Benjamin

"What the fuck, dude!? You're gay?"

Roger's voice echoes throughout the classroom as literally all the students broke out in whispers about what just happened.

Teddy, the football star, just kissed me. In front of the entire class. People are gasping at the shock, including Lex.

"Yes, I am. Why? Do you have a problem with that?" - Teddy responded defiantly to his best friend.

Roger kept looking at him, shell shocked.

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" - Roger asked him, baffled. His face was frozen in a jaw dropped state.

"Maybe because I didn't think you'd understand." - He replied with a worried frown.

The teacher enters the classroom and greets us. The class starts. But all the students are looking at the both of us, still shocked.

At the end of the class, Roger picks up his belongings and leaves without breathing a word. Teddy looks sad at his attitude, but also remains quiet.

"Congratulations, Teddy. I think you're very brave and I commend you." - Lisa cheered him on with an enthusiastic grin.

"Thanks, Lisa. I really appreciate it." - He replied with a weak smile.

"You're welcome. Life is too short for you to not be living your true potential." - She stated, proudly.

"Bitch, what spell did you cast on him and can I borrow it?" - Lex snickered, gobsmacked.

I laughed at this. So did the other students.

I grabbed my stuff and started walking out to the next class.

"There was no spell, my friend. Just honesty and integrity." - I replied with a modest smile.

I laid my cards on the table. It was up to him to do what he wanted with that. I never pressured, menaced or blackmailed. I can only do my best and hope the universe will reward me.

By the end of the second class, the whole school was talking about Teddy and me.

Not only no one had any idea Teddy was gay, but this school never had an out gay football player. So this is a new territory for everyone.

Teddy continued to kiss me whenever he got the chance and each time it surprised me, but I absolutely loved it.

But I can't lie, I'm scared for him when he goes to practice. The locker room can be cruel for someone like us. Trust me, I know.😓

At the end of the third period, Roger still kept to himself. He didn't breathe a word to Teddy. They went to practice estranged from each other, which is so odd.

I went to my class as usual, respecting their space. Though everywhere I go, people stared at me like I bewitched the linebacker.

If I had that kind of power, I wouldn't have waited until less than a month away from my 18th birthday. So much wasted time.

Moments before we broke for lunch, Teddy came up to me and invited me to have lunch with him. I don't want to be one of those people who get a man and ditch their friends.

But under the circumstances, I'm a little uncomfortable to say no to him. At least, today.

"Are you okay? Did everything go alright at practice?" - I asked him as we walked to the cafeteria.

"Roger is making this about him, what else is new?" - He snickered, sulking.

"But the rest of the team was mostly supportive. Aside from the odd glances I got in the locker room." - He continued in a somber tone.

"I'm familiar. Why do straight boys always think we can't see anyone naked that we'll immediately be after them? Like we have no self control." - I commiserate, pensive.

"Good question. I have no idea why anyone would think that I would behave today any differently than I did last week." - He replied, frowning.

We stand in line for the food and he directs me to his table afterwards. I'm reluctant to take a seat with the jocks, but these are his friends.

We sat down with our trays and Roger gave us a sideways glance. I'm uncomfortable at some of the stares I get, but power through for his sake.

I don't wanna be the insensitive jerk that dismisses an incredible gesture like his. But if I hear one snarky comment...

It's a weird feeling to have to deal with humans and werewolves alike. Wolves have a different understanding of sexuality. Humans are not so evolved, unfortunately.

But no one dared to comment or make any joke, probably not to upset Teddy, which I greatly appreciate. He deserves nothing but respect from everyone.

After lunch, we continued our day back to classes as the stares continued to focus on him, us. We brush it off, for the most part.

"Did you tell your parents?" - I asked him at the end of the final period.

He smiles at me with a content realization.

"Yes, of course I did. I wouldn't want them to get blindsided by this in case word got out to them before I had a chance to explain myself." - He replied in a serious tone.

"Good. I hope it didn't cause any problems at home." - I commented in a hopeful tone.

"It didn't. My parents are only worried about my football scholarship. So, fingers crossed." - He says with an awkward laugh.

We kiss each other some more before we get into our respective cars to leave school. I know Lex is dying to unpack the surprise of the century with me, but we can't talk now because I have warrior training.

