One Step Closer

Chapter 1: Just Fun

❤ Sexual Situations
❤ MxM

Riley found a picnic table to sit at. Alone. By himself.

The Pride Festival was happening, and the parade would be coming down the street soon. Riley went every year to support what he was. Gay. He had never had a boyfriend, though. No, he wasn't picky. There were plenty of guys he found attractive. A lot of guys who caught his eye. They'd go to dinner or the bar. Maybe out on the town. They'd go back, never to Riley's place, and have a little fun. He never went past that. No matter how tempting it was. He couldn't get himself to go further than that. He never spent the night with any guys he fooled around with, he never contacted them again. Nothing.

Even during the festival, he didn't go around trying to make friends. He didn't talk to anyone. He walked around and played several carnival games. Then he found a seat to listen to the live band. He'd scan everyone else enjoying the various activities. The couples and those with their supportive families. All the laughter. All the smiles. All the lifelong dedication to those they were stuck with. It reminded Riley why he lived the life that he lived.

Alone. By himself. That's what his life was about.

After finishing his tacos, Riley headed down the walk. He still had time before the parade, so he walked to his car, grabbed his basketball, and headed for the courts. Riley loved basketball. It was his favorite sport to watch. When he was in search of a place to live years ago, he specifically found an apartment that was next to basketball courts. He would go across the street late at night when no one was around and shoot as long as he could.

At the courts, Riley walked onto the empty side, while four guys were running up and down the other side.

Riley set himself up to take a shot but suddenly got distracted. There was a man on the other side catching Riley's attention, and he couldn't get himself to look away. Whoever this guy was, he was cute. He had black hair that was done in a messy fashion. That was a weak spot for Riley. Messy hair. Not messy as in clearly not cared for, but just a fun messy. Then there was his height. Riley was six foot one, so it was a challenge to find someone taller than him. He was a sucker for being the shorter guy, though. This guy may only have a couple of inches on Riley, but it was still something.

It became Riley's mission to get into this man's home and have some bedroom fun. It had been several months since Riley did that with someone, so he was ready to use that backed-up energy. He took several shots with his basketball, glancing back now and then to make eye contact with the man. He'd make sure to hold the eye contact for a few seconds. He'd run his hand through his hair and give a sly smile. The man looked Riley up and down, accepting the silent flirting. When the man nodded toward Riley, he knew. Riley turned to shoot the basketball, smirking to himself. Mission soon to be complete.

After some time passed, Riley heard the group discuss the parade coming down.

"We'll meet over there," one of the guys said.

"Cool. I'll see you guys over there soon."

Riley faced the hoop, holding his basketball, ready to shoot. He waited as he watched the group leave the court. Everyone except the man. Riley shot the ball, making the basket. He caught his ball and turned to the man, who was walking toward him.

"You wanted to come alone or those around you don't support your lifestyle?" the man asked.

Riley shrugged. "Mainly the second one that leads to the first one." In hindsight, Riley meant that he had gone through so many that don't support him that he now doesn't let anyone close to him. "What about you?"

"Oh, I'm here with some friends. Enjoying the day out." The man extended his hand out. "I'm Landon."

Get me in your bed and we're done after that.