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”Gotta say, coming to your dad’s summerhouse has been one of my best ideas so far” Echo smirked, putting his bags on the floor.
Rex rolled his eyes at Echo, but gave him a smile. ”Yeah, I especially loved how you slept the whole way here even though we were supposed to take turns driving” Rex said, rubbing the back of his neck.
”You could’ve just woken me up” Echo said innocently.
”Yeah, well, whatever. Jesse will be here soon so we should probably start settling in.” Rex said.
Echo grabbed his bags and took in the place. Rex had told him that the place wasn’t too fancy, but for all Echo cared the place could’ve been a shed with a few mattresses on the floor, as long as they had somewhere to stay. With that in mind, the summerhouse was actually really nice with a small kitchen, dining area, a few couches, TV and two bedrooms. Echo made his way to the bigger bedroom until,
”Don’t even think about it. The big bed is mine, you guys get the bunk beds!” Rex yelled from the kitchen.
Echo chuckled and tossed his bag on the top bunk.
Jesse arrived an hour later. He was slightly disgruntled about getting the lower bunk but couldn’t stay like that for long. All of the boys were excited for their stay at the summer house. The first night they decided to stay in, have a couple of beers and catch up, but they agreed to hit the beach first thing in the morning.
-
”C’mon Jesse, I thought you said you wouldn’t want to stay in any more than necessary!” Echo grinned at Jesse after tossing a pillow at him.
Jesse groaned and sat up in his bunk. ”Yeah I know but I didn’t say anything about sleeping in” he muttered rubbing his eyes.
”Well you’re ought to get up soon, the sun is out and the beach is literally calling my name!” Echo exclaimed.
They got up to eat a quick breakfast, some eggs and toast, before changing in their swimming shorts and some short sleeved button ups. They grabbed their towels, water bottles and a volley ball and left for the beach. The summerhouse was close to the beach so they didn’t have a long walk. Rex and Jesse were tossing their volleyball around, laughing and joking with Echo. Their excitement was palpable.
”What should we do tonight? Like after the beach?” Echo asked.
”C’mon Echo, we aren’t even at the beach yet and you are making plans for the night already,” Rex chuckled.
Echo smiled sheepishly.
”I can’t help it, I like plans and structure,” Echo said. Jesse wrapped his arm around Echo’s shoulders.
”And we wouldn’t have you any other way,” Jesse said. ”Also I’m thinking KARAOKE NIGTH! Your dad has the machine at the summerhouse, right?” He asked Rex.
”Yeah, but we could do that in a bar too,” Rex said.
”True, but it’s more fun at home, no queues and drinks are cheaper,” Jesse said.
”That’s a good point. So karaoke?” Rex asked Echo.
”Karaoke is fine with me!” Echo said.
They walked a bit more and the sea was soon in the view. It was turquoise, and glistened in the sunlight. Seagulls were flying on the sky and the air was warm, the day only getting hotter.
”Should we sit here?” Echo asked the others. They were standing at the sandy beach in front of an umbrella and a few beach chairs right by a beach volley field. The sand was warm under their feet, they had taken off their slides when they got on the sand.
”Yeah, why not,” Jesse said, setting his things down at one of the beach chairs. ”I want to go play volley ball, who’s in?” He asked, giddy.
”I can play, what about you, Echo?” Rex said.
”I’ll sit this one out,” Echo smiled.
”Suit your self, I’m definitely playing,” Jesse said.
Rex and Jesse went playing and Echo sat on a beach chair under the umbrella. The air was warm and seagulls were screaming. The sea smelled salty. Everything was perfect. Echo laid back on the chair and watched his friends. They were both without their shirts now, yelping and screaming while bouncing the ball between each other. Soon there was a different voice that yelled;
”Jesse?”
Jesse turned around and just then Rex bounced the ball over the net and it hit Jesse right in the head.
”Ouch, thanks a lot Rex,” Jesse said, feeling the back of his head. ”Well, well, well, look at that, the calvary has arrived,” Jesse then said.
There was a band of people walking closer to them, a big guy with an ice cream in his hand, a tall guy with eye glasses immersed in his phone, a shorter guy with long hair with a bandana around his head, a taller guy with a beer in his hand and another guy with sunglasses on.
”Kix!” Jesse screamed, and went to the guy with sunglasses. Kix lifted his glasses and smiled.
”Jesse! Fancy seeing you here, you playing?” Kix asked.
”Yeah, we’re short on players though, Echo is not playing. You remember Echo, right? Maybe your friends would like to play?” Jesse babbled, face flushed, clearly excited to see Kix.
”Yeah, here are some of my college friends and I’m sure at least some of them would like to play” Kix smiled.
”Well are you guys game?” Jesse asked.
”Yeah! Let’s go!” The big guy boomed.
”I’m not playing,” the guy with a phone said. ”Glasses,” he added.
”Well if the rest of you play, we can go three versus three,” Jesse said, smiling.
”That seems like fun,” the bandana guy said. ”I’m Hunter, by the way, my friends are Wrecker, Tech and Crosshair,” He added.
”Okay, let’s play!” Jesse exclaimed.
The guy with glasses and phone went to sit in the shade with Echo.
”Greetings,” He said to Echo, still looking at his phone.
”Hey,” Echo said. ”So, are you friends of Jesse, or…” Echo trailed off.
”We seem to know his friend. I’m Tech, by the way,” Glasses said.
”I’m Echo,” Echo said politely, offering his hand. Tech didn’t take it, or maybe he didn’t see it because he was still immersed in his phone.
They sat in sort of awkward silence for a while until Tech was ready with his phone. He finally raised his head.
”Your friends play well together,” Echo offered.
”Yes. We’ve been friends since elementary school,” Tech said. ”The bigger guy is known as Wrecker, bandana is Hunter and the tall guy in all black is Crosshair,” Tech informed him.
”I’ve known Rex since middle school, and Jesse I met in college,” Echo said, to make conversation. His eyes were drawn to the guy in black, Crosshair was it? He seemed to be on the thinner side but athletic nonetheless. He was impressed how Crosshair managed to keep his sunglasses on despite playing.
