Saturday seems to take forever to arrive, but soon enough the cab is pulling up outside and Peter is grabbing my hand to pull me into a gentle kiss as he seats me beside him.

“Hello boyfriend,” I mumble between kisses. “Have you had a good week?”

“Well, it’s much better now, boyfriend!” he tells me as he lets me go long enough to fasten my seat-belt as the taxi starts off again. He doesn’t forget to grab my hand once we’re secure though.

“Where are we going for our workout?”

“Tholt-y-Will. Up through the glen and then down the other side of the old dam.”

“More climbing,” I groan.

“Well, it is a workout!”

“I suppose. I’m so tired though. It’s been a very long and exhausting week.”

“Has it all been worth it though?”

“Actually, yes. Therapy was really good. I feel positive about the process.”

“Well, that’s excellent. I’m sure it will be a big help for you.”

“Then there’s the employment thing. I haven’t spoken to you about that yet.”

“No, did you find something that you might want to do? I know you were so unsure last week.”

“Peter, it’s unbelievable.”

“What is?”

“Well, after therapy, and your call, I felt really good. I spoke to the Employment Counsellor.”

“And they, or rather the employment AI gave you some options?”

“No, it gave me one very specific option.”

“What, I’ve never heard of them doing that. Was it helpful?”

“Shockingly. Things have moved so fast. It’s a blur.”

“Moved so fast, how so?”

“Well, last weekend I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Now, I’ve had an application accepted and I’m going to be a teacher. A history teacher.”

Peter looks really puzzled. “What, it’s all arranged already? That’s incredible. I’m so proud of you. You’ll make a wonderful teacher.”

“That’s the weird part. I actually think that I might too. Peter, you work for Nexima. Can I run something past you?”

“Sure. I’m only a trainee though.”

“Do the AI systems all work together? I mean, do they come up with plans that need more than one AI to participate?”

“Not as far as I’m aware. They do share records, make multi-department schedules, that sort of thing, but nothing that’s any more involved. Why do you ask?”

“Nothing really. Just a niggling thought that I’m a pawn in a game of chess.”

“That’s just normal paranoia.” Peter tells me with a laugh.

Peter seems to be picking harder and steeper walks for our workouts and this one is really testing. The walk up through the woodland, again alongside a bubbling stream, is perhaps the most beautiful so far. Once a working cultivated coniferous forest, the firs and pines have now been replaced by a huge range of native broadleaf species that seem to fit the location perfectly as they mature and spread their leafy canopies.

We’re not aiming for a workout, and take our time, hands intertwined as we walk slowly to the top of the glen. We pass through the gate and cross the quiet road before walking down a short distance to the reservoir and the massive embankment dam, more than 100m tall that holds back a billion litres of fresh drinking water.

I haul Peter over to sit on one of the huge rocks that mark the edge of the road along the dam and we sit, holding hands and looking out across the mirror-flat water as it reflects the surrounding hills and cloudless sky.

“This is very pretty,” I tell him as we watch some small birds fluttering about at the water’s edge.

“You’re very pretty,” he tells me quietly.

“Nobody’s ever called me pretty before. I’d prefer handsome, sexy, hot – almost anything other than pretty.”

“Well, I think that you are all of those things, but pretty as well. You have pretty eyes. They’re such a deep brown, almost black, but they have these little golden flecks. Very pretty indeed.”

“I think you need to kiss me some more.”

“Hmm…” Peter leans in to kiss me gently, but a little more insistent than he’s done before and I find myself responding in kind, parting my lips slightly to allow his tongue to tentatively explore my mouth. Within moments, our tongues are darting and touching as we both seek a little more intimacy.

I raise both arms and draw Peter into a tighter embrace, our kissing continuing for several minutes, his hand now rubbing gently up and down my back, stopping just short of my waistband. As his hand wanders a little lower, I break away and turn my face to avoid his eyes.

“Too fast?”

“Sorry. Perhaps just a little. I’m just not ready for the intimate touches yet, Peter.”

“No, I’m sorry, I was pushing your limits and I shouldn’t do that.”

