Found: I See Things In Blue, #7

By Samuel Alexander

Anxious, nervous, and a bit on edge, Dario is stepping into his new normal. Trying to embrace his true self is a daunting task: his non-relationship with his father goes further south; he can't seem to get past the walls he built to hide from himself and his parents, and the closer he gets to the goal the harder it seems to attain.

Despite the depressing odds, Dario moves forward intent on taking Kevin with him. Kevin is funny, confident and all sorts of cute. He sees the greatness in Dario that Dario's friends have been trying to make him see in himself for years. Kevin finds the real Dario before even he can.

The way Dario feels around Kevin is new, strange, and exciting. What they share should be fun but anxiety and Dario's old belief system threaten to kill this connection before it begins. Will his parents' influence continue to block his efforts with Kevin? Will the damage of the fake Dario undo his efforts to become whole? Is freedom only a dream and not something for him to own?

These are just some of Dario's fears, but there is one truth he can latch onto; if Kevin could find the person buried deep inside of him, why couldn't he?

NOTE: This is the final instalment in the series and it picks up exactly where the previous ended. It's recommended to read this series in order as some parts are also different vantage points over the same time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Samuel Alexander
• Release date: Jun 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201563905

Samuel Alexander

Samuel Alexander is just your regular guy trying to write the stories he enjoys to read. He lives on the Island of Bermuda, sharing space with the voices in his head. Cheesecake is his one true love, and fries. He firmly believes that chocolate makes everything better, coffee is the elixir of life and a good book is the source of pure happiness.

Book preview

Also by Samuel Alexander

Broken

Delusional Love

I See Things In Blue

Dario

Gavin

Rayland

Kevin

Acceptance

Louis

Found

Standalone

Brothers and Frenemies

Virgil

Dana

Stepping Into Love

I See Things In Blue

I See Things In Blue

VII

Found

Samuel Alexander

Copyright 2020 by Samuel Alexander

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal

Publisher Samuel Alexander

Cover design by Robin Ludwig Design Inc.

www.gobookcoverdesign.com

Table of Contents

Walking Into Firsts With Blindingly White Sneakers

Friendship Progress?

Open Invitations

When a Joke Hits Too Close For Comfort

Drunken Confessions

Anklets Bracelets Affirmations and Vomit Fertilised Rose-Beds

When We Becomes Us

Out

Anger and Frustration

Sometimes Life Just Hurts

Communication Is Everything

Popcorn, Calf Massages and Warmth

Steps, Steps, and More Steps

The Kissing Machine

Giving Up Something You Love for Something You Love

Celery Sticks, Popcorn, and Movie Magic

The Significance of Tapping

A Good Boy Turned Better and Nude Teeth Brushing Experiences

Poolside Deja vu

Pancakes, Penis, and More Pancakes

Workout-Porn and Exploration

Meetings, Pee-Angels and Pancakes

When the Last Wall Falls Down It Explodes

Hose Down

Warning: A Necktie Was Harmed for the Greater Good

When Hurt Pride Brings Good Vibes

Settling Into Normal

Dario’s First Christmas

Caught

Protection

Past Hurts, Present Pain

I Was Born This Way

Party for You, Party for Me, and the Dilemma of Morning Pee’s

Valentine’s Day

Mementos of Progress

Home at Last

There Are No Coincidences

Anniversary

Sealed with a Hug

Blue

Walking Into Firsts With Blindingly White Sneakers

Dario was driving into the shop parking lot. He had nothing to do for once. No church. Homework completed. He honestly couldn't think of anything else to do. He'd already talked to Gavin and Louis and still had most of the day to fill.

When he got to the studio to meet Rayland, she was busy, so he waited on a couch for her to be done. Rayland acted like she was too busy, only to make Dario squirm a bit.

Mission accomplished.

She now stood outside Dario’s car, forcing his anxious ass to get out. She did not come this far to have him hyperventilate and try to talk his way out of it. He was going inside to Kevin even if she had to drag him kicking and screaming.

Once the miracle of Dario extraction had been performed without force or violence, they walked inside roamed aimlessly for a while. After not finding what they were in search of Rayland decided to ask for help, but as she was about to, they found what they were looking for.

Kev.

Kevin looked from around the trolley he was pushing to see who had said his name. He knew but needed to verify the sound of sexy with a face. He smiled big when he saw Dario.

Hello. You must be the infamous Kevin, Rayland said when they reached Kevin.

And you are the famous Rayland.

