Chapter 10: Everything's working out perfectly. The guys are at the swimming hole, and I'm home with a toothache. Nothing could possibly go wrong. -Carl “Alfalfa" Switzer

Jason was the first to wake, his ears twitching at the sound of thunder rumbling off in the distance. It was early in the morning. So early that the sun had yet to rise. The rainstorm had stopped sometime during the night, but the windows still occasionally lit up from distant flashes of lightning.

A very naked Jason glanced down at a also very naked Bryan. The mostly dry rabbit was still pressed up against him. Jason's arm, the one that Bryan was on top of, was asleep but the wolf didn't dare move it. Jason didn't want to risk waking Bryan up. Jason's ears flicked again as he scanned the room. Everything was quiet, nothing was out of place.

The wolf slowly turned and lowered his nose down into Bryan's headfur. Then Jason breathed in Bryan's scent, closing his eyes as he did so. The rabbit's smell was old books, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It was comforting and warm. Jason felt uneasy as he realized how quickly he had come to rely on that sense of comfort. The wolf also smelled their previous activities, intimate smells that marked both of them and blended their scents together.

Bryan mumbled something under his breath as the sleeping rabbit snuggled up closer to the wolf. Jason frowned. What was he doing? What had he, had they- just done? Several conflicting emotions were trying to fight their way to the forefront of the wolf's mind now that the fog of lust had cleared. In other words, post-nut clarity was being a real bitch.

Jason took in another deep breath in through his nose and tried to only focus on Bryan's scent. His traitorous mind flashed back to him and Jessica making out on that very bed the day before. The cat had been a tease, stringing Jason along for over an hour until the wolf thought he couldn't take it anymore. Then when things had finally gotten serious and both their clothes had come off, the cat had flipped out. Saying how that 'thing' was not going inside her. Jason tried to tell her that it was alright, they could just go slow— but the mood had already soured. Then out of nowhere, Jessica had accused him of not spending enough time with her. The two of them had gotten into an argument and she had stormed off.

Their fight had left Jason frustrated in more ways than one. He was angry, aroused, and seeking comfort - a dangerous mix that clouded his judgment. Jason had briefly considered taking care of his needs himself, but as he sat in the room, naked and alone, his mind wandered. Not so subtle thoughts led to justifications. Those justifications then led to a rash decision.

He had reached over, grabbed his phone, and dialed Bryan's number with a shaking paw. Jason had immediately felt regret and doubt after he had hung up. Some small part of his mind had screamed at him to call Bryan back, to make up some excuse about joking- to say something, anything. But before Jason could act, Bryan had burst into the room. Then well— what happened, happened.

Jason felt Bryan's face nuzzle against his chest. The rabbit's contented sigh made Jason feel warm. Without thinking, Jason's arms tightened around the rabbit's body, savoring the closeness. Then the reality of what he was doing, and who he was doing it with, crashed back down on Jason like an avalanche. He could feel his pulse quicken and his muscles twitch. Jason needed to try and work his way through his jumbled emotions before they overwhelmed him.

Did he regret what happened with Bryan? A twinge of hesitation - maybe, a little.

Did he enjoy it? A surge of satisfaction - undeniably yes.

Did he like Bryan as a friend? A sense of comfort - absolutely.

Did he like guys now? A flash of repulsion - no.

Did he want to be more than friends with Bryan? A wave of arousal and shame - uncertainty. But if last night was any indication, possibly.

Did that make him gay? A chilling confusion - no?

Did he want to do it again? …

Before Jason could fully process that thought, he felt Bryan's paws sliding up his sides, coming to rest on his back.

“You awake?" Bryan whispered as he turned his head and looked up at the wolf's face. The rabbit slowly blinked his eyes and let out a small yawn.

Jason nodded, meeting Bryan's gaze.

“You okay?" Bryan asked with a hint of concern in his voice.

Jason paused, considering the question. After a moment, he nodded again. "Yeah... you?"

“Mmmhmmm, more than okay," Bryan murmured as he squeezed the wolf's body gently.

There was a comfortable silence that settled over the room. The world beyond their bed faded away. It felt like their space was a private bubble, just for the two of them.

Bryan's voice, when he spoke again, was hesitant. "I didn't think you were- I mean, I didn't think you wanted to." He buried his face back in Jason's chest, hiding his reddening cheeks.

Jason tensed, uncertainty creeping into his voice. "I'm not. I mean, I didn't- well, I did... I dunno. It just happened."

