Jesse Hamill
This is a love story between two consenting males and contains sexual themes and graphic depictions of sexual acts. It is by no means a sex story, and focuses on the relationship and romance first. This is also work of fiction. All characters in this story are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
This is my first work for Nifty and any criticism, comments, improvements or thanks can be directed at jesse.hamill88@gmail.com. I appreciate all the comments and support that I've received so far, so thanks readers!
As always, a special thanks to Ash, my editor, and my beta reader Mattie. Both of your hard work is much appreciated by me and the readers. Thank you!
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The Love of Rainn: Chapter 10
As they went to his room for the second time, Jesse put some music on and asked what Rainn felt like doing.
"Umm... We can... uhh..." Rainn said, lost in Jesse's eyes. He could think of things they could do, but...
"Oh yeah, didn't you have more stuff to work on in math?"
"...Oh. Yeah, we can work on some math..." It wasn't exactly what he had in mind, but...
Rainn got out his math textbook and reviewed the list that was going to be on the next quiz. He absentmindedly listened and worked on stuff with Jesse, but his thoughts went back to the diner.
Did Jesse really feel the same way he did? Should he make the first move or let Jesse? What if...? What if this was all a big mistake? Even with that picture on Emily's phone, this was still just an assumption. And, it was a big one, at that. You just can't assume your friend is gay and make a move... What if you're wrong? You'd ruin everything and risk the friendship. What if you're right and he is gay, but just not interested?
Then again... what if he did? What if Jesse likes him? Really likes him? What should he do then? Was he even... good enough? Cute enough? Rainn didn't think so.
Rainn battled his thoughts and emotions. He decided to leave it alone for now before it drove him crazy. Rainn actually needed the tutoring before he got demoted to remedial math. Then he'd be in same the class with Mark. That thought drove out his internal battle and he focused on his work.
Jesse was a really good teacher and got Rainn thinking about different ways of solving problems. After Jesse showed him more visual ways of thinking about math, Rainn finally felt more confident in algebra. Rainn was feeling better about the quiz and hoped that he could get at least a passing grade next week. Just a simple D will keep him out of remedial math, right?
They worked and listened to Grace Potter, Passenger, Spoon, The Black Keys, Mumford and Sons, Bon Iver, Incubus and a few other bands he'd never heard of. Then every once in a while, a Motown track would come on, or Eric Clapton, or a classic rock song. Jesse had good taste in music.
They worked `til about two that afternoon before deciding to take a break. They had a few minutes before they needed to leave to catch their movie. A strange silence had built itself between them and they had to make small talk to fill it. After a while, it was the thunder that was saying more than both of them.
That morning had been relatively calm, with just a few clouds in the sky. Now, however, the clouds were billowing up and threatening to storm worse than the night before. A light drizzle started with some hesitation before it became a heavy downpour.
Rainn felt awkward in the quiet, so he got his drawing out to add some color before they needed to leave. Jesse was distracting himself by watching the weather in his window.
"You still want to go? To the movie, I mean?" he asked cautiously. It was really coming down.
"Yeah! Totally!" Rainn said back. He did want to go, but he felt so awkward. Was Jesse having second thoughts about going with him? The silence continued.
But, before he knew it, Rainn was packing everything in his bag and heading downstairs. He had never gone anywhere without his bag and all his supplies. He got inspiration from everywhere, even from the weirdest, most random things. In the past, he had sketched a plastic bag entangled on barbed-wire, some cold french fries left on a picnic table, and even someone's cat sitting on a fence. Rainn's messenger bag was large enough to hold his sketchbook and all of the best supplies he could carry with him.
Jesse grabbed an umbrella from his closet before telling his mom bye. She reminded him to be careful in this weather, told him to have fun, and to be safe.
"Here," Jesse said, handing Rainn the umbrella. "I wouldn't want your work to get wet or ruined."
He smiled as he offered the umbrella and Rainn reluctantly took it from him. Jesse was so selfless sometimes. It made Rainn feel kinda guilty.
"Okay, here we go!" Jesse said running as quickly as he could to get to the jeep. He quickly unlocked the door and hopped in, Rainn following him under the safety of the umbrella. He was laughing as Rainn got in and put his bag and the umbrella behind them, in the back.
