Like paper planes and playground games

Ian felt as if his summer was practically over. So much for fun, he thought now. Work seemed to be the only thing normal, lately.

Sure, his own room in the new house was great. Although, it was not new, exactly. They were finding all sort of little problems popping up. Like when the hot water went in the shower near his bedroom. There were barely lukewarm showers now. "We'll get it fixed before school starts." Was all he heard now. His step-mom was glad the hot water went after Jules moved to Oliver's. She really did like having satisfied house-guests.

Of course,  Ian wanted to completely ignore Jules, but he couldn't.

"When are you going to tell him, about us?" Derrick kept at it. Ian knew he should tell Jules, but everytime he saw Jules around, he was certain  Jules would have a blast making fun of him and pouring on the gay jokes.

Even with Derrick alone in his room, Derrick fussed with Ian about Jules. This was defeating the purpose of being alone together, but Ian didn't want to make anymore of an issue.

"I'll tell him." Ian closed his eyes and plopped down on his bed. "Can you just..Can we not talk about Jules."

"Why can't you tell him?" Derrick didn't understand. Obviously.

"Because he's an obnoxious prick." Ian sighed.

"I didn't get that." Derrick settled beside him.

"Because he only wants you to see his good side, at the moment." He sat there looking at Derrick's hand next to his. He finally took his hand. "Can we please just stop talking about him. He'll figure it out, sooner or later. Its not like I'm acting weird around him or anything. Its just I'd rather leave out that part. For now."

"Max knows about you." Derrick informed Ian then.

"That's good. Max seems level headed. How is he, anyway?" Ian looked at Derrick concerned.

"Quiet. I don't think my Dad was there for him, anymore than he was there for me." Derrick told him.

"Well, you're here for him." Ian touched Derrick's cheek and drew him in. Finally, he hoped they could do what he'd been waiting for. They kissed. He'd missed this. The more they kissed, somehow, Ian didn't give a damn what Jules might say. He really didn't care, anymore.