Talk To Me! (Ray)

[Raylaigh Hawthorne]

Ray blushed colorfully at Nao’s enthusiasm. He shrugged his shoulder and smiled slyly. “Thanks, Nao,” he said, it really meant a lot for someone to believe in him. Now he had two! Nao and Mr. Wentsworth. He was sure that his siblings would think it was cool, but they would definitely going to be the most supportive people, but that didn’t mean they would think it was a good idea. Raylaigh shrugged his shoulder. “No clue, I guess I should start looking, I’m kinda hoping that I can get my mom and dad on board. Cause I kinda need my dad if I’m gonna actually go.” He didn’t even want to start thinking about loans. When his parents split, because his father had always been the one that made more money he had promised to pay for school, but that promise was made at a time when school was cheaper. Putting Van and Kyle through was proving burden enough.

Well, then. Ray thought, this was much easier than he thought. Maybe Nao was okay with it then because he knew Ray was gay. So then that meant that Nao was doing this knowing full well how hard it was for Raylaigh to hold himself back. Oh Nao was diabolical. Ray smiled, here he had been thinking there was no way he could make Nao more flustered and blush any more but here he was, coloring like a tomato and it was the most adorable thing ever. Ray couldn’t help it, a little laugh escaped him and he nodded. Nao, blunt as always. Then Ray lost it again. Whatever paths Nao’s mind was following he was leaving Ray far behind. “Nao I know you have super speed but I can’t follow,” he joked. “That is what I am asking you, but I’m not sure what you’re asking me.” This was a great clown car, they should have theme music. He smiled at the idea and shook it off, there were much more important things to think about, like Nao. Nao on top of him.

The abundance of foolishness and sneaking was more amusing than anything else, and it was a good thing. Not a lot of people would find this as funny as they did. He raised a brow, intrigued and tempted by that glint in Nao’s eyes. He was swept into another dizzying kiss. Maybe he’d taught Nao a little too well. Ray followed Nao as he broke off, not wishing for it to end. Ray licked his lips and gave Nao his best seductive look. “What do you dream?” He asked. He was excited, the idea of having Nao in this way was something he’d been daydreaming about for months. Especially after Nao had come back from Japan a sexy man. Ray had had a hard time controlling himself and now things were starting to get beyond him and he wasn’t sure he could control himself if they went further.

Raylaigh watched Nao in surprise and excitement as he adjusted. He cursed again the cast that made moment on one hand awkward, but nevertheless when Nao straddled him he touched his knees and moved his hands up Nao’s thighs. Ray watched Nao, afraid that if he said something, Nao would be scared off. He watched Nao and eyes traced the lines over Nao’s chest and for a moment he was breathless. Nao was just as beautiful as he had thought. Ray took Nao’s hand and kissed his fingers before pulling Nao down to his level so he could kiss him. “That’s okay.” He smiled and dove back into a kiss his fingers tracing stochastic patterns on Nao’s back. He rolled, taking Nao with him, so they’d switched places. He hastily pulled off his own shirt and went on kissing Nao, his lips finding more and more places that weren’t even close to Nao’s lips.

[Deleted]

“Oh,” he said thoughtfully. “I suppose that is something to consider.”  College, even for art school, was expensive.  Naozumi didn’t know how he was going to be able to afford it if/when he was to go.  Scholarships would be his only option, he imagined, but that would take quite a lot of work to apply for them.  It was so competitive.  “I really hope your dad approves,” he said.  “He should know how important it is to you.”  He was Ray’s father, after all.  Normally, it was important for parents to listen to their children and consider their wants and dreams.  Nao hoped Ray’s father was a reasonable person like that. 
 