Bryan pulled back slightly, warm feelings giving way to apprehension. “But, aren't you alright with this?" he asked, almost afraid of the answer.

Jason winched as his eyes scanned the room, not really looking at anything, but mainly buying time. “Yeah. Well… maybe? Yeah?"

Jason let out a sigh and then looked back down into Jason's eyes.“I'm not gay, it's just-" The wolf let out another huff, “I just. Ya know..."

But Bryan didn't know, and his confusion was rapidly turning into dread. "Jason," he said, propping himself up on an elbow and gesturing at their naked bodies. "What we just did - it was pretty gay."

Jason groaned and rolled his eyes," I'm not stupid, I get it okay. But I don't like guys. I just…"

“Just what?" Bryan said, his voice taking on a sharp edge. The rabbit didn't like where this conversation was going.

Jason ground his teeth, struggling to find the right words. He could feel his temper rising. Why did things have to be so complicated?

"What?" Bryan pressed, pulling further away, no longer hiding his frustration.

"I just like you, Alright!" Jason burst out. "It's not because you're a guy - or because I'm into guys. It's just you! I like you, and I fucking don't know what that means. Okay?"

Just like that, Bryan's anger instantly evaporated, replaced by stunned silence. The rabbit didn't know what to say. It was a lot to unpack.

Wordlessly, Bryan let himself fall forward, burying his face in Jason's chest once more. He breathed deeply, taking in the wolf's now-familiar scent, letting the wolf's fur tickle his nose. Jason's arms tightened around him instinctively as both of them waited for the other to say something.

“Okay…" Bryan whispered, causing Jason to flinch.

“Okay?" Jason hesitantly asked as he slowly relaxed.

“Okay," Bryan repeated.

They stayed like that as the early morning light slowly filled the room, Bryan drifting in and out of sleep while Jason lazily ran his paw up and down the rabbit's back. It wasn't until Jason's stomach growled insistently that Bryan finally stirred, stretching as he got up to dress. Jason's eyes tracked Bryan as the rabbit got up and picked out some clothes from his dresser. There were things Jason wanted to say, but the words wouldn't come. Part of him was relieved Bryan wasn't pushing the issue, but another part felt oddly disappointed.

"So... football practice today?" Bryan asked over his shoulder, breaking the silence.

Jason nodded, popping his neck as he sat up. "Yeah..."

As Bryan gathered his shower bag and towel and headed for the door, Jason called out, "Bryan?" The wolf had wanted to say more but the rest of his words died in his throat.

The rabbit paused and turned back towards the wolf, offering a soft smile. "Yeah?"

"Nothing. I- I'll see ya after practice," Jason mumbled, looking away.

Bryan's smile faded as he stepped into the hallway. His own thoughts were a mixture of doubt and uncertainty. Where did he and Jason stand now? What did he want them to be? Bryan didn't know the answer. All he knew was how he had felt last night and how he had felt this morning in Jason's arms.

Bryan turned around and reopened their door. Jason was up out of bed, paused mid-stride a few feet away, his paw outstretched- reaching for the door handle on the other side.

Jason slowly stood to his full height, his eyes fixated on Bryan's as the rabbit walked back into their room and closed the door behind him.

"Jason, I think we should-" Bryan began, but Jason cut him off.

"Just shut up," the wolf growled, cupping Bryan's face with one paw and gripping his waist with the other. In one fluid motion, he lifted Bryan up, bringing their mouths together in a passionate kiss that said everything that he could not.

The next two weeks passed in a blur. During the day, Jason and Bryan maintained their separate lives. They rarely crossed paths or acknowledged each other on campus. The only exception was their infrequent study sessions in the library learning lab. But in the privacy of their dorm room, away from everyone else, they shared moments and tentative touches. Neither of them brought up putting a label on what was growing between them, whatever it was felt fragile, too precious to risk breaking.

As the days passed, Bryan found himself juggling his new relationship with Jason, his studies, his tutoring, and his involvement in the Pride Club. He kept the club a secret from Jason, but there had been a few close calls. One of which had been when Jason had swung by the library unexpectedly and surprised Bryan in the learning lab.

Bryan should have seen it coming. That morning the two had had their first serious conversation and Bryan knew Jason had felt awkward about it afterward. The two of them had been lying together naked in Jason's bed. Bryan's bed having gone unused for the last several days. The sun was rising and soon the two would have to leave their bubble and venture outside to start their day.

