Page 19 of Nate

Kevin shrugged. “I don’t know. Go to a bar or something? I haven’t really done too much dating.”

“What have you done?”

“You know. A few hipster meet ups at a coffee shop over the past few years, meeting up at parties back in college.” He shrugged again. “That’s it. I didn’t date in high school.”

“You weren’t out then?”

“No, I was. My school was pretty cool. There were a few other gay students there as well. But I wouldn’t have known how to ask anybody out. I didn’t have my first date until my sophomore year in college.”

Nate looked thoughtful for a moment. “You know, I didn’t date in high school either.”

Kevin’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? Why not?” He gestured at Nate. “I can’t imagine you’re hurting for guys looking like that.”

Nate laughed. “I didn’t always look like this. In high school, I was a skinny little twerp who always got picked on. Gage and Max came to my aid when some douchebag jocks were harassing me in the locker room once, that’s how we became friends. I didn’t hit my growth spurt until late junior year. Even then, it took me awhile to gain the confidence to start approaching guys.”

“I would never have suspected that.”

Nate smiled. “You and I are going to go out on a real date. Something fun, that everyone else got to do in high school, while we were at home jerking ourselves off because we didn’t have anybody to do it for us.”

Kevin laughed so hard at Nate’s crude description of their high school social lives he choked and started coughing. When he finally calmed down, he looked up to see Nate watching him with a grin. Kevin shook his head at him, but he didn’t argue with what he’d said. “We can go to a concert. One of my favorite bands is in town doing a show this weekend.”

“Then that’s what we’re doing.” The grin on Nate’s mouth turned into an outright smirk. “I noticed you didn’t disagree with me.”

Kevin pulled on his helmet and started the scooter. He looked up at Nate “Why do you think I’m so good at technology? I learned real early how to get around parental controls and delete my browsing history. Lots of interesting sites out there for lonely young nerds.”

This time it was Nate bent over laughing while with a grin, Kevin backed his scooter up and rode off.

∞∞∞

Saturday evening, Kevin took the elevator in his apartment building downstairs to meet Nate. They were about to have their first real date. Or at least, the first date where they both were aware they were on a date. Nate had purchased tickets for them to go and see Peach Supreme tonight. He was excited, both to see one of his favorite bands and becausehewas going out withNate McKinney.

He had to laugh at his previous mental drooling over Nate, thinking he’d never have a chance with him. While the whole time, Nate had been planning to ask him out. He’d called his friend Alex to tell him he understood why he’d posted that Clueless movie poster. Hehadbeen clueless, completely oblivious to the fact that Nate was attracted to him. But with the kisses they’d exchanged, he’d finally wised up.

Nate had called him a few minutes ago. Thanks to Houston’s seemingly never-ending traffic and highway construction, he was running late. So Kevin had told him he’d meet him in front of the building to save time from Nate having to park and come up to his apartment. He was actually kind of glad Nate was picking him up outside. He’d seen Nate’s crisply designed and super neat house. His studio apartment didn’t come close to comparing.

He waited beneath the front canopy, shading his eyes from the setting sun as he watched for Nate to arrive. The blue SUV pulled up a few minutes later and Kevin went over to get in. He said hello, snapped on his seat belt and sat there ready to go. But the SUV didn’t move. He looked over at Nate to see him sitting there with his wrist draped over the wheel, watching him.

“That’s all I get? That weak ass hello?”

“Oh, sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. Just kiss me.”

He leaned over and kissed Nate, purposely hitting him just on the corner of his mouth. His beard scratched him as he pulled away. He loved that. Nate raised an eyebrow at him, but Kevin just shrugged. Nate put the truck in gear.

“I guess that’ll do for an opening act.”

Kevin smiled, but a nervous thrill chased through him. He could only imagine what Nate had in mind for the headliner.

They reached the venue about twenty minutes later. Inside, it was a lot more crowded than Kevin expected. The band’s popularity had grown and Kevin was glad to see it. The location was small, but a good place for a concert. There was a balcony above that had stools and cocktail tables. Built in risers in the area under the balconies would let people sit if they chose. Everywhere else was standing room only.

“Where do you want to watch?” Nate asked him.

“I like to be close to the stage if you don’t mind.”

“Whatever you want is fine with me.” Nate grabbed his hand and headed towards center stage, towing Kevin along behind him. He had a much easier time getting through the crowd than Kevin normally did. People automatically moved out of the way for him. Kevin grinned to himself. He’d have to keep Nate around, if only to get good spots at concerts.

Once they were fairly close to the stage, Nate stopped and pulled Kevin up next to him. They talked, Kevin telling Nate what to expect from the band while the fans continued to pour in. Kevin had grown so at ease with Nate that he was completely into their conversation. Before he knew it, the houselights were going down and the opening act came out. They did a short set, getting the crowd in the groove, but not making them impatient for who they came to see. Their music was good. He’d have to add them to his play list later.

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