Beautiful and in the flesh. Rayland eyed him up. Kevin was about five-ten, solid build, skin that looked fresh out of the chocolate factory, piercing brown eyes and the beginnings of a short fro. She could definitely see herself being manhandled by him.

Could you not look at him like that? Dario said in a hushed tone more than unimpressed by the way she was staring at Kevin.

You mean the way he looks at you? I don't see you complaining, Rayland said flippantly.

Honestly? Next time I'm bringing Gavin, Dario mumbled. Kevin had got back to work so wasn’t paying much attention to the conversation. Also, he had moved further down the aisle so couldn’t hear them even if he wanted to as they were talking softly.

Like he would be a better choice. He might even be competition. I’ve seen the Insta pics. They look cute together.

Dario decided to give up. He wasn't going to win this argument. He smiled nervously at the mention of Gavin and Kevin looking cute together.

Dario decided this was a good point to talk to Kevin again but noticed he’d manage to walk even further away during this short exchange with Rayland. He walked over to him and said the first thing to come to mind. How’s your day been? Dario had made it this far and couldn’t back out now, especially considering how good Kevin’s ass filled out his jeans.

Nothing much. I'm here. I'm working. Shift’s finally almost over. A little tired ‘cause I didn't get much sleep last night.

Why? Dario asked.

I was on the phone talking to my future husband this morning. We had a teeny fight about the importance of arachnids, but all is good now.

Rayland smiled at this response. There was no shame in Kevin’s game. Dario sighed, refusing to entertain her amusement. You walked into that bro, she said unperturbed by Dario’s reaction knowing Dario couldn't argue with that point.

Dario was focusing so hard on ignoring both of them he started saying Kevin followed by his own last name in his mind, just to see what it would sound like if Kevin did have his name. He then panicked for a second, wondering if he had thought it out loud.

So, what are you doing here? Kind of out of the way for you isn't it? Kevin asked.

The studio is close, and I was watching Ray record.

Rayland did her best not to side-eye him. Under normal circumstances she'd call him out, but this time was different. He was there to ask Kevin out, and she wasn’t about to ruin this first big step. She was certainly going to tease him later, though.

Okay, Kevin shrugged, and they talked about nothing for about thirty more minutes while he worked.

Well, I'm done. You busy or something, cause I'm about to leave?

Nah we don't have any plans. Was just going to grab some late lunch. You can come if you want, I mean it's okay if you don't. No pressure.

Your shoes are extra white. Did you just buy them? Kevin said instead of responding to the invitation.

They aren't that white. I've had them at least a year. Dario looked at them not sure how to take Kevin’s comment.

A year? Kevin got down on the ground to inspect them. Not a single spot? That's impossible.

I clean them. Doesn't everyone wash their sneakers?

Yes, but did you wash them just yesterday?

A few days ago.

And they are still sparkly? The level of shock, awe, and almost disbelief in Kevin’s tone did not go unnoticed. Rayland had to stifle a chuckle.

I wipe them down every time I wear them, Dario announced, like it was not at all excessive. Rayland and Kevin shared a look, and both stifled a smile. The urge to call him Mr. Perfect was right on the tip of their tongues.

I was going to have almost-dinner-lunch with the twin and his girl. But I can...

You can invite them along, Dario said rather quickly as if he was afraid Kevin might say no. Kevin smiled and acted like the situation wasn't weird.

I'll meet you outside, Kevin said then took his trolley of empty boxes towards the back of the store.

You can stop hyperventilating now, Rayland teased. Loser.

Dario tried to evil stare at her, but he was, of course, a nervous wreck and it just made her laugh. This made him annoyed, which made her laugh more, which successfully calmed his nerves somehow. He asked a guy out for the first time, mostly because after his time with Louis he felt encouraged to do so. It was the scariest thing Dario had ever done, and he was more than glad it was over.

***

Lunch went well. Rayland let them hear some of her samples. All were met with high approval.

Damn, woman. You can sing, Jacob said.

You should hear this guy if you think I'm good. Rayland directed her comment towards Dario.

I'm okay. She's exaggerating. Dario responded.

Don't be so modest. You know you rock.

I guess. Never one to gloat in his own awesomeness, Dario shrugged it off. Rayland shook her head. Anyone else would've burst out into song on the spot.

I've heard him. He does rock, Kevin said.

Really? Dario asked before realising he probably already had the answer.

Yeah. You sing to yourself in the halls a lot. People listen. You kinda forget you're not alone. Just have your headset on and zone, Kevin responded. Dario could see the truth in that. Music did help him escape from other humans.

