Page 99 of Fragments
He purses his lips, like he’s annoyed that I’m right. It’s kind of adorable.
“Yea, well… maybe I’m done with older guys,” he says quietly.
My chest tightens, and I can’t help fidgeting. We’re both quiet for a moment, but it’s not comfortable. It feels like all the air is being sucked out of the room by a giant vacuum.
Breaking the silence, I ask, “Are you judging me? For being a nineteen-year-old virgin…”
Ren’s lips slope into one of his blinding smiles, dimpling to the max. “No. Virgins are cool.”
I have to laugh at how much of a fool he is. “Right.”
“I’m serious,” he says firmly. “You know that whole thing where guys fantasize about popping a girl’s cherry…? Well, it’s not just a straight dude fantasy…”
I clear my throat. “Yea, but… I’m not…”
“I know you’re not gay, Lex,” he sighs, finally rolling off of me.
But he doesn’t exactly let me free either. He nestles up to my side, slinging a heavy arm around my waist.
“What are we doing…?” I breathe, unsure of what the hell is happening here. We’re supposed to befriends.
Straight guys don’t cuddle with their gay friends… I’m not positive about this, but I’m pretty sure.
“You’re cold,” he hums, pulling my body into his. “I can feel you shivering.”
It might not be from that…
Relaxing just a little, I allow myself to melt into him. I know it’s weird, but honestly, when does this happen? You don’t get this kind of human contact in prison. Even if you opt to have sex with someone, it’s notthis.
This is comfort. The warmth of being held, inside and out.
So what if we’re two guys? Boys should be able to cuddle with their friends if they want to.
“I can’t believe this is happening…” Ren sighs, fingers trailing my back.
“W-what?” I quiver. “What’s happening?”
“You’re actually in my cell.” His chest rumbles. “Hancock is an idiot.”
“Oh,” I breathe, chuckling. “Yea. I hope we don’t get in trouble.”
“Worth it,” he murmurs.
I go quiet for a moment, peering at him. His eyes are closed, a comfortable smile resting on his lips.
“Just so you know, sleepovers are usually where friends experiment,” he croons, that teasing flirtation he spouts easier than breathing.
I laugh softly, scolding him with a look, though his eyes are closed. “Nice try, pervert.”
I’m drifting off, liquifying into his big body. I can feel myself easing deeper and deeper, giving up my incessant neuroses as the serenity of this moment puts me to sleep, the lights eventually flickering off in the row.
I can’t remember the last time I was so calm.I definitely haven’t felt like this while in here.
We’re out for a while, I think. What feels like hours later, consciousness tickles my mind, waking me from my slumber. I’m confused at first, but then I recall where I am.
It’s not a dream. I fell asleep in bed with Ren.
Lying with my head on his chest, the cadence of his heart thumping against my cheek distracts me from the overactive thoughts that immediately want to creep in.