”That’s nice,” Tech said, already pulling up his phone again. ”Did you know that Willian Morgan actually created volleyball in 1895 and it was originally called mintonette?” He added absentmindedly.
Echo chuckled and shook his head. ”I didn’t know that,” he said.
He went back to watching the others play. Jesse’s team was winning and the big guy, Wrecker, was about to loose his marbles over that. They apparently decided to stop playing soon after that. The gang went to sit on beach chairs and towels next to Tech and Echo.
”Is Tech rambling your ears off,” Crosshair snarled at Echo.
”Not quite, I did learn that volleyball was originally called mintonette, though,” Echo smiled.
”YEAH! Tech knows everything, take him to a pub quiz and he wins every time!” Wrecker bellowed.
”I think I didn’t catch your name,” Hunter said, friendly.
”Ah, I’m called Echo, I’m friends with Jesse and Rex,” he introduced himself.
They sat in silence for a while, Kix and Jesse were talking about something but the rest were strangers to each other.
”Well then, I don’t know about the rest of you but I could use some beer right about now,” Crosshair declared.
”I could have a drink too, do you guys want anything if I go to the store quickly?” Echo said.
”Beer would be nice, Jesse, you want anything?” Rex said.
”We want drinks too, but make sure to get water as well,” Kix reminded.
”Count on Kix to take care of everyone, he’s in med school,” Jesse said with adoration.
”And bring snacks!” Wrecker boomed.
”I would like some hard seltzers, please,” Tech said, not looking up from his phone.
”So beer, seltzers, snacks, water, anything else?” Echo listed.
”I think that’s about it,” Rex said.
”Wait, I’ll come with you,” Crosshair said. ”Lots to buy and some is for my friends anyway,” He added.
”Okay,” Echo said. ”We won’t be long!” He said to the others.
The rest of the gang were left to get to know each other and Crosshair and Echo left for the store. It was awkward at first, going with someone you hardly knew but Echo decided to not pay it any mind. They were at the road next to the beach when Crosshair slipped a cigarette between his lips.
”Do you smoke?” Crosshair asked.
”Not when I’m sober,” Echo said, with a chuckle.
”So I can count on you to be my smoking buddy after getting some drinks in you” Crosshair said, a smile tugging at his lips.
”We’ll have to see about that later,” Echo laughed.
They continued in much more comfortable silence. They reached the little convenience store and Echo waited for Crosshair to finish his cigarette. Inside the store it was much cooler than in the outside. It was a small shop with a few isles but there were a lot of customers, probably form the beach. They stopped at the wall of drinks. Crosshair started picking the seltzers for Tech with such certainty, Echo was sure they knew each other well. Echo started looking at the cases of beer. He picked two 15-packs, a thing of water and some disposable cups.
”Think we can manage with these?” Echo asked Crosshair.
”I think so. We need to pick the snacks too, remember?” Crosshair replied.
”Oh yeah, a couple of those big bag of chips and we’re good?” Echo said.
Crosshair shook his head with a smile.
”You don’t know Wrecker, he eats like a horse,” He chuckled.
”Well you pick then,” Echo proposed.
Crosshair went to pick a few more bags of chips, some peanuts and a thing of red licorice.
”You must know each other well,” Echo remarked.
”We’ve known each other since elementary school,” Crosshair said simply, switching one of Echo’s chip bag into something spicy-looking.
”Yeah, your friend mentioned something like that,” Echo said.
They walked towards the register when a rack of sunglasses caught Echo’s attention.
”Should I get sunglasses?” He asked Crosshair.
”I can’t believe you even went to the beach without a pair to be honest,” Crosshair said.
Echo took a pair from the rack and tried them on.
”How about these?” He asked. The pair was red and black and sporty looking.
”If you want to look like an idiot I would definitely take those,” Crosshair said.
”Ouch, okay, what about these?” Echo picked up a bejeweled, huge pair clearly meant for women.
”You look ridiculous,” Crosshair said, trying not to laugh.
”Well if those are no good either, how about these?” Echo turned around with a pair that was just a big sun visor.
”What even are those?” Crosshair was laughing now. ”Let me pick you a pair. For real.” He continued.
He went to look at the rack, bending down to look at the lower shelves too. There was a sliver of lower back visible and Echo tried not to look.
”How about these?” Crosshair gave him a nock-off pair of Ray-Bans.
”Wayfarers huh, nice,” Echo said, trying them on.
”I have the real things,” Crosshair said.
”Aren’t those Clubmasters? How do I look?” Echo said.
”I’m not wearing the real things to the beach, silly,” Crosshair said snide, but froze. He whistled low. ”Looking good.”
”Really? I think I’ll take these then. Good pick!” Echo said, nudging Crosshair with his elbow.
Crosshair hummed in response.
They left the store and Crosshair immediately slipped a cigarette in his mouth. They talked about what ever while carrying their purchases to the beach.
”Can we switch?” Echo asked. His arm started to hurt.
”What, can’t handle a few packs of beer?” Crosshair asked jokingly.
”Well, not to get serious, but I got into a pretty bad car accident when I was younger so I have legs and an arm full of titanium. I also get nerve pains in my arm, that’s why I wasn’t playing either.” Echo confessed.
”Shit, that’s serious, here take this,” Crosshair offered him the bag of snacks.
”Thanks for getting it,” Echo said, relieved, taking the snack bag.
They arrived to the beach. Wrecker ran to them, excited to see the bag full of snacks. He went to rummage through it immediately.
”Yeah! I was getting peckish already,” Wrecker announced, already digging into a bag of chips.
The others went to pick beers out of the packs provided, Hunter pushed a seltzer into Tech’s hand, it seemed like the cool can made him jostle awake from some kind of a trance being on his phone. Jesse walked over to Echo and Rex with Kix in tow, already smiling apologetically.
”So, I kind of told Kix that we’re having a karaoke night and asked him to come too, if it’s okay to you?” He said to Rex.
Before Rex had a change to say anything, Wrecker had already stomped over.
”A KARAOKE NIGHT!? I’M IN!” He bellowed.
”Are we singing karaoke?” Tech perked up. Hunter smiled and Crosshair looked mildly interested.
”Well we did speak about it with the guys, but if you want to join us too we wouldn’t mind” Rex said.
