“I know the feeling,” Anthony said with a chuckle. “Diego didn’t seem interested?"
"Not at all. Except he likes to kiss me. And I never have to ask him to hold me. I’ve been over there a bunch of nights, and whenever we fall asleep, he doesn’t let go. Even if I roll away, he’ll pull me close again. I love it so much.”
“That does sound sweet,” Anthony admitted.
“Yeah. So maybe it doesn’t matter about the rest.”
Anthony wanted him to be happy. But he also knew that if he only said what Ricky wanted to hear, he might end up getting hurt. “Diego could be straight. I know that sounds crazy at this point but, well, remember Omar?”
Ricky winced. “Yeah. I keep thinking about that.”
“So do I,” Anthony grumbled before nudging him reassuringly. “Omar says he loves me. And if I had been as persuasive as you were, it sounds like he might have even slept with me. But I really do think he’s straight.”
Ricky nodded, and kept nodding to himself as they walked in silence, as if he was trying to work it all out. “Heneedsme though. Jeremiah used to say that he loved me, but with Diego, I actually feel it.” He stopped and turned to Anthony. “Isn’t it possible that he’s just not into certain things? Not everyone has the same fetishes and stuff, right?”
“Yes,” he admitted grudgingly. “That’s possible.” His friend’s eyes were so hungry for confirmation that he couldn’t help adding, “I’m still figuring out what I like with Cameron. It’s a process, right?”
“Yes!” Ricky said with transparent relief. “I’m thinking of trying some butt stuff with him. Maybe that will help.”
“Butt stuff,” Anthony said with a chuckle. “That’s what Omar calls it too.” He narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “You guys didn’t…”
“No, I swear!” Ricky promised him. “And if Omar ever wants to, I’ll point him in your direction.”
“Thanks.” He laughed self-consciously. “Not that I’d know what to do.”
“You still haven’t gone that far with Cameron?” Ricky asked. “How can you even wait? I bet he’s the kind of guy who will stare lovingly into your eyes the entire time.”
Anthony snorted. “I bet Diego is the kind of guy who puts you in a chokehold from behind. And we did try, briefly, but it hurt way too much.”
“I can teach you how!” Ricky said before they both cracked up.
There wasn’t, and had never been, any sexual tension between them.
“I mean I have some useful tips that might help,” Ricky amended. “If you want.”
“Yeah!” Anthony said instantly. How else would he learn? They couldn’t simply check out a book at the library. Not about any of it, emotional, physical, or otherwise. The only role model he had was Charles, but even he felt the need to hide his relationship from the public eye. “Being gay is kind of wild, isn’t it?” Anthony asked. “We have to figure out all this stuff on our own.”
“I love it,” Ricky said. “It’s like we’re on an adventure in some fantasy world and we’re the fairies. Hey! That would be a good birthday present. I’ve always wanted to play D&D.”
Anthony made a face. “Is that like S&M?”
“Only if the players want it to be.” Ricky resumed walking. “You’re coming to my party, right?”
“Yeah! Who else is going to be there?”
“Your boyfriend, of course. I invited Dave and David. Omar too.”
“What about Silvia?”
“What about her?” Ricky grumbled.
“You know Omar. He’ll want to bring her along.”
“Yeah, but it’s my special day.”
“You don’t like her?” Anthony asked. “I know she can be kind of reserved at first, but she’s cool.”
“Is she though?”