Yes, with Teddy's dad. Delta Johnson.

I drive to the training center, a glorified gym where warriors train when they're not on patrols or assignments.

I greet everyone as I enter, the same as I've been doing for the last couple of years. Nobody treats me any differently - not that they should, plus who cares about a highschooler anyway?

Delta Johnson greets me back and starts my training. Besides physical fitness, I have to train in various forms of combat. Today I had to fight off three warriors in wolf form.

The bites were not pretty, but this isn't the first time I had to deal with it. Plus, they don't attack me with full force. The point is to train me, not kill me.

As they do, he gives me pointers and corrects my defensive moves. At the end of an exhausting two hours, I slouch towards the locker room for a shower before heading home.

"You did well today, Ben." - He encouraged me with a content grin.

"Thanks, Delta. I really appreciate your input and all your time training me." - I spoke, breathing out a relieved sigh.

"Of course, Ben. It's my duty to get you ready for Alpha." - He stated with enthusiasm.

I smiled before I entered the locker room. He didn't mention his son at all and neither did I. Also, I have no idea if Teddy even dropped my name to him, so let's not shoot myself in the foot here.

This is their business and Teddy's journey, not mine.

When I arrived at home, I'm starving as usual. I sat at the dinner table with my parents and sister. As we waited for the food to be served, I told my parents what happened today at school.

I'm sure my sister already knows it since she goes there too.

"Wow. What a development! And he came out just for you?" - Mom asked me, baffled at the news. As was dad.

"I don't know if he did it just for me. I never asked him to, I just said I didn't want to involve myself with anyone in the closet." - I explained to her, though my sister is looking at me with a smirk.

"Right. He totally did it for you!" - She sounded excited and giddy.

"I never thought he would actually do it, to be honest. I didn't think it was worth the hassle with me so close to being mated." - I admitted, shyly.

"You are worth it, son. Know this: he didn't do it for you, he did it for him. Because he needed to face his own demons and prejudices. It's a journey he would have to face sooner or later." - Mom told me with a soft smile.

I thanked her for the support as always, before we dig in the delicious dinner we're about to eat.

Next morning at school, Teddy greeted me with a kiss. I guess this is my new normal now, being kissed by a hot guy at school.

"Did Roger speak to you since yesterday or are you two still estranged?" - I asked him, mildly concerned.

"No, he hasn't as of yet. But I'm not holding my breath for him. He knows where to find me whenever he's interested in talking again. I'm not gonna let him make me question myself. This isn't about him." - He replied, irritated at his best friend.

Though I don't want to interject myself in their quarrel, I can relate to Teddy. I could probably never hide my true identity from Lex, but I can certainly understand the instinct for self preservation and the need to fit in.

It's also why 9 times out of 10, our best friend in high school is usually a werewolf too. There's a certain comfort when you don't have to hide your true self. We need a relatability when we talk to a friend.

Because even if he's not going through it now, there might come a time when he will. And then you can empathize and give your informed opinion.

It explains why we tend to gravitate towards like minded people. Yes, I have straight friends. But they can never understand me like Lex does.

Last but not least, Lex has a better relationship with Evan than I'll ever have. Sometimes he needs to talk about something only another omega can relate to. And I respect that.

We walk towards the classroom together, holding hands - he took the initiative - and people are still baffled at this.

But I couldn't be happier, though I feel very awkward as I'm not used to public displays of affection.😳

In the days that followed, Teddy and I grew closer. The kisses kept on coming and he asked me out on a date for the next Saturday.

I finally got around to tell Lex about our Sunday together and he was gobsmacked at the turn of events.

Me too, bitch! Me too...

He then talked about "his" rogue and how he wished he could contact him somehow. Also, he hasn't stopped thinking about him ever since our chance encounter.

Yeah... I know what he's been thinking of.

Honestly, I couldn't care less about the size of the engine. I still don't know how am I going to navigate Teddy's monstrosity between his legs.

But let's cross that bridge when we get to that.

"I just think it's stupid!" - Lisa was ranting inside the classroom on Friday morning before class started.