”YEAH! KARAOKE IS THE BEST!” Wrecker cut him off. Tech started to tell about the history of Karaoke to anyone who would listen. Crosshair stood slightly further from the group smoking a cigarette and Echo walked closer to him.
”Are they always like this?” Echo asked Crosshair. Crosshair offered him a smoke and Echo took one.
”Always. You get used to it though,” Crosshair smirked.
They smoked a bit in silence.
”Do you want to come to karaoke?” Echo asked Crosshair.
”Yeah, I have nowhere else to go,” Crosshair said.
Echo felt a pang of disappointment. For some reason he would have wanted Crosshair to be more enthusiastic about going. About spending time with him. He decided to push the thought out of his head for now.
”Cool,” Echo said coolly.
”I just don’t like karaoke bars,” Crosshair offered.
Oh.
”Oh no, we aren’t going to a bar, we’re going back to Rex’s place. His dad has the set up and some karaoke DVD’s at the summerhouse.” Echo explained.
”Well that sounds better,” Crosshair said, offering a small smile.
Echo wanted to do a little happy dance.
”Nice! Want another beer? I’m getting one,” He said.
”Not before I go swimming,” Crosshair said, pulling at the edge of his shirt.
Echo swallowed.
”Should we ask the others or…” Echo trailed off.
”No, let’s just go together,” Crosshair said.
Now Echo really wanted to do a happy dance.
It was easy enough to disappear to the dimming summer evening together without anyone noticing. They quietly took off their shirts and walked at first, but after getting further away, they sprinted towards the sea. They crashed to the waves diving under the water. Echo felt deliriously happy. He needed to do water therapy after the car accident so he didn’t like swimming halls, but swimming in the sea was a whole different story. The water made him feel weightless, free. When he got to the surface, Crosshair was already up, close to him.
”I thought you drowned there, little Echo,” Crosshair purred.
”You wish, and I’m not that much shorter than you,” Echo said, splashing a bit of water towards Crosshair.
”Short king,” Crosshair said, trying not to laugh.
”Hunter is shorter,” Echo laughed. Crosshair didn’t laugh.
”So you’ve noticed Hunter…?” He trailed off.
Echo looked Crosshair dead in the eyes. He could count the water droplets on his eyelashes.
”Which one was Hunter again?” He said, hoping to make his message clear.
Crosshair’s gaze softened and he smiled.
”I couldn’t tell you,” He said.
Crosshair was so close that even in the dim evening light Echo could notice he had small freckles.
”CANNON BALL!” Wrecker bellowed and leaped in the water next to them, drenching them in the salty sea water.
”Why didn’t you guys tell us you were going swimming!” Hunter said.
Echo blushed, but Crosshair recovered quickly.
”We thought you were still making plans so we didn’t want to disturb you,” Crosshair said.
”Fair enough,” Hunter said, smiling knowingly.
”Let’s see who can swim the furthest out!” Wrecker exclaimed.
”And see who drowns first in the process. Not a chance, not after drinking” Kix said. Tech nodded behind him.
”Aww, alright then,” Wrecker said, sounding slightly disappointed.
They swam for a while until Kix noticed Jesse’s lips turning blue from cold and ordered the whole lot back to the beach to warm up and drink water. After drying up, they decided to leave for Rex’s place for the karaoke night.
-
”HONEY I’M STILL FREE, TAKE A CHANCE ON ME,” Wrecker sang way too loud and way too close to the microphone. Hunter and Tech were chanting backups to another microphone. Jesse was wiping the corners of his eyes, Kix was trying not to laugh. They had already heard Rex singing ”Your man” and Jesse and Kix performing a duet of ”Sweat” among other songs. Echo was listening only with one ear though. He didn’t know what to feel after the beach, he was sure him and Crosshair almost had a smidge of a moment but Wrecker interrupted them. Echo didn’t know if Crosshair was genuinely interested or if he was only caught in the moment of the night and beer. Crosshair was browsing the karaoke DVD selection and Echo stole glances at him. But then Crosshair sought out Echo’s eyes and nodded towards the door, inviting him out. Soon they were standing on the porch in the cooling summer night, smoking cigarettes. Echo broke the silence.
”Who knew Wrecker was an ABBA guy,” Echo smirked.
”ABBA is kind of an inside joke. We watched Mamma Mia! one time while hungover,” Crosshair said.
”I’ve seen it too, good movie catchy songs” Echo chuckled. ”Are you singing anything tonight?” He asked.
”We’ll see. Maybe after a few more beers,” Crosshair said, lifting his beer holding hand.
”Well let’s go get those beers, I’m getting chilly,” Echo said, his skin going on gooseflesh in his shorts and short sleeved top.
Crosshair suddenly wrapped his arm around Echo’s shoulders. The gesture was nonchalant, Crosshair was still smoking his cigarette and looking out to the distance. Echo froze at first at the contact, but soon relaxed into Crosshair’s warmth. They stood like that for a moment, still after both of their cigarettes had burned out. It was a cozy feeling that Echo had missed.
”Should I put some songs in queue for you guys… oh sorry,” Rex said from the crack of the front door.
Crosshair immediately detached himself from Echo. Echo missed his touch right away.
”Yeah, I could sing something next,” Crosshair said.
Echo and Rex both looked surprised.
”What? It’s karaoke night,” Crosshair shrugged.
-
Hunter was whistling something ear deafening and the others were cheering while Crosshair walked in front of the living room tv, reeling the microphone cord in his hands, getting ready to perform his chosen song. Soon the first notes of ”Rain” by Steve Conte started playing from the speakers. Echo was staring. The lyrics were pouring out of Crosshair so naturally, it seemed to be like breathing for him. His voice was without his usual snarl, but accompanied with a really attractive rasp. The music felt like it was vibrating through Echo’s soul. The song was good, but witnessing Crosshair singing it made it even better. Seeing him so bare was undoubtedly rare. After the song ended, his friends bursted into cheers and applause, when Jesse, Rex and Echo were staring at him with their mouths open.
”That’s our Crosshair!” Wrecker exclaimed, swooping him into a tight side hug.
Echo was looking at him through the crowd smiling, clapping his hands. Crosshair winked.
