Chapter 5

Daniel's idea was simple but its implementation was complex. He wanted Jackson to fall in love with him, but he didn't know how to go about it. How to win the heart of a man who is not attracted to other men?

He had researched online, but the advice he found was inconclusive. Despite this, Daniel did not give up. After graduating from high school, he and Jackson were going to the same university and sharing a house together, as Jackson's parents had bought him a house near the university they were going to study at.

Daniel had chosen to study in the same field as Jackson in order to stay close to him. After making love and experiencing the pleasure of sex that day, the two young men indulged in their fantasies.

Their intimate relationship had become a habit, giving themselves to each other whenever they were alone. They had explored many places to satisfy their desire: at school, in the woods, at Jackson's house, at the beach... wherever the opportunity arose, they passionately gave themselves to each other.

Their physical relationship was intense, sometimes rough and intense, sometimes gentle and tender, but they never kissed. This boundary was clear to them. Now 18 years old and high school graduates, Jackson was starting to consider starting a romantic relationship with a girl from their senior class, a certain Joy.

He had discussed his feelings on the matter with Daniel, but Daniel was not enthusiastic. Consequently, Jackson decided to keep his intentions secret and to ask Joy out in secret, without informing his friend Daniel in case he faced rejection.

"I'm going to come out as gay to my family," announced Daniel, having matured this decision for two years.

"Why? They don't need to know," objected his friend.

"I want to give them a reason to reject me," explained Daniel. "I want them to kick me out, and once that happens, I won't have any regrets when I take what's mine."

"You're talking about the house?" asked his friend.

"Yes, and my parents' bedroom. I never liked that they slept there," confessed Daniel.

"I know," replied Jackson, gently stroking Daniel's head as he nestled against him. "And Dany..." started Jackson.

"Hmm?" murmured Daniel.

"I'm...Take care of yourself," declared Jackson, wanting to say more but choosing to remain silent on the subject of Joy for now. "I'm sorry, but I won't be able to accompany you to the bookstore tomorrow."

The boys had planned to go there to look for documents and books related to their field, since they were about to start their first year, but Jackson had just stated that he couldn't go.

"Why?" asked Daniel, sitting up and leaning away from Jackson's shoulder. "You were the one who suggested it !"

"I know. But I have something important to do tomorrow. I won't be able to go with you," replied Jackson.

"And what is this important thing you have to do?"

"Hmnn..." Jack was a very good liar, but preferred to remain vague rather than lie to his best friend or completely change the subject. "I'll tell you later," he added, getting up and running off.

"What is he hiding from me?" wondered Daniel as he returned home.

For some unknown reason to Daniel, the Simsons were not home that day. They must have all gone out together and left him alone at home. As usual.

"I'll have to figure out dinner myself," he thought to himself as he headed towards the kitchen, even though he was not at all skilled in cooking. In fact, he was downright terrible and could burn water with his limited culinary talents.

Fortunately, their housekeeper, Mrs. Simone, had prepared easy-to-reheat dishes for him, like sandwiches, which he could eat when his adoptive brothers didn't claim them first.

But this time, there was nothing in the fridge except juice. So, he drank his glass of juice before heading to his room.

There was only a week left, five days to be exact, before he and Jackson would be living at the university. He was very happy, looking forward to it. He would finally have Jackson all to himself.

"Where have they gone?" he wondered.

Daniel had this habit of thinking out loud, and since he was not allowed to lock his door, little Johnny passing by overhead what Daniel had said.

"Are you talking about us?" he asked, crossing his arms against his chest, leaning against the door frame. But Daniel remained silent. "Well..." Johnny said, approaching. "We went to the restaurant." He was proud as he boasted.

"Wow, a restaurant outing, the adventure of your life, obviously. Did I miss the event of the century, is that it?" Daniel retorted bitterly and sarcastically. "I'm happy for you, for your first time at a restaurant. "Should I invite you next time?."

"Hm." he muttered. "With what money, tell me?" Daniel looked at him and before he could respond, Johnny added: "Ohhh! I know, with the money your dear sugar daddy gives you." Daniel widened his eyes, wondering what nonsense Johnny was talking about this time.

"If you have nothing else to say, leave me alone, Johnny. I'm tired."

"Tired of getting screwed by your dear friend JACK.SON, I suppose," he said, emphasizing each letter of Jackson's name. Daniel was taken aback.

"How do you know that?" he asked, trying to remain calm and in control of the situation.

"You're not even going to deny it?" Johnny questioned.

"No. Why should I?"

"Because..." He seemed to be at a loss for words. "Because it's... disgusting."

"You've never tried it, have you?" Daniel teased. "It's obvious you've never done it." He almost murmured, but making sure his words were clear.

"What?" Johnny blushed. "I have tried... I mean I have done it... but... but... with a girl..." He stuttered. "A very beautiful girl even. Not... like... you. You're just a filthy f****t, a homo." He didn't give Daniel time to respond before abruptly leaving the room to return to his own.