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“Hearthstone! I love that place.”

“That’s the one.” Tyler nodded. “Home-churned butter?”

“Exactly.” Josh bobbed his head back. “In fact, guess who took Nadia her first time?” He pointed at his own chest.

“Aw, man.” Tyler beamed back at him. “Really? Then I owe you one. Best damn waffles I’ve ever had.”

As they continued to walk and talk, Josh could see Tyler improving. After walking two laps, his breath came smoother, his steps steadied, and his shoulders released. It felt incredible to connect with him like this. It was something he hadn’t expected but couldn’t deny—he felt drawn to Tyler in a way that made anything seem possible. Which seemed both ridiculous and important at the same time.

Finally they resumed their run, a little slower now. Josh’s thoughts ran alongside them. Could Tyler actually be interested? In him? Or was he simply being friendly and appreciative? Only time would tell, but one thing was certain: Josh planned to find out.

As they continued jogging, the conversation flowed easily between them, touching on favorite hikes, old classmates, and even a few embarrassing high school memories.

With each shared laugh and knowing glance, the bond between them deepened, and Josh found himself falling more and more under Tyler’s spell.

“Did you ever watch cartoons growing up?” Tyler asked, turning to face Josh as they jogged.

“You kidding?” Josh enthused. “Cartoon Network was sacred in my house. South Park obviously, and Dexter’s Laboratory. The big one for me was Powerpuff Girls.”

That last one popped out before he thought about how queer that might sound to a big buff jock, even one that dated other jocks sometimes, but Tyler’s eyes and smile widened abruptly, as if some secret joy had lit up his whole body.

“No way!” Tyler smacked him. “I was obsessed with the Powerpuff Girls. Buttercup all the way. Let me tell you, I did not advertise that in the locker room.”

“Seriously?” Josh hesitated, not sure how to respond. What did he mean? Maybe because it wasn’t a “boy” cartoon? Was Tyler hinting that he knew Josh liked him? Maybe the Powerpuff Girls were Tyler’s way to signal he wasn’t opposed to the idea. This kind of code-cracking was the worst part of growing up gay in a small town. “You… are full of surprises.”

“I am.” Tyler laughed and winked. “Hands-down the funniest show on TV. I had posters, sheets, and everything. I still binge-watch them when I’m feeling crappy.” Then his face darkened. “My dad made so much fun of me.”

Josh frowned. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. He was an asshole.” Tyler shook his head and seemed to emerge from whatever dark memory had dimmed his spirits. “I turned out okay.”

Josh smiled. “Indeed you did.”

Their eyes caught again.

Just then, with Tyler so open and trusting, Josh wanted to confess everything: his crush, his hopes, his pleasure, his gratitude. Before he did anything stupid, he made a quick decision and punted. “Thirsty.”

Tyler jerked his chin toward the empty bleachers. “Water break?” He panted slightly as they slowed to a walk in tandem.

“Please.” Josh followed him to the water fountain, skin prickling from exertion and adrenaline, grateful for the chance to catch his breath and regain his composure.

Tyler stepped aside to let Josh at the fountain. As he did, he pulled off his dripping shirt and tucked it into his waistband. “So damn hot.” A crisp dark treasure trail rose to his perfect navel. As Tyler wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, he shot Josh a flirtatious grin that made Josh’s stomach flip.

Josh practically lunged for the water and tried to keep his eyes on the spigot, not on the span of tan muscle a few inches away.

Unintentional, right? Was Tyler feeling the same magnetic pull, or was it all just wishful thinking?

They traded places again for round two at the fountain. As they guzzled water and wiped sweat from their brows, laughter came easier.

Josh soaked up every crinkle-eyed grin Tyler offered like a desert tasting rain. Tyler didn’t put his soaking shirt back on, and little by little Josh got used to seeing all of him up close and impossible.

“Thanks for putting me back together again today,” Tyler said, sincerity muffling his voice. “I was in a bad way. I think I needed this. You.”

“Anytime,” Josh replied, struggling to keep his voice steady. “We make a good team.”

“Agreed.” Tyler’s gaze lingered on Josh’s face for a moment longer than necessary. “We really do.”

“So, think you’ve got your legs back under you now? Let’s take it again, but at a more chill pace,” Josh suggested, worried about his bulge but keeping his eyes on Tyler. Lord, he smelled good. “No racing. Take it down. Less Buttercup. More Blossom.”