It was later and nobody was singing karaoke any longer. They were sitting on the living room sofas, Kix was sitting on the floor in Jesses feet, drinking beers. Tech was snoozing, cuddled under Wrecker’s arm. Crosshair and Echo sat next to each other, Crosshair’s arm loosely hanging on the back rets of the sofa behind Echo.
”So what plans do you have for tomorrow evening?” Hunter asked.
”No plans so far. Do you have something in mind?” Rex said.
”We were planning on some bar hopping, if you want to join us?” Hunter said.
”Bar hopping sounds good, I can go, how about you guys?” Jesse said immediately, probably looking forward to spending more time with Kix.
Echo and Rex exchanged a look and Rex nodded.
”Yeah, we’re down. Do you know the area?” Echo said.
”I used to live here, I know the scene,” Crosshair said, playing with a lighter in his other hand.
”Yeah? What are the best places to go to?” Echo asked Crosshair.
”There are some restaurant boats in the marina but the best place to go is 79’s”
”You lead the way then!” Rex said.
Soon it was time for the others to leave for the night.
”You seemed to have a good time with that guy Crosshair huh,” Jesse said from the bottom bunk.
”Yeah, he’s cool,” Echo said, evasively.
”I bet you find him more than cool too,” Jesse teased.
”Want another pillow to the face?” Echo said, with no real bite.
”Okay, okay, I’ll stop,” Jesse snickered.
-
The next morning came too fast to three hungover guys.
”Jesse? Jesse, are you alive?” Echo rasped from the top bunk.
There was slight coughing and a noice of Jesse clearing his throat.
”Yeah, barely,” Jesse said weakly.
”How on earth are we supposed to go bar hopping tonight,” Echo said, turning his pillow so he could bury his aching head to the cool side of it.
”Don’t bring up alcohol, I’m gonna puke” Jesse moaned.
”I wonder how the others are faring,” Echo said.
”I’m texting Kix right now. He’s saying that Tech slept on the bathroom floor but the others are still asleep,” Jesse said.
”Oh god. I think I should go lay on the bathroom floor too,” Echo said, voice muffled with the pillow.
”I feel okay if I’m not moving,” Jesse said.
Echo peeked over the railing of the top bunk to look at Jesse. He was laying like a victorian child on his death bed. Echo bursted into laughter.
”You look like a corpse,” He laughed, coughing.
”Look who’s talking, and don’t make me laugh, or I’m really gonna puke,” Jesse laughed as well.
”We should get up to see how Rex is doing,” Echo said. Just then the door opened and a really pale Rex came in.
”I’m dying,” He said.
”Join the club,” Echo moaned.
”I think we would feel better if we had eaten better last night,” Rex said.
”True. Silly us,” Jesse said.
”I think I have Gatorade in the fridge, I’ll go look,” Rex said.
The others laid in their beds while Rex was gone. Soon Rex was back with three bottles of blue Gatorade.
”Ah, our savior,” Jesse breathed.
”This is like manna from heaven,” Echo said, quenching his thirst.
”Kix just texted me, he says him and the others would like to see us at the beach again,” Jesse said.
”Literally how?” Echo said.
”Let’s try to eat something and see if we can go,” Rex proposed.
They struggled up and went to the kitchen. Echo felt better after the electrolyte drink and started frying them some eggs. After eating them and some of the last night’s snacks, they once again changed into their swimming shorts and t-shirts. The whole lot wore their sunglasses this time, Echo made sure to put on his new pair that Crosshair picked for him. The walk to the beach was a struggle, all of them chugging water the whole time. Luckily the walk wasn’t long and they only had their towels and the bag of snacks to carry. When they arrived, they were all drenched in sweat. Echo flopped on a beach chair while Jesse and Rex spread out their towels and went to lay on them. They didn’t have to wait for the others for too long, but this time there were only Hunter, Crosshair and Kix.
”Where did you left Tech and Wrecker,” Jesse asked, standing up to give Kix a quick hug.
Hunter sat down on the sand, hanging his head between his knees. Crosshair sat next to Echo on the chair. The one who seemed to feel the best was Kix, standing with his hands on his hips.
”Tech was really hungover so Wrecker stayed back to look after him,” Hunter murmured from between his legs.
”Poor Tech,” Rex said.
”This is normal for him,” Crosshair said. ”He just gets bad hangovers,” Crosshair explained. ”And then Wrecker can’t watch him suffer so he always stays to take care of him,” he continued.
Kix sat down on the beach towel with Jesse, who went to lay down and rested his forehead against Kix’s thigh. Kix traced his wingers along Jesse’s buzz cut and looked at him like he was the only thing that mattered. Echo looked at them, jealous. He wanted to have the same easy closeness with… someone. Echo remembered how him and Crosshair were close last night. He wanted Crosshair to do it again: he wanted Crosshair to wrap his arm around him. Echo wanted to bury his face in the crook of his neck, to breathe in his scent. But somehow Crosshair seemed to keep his distance now. Probably because his friends were there. He only got close when it was just the two of them, Echo realized. It was either him wanting to spend time with Echo alone or being embarrassed for showing affection towards him.
Echo could admit to himself that he had a crush on Crosshair. Which made him feel like a school kid, because they only just met and he didn’t now anything about Crosshair. Echo wanted to kick himself. Soon they’ll leave and he’ll probably never see Crosshair again. He should ask for his phone number or even for his social media, but he secretly wanted Crosshair to ask him. To show if he’s interested too. But there was no such luck. At least not yet. But then again, does he really want someone who only shows interest when they’re alone together. Echo felt overwhelmed by his thoughts.
”Echo? Did you hear us?” Rex asked.
Echo must’ve been deep in his thoughts for not hearing the others.
”Sorry, what was it?” Echo said, trying for a smile.
”We were discussing on what time we should leave for the town,” Hunter said.
”I’m fine with whenever,” Echo said.
”Where were you?” Jesse chuckled.
”Just… I felt sick for a beat right then and was concentrating on keeping my breakfast down,” Echo lied.
”Shit dude, are you okay?” Jesse said, worried.
”Yeah, should you lie down? Try to eat a few chips and drink some water, your electrolytes must be all out of whack,” Kix said, brows furrowing.
