Aaron.
My date with Emily went well, she was this extremely interesting and smart girl, passionate about art and sharing in a way that made you want to know more about it, even if it’s something you don’t really cared for in the first place. After a few drinks, I drove her home, and we kissed in the car before she went back upstairs.
She told me she would have asked me to come upstairs but that her cousin was staying at her place. Too bad, I was really attracted to her, and would have welcomed some intimacy with her. « Next time », she said before gently caressing my cheek with her hand and giving me a goodbye kiss. I drove back home, slightly aroused. I threw myself on my bed, fully dressed and texted Peter, as he asked me to do it after my date.
—New text to « Peter 🚴♂️ »
Me: Just got back from my date with Emily 😊
Peter: Oh!
Me: She was nice, super interesting.
Peter: AND? 👀
Me: We kissed.
Peter: That’s my boy 🙌 Bet she couldn’t resist that cute butt 🍑😂
Me: Haha cut it out, I was limping from this morning’s ride 😅
Peter: Haha maybe she thought it was charming 🤷♂️
Me: I’ll ask her next time 😜
Peter: Next time, huh? 😏
Me: Yeah 👀
I went to bed, texted Emily to thank her for the date and told her I couldn’t wait to see her again. I woke up the next day feeling the lingering fatigue from yesterday's ride, but there was no time to dwell on it. It was game day, and not just any game: we were playing against the top team in the group. The one that had been kicking everyone’s ass all season.
As I got dressed in my kit, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of it all. Logan was already texting everyone in the group chat, hyping them up with all sorts of motivational messages. He was a mix of nerves and intensity, he got way too serious about everything, but especially soccer.
We barely stepped into the locker room when he started, as usual, with his weird and lame motivational speech. « Guys, we’re not allowed to fuck anything up today, » Logan said, pacing back and forth like he was giving some epic TED Talk. His voice was that serious tone he reserved for pseudo-important moments, even though it didn’t always match the situation. « Today is one of the most important games ever. I’m talking like ever. This is our chance to show them who we are. So brothers, focus, listen to each other, and let’s beat the shit out of them. »
It wasn’t exactly inspiring, more like an awkward blend of intensity and forced enthusiasm. But Logan had this way of convincing everyone, and before I knew it, I was nodding along with the rest of the team, trying not to smirk at how seriously he was taking it all.
« Let’s go, guys! » Logan finished with his typical fist-pump, almost knocking over a water bottle in his intensity. A couple of the guys clapped and shouted in agreement. I just shook my head, amused. I loved the guy, but sometimes I wondered if he took soccer a little too seriously.
The game didn’t go as planned. Aaron had a rough start; missed a couple of passes, a bad shot, and by the second half, we were down 4-1. Logan, was barely holding it together. Every time Aaron messed up, his frustration was palpable. « Come on, Aaron! What the fuck is up with you man?! » he shouted from the other side of the field.
When the final whistle blew, we all stood there in a stunned silence. Aaron wasn’t hanging around. He grabbed his bag and went straight to the locker room, shoulders slumped. I followed him in, catching up as he was already throwing his jersey on the ground. « Hey, » I said, putting a hand on his shoulder. « Dude, don’t beat yourself up, alright? »
Aaron’s face was red with frustration, eyes down. « I fucking blew it, » he muttered, kicking into his duffle bag. « I cost us the fucking game. It’s all my fault. »
« You’re not the only one, man. We all messed up out there, we’re a team » I reassured him, « Don’t do this to yourself. »
He hesitated, then let out a long breath. « I don’t even give a shit anymore, I just wanna get out of here », he said still obviously irritated.
« Alright man, let’s go to my place, we’ll just have few drinks; talk about something else » I said, holding his head between my heads to reassure. He nodded slowly, clearly still pissed off but not wanting to be alone with his thoughts. « Yeah, alright, » he finally said. « Thanks. »
I gave him a brief hug, a peck on the forehead and a gentle slap. « Come on, let’s get out of here, we’ll just shower at my place » I said. We both left the locker room. As the door shut behind him, I saw Logan approaching, pacing angrily as he approached.
« Logan, seriously, calm the fuck down, » I said, stepping in front of him, anticipating whatever he was going to say. « Whatever you’re gonna say, you’re not helping. ». He shot me a look but didn’t respond, clearly too pissed to listen. He opened the locker room door violently and disappeared into the that room I used to love so much.