“Peter, it’s fine. I was really getting in to it too. We will get there, and I think beyond. You’re my boyfriend and I do really like you. Like you in every way. I just still feel the need to go slowly.”

“It’s fine Nick, I understand completely. I’m not really in any hurry, I just need to show how much I like you. Was us kissing like that okay though?”

“Oh yes!” I’m sure I’m turning red and still can’t look him in the eye. “I’m the one who took it further than just touching lips. It’s just…”

“Just what?”

“Erm. I was getting turned on and it freaked me out.”

“Oh.”

“I know it’s not something to get hung-up on, it’s just actually getting aroused by somebody is totally new to me and I don’t feel confident enough with you yet to show how much of an effect you can have on me.”

“God, you’re so sexy when you’re all shy like this.”

“Wow, that helps with my embarrassment a lot. Thanks.” I finally look him in the eye to disarm my sarcasm with a wry smile.

“Well, don’t be embarrassed. We were making out quite thoroughly. Not quite foreplay, but it was very hot. You’re an amazing kisser.”

“Now you’re just making fun of me.”

“No, I’m not. Look, we promised to be honest about our feelings. I’m aroused too you know.” He moves his hands and I can’t resist the temptation to look down where a bulge is obvious in his shorts.

“Oh fuck! Did I make you…”

“Yes, you idiot. You can and do make me hard. Don’t worry, I’ll deal with it later. It’s not the first time you’ve made… Oh, shit, didn’t mean to say that!”

“What, when?”

“The first time we kissed. I almost came in my pants.”

“Peter, that’s…”

“Too much information?”

“Yes, but it’s also really sexy. Do you really like me that much?”

“Yes, wasn’t that obvious?”

“Well, not until now. I never thought I could have that effect on anyone. Listen, I know I can’t promise anything, but I feel that we’re moving in the right direction. I do have physical desires and I really want to be physical with you. I just can’t feel comfortable doing anything until I feel the romantic side of things is up-to-speed.

“I don’t think I need to say that we’re getting there, as I think that’s apparent to both of us. Each small step is nicer than the last, but I still need to move slow.”

“Yes, we’re going to get there, I’m sure. Can we do some more kissing now though?”

“Yes,” I tell him as I draw him back towards me and wrap my arms around his neck.

The rest of the day was fun, but as we started down the far side of the valley, it started to cloud over and, while we were waiting for our cab, it started to rain lightly, putting a dampener on the rest of the day.

Even more embarrassing, we got a cough out of the vehicle AI, even though we were only kissing and cuddling. Peter asks to be dropped off in the middle of town and I let the cab take me home, smiling at the taste of his lips on mine.

The day has been a little emotional and I make an excuse to retire to my room as early as I can. I flop back onto my bed, dressed only in my boxers, and think about what a wonderful day it has been and the fact that Peter likes me enough to be turned on just by kissing me. I feel the stirrings of arousal at the thought of him being aroused by me.

This is a vicious circle with only one probable outcome.

<Nick, voice call from Peter.>

<Accept the call please, Nexima.>

“What are you doing calling this late?”

“Oh, I just wanted to check that you made it home safe.”

“Yes, I’m fine. I’m in my room contemplating an early night. I’ve had a busy day.”

“Nick, what are you really doing?”

“Lying on my bed in my boxers. I’m getting very hard because I was just thinking about how wonderful the day that I just I had with you was.”

“Wow. That was a bit forthright.”

“Well, you did ask. What about you?”

“Lying on my bed naked, getting hard because you’re getting hard thinking about me.”

“Tell me what you’re doing.”

“What, like Nexima sex?”

“Oh fuck. Erm, yes, just exactly like Nexima sex.”

“Holy shit! Yes, okay, I’ll try.” There are a few moments of silence, but then Peter’s internal voice comes back and he starts to talk to me in a very low, soft tone. “I’m lying on my back, on top of the sheets and I’ve got my head and shoulders propped up on my pillows. I’m really comfortable and can see myself clearly.

“I’ve reached down with my right hand and with my finger and thumb I’m slowly drawing my foreskin back over the end of my cock. It’s so hard it feels like it might burst.