”Thanks guys, I think I’ll have some water,” Echo said, feeling slightly guilty for worrying his friends. In reality he was still feeling hungover so drinking some water was probably good for him. Echo lifted a water bottle on his lips and drank with thirst. His throat was bobbing and there was a sweat droplet running down his neck. Echo drank with his eyes closed, so he didn’t notice a certain somebody being fixated on his lips and neck. After drinking, Echo sighed and wiped his mouth to the back of his hand.
”I don’t know about you lot but I feel like swimming would make me feel lots better,” Echo said, already pulling off his t-shirt.
Kix and Jesse were now cuddling on the beach towel and Hunter and Rex were in the middle of a conversation.
”I think I’m not going to swim yet. I think I’ll have a little nap,” Jesse said, yawning and then nuzzling against Kix’s cheek.
”Me too. Just don’t go too far out,” Kix said sleepily.
”I could go swimming,” Crosshair suddenly said. He seemed a shade paler on the face, clearly feeling the effects of alcohol leaving his body.
”Okay, thanks Kix,” Echo said. ”Let’s go then,” he said to Crosshair.
They walked to the shore. This time there was no running, both of them were too hungover to even jog. The first step in the water sent shivers through Echo’s whole body. The water felt cool, but he kept walking to the sea. The first dip under water made Echo feel like he was re-born. The cool water worked wonders on his body and he felt his headache lessening. Echo sighed from pleasure, lifting his face towards the sky, eyes closed. The heat from the sun and the coolness of the water made an interesting contrast and it felt amazing. Echo let his eyes flutter open and noticed Crosshair standing in the water, looking at him. In a split second Crosshair looked away, and there was a faint blush on his face. Echo felt secretly happy to find him staring.
”I really needed this,” Echo rejoiced.
”You looked like you did,” Crosshair replied.
”Doesn’t it feel so good though?” Echo said.
”It does,” Crosshair agreed. ”I could use a beer,” Crosshair continued.
”Oh ew, how you can even think about drinking after last night,” Echo said.
”Ever heard of a ’hair of the dog’?” Crosshair smirked.
”Really?” Echo said, chuckling.
”There’s a beach bar not too far away,” Crosshair said. ”Wanna go there to grab a drink?” He asked.
”I mean why not,” Echo said. ”Should we go to get the others?”
”No, let’s just go right away,” Crosshair said.
Echo felt his heart do a funny little flip. Crosshair wants to spend time with him alone.
”Sure, you lead the way then,” He said.
They waded out of the water and Crosshair led them across the beach into a small bar. There was an outside bar counter and Echo noticed that other customers were just in their swimwear too, so it made him feel less naked. Crosshair ordered them drinks, a Sol with a lime wedge for him and a Smirnoff Ice for Echo. They got their drinks and sat down on a table. Crosshair took a long drink off of his beer and let out a satisfied ”ahh”. Echo took a small sip of his drink. It was sweet and refreshing, going down surprisingly well even in his hungover state. They fell in silence.
”Once I heard someone say that if you need to get rid of a hangover you should drink, and I quote, ’thin slices’ of cream liquor,” Echo said to break the silence.
”Yeah? Not bad. Do you want to get some? I can go get us Bailey’s,” Crosshair said. Echo made a face.
”No chance, I’m good with this,” Echo said eluding towards his drink. ”But maybe you can treat me to a drink later tonight?” Echo said.
”Deal,” Crosshair said, clinking their bottles together.
They drank in silence for a beat before Crosshair spoke again.
”Want another round?” He asked.
”I don’t have my money on me so I’ll pass,” Echo said sheepishly.
”I can get you a drink if you want one?” Crosshair said.
”Well if you insist,” Echo smiled. ”A beer would be nice,” he said.
”Two beers coming right up,” Crosshair said getting up from the table.
-
”Where have you been!?” Kix asked when Crosshair and Echo finally walked back to their spot on the beach.
”We just got some drinks at a bar close by,” Echo said, gingerly.
”And you couldn’t tell us that you were going somewhere else?!” Kix said. ”We were getting worried when you didn’t get back and we didn’t see you at the shore anymore!” He continued. Jesse nodded behind him.
”You missed me? How touching,” Crosshair said, mockingly.
”Don’t start with me, Cross-eyes,” Kix said.
”Sorry, didn’t mean to worry you,” Echo said, apologetically.
Kix sighed. ”Just tell somebody the next time, okay?” He said.
They promised.
”Now who wants pizza?” Hunter asked. He Looked like he was feeling better.
”I could eat,” Jesse said. ”Should we ask if Wrecker and Tech would meet us at where ever we’re going?”
”Knowing them, Tech won’t be alive until the night,” Hunter said.
”Ouch, well how about Wrecker?” Jesse asked.
”Too busy fussing over Tech. They’ll probably order something in,” Hunter explained.
”Well if pizza is okay with everybody, should we go?” Jesse asked, looking around.
”Sure, where are we going?” Rex said.
”I know a place close by,” Crosshair said.
”Okay, let’s go,” Kix said.
They collected their things and left for the place Crosshair suggested. The walk wasn’t very long so it went without a hitch, everybody were feeling better at this point. The place they went to was on the smaller side, with a couple of tables and an outdoor seating area. They had to pull a few tables together to fit them all. They decided to eat indoors, it was getting seriously hot outside. They ordered food and beverages and went to sit down to wait. Everybody ordered something alcoholic and after Kix’s pestering, a pitcher of water for the table. Soon their food arrived and everybody dug in.
”Man this is good. If your bar suggestions are as good as this, we’re well taken care off,” Jesse said.
Crosshair hummed in response. He took a sip of his beer.
”We have to catch up to you too before you go running off to another bar again,” Jesse continued, winking at Echo.
Echo felt his face getting flushed. Had everybody noticed him nursing a crush on Crosshair? Crosshair was giving him mixed signals. On the other hand he had invited him to get drinks so he wanted to spend time together, but he hadn’t asked for his number or offered his own to Echo. Or maybe Crosshair invited him to smoke and drink because he’s there and he doesn’t want to go alone. But then again he had hugged him at the porch and there was that moment in the water so what was all that about. Echo decided to push the thought out of his head. Crosshair was free to do as he liked. It’s not like they were together or anything. Echo finished his beer and got up to get another one.
