“Shit shit SHIT.” Eric held his face in his hands and he nervously paced the floor of his room. His roommate would be home any minute he knew. He had to run. To hide? He didn’t know what he had to do but he knew that he could NOT see Aarold in his condition. Eric Johnson was 22 and currently attending the College of Elites. His roommate, Aarold Schylar was 20 and was also attending the college as a freshman. Eric was shorter than Aarold, who Eric could only assume had to be over 6 feet tall. He has short black hair, kept trimmed in the most respectable fashion according to his mother. Unlike Aarold. Aarold’s hair was long, probably a bit past his neck, and fell in curly locks of shiny golden hair. Eric felt himself blush thinking about it and shook his head vigorously, trying to banish the idea. Why was he thinking like this? Eric and Aarold had shared their flat for a few months now, and there had been no problems. Eric had never even thought about another man in this way. He was perplexed.

Suddenly the door swung open. Eric straightened up immediately just as Aarold pushed into the door. He smiled brightly before strutting over and plopping down on Eric’s king size mattress. “Hiya! What are you doing home already? You didn’t meet your family today?” He wore a bright smile that would make anyone in his vicinity feel warm. His dark brown eyes shone with curiosity, but Eric could see something else behind them. Eric fained a small smile before treading towards to bed to join his roomie. “Oh you know, mom and I had a fight again.” Aarold’s smile faltered a bit but he began again unperturbed; “Well I have quite the story for you! You won’t believe what happened today it was magical!” Eric swallowed quietly and chewed his lip, unable to say anything that might give him away. Aarold seems oblivious though. “There I was minding my business, when a man came out of nowhere with a gun! You know how it is in the back alleys…” Eric sat up as if suddenly remembering something and furrowed his brows. “Aarold, what were you doing in the back alley?! That’s do dangerous and you coulda-“ “I know! I know, but just listen! Aarold rolled his eyes shooing Eric’s concerns away with his hand. “ANYWAYS, The man he started walking me to the bank. I was so nervous but before we could walk up the steps I felt the gun was gone. When I turned around there he was!” Eric lifted his eyebrow trying not to laugh at his friends genuine retelling. “It was Action man! Oh he was lovely, I mean I have to admit he’s quite a lot shorter than I’d expected.” He furrowed his eyebrows as if trying to recall every detail, “and he didn’t speak much. But besides that he was amazing and strong!” Eric had begun chewing his lip again and Aarold finally seemed to notice the dazed expression on his face. “Did you hear me? I. MET. ACTIONMAN.” Eric frowned, “Why did everyone start calling him Actionman? I mean, it’s a bit stupid.” Aarold laughed out loud which seemed to pull Eric back into reality. “Well I suppose it’s because he never talks, so we had to come up with a name ourselves.” Aarold spoke between giggles. “But wait, I haven’t even told you the best part.” Eric felt his body tense, “ Go on.” Aaorlds lips curled into a wicked grin and he leans close, when he walked me to the station… I kissed him!” Aarold let out a sigh and flopped backwards on the bed. “He didn’t even flinch! You would think a superhero would be more careful about kissing strangers!” Eric felt his cheeks warm and had to look away. Trying to keep his voice even he replied, “So you kissed a man you’ve never met or even heard talk before?” Aarold sat up, a mischievous look on his face. “I didn’t say if I knew him or not.” He whispered a small grin playing on his lips. Eric felt his face heat at the closeness and his body tense at the implication.

Later that night Eric lay in bed thinking. Twisting and turning unable to get the memories out of his head. Did Aarold know? Eric had not been entirely truthful. In fact, Eric knew much more than he made it out to be. Eric chose the College of Elites to learn about the Elites of history. Those few whom at a time long ago were mysteriously gifted with extraordinary abilities. As a child he read about Avery Hartsell, a spectacular Elite who had the ability to run so fast it was rumored that he could run on the surface of water. He had used his powers for good. Becoming a superhero and protecting civilians from the Elites who used their powers for… well to gain more power. There can be no good without evil. Eric knew from a young age he was different. Similar to the Elites he idolized, he realized that there were things he could do that his peers could not. Eric had super human strength. His parents told him that he had to keep this a secret, unless he wanted to be taken away. He did as he was told and honed his skill quietly and alone. It wasn’t until he was a sophomore at college that he decided to become a superhero. Eric rolled onto his side and sighed. He hadn’t meant to kiss Aaorld. Aaorld was nice and fun, and knew himself much more than Eric could ever claim to know himself. In fact, Aaorld was very open about his likes and dislikes, including his preference for men and disdain for the opposite gender. Eric had honestly never thought about it. Being a superhero, college student, and heir to a prestigious family didn’t leave much time to diliberate on sexual preference. He had once dated a girl in high school. Mary Jenkins. He loved Mary, even now. Mary had joined him at college and they still spent a great deal of time together. She was curvy with dark brown eyes and a button nose. He remembered hearing boys in high school talk about women’s curves and had gotten curious himself. After a year of dating however, Mary broke it off without explanation. Offering only that he was her best friend and she didn’t think they would ever be more than that. It didn’t bother him much, and he was glad to still have her around. Eric closed his eyes and thought. If he did like a guy, what kind of guy would it be? His eyes flicked open immediately, terrified at the thought. Why did he think that? Even worse, why did he kiss his roommate?

