Chapter 13 Rafael

Rafael watched as Andrew's figure disappeared into the blackness of the night. This was not the outcome he had envisioned. Rafael stared out at the inky fields, a hollowness settling in his chest. Andrew didn't wait to discuss other options. His last statement hung in the air, a stark reflection of their uncertain future. With a final, lingering look at Andrew plowing through the grass, Rafael took off and chased him to see if they could talk more. As he descended the hill, the moon peeked through the clouds, casting a single, cold beam of light. The sky offered him no solace. In the vast darkness of the field, Rafael wondered if their love would ever find a place to bloom.

With his flashlight on, he picked up speed and started running; the light cutting through the darkness. Instead of Andrew turning around and waiting for him, his walk turned to a run.

"Hey! Andrew!" Rafael shouted. He chanted his name as he sped up. Andrew either ignored him or didn't hear him. Rafael finally caught up, speaking when he was slightly behind him. "Stop! Andrew, Stop!"

Andrew stopped running and turned around to face him.

"So, what now?" Andrew asked.

Rafael took hold of Andrew and pressed their lips together in a passionate kiss. "That's what."

Andrew pushed away from him. "Is that lying low?"

"I didn't say we were over. Why did you run away without finishing our talk?"

"We haven't even started anything to be over with, and you already want to lie low. That's not okay with me on any fucking level."

"I didn't say never see you. We just need to be careful for a bit, okay? Until things cool down."

"No, it's not fucking okay. Because some guy shows up in Foggy Basin, you want us to stop everything by slamming on the brakes. Why? I don't get it."

"My job. That's why. I overheard a remark at work that didn't sit well with me."

"What were their exact words?"

"A coworker of mine mentioned to another coworker that they had seen me having a conversation with Brody at the grocery store. They said it in a way…suggesting there was something going on between us. That's what I'm talking about."

"What? You can't talk to guys now? Only women?"

"This guy is gunning for my job and will exploit any opportunity to criticize me publicly."

"If we're in hiding, how will he even find out we're together?" Andrew questioned.

"Fuck if I know. I didn't mean to turn you off by suggesting what I did."

"Turn me off? You're a big red stop sign! It's bad enough keeping a relationship from our families, which I agree with. But now you have your sister living with you, so how will we ever be able to spend the night together?"

"The same way we would with you living with your brother."

Andrew is right. The living situation between us sucks big time, and it will be difficult to spend the night . At his age, he should be able to have Andrew in his home. Not in a lifetime living in Foggy Basin.

"I thought you said you had to work tonight?"

"I was called in for the hostage case, and after an intense situation like that, I'm required to take two days off."

"Are you free now?" His gaze filled with questions and doubt, Andrew's eyes moved restlessly, scanning the surroundings.

"Yes, that's what I was going to tell you," Rafael said, "but you ran before I could explain."

"So, what are we going to do now?"

"I want to fuck you."

Andrew barked a laugh. "Right here?"

"No, I have a surprise for you. It's dark enough for you to ride with me. I'll take you to a secret hideout."

Andrew's face lit up with a grin, although a hesitant one, and he nodded in agreement. He followed Rafael to the Jeep; the engine rumbling loudly as Andrew climbed inside. He hoped Andrew would approve of their hideaway. Right now, it would serve their purpose perfectly. Eventually they couldn't avoid confronting their families, and Rafael had to mentally prepare himself for ridicule from his coworkers. Coming out wouldn't be an easy task for either of them.

The engine of Rafael's Jeep sputtered out as he pulled it to a stop behind a ramshackle trailer nestled among the pines. Foggy Basin, their tiny hometown, was full of prying eyes, and Rafael craved a shred of privacy. Tonight, the trailer, a forgotten relic belonging to his late grandfather, was their sanctuary. He had been working on it for quite some time, but it still needed more work.

He fumbled with a key, the rusty lock groaning in protest before opening.

"Are we trespassing? Where did you get that key?" Andrew asked.

"My grandfather handed it down to me. I've been working on this place but I have more still to do."

The interior looked unused. Rafael flicked on a single bare bulb, revealing faded floral wallpaper and a lopsided table with two mismatched chairs. He pulled the shades down to be on the safe side, then turned on the air conditioner so it blew in cool air. He wanted to make Andrew as comfortable as possible.

"Not exactly the Four Seasons," Andrew remarked with a cynical smile, his voice echoing in the cramped space.

Rafael adored Andrew, ever the optimist, even in this musty, forgotten place. It was one expansive room with a separate bathroom. The bed was at the far end, up against the wall. He had bought luxurious bedding, ensuring comfort and a cozy night's rest. Andrew was eying the bed, but Rafael opened the tiny refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of wine. "Some wine to relax us." He used a corkscrew to open the bottle over the sink.

Setting it on the little table, he gestured for Andrew to take a seat. He carefully filled two glasses and sat, the sound of the chair scraping against the floor.

Andrew settled across from him, a comfortable silence between them after their earlier disagreement. Rafael had insisted on caution, reminding Andrew they couldn't be seen together, not yet. The memory sparked a familiar twinge of worry in his stomach. He already cared for Andrew. More than he dared admit, even to himself. But Foggy Basin wouldn't understand, wouldn't accept.

"Let's drink to us," Rafael suggested raising his glass.

With a smile, Andrew tapped his glass against Rafael's, the clinking sound filling the room. "To us."

Taking a sip, Rafael spoke. "Look, about earlier…"

Andrew reached out, his hand hovering over Rafael's for a beat before gently resting on top. The touch sent a jolt through Rafael. "We don't have to talk about it now," Andrew said softly, his gaze fixed on the sliver of moonlight peeking through the shade.

Rafael let out a long breath. Relief warred with a strange sense of longing. He squeezed Andrew's hand briefly, the simple gesture a fragile bridge between them in the dusty, moonlit haven. For now, this stolen moment, this secret hideaway in a forgotten trailer, was enough.