Page 80 of Misconduct Zone

“Holy fuck,” Benz yells. “Lucky, they can’t say that about you, can they?”

The bus gets quiet except for phones playing the videos at low volume.

His face is full of pain, and I put my arm around him, offering support and comfort. “It does not matter what strangers say.”

“Not to me or you. We can handle it. But what about at-risk kids like we met at The Q Solutions? They’re going to see this. I can’t sit back and say nothing. I’ll be letting down scared kids who have unsupportive parents like mine. Honestly, my parents probably don’t give a fuck about my sexuality. They’re using it as a weapon to get more money from me. As if trying to blackmail me with bad press will make me give in.”

I know what we have to do. “We are going to fight back.”

“Not if it hurts you.”

“Better me than the kids who look up to us. You are right. This has become bigger than our relationship, and they are changing the rules. So we will change them too.” Peace settles over me. A surety of doing the right thing for us and to combat hate. Hate covered and excused by moral and religious values. The hypocrisy astounds me.

“I don’t want you to regret anything or resent me,” Dylon murmurs.

“You told me you are with me, for better or worse. I hope you mean it because I do and it might get bad. Let’s call Finn.”

Finn loves our idea, and we put a plan in motion.

Chapter 39

Dylon

Lars’s complexion looks a little green, and even though I’m so excited for this event, this is out of his comfort zone. But it’s the best way possible to say what we want.

“You ready?” I squeeze his hand giddily, holding it in a semipublic place.

He nods and focuses on the group entering the building.

“My man.” Caleb bro-hugs Alec like a long-lost friend, and they start talking a mile a minute.

Alec slaps Lars on the back. “I saw Von in Toronto, and he’ll be able to visit soon. I heard you had a rough time in Germany. Von got sick. Apparently what happens in Germany doesn’t stay in Germany, eh?” Alec jokes but Lars isn’t ready to get in on the fun. He’s too nervous.

“Thanks for coming.” I shake hands with Jayce, who gives me an eye roll and pulls me in for a hug. “Teammates and friends for life. Don’t give me this formal shit.” He slings his arm around his beautiful boyfriend, Emmet.

“Dude, you got assaulted last game. The refs should be brought up on charges for allowing it.” Emmet fist-bumps me. “But your goal threw it all in their faces.”

“Thanks.” We talk hockey for a few minutes, then Patrik and Trevor join us.

“My favorite designer.” Alec greets Trevor. “Hey, if you ever need models again, my services are available, and this guy,” he grabs Emmet’s face, “look at this face. It’s made for people to admire.”

“Hands off,” Jayce barks with no heat.

“Don’t worry, J-Bear,” Alec uses Emmet’s nickname for him. “My heart belongs to my Viking.” He winks at Lars.

Jayce has his arms wrapped possessively around Emmet, shaking his head but smiling.

That’s what I want. I want Lars to touch me in a way that makes it clear to the rest of the world that I’m his. His alone.

We hear the clacking of heels before Joanne, the director of The Q Solutions, appears with a camera crew. “Great. You’re all here. We are staging this to look like a typical night here, but we’ve obtained video and photo waivers from all the minors’ parents in order for them to participate. Sadly, many couldn’t come because we were not able to get permission. The kids range in age from fourteen to nineteen.” She walks backward, leading us to the classrooms.

“I’ve divided the kids up so each class has enough kids to make it look realistic, and the same kids will not be in each class. That would be suspicious. Tonight, Cole has a painting class, Alec has an art class, and Shane is teaching finance. We will film one at a time, but we don’t want it to be at the start of each class. You’re welcome to watch each other or continue with the class.”

I’m curious about Cole’s teaching style. Cole’s so standoffish with everyone but his husband, Shane. Cole’s students already have easels set up with canvases on them. He circles the room, asking questions and commenting on proportions, coloring, and other art things I know nothing about. The kids obviously respect him and hang on his every word.

The cameraman films Cole offering the kids advice, praise, and encouragement.

“How long have you been teaching here?” the reporter asks.

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