Diary of a Teenage Taxidermist by K. A. Merikan Page A

at a framed print that depicted various meats laid out on a wooden table next to a pheasant cut in half.
    The only answer he got was a little squeak of springs and the sound of a computer starting. He blinked and looked that way, his focus drawn to Ethan’s computer wallpaper—a photo of Matt Powers, a famous gay porn star. “You wanna show me something?”
    Ethan shrugged. “I just thought it might be nicer for you if I turn on some music,” he said from where he sat on the bed, with his back to Robert. The comforter was covered with a black mohair fur bedcover that spread over the large mattress.
    “Sure, as long as it won’t bust my eardrums.” Robert smiled and walked around the bed to sit next to Ethan. Now that they were alone, on the bed, his heart was picking up its pace. He couldn’t believe he was doing this. Then again, it was only natural since he was young, horny, and had someone available.
    “I’ll try not to make it shit this time,” Ethan whispered and put on the weirdest music Rob had ever heard. A slow piece with instruments Robert couldn’t pinpoint, some sounding harp-like, some like a harmonica, a flute, and a deep-sounding drum. It made Rob think of a group of medieval pagan sorcerers dancing around a bonfire and sacrificing virgin goats.
    “It’s been nice so far.” Rob cleared his throat and moved his fingers down Ethan’s arm, feeling the warmth of his soft skin. “What’s that band?”
    Ethan looked down at Rob’s hand. “It’s the soundtrack from this new medieval TV show. I googled the band and found they do these musical reconstructions but add their own flavor to it as well.” He took a deep breath through his nose, eyeing Robert with growing intensity.
    Rob leaned forward and breathed in Ethan’s scent. Ginger and orange, maybe some bergamot as well, nice and herby. He followed the aroma and moved his nose over the shell of Ethan’s ear. His hair was unbelievably soft, so unlike Robert’s cock. “You like stuff like that?”
    Ethan looked up at him with his lips parted. “Y-yes. Singing distracts me when I’m working on a project so I like all sorts of instrumental tracks.”
    Robert doubted talking about music was on Ethan’s mind right now, but it was fun to see him try to focus. Robert smiled and moved his hands lower, slipping them underneath the oversized sweater. The moment he touched the fitted top below, his chest and stomach burned up, melting like warm jelly. He was touching a guy. He was touching a guy he was about to fuck, and he still couldn’t get his head around it. His cheeks on fire, he pulled up the sweater, eager to see more of Ethan’s body. Get a better look at that tattoo on his stomach.
    Ethan gave a nervous chuckle and threw the garment to the floor. At school, Ethan never even smiled for more than an obligatory moment, it was odd to see his face light up. “I thought I kinda overdid it last time. You know, with being naked. I didn’t know what to do.” The top Ethan had been wearing under the sweater was tight, emphasizing the slim but toned body underneath.
    “I don’t mind naked.” Rob cleared his throat and pulled Ethan back against him, burying his face in the sleek hair. With one hand sensing every heartbeat in Ethan’s chest, he let the other slide lower, to Ethan’s thigh, and squeezed it gently.
    He liked this a lot more than being told what to do. Ethan really did seem more nervous than him and was like fresh cookie dough in Rob’s hands. It would be impossible to resist when an opportunity like this just fell into his lap. A hot guy to touch with no restraint, no strings, and no consequences.
    Ethan swallowed, his chest moving quickly under Rob’s hand. “I was never naked with anyone before.”
    Rob couldn’t stop a laugh as he let his hands explore, moving over the warm body next to his, petting, stroking, and squeezing the flesh through the fabric as his own skin burned up. “You would be used to this if you did