Ten minutes morphed into half-an-hour, and the only reason it wasn’t longer was because Bentley heard Matthew walking up the steps and immediately removed himself from Kit. He almost fell off his bed, but it was worth it when Matthew looked inside the room and saw him on one end of the bed and Kit on the other. He was asked to put a shirt on, but that was it.

What sucked was that Kit had just started to participate in the cuddle session a little himself – one hand was stroking up and down Bentley’s arm, and the other had been playing in his hair. They weren’t talking much, but Bentley didn’t mind it. He’d been enjoying every second of being close to Kit, as usual, and it was becoming evident that he should probably do something about it.

That was why, as he sat across from Kit in the pizzeria, he roamed his mind for a plan. What if he simply told Kit he was interested in him? What if he suggested that they try being something more than new friends? He watched Kit look down at his menu as he thought about it – Kit’s hair swooped over his face as he chewed his bottom lip. If he ever got the chance, that would be the exact spot Bentley kissed first. Right on Kit’s bottom lip. He wondered if it would feel different kissing a guy than it did kissing girls. Would it be softer, or more aggressive? Would he be more conservative because he was shy, or would his behavior be more wild once they were alone?

Bentley was eager to find out.

The only problem; he wasn’t sure if Kit felt the same way. The worst that could happen was him being rejected. No – the worst that could happen was Kit deciding that Bentley was a big creep and not wanting to hang out around him anymore. He hoped that wouldn’t be the end result. Hopefully, they’d be able to talk about this. Maybe Kit felt something, too?

“This pepperoni calzone looks really good…”

Bentley was snapped out of his thoughts at Kit’s words. He sat back and smiled. “We’re getting Hawaiian pizza. Don’t try and weasel you way out of it.”

“But that’s nasty.”

“You haven’t tried it yet.” Bentley folded his hands on the table and smiled at Kit when he looked up at him. “I don’t ever look at my menu when I come in here, because I know what I’m getting. You’re going to be the same way. Just watch.”

Kit shook his head and looked back down at the menu. “I’m not sure if I should trust someone who thinks that fruit goes on pizza…”

“Tomato is a fruit,” Bentley argued.

“You know what I mean.”

Bentley looked around the restaurant. It was crowded today, and that made sense. It was the dinner rush on a Saturday. Bentley appreciated the madness, though. Maybe he and Kit could be in their own little world. He smirked when he spotted Chase, tapping Kit’s foot underneath the table with his own. 

“There’s the guy I’ve been telling you about. The waiter…”

Kit looked up at Bentley first before hesitantly glancing in the direction of the waiter. Bentley watched him stare at the guy as he placed a tray of drinks on a table.

“Cute, right?”

Kit smiled. “You at least have good taste. I see what you mean. I do get some Alfred Enoch vibes from him.”

“Is he cuter than your boyfriend, Abel?”

“Oh my god,” Kit said with a shy laugh. Bentley smirked at him as he reached for the shark tooth necklace he wore – the very necklace that belonged to Bentley. Somehow, it looked better on Kit.

Maybe Bentley was biased.

“Abel isn’t my boyfriend. He’s very nice, and I can tell he likes me. But… I don’t know. I’m not there yet.”

Bentley hummed at that. “Not where exactly?”

After taking a moment to think about it, Kit rubbed tiredly at his shoulder. “I guess I don’t exactly feel the same way. Not to say that he’s all that into me, but we did have fun the other night, and he told me he wants to go out again. Like… on a date-date.”

“Ah.” Bentley sat back in his booth seat and smiled knowingly. “Sorta like this?”

Kit blushed, stuttering as he set the record straight. “Shut up. This isn’t a date, no matter how much you want it to be.” He busied himself by looking down at the menu once more, but Bentley didn’t miss the way his skin tinted a bright red color. He reached out and took Kit’s hand, lacing their fingers together. Kit looked down at their hands, and then up at Bentley.

“You look nice tonight,” Bentley said. “Date or not, I just needed to say it.”

Kit only stared at him – eyes wide like he was waiting to hear more, or maybe searching for an answer, but before he could respond, their waiter walked up.

“Hey, hottie! Long time no see.”

Bentley turned and found Chase, their Alfred Enoch-look alike waiter standing in front of him. He smiled and nodded his head. “Chase. How’ve you been?”

