It had been a bustling Saturday in Midtown Sacramento. This had been good news for Finnick Odair, who had set out that morning with a posterboard sign and his camera along with his friend Johanna. The bitch had wagered that he couldn't get a hundred kisses from complete strangers in one day. Never one to turn down a bet, Finnick had quickly agreed and when his mom had left for her meeting at 11, he and Johanna had hitched a ride into the city with her, getting dropped off in midtown to set up shop in a parking lot with some tables for various organizations as well as a stage for some live performances of music and spoken word.
The pair had stayed there all day and into the evening. Jo was starting to get whiny about being bored. They had been there almost ten hours, but Finnick was determined to get his last kiss. He was at 99 and they were beginning to lose traffic as people spread out to go do other things, like drink and party.
"Jo, come on, stop being a cry baby. I just need to get one more of these girls to kiss me. It shouldn't be that hard, after all, we all know I'm the hot one out of the two of us..." He looked her up and down and blew her a kiss. "No offense. I'll treat you to dinner when we're done. Using your money."
You'd think that after wandering the streets of Sacramento for years that one would get bored of it but Gale's group of buddies never tired of it. It was kind of stupid but what else was there for a group of teenage boys to do? Nothing.
The sun was just starting to dip below the horizon and they were all thinking of heading off for dinner. One of the guys nudged Gale's arm, causing the large boy to sway to the side and take a few steps to keep his balance. With a chuckle, he pushed him back, starting a little bit of a shoving match.
"Hey, look at that." one of the others said, stopping to point at some guy with a sign that essentially begged for kisses. "Gale, you should go give him a kiss." he laughed, earning the hoots of some of the other boys.
Gale huffed slightly and looked back at the blonde kid holding the sign. He /was/ hot, but he didn't really seem to be paying all that much attention, so he just shook his head no.
"Hello handsome..." Johanna muttered under her breath as she nodded to the group of guys. "Dude, I'm totally gay, but if you're not kissing one of them, I will." She winked at him and leaned back against one of the small trees in the planters around the parking lot.
Meanwhile, Gale was getting his own motivation. "Don't be a pussy about it. Just /go/." He pushed Gale toward the blonde and snickered. "Not that you would know anything about pussy..." He mumbled after he was out of earshot.
Gale stumbled forward a bit. Glancing over his shoulder he gave his friends a tiny glare. Smoothly, he straightened out and walked over to Finnick, slowing down as he approached. "Hey." he said with a slightly crooked smile, unsure of what to do exactly. Did he just lean down and go for it? Was that rude? The fuck was he supposed to do?
"Hey there, handsome. You come to give me a kiss? Apparently I'm desperate." His lips twitched up in a tiny smile. "Can even be on the cheek if you want to retain your manliness in front of your friends."
The corner's of Gale's lips twitched up at that. Glancing back over his shoulder, he raised his brows before turning back to face the guy in front of him. "Fuck 'em." He said, a lopsided grin tugging at his lips. Stomach giving a little churn, he leaned in and gave the kid a peck on the lips. It was short and to the point but it didn't matter to his friends behind him who all gagged and cried "ewwww" like little children.
"Fuck off!" Gale yelled back at them. "Sorry about them. They're all five year olds."
Finnick went a little rigid in surprise at the kiss but then eased up, a goofy smile coming over his lips as the other boy stepped away. "No problems. They can go play at the kiddie table." He smiled and made a face back at his friends. "You all are just jealous. Come on over, there's enough of me to go around." He chuckled at their reactions and looked back at Gale. "You, my friend, have just earned me dinner off my friend here. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Laughing, Gale ducked his head and brought a hand up to rub his neck. It was a miracle he wasn't beet red by now. Gale had always known he was gay, he'd even come out to his friends and family some time ago -- over a full year by now but he'd never actually had the chance to act on it before. Whoever this kid was had been his first kiss. "Yeah, well... you're welcome. Enjoy that dinner." He took a step back, and then another before turning around to trot back over to his friends.
Finnick looked him up and down as he walked away before putting down his sign and running after him. "Hey!" he waited for Gale to stop before speeding up to stop next to him. "So, I wanted to give you my number..." He pulled a pen out of his pocket. "Or you could give me yours. I mean. If you want. Just as friends, is all. I don't have many friends with balls like that to just kiss a stranger on the lips." He tilted his head. "I'm Finnick, by the way."
Gale had just reached his friends when Finnick called out to him. Turning around, he looked back at the boy with a raised brow and a half smile, curious. Behind him, he could hear his friends mumbling about but he ignored them completely. Biting down on his bottom lip, he chewed on it slowly before pluching the pen from Finnick's hand and then taking that too when he noticed that he didn't have paper or anything. Pulling it close, he quickly wrote his number on his wrist by his thumb. "Gale." he said finally.
Finnick smiled and looked at the number before looking back up at Gale. "Nice to meet you Gale. I'll see you around." He nodded back to his friends and winked. "I'm single, boys," he called, throwing in a dash more flamboyance as he teased them. Crinkling his nose, he waved at Gale before trotting back to Johanna.
"That was probably the gayest shit I've ever seen. And even with that sign you looked less desperate than you did just now." She hit his shoulder as he walked up.
"Oh shut up and pay up, loser."
"Woooow. Looks like baby Gale might actually get a boyfriend." One of the guys taunted.
"Man, I think I'm gonna throw up."
Gale narrowed his eyes. "Shut the fuck up, asswipes. What's it matter to any of you?" He pushed one of the guys shoulders. "Lets go get something to eat, I'm starving." With a bit more grumbles, they were off once more.
Finnick did end up taking Johanna to the Spaghetti Factory with her money and actually put up with a few art gallery walk-throughs with her before finally surrendering. "You can go be an art-o-phile by yourself, I'm out. I'll be at the GL center til 11 if you need me." He ducked away and took a side street, finding L street fairly easily and making his way to the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian center. He stayed there for a few hours, lounging around with the other gay youth and helping out with some supplies for some outreach projects they were doing before heading home when his mom came to pick him up.
It was the next day before he got around to getting Gale's number in his phone and texting him.
Hello hello, stranger. Feeling brave again today ;)
Summer meant a lot of things for Gale -- family vacation, pool parties, sneaking beers from the fridge and hanging with the guys, but most of all it meant football. Summer football practice was the worst too, but four days out of the week he found himself out on the feild at sun up, running non stop. It was miserably. At about eleven they finally called it for the day and let the boys head off to the shower. Gale was quick about washing off and getting dressed. In half an hour he was in his dad's car getting driven back home. Now that he was finally resting, he grabbed his phone and flicked through his messages, finding a number he didn't know, he opened it up with a frown. A slow smile stretched at his lips as he quickly realized who it was.
Hey there. Maybe, depends on what you had in mind.
Finnick had gone on to other things, not really expecting an immediate reply. When it did come in, Finnick glanced over at his phone with a smile before flopping onto the bed to read it.
Some friends and I were going to go out to Folsom lake to go swimming. You want in? It'd be a good chance to get to know each other.
And to see the other boy without his shirt on, but that was beside the point. Finnick wasn't one of /those/ gays that pushed straight guys out of their comfort zone. But after all, Gale had been the one to kiss him. And there were no rules against just looking.
When his phone buzzed, he snatched it up off his thigh and looked at the text. Glancing at his dad, he considered the best approach. "Hey dad, you mind if I head out to Folsom lake with some friends?"
"Who's going? How are you getting there?" he asked, not even looking up from the road.
Maybe? Gotta figure out how I'm getting down there.
Finnick looked at his phone and raised a brow before rolling out of bed and walking across the hall to his brother's room. "Hey Danny. You mind driving one more today?" he asked, leaning into the doorway. The room used to belong to both Benjamin and Daniel, but Benjamin was a freshman in college this year so Daniel finally got his own room. The two had given Finnick his own room for this "gay stuff". He wasn't terribly effeminate, but it was enough that they had wanted their own decor.
The 18 year old looked up from his Xbox at Finnick. "Sure. Just make sure they bring gas money. I won't charge you, but I'll sure charge your friends." He gave a lopsided smile and went back to his game. Conversation over.
Finnick smiled and thanked him before heading back to his room.
I got you. Just bring gas money. My older brother has a car and license.
Chewing on his bottom lip, he glanced back at his dad. His old man would be leaving the second he got dropped off but his mom would shit bricks if she saw him get into a car with strangers. She'd made a point to go to all of his games and some practices to get to know the other mom's and the kids he was hanging out with -- especially now with him being starting quarter back -- he was pretty popular. But if he was quick about it he could probably get out and be gone before she even saw.
"One of the guy's older brother is going to pick me up."
"Alright, that's fine. You need some spending money?"
Glancing up from his phone, he nodded, watching as his dad drew out his wallet with one hand and plucked out two twenties and handed it over. "For gas and spending money."
Sounds good. I'm at 9703 Silvertrail Ln in Elk Grove. I need twenty minutes before you get here though.
Finnick smiled and did a little wiggle on the spot before forcing himself to stop.