You have your hair out today, Kevin noted.

It got all weird after the game, so I took it out, Dario replied.

How bad could it have gotten? You only had it in for a week. Kevin inquired.

From what our friend Gavin says, only a little bit of fuzz. He had a few more days use left in it. Rayland took a sip from her soda after she spoke.

I don't like my hair out of place.

Everyone laughed. It was funny to see him defending why he removed the braids.

You guys make it seem so tragic. It isn’t that funny. Dario ate a few more fries. Pancakes and fries in the same day. He was way over his limit. An extra hard work out tomorrow was in order.

Really? What about the fact that after I declined to give you a coaster for your non-alcoholic beer you got up and searched for one? Jacob said. In a strange house where you don’t know where anything is, and you just could not stand the thought of a water ring on the table.

You didn't. I mean that's bad, even for you, Dario, Rayland said before taking another sip of her drink.

I didn't want to mess up a table on my first visit. What would they say about me after I left?

That you were fucking human, Rayland responded, which got more laughs. Dario was starting to wonder why he enjoyed any of their company. Sometimes he wished he'd wake up and be more cool, but that had yet to happen. His next thought was that he thought this a lot. If he ever got the urge to socialise again, he was going to opt for a good book instead. Even a bad book was better than this.

Much to his happiness, no more cracks were made at his expense for the rest of lunch. He didn't talk much himself, just listened to the others talk around him and interjected here and there, so it at least appeared he was part of the conversation. Kevin said he was almost as bad as Malik. Not quite, but close.

Well, we have things to do. We didn't plan to spend our entire Saturday with you, bro. Jacob said. Judging by the look on Tonya’s face Kevin didn't need any further explanation. Jacob was still being reluctant in his role as orgasm-giver. Tonya wasn't giving up on trying to convert him, though.

I have to get back to the studio, too, Rayland said as she checked messages on her phone. It was nice meeting you, chocolate chunk.

You as well, Kevin replied.

Dario seemed lost. He kind of lingered in limbo after the others departed, before finally suggesting they should get going, too. He was working the night shift, so he had just over an hour to get to work. He wasn't so sure how he felt about smelling more fast food after just eating it, but he had a phone bill to pay.

Once outside, Dario got in his car and Kevin leaned on it.

It would seem I'm leaning on your car, talking to you through the window again. Is this going to become a thing for us? Kevin said.

Dario smiled.

You have a Dalek hanging from your mirror?

You know what a Dalek is? Dario responded full of mock shock.

Look, nerd boy, I know a thing or two.

Did you call me nerd boy? Dario said, smiling accusingly.

I did.

That's a low blow. Wasn't I jock-boy a while ago?

Oh, you can be both. It's part of your appeal.

Dario didn't know what to say to that response. He smiled a bit too big, though. Large enough to feel the need to avoid looking at Kevin.

It was nice seeing you, Kev. In a different setting, that is.

Kevin found it highly amusing that he couldn't look at him and say it. But Dario did say it.

I'm always here for free food.

But you bought your own food? Dario responded confused by the statement.

I know. I was just throwing that out there. Do with it what you will.

Dario shook his head.

Kevin was secretly hoping he’d ask him out again right then and there, but an awkward silence fell, and Dario said nothing.

I'll see you at school on Monday, Kevin said and then backed away from the car so Dario could drive off.

***

Dario had just gotten in from work at almost one in the morning. When he walked into his room, he sat on his bed and pulled out a box in one of his drawers. It was something he'd had for months but could neither open nor discard. Dario decided tonight was going to be the night and opened it. Inside was a small card that read:

I don't know what you're going through, but I hope it gets better. Someone out here is thinking about you.

Kevin.

Inside the box was some of Kevin's handcrafted pieces and Kevin's number. Dario didn't need it now, but the fact Kevin cared enough to offer up an ear when he was going through, was a comforting thought. He decided where to best place the pieces on both his wrists and ankles, based on design and colour. Then he laid back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling for a while before picking up his phone and sending a text.

Friendship Progress?

Yo.

Kevin had just looked at his phone to see a message from Dario. He was still doing homework. After partying, then going work, and then chillin’ with the twin and Dario, he'd just fallen asleep when he got home. He woke up hours later and still had to finish off more schoolwork. A break was in order. He decided to call Dario instead of text back.

Hello? Dario answered immediately. What are you doing?

"Nothing, just here doing homework. Twin's already asleep. Early night for him.

I'm just getting home, well, just getting in bed.

It's like one thirty.

My shift ended at twelve.