The drive to my place was mostly silent except for the hum of the engine. Aaron sat in the passenger seat, his hands clenched tight around his bag. Every now and then, he’d let out a frustrated sigh, like he was holding in something that was about to explode.
« Hey, » I said, glancing over at him as I drove. « It's not the end of the world, man. You'll get over it. We all will. » Aaron didn't look up. His eyes were fixed on the road ahead, his jaw tense.
« I should've fucking scored that goal. It was right there. » I could hear the self-loathing in his voice. « You can’t put it all on yourself, dude. We win together, we lose together, » I said, trying to sound as reassuring as possible. « Trust me, this isn’t the first time any of us have fucked up. It happens. »
Aaron muttered something under his breath, but I couldn’t make out the words. We pulled up to my place, he exited my car, a little calmer but still obviously still disappointed in himself. I turned the key into the lock, he entered first, throwing his bag on the floor. « Dude, you better calm down now, otherwise you can walk yourself home » I said, firmly. Apparently, firmly enough to make him apologise « Sorry dude, I’m just… I used to be good at soccer, the best of the team. And after games like that, I don’t, I just wanna.. Simply quit and get back to running track ».
I really didn’t want to get in this debate, I’ve had enough of sports talk for the day, and honestly I was also a little pissed about the game. Before I got to answer, trying to change the topic, Aaron simply asked, « Got any beers? ». I walked to my fridge, opened it to see I was all out. « Sorry man, looks like I’m out. ». As if it was the universal answer to his problems, Aaron asked if I had anything stronger. I have to admit I grinned a little, « yeah, I got a ton of vodka » I said. « Shots it is then » Aaron said.
Yes, it was irresponsible. Yes, it was Sunday afternoon. But if a shot or two could calm the dude down, I wasn’t going to say no for the sake of a sense of responsibility. We were still wearing out soccer jerseys and shorts, so I asked « Don’t you wanna shower first? ». He looked at me, grabbed the shot glasses from my cabinet, flipped them over, poured the vodka in, said a very firm « Nope. » and drank a first shot.
I realised it was probably headed for more than a shot or two. Oh well, I had to be there for my friend, right? My phone rang, which prompted Aaron to say « If this is Logan you can tell him to fuck off and shove the soccer ball up his ass ». I glanced at the screen. « It’s Peter » I said before picking up.
« - Hey man, what’s up?
- Just heard about the game, you with Aaron?
- Yeah we’re at my place.
- Want me to come over?
- Nah we’re good, we’re probably just gonna drown the disappointment in vodka.
- Alright, call me if you need anything. Tell Aaron I’m here if he wants to talk.
- Will do man, thanks, talk to you later. »
I was amazed at how kind Peter was. « Peter says he’s here if you want to talk » I told Aaron who was making a face from his first shot. « That’s… very sweet of him, » he said before pouring himself another shot « but I’m good with you dude, I don’t know the guy that much anyway ».
He put one hand down on the counter top, grabbed a shot, pointed it at me and said « are we doing this or what? ». Again, this was probably a bad idea and I knew it, but I just tried to be a good friend. I approached him, smirking, took the shot and drank it. I made a face from the taste of the vodka, hit the shot on the countertop, and patted Aaron on the upper arm before saying « come on, let’s move this party to the couch ».
We made our way to the couch, where Aaron flopped down first, staring blankly at the TV that wasn’t turned on. I grabbed the bottle of vodka from the counter and joined him, both of us still in our jerseys like we were still on the field, only now, the game felt like it was worlds away. I put on some techno music on my speakers so that we’d have a background noise.
The liquor burned on its way down, and I felt a pleasant buzz creep in after the second shot. I could tell Aaron was starting to loosen up, his shoulders less tense, his words slurring a little more. He let out a half-laugh and shook his head.
« Man, I used to be the shit on the field, » Aaron muttered, swirling the glass around in his hand. « Now, I just... I don’t know anymore. ». I took another shot, setting the glass down with a thud. « You’ll figure it out, » I said, though even I didn’t believe it fully.
A few shots and random discussions later, the air between us shifted, the alcohol helping unlocking unspoken doors.