No way, you live in EG? What luck, so do I. We'll pick you up in about 30, then.
Finnick chewed his lip and then started moving around his room, actually getting ready to go to the lake now. They would have to leave at about 1 to go to the store and get some food for at the lake before they picked up all the others.
Yeah, start in August, freshman. You?
Pulling up to the house, Gale waved to his dad and pocketed his phone. Trotting up the drive, he pulled open the door and kicked off his shoes once he got in. "Hey mom." He called. "I'm going out with some friends, dad gave me money for food." Running upstairs, he changed into some swim trunks but left his practice shirt on. Making his way back down he finally headed for the kitchen. Despite the money in his pocket, he pulled open the fridge and grabbed an apple and a bottle of water. "I'll see you later tonight." He said with a nod as he scurried out of the room to head outside and sit on the front step to wait for Finnick to pick him up.
Finnick had just finished getting dressed for the lake when the phone buzzed. He shouldered his backpack with towels and sunscreen just as the doorbell rang. Picking up his phone, he tapped out a quick reply.
Yeah, I'm a freshman too, Danny's a senior. My other brother Benjamin just graduated. Anyways, Jo just got here so I got to go. We'll pick up Peeta and then be by your place in a bit.
He put the phone in his pocket and then jogged out to get the door. They all talked for about a minute before piling into the family minivan and heading out. They hit Bel Air for a few minutes, picking up Peeta there as well since he lived around the block. Then they were off to Gale's house, arriving only a few minutes later than they had said.
When the car pulled up it didn't take much to figure out just who it was -- who the fuck else would be pulling up in front of his house in a minivan? Several of his friends, actually but that was besides the point. He pushed himself up and grabbed the bottle of water, tossing the apple core to the side and walking out to the van.
Daniel looked at Finnick with a raised brow when they pulled up at the house. Johanna just reached up front and gave Finnick's shoulder a little shove as she snickered. Finnick just rolled his eyes and told both of them to shut up as he pressed the button to open the door. The car was new enough to have power doors, but only just. It was still kinda old... When Gale got in, Finnick turned around from the front seat and gave him a friendly smile. "Hey, so you've met Jo... kinda. And this is Peeta, and the doofus in the driver's seat is my older brother, Daniel. Everyone, this is Gale."
Gale climbed in easily -- taking a spot in the back next to Johanna. "Hey." He said in way of reply, nodding to the three strangers. Though if he were to be completely honest with himself, he was strangers with Finnick too. In fact, this was a monumentally stupid idea but there he was all the same. "Nice to meet you all."
"Nice to meet you too, Gale," Daniel hummed as he put the car in gear and pulled away from the curb. "Now, here's the drill, you three. Mom only let us go out to the lake along because I said I would watch you, but fuck if that's happening, so you all gotta stay out of trouble while I'm having fun with /my/ friends, alright? That means no drowning."
Peeta and Johanna muttered their ascent while Gale just nodded. "Got it." he hummed softly. Leaning back in his seat he smoothed his hands over his thighs and just tried to relax. It wasn't like he was anxious or anything but he couldn't help but feel awkward.
Finnick and the others fell silent for a few moments before Finnick piped up again. "So Gale is gonna go to the same school as us." He smiled and looked back at the others. "That's cool."
"Uh, yeah. Real cool." Johanna replied with a raise of her brow. Looking back at Gale she cocked her head to the side. "So what do you do? You a closet geek? A muscle head? What's your story?" She asked since Finnick wasn't.
Gale paused and looked at the only girl in the car. "Uh... I'm not really any of those things but... I play sports, if that's what you mean." he shrugged.
"Oh really?" Daniel asked, looking in the rearview mirror. "What kinds of sports? You going to play for the team?"
Finnick rolled his eyes, looking out the window. The conversation had turned to sports. How predictable.
Looking back at Daniel he smiled crookedly, this was a conversation he could actually participate in. "Football and basketball, dabble a bit in baseball too but I don't play on any teams for that one. Plan on trying out for football next week, though."
Daniel smiled and looked over at Finnick. "I like this friend. I can actually talk to him." He looked in the mirror. "No offense to you other two." He grinned and looked back at Gale. "What position are you? I play for the school team. Hoping to get varsity this year now that my glory hound brother has graduated." He chuckled softly and Finnick rolled his eyes again.
Glancing back at Finnick, he couldn't help but feel a bit bad, like he was hijacking things somehow since it seemed like Daniel and himself were the only two interested in sports. "Quarterback." he replied with a small nod. "What about you?"
"I play full back. I'm not as into it as my brother was. He plays quarterback too. I think he's second string for the Bruins down in Socal." He turned on the radio just a little and drummed his fingers against the steering wheel as he pulled onto highway 50 headed up toward Folsom. "Have you ever been to Folsom lake, Gale?"
Gale just nodded, he knew all of the quarter backs for EGHS -- he remembered Benjamin. Had to be the same one. "That's cool." he said with a small nod. "Yeah. I've been there before."
"That's cool..." He tapped his fingers a bit more and then looked at Finnick. "So how did you meet Finnick here?"
Finnick ducked his head and bit his lip, his cheeks coloring just slightly. "Well..."
Johanna laughed and shook her head. "Funny story about that..."
"Finnick here, went to second saturday with a kiss me I'm desperate sign and football boy here kissed him."
Gale cringed and ran a hand through his hair, scratching lightly at his scalp. He didn't want to sound like an ass or anything but he also didn't want to come off like a flamer. He had a hard enough time retaining his masculinity with his team as it was.
Daniel raised a brow at Finnick and shook his head. "And how many /girls/ did you get kissing you, brother of mine?" he asked, chuckling faintly. "Good on you, though, Gale. Not many guys would do that... Just for fun, I mean. I mean, I would kiss a dude... if someone paid me to." He nudged Finnick who just chuckled nervously.
Gale just shrugged and shifted in his seat. "It's just a kiss." he replied. He didn't see what it mattered, really, even if he wasn't into dudes. Plenty of people kissed others for no fucking reasons -- why did it mater that they were both guys?
"Yeah, well, some kids these days don't think the same... like me, I guess..." He shrugged and looked back to the road. "What kind of music do you like?" he asked, changing the subject. He supported and loved his brother, but talking about issues of sexuality and similar topics wasn't really within his comfort zone.
Eventually the talk got more comfortable, and Johanna and Peeta joined in but Gale was more than glad when they finally made it to the lake. Climbing out, he stretched his legs, arms raising up over his head. His body was sore from practice and sitting around for so long.
"Alright punks, there are two coolers in the back, one is for you guys. Take it and go find a spot on the beach. Don't let it get stolen, alright? Not like last time." He looked at Finnick and Johanna.
"What, you say that like we meant for it to happen. It was an accident." Finnick rolled his eyes and got out, heading to the back and pulling out one of the rolling coolers. "But we won't let this one get stolen. Thanks for the ride bro. I'll see you later."
Daniel nodded and pulled out his cooler, dragging it across the parking lot and meeting up with his group of friends. Finnick closed up the car and sat on the cooler. "So do you guys want to walk further for a less crowded strand of beach, or do you want to camp close by and have to deal with people?"
"Lets go down." Peeta said with a small nod. Johanna mumbled her agreement so that settled that. Together, the small group headed down to a less used section of the beach to.
"So what happened last time?" Gale asked as they truged down along the bank.
"Nothing really. Just some asshole thought he would lift our cooler. No big deal. Except it had our lunch in it, which that day had been ribs and potato salad, so... pretty hefty price tag, not to mention the price of the cooler." Finnick shrugged and looked out at the water. "Jo and I were out swimming at the time, didn't realize it was gone." Finnick's mom had about had a fit when they got home. That's why they bought their own food for these outings now. And Finnick had had to replace the cooler.
Gale made a face. "People are assholes." he muttered, knowing that far too well, though something told him that Finnick knew about that too. Shaking his head, he pointed to a secluded spot that wasn't far from the water. "How about there?" he suggested.
Finnick looked over in the direction he was pointing and nodded. "Yeah, alright. And if you guys are hungry there's food and drinks in here. But we're probably staying fairly long, so... yeah." He shrugged and the four teens moved down the beach, dropping off the cooler. Once that was done, Finnick straightened and stretched before pulling his shirt off and kicking off his slippers. "Who's going in first?" he asked, looking around at the group.
As they stopped, Gale kicked off his shoes and brought up one leg and then the other to tug his socks off to tuck them into his sneakers. "I'll go in with you." he offered. Straightening up, he slipped his fingers under his shirt and tugged it up and off in one swift motion.
Finnick turned to answer him, but didn't get to before his eyes caught on Gale's body, looking him up and down appreciatively. When Johanna cleared her throat though, Finnick snapped his eyes up to Gale's face and then nodded. "Yeah, let's go."
Gale looked back at Finnick, catching his look. Raising a brow, he couldn't help the little grin that tugged at his lips. Was he interested? Surely not. This was just a friend thing, wasn't it? "Alright. Cool." Dropping his shirt, he headed for the water, wading in.
