Ben shook and made a strangling sound, and a smell came off him, not like anything else, musky, visceral; and stuff spilled onto Ronny’s hands and face. Ben was sweaty and leaned over Ronny, running his hands down Ronny’s bare back. They had moved across the room and Ben had Ronny backed against a wall on his knees.

The plaster walls rang with sounds of traffic, a party at the frat house across the street. Slowly they pulled apart, Ronny getting his breath. He used a cloth to clean himself. Ben got in the bed and Ronny lay along him by the wall. The sweat was drying on Ben’s skin and his nipples were starting to soften, their tips loosening. Ben’s voice was so deep. He had a little smirk. “That was your first time sucking cock?”

“Yep.”

“You like it?”

Ronny grinned, looked down at the tangled sheets, and nodded his head.

“You little cocksucker.” Ben put his arms behind his head. “You did a pretty good job.”

“Well, I guess coming from the big jock blowjob expert I should take that as a compliment.”

“You should. I think you can be encouraged about your prospects.” He was likely imitating one of his coaches. “With my tutelage and a little guts, son, I think maybe I can make a man out of you.”

“Really, coach. You’ll teach me how to suck cock at the pro level?”

Ben laughed, shoved Ronny’s face hard into the pillow, twisted his arm, and held it there. Ronny gasped and tried to ease the pressure on his arm. He knew better than to complain. This was about being a boy, this kind of crap. Some of it was fun. A loud car passed, engine pulsing and heavy; a door closed downstairs; through the walls came muffled, distant voices. Ben let him go after a while. “That piss you off?”

“No. I’m used to you by now.”

Ben shoved his face into the pillow again and got on top of him from the back, letting his whole weight hold Ronny down. “If you’re used to it then maybe I need to turn up the knob some.”

“Whatever.”

He snorted. “You’re no fun. You don’t even squeal no more.” He eased off Ronny to lie on his side and Ronny looked at him.

“I like it,” Ronny says. “Besides, you’re not going to mess up my night. Now I’m not a virgin anymore.”

“Halfway not, anyway.”

“What do you mean?”

“I got to pop you twice, once at each end.” Ben was looking at Ronny intently. He was being funny but he meant it.

“Have you done this before with a guy?”

“Shut your fucking mouth before I punch you.” He pressed against Ronny, shoved him roughly, scowling.

“Sorry.”

Ben was breathing hard, then slowed down, trying to get himself under control. “I don’t ask you about girls,” he said.

Ronny said, in his ear, “That’s because you know I don’t have any.”

“You little shit.”