A Guy For Christmas

Dean folded his arms. “So, what is it this time? Let me guess. You’ve got something that needs unscrewing, and you want to borrow a screwdriver. Or maybe you’ve come to borrow a cup of sugar?”

Robin frowned. “Why would I be here for sugar?”

The question only served to demonstrate the gap in their ages. “Why are you here, Robin?” He knew it sounded harsh, seeing as the last time Robin had been there, they’d departed on more cordial terms. Except now, he was seeing that visit in a different light. That supposed Kris’s theory was correct, of course, and Robin really did have a crush on him.

“There’s something I need to clear up before we go any further,” Robin blurted out.

“And what’s that?”

“You are gay, right?”

Dean stared at him. “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes.”

Robin looked relieved. “Okay, good.”

To Dean’s way of thinking, it sounded as if Robin was mentally checking a box. “Now suppose you tell me why it’s good.”

Robin’s breathing sped up, and Dean swore he was shaking a little. “Well… It’s like this… I wanted to ask…”

“For God’s sake, spit it out.”

Robin swallowed hard. “Okay. I’m… I’m a virgin.”

What the fuck?

Dean took a deep breath before replying. “That’s not only none of my business, it’s way too much information.”

“Please, don’t kick me out,” Robin pleaded.

That stopped him dead in his tracks. “I’m not going to do that,” Dean said quietly. “But I think you’d better go into my living room and sit down, and then we’ll talk.”

Robin nodded and dashed ahead of him into the living room. When Dean got there, Robin was sitting on the edge of the seat cushion, his hands clasped between his knees. Lady came over to sit at his feet, gazing at him, but he made no attempt to pet her.

Dean sat on the sofa facing him. He felt it was better to put some space between them. “Why are you telling me this?”

Dear God, Robin was shaking.

“This is the situation.” Robin swallowed hard. “I’m eighteen, I’m a virgin, and I don’t want to be one anymore.”

Dean frowned. “You say this like you expect me to do something about it.” Then it dawned on him. He leaned forward, his head in his hands. “Oh my God.” Everything his friends had said was true. I’m never gonna hear the end of this.

“Dean? Talk to me, please?”

He straightened and sat back against the cushions. “Robin… You’re cute and all, but… you are way too young for me.” Except that hadn’t stopped Dean from fantasizing about kissing him, had it? And not just kissing.

“I’m eighteen.” Robin’s eyes flashed. “I’m legal.”

“Legal is one thing, but…” Looking at Robin’s crestfallen face make his chest tighten. There had to be a way forward from this.