It had been a fairly stressful week, and I found myself thinking back on it as I stood on the corner, waiting to be picked up by my older brother.
He had been busy getting settled into his new apartment and I, getting settled into University life, so we hadn't seen each other in a few good months.
Matt was 27 and I, 21. He had been where I was now, so he understood perfectly just how stressful it could get.
The two of us had always been close, even in the midst of our rivalry. That could be because we were the only children in the family and whenever anything wasn't going right, weβd always rely on one another. No matter how many harsh things we said, or how many bruises or broken bones we gave to each other, we knew that we would always be there, no matter what.
Even in the last 3 months, as he and I had seen nothing of one another, we had kept up to date via email and the occasional phone call.
I hated to admit it, as I am 21 - a legal adult in every possible sense - but I looked up to my brother. It never ceased to amaze me how we had taken such different paths in life, but both turned out so well. I was proud of how everything in his life had fallen perfectly into place.
I heard his motorcycle approaching a few seconds before he came into view, and although I had yet to see his new bike, merely from his stance, I could tell it was him beneath the helmet.
I'd only ever seen him in his old SUV, and however cool and rugged it had been, I had to admit, this suited him so much better.
It added a touch of danger and risk to his exterior, and had he not been my big brother, I would definitely have been attracted to the utter power he exuded.
"Hop on, Half-pint," he said, tossing a helmet at me.
Even though I was barely 5'2, he was the only one I'd allow to get away with calling me such names. Seeing as he was 6'1, it would have been utterly ridiculous to try and argue the matter with him, anyhow.
It was my first time on a bike, and I had to admit, it was a little awkward, and I found myself holding onto Matt for dear life.
It was weird being so close to my brother, although I didn't know why, other than how oddly intimate it felt, wrapping my arms around his waist, and after awhile, leaning my head against his back.
It wasn't long before we pulled up in front of a large apartment complex.
When we spent time together, there were never any set plans, and we usually ended up just taking advantage of any possible relaxation time we could get, away from our hectic lives, by bumming around with a new release or two, and a few beers.
This day seemed no different, except for the initial short tour of Matt's new place.
It was small but nicely set up - living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom - all he really needed, as it was just serving him, and occasionally, me.
The afternoon was incredibly relaxing and by the time we'd watched the first movie, I'd actually polished off two beers.
Sprawled on one end of the couch, Matt sprawled on the other, I kicked out my leg, hitting him in the hip.
"Be a cool brother and go get me another beer," I said, snuggling farther into my corner of the couch.
"And why would I do that? What would I get out of it?" he asked, channel surfing aimlessly.
"Sexual favours," I laughed, and pushed him toward the edge of the couch with my foot. "Now go."
He was silent for a second before he began to laugh. "I thought you were going to make it worth my while," he said, obviously proud of himself for his witty retort.
"Please?" I asked, in my best I'm-so-sweet-that-you-want-to-do-things-for-me voice.
A loud groan, and he was up and on his way to the fridge. Success!
I heard the fridge slam shut in the other room and Matt popped his head from around the corner.
"You know, Half-pint, I've known you for twenty-one years and I've never seen you drunk - only heard stories." He was smiling. I knew something was up, but didn't know what, just yet.
"Toss a vodka cooler my way, and that could change rather quickly," I smiled, as I knew that he didn't drink coolers - said they were too girly or something.
"I know," he said, and I almost missed, as he tossed a bottle toward me.
Proud of myself for catching it out of the blue, I looked down. Smirnoff Ice.
"You fucker. You're trying to get me drunk," I said, as I popped the cap and took my first, smooth sip.
"That's ok," he said, taking a swig of his beer, "If you try to jump me and do inappropriate things, I'll just have to restrain you."
Against my better judgement (as if I really had a choice in the matter), I found myself getting slightly turned on by his words.
He knew I was a submissive, and even though I knew better, I allowed myself, if only for a moment, to believe that he said it to get a reaction from me.
"Cheap bastard," I laughed, "Why wait until I'm too drunk to appreciate it?"
Before I knew what was happening, he was on top of me, pinning my wrists above my head with only one hand.
I felt as my pupils dilated against my will, and I turned my head, hoping that he hadn't noticed.
He leaned his head down until his lips were almost touching my ear.