"What's so funny?" Rainn asked.
"The rain is cold!" Jesse said.
"I am not! I've been nothing but delightful!" Rainn said, feigning being insulted.
Jesse laughed a little. "Walked right into that one. Nah, you've been fun. The water on the other hand, that was cold. Kinda felt good, though."
Rainn just laughed a little, too. He felt better and the awkwardness was lifted a bit. He liked when Jesse was smiling or laughing. He seemed more... genuine.
"Alright. You ready?" Jesse asked.
"Yeah, let's go."
They started driving to the theater with the wipers going as fast as they could go. They passed the gloomy and quiet streets, splashing the sidewalks as they went. Rainn and Jesse talked about movies that they liked and had recently seen. They talked happily and laughed a lot about how lame some movies were and how bad the actors were.
They arrived and parked close to the building and Rainn was given the umbrella again.
"You don't have to..." Rainn said. "I can just run for it..."
"No, I don't want any of your stuff ruined. Especially mine!"
Rainn gave up and took it, but he ran to the other side of the jeep as Jesse got down. The umbrella wasn't large, but he was going to share it with Jesse, whether he liked it or not.
Jesse gave him a sly look, but laughed with Rainn as they awkwardly crossed the parking lot together. The small cover from the umbrella didn't do either of them every good, but they shared it anyway. They were still laughing as they went in.
Rainn, true to his word, went to the counter right away and purchased two tickets. He handed one to Jesse with a satisfied look on his face. Jesse narrowed his eyes, but smiled as he took it.
"I'm getting the snacks, though! No argument!" Jesse said, rushing off to the concession stand.
Rainn laughed and followed after him. "Fine!"
They took their time looking through everything before just getting popcorn and sodas. Neither one of them had a sweet tooth. Jesse hesitated when he bought the snacks, wondering if sharing a large popcorn was too weird. Rainn pointed out that a jumbo bag was bargain compared to two mediums, so he bought one for them to share and two drinks. He and Rainn were making their way to their seats when they saw Mark came in with a few of his friends.
"Shit," Jesse said quietly. "Let's just go get our seats before he sees us."
"Okay..." Rainn said, worried. Why did assholes have to ruin everything? he thought.
They went into the second screening room unnoticed, and found some seats in the back. There was quite a few people in there, so they felt reassured that Mark would have to sit further down if he was seeing the same movie.
They weren't disappointed. By the time that they came in, Mark and his cronies had to sit in the first row.
Great... they both thought. They just sat back and hoped to blend into the crowd.
Sometimes, however, things just work out. It was helped by the fact that Mark made trouble wherever he went. He started laughing and making obscene jokes with his friends. Then, he was making a mess throwing popcorn at people behind him. He was acting so obnoxious that an usher came in and threw them out before the previews had even finished.
"This is bullshit! I paid to see this!" Mark yelled loud enough for everyone to hear.
"You need to leave before I have to call the police. And, watch your language! This is a family environment!" the usher shouted back.
A few more ushers finally had to come in and help escort all of them out of the theater. Rainn watched gleefully as they removed Mark from the room. And, when Mark was finally gone, Rainn exchanged a smile with Jesse. They could watch the movie in peace now and not have to worry about being seen or bullied.
The movie itself ended up being pretty good. The story started out a little slow, but then picked up a bit after they found the body in the closet. It was more of a thriller rather than a horror movie, but Rainn liked the characters. The movie had believable actors and a simple enough storyline to be good.
There was a few couples sitting around them, so Rainn and Jesse both felt awkward again. They kind of just sat there with romantic moments happening all around them. Jesse felt that he should just grab Rainn's hand, but didn't. Rainn almost outstretched his arms in a mock yawn to put around Jesse. It would have been easier if they could just read one another's thoughts then. It would have saved them so much trouble. Instead, they just watched the movie as friends and left it alone for now. Neither one of them knew what the other was feeling, so unfortunately, neither acted on it.
They finished watching the movie and left as the lights came on and the credits rolled. Rainn was talking about all his favorite parts and how well the story was written. Jesse was listening, agreeing and adding his thoughts in, too. They talked a little in the lobby as they finished their popcorn and the last dregs of their watered-down soda.