“Not as good as you, apparently. Everyone’s been talking about you leaving the team for some BMX competition. And you killed it, that’s amazing!”

Kit smiled. “It is pretty amazing.”

Bentley looked over at Kit and smiled back, squeezing his hand a bit tighter. “Yeah. But, um, thank you. It was time for a change of –”

Chase cut him off when he turned to Kit. “Wow. Who’s your friend?”

Kit pulled his hand away from Bentley’s and extended it to Chase. “Chris Edwards, but I go by Kit.”

“Kit. Wow. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Chase.”

Bentley watched the hand shake occur for much longer than it needed to. He cleared his throat before speaking. “Yeah. So, would you like to take our orders, Chase?”

“Sure.” Chase pulled a pencil from behind his ear and looked down at his pad. “Let me guess; a large Hawaiian pizza and a pitcher of sweet tea?”

Bentley turned his attention to Kit. “Is sweet tea okay with you?”

Kit rolled his eyes. “Is Hawaiian pizza okay with me?”

Bentley didn’t miss the way Chase smiled at Kit, or the way Kit glanced back, smiling too, so he cleared his throat again and urged him along. “I guess that’s all. Thanks, Chase.”

“Alright. I’ll be right back.” After winking at Kit, Chase grabbed the menus and hurried back towards the kitchen. Bentley raised an eyebrow at the two of them.

“Hm…”

Kit sat back and smiled. “Hm? What?”

“What happened to Oh, no, don’t hook me up with the waiter, Benny. I don’t want a boyfriend! Blah-blah-blah.”

“First of all, I do not sound like that,” Kit fired back, scowling at the whiny, nerdy voice Bentley used. “And for your information, I’m not looking to get hooked up with anyone. But you were right. He’s cute. That’s all.”

Bentley nodded. They’d have to order for pick-up from here going forward. “Sure.”

“Are you jealous?” Kit asked, grinning when Bentley rolled his eyes away.

“I don’t have to be jealous of Chase. He might be cute, but he’s no me. You know that. No one can cuddle you like I do, Kitten.”

“I’m willing to test that theory.”

“Stop.”

“I thought you weren’t jealous.”

“I’m not.”

Kit smiled. “You’re a little bit hot when you’re jealous.”

“I’m a lot hot all the time. Not jealous.”

“Mhm.”

“You stopped holding my hand,” Bentley pointed out; a slight pout on his lips. He played it up for good measure when Kit looked at him. “It’s cold.”

Kit started to laugh as he took Bentley’s hand in both of his this time.  “You’re unbelievable.”

Bentley watched as Kit cradled his hand, teasing his fingertips and then playing with the bracelet he wore. He thought he could get used to them spending time like this. He liked being the center of Kit’s attention. He wanted more of it.

“I got this bracelet when I started high school. It went on sale at one of the little strip malls in my old town. There was a lionhead charm in the center, but it broke in the middle of a bullying session. Now it’s just the beads.”

Bentley nodded as he took in what he was being told. “One day you have to take me to Junction, and point out all the dickheads who treated you like shit so I can beat their asses.”

Kit laughed. “That won’t be necessary.”

“Why a lionhead?”

“Well, you know.” Kit smiled softly; his fingers tracing over the dark beads. “The lion represents strength and courage. He’s the king. It was everything I wasn’t growing up, but everything I wanted to be.” He laced his fingers with Bentley as the other hand traced along the veins of Bentley’s wrist. “I think I’m getting there now, though.”

Bentley thought so, too. “Tell me something about young Kit.”

Kit smiled. “If I tell you something about young me, you have to answer a question of mine. Deal?”

“Depends on what the question is…”

Kit shrugged. “I won’t say. The choice is up to you.”

Bentley reached his free hand across the table and took Kit’s wandering hand in his own. He looked up at him and spoke once he had eye contact. “When were you 100% sure of who you were?”

Kit began to chew on his lip again, all before chuckling softly. “Oh, man. I think I’m still learning who I am. But I’m guessing you want to know when I realized I was gay?”

Bentley nodded; the pads of his thumbs caressing the back of Kit’s hands. “Yeah. I know people always shoot back at straight people with the same question, but I’m curious. Was there a defining moment for you, or was it just always a truth?”