Nao could swear up and down that Ray did this sort of thing on purpose, feigning ignorance just so he could make Nao say these things out loud when it was obvious the Asian boy was uncomfortable doing so.  Was he a sadist or something?  No, probably not, but still….it was so frustrating that Ray did that! All the time! And then he’d just stare at Nao, watching him get more and more flustered under his gaze, the idea of Ray watching him get worse just perpetuating the embarrassment.  “W-what’s there to understand!?” he exclaimed, keeping his eyes down.  Nao wasn’t even sure himself if he knew how to explain it.  “I…I don’t know what I mean. Maybe….”  How could he say this so that Ray understood it this time and they wouldn’t keep going around in circles like this, making absolutely no progress at all.  “I’m asking if it’s okay that, yes, I do want to have sex with you, my best friend, Raylaigh Hawthorne! Does that not make sense that I don’t know if that’s okay or not?” Dammit Ray! Why did he always do that? Why did he always push Nao into…into….

Into saying things clearly so he can be understood, which is what basically just happened here. Communication was definitely not Nao’s strong suit.

Nao was a person who much better communicated through action than words. They may be small sometimes, but simply a brush of his fingers against Ray’s as they walked in the hall held a enormous amount of affection from the teen boy. Or bump of their shoulders. Or their shared kisses. Naozumi would much rather leave words aside and just let their kisses, their actions speak for themselves. If things went a certain way, then so be it. If Nao really didn’t want to do something, he wouldn’t do it. The look Ray was giving him after their latest kiss sent tingles down his spine. “About….this,” he said, pink tainting his cheeks once again. “Is….is that okay?” he asked, half as a joke. Or an attempt at one.

This was much different from his dreams though. For one, Ray asked far too many questions. Even so, it was much better than the dreams all at once. Nao gazed down at Ray, his bare shoulders rising and falling with each deep breath he took, and when Ray slid his hands up to his hips, Nao closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation through his denim jeans. They opened again, slightly wide when Ray stole his fingers to his lips, and the boy allowed himself to fall forward and match their lips once again. This was where a thought entered Nao’s mind, amid their kiss and in response to Ray’s touches as they did. He was about to pull back, but then was flipped onto his back before the speedster could realize it was happening. Nao’s brain froze upon seeing Ray bare his own skin and was quickly swept up into another long lasting kiss. Nao arched his chin up as the kisses migrated, a gasp escaping his lips as his need escalated with every touch, and he nearly forgot he was going to say anything at all.

“R-ray…” he muttered. “Wait….I want to ask something.” Presuming the other boy stopped(or even if he didn’t), Nao would tuck his chin back against his chest and slide his eyes away as he uttered out his question, the answer undoubtedly obvious to everyone but him. “H-how….how do we decide who does what?” The crimson color returned to his face.

[Raylaigh Hawthorne]

Nodding his head, Ray didn’t feel all that confident that his grades would get him very far, but he could only hope that he could prove that he was a hard worker and that his art was his passion and that that would get him in somewhere. He knew college was competitive and art school was no difference. He didn’t see going to art school as not doing something with his life, on the contrary he finally felt like he had the courage to go after something that he loved. He never would have this kind of courage without Nao. It had been subtle but Nao had helped him so much. He was so blind sometimes. “I hope so,” Ray said, he still hadn’t told Nao much about his dad. It was a tense relationship. Ray knew he was loved but it was a different kind of love, it felt lessened now that his dad was getting remarried. Not that he didn’t like Elizabeth, it was just happening too fast.

Ray blinked in surprise and shrugged, unable to fathom why Nao was getting so annoyed with him. Maybe if Nao didn’t try to dance around the subject of sex so much it would be easier. Though, Ray was not going to say he wasn’t entertained by his friend’s flustered response. Even though he was expecting Nao to break down and become blunt he was not expecting such an outburst. He even felt a twinge of guilt as if it were his fault. Nao never said his full name. Ray shook his head a little bit and smiled. “Nao, you know you think too much.” He put a hand on Nao’s cheek. “Yes, that is okay. And yes I am okay with that.” He gave Nao a sly smile. His expression turned more gentle and he felt the warming of Nao’s cheek beneath his hand. Ray smiled and gave Nao a wink without answering. He wasn’t thinking that there could be something more that Nao wanted. Ray was assuming there there was a mutual crush and attraction. He wasn’t thinking that anything would come of this.