The rain was still pouring out there, so they exchanged a smile and opened the umbrella to hide under it together. They laughed and ran to the jeep, getting a little lost in the darkness of the storm. Jesse got in the driver's side and Rainn went around to the passenger side, still sheltered from the deluge.
"What do want to do now?" Jesse asked, when Rainn got in.
"Hmm... I'm not sure. What can we do in this?" Rainn said, pointing to the storm.
"We could get some coffee or something?" Jesse offered.
"Sure, that sounds good. The theater was a little cold."
"Right?" Jesse agreed.
He backed out of the parking space and asked Rainn where they could buy some good espresso. Rainn remembered the little cafe that served coffee and gelato and directed them there. Gelato didn't sound so good then (maybe when the weather warmed up), but coffee sounded great.
They parked as close to the door as possible and both ran out as fast as they could to it. Both of them were a little wet and laughing as they found a table, and sat down to read the menu. Jesse insisted that he paid and got them both caramel lattes. They talked about the movie and speculated on whether a sequel was in the works.
"It only makes sense after that ending I suppose..." Rainn said.
"Maybe. I'm not sure, though. Maybe they just wanted it to end like that. Leave you wondering if it could happen to you."
They talked some more, but the shop was closing soon so they decided to head back to Jesse's place. They took their coffees with them and ran back to the jeep, getting wet once again.
"It doesn't rain that often here, does it?" Jesse asked.
"Actually, it does. That's how I got my name..." Rainn said.
"Oh? I had wondered about that..." Jesse said.
"Yeah, Gran named me. She thought about what made her happy and nothing does like the rain," he said. "She loves to garden."
"That's cool," Jesse replied. "I'm just named after my great granddad. And, of course, the guy from the Old Testament."
They drove back to the flower shop and were amazed to see the storm was finally breaking up. The clouds scattered and the faded evening sun fell through, casting an ethereal light on everything. It was both creepy and beautiful to look at.
As they pulled in to the parking space at the flower shop, Rainn got his things from the bench behind them.
"Doesn't look like mom's here," Jesse said, getting down.
Sure enough, there was a note taped to the inside glass of the door. It said that she had gone out for coffee with a friend. Jesse was both happy and nervous that they could be alone together. Should he risk everything and tell Rainn how he felt? He was unsure...
"I can't fucking believe it!!" a horribly familiar voice said behind them. It was Mark. He and his friends must have been walking down the street and recognized the jeep. "Two fags at a flower shop!! Too predictable!"
They laughed it up and high-fived each other.
Why now? Rainn wondered. We were having such a good time.
Jesse hadn't even got his keys in the door before Mark had walked closer to them. Rainn wanted to get inside as quickly as possible. But, it didn't really matter if Diana wasn't here. Could they race in before Mark got to them? Rainn didn't think so.
Jesse just stood his ground, a ferocious look on his face. Rainn got closer and stood next to him. He wasn't sure what was going to happen, but whatever it was wouldn't be good.
"Back off," Jesse said. "I'll call the cops right now if you don't back off." Mark was only a few feet from them now, grinning vengefully.
"No faggot. I'm not going anywhere," he said. He was close now and Rainn felt trapped. There was nowhere he could run.
Then, out of nowhere, Mark grabbed Rainn's bag from his shoulder. Rainn tried to stop him and pulled it back, but Mark was too strong. He snatched it from Rainn's hands and nearly toppled him over. Rainn was both livid and incredibly frightened.
"Give it back!!" Rainn shouted.
"Yeah! Give it back, you fuck!" Jesse said in growl.
He was ready. Jesse had one hand on the can of mace he took everywhere with him. If he could get him to put the bag down, he'd move in and spray his face. He didn't want to risk Mark dropping it and ruining Rainn's work.
"Hey! I'm just looking!" he said as if he casually asked to see it. "I just wanted to see if you draw yourselves naked." He laughed. "Maybe fucking and sucking?"
"Just give it back Mark," Jesse said. "Give it back and leave and I won't call the cops."
"In just a second," he said. "I want to look." He took out the sketchbook and started thumbing through it. Rainn wanted to grab it back from his hands, but Jesse held him back. He just shook his head, no, at Rainn.
Mark reached the end. "Pretty impressive shit for a fag." His friends laughed and started tossing the sketchbook back and forth between them, playing keep-away.