He thought back, the memory causing him immense discomfort. Aarold had turned back before heading into the station. He had smiled. The sun had poured down making his hair shine and his eyes glimmer. Eric had felt overwhelmed gazing up at such a picture of perfection. He had grabbed Aarold’s shoulders and pulled him to his lips. And yet…. Aarold had lied. Aaorld said that HE had been the one to kiss Eric. There was no way Aarold could have known it was him. And yet why else lie.

For months on end he had watched Aarold, wandering what he was thinking. Watching his slim body reach for things on the top shelf. Or nervously glancing at the bit of skin showing between his shirt and pants while he was sprawled on the floor. Had Aarold noticed Eric’s lies? Did he somehow know Eric’s secret?

He had to find out. He mustered up all the courage he could, sliding on his favorite pajama pants.

Eric stood in front of the door, desperately trying to control his breathing, when the door suddenly creaked open. He was standing face to face with Aarold. Aarold wasn’t wearing a shirt or pants, only his tight black boxers. His hair was pulled back into a loose bun and he wore a expectant smile on his face. He smelled like toothpaste. “Well come in then.” Eric did as he was told, trying not to glance as the cuts lining Aarold’s otherwise perfect skin. Eric felt overdressed in his fancy pajama set. They sat in silence for a long while before Eric cleared his throat. “Let me stop you there.” Aaron said lazily. They were sitting in front of each other on the bed legs crossed and knees touching. Aaron leaned forwards and began again, “I just mean, that if you came to-“ “NO” Eric put his hand on Aaron’s knee and shook his head. “Please, let me go first. I don’t know why but I want to tell you, I need you to know. I don’t know exactly what I am… I mean I don’t know why but… I just can’t stop thinking about you.” Eric kept his gaze on their knees, this wasn’t why he came here was it? There were more important things to discuss and yet he continued, “when you moved in I didn’t think that I was… well you know, but I started watching you and thinking about you, even when you aren’t around.” He risked a peak and flinched seeing a look of pure shock on Aarold’s face. Eric’s throat suddenly tightened. “I-I’m sorry I-“ Aarold bursted into laughter, “No please don’t be sorry I am just surprised! I thought you wanted to tell me well… that doesn’t matter I suppose.” Aarold smiled and leaned forwards, inches away from Eric’s face. “Do you want to kiss me?” Eric leaned forward, tilting his head up until he could feel the other boys breathe on his lips. “Can I?” Aarold chuckled before leaning down and pressing his lips into Eric’s. It was so sudden, a heat rising out of the pit of Eric’s stomach so strong and intense it filled his entire body. He don’t know what came over him but he pushed forward, suddenly on top of the younger boy. They kissed and kissed. He felt something shift in his pants and gasped when he felt Aarold pushing back with just as much vigor. Aarold’s breathe was hot and fast, and seemed to ignite the heat inside Eric even more. They pushed against each other, their intensity burning into one another. Eric sighed with pleasure when he heard Aarold’s low groan. When they were done they lay next to each other listening to one another’s breathing. Aarold was the first to break the silence. “Wow.” He whispered. “Wow.” Eric repeated a bit bashfully. He had not anticipated this outcome and was entirely aware of the consequences if anyone found out about this. He refused to think about that right now though. He turned to face Aarold, who did the same smiling a gentle smile that Eric could not remember ever seeing. “Eric, I’m glad you came tonight.” He smirked. Aarold loved a good play on words and Eric smiled back, giddy that Aaorld didn’t seem to regret the evenings events either. “Does that mean that you..” Eric started a hint of nervousness in his voice. “I like you.” Aarold whispered. There was a long silence. “I’m Actionman.” Eric whispered. He didn’t know what made him say it. Suddenly he felt scared panicked, but Aarold put his hand softly on his cheek and kissed him. He kissed his head and nose and cheeks before passionately kissing his lips. “Don’t be scared.” He whispered. They layed like that for a long while before Aarold spoke again. “I knew.” Eric’s eyes widened and he opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. “I never told anyone,” Aarold said “but I’ve always known. I’ve been watching you too. Didn’t you know?” Eric closed his eyes and laughed.