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Finnick and the others followed suit, wading in and quickly striking up a game of marco polo. They eventually got out the football and played a little catch and monkey in the middle. Finnick was the best at keep away whether he was it or not. That continued for the next couple hours until Johanna got bored around 3:30 and suggested a walk. There were some hiking-like areas around the lake that they could go through, and they were far enough away from the crowds that Finnick felt pretty comfortable about leaving the cooler.
The only problem for Gale was putting on his shoes but he didn't mind too much, he just left off his socks (shirt too). Hands stuffed in his pockets, he followed the group off for their walk, falling in step with Johanna.
Finnick walked on ahead with Peeta, talking about theater stuff for the next year. The two had been in theater in middle school together, which was how they had become friends. Finnick had been disappointed to find that Peeta was actually straight, not because he had been attracted to him, but because he had yet to find any guys his age that were actually gay to hang out with.
Johanna had been in set design for the theater department, which had been how the three of them had grouped up. Although she declared as a lesbian, she really did have kind of a thing for guys, but with her "ratio" it was usually easier to just tell people she was gay.
As they walked, Johanna grabbed up a stick and started to break it into pieces, humming softly. After a few moments, she nudged Gale's arm. "So, you having a good time today?"
Glancing over at Johanna, he smiled faintly and nodded. "Yeah, it's been good." He was exhausted but he wasn't going to say all that. The last thing he wanted to be was a party pooper, so to speak.
"Yeah?" she smiled and moved in a little closer. "What's been your favorite part?" She was the only girl here, so she figured she stood a shadow of a chance with this relatively hot guy and one... and a half gay guys. Peeta practically counted.
Shrugging, he shoved his hands into his pockets and looked back at Johanna again. "I don't know. I guess swimming? What about you?"
Johanna gave a tiny pout at that, but it was gone in a moment. "Yeah, swimming was okay, I guess." She sidled in closer as they walked, "tripping" over a branch and stumbling into him before righting herself with a smile up at him.
Gale reached out and caught her easily, helping her straighten up. "You alright?" he asked, brow furrowing in concern.
Johanna nodded and waved him off. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. So... what are you doing tomorrow night? We could go out for dinner and then afterwards we could do... things... Or, you know... skip dinner..."
His frown melted and eyes widened just a bit. It wasn't the first time he'd been propositioned but it was the first time it'd ever been so blunt about it. "I, uh... I don't know. I um..." His cheeks flushed pink, more than a little flustered. "Sorry. I'm not... really into girls."
Johanna sighed and looked away. "God damn it... of course you're not..." she muttered. "It's alright, forget I said anything." She crinkled her nose. "I guess I kind of already knew." She glanced ahead of them at Finnick who had stood up a little straighter a few moments ago. She would bet that he had heard all of that. Great, now his hopes were up.
"Is it that obvious?" He supposed it couldn't be if she'd tried to come on to him anyways. Shoving his hands in his pockets he looked to the ground, kicking a pebble away almost sourly.
"Not obvious, just... the fact that you smacked lips with a guy right in front of me and gaydar." She shrugged. "Kind of an indicator, there." She smiled softly. "Hey, it's okay, I get rejected... well, not all the time... not even a lot of the time... but hey..." She smiled.
"Kissing a guy doesn't mean shit." But he shrugged all the same. "I get it though." Sighing, he looked back up. "I'm sure you'll... find someone? Something tells me you don't have a lot trouble getting guys, though."
She shrugged again. "For the most part I prefer girls... I just have a hankering right now..." She picked up another stick and started picking it apart. "But yeah, I get some."
Gale just nodded and looked ahead of them. "That's cool, I guess. I'm sure there are uh... plenty of guys that'd be happy to help scratch the itch." He wasn't about to tell her that he was still a virgin anyways.
Johanna snorted and nodded. "I'm sure there are." She smiled at him. "So we're still friends right, even though I just... totally made an ass of myself." She chuckled softly.
"You didn't make an ass of yourself, it's cool." Gale chuckled. "I'm uh... used to it, as douche-y as that sounds." He shrugged and gave her a crooked smile.
She smiled and nodded before calling ahead to the other two. "Hey, if you losers are done with this walk, I think we should head back to the cooler. I'm getting a little hungry, I don't know about you." She made a face.
"The walk was your idea," Finnick retorted.
"Yeah, well. I'm done now." She shrugged and flipped her hair before turning back around.
Chuckling, Gale lagged behind her a bit but followed her back toward their little camp. He fell into step with Peeta and Finnick, flanking the boy he'd met just the night before.
Finnick glanced over at him and smiled. "Hey. So, you managed to catch Johanna's eye? That's saying something..." He chuckled nervously. "She's picky." He rolled his eyes. How Johanna could be so... Involved at their age was beyond him. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that she practically took care of herself.
"Uh yeah, I guess." He shrugged and looked back at Finnick. "Just... not my type." He shrugged again awkwardly, not sure what to say to that. Things of that matter always brought strange feelings -- even though he wasn't trying to necessarily hide who he was, Gale didn't openly talk about it either, not with anyone. He couldn't.
"I get what you mean," Finnick said softly, smiling and looking out at the water. "It's beautiful out here." He narrowed his eyes and smiled as he saw a man out on the water in a boat, his dog with him wagging his tail. "Simple... Not like most times in life..."
"Thank you Aristotle. Can we eat now?" Johanna called over her shoulder. She had pulled away from the boys and even Peeta was starting to get away from them now.
Looking ahead, Gale chuckled softly. "We better get going before Princess over there gets angry." He trotted after them but not before making sure Finnick was keeping up.
"Eh... Screw her," Finnick muttered, but he picked up the pace nonetheless. The rest of the afternoon was spent eating and playing in the water some more. Around sundown Daniel and a few of his friends came down the beach and set down their coolers next to the other one, settling in. One of the guys went around gathering wood for a bonfire while the other whine about hanging out with the "kids"
Gale was kind of fed up with all the whining. He was about ready to get into the other cooler and steal some of the beer he knew they had. If he had to listen to their shit anymore he didn't think he could handle it completely sober. As some of the guys built the bonfire, he got up and headed over to their things -- no one was really there but he still opened up the cooler that was designated as "theirs" and dug through it. When his fingers closed around a bottle, his brows raised as he pulled it out to examine it. Well shit, Daniel had come through after all. With a large smirk, he dug through a bit more and pulled out three more. Hands full, he headed back to the group of would be freshman and sat down between Finnick and Johanna. "You can thank me later." He said as he handed a bottle over to each of them,
Finnick smirked and popped the cap off of his. "Well I'll keep that in mind," he hummed saucily. "For later," he added with a wink as he sipped the bottle. Johanna gagged and Peeta snorted and shook his head.
A wide grin tugged at Gale's lips as he twisted his cap and tossed it into the sand. "Are you coming on to me?" he asked with a raise of his brow as he brought his bottle up to his lips and took a swig.
Finnick shrugged. "Maybe. Depends if you're game or not." He looked up and hooted as one of the older guys got the fire started. Looking back at Gale he looked him up and down again. "Like I asked earlier... Feeling brave?"
Gale shrugged and looked at the fire as it started up. "Ask me after this beer." he said with a soft hum. Bringing the bottle back up he took another swig.
"Gag..." Johanna muttered. "Hey Peet you wanna give these two some privacy and go look for some beach trash with me? I'm working on a new art piece."
Finnick rolled his eyes and took another sip of his beer, glancing over to his brother and his group of friends.
"Sure, lets go." Peeta gave Finnick a little nudge before getting up. Together, the two got up, beers in hand to give the two some "privacy".
Gale shifted, suddenly nervous. He took another swig, desperately wishing the beer was a little bit stronger now -- he needed the liquid courage.
Finnick seemed to sense his nerves and leaned back in the sand, looking up at the darkening sky. "So what do you do? Other than sports?" he asked, trying to bring Gale a little back into his comfort zone.
"Not much honestly." Gale said with a small smile, trying to relax a bit more. "My dad is pretty obsessive with sports. But... I don't know. Play video games?" he shrugged. "What about you?"
"I do theater," Finnick said sheepishly. "I'm a walking stereotype, I know. But I like it. And I also swim. I'm pretty damn good too, but I can't put theater aside to join the school team."
"Hey, you do what you like right? Who gives a shit if it's a "sterotype"." Gale shrugged and smiled back at Finnick. "Why can't you joing the school team?"
"It would be too much of a time commitment. I would have to give up theater. And I just can't do that. I love acting too much." He smiled and shrugged, sipping his beer. "But I did get two gold last year. In the end of the year meets. Butterfly and Freestyle at 200 meters."
Gale nodded slightly, staring into the fire. "Yeah, I get that." He was sort of the same way. There were other things he wanted to do but football always came first. Thankfully he liked the sport or it'd have been miserable for him. "That's cool, though. Swimming is rough." He was pretty good at it himself, but that was only because he was overall athletic, not because he was actually good at it.