He watched Kit consider the question before he licked his lips. “I understand what you mean. I didn’t realize that I was different until people started treating me that way. It’d always been the older people. I guess me wanting to spend recess playing with Tawny and the girls instead of being knocked around in football was a red flag for my teachers and other parents. I knew for sure in middle school, though. I saw John Langston kissing Amy Rampersaud in the back staircase, and at night, I would put myself in her shoes instead of his.”

Bentley smiled softly. “Ah. Middle school. What a time to be alive.”

“You’re telling me. It was nothing but a bunch of awkward followed by even more awkward.” He stopped and turned to Chase as he approached, moving their hands so that the waiter could place the pitcher of tea and their glasses on the table.

“Your food will be right out. Can I get anything else for you? Zeppoles on the house?” He smiled at Kit and Bentley shook his head.

Kit laughed. “I appreciate that, but I’m good.”

“Get lost, Chase.”

“You’ve been rejecting me for months,” Chase said teasingly. “You can’t knock a guy for trying.”

“Bentley brought me here for two reasons,” Kit began. “To try the weird pineapple pizza, and to hook me up with you.”

Chase crossed his muscled-arms over his chest. “Oh? Did he, now?”

Bentley sighed. “I was just trying to lure him here with the promise of attractive guys. That doesn’t mean I want you to hang out with us.”

“So you’re saying I’m attractive?” Chase smirked.

“Oh my god.”

Kit laughed.

“What I’m saying is, don’t you have other tables?”

“Swing back around in five minutes,” Kit told him. “I’ll slide you my number.”

Chase grinned, winking at him before playfully nudging Bentley in the shoulder. “I’ll be back with your pizza shortly!”

“Thank you.”

Bentley glared at Kit as he laughed. Bentley didn’t get what was so funny. “Are you really going to give him your number?”

“Why? Would that make you jealous?”

“I don’t get jealous.”

“You’re a little green, my friend. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you wanted me all to yourself…”

Bentley folded his hands on the table and sat back. “Maybe I do.”

He wasn’t at all shocked when Kit rolled his eyes, effectively brushing him off like a pro. “Yeah. So. Back to our conversation – I was lucky to have parents who knew, and who were okay with me being gay before I even knew or was okay with it. And, while it was rough in my old town, especially with the decisions I made with Paulie, I wasn’t broken. And I’m moving closer to becoming a lion.”

Bentley smiled. “I think you are, too. I also think you’re going to be very happy here. Especially if I have anything to say about it, Kitten.”

“You’re sweet.” Kit poured a glass of sweet tea for both of them and smiled at Bentley. “Now. For my question…” He paused to take a sip and then looked Bentley in the eyes. “How’d everything go when you spoke to your mom?”

Oh, no. Bentley wasn’t in the mood to talk about his mom, or anything sad for that matter. Tonight was supposed to be all smiles and rainbows and sunshine and happiness. “Uh. No way.”

Kit raised an eyebrow. “Yes way. You told me when I asked on Thursday that we’d talk about it in person. Now, we’re in person. Tell me how it went.”

Bentley rubbed a hand down his face. “I really hate talking about things that dampen the mood. You can ask anyone. I’m not good at it.”

“So you’re saying you suppress everything? That sounds healthy.”

“I’m not a fan of the word.”

“Well, that’s exactly what you’re doing.” Kit propped his chin with one fist and nudged Bentley’s leg beneath the table. “It couldn’t have been all that bad. You did crush the competition, and you told me Donny’s even planning to mentor you.”

Bentley licked his lips and turned away. He tried watching the kids at the arcade by the back of the pizzeria, hoping that Kit would forget about this conversation altogether, but that wasn’t a realistic option. Besides, the least he could do was open up a bit since Kit shared a part of himself.

“I called her and mentioned that I left school to pursue BMX full-time. She flat out told me ‘no.’ She also let me know that she’d see me soon, and that we’d look for ways to get me back into UCLA then.”

Kit’s face fell a little, but Bentley could tell that he was trying to stay optimistic for his sake. “She’s a little scared, that’s all. You know you can’t fault her for worrying. This is a huge risk you’re taking.”

“But I need her to realize that she can’t control me.”

Kit nodded. “You’re absolutely right, Benny.”

He looked at Kit and took a deep breath. “I wish more people were like you. You thought I was insane when you found out I wanted to ride for a living, but you also respected my decision and even supported me. We barely knew one another.”

Kit smiled; his skin tinting red. “We all need someone in our corner, right?”