"Cut it out, Mark," Jesse growled again. "It isn't funny."
Mark caught it again and turned to him. "You know what faggot? You're right."
He took the bag and sketchbook over to the biggest filthiest puddle in the parking lot and threatened to drop them in.
"This better?" he asked mockingly.
"No!" Jesse said. "Just give it back. We'll forget about everything. Give it back and go."
"Beg me," he said. All his friends laughed again. "Or... better yet, suck my cock for it!"
They laughed and high-fived one another again. This was just a cruel and sick game to them.
Jesse stepped toward him, but as he did Mark lowered the sketchbook closer to the water. He took a step back.
Shit! I can't get close enough to spray his face! Jesse thought, desperately.
They lowered the sketchbook as close to the water as they dared, laughing at Rainn's expressions. He had tears on his face, both angry and scared.
"I'm giving you one last warning, Mark," Jesse said through gritted teeth. "Give it back now."
"You know what faggot? I was going to! I was going to give your little fag all his shit back, but you pissed me off," he said. "Now I'm going to teach a you a lesson!"
And sometimes things don't work out. Sometimes, the worst happens.
Mark hurled the sketchbook down as hard as he could into the puddle, before he did the same with the bag. Mark then proceeded to stomp on the whole thing, smashing and breaking everything in Rainn's bag.
Jesse had had enough. He pulled the mace from his pocket as he ran over. He stopped short of the puddle, and shielding his face with his shirt, he unloaded the can on Mark's face. He managed to spray it in Mark's eyes, mouth and nose, before he turned the can on Mark's friends. Mark fled, coughing and choking and his cronies did the same.
Jesse wasted no time and picked the sketchbook and Rainn's bag from the puddle. He held them close to him as he rushed back to unlock and open the door. Jesse hurried inside and put them on the counter before grabbing towels, both paper and cloth, and doing his best to dry everything off.
Rainn had watched in shock. He saw what was happening and just refused to believe it. Rainn fell to his knees as he saw his work fall into the dirty water. Rainn watched as Jesse ran over and maced them all, and gathered his stuff up from the puddle. His heart was breaking, but there was a moment of hope as Jesse grabbed everything up and rushed inside. Rainn followed him inside, hoping and praying it was going to be okay.
Jesse did what he could, but most of Rainn's sketches were definitely damaged. The water had gotten to them and smeared everything to a dirt colored blur. A few though, were untouched, and Jesse carefully tore them from the dampening sketchbook as quickly and carefully as he could. He worked like lightning and went through the whole thing in under a minute. In the end there was only ten drawings that survived. His bag and everything else in it, was ruined.
Rainn held on as best he could. He felt violated, furious, terrified, defeated, and wrecked. He still felt tears rolling down his face as he watched Jesse trying to save his work. His fists were clenched so hard that his fingernails dug into his palms.
Jesse stopped when he got to the end of the drawings and went though the whole thing one more time to make sure he didn't miss anything. He was still shaking he was so enraged at Mark.
How could he do something like that? What gave him the right? Jesse thought, feeling guilty about letting Mark get the bag in the first place. Why didn't he react faster? None of this would have happened if only he had acted sooner...
Finally, done saving what he could from the sketchbook, he turned to Rainn. He was going to say that everything was okay, that Mark was gone and that he still had a few drawings left, but Rainn's agonized expression stopped him. Rainn was just standing there in shock and Jesse went over to him, unsure what to do or say.
Rainn was sobbing and breathing hard. He had never been so wronged, so hurt, so broken. He looked up at Jesse and saw the concern and compassion in his eyes. He stumbled forward and embraced him. Rainn buried his face in his chest and cried. He pulled Jesse as tight as he could.
Jesse in turn, wrapped his arms around Rainn's shuddering frame and held him close. His empathy and compassion filled him with Rainn's agony. The hurt he felt was so palpable, that Jesse felt a tear run down his own cheek.
Author's Note: A special thanks to Mattie, a good friend from the Nifty.org chat room. I appreciate your help and patience with improving the story.
Readers, I chat regularly in the evenings at http://www.sierranet.org/javairc/nifty.html if you'd like to join us. It's lots of fun and I recommend it!
Copyright Jesse Hamill and nifty.org 2015. All rights reserved.