"Yeah. I try not to show off on these outings. Jo gives me a hard time about it." He chuckled and sipped his drink, falling silent for a moment. "So..." he started, before hesitating. He didn't really know what to say.
"That's not surprising." Gale chuckled. Finishing up his beer, he knocked it back before looking at Finnick. "So..." His tongue poked out over his lips before he lightly chewed on the bottom one, shifting.
Finnick quirked a smile and finished his beer as well, dropping the bottle in the sand. "You still feeling brave?" he asked softly, scooting closer. "We could get out of here... Just for a bit."
His stomach gave a flip, suddenly he didn't feel so brave but still he found himself nodding. Fuck this kid for being so fucking attractive, and fuck himself for being so deprived of contact from someone that actually understood him. "Yeah... alright." he murmured.
Finnick smiled and pushed himself up, brushing the sand off of his trunks and legs before giving Gale a hand up as well. Keeping a hold of his hand, he walked with him off away from the group and their fire, away to a secluded edge of the lake where there were trees and some rocks that were still warm from the sun. When they got there, Finnick stopped and turned, peering at Gale through the darkness. "You okay?"
That was the million dollar question right there. Now that it was just them, alone in the relative dark by the edge of the lake, he wasn't entirely sure. "Yeah... Yeah I'm alright." he mumbled.
Finnick hummed and took a step closer, running his fingers up Gale's forearms, brushing ever so slightly. "I want to kiss you again," he said, partially in warning. "But for real this time..."
A small shudder ran through Gale, the hairs on his arms raising on end as the other boys fingers dragged across his skin. His tongue poked out over his lips again and his eyes drifted down to stare at Finnick. He'd never really kissed anyone before, outside of last night, but in that moment he felt an overwhelming desire to do it again. Without a word, he leaned in, stopping just before their lips pressed together.
Finnick took the encouragement and pressed their lips together, his hand coming up to the other's shoulder as he tilted his head slightly to the side. The kiss lasted for several moments before Finnick pulled back to look at Gale again. Wordlessly, he leaned in again, kissing him once more, but it was a more grown up kiss this time. There was more urgency in Finnick's movements and he nipped at Gale's bottom lip shyly as his body pressed just a little bit closer.
Slowly, Gale's hands moved to Finnick's hips and he gripped them gently. Head tilting to the side, his lips parted just slightly, just enough to nip back at Finnick's lips. He hadn't the slightest clue what he was doing but it felt good and the other didn't seem to notice.
After a moment, Finnick pulled back and tugged Gale's hand as he sat down on the rocks below them. But something went wrong and Gale ended up all but falling on him, prompting a bout of laughter from the blonde boy as he wrapped his arms around Gale and pressed his face against his shoulder. "God.. what a mess..." he muttered, disentangling their limbs.
Yelping, Gale went down, his hands catching himself in the sand. After a second, his laughter joined Finnick's and he rolled to the side. "Yeah..." he said with a chuckle as his amusement died down. Even as he moved he kept an arm around the other boy.
Finnick hummed as the laughter slipped away and they were left in very close proximity, bare chests touching as they laid in the sand, lips centimeters from each other. Without hesitation, Finnick kissed Gale again, nipping at Gale's lips and snaking his tongue between the other's lips.
Gale's heart hammered against his chest as Finnick's lips pressed against his again. His hand clenched against the small of the other's back and his lips parted. Hesitantly, his tongue flicked against him, shy and tentative.
Humming, Finnick's hands started to wander curiously over the other's body, lingering for a long while on his chest and abs, fingers circling absently around his nipples and then slowly slipping down to the lines of his abs. "I didn't realize quarterbacks got so ripped..." he teased, not that Gale's muscles were anything now compared to what they would be in years to come.
"They don't." He mumbled, his body on edge, leaning into Finnick, goosebumps raised on his skin. "My dad's just a hard ass." Chuckling throatily, he leaned in again and kissed him, lightly nipping.
"Mmm... speaking of..." His hands slid around to the back, slipping under Gale's trunks to grip his ass, pads of his fingers digging in. Chuckling, he nipped at Gale's lips and kissed him again as he pressed his hips in against Gale's tentatively.
Gasping breathlessly, he chuckled and pushed his hips back into Finnick's hand. Eyes falling shut, his hips bucked forward reflexively. "Fuck." he mumbled against Finnick's lips as his hands slid up his back, blunt nails lightly dragging along his spine.
Finnick shivered softly and nipped playfully at Gale's lips as one hand slipped back around to press agaisnt Gale's crotch through his swim trunks. "Mmm... respectable," he hummed softly, nipping at Gale's lips and then kissing him again to ease whatever might have been brought about by his comment. "Very nice," he hummed, giving him a gentle squeeze.
Gale's cock gave a twitch and his entire body seized for a second, only to relax at the kiss. Breath hitching, he pressed his forehead against Finnick's and lightly bit down on his bottom lip. One of his hands dragged back down his back to his hip. Squeezing lightly, he ground his hips forward.
The boy hummed and coverd Gale's mouth in a hard kiss as he slowly rubbed against his cock, his own pressing against Gale's hip and grinding. He could taste the remnants of beer on Gale's breath and as the kiss lasted longer and he became more oxygen deprived an almost giddy feeling washed over him in a wave.
Breaking the kiss, he panted hard. "Damn..." Swallowing thickly, his hips rocked forward, rubbing hard against Finnick. "I've uh... I've never done this before." he mumbled.
Finnick pulled back to look at Gale and then nodded. "Did you... want to stop...?" He didn't think he did, but sometimes body language wasn't to be trusted. "We can... you know. I don't want to... I don't know, pressure you, or anything..."
"You're not." Gale said quickly. "You're not pressuring me..." He was there because he wanted to be, not because Finnick wanted him to. His tongue poked out over his lips, nerves returning suddenly. "I mean..." He stopped uncertainly. "We can stop if you want to." Some people weren't into virgins, he knew that.
Finnick shook his head. "No... we don't need to stop. But... maybe we keep it simple, this time, yeah?" His lips twitched up as he implied a "next time" but he didn't say anything.
Gale didn't miss the "this time". Lips quirking up, he just nodded and leaned in kissing him again softly. "Yeah... okay." he mumbled.
Finnick nodded and hummed, kissing him back softly as his hand resumed rubbing against Gale's cock, feeling it harden beneath the material of his swim trunks. Slowly, he walked his fingers up his hip and traced along the waist of the trunks before pushing in and wrapping his hand gently around Gale's shaft.
His entire body stiffened, breath catching as Finnick's fingers wrapped around him. It took a second but when he relaxed his hands squeezed at Finnick's sides before slowly pulling down to his crotch. He pressed against him through his trunks, lightly squeezing him through the water resistant material.
"So you've never been with anyone before?" Finnick breathed against Gale's lips as his fingers slowly stroked up and down Gale's length, squeezing lightly each time he went down to the base.
"No." He whispered breathlessly. "Never... had the chance." he mumbled. "Not that... I'm just doing this because.... yeah." His cheeks flushed pink, feeling incredibly stupid the longer he talked. Stomach dipping, his hand slid up, before mirroring Finnick's and dipping down beneath the waistband of his trunks to gently grip his cock.
Finnick chuckled and shook his head, kissing him again to shut him up. "I know..." He shivered slightly and tugged at Gale's cock again before pulling his hand out and working at the ties of the other boy's trunks, tugging them open and then pushing them down over his hips. Before the other could say anything, he pushed him onto his back in the sand and started kissing his way down his chest, sucking for a long moment at each nipple and laving his tongue over it before proceeding downward.
The kiss was a blessing, he moaned softly against his lips only to pull back and look down between them when Finnick started to work on the ties. "What?" He started as he was pushed onto his back, eyes widening. The second their lips pressed together he groaned, hands coming up to his shoulders and gripping gently. "Finnick..." He panted breathlessly, tone sharp and whimpery as Finnick reached his chest, finding ticklish spots Gale didn't even know he had.
Finnick smiled and looked up at him, pressing a kiss just above his belly button. "Do you want me to stop?" he hummed, his hand coming up to stroke at Gale's cock slowly as he pressed a kiss to his abdomen.
His stomach dipped visibly, a shiver running through his body as Finnick's fingers wrapped around his cock. Lips parted and breathless, he shook his head no, incapable of words right then. "Just... please." he panted softly, pushing himself up onto his elbows to look down at Finnick.
Finnick hummed and wriggled the rest of the way down his body, situating himself between Gale's legs. Slowly, he flicked out his tongue and dragged it up Gale's cock, wrapping his lips around the tip and sucking lightly.
Gale gasped softly, eyes squeezing shut when Finnick's lips wrapped around the tip of his cock. "Ngh..." He groaned softly, nails lightly scratching at his shoulders. "Shit." he panted softly.
Finnick thrummed in the back of his throat and his hand spread over Gale's hip, steadying him as he started to push his lips down over the other boy's cock, taking more of him in as he continued to suck at him. Halfway down, he released the suction and pulled back up, swirling his tongue around the tip again and looking up at Gale.
