The atmosphere got weird. Arlo didn’t know what to do. His thoughts were so jumbled that he couldn’t figure out what he really felt. Was it disgust? Curiosity? Excitement? Lust? He didn’t know. Ted's lips were getting closer and Arlo suddenly blurted out.

“I have never kissed before.”

Tod stopped halfway. There was a strange flickering in his eyes, Arlo could see his veins popping on his forehead. 

“You have never been kissed?”

Arlo shook his head.

“Not for real, just a peck, once from a friend.”

“Well that’s something that we can easily fix. Women like experienced guys. Close your eyes.”

Arlo was petrified. Will his first kiss be made in a car in a hurry and with a guy? Tod was handsome and his lips looked soft and … before he was able to do or say anything, Tod’s lips touched his. It was a very gentle kiss, something more than a peck yet still  not a real kiss. Then Tod moved away back to his seat.

 “Chill, you got stiff and scared. Kissing is fun and pleasurable, we can try when you are less tense.” 

Arlo felt awkward, he panicked for nothing and he acted like a virgin in distress. Yeah, he was pathetic. The whole situation and the alcohol he drank suddenly made him quite bold.

“No, it's fine. We can kiss.” He said it without thinking about Tod’s reaction, he just wanted to look more cool. Tod was quick. Almost in an instant he locked his lips with Arlo. This time he felt Tod’s tongue on his lips.

“Open your mouth Arlo.”

He whispered and it made Arlo shiver all over his body. He parted his lips and Tod kissed him, deep and passionate. Arlo was tantalized by the moment and unable to pull back. He could only go along Tod’s lead. The kiss felt amazing, Tod must have practiced a lot and in the end Arlo was breathless.

“How was it? Your first kiss?”

“It was good.” Arlo blushed and lowered his head. It suddenly hit him, he has just kissed a guy. Was he gay?

“Wow, Arlo, stop it!” Tod suddenly punched him in the arm.

“Don’t overthink it. We both enjoyed the kiss and that’s it. Don’t be ashamed and don’t feel guilty. Guys do stuff like that, no need to worry. Be cool about it.” 

Tod was probably right, after all he was way more experienced.

“Did you like it?” He smiled looking quite confident.

Arlo nodded, smiling shyly. 

“If you want to practice again I have no problem with it.” Tod nudged him with a mischievous look on his face. 

Arlo smiled.

“You know what? Why don’t you stay at my place? It’s late and my father is out for the night. You could stay in a guestroom or sleep in mine,  as you wish. Hmm?”

“I don’t know.” Arlo felt unsure, after all what happened was he willing to stay over for the night with Tod, the very one guy he has just kissed?

“Well you drank a bit, I guess it might be better if you stay with me, or are your parents cool about it?” 

Tod was right. It might be better to stay at Tod’s place so he texted his parents. 

They finally were on their way back to Tod’s home. The loud music, the purring sound of the car engine and the world flashing behind the car window, it was so unreal. This world was so different from his quiet life in Wilerby. Why was he so afraid of everything new? Today was, after all, one of his best days ever. He should look at it as if it is one big adventure. 

The house was quiet and empty.

“No worries, we are alone here.”  Tod nonchalantly entered his house followed by Arlo, who still felt kind of on edge.

“I shall give you my T- shirt and shorts to sleep in. You can use the  sower in my room. Clean towels are on the shelf.” 

“Thanks.” 

Arlo went straight to the bathroom, after all that dancing he really wanted to take a shower.

“ I left your clothes in front of the bathroom.” Tod said behind the door.

Arlo waited a moment and then opened the door to fetch them. The shower helped him to think straight. He kept thinking about what happened during the whole day and night. Has he made a great mistake? Tod seemed so cool about it, as if nothing happened. Maybe it was better that way. Arlo put on Tod’s clothes. They were a bit too big. The shorts were barely holding on his hips and the T- shirt could be worn as a dress if he were a girl.

Tod has already showered and waited for him to get out of the bathroom.

“There, have some water.” He gave Arlo a bottle. Tod’s eyes were glued to his body.

“Yeah, I know. It’s too big.” Arlo admitted.

“No, it’s fine. It will be comfortable to sleep in. Are you staying with me or wanna go to the guest room? It’s downstairs, the last room on the left.”

That was a bit far and Arlo thought he would feel uncomfortable alone in a big room in an unfamiliar place.

“No, I can sleep here, on the couch.” He suggested.

“On the couch? Man I have a king size bed, you can sleep on one side, I'll be on the other.” Tod stood up and before Arlo could oppose him, he was dragged to the bed.

“I’m tired as fuck.” Tod yawned.

“Let’s sleep.”

Right, not a big deal. They both went to bed and Tod was right. The bed was really big, soon after they lay down Arlo drifted away.

Tod waited for a while to make sure that his guest was in a deep sleep. He lit the night lamp and looked at Arlo. He gently touched his lips, the very ones he kissed today. He felt so damn good to be Arlo’s first kisser. His fingers slid down, under the T- shirt. His skin was so soft and smooth. Tod couldn’t help but grin. Today he managed to get to first base, soon he will be able to overcome Arlo’s doubts and fears. He will do it step by step.