The Beginning

Joey walked around a tree over and over again. He was waiting for someone who didn't seem to be coming. He had been waiting for 15 minutes for Mark to show up but there wasn't any sign of him. It's was 3:45 and he had to leave soon but he really wanted to see Mark. Mark had said he wanted to talk but he didn't say about what, and Joey was too shy to ask.

Joey decided he had had enough with waiting and stepped off a root. He headed toward the sidewalk, leaving before he lost the last of his pride. As he got off the root he heard someone call his name.

"Joey!" He looked around to see Mark running up to him. "Sorry. I had to work later than I thought I would," he explained hunched over catching his breath.

"It's okay. So, um, what did you want to talk about?" he asked his friend.

"Um... I have a question to ask you," Mark said looking away. Joey waited for him to continue. "I, um, wanted to know, um," Mark muttered.

"Yeah?" Joey prompted.

"Uh, wouldyouliketogooutwithme?" he asked fast.

"What?" Joey asked smirking. He knew what he said but he wanted Mark to say it clearly.

"I asked, would you like to go out with me,"Mark repeated. Joey smiled at him but didn't answer, "Well? Will you?"

"Uh," Joey teased. He enjoyed not being the shy one for once. "Sure."

Mark smiled at him. "Really?" he asked.

"Yeah," he said. But as an after thought he added, "But on one condition."

Mark's smile faded slightly to be replaced by a confused look. "What is it?"

"Kiss me first," he commanded.

"Right now?" he asked. "Out in broad daylight, where everyone can see?" he asked nervously. Joey knew Mark hadn't kissed a guy in public before but he really wanted that kiss.

"Yes. Now," he said.

Joey leaned forward waiting for his kiss. "Okay," Mark said. He leaned toward Joey slowly and gently pressed his lips against Joey's. When Joey pulled away he sighed quietly.

"Thanks," Joey said and took Mark's hand in his.

"You're welcome," Mark said squeezing Joey's hand.

Joey smiled. 'This is going to be great.'