Falling back onto the rock, Gale's eyes cracked open to stare up at the night sky above them. Biting down hard on his bottom lip, his head cocked to the side, looking back down at Finnick. "Fuck..." he muttered as their eyes met and he held the gaze. His hands came up, fingers lightly tangling in his hair.
Finnick pulled back off his cock and tilted his head into Gale's hands. "Feels good, doesn't it?" he hummed, his hand coming up to stroke up and down his cock slowly, twisting and squeezing gently.
Tugging his fingers through his hair, he tangled them back in again and lightly scratched at his scalp. "Yeah... yeah." he panted softly, words lost on him right then.
Smiling, Finnick ducked his head back down, keeping his hand wrapped around the base of Gale's cock as he continued to work his mouth against the tip. Eventually he pulled his hand away and took in Gale's full length, humming as the tip brushed against the back of his throat and he swallowed around it before coming back up and sucking hard at the tip.
Gale's body jerked, hips trying to roll up against Finnick. "Oh fuck, fuck. Finn." he panted. His cock twitched and his hands gripped harder around him. It was too much for him, Finnick's mouth was too wet, to hot, too tight and his body too on edge. Crying out softly, his head tossed back as he came without warning.
Finnick hummed and sucked him hard, hands gripping at his hips as he came. He continued to suck until he had milked every last drop of cum from the other boy's cock, pulling away and swallowing before gasping for air and looking up at Gale with a smirk. His hand came up to rub gently against Gale's cock as it went flaccid against his stomach and he hummed softly.
His cock continued to twitch as it softened, tiny little shudders of pleasure working through him. He looked down at Finnick lazily before he slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position. Lightly grabbing Finnick's arms, he pulled him closer and kissed him softly, tasting his cock on his lips. "Want to make you feel good." he mumbled.
Finnick shook his head slightly as he kissed Gale. "You don't have to..." he mumbled, though his cock did give a throb in response. "Well... Maybe... If you wanted to..." he rasped.
Gale shook his head and kissed him again. "Want to." He mumbled. Reaching between them, his palm pressing against his cock through his trunks.
Finnick groaned and rocked his hips forward, eyes fluttering closed. "Mmm... Okay then... I'm not going to argue..." His hands came up to drag through Gale's hair as he kissed him again, scratching at his scalp lightly.
Gale made a soft sound against his lips as they kissed, head cocking to the side. His hand pushed down into his trunks, hand wrapping around his cock. He squeezed gently and slowly began to pump him.
Finnick hummed and his hips slowly moved along with his movements, biting his lips as he did so. "Gale..." he muttered, hips bucking.
His thumb brushed over the tip of his cock, nail lightly dragging across the slit. "Mmm." he hummed softly. There were a lot of things he didn't know but Gale knew how to get himself off so he knew he could get Finnick off too.
Panting softly, Finnick pulled back to look between them, his hips rocking gently before he looked back up at Gale and kissed him lightly. "Please..."
His hand gripped him tighter, hand pushing down his length quicker. "Like that?" he mumbled against his lips, trying to get him off.
"Damn... Shit... Yes." Finnick mumbled, working his hips and looking up at Gale. Hissing, he tilted his head and bit down hard on Gale's earlobe, tugging harshly.
A sharp gasp pushed past Gale's lips and he leaned in closer against Finnick. His hand worked quicker, squeezing around the base with each drag of his hand.
"Oh... Oh god... Fuck..." He shuddered and his teeth dragged down Gale's neck before he bit hard on his shoulder, body jerking as he came, his hot sticky cum coating Gale's hand and the inside of his trunks.
Gale shuddered at the bite, panting softly. It surprised him how much he liked that. Licking his lips, he stroked Finnick till he was soft before slowly pulling his hand out. He eyed the white cum that coated his fingers before slowly bringing it up to his lips and tentatively licking it off.
Finnick groaned as his eyes flickered open and he watched him. Reaching out a hand, he took Gale's hand and met his eyes as he licked up his palm and then wrapped his lips around his index and middle finger, sucking on the digits. He knew what he tasted like. He actually happened to like it. But this was more fun than getting himself off ever was.
His eyes locked on with Finnick's and his breath caught in the back of his throat. "Fuck..." he muttered, biting down hard on his bottom lip as he watched.
Finnick released his fingers with a pop and smacked his lips before smirking at Gale and leaning in to give him a kiss. "How was that for a first BJ, honey?" he rasped.
He kissed him back softly, eyes fluttering open when Finnick pulled away. "It was amazing..." he mumbled. "Thank you..."
Finnick smirked lightly but then smiled regularly. "You're welcome." He ran a hand through Gale's hair and then trailed down to the small bruise that was forming on his neck. "Sorry. I should have warned you that I bite."
Gale chuckled softly, a little breathless still. Shaking his head, he leaned slightly into Finnick. "No... it's okay." he mumbled. "I... kind of liked it."
Finnick's lips twitched up and he nuzzled against Gale. "Good to know," he murmured. "Come on. I need to go take a dip to get clean before we walk back. You going to join me?" He glanced down Gale's body. "Maybe a little skinny dipping."
"You just want to keep me naked." Smirking faintly, he finally pulled back and with a soft groan pushed himself up and off of the rock they'd been laying on. Looking back at Finnick, he offered the teen his hand to pull him up.
Finnick hummed and looked him up and down again as he stood before taking the offered hand. Licking his lips, he met Gale's eyes before undoing his own trunks and pushing them down to his waist. "Maybe I do. But at least I'm fair."
Smirking, he let his eyes roam Finnick's body. "I guess that's fair." he murmured. Once Finnick was nude, he turned to head back to the water and wade in.
Finnick smirked and trotted after him, taking his trunks with him to wash them too. After he was done cleaning them off he tossed them onto the rocks and swam out after Gale, catching up to him easily and tugging at his wrist under water.
Gale was submerged up to the mid section of his chest, just below his nipples. Feeling his hand tugged he turned to look back at Finnick. Grinning to himself, he ducked down beneath the water, eyes open to look back at the teen.
Finnick smiled at him and moved in just a touch, pressing their lips together under water.
Slowly, Gale's lips twitched up as they kissed. His free hand came up to Finnick's shoulder, keeping him close and drawing out the kiss. When his lungs began to burn he drifted back up, panting softly as they broke away.
Finnick wasn't even close to out of breath, but he released Gale all the same, smiling widely as they both came up. "So, did you enjoy our little outing today?"
Smiling softly, he nodded. "I'm glad I came." he mumbled softly, sticking close to Finnick.
Finnick's arms slipped around Gale and he hummed before kissing him again. As he broke away, he splashed the other boy, laughing as he ducked back under the water and struck out away from him.
"Hey!" Gale spluttered. He splashed back but it was already too late. Grumbling, he struck out after him. His arms were strong, making him a powerful swimer in short distances so he manged to catch up quickly enough and grab at Finnick's legs, giving them a yank.
Finnick kicked at him halfheartedly, but went along with it, coming up and laughing before hooking his leg around Gale's and pulling himself in close. "We should head back..." he hummed, kissing him softly.
His arms wrapped around Finnick's waist, a strange giddy feeling filling him up, like tiny bubbles fizzing up. "Probably." he hummed against his lips, kissing him again. As he pulled back, his lips twiched up high before he swiftly bent forward, dunking Finnick down into the water with a laugh.
Finnick floundered for a moment before managing to get his head back above water. Making an indignant sound, he splashed Gale and shook his head before striking out for shore.
Gale laughed the whole way back to the shore, following behind him closely, he didn't even mind the splash. Climbing back up onto the sand, he grimmaced slightly, knowing that he'd be washing it out for days. With a sigh, he trudged back over to the rock and grabbed his trunks, wiggling into them.
Finnick pulled on his trunks as well and brushed his hair out of his eyes, looking up at Gale as he finished up. "Well... let's go see if we can sneak back in without my brother seeing us..." He rolled his eyes and started to walk back down the beach.
"What? Is he going to give us a hard time?" Though he rather doubted Finnick's brother would even consider what they'd just done. No one ever expected Gale to be gay. He was the masculine football player that everyone expected to go pro in /something/. He couldn't possibly be gay.
"Well... he might... I've gone off with... people before..." He bit his lip and looked over at Gale. "And he's not stupid..." He shrugged and looked up as the bonfire came into view. "Just play it cool and say we went swimming or something..."
"Ah. So I'm not special. I see how it is." Gale just chuckled and ran a hand through his wet hair. "Don't worry. I've got it." He could be an actor if his football career didn't pan out.
Finnick smiled lightly. "Oh, you're super special. Just not in the respect that you're the only guy I've snuck off with. Hope you're okay with that..." he raised a brow at Gale.
Looking back at Finnick, he raised a brow back in challenge and shrugged. "I could live with that." He looked back ahead of them as they walked toward the bonfire, nearing the group. "So... I'm special, huh?" he fished, glancing at Finnick from the corner of his eyes.
Finnick smiled. "Well you were pretty quick making me cum, lover boy." He winked. "I may have to hit you up again." He quieted as they approached the group and sat down again next to their cooler.