« Hey Aaron… Remember the other day, when we were talking about me going on a bike ride with Peter, and when you said I should try out some new stuff… What did you like… Mean by that ? » I started, hesitating just enough to sound casual, but I was getting to the point, even if I wasn’t sure I wanted to go there.
Aaron didn’t even pause. He just looked at me for a second, blinked, then shrugged. « I meant fucking the guy » he said, almost as if it was the most normal thing in the world. I blinked in surprise, caught off guard. « Wait, what? Seriously? »
« Well, yeah, man. » Aaron leaned back into the couch, arms spread out, looking almost relaxed for the first time today before continuing, « I could feel something between you guys, it just… it just made me wonder, you know. ».
I pulled back, lit a cigarette taking in a full drag and let go of the smoke, as if it felt like a release, but still didn’t say a word. « You’re telling me you’ve never thought about it? Or done anything? Dude, it’s pretty common. » He smirked, his face softening in a way that was almost too casual for the topic. « I don’t know why people make it such a big deal. It’s just... you know, experimenting. Seeing what feels good. »
I was speechless for a second. I hadn’t expected that. Not from Aaron. I had assumed maybe he was just another bro, completely straight and locked into that whole bro code world.
A-Bomb Aaron. That was his nickname in my phone. Precisely because of things like this. Most of the time he was the calmest dude, but then once in a while, he dropped one of those bombs. Nothing that big until now though. Aaron was this tall and lean guy with a slim, athletic build, indicative of a runner. He had short, neatly styled brown hair and a clean-shaven face, with sharp, angular facial features including high cheekbones and a defined jawline. His legs were muscular yet lean, reflecting his fitness level, and giving him this characteristic and speed on the field. He never was in a stable relationship, although he took advantage of his physique to get with a lot of girls. And, guys it turned out…
« Nah man, never thought about it, never done anything. » I said, grinning a little, still in the awe of the bomb that Aaron just dropped. « I think the.. gayest thing I’ve ever done was to jerk off with Logan ».
He chuckled, then put a hand on his head indicating a mix a fatigue and intoxication. « That little fucker, » he said. « Yeah but we all did that as teenagers ». I stood silent for a second, and fought his look away. My fingers fidgeted, I wasn’t sure I should tell him it only happened recently.
I leaned forward, elbows on my knees and arms crossed, still trying to digest what he had just told me. « So, like, how was it? » I asked, my voice a little too curious, but alcohol has a funny way of making everything feel more natural, like this conversation was something that had to happen.
Aaron shrugged again, as if the whole thing was no big deal. « Nothing to it, » he said nonchalantly. « I just… I just don’t think too much about it. »
He poured us another shot, his face lighting up at the thought. « It was fun, man. It’s a part of… figuring things out. » I swallowed hard, watching him sip his drink like it was just another day. I had to admit, I wasn’t used to hearing this kind of openness. But then again, the vodka was working its magic, loosening me up too. I grabbed the bottle and poured myself another shot.
« So, is that, like, a regular thing? » I asked, the alcohol making my words sloppier, but the curiosity still bubbling up. Aaron turned his head to me, eyes glossy but clear. « It’s whatever, man » he said, smirking again. « I mean, it happens when it happens. It’s not like I’m out there looking for it, but if it comes up… » He let the sentence hang in the air like it wasn’t worth finishing.
I laughed a little, trying to wrap my head around it all. « I honestly thought you were, like, a girls only kinda guy. ». He shrugged, again, knocking back another shot. « Yeah well, life’s short. I don’t care as long as it feels good. »
There was a pause, where we both just sat there drinking, letting the conversation shift into silence for a moment. I looked at Aaron, feeling a little more connected to him than I had before, despite the awkwardness of the topic.
« Yeah, well, you never know what someone’s into until you’ve had a dozen shots, right? »
We both laughed then, the tension finally slipping away as the vodka did its work. I leaned back against the couch, looking over at him. « Fair enough, » I said, feeling a little lighter. « Guess we all have our secrets. »
« Yeah, » Aaron agreed, his voice quieter now, more contemplative. « Guess we do. »
« Does anyone else know? » I asked out of curiosity. « Yeah, Charles does ». My eyes opened in surprise again. My best friend knew, my gay best friend new, and he never told me about it. I felt compelled to ask: « Charles ?! Did you guys… Like… », not letting me finish he answered directly, « No, no. Almost once… But no. ». He let that linger for a moment. I didn’t really know what to say, I didn’t even know what he meant by almost.
