Author's note: All characters are firmly over the age of 18, as should you be.
This story is filed under gay male rather than romance or novellas, but I've found myself needing to establish setting/motivation – so it's a bit of a slow start – if you're into hot and heavy from the start this might not work.
Please also be aware that this story largely concerns itself with gay sex (though a bit of het stuff is expected later) so if that doesn't float your boat don't stick around. Please also be aware that the full story will contain strong elements of non-consent and reluctance.
This section is a prologue so doesn't contain much sexual action, as it's setting us up for what comes next.
*****
Sean headed hurriedly into the changing room, raising his hand in greeting to the others, who were already changed and stretching out ready for practice. He ran a hand over his clammy forehead as he shoved his bag in the locker. He felt kind of sick but couldn't miss today's practice before the big match without his coach asking questions. He changed quickly, then joined the others, giving a brief one-armed hug to Sam; one of his closest friends since high school.
"You okay, bud?" Sam enquired, concerned. "You look a little pale." Sean cast his eyes down, feeling awkward.
"Mmhmm. We can talk after practice." Sean was finding it tough to make eye contact. He needed to get away, to focus on practice and nothing else with all these people around. He jogged out onto the field ahead of Sam.
After practice the team were joking around, back slapping and telling risqué jokes in the way of college jocks everywhere. Sam was still out on the field, collecting all of the equipment back in. He had followed this method ever since arriving at college. His contemporaries were accepting of his sexuality, more relaxed than they had been at high school, where he publicly came out at 17. Despite this, he was extremely conscious of the tightrope he walked as a young gay man and was determined to prevent them having a need to feel uncomfortable around him, so he always made sure to stay out of the changing rooms during shower time.
By the time Sam came in everyone but Sean was almost dressed. Sam stood with them, chatting about the strategies for the upcoming game. Sean stared at the floor as he pulled his jeans over his lean, muscular thighs, buttoning them tight across his flat stomach. He sat on the bench, slowly pulling on his socks and sneakers, drawing out the task as long as possible. Finally, the others started filing out, waving goodbye, with raucous chatter about seeing people the next day in class.
"Just heading for a shower, Sean. You going to tell me what's bothering you?" Sam called. Sean stood, feeling his heart pounding in his chest and his breath shortening. As Sam stripped off his sweat-soaked gear, Sean leant against the cool tiled wall of the shower. Sam's sexuality had never before been a problem between them. Sam had felt comfortable enough with Sean to reveal he was gay within a few hours of meeting him on their first day of high school, even when it was a secret to everyone else, and they had continued to bond over a shared love of movies, football, and computers like any other teenage boys. Sean had soon introduced Sam to his best friend since first grade, Alexie, and they quickly became an unbreakable trio. When Alexie and Sean had started dating as seniors Sam was unsurprised, and it had little effect on their group dynamic or how much time they spent together. They were lucky enough to have grown up in Greenholt, a beautiful, leafy college town – home to one of the longest standing universities in the country, and they were all now attending Greenholt College.
Sean watched Sam surreptitiously through his long lashes, as Sam lathered his firm biceps and foamed soap at the dark hair of his armpits. He slathered bubbles across his olive skin, down his defined pecs and abdominals. His sagittal trail glistening with suds, he briefly ran his fingers along his thick cock and under his low hanging balls. Sean couldn't help his mouth momentarily hanging open, and he felt his own cock bounce slightly in response.
"I broke up with Alexie," he burst out.
"What?!" Sam stopped washing, utterly shocked for a moment. "Why? Is she okay?"
"I think so. I don't think she was surprised really. We'd gone back to being just friends months ago, and it felt right. Anytime we tried to do anything romantic it just felt weird. For her too. We haven't even kissed in the last three weeks."
"As long as you're both okay. I'm not sure what I'd do without you two." Sam looked sympathetic. Sean nodded miserably, feeling the pressure of his thoughts even more. He had no idea if he was going to be brave enough to say what he was here to say.
Sam continued, "But why didn't you tell me? How long have you been feeling like that? ...You could have trusted me, you know?" Sean didn't say anything, just spun on his heel and returned to the changing room. Sam followed, patting his shoulders dry and wrapping his towel around his tapered hips.
Sam questioned gently, "For someone who is okay with it, you don't really seem okay?" Sean gulped.
"Well... I didn't actually tell Al the whole reason I wanted to break up."
"Shit, you haven't met someone else, have you?"
"No, no, not at all!" Sean paused. "Well, not as such..." Sam waited patiently for Sean's explanation. Sean looked at his friend's kind brown eyes and blinked rapidly.
"I do like a person, but I really don't think anything will happen. They haven't given me any indication they like me as anything more than a friend" Sam stepped forward, profoundly affected by the sad tilt in Sean's clear hazel-green eyes. He placed his hand on Sean's bare shoulder, gently stroking with his long fingers.
"They'd have to be crazy not to like you back. You're a seriously awesome guy." Sean raised his eyes to make contact with Sam's, losing himself in the warm depths. He nervously licked his full lips, pulling the lower edge into an uncertain nibble. Sam looked down at his friend. He had never seen the normally confident Sean seem so nervy. It struck Sam that Sean was self-conscious for a reason. Maybe even for a reason he himself had hoped for? Sam barely dared to believe that the realization that was dawning was the truth. He cleared his throat and placed his palm more securely on Sean's upper arm.
He suggested "I think you have to tell the person. Otherwise, you're going to be wondering. If you like them they must be a decent person. Sympathetic, and kind. I guess the worst that could happen if they don't feel the same way," he was hedging his bets, taking care of their friendship in case he was reading the signs wrong. "So, what are they like?" he questioned.