"We can't keep doing this forever," Bryan had said softly as he ran his paw up and down the wolf's ribs. "Living in this in-between space."

Jason was quiet for a long moment. "I know," he finally replied. "But I'm not ready. Not yet."

Bryan nodded in the dim morning light, understanding but disappointed nonetheless. "Just... don't make me wait too long, okay?"

"I won't," Jason promised, though they both knew he couldn't guarantee that.

What had happened next was, that afternoon, Dreo, Toby, Nic, and a reluctantly roped-in Chase had gathered with Bryan for an impromptu club meeting. The group had completely taken over one of the two available labs. Dreo and Toby had been arguing next to the whiteboard, their debate about club advertising growing more animated by the minute.

"Community boards are traditional, reliable," Dreo insisted, waving his paws. "Plus, the student newspaper reaches everyone!"

Toby rolled his eyes dramatically. "Darling, nobody reads physical bulletin boards anymore. We need flair! Style! Paw-delivered flyers- social media!"

Chase lounged in her chair, scrolling through her phone. "Or we could just not advertise and let people join as they want."

"That defeats the whole purpose," Dreo protested. "We're supposed to be actively building a community!"

Nic typed away at their laptop, occasionally glancing up at the debate. "We could do both? Maybe a social media campaign and handouts, but printing more than 15 flyers from student services will cost us..."

It was then that the learning lab door opened and Jason walked in carrying two cups of coffee, one in each paw. Bryan's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. The wolf had frozen momentarily as he took in the unexpected crowd.

"Oh, uh, hey," Jason said, shifting awkwardly. "Just swinging by… Got myself two coffees. Needed the extra caffeine today."

There was an awkward silence as everyone looked around at one another.

"These your friends, Bryan?" Jason asked, trying to sound casual while also quickly changing the subject.

Before Bryan could respond, Toby perked up. "Oh honey, we're the Pri-"

Bryan's foot found Toby's under the table, making the dalmatian yelp. "My private extracurricular study group," Bryan interjected quickly. "Just having a quick get together."

"Extra-what? This is-" Toby started, but caught Bryan's pleading look. "I mean, yes. Extracurricular... things."

Dreo stepped forward, ever the diplomat. "Dres'itro Melharia," he said, extending a paw. "Pleasure to meet you."

Jason looked at Dreo's paw for a moment, both his own still holding cups of coffee.

“Des... Dres'it... you know what? I'm gonna call you Spots," Jason said as his eyes glanced back and forth between Bryan and Dreo."Nice to meet ya."

Dreo's smile tightened slightly as he lowered his paw. "Dreo is fine, actually."

"Sure thing, Spots," Jason replied, then awkwardly glanced around at the others. "Well— I should get going. These coffees aren't getting any warmer. It was uhh- nice to meet you all."

After Jason had quickly made his exit, Toby spun toward Bryan. "First of all, these are designer shoes, and if you scuffed them, you owe me your immortal soul. Second, no- you know what, I'm not even gonna ask."

Bryan sighed. "Jason's... uncomfortable with Pride stuff. I just didn't want to make things awkward."

"Honey, that ship has sailed, docked, and been decommissioned," Toby said, examining his shoes carefully.

"Can we get back to the advertising discussion?" Dreo asked, trying to redirect the conversation.

Chase muttered under her breath, "Sure thing, Spots…," before returning to her phone.

The whole ordeal had left Bryan slumped in his chair. Jason had clearly been trying to make an effort, and Bryan had ruined it by being preoccupied. That was beginning to become a common theme in Bryan's day. As his and Jason's courses ramped up, his course load and the amount of tutoring he had to do for his student worker job and Jason continued to increase. Bryan had even been forced to ask for an extension for a few of his assignments in one of his classes. There was just not enough time in the day.

Those pressures and responsibilities would only continue to grow for the rabbit. At their next Pride Club meeting, the room had buzzed with a mix of energy and chaos as members argued over details for an upcoming outreach event. Toby was holding up a sequined banner, trying to convince everyone that “more sparkle" was always the answer. Chase, meanwhile, was sketching designs for posters and ignoring Toby's over-the-top suggestions entirely. Bryan had sat quietly near the back, watching the familiar dynamics play out while also trying to study.