The expression on Nao’s face and the wordless communication drove Ray on. His hands traveled Nao’s body and his lips kissed his neck and chest and he relished all of the little noises Nao was making. The sound of his name brought an inquiring hum from Ray and he did pause to look up at Nao when he was asked to wait. He moved, his chest laying on Nao’s and his chin resting on his hand. He was highly aware of how he was laying and the feel of Nao underneath of him. He was shivering and excited as he waited for Nao’s question. Ray was surprised by the question, when probably he shouldn’t have been. Honestly, he had never thought about it. Whenever he and Jack had had sex, it had always been clear. Ray never got another option.
Was he curious, of course, but denying Jack the ability to dominate every aspect of Ray would only have caused problems.

“Well… uh… you know, I’ve never actually thought about it.” He said slowly and smiled warmly at the color on Nao’s face. “I suppose we could just see where it goes. Unless you have some ideas?” He raised a teasing brow at Nao. He was pretty sure he knew which whats Nao was talking about. He leaned forward and whispered in Nao’s ear, “We could always do it twice and see which one you like better.” Purposely trying to see how red he could make Nao’s face. He chuckled and shifted and took Nao’s lips in a kiss. He knew Nao was nervous and he was sympathetic to that. “Just relax, trust me,” he said softly, “And follow my lead.” They could worry about who did what later, if they got that far. He moved slowly and skillfully with lips and tongue and fingers. He was experienced and he was intent on making this a moment Nao never forgot.

~~~~~~~~

[Deleted]

Nao tried to catch his breath after that last outburst, frustrated by Ray’s persistence. He darted his eyes away at the criticism, his cheeks still flushed a deep red. Slowly gliding his eyes back to Ray’s, Nao felt that heavy weight of shame and uncertainty clear from his shoulders at hearing Ray’s word. “Okay,” he breathed in his relief, stretching forward to leave another small kiss on Ray’s lips. Now that he knew it was okay, he didn’t have to be scared that this would ruin their relationship. If anything, Nao felt just that much closer to Ray now.

Nao shivered underneath Ray’s touch, now looking up at the older, more experienced boy. Though his breath was quickening, and excitement growing with every passing second, there was only so far that pure lustful instinct could guide Nao. He looked to his senior for it instead, with his inquiry. “I don’t know,” he said, looking down again, honestly thinking about it, but coming up with nothing. Before too long, though, his eyes were closing again, and his shoulders were shaking from the hushed whispers in his ear. Twice? Ray got his wish, in that Nao’s face flamed up again at the idea of doing this again with Ray. And again. And again. Nao opened his mouth to receive another dizzying kiss. When they separated, Nao gasped as he gazed up at his ‘teacher’, nodding to Ray’s words. He wrapped his arms around Ray, stroking his fingers across the older boy’s back as he was showered with affectionate kisses and caresses.

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Nao rested his head on Ray’s chest, his eyes closed and breathing steadily making his shoulders rise and fall as he lay there. He could hear Ray’s heart beating within his chest, it’s rhythm soothing to the exhausted, yet content boy. With a smile, he turned his head slightly and gently kissed Ray’s collarbone. Maybe he should have been saying something, but honestly, Nao was fine with simply basking in the aftermath like this, with only the sound of their breathing filling the room. Though, after a few more moments of silence, Nao finally opened his eyes and said “That was a lot better than the dreams” in a soft, quiet voice. “Thank you for….thank you.” Apparently, they’d graduated from kissing lessons to…something a lot more intimate. And Naozumi didn’t mind it at all. "......Sorry I didn't tell you the truth before....." About him being gay, he meant. "I'm still really.....scared....I think..." And he still wasn't sure he could say it out loud. Not proudly, at least.

[Raylaigh Hawthorne]