His cheeks flushed pink and he gave Finnick a light shove. "Whatever." he chuckled. Following Finnick's lead, his legs folded beneath him and he sat down gracefully before stretching out.
The gig was already starting to wind down by the time they got back so it wasn't more than half an hour later when they were all packing up again and heading for the car. On the way back home, Johanna called shotgun leaving Finnick and Gale in the back with Peeta in the second row of seats alone. Peeta and Jo passed out pretty much immediately, making it a pretty quiet car ride.
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In the dark of the van, Gale found himself sitting close to Finnick. Every now and then he'd glance over at him, occasionally catching his gaze. He didn't know what it was but each little look had his stomach flipping pleasantly.
As the car ride went on, Finnick's fingers started creeping their way across Gale's lap absently, lips twitching up whenever they would catch eyes. The small touches and glances they shared were innocent enough, but also enough to leave both with a feeling of something more. Soon enough though they were coming to a stop on front of Gale's house where despite the hour, every single light was on.
"Shit." Gale muttered as they pulled up to the house. He'd texted his mom earlier while they were out but apparently it wasn't good enough. "I'd say text me tomorrow but it might be a few days before I can get back to you." he muttered as he straightened. I better run before my mom gets out here and tries to yell at you guys too." He nodded and moved to pull open the door. "Thanks for taking me along, it was fun." he said as he climbed out, nodding to Daniel and Finnick -- the only two awake in the van.
Finnick chewed his lip and nodded. "Well if you get imprisoned. I guess I'll see you at school. Hope it isn't that long though." He made a face and pulled the door closed. As it was, Gale's mom came out just as the car was pulling around the corner.
"Exactly what do you think you are doing coming back at this hour? When you said you were going out with friends I thought you would at least be home before sundown."
"I'm sorry mom." Gale said as sweetly as he could, walking up to her. "I didn't know we were going to be this late. Please don't be mad." He tried though he knew it was a losing battle. He doubted the punishment would be that bad, dad didn't ever care and was extremely lax, especially where Gale was concerned. So long as he performed he didn't really care what Gale did.
The woman pressed her lips together and then looked up and down the street before ushering him into the house. "You are grounded, young man. I will talk about it with your father tonight and we will let you know how long tomorrow morning. Phone." She held out her hand, raiding a challenging eyebrow.
Gale had the decency to look abashed as he pulled his phone from his pocket. Heaving a deep sigh, he handed it over to her. "Okay mom..." he muttered. "Can I go to bed?" He waited for her nod before practically running upstairs to shower quickly before dropping into bed to sleep. He was exhausted.
The next morning the ruling was handed down. Five days of grounding. No computer or xbox or texting and a lot of helping out around the house. Only football practice gave exception. Of course it probably wouldn't be very well enforced after the first three days, but that was the ruling.
The ruling barely lasted two. By the third his father had given him back his phone after a long afternoon of football camp. The next morning was try outs for the school team so Gale was certain that was why but he wasn't about to say anything either way. He had his phone back and that was all that mattered. Getting back home he flopped down on his bed and went through his messages
hey sexyy ;) just in time to get invited to the summer exhibition of my baby. Aka the play I've been working on for almost six months.
Finnick had been just about to text the boy to invite him for whenever he got his phone back. He had just gotten his set of free tickets that day and Benjamin couldn't make it.
So, when, where and whats this play exactly?
B st theater in sac. Lion the witch and the wardrobe. I play peter. It's this Saturday at 2.
So long as I do good at tryouts tomorrow I should be able to come.
If he didn't, well, he'd probably be grounded for a month. His father would turn into a devil and run him into the ground. He'd only ever done it twice before but Gale remembered both times vividly, kneeling in the back yard, vomiting up his guts from the heat and exercise.
sweet. but don't feel obligated. if theater isn't your thing just say so :)
also, good luck at try outs. If you want/need a cheering section I think I have some pom-poms I can dig out of my closet...
Finnick drummed his fingers against his screen before putting the phone down and heading over to the window of his bedroom. It was a beautiful day. Maybe he would head over to the high school and see if he could get the janitor to let him in to use the pool. Otherwise he would have to get a ride from his brother across town to California Family Fitness. Sometimes he hated that the town only had one pool. In a place as hot as California, you'd think it would be a big thing to have a pool on every block. But no...
if you want to bud don't feel obligated. I know sports isn't your thing lol :)
Gale sighed and rolled over on his bed. He wanted to grab his video game and play or go do something, /anything/, but he was lucky to have his phone back so soon. If he made it through tomorrow and performed well he'd be officially off the hook anyways so he could hold off.
nah, sports is fine. As long as I'm not the one playing. I'll come cheer you on. When is it? I'll even leave the pom-poms at home.
Finnick tossed his phone back down and started moving around his room and getting his swim gear together. He was resolved to go swimming today, knowing that he needed to start getting in shape for a meet he had a few weeks away. Not that he was out of shape, but he could shave a few seconds off his times.
It starts at 9:00am tomorrow. No pressure. lol
Rolling onto his back, he stared up at the ceiling, hands folded over his stomach. Boredom was starting to really get to him. With a light scowl, he got onto facebook.
hey, you wanna come hang out? I'm gonna go swim at the school pool for a bit then we could hang out at eg park. that is if you could slip the leash?
I think I could probably skip out. I'd have to bike it, though.
Getting up, he glanced around his room and in the end grabbed his basketball shorts. Tugging them on, he grabbed his phone and headed for the window to climb out and scale down to the garage.
Finnick smiled at the text and then grabbed his bag and headed out the door and downstairs. "Hey ma, I'm headed to the pool. I'll be back later, okay?" He didn't wait for a response before he walked out the front door. It only took him about 5 minutes to walk to the high school and another 3 to locate the janitor and get the man to let him into the pool. He had been using the high school's pool for several years, even if he was only just getting to high school, and he had met the janitor on several occasions.
It took Gale quite a bit longer. The hardest part was managing to snag his bike out of the garage without making too much noise or being seen. After that the ride was a breeze -- smoldering hot but no worse than what he dealt with for practice. When he finally made it to the school, he hoped off and left his ride outside by the door as he slid in.
Finnick had already finished his warm up laps by then and was powering through a set of freestyle. The times were hard to get by himself as he couldn't take the stopwatch in the water, but he was making due. He just had to keep in mind they weren't as accurate. When he came up and saw Gale standing at the edge of the pool, he grinned and lifted himself out. "Hey stranger. You made it."
"Hey." Gale said easily. Kicking off his shoes, he sat down at the side, a lane over from Finnick and let his feet dangle in the cool water. "You're pretty good."
"You haven't even seen my best yet. You came in halfway through that lap." He smiled and tossed Gale the stopwatch. "Call it. I'm going for 200 meters of butterfly." With that he climbed out and got up on the block in the ready position.
Catching the stop watch, he nodded. Ready. Set. Go." He called, clicking the timer to get the clock going as Finnick jumped off the block.
Finnick didn't hesitate to jump in, getting quite a bit of length from his push off and gliding easily into the water. He was nearly halfway across the pool before he even broke the surface to start the stroke. Four laps later he came back in and tagged the wall, coming up and pulling his goggles off as he looked at Gale. "How was that?"
"2:40." Gale called, stopping the clock as Finnick came up for air. "That was great. Why aren't you on some team?" he demanded Finnick with a slight scrunch of his nose.
Finnick panted and pulled himself up and out of the water, grabbing his towel. "I am on a team. Just in the area. As far as school..." He shrugged. "I want to devote my time to theater. Not being in the pool six hours a day."
Gale shrugged. "You can do theater whenever." he told him with a small shake of his head. "You're really good. Talents like that don't last forever."
"I guess..." Finnick mumbled. "But... Ive never been on a team that actually cared before. I'm not about to become some super competitive swimmer. I do it for fun... I don't want it to become... Work. You know." He tousled his hair with he towel.
"I don't know." Gale said with a shrug. "I think there's something fun in competting, in winning. But maybe that's just me." Smiling faintly, he reached out and ruffled Finnick's hair for him. "Do what you want to do, it just seems like a waste to me, that's all."
Finnick dried out his ears slowly as he regarded Gale and then tossed the towel back on the bleachers. "You really think I should try out? I don't want to make a fool of myself."
"I think you should." Gale hummed, smiling back at Finnick. "You're not going to make a fool out of yourself. You could easily make it, I think."
Finnick sat down next to Gale and put his feet in the water, splashing lightly. "Well it's good to know I have your vote of confidence. How are you feeling about tomorrow?" he asked, looking up at him.
Gale shrugged. "I don't know. Pretty good I guess. There's a freshman team, figure I'm bound to get some sort of position."
Finnick nodded and looked back at the pool. "Well I wish you the best of luck and I'll be there to cheer you on. Now time my freestyle." He grinned and walked back up to the block. He practiced different strokes for the next half hour until he was positively beat. For several minutes he was just lying on he concrete outside the pool, looking up at the ceiling.
