or something?"

I just shrug. "Alright. Long as you get partially naked," I say.

"Deal," he says.

Both of us strip down to our underwear. As I lounge out on his bed, Gus whips out his laptop from his backpack and logs in, ready to pull up a streaming service. I rest on my side, propped up on my elbow, admiring Gus as I usually do when he's casually showing off his body. My eyes always focus on some key features: his strong, thick thighs; his tapered core; his shapely pecs and bulging arms; and, of course, his deliciously full ass. His boxer briefs hug each cheek perfectly, and I feel my cock twitch. Gabe needs to get to sleep ASAP. I have plans for his big brother.

Speaking of plans... "Oh, hey, by the way," I start to say. "Did you... tell your mom yet? About us?"

Gus focuses on the laptop screen as he speaks. "Not really, no," he says. "Why?"

"She mentioned some stuff."

He turns to me, eyebrows furrowed. "Huh?"

"She, um, pulled me aside earlier and asked me what our plans were."

He just looks confused. "Our plans?"

"Yeah. She knows we're together," I tell him, figuring it's best to just be forward. "She basically flat-out said it."

For a moment, he looks a little horrified, but then it quickly turns to mild anxiety. "Did she seem...?"

"She was totally cool with it," I assure him, happy to see he looks relieved. "But, y'know, I think she has this fear that we're gonna fall in love and elope somewhere far away."

He laughs, bringing the laptop over to the bed. "So we're not in love?"

"Maybe a little," I tease with a grin as Gus gets situated. He lies down next to me, and I spoon him, draping an arm casually over his body as he positions the laptop. "Does it bother you that we don't have plans?" I ask.

"Whatcha mean?" Gus asks, pulling up Netflix.

"Like, we're just... taking it day by day."

"That's exactly what I like about it," Gus says.

"I mean, me too, but..." But what? What am I trying to say? It's not like *I* have a problem with how things are. I just don't want it to *become* a problem, I guess.

Gus turns his head towards me and frowns. "Don't tell me my mom got to you."

I laugh. "She didn't," I say. "Well, maybe a little. I don't know. I just wanna know where your head's at."

"My head's right here," he says.

I smile and lean in to give him a quick kiss. "So you don't think we should plan, even a little?"

"It sounds like you think we should plan," Gus says with a smirk.

"I want what you want," I tell him.

Gus pauses for a moment, thinking it over. "Well, think of it this way," he eventually says. "I've got my job, and my mom, and my brother, and you have, at the very least, two years left before you're done with school. I don't think this is something we have to worry about right now. Two years is a long time."

I smile. That's all I needed to hear to settle the nerves. If he's happy with this vibe, then I'm happy. "Works for me," I tell him. He just stares at me for a while before letting out a little laugh. "What?" I ask.

"Do you ever think about how weird it is that we got together?"

I smirk. "Weird how?"

"I mean, both of us only ever dated girls, neither of us were actually into guys that much, but something just... sparked between us," he says. "And now I... Well, can I get sappy for a quick second?"

"Be my guest," I say, smiling.

"Now, I can't imagine my life without you," he says.

I swoon. It's such a simple sentiment, but it resonates in my chest -- especially because I feel the same exact way. "And it's all because of a stupid little game of Spin the Bottle," I mutter.

Gus laughs. "I'm very fond of that game now," he says with a grin.

"I wouldn't go that far," I say, and both of us chuckle.

Because we've been on a bad-movie kick, we pick the lowest-rated film we can find and throw it on. Making fun of terrible films is a much-loved pastime of ours, but for right now, we're really just killing time until Gabe is ready to sleep. For the first half of the movie, we mostly sit in silence, casually touching and chatting and kissing and laughing about how abysmal the acting is. Eventually, Gabe (who has finally learned to knock) makes his presence on the other side of the door known. He announces that he's ready to go to bed but needs help opening the new tube of toothpaste. Going into big-brother mode, Gus heads out to help Gabe. I lie in bed cozily, listening to Gus tuck his little brother in on the other side of the wall. I can't really hear anything, but I can sense them -- and when I close my eyes, I can envision it clearly: Gus fussing with the blankets and pillows and Gabe gazing adoringly up at his brother as he awaits his goodnight forehead kiss. God, Gus is so cute as a big brother. He's so patient and doting when it comes to Gabe. In a weird way, it makes him more attractive.

When Gus returns, he stands next to the bed and eyes me. "Wanna finish the movie in the living room?" he asks.

It would be nicer to lounge on the couch and watch on a bigger screen, but... "Nah," I say, shaking my head. "This movie isn't bad enough to be good."

Gus laughs. "Yeah, fair," he says before tapping his chin. "Wanna have sex, then?"

He says it so casually that I almost miss the question -- and then I grin. "No thanks," I say playfully.

Gus almost thinks I'm serious for a second because his eyes go wide before he looks skeptical. "You're kidding."

I laugh. "Of course I am," I tell him before beckoning him to me. "Bring that ass over here."

With a smirk, Gus practically leaps on top of me. I almost fear the bed collapsing, but it just rattles as we bounce and try to connect our lips. As soon as our mouths are on each other's, I feel like I'm finally getting the meal I've been craving all day. Our lips and tongues go right for the kill, emphasized by our arms trying to wrap around each other with a mix of dominance and playfulness.