So, what does bedtime Dario look like? Perfectly ironed pyjamas?

Dario laughed. After his moment of anger on Friday, the teasing didn't seem as bad anymore. He'd normalised.

Nah. Just a vest and some shorts. I do have an assortment of onesies for when it gets cold, though, so you can tease me during winter.

See, I knew you cared about me and I’m sure you in a onesie would require a different type of teasing.

Shut up, Dario responded, and Kevin laughed. He was unconcerned about waking up his brother. He was already 'cutting down trees.’ Dario, having heard Jacob once, wondered how anyone could live with that level of snoring.

Can I get a selfie? Kevin asked. He needed evidence of bedtime Dario for his Dario photo file.

Dario looked at himself in the mirror. He wasn't wearing any underwear and the shorts he had on were loose but clingy. His junk was clearly visible. He smiled before responding.

You can see my shit in these pants. I don't think we are at that level of friendship.

Oh, that's cold, Kevin joked.

Cold? Explain, Dario said humorously as he hopped back into his bed.

You can't tell me your dick is visible and then say you won't send me a pic.

"I'm just saying that might make me... uncomfortable." Dario smiled at the ceiling, thoroughly enjoying the way this conversation was going.

I didn't know you could be so evil.

Evil? Me? The good Christian boy? There isn't an evil bone in my body. Especially not the one you aren't about to see.

Come on. Just one selfie.

Nah. Maybe when we are at say, friendship level ten.

Seriously. You're going to make me beg?

Dario started to chuckle. It felt good to be in control for once.

What do you want? Kevin asked pleadingly.

Let me think.

A day. A whole day without me teasing you. Kevin quickly said not allowing Dario to think.

One day? I don't know if that will be enough. Especially now that it looks like I have a semi.

It was true. Kevin’s voice got him excited every time they talked on the phone.

Shit, you can't be serious. Come on, Dario. Don't be like that.

Yup. I mean, I should probably deal with it instead of talking with you.

Man, that's just wrong. You won't show me then you tease me with visuals of you masturbating. And you don't even masturbate. You'd just be doing it out of spite. I hope God strikes you with a bolt in church today.

Well aren't you just a bit testy?

Yes. Yes I am.

Dario continued laughing.

Kevin relented and laughed with him. Here he was begging a man who was just starting to accept his sexuality, was shy about the subject, had only had sex with women, and had never sent a naughty pic ever, to send him one and getting nowhere. In what dream world would the odds be in his favour?

Oh, shit. You weren't lying, Kevin said as the pic he wasn’t expecting to come came through. The vest Dario was wearing left nothing to the imagination either. Abs were popping.

How often do you work out to look like that?

Just five times a week? I run mornings, too. Eat a lot of protein. Shakes make me all bloaty. Like hard, painful stomach type bloated, so this is as big as my pay-check will let me get.

You work out and run? Shit. The only thing I lift is pizza. Me and my pudge are totally in sync with one another.

Dario couldn't help but laugh. At least Kevin didn't make fun about the fact he cared about fitness. And Dario was very fond of Kevin’s pudge.

Yeah. I'm not about that counting macros life. You can have that, Kevin added.

It's not that hard.

I'm sitting here eating ice cream talking to you. I like you, but I love food more.

Okay. I won't bore you with another one of my fitness talks. Clearly they aren't working.

No. They are not. Do you really need contacts? Random, I know.

I do. Dario got comfortable in his bed. Let his head sink into his pillow and allowed himself to relax.

Do you have glasses? Kevin pressed further.

I do.

Can I see?

You want me to take a pic of me in my glasses?

Yes.

Why?

I just want to see what you look like.

Dario fished his glasses out of the side drawer and hesitated a bit. He didn't have on his contacts, and he didn't show people his eyes unless he had too. But this was Kevin. After a moment that stretched too long for a phone conversation, he took a selfie.

Oh… Kevin breathed. Me likes.

Really? I don't wear them because then I won’t need the contacts and that—

Would lead to blue eyes.

Yeah.

Just so you know, the sound of your voice gets me hard.

I didn't need to know that, Kev. Dario smiled thinking Kevin’s voice had the exact same effect on him though he wouldn’t dare admit it.

Kevin laughed and threatened to send a pic. Dario countered with threatening to end their friendship. That was definitely more powerful than teasing Dario.

Church?

Dario finally asked Kevin to church and Kevin’s only response was to say the word back to him. Dario was unsure how to take this but pressed on. "Yeah, Kev. Just think about it. It won't kill