"You alright over there?" Gale asked with a soft chuckle. He'd been there timing Finnick the whole time, watching him swim laps. He'd never been much for swimming, but he knew it had to be exhausting.
Finnick raised up a thumbs up but said nothing for a few moments before pushing himself up with a groan. "I'm gonna go hit the showers. Are you gonna wait for me out here?" He looked at Gale. "I'll only be a few minutes."
Gale nodded. "I'll wait for you." He fell back onto the ground, legs still in the pool. Sprawling out, he dragged out his phone to check his messages.
Finnick nodded and got to his feet, his towel around his neck as he headed off to the showers. Once in the locker room he stripped his speedo off and climbed into one of the group showering areas, turning the dial all the way to hot as he got his shampoo out of his bag. When the water had heated he eased it off to a manageable temperature and started to lather up.
Gale looked back to the locker rooms where Finnick had disappeared. Drawing a deep breath, he bit down on his bottom lip before slowly pushing himself up and heading over. That was why he'd told him like that, wasn't it? Licking his lips, he went over to one of the benches and pulled off his shirt, laying it down there to retrieve after -- the shorts went next. Nude, he made his way to the showers, grateful for the steam as cover.
"Need some help there." he mumbled as he drew close, hands smoothing over his chest.
Finnick's lips twitched up in a tiny smirk as Gale joined him and he pressed forward into his hands. "I could always use a hand or two to help out," he hummed, his own fingers coming up to tangle in Gale's short hair.
"Yeah?" he hummed, fingers dragging down, brushing over his nipples. "Well, I'm happy to help." he mumbled, head tilting into Finnick's hands.
Finnick purred softly and pulled Gale's head down to kiss him softly as he pressed his body against Gale's and rubbed against him. "I'm very glad for that," he hummed.
His lips quirked up against Finnick's and he kissed him again, soft and almost sweet, nipping at his bottom lip. His hands slowly trailed down his chest and Gale's lips followed in their wake, along his jaw, down his neck and to his shoulders. Feeling bold, he slowly sunk down to his knees in front of Finnick, lips trailing along his stomach while his hands pushed up over his thighs only to wrap his fingers around his cock. "Mmm..." he hummed, looking up at the teen finally.
Finnick's lips parted in an 'o' as Gale moved down his torso. Groaning, he looked down at Gale, biting his lip and pinching his nipple lightly as he slowly rolled his hips against Gale's hand in encouragement. Finnick's cock twitched in the other boy's hand, growing and hardening as he stroked him. "Fuck..." Finnick mumbled, eyes fluttering shut.
Gale groaned softly as he watched him, his own cock twitching in response. Lips parting, he leaned forward and dragged his tongue against the thick head of Finnick's cock. With a hum, he slowly wrapped his lips around him, sucking just like Finnick had a few days ago.
Finnick moaned and his hand slid through Gale's hair, gripping tightly at his head as he moved back to lean against the wall of the shower. "Fuck yes..." he muttered, eyes opening a crack to look down at Gale.
Hallowing his cheeks he sucked harder, slowly pushing down over Finnick's length. His cock was heavy against his tongue and he pressed up against the thick vein. "Mmm." he hummed around him.
"God... Yes, baby, suck my cock..." he mumbled, hips working forward a bit. "Mmm. Baby..." He gasped and his head fell back against the wall, his hand flat against his chest and the other fisted in Gale's hair. He hummed as he surrendered to the sensations, just letting Gale go.
He groaned as Finnick's hips thrust forward and he was forced to pause for a second. His hands grabbed his hips, forcing him back and to hold still as his head bobbed once more, sucking hard.
"Gale..." He panted, looking down at the boy and sliding his hand down to his shoulder, squeezing gently. "God. You're so sexy..." he muttered, running a finger along his jaw and smirking as he made it up to his cock, wiping a bit of saliva off the corner of his lips. "Fuck..."
He gave a sharp suck in reply, taking Finnick in as deep as he could, which was about half way. Looking up, his eyes locked with Finnick's. He wanted to make him cum, the same way the other boy had done for him but his jaw was starting to ache and he didn't know exactly what he was doing.
"God damn..." Finnick muttered, letting his head fall back as he started to guide Gale by his grip on his hair, bobbing him up and down on his cock. His free hand fumbled slightly, pulling on Gale's arm until he got the hint and gave him his hand. He guided the other boy's hand to his crotch to press against his sack, squeezing it with both their hands gently and shuddering in response.
Gale was a quick learner. His hand squeezed gently, thumb brushing across the sensitive skin as his head continued to bob just how Finnick liked it. His eyes fluttered shut and he hummed around him, surprised by just how much he was enjoying this even if it was slightly uncomfortable.
"Fuck... Fuck yes..." he hissed, his words going slightly sharp at the end. His body trembled and his hips tried to rock against Gale's mouth. Just before he came his hand tightened hard in Gale's hair, surely tugging a few out of his scalp. His eyes screwed shut and he spasmed as he cried out. The shout echoed through the empty tile walls and he whimpered softly.
Gale froze when Finnick first came, a bit taken by surprise but he got over it quickly. He swallowed the cum down and sucked until Finnick was flaccid and twitching against his tongue. Panting softly, he slowly pulled back.
Finnick sagged against the wall of the shower, his hand slowly threading through Gale's hair as he looked down at him. "Mmm... Good boy," he hummed, pulling him up to kiss him softly.
Gale's legs felt a little shaky as he stood. Winding his arms around Fin nick's waist, he leaned in and kissed him softly. "Am I a dog now?" he joked with a throaty chuckle.
"Mmm... My bitch," he teased, nipping at his lips. "No. Not yet. But you will be." He pulled back with a smirk and his hand snaked up to grab Gale by the balls, squeezing lightly. "And I believe it's your turn."
Before he had a chance to say anything, he gasped, hips bucking forward against Finnick's hands. "What... makes you so sure of that?" he mumbled, biting down on his bottom lip.
"That it's your turn? Or that you'll be my bitch?" he purred, his fingernail scraping over Gale's nipple.
"The... last one." he nearly moaned. His tongue poked out over his lips and his hands grabbed Finnick's shoulders, squeezing lightly.
Finnick rubbed his hand up and down Gale's length and hummed. "Mmm. I think. Because I already have you trained to heel," he hummed, smirking faintly.
"Maybe I'll just have to... stop." he mumbled, biting at Finnick's lip. His hands tightened on the other boy's arms, releasing a shaky breath.
"Mmm... You're already here though," he mumbled. "No one had to tell you to come into the showers." He nipped hard at Gale's lips and his hand squeezed just a bit tighter around his balls before stroking up to the tip of his cock and twisting his hand down around him.
"Yeah, maybe this is the last-- ngh, one." Gale gasped lightly, eyes squeezing shut. His hips bucked forward and he bit back at Finnick's lips.
"Yeah right. Just keep telling yourself that, big boy," he muttered, stroking Gale hard and fast for several seconds before slowing drastically again to a slow and tortured pace.
Gale's lips parted, panting hard as Finnick's hand worked at him. "I'm not... not your bitch." he groaned.
"Okay," Finnick hummed, relenting in that way that made it clear that he was only saying it so that Gale could feel better about himself. "Now shut up and let me make you feel good." He pushed Gale up against the wall and pressed their chests together as he slowly worked his hand up and down his length.
"You're a fucking ass." Gale grumbled but said nothing else. Eyes squeezing shut, his head tossed back, lightly smacking against the tile but he didn't even notice. "Fuck.." he groaned, nails lightly pressing into his arms.
"You said something about an ass?" Finnick mumbled, his free hand brushing over Gale's sack before slipping around to grip at his cheeks. "Mmm. Yes it is quite a nice ass..."
"Fuck. Hate you." he hissed slightly, stomach clenching almost painfully. He was so close. He could feel it, making his toes curl but the big O remained elusive.
Finnick growled chastisingly. "Hate is such a strong word..." he muttered, pulling back to turn Gale around against the wall, pressing his front against the slightly cool tile. His hand reached around to continue stroking Gale's cock slowly as his free hand rubbed up and down against his ass cheeks, one finger occasionally slipping in between to slide over his hole.
"Yeah... well... I'm a strong kind of guy." He gasped as he was flipped, hands coming up to the tile and curling against it. His hips jutted out against Finnick and his eyes squeezed shut again. When the fingers pressed against his cheeks he'd tense just slightly before relaxing -- every time he'd release a soft breath too. He'd never touched himself there before.
"Mmm... Fuck..." he muttered, breathing against Gale's ear. "I want to take your little virgin ass..." he murmured. "But not here. Not right now..." He smirked. "Are you sure this is going to be the last time?" his hand paused on Gale's cock as one finger gently probed in, just the tip sliding past his entrance.
Gale instantly clenched around him and his hips bucked, head bowing. "Fuck... fuck. I don't.. Ngh." Words were failing him now. His hands clawed at the tiles, so impossibly close, it almost hurt.
"You don't what?" Finnick purred, enjoying the effect he was having on the boy. "You don't want to get fucked?" he hummed. "Or you don't want to cum..." He pulled his hands away to trace light patterns against Gale's hips. "Tell me what you want, big boy," he purred against Gale's ear.