Bentley nodded. “You have no idea.”

“I have a little bit of an idea.” Kit sat back. “But, what’s important is that you’re happy in all of this. Your happiness will be your sanity.”

Bentley looked at him and smiled. “I think, as long as you’re around, I will be happy. You make me happy.”

Kit bit his lip. “So what happens when I run off with Chase to start a family?”

“You’ll break my heart and crush my will to live, but no big deal.”

Kit laughed. “Benny. You are so dramatic. But, I like that.”

“I like you,” Bentley said with a straight face. It caused Kit to pause, arching an eyebrow as he stared back.

“What is it that you like about me?”

“Your smile,” Bentley said instantly.

“Generic answer.” Kit reached for his glass again. “That probably works like a charm with your little girlfriends, huh?”

“I don’t have any little girlfriends.” Bentley cleared his throat. “And just because it’s a generic answer, that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. You’re not ready for the rest of that answer.”

Kit looked up at him curiously. “What makes you say that?”

“I just know.”

“Let me guess,” Kit said with a smirk. “You like my smile and my eyes, right? Real smooth –”

“I like the way my pendant looks around your neck. I like the way you chew on your bottom lip when you’re deep in thought, even though all I can think about when you’re doing it is pressing my lips against yours. I like the way your eyes light up when you’re looking at an article of clothing you want, and the way the first part of your laugh is completely silent until you catch your breath.” Bentley looked away from the stunned expression on Kit’s face and down at the table. “I like the way it feels when you’re holding my hand, and yeah. I guess your eyes aren’t so bad, either.” He stopped speaking when he realized Kit was looking at him like he was speaking in an unknown language. After licking his lips, Bentley leaned back in the booth. “I just like you, I guess.”

Kit didn’t say anything for a couple minutes, and Bentley didn’t know if it was because he was processing the conversation they’d just had, or if it was because he was mapping an escape route. He pulled his hands back to himself and nervously picked at a scab on his arm – a cut he got when helping Matthew move some things around the house a few days ago. Just as he looked up at Kit, hopeful for some sort of a reply, he found Chase placing a large Hawaiian pizza in the space between them.

“Here you are, fellas. Let me know if I can get you anything else.” He smiled at Kit, lingering a bit before finally walking away. Kit chuckled softly as he shook his head.

“He’s funny.”

Bentley nodded. “Yeah, he’s cool people.”

Kit looked from the pizza in front of him, up to Bentley. He hesitated for a moment before grabbing his phone from his pocket.

“Are we going to talk about what I just said at all?” Bentley asked him.

Kit ignored him, and it was clear to see he was a little uncomfortable with what had just happened. At least that was how Bentley perceived it. Instead of getting an answer to his question, Kit changed the topic completely.

“I guess I’ll take a picture of this and post it to Facebook so everyone can see my last meal.”

Bentley forced a smile. “And I’m the dramatic one.”

He was hoping to push back the awkward between them. If Kit wanted to pretend nothing had happened, Bentley would, too. Maybe he shouldn’t have said anything. After all, he knew what Kit went through with Pistachio. Why would he want to take that risk again? Bentley was nothing like him, but he could understand Kit’s hesitance.

Or, maybe Kit didn’t feel the same way about him.

“Holy shit.”

Bentley looked up at Kit with a quirked eyebrow. “What is it?”

Kit read the screen. “I… I was just accepted as a writer for the university magazine, and I’m going to design an outfit for this semester’s show! Oh my god!”

Bentley grinned so hard he thought his face was going to split. “Seriously? And you’re a freaking freshman, Kit! That’s amazing.”

“I know!”

“I’m so proud of you.”

Kit smiled back, running a hand through his hair as he took it in. “Thanks, Benny. I really cannot believe this.”

“I can.” Bentley grabbed a plate and reached for a slice, almost drooling at the way the cheese stretched. “Here. Have a slice to celebrate.”

Kit laughed. “What? This is more like punishment.”

“Take it.” Bentley handed it over and then grabbed Kit’s phone, making him take a picture with the plate in hand. He laughed at the end result. It looked like Kit wanted to punch him in the face. “Relax, man. I’m telling you you’re gonna love it.”

Kit placed the plate in front of him and tentatively picked at a pineapple. He popped it into his mouth and chewed.

“That’s cheating. Eat it all together.”

Kit frowned. “No.”

