Page 25 of In the Middle of No(ah)where
"They can be. But these lions look sweet. See how they're just lounging around enjoying the sunshine?"
He nods his agreement, but his facial expression tells me he doesn't believe a word of it. We take in the majestic creatures before perusing the gift shop attached to the exhibit. Walking through, I find a coloring book with lions. I take it to the counter and purchase it before handing it to Caleb.
"For me? He asks. My eyes already tearing up. My friend is in a particularly emotional state today.
"Just a small thank-you gift for inviting me today."
Caleb reaches out and gives me a hug. "Thank you. I love it."
Caleb and I decided to sit on an empty bench, staring off into the lion's den. The next series of events happens so fast that I don't have time to process them. First, I see Marcus, and before I can say anything, Barrett has his hands on Caleb's shoulder, screaming "roar," just like Caleb did about thirty minutes ago while imitating the lions. The problem is that Barrett doesn't know that Caleb has slipped into little space and is now scared. Caleb jumps at Barrett's voice—pushing out his bottom lip while holding back the tears. He's got a death grip on my bicep before burring his head into my shoulder. I wrap my arm around him while giving Barrett a consoling smile.
I try to soothe Caleb a bit by whispering, "It's okay, Caleb. I gotcha."
"I not like bein' scared," he whispers back in his little voice.
Barrett comes around to kneel in front of us, placing his hands on Caleb's knees and apologizing.
I just want to hang out with Marcus, but I also need to make sure Caleb is okay. Marcus is standing in front of me, watching this exchange. I wonder what he's thinking. As if reading my thoughts, he clears his throat, "Hey, Noah, can I steal you away for a second?"
I look over at Caleb to make sure he'll be alright, and he offers me a little nod. "I be okay, NoNo."
I give Caleb a side hug before standing up. When Barrett takes my place next to Caleb, I know he's in good hands, even if Barrett's not a daddy.Who am I kidding? He's totally a daddy.
"We'll meet up with you guys later in the barn," Marcus tells Barrett, and we head out.
As we make our way through the zoo, we're silent for a bit. I don't want to word vomit all my thoughts, so it's best if I remain quiet for the foreseeable future. My brain starts to overthink,and before I can do something stupid like reach out and hold Marcus' hand, I stick my hands in my pockets.
"How have you been?" Marcus asks, finally breaking the silence.
I glance over to see him smiling at me, but the smile doesn't reach his eyes. He's being cautious.
Daydreaming about you daily. Wondering what your hands on my body would feel like. Would you be gentle or rough?
"Noah?" Marcus quirks a brow but softens his tone.
"Shit. I'm sorry. I got caught up in my head. I've been good." I tell him.
"First off, you've been well." He corrects my grammar. "Second, watch your language." He tells me with a smirk.
Oh, so that's how we're going to play this.
"You can't tell me what to do. You're not my daddy." I tease, bumping my shoulder with his. I notice a blush creep up his neck.
"How isthatgoing?" he asks quietly. "Still exploring?" He means age play.
I nod. "I've been doing lots of research and finding things I'm curious about."Things I'd like to explore with you.
"That's good."
Marcus slows his steps. "So…is there anyone special in your life?"
I know what he's referring to, but I need to tease a bit. "Of course. All this hotness isn't going to go unnoticed."
"That's great." He tells me. But thegreatdoesn't come out as such.
"I've got Carlos, my roommate. He has become a close friend and is special to me. Helped me understand a lot about age play. Then there is Caleb, my best friend, who is like a little brother to me, so he's definitely special; then there—"
Marcus shoves my shoulder with a laugh. "You brat. You know what I meant."