"You two have been friends since you were 6. And now suddenly because he's gay, you can't be bothered to talk to him? Grow up, Roger! He's not even the first out gay football player in the country!" - She continued, apparently pissed at him.

Teddy - who still sits right next to Roger in class - is surprised by her rant. Roger looked properly aggravated. He hasn't talked to his friend since Monday.

"Chill the fuck out, Lisa! You're not my girlfriend. You're not my anything. Who even asked you to meddle? Stay out of my fucking business!" - Roger barked at her, eyes nearly glowing in rage.

"Who said anything about being your girlfriend? I could barely get through one night with you and I faked it. I'm talking about your best friend here. Your real friend who you have abandoned simply because he didn't tell you he was gay. Grow the fuck up, Roger! Have you stopped to think this was incredibly difficult for him and he didn't tell you because he was scared you'd reject him, which is exactly what you did!" - She ranted some more, looking very mad at him.

The entire class giggled at her remarks about faking it. Other than that, we're all just mesmerized at her, honestly.

By the way, she's lying. She didn't fake it, but humans can't tell a lie like we can.

I guess she is just saying what most of us wanted to but didn't have the courage.

"Lisa, shut the fuck up!" - Now his eyes are really glowing with rage. He feels embarrassed, but mostly really angry at being called out like this in front of everyone.

Not that she's scared of him. He lowered his head to avoid humans seeing him like this.

"Thank you, Lisa. I really appreciate the friend's intervention. But it's fine. Roger just needs some time to process, that's all." - Teddy spoke in a soft tone.

"You're his friend, not his... date. He doesn't need to process anything except how to be a better friend." - She replied, turning around to sit straight on her chair.

The teacher entered and started the class. Roger took a giant inhale to calm himself down. But he looked ticked off.

"I have never loved you so much like I do now." - I mind linked her. She looked at me with a mischievous grin. Of course, no one understood why she did that.

I do love being a werewolf sometimes.

After that colorful first period, the rest of the classes went normally. Though Roger looked pissed all morning.

Teddy behaved the same. At least, with me.

However, a fight broke out inside the locker room later on. I wasn't present at the time because only the football team was.

Apparently, some of the teammates are team Lisa - who think she was right to call him out - and others are team Roger - who don't believe she should have meddled in their friendship.

Some name calling was also invoked to refer to her, which Teddy took offense to and sought to defend her honor.

It was a mess. Coach had to intervene. The Principal issued a warning to everyone involved, plus detention.

Teddy had lunch a little bruised, though fortunately nothing serious.

"I'm sorry for the mess. Maybe if I didn't push you into coming out, none of this would've happened." - I told him remorsefully.

We're eating our lunch at the cafeteria and several eyes flocked to me as I said that, including Roger's.

"This is NOT your fault, Ben. You didn't force me to come out, I made the decision. And Lisa was right. The only reason holding me back was fear of rejection." - He spoke in a vulnerable tone.

I felt so bad for him. I know the feeling well. It's all too relatable. In reality, I had everything going for me to be a popular guy like Roger or my late brother Drew.

But we live in a small town in the South and folks are not as evolved here as we'd like them to be. Not when it comes to LGBTQ+ people, anyway.

They can forgive you if you have two girlfriends, but not if you have one boyfriend. I know, right? Humans...

"I'm sorry if you felt like you couldn't confide in me about your sexuality. I guess we've always told each other everything that I felt betrayed that you didn't tell me about this." - Roger spoke to Teddy for the first time since Monday. He looks regretful.

"I'm sorry if you felt betrayed. Honestly, I was just so scared of your reaction that if I didn't act the way I did, I'd lose my nerve and never come out." - Teddy confessed, nervously.

The two boys stared at each other for a moment in silence, then darted for a hug. Tears dropped from Teddy's eyes as did Roger's.

"I'm so sorry for everything, my friend!" - Teddy apologized.

"No, I'm sorry you felt like I couldn't understand what you're going through. I could never ever reject you. You're my boy. My brother forever!" - Roger told his best friend, still hugging.

It was such a moment to witness that the entire cafeteria applauded them.

Damn, I'm wrecked right now. Lisa, you're a genius! Such a rift for a little miscommunication.

A|N: So that happened.

It really is a struggle some times.

Love,

Léo.