”Wow, slow down there,” Kix said benevolently.
Echo took a long drink of his beer and wiped his mouth on the back of his hand. ”I’m fine, thanks,” He said.
”What’s up?” Crosshair asked him, with a low voice.
”Absolutely nothing, everything’s fine,” Echo said.
”Okay, just asking,” Crosshair said.
”Hey Jesse, tell the story when you and Rex almost got kicked out of that club that one time?” Echo said, to change the topic.
And Jesse started telling. Kix turned on his chair to listen in better. They were laughing, Echo was not really listening, just laughing when the rest was. Crosshair wasn’t laughing either, just smiling at the appropriate times. He was looking at Echo, but Echo was pointedly looking at Jesse. He wanted to ignore Crosshair, but it was difficult having him sitting next to him. Soon Jesse’s story had ended with a booming laugh from him, accompanied by the other’s laughter as well. They had gotten done eating too.
”Should we get another round of drinks here or go to the store to get some beers for the beach?” Hunter asked.
”I say go to the store, it’s cheaper that way,” Rex said, wiping his mouth with a napkin.
”Store is good for me,” Kix said. Jesse nodded too, so did Echo and Crosshair.
They thanked the smiling restaurant owner and left for the store. Echo deliberately went to walk with Rex and left Crosshair to walk with Hunter. Jesse and Kix were walking holding hands and Echo felt jealous. Crosshair didn’t seem like the type to hold hands but still. Or maybe he wasn’t drunk enough. Echo felt irritated. He noticed that every single close interaction they had, had something to do with alcohol. Echo didn’t want to be Crosshair’s drunken pass time. He decided to have a good night even if Crosshair wasn’t into him. Or if Crosshair was only into him when drunk or drinking.
They arrived at the store. Echo picked himself some beers and looked at small liquor bottles but decided to not get them. He didn’t need any more weird looks from the others, or questions on why he was drinking so much. Instead he got a pack of cigarettes to go with his beers. The others were picking their drinks too, and Echo tried not to look at how cute Crosshair looked, squatting down to look at the bottom shelf options.
”We didn’t bring the volley ball this time so should we get this frisbee?” Rex asked, with a yellow frisbee in his hand.
”Seems like fun, why not,” Hunter said.
”Yeah, why not,” Echo said, not looking at Crosshair.
The others agreed too. They got the rest of their purchases and left the store to walk back to the beach.
-
”Catch it Echo!” Jesse screamed after Rex threw the frisbee to him.
”I’m. Trying!” Echo yelped, jumping to catch the frisbee. A sliver of his stomach was visible fro a moment, but he didn’t catch Crosshair looking. Instead he caught the frisbee. Echo threw his arms in the air and cheered.
”Good job,” Rex said, smiling.
”Damn right it was, you’re really not good at throwing this thing,” Echo laughed.
”Easy for you to say, you’re above the wind,” Rex muttered.
They kept throwing the frisbee around a while longer but soon got tired of it. They went back to sitting down around a beach umbrella. Crosshair sat down at their usual seat on a beach recliner but Echo saw that and went to sit next to Rex. He saw Crosshair asking something of Jesse and soon they were both on their phones, Jesse saying something and Crosshair tapping. Cool, now he’s asking Jesse for his number, Echo thought, irritated. Soon his phone pinged.
Seriously, what’s up? The message from an unknown number said.
Who’s this? Echo typed back, looking around. He caught Crosshair looking at him.
It’s Cross
How did you get my number?
From Jesse
Oh, you couldn’t ask me directly?
You were pouting so didn’t feel like asking
Right
Echo put away his phone even though it pinged, cracked open a beer and started talking to Rex about what ever. After talking and drinking for a while, Echo addressed the whole group.
”We should probably go back to get ready,” He said.
”Look at that, it’s already this late! We should go back too to check on Tech and Wrecker,” Hunter said.
”Where should we meet later? Or are we still on for the bar hopping?” Jesse asked.
”Fine by me! How about we met at the restaurant and go from there?” Kix said.
”Alright sounds good, let’s meet there,” Rex said.
They parted ways and Kix and Jesse even kissed good bye. Echo was seriously jealous. He wanted desperately for Crosshair to address him somehow but why would he? Echo had been a bit of a dick towards him. But then his phone pinged again. It was from Crosshair. The previous text said ”Did I do something?” Echo felt bad, but the next message red,
Wear something pretty for me
Echo blushed and replied
You wish :P
He put his phone in his pocket, feeling better about the night already.
-
”Jesse! We’ll leave without you if you’re not ready soon!” Rex shouted.
Jesse’s voice came from his and Echo’s room. ”I just can’t decide what to wear!” He shouted back.
Rex and Echo chucked. Echo decided on a dark gray button up and some black Bermuda shorts. It wasn’t necessarily ”Pretty”, but he hadn’t really packed any other going-out clothes. Soon Jesse emerged from their room, wearing a gray button up and black shorts. He screamed and ran back to change. Echo and Rex laughed. They drank their beers and waited for Jesse. He emerged once again, wearing form fitting shorts with a chain and a loose short sleeved top with a white tank underneath.
”How do I look?” Jesse asked.
”Stunning. Can we go now?” Echo said.
”Look whose excited to meet his boyfriend,” Jesse said, wiggling his eyebrow.
”I don’t know what you mean,” Echo said, but a small smile was tugging at his lips.
”Come on, don’t tease. Didn’t you just take an hour to decide on clothes to wear for your boyfriend?” Rex laughed.
”Kix and I aren’t together,” Jesse said, pouting.
”By the way you’re acting, you might as well be,” Echo said, happy that the conversation had changed from him to Jesse.
”Maybe I should ask him to date me tonight?” Jesse thought.
”Go for it! He’d be crazy to decline you,” Rex said.
”I’ll do it then. How about some tequila shots before leaving? For the nerves,” Jesse said.
”I’m always down for shots,” Echo laughed.
”Three tequilas coming right up,” Rex said, going to the kitchen to prepare their shots.