“Kitten.”

“Fine.”

Bentley turned the phone on to video mode, wanting to capture the exact moment that Kit had his world changed for the better. Kit took a deep breath, rolled his neck, stretched his jaw, sniffed the pizza slice, and then squeezed his eyes shut. Bentley shook his head.

“Get it on with, drama king.”

Before Kit could hesitate again, he went for it, taking a huge bite out of the pizza slice. He didn’t chew at first – simply holding it all there in his mouth, but eventually, his jaw began to move.

Bentley continued to film as he stared on in support. “How is it? It’s great, isn’t it? Ham, pineapple, cheese. You’re in love. Your taste buds are twerking, having the time of their lives, aren’t they?”

Kit took a moment, but he swallowed. After he did so, he placed the pizza back onto his plate and picked up his juice.

Bentley waited patiently. “Well?”

Kit grabbed a napkin from the dispenser and dabbed at his mouth. “Pineapples. Do NOT. Belong. On. Pizza!”

Bentley scoffed, turning the camera back on himself. “Do you see this, Kit Jr.? Autumn? Little Brian? Your father was always out of his mind. But it’s okay, because you’ve got me: The Cool Dad.”

Kit burst out laughing, and Bentley turned the camera back on him as he grinned. “He’s lucky he’s cute, though. He’ll always have his good looks.”

Kit pushed the plate away and smiled at Bentley, ignoring the camera. “My kids are not going to have a father who thinks it’s okay to mix the sweet with the savory. I wouldn’t expose them to that.”

Bentley turned the camera back to himself and smirked. “I have to go now, kids. Cool Dad loves you. Clean your rooms!” he ended the video and placed the phone down in front of Kit. “One – are you going to finish that?”

Kit was too busy staring at him at first; lips slightly parted and eyes focused on Bentley’s. But after a moment, he fervently shook his head no.

“Never.”

Bentley picked it up and took a bite. Kit shook his head.

“I don’t know about you, Bentley. I just don’t know.”

“Tell your boyfriend Chase that you want a calzone. I’ll eat this by myself.”

Kit smirked, picking up his phone and taking a picture of Bentley shoving the pizza down his throat. “I just want you to know, if any other guy put me through what you just put me through, I’d never speak to them again.”

“What did I just put you through, Kitten?”

Kit sighed. “Well, you made me eat triangle-shaped death. That’s not what friendship is. You’re lucky I’m even still sitting here.”

Bentley chewed, swallowed, and then posed for another picture with a wide smile and a slice of pizza near his lips. He continued after Kit put his phone away. “So, what makes me so special?”

Kit looked him in the eyes as he reached for the sweet tea pitcher. “You’re really good at cuddling. That’s all.”

Bentley laughed softly. “If I told you I was even better at other things, would it get me out the friend zone?” He smirked as Kit spilled his tea and eventually laughed when Kit blushed.

“Shit, Benny.”

Bentley handed him a few napkins. “Don’t blame me for your adorable clumsiness.” He stood up and gestured over to the counter. “I’ll go place an order for your calzone, okay?”

Kit smiled at him. “Thank you.”

It was Bentley’s turn to wink this time. “Anything for my Kitten.”

He sauntered off, hoping that Kit was watching him. Bentley was sure to add just a pinch more swagger than usual. He had to keep it cool now. It hadn’t been that long since he ran his mouth and almost ruined everything, if he hadn’t already done so. Kit seemed like he’d forgotten the creepy ‘I want to kiss you’ speech Bentley had just given.

When he reached the counter, Bentley nodded a hello to some of the UCLA upperclassmen sitting at the bar before turning his attention away. As he waited for the cashier, he let himself glance back at Kit, curious if he was sneaking peeks at him, too, but all he saw was Kit staring down at his cell phone; his skinny fingers tapping away at the screen. Bentley took a deep breath. Maybe he hadn’t gone about expressing his feelings to Kit the right way, but he meant every word of what he said. Hopefully, he’d get another shot before the night was over.

“Benny?”

“Huh?” He turned around to see the cashier – all 4-feet-8-inches of her, staring up at him from behind the counter. “Oh, hey Jessie.”

“You’re sure deep in thought. How can I help you?”

Bentley forced a smile. “Sorry. Can you let Chase know that I’d like a pepperoni and sausage calzone at our table?”

“Sure thing.”