“I’ve got to let the skin slide back, it’s making the head so hard and red that it almost hurts and a little drop of pre-come has appeared. Now, as my foreskin slides back, that drop is making it really slippery.

“Oh fuck, this is so hot. I can’t stand it any longer. I’m taking my shaft in my fist and starting to stroke. I’m going slowly as first. Stroke. Stroke. Stroke.”

“Oh God, Peter. Keep talking.”

“This is going to happen too quick. I’m so turned on I can’t stand it. I’m stroking quicker now, loosening my grip so it flickers across my shaft and the head.

“Oh, that’s it. I’m coming…”

Just as Peter says the words, my own cock jerks and spurts my own come onto my chest. “Me too,” I respond into the connection.

“Nick, are you still there? Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m still here Peter. As for alright, yeah, apart from the bloody mess.”

“That bad?”

“Yep. All over my chest. Seems like litres of the stuff.”

“I’m as bad, I think. Some hit me on the chin.”

“Am I wrong for wanting to see what that looks like?”

“No, you’re my boyfriend and you just gave me the best orgasm of my life. I could vision-share?”

“No. No. I’m not ready for that yet.”

“No, you’re right. It’s too soon. Are you…”

“Am I okay.? Yes. I need a shower though.”

“Yes, so do I.”

“Goodnight, boyfriend.”

“Sleep well, sexy boyfriend.”

Tasha is late for lunch and I’m already browsing the menu screen when she rushes in and plonks down in the seat next to me. I’ve clearly got a big smile on my face that now seems to be counter-pointed by the equally obvious look of consternation that she is sporting.

“You first,” I tell her as she settles into her seat.”

“Oh no, good before bad. What are you so happy about?”

“Peter.”

“Yes, that figures. What about Peter, exactly?”

“Well, I think I like him.” Tasha looks a little blank and I feel the need to elaborate. She often forgets what we have discussed, even if it is both recent and important. “You know, as in really like him. Romantically like him.”

“Oh. That’s good, isn’t it?”

“Very much yes. It’s wonderful.”

“You’re still not telling me everything. What happened?”

“Well, we might have had Nexima sex last night.”

“Oh wow. Actually, fucking WOW! What was it like. Was it good?”

“I’ve no point of reference, but yes?”

“Well, did you both, you know, get off?”

“Yes, at the same moment.”

“Right. Just for your own future understanding, coming together qualifies as a very definite yes if anyone ever asks was it good or not, okay? This is especially important if discussing it with the other party and applies to any sexual activity of any sort.”

“Oh, yeah. I get it Tasha, it’s just so new.”

After we’ve placed our orders and our food arrives, we eat in silence for a few minutes. Finally, I need to break the silence, before I burst. “Now, what about you. What’s the matter?”

“It’s Jack.”

“Yes, what about Jack?”

“I really like him. You know, really, properly, seriously like him.”

“Like Peter and me?”

“Yes, just moving faster.”

“So, you are happy to move faster, or that’s what you told me last week.”

“Yes, but now Jack is avoiding the subject. Nick, I want to have sex with him. I’m ready to have sex with him, but he’s gone a bit cold.”

“Oh, that doesn’t sound like Jack. He’s really into you.”

“I thought so too, but now he doesn’t even answer my messages. Is it something I’ve done?”

“Oh. I haven’t spoken to him for a few days. Do you want me to talk to him?”

“I don’t know. Yes. No. Maybe. Just find out what I’ve done wrong?”

“Okay, I’ll have time now I don’t have to worry about job hunting.”

“Sorry, did I miss something? Why don’t you need to worry about finding work?”

“Oh Shit, I forgot to tell you. Or Jack.”

“Forgot to tell us what?”

“That I applied for a job and was accepted within a day.”

“But you had no idea what you wanted to do! I thought you’d be the last to get a place, or end up doing community.”

“Yeah, me to. I spoke to the counsellors and the AI suggested something.”

“And you liked it?”

“Yes. It was a massive shock and not something I’d even considered as possible, but when I looked at it, I loved the idea.”

“Okay, so what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to be a middle-school History Teacher, right here in Ramsey.”