Soon there were three shot glasses in front of them, with a lime wedge neatly stacked on top and a salt shaker. Echo and the others licked the top oh their hands to pour on the salt. They took their shots, licking up the salt, clinking the glass on the table top before throwing them back and bit into their life wedges. Each of them made a face at the burning liquid.
”That’ll do it,” Jesse grimaced.
”Man tequila is horrible,” Echo said, grimacing as well.
”It was golden tequila and cheap too, nobody likes that,” Rex said, making a face too. ”Should we go then?” He added.
The two agreed and they left for their rendezvous spot. When they arrived, the others were already there waiting for them. Hunter was wearing his usual bandana and a black and red top with grey shorts. Kix was in a tan tank top and pale blue ripped jeans. Wrecker and Tech were there too, Wrecker was wearing an orange button up and black shorts, Tech was wearing a grey crewneck and blue shorts. Crosshair was of course in all black, wearing ripped jeans and a button up, with his hair combed back and wayfarers on. He had a cigarette loosely hanging on his lip. Echo was mesmerized.
”HEY GUYS!” Wrecker boomed.
”Hello there!” Jesse said. He hurried to Kix and they hugged.
”So, where are we going?” Echo asked excitedly.
”I know a place,” Crosshair said, puffing his smoke while speaking.
”You lead the way then,” Rex said.
Echo walked next to Crosshair.
”Well aren’t you pretty,” Crosshair purred.
”You don’t look bad either,” Echo said, blushing.
”What happened earlier?” Crosshair asked.
Echo was puzzled at first but then remembered the way he was acting. He felt embarrassed. ”Nothing, how come?” Echo tried.
”I thought you were ignoring me,” Crosshair said, low.
”I wasn’t,” Echo lied.
”Okay, just asking,” Crosshair said, a tad coolly.
”No problem,” Echo said. He felt bad for lying but then again, he didn’t want to admit his pettiness.
They resumed walking in silence. Soon they reached their first stop. A nice looking boat bar with a good tap selection. Echo picked a nice pale ale and a whiskey to go with. The others ordered their drinks too, others took beers and whiskeys as well but Tech, still slightly hungover, picked a watermelon Breezer. They sat down to have their drinks and talk about whatever. Crosshair sat next to Echo but Echo did his best to not give him any attention. Echo knew it was petty, but couldn’t help it. He was done with Crosshair’s antics and wanted to concentrate on his friends. They were done with their drinks so Crosshair suggested they went to the next place. They repeated the same routine at a few more bars until Wrecker finally had enough.
”BOO! I want to go dancing!” Wrecker bellowed.
”Will you dance with me?” Jesse asked Kix, twirling him around.
”Why yes Jesse, I would like that very much,” Kix said, giggling.
”Well in that case I know the perfect place,” Crosshair said. ”We should go to 97’s.”
After walking for a while they arrived to 97’s. A cool looking place with a bar area with pool tables and a club-like area with a DJ-booth and a dance floor. Hunter and Rex immediately started playing pool when Kix, Jesse and Wrecker went to hit the dance floor. Tech stayed with Hunter and Rex, he liked to study the game, he said. Echo pulled a cigarette from his pack and went outside. He didn’t notice Crosshair following him.
”You’ve been avoiding me,” Crosshair said.
Echo startled slightly at the spoken words. ”No, I haven’t,” Echo insisted.
”But you have though,” Crosshair said. ”Have I done something?”
Echo took a drag from his cigarette. ”It’s more about what you haven’t done,” Echo said quietly.
Crosshair rose his eyebrows. ”Oh yeah? And what should I have done? Be more like Jesse and Kix?” Crosshair said.
”Depends on if you want us to be more like Jesse and Kix?” Echo challenged.
”They are way too sappy,” Crosshair said, smoking his cigarette.
”Then what do you want?” Echo said.
”I just want to spend time with you,” Crosshair said.
”Why?” Echo asked, looking Crosshair dead in the eye.
”Because I like you,” Crosshair said plainly.
”Oh. Well then,” Echo said, slightly taken off guard.
”What did you expect?” Crosshair asked.
”Not for you to be that direct,” Echo admitted.
”Then what do you want?” Crosshair asked.
”To be more like Jesse and Kix,” Echo said sheepishly.
Crosshair walked closer to Echo and leaned in to hover over him, with his arm propped on the wall. Echo’s breath hitched. Crosshair discarded his cigarette and it sparked against the asphalt. He lifted Echo’s chin with his fingers. They looked each other in they eyes for a beat, until they both leaned in. They pressed their lips together in a soft kiss, tentative at first. Soon Echo tilted his head to deepen the kiss and Crosshair kissed back with passion. Echo curled his fingers in Crosshair’s shirt pulling him closer. Their bodies were pressed together, Crosshair moving his other hand to the small of Echo’s back. Echo felt tears burning behind his eyes. He pulled back and looked down.
”Are you okay? Did I do something?” Crosshair said.
Echo shook his head, trying to hide his face.
”Hey, what is it?” Crosshair asked, worried.
”I’m sorry,” Echo said with a thick voice.
”You have nothing to be sorry for,” Crosshair said.
”No, I purposely ignored you because I thought you didn’t like me, I acted like an ass and I’m sorry,” Echo said quietly.
”Hey, none of that matters now, we were both just confused,” Crosshair said.
Echo turned his big sad eyes towards Crosshair. ”Really?” He asked.
”Really. Now let’s go have a good time,” Crosshair said, taking his hand and pulling him towards the door. Crosshair led them to the dance floor.
After dancing for a while, Echo went to grab a glass of water at the bar counter.
”How did you do that?” Hunter asked him.
”Do what?” Echo asked.
”Get Crosshair to dance!” Hunter exclaimed.
”No, he invited me, I didn’t do anything,” Echo said.
Hunter whistled low. ”He must really like you then, he doesn’t even dance with us, unless he’s really drunk,” Hunter said.
”No no, I was feeling bad and he probably wanted to make me feel better,” Echo said.
”I know him and he is rarely like that,” Hunter said knowingly.
Echo wanted to scream his happiness from the mountain tops. He contained himself though.
”Really? Well that’s cool,” Echo wanted to play it cool.
”Well don’t get too excited,” Hunter said, smiling.
