Rating: PG

Ian Indal sat at a picnic table at the edge of the table cluster alone. His only friend, Ira, was absent from school today leaving Ian to fend for himself. A loud, booming laugh drew Ian’s attention to the other “Ian” Iain Ice, one of the most popular guys in school, on the other side of the quad surrounded by the lacrosse team.

A burning ember of hate and shame welled up inside him taking root like a cancer. Last weekend Iain had come over for a science project they were paired up for. His parents were gone and Iain insisted they raid the liquor cabinet. He wasn’t going to argue with Iain and have the guy spread all over school that he was “uncool” or something.

One thing led to another and he and Iain… Ian shook his head and swallowed down his self loathing. He should have never… Not with a guy like Iain. He should’ve known Iain would ignore him and pretend like he didn’t exist. Ian wanted to rant and rave and! And… He sighed and dropped his sandwich. He rested his elbow on the table and leaned into his open palm.

Bile rose, burning up his throat.

“Hey.” Ian jumped when a body sat next to him invading his personal space. “Did I scare you? I’m sorry.” Ian could only stare as Iain settled in, spreading his lunch, and taking one of Ian’s grapes then popping it into his mouth. “How’ve you been today?”

“Okay…”

Iain smiled and leaned in giving him a peck on the cheek. Ian jumped and looked around the quad. A few others looked at them, mainly the other lacrosse players, but none said anything.

They simply went back to doing whatever it was they were doing.

“What are you doing?” Ian asked with a little more venom in his voice then he had wanted.

Iain looked hurt. “Well I just thought after…” He trailed off looking like a sad puppy. “Never mind. Sorry to assume stuff.” He stood and began packing up his lunch. “Didn’t take you for the one-night-stand type but I guess I was wrong.”

A few passing students looked their way but Ian didn’t care. “No wait!” Reaching out, he stood and grabbed Iain’s wrist. “I’m sorry… I… I thought- I didn’t see you all day!”

Iain reached out and gripped his shirt collar then pulled him forward. Their lips met and Ian’s eyes went wide, his body stiff like an iron rod. “I just got here before lunch.”

Ian’s cheeks heated up. “Oh…”

“You thought I…” Iain trailed off and shook his head. “I wouldn’t do that to you.”

Ian heaved a heavy breath. “Have lunch with me?”

Iain chuckled and settled back down and so did he. Ira would never believe him.