His heart raced and his body still hummed. He didn’t want to move, especially if moving meant he had to move away from Nao. Of all of the things he had been expecting to do today this hadn’t even been on his radar, but he was pleasantly surprised by the turn of events. It felt as if all of the pent up desire had come spilling out all at once. His eyes were also closed and a small smile graced his lips as he lay with Nao, his arm wrapped around the Asian. The silence was only broken by their breathing and somehow that was the most beautiful sound. He basked in the afterglow with Nao’s presence so close. It was almost like a dream. But it wasn’t Nao was here with him. And the feel of Nao’s body against his still warmed and excited him. His smile grew at the kiss, and his heart warmed by how affectionate it was.

Absently, Ray’s hand brushed through Nao’s hair. He could have slipped into a nap if Nao hadn’t started speaking. He opened his eyes and Nao’s dark hair filled his vision. Ray chuckled. “I’m glad,” he said, kissing the top of Nao’s head. He couldn’t resist adding, “You’ll have to tell me about these dreams of yours.” His tone was teasing but there was a content sleepy layer to his voice. It wasn’t everyday Ray found out someone had been dreaming about him. One would think it would bolstered his already sizable ego, but at the moment Raylaigh was just glad that someone had been thinking about him and the fact that that someone was Nao colored his heart with joy. And okay, it may have bolstered his ego a little bit too.

Listening to Nao, Ray felt for him. “It’s okay, Nao. I know how you feel.” He snuggled with Nao, shifting so he could see Nao’s face better. He could be there for Nao, as a friend. That’s what they still were right? Friends? “That’s okay, it’s okay to be scared,” Ray said, then admitted something he’d never said, “I’m still scared.” It was obvious when it came to his parents why he was scared, but he was always scared that someone wouldn’t like that he was gay, or that he might lose a friend over it. He wondered if the fear would ever go away. “You just can’t let it rule you, ya know?” He said, hoping he was being comforting. No one went through coming out the same way, even though Nao had come out to his friends, his parents still didn’t know, and that was his battle. For Nao maybe it would also be his family, but maybe for different reasons. Maybe Nao was still afraid to tell his friends. If so, Ray could only hope that coming out to him would help Nao, at least to know he wasn’t alone and that he had someone to talk to.

[Deleted]

Naozumi had a slight idea that the two of them might move to this point. Even Nao could feel the desperation that grew with every one of their ‘teaching’ sessions, and maybe he’d been holding back a lot of it up ’til now. Nao wouldn’t be able to keep it up forever, of course. Though, he didn’t expect the day that he broke to be today. There was simply so much that went on, a roller coaster of emotions the both of them went through, so many feelings and thoughts revealed - not all of them, of course - and then followed up a sudden playful bout of their usual kissing when all these emotions were still heightened….it made it…a good end to all the drama that had gone on today. A good end. He might even say it was perfect, but Nao wasn’t that cheeky. He could think it, though. Yes, this was perfect. For his first experience, this couldn’t have gone any better.

Nao’s cheeks tinted a light pink. He’s almost forgotten that incredibly embarrassing confession. Nao must’ve been out of his mind to admit it like he did, and now he was reaping the consequences. Not that they were bad….just…more embarrassing. “W-what do you want to know about them?” he asked shyly. Nao could tell him, yes, but he didn’t even know where to start. How do you explain to your best friend that you’ve been having dreams about them. Dreams of an intimate nature, no less. “I can’t remember each one in detail,” he offered, resting his head against Ray’s chest. “But I do remember each one was very….nice.” What other word could he use to describe it?