Dreo clapped his paws to get everyone's attention. “Alright, everyone! Before we get too distracted, I have an announcement. The school club committee needs a photo of us for the upcoming student club showcase. There's going to be a photographer in the student cafeteria tomorrow. It'll be a great opportunity to promote the club and let everyone know we're here."

A murmur rippled through the group, Toby nodding eagerly while Nic groaned. Yet all Bryan felt was a growing sense of unease. The idea of being in the photo—and by extension, having his association with the club made public—was a risk he wasn't ready to take.

“I'm not sure I can be in the photo," Bryan said quietly, raising his paw.

Dreo's brow furrowed. “Why not? It's just a quick group picture, nothing too formal."

Bryan hesitated, searching for an excuse. “I… have a shift at the library that day."

Dreo gave him a skeptical look. “We can work around your schedule. It's really important to have everyone there—it shows solidarity."

Bryan felt a nervous uncertainty as he shook his head causing Dreo to raise an eyebrow in curiosity.

“Bryan," The oncilla had said before Chase cut him off.

The coyote put the lid on the marker she was using and turned toward Dreo. “He's obviously not comfortable with it Dreo. Drop it."

Dreo looked between Chase and Bryan with an uncharacteristic frown.

Bryan stood his ground, though, still shaking his head. “I'm sorry. I just can't do it."

The tension in the room was palpable as Dreo finally relented with a sigh. “Alright. If you're sure."

There was clearly more the oncilla wanted to say but ultimately Dreo had held his tongue. Toby and Nic had also shared looks, but neither had decided to speak up. After the meeting, Dreo had stuck around after everyone else had left. Bryan had still been gathering his things and so was the last to leave their club room.

“Hey, can we talk for a minute?" Dreo had asked.

Bryan tensed but nodded as he shouldered his backpack and both of them stepped out into the empty hallway.

“Look," Dreo began, his tone softer than before, “I'm not trying to pressure you. But you've seemed… distracted lately. Is everything okay?"

Bryan bristled at the question, crossing his arms. “I'm fine. Just— busy."

Dreo raised an eyebrow. “Busy enough that you can't be in a single photo? That you need to study during meetings? Come on, Bryan, I'm not blind. Is something going on? You okay?"

Bryan sighed, his defenses crumbling slightly. “It's complicated, okay? I'm sorry if I've been distant. I just have a lot going on."

Dreo nodded, backing off. “Alright. I'll drop it. But if you ever need to talk… you know where to find me."

Bryan had muttered a quick thanks and left, his paws clenched tightly around his backpack straps. As he walked down the empty hallway, guilt and relief warred inside him. He hated lying to Dreo and the others. They had welcomed him without question, given him a space where he could be himself. Yet every time he thought about being open about the club, about that photo being posted where anyone - where Jason - could see it, his chest tightened with anxiety. The rabbit's ears drooped as he pushed through the building's heavy doors into the evening air. He was living two separate lives, and sooner or later, they were bound to collide.

Meanwhile, things were also happening quickly for Jason. In these two weeks, the wolf was finally passing all of his courses- albeit with a low B average. It had taken a lot of work and Jason felt it was also mostly thanks to Bryan's help. Jason's absence off of the field also hadn't gone unnoticed. The wolf hadn't gone to any of the team parties or other get togethers. Derek and Mike had noticed but also knew that Jason and Jessica were going through a rough patch. So they were giving him some space.

Speaking of Jessica, Jason and the cat didn't speak to one another for almost a week after their fight. For obvious reasons, Jason felt awkward about answering the cat's text messages after his and Bryan's encounter. Jason didn't really know what he was going to do. He thought about just ignoring the situation, but Jessica confronted him outside of the lockers during practice that following Friday.

Jason and the rest of the guys had just gotten done running drills and were stripping down, most of his teammates heading off towards the showers. Jessica had walked into the locker room like she owned the place. Several of the guys quickly covered themselves, while others catcalled and showed off.

“If you wanted to peek at the goods, all you had to do was ask," Derek said as he put his foot up on one of the locker room benches and flexed his biceps. The only piece of clothing the tiger was wearing was his uniform briefs and athlete's cup.

Jessica rolled her eyes and walked right past him up to Jason who was pulling off his shirt. The wolf had been shocked to see her, especially in the locker room, and had backed up into the metal lockers by surprise.

“You've been avoiding me," Jessica accused, her tail lashing behind her as she stopped in front of Jason.

"Been busy with classes," Jason replied, not meeting her eyes. "Plus I didn't think you'd want anything to do with me after…."

