Grown-up by Kim Fielding

epiphany rocked Austin’s world. He knew how to repay Ben for his assistance and friendship. He knew how to become Yoda.
    Austin leaned forward and grabbed the straw out of Ben’s glass, then waved it like a magic wand. “I have an idea.”

Chapter Seven
     
    “T HIS IS a bad idea,” Ben said miserably.
    They were standing in his living room, which was as tidy as Austin had expected. Naturally most of the furniture came from Sam’s, and artsy black-and-white photos in minimalist frames hung on the cream-colored walls. The area rug was Ikea. Ben didn’t own many knickknacks and maybe the colors were a little muted for Austin’s taste, but at least there wasn’t a stoner on the couch or a mess of barbells and dirty muscle shirts in the corner.
    “No,” Austin said, shoving a stack of clothing into Ben’s chest. “It’s an excellent idea.”
    Ben left his arms dangling at his sides and didn’t take the clothes. “But it’s Tuesday. I have to work tomorrow.”
    “Exactly. That’s what makes you irresponsible and immature tonight. And I, on the other hand, have tomorrow off, so I am being adult. It’s win-win, really.”
    Almost a week had passed since their lunch at Upper Crust, giving Ben perhaps too much time to mull over his objections. But it had taken that long for Austin to get another day free of work… and to complete his shopping.
    “C’mon,” he wheedled. “Put ’em on. I want to see if they fit.”
    After another moment of hesitation—and with an expression like a young child about to get a tetanus shot—Ben took the clothing. But he almost threw it away when he got a closer look at the top item. “I am not wearing that!” he squawked.
    Austin picked up the little piece of neon red fabric and stretched it out. “They’re briefs.”
    “They’re… ridiculous.”
    “They cover everything yet show off your package. They have maximum frontal enhancement. Not that I’m implying you need enhancing.”
    Ben’s cheeks flamed, which had possibly been one of Austin’s goals. “Nobody is going to see my package. Or my underwear.”
    “Maybe, maybe not. But even if you keep your pants on all night, you will feel the cotton spandex hugging you and you will feel extra sexy.” When Ben pursed his mouth stubbornly, Austin sighed. “It’s just underwear, and just for one night. Live dangerously, Benny. Wear something besides the stuff you got on clearance at Target.”
    Austin expected a minor tantrum but instead got a very strange look. “Nobody’s called me that since— Not in a long time.”
    It took Austin a second to understand what he meant. “Oh. Should I not call you Benny?”
    “No. It’s okay. I don’t mind.”
    After that he became less argumentative over the outfit, although he bitched a little about the shirt size. “It’s a small, Austin. I don’t wear a small.”
    “You do tonight, and you’re going to look amazing.”
    The proceedings nearly came to a halt again when Ben couldn’t decide where to change. He must have realized that ducking into another room to strip was a little silly, but he was hesitant to undress in front of Austin.
    “I can close my eyes or turn around if you want,” Austin finally said. “But I assure you, it’s nothing I ain’t seen before.”
    That made Ben scowl, but at least he unbuttoned his khakis. Austin hadn’t seen Ben’s bedroom, but he imagined a closet filled with tan trousers and button-down shirts, all hanging neatly, and a dresser containing folded tighty-whities and balls of navy socks.
    Ben had an interesting method of changing clothes. Like a shy kid in the locker room, he kept his shirt on as he took off his pants and underwear, allowing the shirttails to hide most of the view. Austin got a nice look at his legs, though. They were more muscular than he would have guessed, with a dusting of dark blond hairs.
    After pulling on the red briefs, Ben struggled a bit to fit into the black jeans. “These are really tight!”