Chapter 22

Dom's kickback was packed when they walked in. Messiah usually avoided parties but Javier had convinced him to come through.

"Look who finally came out!" Dom said when he saw them. "I ain't seen you at a party since freshman year."

"Whatever." Messiah stayed close to Javier though, not really trying to be around all these people.

They found a spot to chill, Messiah between Javier's legs on this big chair. Some girl from his business class came trying to talk but backed off quick when she saw how he was sitting with Javier.

"You good?" Javier asked low in his ear when he noticed Messiah tensing up around everybody.

"Yeah I'm straight."

Dom came through with drinks, laughing at how Messiah was actually letting somebody be close to him in public. "Y'all different."

"Mind your business." But Messiah wasn't moving away from Javier.

As the night went on, Messiah actually relaxed some. When Javier's hand found his neck at one point, thumb rubbing slow, he felt himself lean into it without thinking.

"You ready to go?" Javier asked after a while.

"Yeah take me home."

Back at Javier's place, they barely made it through the door before Javier had him pressed against the wall.

"You was quiet tonight," Javier said, studying his face.

"Just not used to all them people."

"I know baby." Javier kissed him soft. "But you did good."

Later in bed, Messiah was almost asleep on Javier's chest feeling safe, protected, actually glad he went out tonight. Something about being with Javier made even crowded parties feel okay.