Gale could have cried. His body tensed in protest and a sharp whimper pushed past his lips. "Finnick, I swear to god. I'll never touch you again if you don't make me cum."
Finnick hummed softly and hesitated for a moment before his hand closed around the other boy's cock again, tugging at it hard and fast, jerking him off as his other hand returned to his ass, fingers rubbing against him and pressing in every few moments. "Go on then..."
It took another minute to build the pressure back up but then the teen was seeing white. Letting out a soft, unintelligable cry, he came, his cum splattering across the time and against Finnick's fingers.
"Mmm... Yes. That's it..." Finnick coaxed, slowly stroking him through his orgasm until he was limp in the blondes hand. "That was fun. Wasn't it?" he murmured, kissing his neck.
Gale nodded weakly, head tilting to the side so he could look back at Finnick without dislodging him. "Mmm." he hummed softly, tongue poking out over his lips.
"We still good?" he asked softly, pressing a kiss to his neck and backing up. "I don't want to push you too far with the... Uh... Dominance stuff."
Shaking his head, Gale turned so his back pressed against the tile. "That what that was?" he hummed. He watched Finnick for a second before nodding. "Just don't call me a bitch again." he chuckled.
"Aww...." Finnick pouted. "But that's the fun part," he whined. Sighing, he kissed Gale's jaw and stepped back. "Fine." He rinsed off in the spray of the shower before letting Gale do the same and then shutting the water off.
Chuckling, Gale's head tilted back. "The rest was fine, just not that." It was a little too reminicent of when he'd first come out -- something he strived to not give anyone a chance to call him. Rinsed off, he glanced back at Finnick as something occured to him. "I didn't bring a towel." He hadn't meant to get wet.
"I've got a spare," Finnick said. "It's in my locker. I rent one during summers." He shrugged and motioned for Gale to follow him. He usually brought plenty of towels for his days at the pool because he usually used several for between sets so that he always had one dry. But he had only done two sets today so he had a few dry towels in his bag for showering.
Smiling faintly he nodded. "Alright. Thanks." he hummed. Following him over to his locker, he waited for Finnick to open it and hand one over. Taking it, he rubbed it through his short hair then down his arms and over his chest, drying off quickly.
"So what do you want to do now? We can walk around Elk Grove Park a little. Or we could cut across and go to Zhender's. Have you been there before? They have nachos and slushes and shave ice. Their frozen yogurt is amazing. But I'm partial to the nachos. Then we could look around Dimples for a bit..."
Gale nodded. "Yeah. I've been there before." He went to Dimples all the time so he went past it often and he'd occasionally stop in for a snack. "I like the fries." he hummed.
Finnick hummed and nodded. "So are we going there or...?" he trailed off. "Did you want to walk around the park for a bit?" He raised a brow.
"We can go there. Maybe walk around afterwards." He was actually pretty hungry. He hadn't ate lunch before leaving.
Finnick nodded and put his bag back in his locker before heading back out, locking the door behind them and leaving the key for the janitor in their predetermined spot. Once that was done he jogged back out to where Gale's bike was and put his hands in his pockets as he started to walk. "Did you want to get Chinese instead? I'm actually kind of hungry after all that swimming... And stuff."
Dressing, the teen followed Finnick out of the gym into the bright afternoon sun. Picking up his bike, he swung a leg over it and settled down on the seat. Glancing back at Finnick, he considered it for a second before nodding. "Yeah, I'm pretty hungry too after all that swimming... and stuff." he chuckled.
Nodding, Finnick started walking. "Okay. We'll go to Red Chopstick instead then. It's not the best. But it's okay and cheap and they portion well." Honestly that was 75% of his family's diet. That and pizza. A lot of times Finnick's mom wasn't home for dinner so the boys had to fend for themselves and have leftovers for her when she got home from work.
"Yeah, I know. I've been." Gale said with a chuckle. He didn't eat there a lot, his mom would have a heart attack if he did but sometimes he'd stop there with his friends while they were out. Or after practice if a friend was taking him home. Slowly, he rolled forward, keeping pact with Finnick.
"Yeah.... Yeah." Finnick said, smiling faintly. He fell silent and kicked a rock in his path as they walked. After a while he looked up at Gale. "So... Are you... I mean... Do I have to be careful around you? About talking and whatnot... Who all knows?"
"Oh um..." Gale shrugged and looked down. "I'm not... closeted or anything. My parents know... I told my team just..." He shrugged. "I don't... bring it up, not since then. They're... cool with me but..." He looked down again. He knew that the second he started acting in any way they thought was "gay" they'd give him hell.
Finnick nodded. "Yeah. I get what you mean." He put a hand on his shoulder before pulling away. "But at least you're out. Being in the closet is a hassle." He chuckled and spun around before continuing to walk. "So are you excited for school?"
Gale glanced over at Finnick and nodded slightly. "Yeah, I guess. School's alright. Guess it has to be better than middle school, right?" He smiled faintly. "What about you?"
"Yeah. I guess I am. I'm kinda worried about... The bullying and stuff. People think that because we live in California it's all easy, right? But I actually have had some problems. But... Not in school. Thank god." He shrugged. "But this is the first time I'll be going into a big school like Elk Grove..."
"Where'd you go before?" Gale asked curiously, glancing back at Finnick as they continued to walk. He leaned back in the seat of his bike, only pushing down on the peddels every now and then, just enough to keep him rolling.
Finnick gestured back toward old town Elk Grove. "The Montessori school down there. It's right across the street from Kerr. K thru 8th." He shrugged. "Those kids were like family to me. Practically. It was when I got out of school when I started running into issues. And even the teachers were a little horrible. Religious freaks and whatnot."
"I didn't know there was a school there." Gale mused. "Did you... never complain about the teachers or anything? It's not a religious school, is it?"
"No it's not a religious school. And it was never... Blatant enough to be able to get any traction if I did complain. They were just a bit prejudiced toward me after I came out. Graded harder and stuff. I still got top marks though." He shrugged. "I don't know. One time my teacher put me in detention for kissing my boyfriend. My mom raised hell. Nothing got done. I learned to be more careful. It wasn't a big deal."
"Top marks, amazing swimmer, and a theater junky. Looks like you win despite shitty teachers." he hummed. "I doubt it'll be like that at EGHS. No one really gives a fuck. At least the teachers don't."
"Yeah. I'm not worried about the teachers..." Finnick mumbled, shifting his shoulders uncomfortably. He was actually really anxious about this one point. He was fairly good at hiding it, but now that they were talking about it...
Gale just shook his head. "It'll be fine. Really." he hummed. He knew about nerves. It was him constantly. One wrong move and he could be ostracised by the football team. He was actually worried about transitioning to the high school team.
Finnick smiled softly at Gale and shrugged his shoulders. "I'm sure you're right." He hummed and did a little skip before turning to walk backwards in front of the other boy. "So have you lived in town your whole life?"
"Yeah." Gale said with a little hum. "Moved once when I was little but it was just across town." he replied. "What about you?"
"We've lived here forever too," he said. "Never moved. Still in the same... Not so great house. But it's home." He shrugged and cross the street, waving to a person in a nearby car.
Gale raised an eyebrow, watching Finnick as they passed the street. "Guess it doesn't really matter so long as there's a roof over your head." Gale hummed as he followed suit.
"I suppose not," Finnick hummed, falling silent. He kicked a rock along their path for a few paces before looking up as they started to approach the restaurant.
When they got near the restaurant, Gale stopped for a second to hop off his bike. He rolled it the rest of the way. "I'm suddenly glad I remembered my wallet." He'd been about to leave without it when he'd been sneaking out. Hopefully no one knew he was gone, yet.
"I would have covered you, if you hadn't," Finnick hummed, walking up to the door. "Just leave your bike there," he said, gesturing to the side of the door.
"I'm not dumb you know." Gale said with a raise of his brows. Pulling the bike to the door, he propped it up against the wall. With that, he grabbed the door handle and pulled it open, letting Finnick go in first.
Finnick made a show of giving a surprised gasp and blowing Gale a kiss before trotting through the door and into the restaurant. "Why thank you sir." They seated themselves and picked up the menus that were sitting around everywhere at the tables.
Gale rolled his eyes at Finnick and followed him inside. Plopping down in one of the chairs, he grabbed the menu and glanced over it. "Any idea what you want?"
Finnick hummed as he browsed the menu. "Eh. I'm happy with anything. Chow mein and sweet and sour pork should be good though. You can never go wrong with that." He looked up at the waiter and ordered a coke to drink.
Eyes flicking over the menu, he glanced back up at Finnick and shrugged. "Sounds good." When the waiter came over, he nodded and ordered a water for himself. He needed to be doing everything he could to get the best position possible to secure a spot on the team. He needed to make JV, which meant water and eating healthily. This didn't really count as healthy but hey, that was alright. Carb loading was a good idea. "I think I'll have the beef and broccoli."
