After breakfast with the family on the third day home, Mike and Josh spent most of their time playing video games with Jenny, Mike's little sister. They also organized the dresser in Mike's room, now Josh's room also. Josh hadn't brought much with him. Mike cleared two drawers of the dresser for Josh's things. Mike was a little worried about how much Josh had brought. Josh assured him that he had enough.
Dad had the boys help him finish cleaning up the back garden. They loaded the tables, chairs and serving dishes into the back of the truck. Dad also asked Mike to mow the lawn. Mike readily agreed, as it would give a good cardio work out. Josh manned the trimmer, getting the edges and places Mike couldn't reach with the mower. Jenny brought out some lemonade in the late afternoon and the three sat on the patio in the shade. When they had rested, Mike and Josh finished the work.
Mike led Josh upstairs to the bedroom, where they took off their sweaty, dirty clothes and grabbed their robes. Their towels were still hanging from the towel rod from the morning cleanup. They decided not to play while in the shower, in hopes of more play at night.
Once they were cleaned up and dressed, they headed down to the family room where they played video games again until Mom called dinner. Leftovers from the barbecue made for a nice, easy dinner. Afterwards, they all gathered in the family room for a movie. When the movie ended, they all said their goodnights and headed to the bedrooms. Jenny led the way up the stairs. She paused outside the boys' room.
"I think it's great you're here, Josh. I am glad you have somewhere to go," she said, hugging him quickly before heading for her room. Once inside their room, the guys disrobed and climbed into bed. Josh apologized saying that he really wasn't ready for any fun. Mike kissed him softly and they cuddled together until they fell asleep.
The next morning Dad had the boys take the truck and return the rented items. When the boys had finished, they returned to the house. They took out their laptops and began the process of registering for their next classes. It didn't take Mike a lot of time to do his registration, as his classes were predetermined by his major. Josh declared his major, then had to figure out which classes he needed. He had Mike help him decide which classes were best and settled on mostly GE studies, with an extra history class. Josh figured he would be able to figure out late courses when he discussed things with his history counselor.
They finished up just before lunchtime. They decided to go to "The Shack". As they walked to the entrance, Chloe came, holding hands with a tall guy. Chloe hugged both Mike and Josh and then introduced them to Jason. Jason nodded and shook hands with each. Mike invited them to join, and they got a table together. They had an enjoyable meal getting to know Jason. Jason was a little surprised, at first, to see Mike and Josh so open about their relationship but found that it really didn't bother him.
As they prepared to leave, Chloe mentioned that Jason was going to the rec center to play basketball. Mike perked up and mentioned that he needed a workout for the day and asked if Jason's group needed another player. Jason said it was open play and said it would be great to have Mike come along. Mike asked Josh if it was okay and Josh said he would come along and watch, as he sucked at basketball.
The boys went to the gym with Chloe and Jason following. Mike grabbed the work out bag he always kept nearby and headed to the locker room with Jason. Josh and Chloe made their way to the observation deck that looked over the gym.
As Josh and Chloe waited for their guys to come out, Josh talked to Chloe about her relationships. Chloe smiled when they talked about Jason in a way Josh hadn't seen in Chloe before. She admitted that they were getting serious and were just talking the night before about moving in together. Josh smiled to see his friend happy. Their boys came out onto the court with several others and started to get organized. A girl ran in from the opposite direction and joined the group. Chloe said that the girl, Jamie, was a friend of one of the players. Chloe said the last time she played, she smoked all the guys.
Teams were divided and since one of the teams had Jamie, it was decided the other team would be skins. Mike was with this team. Josh smiled when he saw his lover pull off his shirt. Mike looked up to Josh and mouthed 'Love you'. Josh signed 'I love you' and waved. After a quick round of rock, scissors, paper between two opposing players, the Skins won and started the game with the ball.
The first play involved Mike bringing the ball down the court. He was met at half court by Jamie. Mike tried several maneuvers to get past her but after his third try, she stole the ball and ran down the court for an easy layup. Her teammates cheered her on, while Mike's teammates jeered him. Another player brought the ball down this time and was also met by Jamie at half court. Jamie stole the ball from this player quicker and scored another easy two. Mike brought the ball down this time but didn't wait to get to half court before passing to a player on the right near the sideline. The player continued for a few seconds and one of Mike's teammates scored a pullup jumper for two points. Jamie brought the ball down for the Shirts. Mike met her at the top of the key. Jamie smiled and stepped back, launching a long, high arching shot that went straight into the basket, then net barely moved. Everyone stopped and stared as Jamie posed. From that point on, whenever Jamie had the ball, she was double teamed. This seemed to work, and the game stayed close until the first break.
Mike ran over and looked up at his lover and his friend. He was sweating torrents. This just made him sexier to Josh. Mike toweled himself as best he could.
"You got smoked, love," Josh said teasingly. "And by a girl, no less."
He chuckled and looked towards the other players. He looked back up to Josh. "Well, I have never claimed to be the best at any sport, just at least good at many. But yes, she did smoke me and many others. She's damn good." Mike sipped from his water bottle and the call came to get back out on the court.
Jamie played less of a role for the rest of the game. Chloe said Jamie didn't like to make the others feel too bad. Josh chuckled as he watched Jamie hit another long 3. Everybody ran out of energy and the game was called. The Shirts had won but not by much. They high fived each other and headed to the locker rooms. Chloe and Josh waited outside while their boys changed.
Mike came out first. He kissed Josh and took his hand. Jason came out shortly and they said their goodbyes.
As Mike and Josh made their way to the car, Jamie came running up. "Hey, guys," she said slightly winded, "Mike, right?" Mike nodded his head. "This is Josh," he said. Jamie then noticed their hands entwined. "Hi, Josh. Could I get a ride home?"
Mike said that they would be happy to give her a ride home. She smiled but lost a little of the excitement she had when she came to them. Josh held the back door open for her as Mike held the front door for Josh. Jamie directed Mike to an apartment complex near the center of town.
"I would invite you up, but...you seemed involved," Jamie said a little chagrined. Josh looked at Mike and they both nodded.
"We are both actually Bi. We are a couple, but we have also agreed that sharing is welcome," Josh said with a smile.
"I'm cool with that," she said as she directed Mike where to park. She then got out of the car and opened the door for Mike. Mike blushed a little. She led then across the parking lot and then down a couple of stairs to an apartment. She opened the door with her key and stepped in, flipping on the light as she moved into the living area. "Welcome to my pad," she said with a smile. "I've got booze in the cabinet or sodas in the fridge. I am going to change out of my sportswear. Make yourselves at home."
She disappeared down the hallway into a room. Josh moved to the refrigerator and grabbed two sodas. He eyed the liquor cabinet but didn't feel comfortable getting anything.
Jamie came out in what almost looked like pajamas, light fabric pants and top that were both billowy. She moved to the liquor cabinet and poured herself a small glass of drink.
"So, I haven't seen you around before," Jamie said demurely as she sipped her drink.