”Thanks for the insight though, I’ll keep it in mind,” Echo said.
When Echo turned to go back to the dance floor, Crosshair was there waiting for him.
”Do you want to go back?” Echo asked him.
”No, let’s go sit for a while,” Crosshair said, pointing to a darker corner of the bar.
They went to sit down. Crosshair put his arm on Echo’s shoulder and Echo leaned closer to him. Crosshair pressed his lips against Echo’s temple. Almost instinctively they leaned in to kiss once more. Crosshair teased his tongue against Echo’s lips and Echo opened up to allow him to lick into his mouth. Echo moaned softly. He curled his fingers in Crosshair’s shirt to pull him even closer. They kissed deep and slow. They probably would’ve kissed until the bitter end until:
”Hey. Umm, hey?” Someone said.
They detached from each other. Hunter was standing a little further away from them.
”What now?” Crosshair growled, arm still possessively around Echo.
”Well, Wrecker is falling asleep and it’s pretty late already and we’re leaving in the morning so we should probably go back to the house,” Hunter said.
Crosshair groaned. ”Fine,” He said. ”I’m sorry, we have to go,” he murmured in Echo’s ear.
Echo pouted. ”I understand,” He said even though he didn’t like it.
Echo walked them to the door, where Jesse and Kix were already saying their good byes.
”Should we leave too?” Rex asked, yawning.
”Sure,” Echo said.
They left to the opposite directions. Echo had a spring to his step and head in the clouds. He felt a heady joy.
”Kix said yes! He want’s to date me!” Jesse exclaimed.
”Good for you!” Rex smiled.
”How about you Echo, you seemed to have a good night as well,” Jesse said, wiggling an eyebrow.
”We didn’t talk about anything like that,” Echo said, trying not to smile.
”Well you didn’t do much talking anyway,” Rex teased.
”No, but at least he told me he likes me,” Echo said.
”Well that’s a start,” Jesse said.
They continued walking and soon they were at the summerhouse. They took quick showers and went to bed.
Laying in bed, Echo felt his heart stop. He still didn’t know where Crosshair lived, he realized. Or anything else about him. He desperately didn’t want this to be a holiday romance. He was eager to see Crosshair again, and again and again. To eventually call him his boyfriend. To scream his name in wrinkled bed sheets. To say he loved him. Because he was already half way there. He wanted to know more about Crosshair. He needed to know if Crosshair felt the same. Echo got up as quietly as he could, gathered his clothes and slipped outside. He dressed himself outside and pulled out his phone.
You still up? He texted Crosshair.
Yeah
What address are you staying at?
Crosshair texted him the address.
Echo grabbed an old bicycle leaning against the wall of the summerhouse. He hopped on and started pedaling. The streets were empty, a stark contrast to the day. Nobody at the beach, the small store was closed. It must’ve been like five in the morning and the sun was already stating to rise. Echo pedaled as fast as he could. He was panting but he kept the pace. Soon he reached a gravel road that led to a housing area. He was close.
When Echo saw Crosshair outside a house smoking a cigarette, he felt his heart leap in his chest. He hopped off of the bicycle.
”Hey,” He panted.
”Hey,” Crosshair said.
”What was so urgent you couldn’t say it over text?” Crosshair asked.
”Right. I just realized I didn’t know anything about you,” Echo said.
”I guess that’s true. I want to get to know you better too,” Crosshair confessed. ”Let’s sit down.” He suggested.
There was a canopy swing on the yard and they went to sit down. Crosshair passed a cigarette to Echo. They sat in silence fro a while, smoking.
”What’s you favorite color?” Echo asked.
”That’s what you wanted to ask?” Crosshair said.
”I wanted to get to know you better,” Echo said.
”Right,” Crosshair smirked. ”And it’s black.”
”Black is a shade, not a color,” Echo said.
”Smart ass. If I needed to pick a color it would probably be red,” Crosshair answered. ”What’s yours?”
”Blue,” Echo said. ”Your turn to ask,” He added.
”Do you have siblings?” Crosshair asked.
”I’m a twin, I have a brother called Fives,” Echo said.
”Oh? Where was he this weekend, or are you not close?” Crosshair asked.
”He had work, otherwise he would’ve come,” Echo chuckled. ”Do you have siblings?”
”I have little sister, Omega. She’s in middle school,” Crosshair said.
”So big brother huh,” Echo said.
”It’s your turn to ask,” Crosshair said.
They bounced back questions and answers for a bit. Echo found out Crosshair liked savory snacks over sweets, had been on a plane multiple times, he liked shooting as a hobby and had a family dog called Batcher.
”Where do you live?” Echo asked.
”Tipoca city. You?” Crosshair said.
”No way, I’m going to college there!” Echo exclaimed.
”So you live there too?” Crosshair said.
”Yes! I moved there from Timira city,” Echo said.
”I’ve never been to Timira,” Crosshair said.
”My family has a bakehouse there, if you want to go sometime?” Echo asked hopefully.
”I’d like that. If we go just me and you,” Crosshair said.
Echo smiled so big he thought the edges of his mouth might rip.
”I have to clear it with my folks but I’d love to go just you and me,” Echo beamed.
”I have one more question,” Crosshair said, leaning close.
”Yes?” Echo breathed.
”Can I kiss you?” Crosshair asked, lips brushing Echo’s ear.
”Like you even have to ask,” Echo said, leaning in to meet Crosshair’s lips.
Suddenly they heard muffled cheering and whistles.
They turned to face the house, and saw Hunter, Wrecker, Tech and Kix peeking from a window. Crosshair flipped them off while leaning in to kiss Echo more.
After a while Echo looked at the his wrist watch.
”Shit, it’s already six in the morning,” Echo said.
”Do you need to go?” Crosshair asked.
”Kinda, if I want to get any sleep before we leave,” Echo said apologetically.
”Yeah, I need to go to bed too, we leave in a few hours,” Crosshair grimaced.
They kissed good bye, and Echo hopped on his bike. While biking to the summerhouse Echo was deliriously happy. They didn’t talk about dating, not yet, but they agreed to meet for coffee next week after their work. It had been a very successful holiday, Echo thought.
The End?