Aaron put both his hands on his knees, bracing to stand up « Alright man, I think I’m long overdue for a shower ». He got up, staggering, heading for his duffle bag as I finished up my cigarette.
« Ah shit, » Aaron said on his knees before turning his head to me « Can I borrow one of your towels bro? ». I got up, staggering just as much « Sure, hang on man ».
I walked to the bathroom, ducked to open one of the cabinets to grab a clean towel. « Hey Aaron, do you need some shower gel as well? » I said in a loud voice, so he’d hear me from the other room. « Yeah thanks », I heard him reply, his voice indicating his was just behind me. I got up again, and turned to see Aaron, fully naked, his area covered by both his hands.
« What are you doing? » I asked him, surprised to see him in his birthday suit so close so me. « Taking a shower? » he answered naturally. I stood there for a second, staring at him, inspecting his whole body. I had seen him countless times in the locker room, but our discussion changed my perception, like I had always seen him but never really looked. Aaron was handsome, not overly muscular, more like a typical runner, toned, lean with low body-fat, kind of like Peter come to think of it; with a completely hairless chest, and with recently shaved hairs growing back on his pubic area.
« Are you just gonna stand there, or..? » he said, waiting for me to get out. « Yeah, no, sorry man, I just wasn’t expecting you there naked I guess ». He laughed, his hands still covering his better parts. « You’re welcome to join, » he said in playful way « we were gonna shower together in the locker room anyway. ». He wasn’t waiting for an answer, he didn’t even wait for my reaction before going into my walk-in shower.
A-Bomb Aaron.
For a moment, I thought back about our conversation from earlier and how he made me seem like a newbie for not experimenting. Without giving it too much thought, and while still being intensely drunk, I took off all my clothes, and joined him in the shower. He turned around, surprised. I could tell he wasn’t expecting I would actually join him, but quickly grinned with a sense of pride.
He put his right hand on my cheek, making a lingering eye contact with me and told me with the water drops hitting us both « Thanks for being such a good friend » before hugging me, strongly.
Our whole bare bodies touching, his meat against mine, the first thing that came to mind also came out of my mouth « Alright, I guess that’s the gayest thing I ever did ». He let go, chuckled a little before dropping a casual « idiot » and resumed showering. We both did; talking and laughing just as if we were in the locker room, but with the intimacy of my own shower, switching places regularly so we could both take advantage of the water jet. Always in an innocent way.
We got out of the shower, pat our bodies dry, headed back to the other room, and both put on a pair of trunks. I was heading towards my bed, Aaron asked if he could sleep in my bed with me, telling me the sofa didn’t look comfy enough to spend the whole night on. I innocently agreed. We both got under the dark covers of my bed. I laid on my back for a second, with my hands behind my head; Aaron laid there next to me, on his side. I felt his eyes watching me, a small grin on his.
« What? » I said, turning my head at him.
Aaron paused for a couple of seconds, then simply said, smirking, « Nothing. Good night bro. » before turning off the lights. I eventually also turned on my side, facing the wall.
Aaron came closer, hugging me again from behind, his body close to mine, giving me a simple kiss on the neck, « I love you, brother ». I guess I’ll never know if it was the case or not, if my mind just was clouded by the alcohol, or what had just happened, our discussion, us showering, his neck kiss; but I thought I felt his presence on my behind. « Love you, too man » I answered, because I did, deeply.
We both fell asleep just like that, together, in my bed, closer than we had even been.
I woke up the next day with a violent headache, and with Aaron gone.
I reached out to my phone to check the time.
—— 2 new notifications
—New text from « Peter 🚴♂️ »
Peter: How’s it going? Aaron ok?
—New text from « A-Bomb Aaron 💣 »
Aaron: Went home walking
Aaron: Thanks for yesterday
Aaron: Needed that
This story is part of a series exploring the outrageous adventures of a tight-knit group of friends. It delves into the chaotic mix of bromance, experimentation, and discovering new boundaries of friendship and pleasure. While purely fictional, some moments may be loosely inspired by the author’s personal experiences. Feedback is always welcome!
Thank you for reading.