When Ray shifted, Nao moved with him so that instead they were laying more towards each other, rather than one on top of the other, though Nao still kept himself within the boundaries of Ray’s arm wrapped around him. Nao propped himself up and lifted his eyes to Ray, listening to the older boy as he confessed to similar feelings. Then he dropped his head. “I know,” he said quietly. Nao paused, blinking slowly several times before speaking again. “I just haven’t told many people.” Ray being one of them. “Actually….I’ve only told two others before. And one was because I didn’t have any other choice.” Because Savvy Bishop wouldn’t give up on him otherwise. Nao creased his brow in a brief moment of distress and rested his forehead into Ray’s collar, closing his eyes as he did. “When you told me you knew….I thought I was going to have a panic attack.” He knew it wasn’t rational. It made sense that Ray would’ve figured it out by now. But that didn’t lessen the sudden surge of fear and anxiety he got. “I’m sorry…” Nao said softly, his head still turned down into Ray. They were still okay, though…right?

[Raylaigh Hawthorne]

It was strange to be in the position of teacher, but Ray couldn’t say he didn’t like it. With Nao, it hadn’t felt nearly as terrifying as it always had with Jack. It made a small smile form on Ray’s face. It was so different, he cared for Nao, but maybe this meant he didn’t love him. What if Nao wanted to take this somewhere further. As soon as that thought wriggled its way into his mind, he found himself praying that the thought wouldn’t also cross Nao’s mind. Relationships were too hard. Too much work and too painful. Ray shifted to snuggle closer to Nao. He didn’t the feeling to go away. Shoving the thoughts out of his mind, Ray allowed his eyes to drift to Nao’s face. How was it possible that Nao was this adorable?

He giggled and kissed Nao’s cheek. “Anything I can do to improve?” He teased mercilessly before he hugged Nao closely to him. They had already been so intimate, but Nao was still embarrassed and nervous. “Relax, Nao, I’m only teasing,” he said, “You don’t have to worry about me judging you.” The flyer shifted and untangled his feet a little from Nao’s. He closed his eyes and winced just a tad as he let his wings back out. He didn’t make use of his ability to tuck them completely away, but when one was tumbling around it definitely wouldn’t do to get a broken wing in the process. The fluttered a tad under the covers and relaxed again. He couldn’t believe he’d finally done this with Nao! He was so happy. And there was nothing else to weigh him down.

It floored Ray that Nao was opening up to him. Nao had far more courage than Ray did and Ray was honored that Nao felt comfortable enough to share with him. He smoothed his hand over Nao’s arm, comfortingly. “I’m sorry,” Ray said softly. When Nao dropped his head onto his shoulder, Raylaigh moved his hand through Nao’s hair with his good hand. “No, don’t be sorry. It’s scary. I’ll keep your secret, Nao,” Ray promised. He wasn’t the best secret keeper in the world but when it really mattered Ray tried his hardest. “Telling people isn’t easy. Don’t feel about it.” Raylaigh kissed the top of Nao’s head. “I’m not gonna lie, it kinda makes me glad I wasn’t taking advantage of you this whole time.” He said turning a lighter note on the subject. He chuckled. “We need to work on our communication skills.” Ray added, the thought had been running through his mind for this whole conversation. Well, he got a little distracted there in the middle. He wrapped his arms around Nao and hugged him tightly, not wanting there to be any distance between them. “You’re amazing,” Ray whispered to Nao.

[Deleted]

Maybe the thought of taking this further had crossed Naozumi’s mind, on more than one occasion. However, that didn’t mean he was ready for it. To explore it. He just…wanted things to be simple. He meant what he said earlier. Nao was happy keeping things exactly how they were. Well…if this became a new aspect of their friendship, then he was okay with that too. Maybe he felt something more, and maybe there’d come a time when he felt brave enough to ask. For now, like he done before, Naozumi would just let things happen, let things progress, and try to not think about putting a name to it. Communication really was a terrible issue between these two, though, if Nao was ready to fall right back into his usual habit already.

“I…” How was he supposed to answer that? “I don’t really have a good point of reference to determine that…” he muttered with flush on his cheeks. Of course he was only teasing, Nao thought with a sigh. Despite having gotten this far with Ray, he was still unable to relax and just…relax. He rolled over slightly so he could face Ray a bit more, disentangling his legs from Ray’s as Ray moved himself. “I’m not! I’m just…” Nao dipped his head meekly, seeming to cower in the space between Ray’s arm and torso. “…maybe I am a little self-conscious.” Why shouldn’t he? Nao hadn’t ever done…this before. And….that did mean they would do this again, right? That they could? Was it terrible that he hoped so…?

