Droplets from the Inkwell

Kyle and Stuart sat on the couch in Kyle’s living room together. The end credits to “The Incredible Hulk” rolled along on the fifty inch LCD HDTV hanging on the opposite wall. Kyle pressed a button on the remote in his hand and the surround sound speakers went silent.

Stuart turned to him and smiled. “That really is a great movie. Thanks for watching it with me.”

Kyle ruffled the twenty three year old’s black hair affectionately. “No problem. I love sharing time with you. I’m just still shocked that you hadn’t seen it yet.” He let his hand linger before drawing it back to his side.

“Yeah, well. I was pretty sick when it came out in theaters.”

“Pneumonia?” The thirty year old asked. He tried not to press for details when Stuart talked about his health. He didn’t want to come across as too nosy.

“Yeah. Like it usually is. But yeah, so I missed seeing it in theaters. And I never think to pick up a DVD when I’m out.”

“Not even when you walk by the Redbox kiosk at the Super Saver?”

“Nope. You’d think I’d have the sense to get Netflix or something.”

“Well, you got to see it now. What did you think of it?”

“Oh, I loved it! But then, I’ve always been fascinated by the Hulk.”

“Oh?”

“Well, yeah. I mean, look at all those muscles.”

“Oh really? So you have a thing for muscle men?” Kyle said, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, they’re nice to look at.”

“I just need to know if I need to start spending more time at the gym.”

Stuart laughed at that one. “Oh heavens, no! I think you’re perfect the way you are.”

“You sure? I mean, I can find green body paint too. If that will help.”

“You’re awful!” Stuart said, while pushing him away. His smile was still playful though.

“So no ‘Kyle smash’?”

Stuart laughed loudly. “No. Though, you know, a bit of aggression can be fun.”

Kyle grinned at that and pulled the younger man to him. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Then he leaned in and pressed his lips against Stuart’s. Kyle wished the kiss would never end.