Surface Tension

Chapter 1-5

Having a teenager around the place made a pleasant change. Craig muscled in and helped with the household chores. He even lent a hand with the pigs. He made a real fuss of the newborn piglets which even Andy had to admit were cute. However, Craig disappeared when Andy demonstrated how to castrate a male piglet.

Once all the piglets had been neutered, Andy headed back to the house for a cup of coffee. Craig rushed into the kitchen, blushed and then made an excuse to go to his room. Andy merely shrugged and put the kettle on.

Later that evening, Andy lowered himself into his large, scruffy, but very comfortable armchair. As usual, Craig was glued to the computer in the dining room. Andy reached for the TV remote and turned on the power. After a few seconds, the screen filled with the image of a group of semi-naked cowboys writhing around in a haystack. Fumbling for the off button, Andy put his head in his hands. Maybe having a teenager around the place wasn’t going to be as easy as he’d first thought.

Chapter 2

“Oh,” Luke said, unwrapping his gift. “It’s great.” He tried to keep the disappointment out of his voice. Roger had given him a video game he already owned. Judging by the box cover, it was a pirated copy, too.

“Knew you’d like it,” Roger said, looking pleased with himself as he tore into yet another of the many gifts Luke had got him.

Luke sat there, battling to keep a happy expression on his face as he waited for his other presents. However, Roger continued to tear at wrapping paper and make pleased noises at what he uncovered.

Luke turned the game over in his hands. Roger should have known he already had the Xbox title; God knew he played it often enough.

“Thanks, Lukie. You’re the best.” Roger climbed over the mound of torn paper and gave him a kiss.

Luke smiled, and waited.

“I wanna go round to Sam and Donnie’s. Didn’t they say we were invited for Christmas dinner?”

“It’s only just past nine. They’ll still be in bed.” Luke realised the game was all he was going to get. Why was he surprised? Why had he expected more?

“Yeah, I suppose,” Roger grumbled.

The man was never still, Luke wondered if Roger had attention deficit disease or whatever it was called. “Let’s go back to bed and cuddle a while,” Luke suggested, “and you can thank me properly for your presents.”

“Nah, I’m awake now.” Roger stood up and started pacing round their tiny basement flat.

Luke sighed.

“Think I might go for a walk. You wanna come?”

“Don’t feel like it. But you go. I’ll just go back to bed.” Luke yawned. They’d gone to a party the previous night and hadn’t gotten in till past two. They’d tried to be quiet, but, as usual, Roger had had too much to drink; he had fallen over something in the hallway which woke old Mr Jenkins and…It hadn’t been much fun getting another lecture from the old fart about consideration for others who were trying to sleep.

“Suit yourself. I’ll be back in an hour. All right?” Roger put on the padded leather jacket Luke had bought him.

Luke ran his hands over the supple hide, getting a thrill from its smell and texture. “It suits you. Does it fit all right? I can take it back if—”

“It’s fine.” Roger stepped back. “Don’t fuss.”

Luke yawned and reached for Roger again. “Love you.” He kissed him and gave him a squeeze.

“Later,” Roger said, making for the door.

Luke sighed and headed back to bed.