What point was there to keep his secret now? If Ray already knew…if they’d already gotten this far, it seemed pretty silly to continue to hold back. It just made sense to explain a few things…even though Nao didn’t quite understand everything of what he should explain. What was a good idea to share? What was he allowed to say? Just because he could talk to Ray about this(and just that made Nao feel a little bit more free), didn’t mean that he was able to simply come out with it with everyone he met. “Thank you…” he said softly, feeling bad that he was essentially asking Ray for something that unreasonable. Because…it really wasn’t that big a deal, was it? “Okay…” he muttered, clearly still feeling a little bad about it. That wasn’t going to go away easily either. Nao slowly raised his eyes again to look upon Ray and smiled, chuckling softly. “We do,” Nao agreed. “I’m not very good at that, am I….?” Maybe if he was better at talking about things, or just bringing things up, then they could have avoided a number of misunderstandings they’ve had. Nao settled himself down again, nuzzling his head into the nook of Ray’s neck. “I’m….not…” At least he didn’t think so. Nao closed his eyes. He wondered how long they would stay like this? Not forever, of course, but…he wouldn’t mind if it was at least for the rest of the day. “Ray…” he started hesitantly. “….we’ll do this again….right?” Nao just wanted that clarification, even though everything so far sounded like they would.

[Raylaigh Hawthorne]

There was something so comforting about laying here with Nao beside him, tangled in his arms. A small part of Ray was terrified, worried that he was about to go down a dark road that he couldn’t come back out of alive. What if… what if Nao ended up hating him? This needed to stay a friendship. Raylaigh was not ready for another relationship. He wanted to just be casual, so what if Nao and he were friends who sometimes got a lot closer than most friends? It didn’t mean anything. If only his heart would believe that. Honestly, Ray was impressed he wasn’t jumping out the window. Though if he could keep it to himself, maybe Nao wouldn’t pick up on the idea and pursue it. The complication, was that he loved Nao, but loving him as more than a friend was terrifying. Maybe he could just get away with not bringing it up ever again.

Raylaigh giggled, and snuggled closer to Nao, who was again flustered. It was too easy and Ray gave into the temptation to do that to Nao far too much. Ray fixed Nao with a skeptical look and couldn’t help but laugh and hug Nao tightly. “You are,” Ray agreed, “But that’s okay. You don’t have to be self-conscious. Don’t be afraid Nao.” He said, trying to comfort Nao as best he could. Maybe he had pushed this too fast before Nao was ready. Ray didn’t want to move and he snuggled closer to Nao, his wings fluttering weakly underneath the blankets and brushing against Nao’s legs. Hopefully that wouldn’t completely freak Nao out. It was easy for people to be freaked out by something light and soft touching them. Ray had had people panic thinking a bug or something was touching them.

The flyer nodded his head, smiling happily. He would keep Nao’s secret for as long as Nao wanted him to. It wasn’t his secret to tell, he’d try his best not to upset his speedster friend. There was a lot of trust in lending this information to Ray. “I’m not any better,” Ray said, ducking his head, “I’m really sorry I’ve been avoiding you, Nao. I’m not… I’m not good with confrontation.” Running away was his thing. He didn’t like facing his problems head on, he was definitely one of those people who avoided the issue until it went away. Ray smiled again and kissed Nao’s temple. “You are.” He whispered back, his own eyes drifting closed and he was sure he was going to lose his battle with sleep any moment now. Then he heard his name. “Huh?” He uttered to indicate he was paying attention and listening to Nao. Ray woke up a little more and he looked down at Nao, snuggling so close to him and he kissed Nao’s cheek. “Right,” he agreed.