"Really," Jessica said as her eyes narrowed. "It was just a small fight, Jason. Besides I've had some time to think and I really would like to make it up to you for what happened."

Jessica stepped forward and grabbed Jason's athlete's cup, her claws lightly scraping against the protective plastic. Jason backed into the lockers again, the metal shelves slamming against the wall as he looked down at the cat. The cat was still wearing her cheerleading uniform from practice, its tight fabric hugged her curves. She smelled of sweat and perfume, grass and artificial flowers that were sweet and cloying.

"You do forgive me, don't you?" The cat purred, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper as her fingers traced patterns against his cup. Her other paw came to rest on his chest, claws pricking slightly against his skin.

"Jessica... look, I dunno," Jason sputtered, his mind racing. All he could think about was their fight and then flashes of his time with Bryan.

"Oh, Day-umn! Get a room you two!" Derek's voice boomed from across the room, breaking through Jason's thoughts.

Jason's ears flushed hot as several teammates started laughing and whistling. The wolf tried to shift away, but Jessica pressed closer, pinning him against the cold metal lockers. His heart hammered in his chest, a confusing mixture of arousal and panic.

Luckily, Coach Martinez chose that moment to step out of his office and see what was going on. The cougar scanned the room and quickly located the source of the commotion.

“Whilmeton!" Coach barked, “No Women in the locker room."

The coach's attention shifted to Jessica, his expression hardening. "Take it outside. After practice, I don't care what you two do. But in here - his ass is mine. That goes for all of you."

Scattered chuckles and murmurs rippled through the remaining players.

"Did I fucking stutter!" The cougar's voice cracked like a whip.

"Sir, No Sir!" The players, including Jason, responded in unison.

"Good. Now get cleaned up and get outta here," Coach growled, giving Jessica one final warning look before retreating back in to his office.

"Glad things are going well in here then," Jessica smirked, squeezing Jason's cup again, harder this time. The pressure made him wince.

"Jessica!" Jason hissed, trying to twist away without making a scene. "Look, why don't we..."

Before he could finish, Jessica pressed her lips against his. Jason's eyes went wide, his body tensing as more whistles and cheers erupted around them. The kiss felt wrong - too aggressive, too public, too everything. His heart raced, but not with excitement. With dread.

"Don't ignore me again, okay?" Jessica's voice held a hint of threat as their lips pulled apart and she finally released him. "I'll see you later."

Jason could only nod, his throat tight. The cat gave him a wink before sauntering away, putting on a show for the other players who flexed and preened as she passed.

Derek sauntered over and leaned against the locker next to Jason while letting out a low whistle. Jason was trying to get his breathing under control, the wolf felt like his heart was racing a million miles a second.

"Damn," Derek grinned. "Now that's a woman."

Jason managed a weak nod, wiping his mouth with the back of his paw while Derek wasn't looking.

Mike approached the two soon after in a towel, fresh from the showers. "Hey Fields, Coach said stop by his office before you head out."

"Busted..." Derek snickered.

Jason groaned, his head falling back against the metal locker with a hollow thud. After a quick shower and change, he gathered his bags and headed to Coach's office, his stomach in knots. The memory of his last office visit flashed through his mind as he raised his paw and knocked on Coach's doorframe.

“Coach, you wanted to see me?" Jason asked hesitantly.

Coach Martinez looked up from his laptop, and Jason was taken aback to see an actual smirk on the cougar's face. In all his time at Hightail, Jason had never seen Coach smile - well, except for that one time he'd made Derek run so many laps the tiger nearly passed out.

"Whilmeton," the coach said, leaning back in his chair. "I've been watching your progress this week. Whatever you're doing, keep it up. Good job out there."

Jason blinked, his tail giving an involuntary twitch of surprise. The wolf had been bracing himself for another lecture, not praise.

"Thanks, Coach," Jason managed, his tail starting to wag despite his attempt to maintain composure.

As Jason turned to leave, Coach's voice stopped him.

"Oh, and one more thing Whilmeton. Got an update from Mrs. Ringtail this morning. Room's opened up in Thompson Hall. Reach out to her for the transfer request - tell her I sent you, should be a smooth process."

As the coach was talking he had reached into one of his desk drawers and pulled out a piece of paper, offering it to Jason. Jason stood frozen in the doorway, his mind racing. The room transfer he'd wanted so desperately just weeks ago now felt like a punch to the gut.

