Max felt heat flowing off of his brother's reddening cheeks, who turned away seemingly in an effort to hide it. Though, he could still see the redness spread down Kenneth's neck. He felt their hearts beating irregularly, one faster than the other. His brother's clear embarrassment was just as uncomfortable for him as as it was for Kenneth. Max lurched away, but their joint torso kept him pinned next to his brother. "Come on, please just say it..." he half-pleaded.
"I have a boyfriend." Kenneth said quickly.
"What?" Max questioned. His brother spoke so fast that he was unsure if he heard him correctly.
"I have a boyfriend..." Kenneth repeated as he turned to face him. His brother's face was still red. "We've being dating for over a month, and its been going really well."
Max was silent this time for several long moments and pondered his brother's statement of having a boyfriend. He had no idea that his brother was gay, let alone dating anyone. Prior to them opening up to each other, he could have cared less whomever his brother dated, be it a boy or a girl. He stared into Kenneth's anxious eyes. "I can't believe it... My baby brother is in a relationship!" Max exclaimed. He reached across their chest to ruffle his brother's hair.
"What?" Kenneth stared quizzically and pulled Max's hand away from his head. Despite his brother's confused look, Max felt the tension in their stomach lessen. The redness in his brother's face faded. "You're not mad..."
Max shook his head. "Surprised... yes. But, not mad. Its not like your the only gay guy I know."
"Yeah, but I am the only gay guy whose sharing a body with you." Kenneth spoke.
"Uh..." The comment did make Max pause and glance down at the single pair of boxers they wore. He had not given it a lot of thought before now, but dating presented an unusual circumstance for them. With a single body between them, a relationship for either of them meant that the other would always be involved on some level. Going on a date would mean the other was forced tag along. And then there was sex. He had already lost his virginity to his girlfriend, but now Kenneth would inevitably be there with him. Just as he would be there with Kenneth and whomever his boyfriend is. He glanced at his brother again. "Well, I always enjoy a good blowjob..."
"This is serious." Kenneth barked.
"I know, I know." Max nodded. "Kenneth, you're gay and I'm straight. Besides that, nothing has really changed our situation. We've been figuring out how to move together, and we'll figure out our relationships too."
"Your right..." Kenneth sighed heavily. "I expected you to be pissed, but..."
"I'm not, okay." Max reach out to grip his brother's shoulder in as much of a hug as he could. "But, I am glad you told be now rather than later. We'll figure out things as we go."
"Thanks Max." Kenneth smiled softly, and Max could feel as if a heavy weight was lifted from their chest. "So, no saying anything to anyone until I've told him..."
"Yeah, its our little secret" he nodded in agreement. "I should probably tell Amanda in person as well." Max then peered at his brother, "Who is this boyfriend of yours?"
"Derek... You don't know him. He's new to my D&D group." Kenneth answered.
"Guess I'll be getting to know him quiet well soon enough." Max teased.
They spent the next several minutes texting or messaging their separate groups of friends, Kenneth using the phone and Max using the computer. The statements were simple, letting them know that they were okay. It seemed that both sets were interested in seeing how they were doing, but the brothers agreed to not let anyone visit right now. Max then prodded his brother. "Let's get dressed. I'd rather not walk around half-naked anymore."