"There a problem?" Coach's eyes narrowed slightly. "Or you need somethin' else?"

Jason quickly shook his head, forcing his voice to remain steady. "No Sir. Thank you, Sir."

Jason reached over and grabbed the piece of paper. It was a room transfer form, partially filled out with Coach Martinez's signature in the bottom right hand corner.

The cougar nodded dismissively, already focused back on his laptop screen. Jason shouldered his backpack and walked out of the locker room, his mind spinning. The setting sun painted long shadows across the practice field as he stepped outside, taking deep breaths of the cooling evening air. His chest felt tight with the weight of decisions he couldn't bring himself to make. There was only one thing that Jason was certain about. He was not going to tell Bryan about it- not about Jessica or the piece of paper he held clutched in his paw.

The next week passed in a blur of conflicting obligations. Jason found himself constantly distracted, his attention split between whatever he and Bryan were becoming, his academic responsibilities, football practice, and Jessica's increasingly aggressive flirting. The cat seemed to materialize between every class, pressing against him in ways that once would have thrilled him but now left him feeling hollow.

On the afternoon when Bryan suggested they be more open about their relationship, Jason's stomach had twisted with anxiety. The thought of his teammates' reactions, of losing his scholarship, of disappointing his family - it all threatened to overwhelm him. Luckily Bryan had dropped the subject just as quickly as he had brought it up. But Jason knew they needed to talk - about boundaries, about expectations, about whatever this thing between them was becoming. He just couldn't find a good time to do it. Their afternoon study sessions had become a sanctuary of sorts for the wolf, filled with comfortable silences and casual touches. Jason couldn't bring himself to shatter that peace with difficult conversations.

His attempt to bring Bryan coffee in the learning lab had backfired spectacularly. Seeing Bryan surrounded by friends - friends Jason knew nothing about - had driven home just how much of the rabbit's life remained a mystery to him. They'd fallen into this thing between them so quickly, skipping past the usual parts of getting to know one another. Jason felt left in the dark, blindly guessing at what he was supposed to do.

By Friday evening, Jason had worked up the courage to try again. He'd deliberately finished practice early and caught up on coursework, creating a pocket of free time. When Bryan entered their room, Jason was sprawled on his bed, pretending to scroll through his phone while his heart hammered in his chest.

"Hey," Jason said softly, setting his phone aside. His tail twitched nervously against the bedspread.

"Hey yourself," Bryan replied, kicking off his shoes and settling onto his own bed. The rabbit's ears perked up, sensing something different in Jason's tone. The air between them felt thick with unspoken words.

Bryan watched Jason fidget with his claws, clearly wrestling with something. Before he could ask what was wrong, Jason broke the silence.

"Bryan, I..." Jason's ears twitched as he struggled to find the right words. "I've been thinking. Maybe we could, I don't know, go out sometime? Like, together? In public?"

Bryan's breath caught in his throat. "Really? You mean it?" His voice was barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the moment.

Jason nodded slowly, his usual confidence nowhere to be found. "Yeah. I mean, we could start small. That coffee place off-campus? The one you're always talking about?"

A smile broke across Bryan's face, lighting up his features. He crossed the room in two quick bounds and pulled Jason into a tight hug. "That sounds perfect," he murmured into Jason's chest fur.

Jason's arms wrapped around Bryan automatically, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "Yeah?"

"What brought this on?" Bryan asked, pulling back slightly to look up at Jason's face. His heart felt lighter than it had in weeks.

Jason's mind flashed to Jessica, to the unsigned room transfer form, to all the secrets building between them. "Just seems like something you'd like," he lied, forcing a smile.

Bryan's nose twitched, sensing there was more to it. "It is, but... is it something you'd like?"

Jason paused, considering the question. "Yeah," he said finally, surprising himself with how much he meant it. "Yeah, I think it is."

"Good?" Bryan asked, searching Jason's face for any sign of doubt.

"Mmm, good," Jason rumbled, pulling Bryan closer.

But as Bryan slept peacefully in his arms that night, Jason stared into the darkness, his mind racing. The coffee date suggestion had been impulsive, born more from guilt than genuine readiness. Jason thought about all the questions he wanted to ask, about Jessica's increasingly demanding texts, about what he and Bryan were. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and new decisions to make. For now, though, he tightened his arms around Bryan and tried to quiet his troubled thoughts.