Playing Ball (Patreon)

Never underestimate the power of self-delusion. 😉

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Charlie sighed and shook his head. “I... I don’t know, dude. This doesn’t seem fair.”

Ryan shoved his longish blonde hair behind his ear. “Not fair for you, maybe. I’ve been kicking your ass in basketball - and soccer and baseball and wrestling - since elementary school.”

That was true. Up until last summer, Ryan had been a natural athlete. “Right, but, well, things are a lot different now, don’t you think?”

“Not really,” Ryan laughed. His voice hadn’t changed as much as the rest of his body, but it was definitely higher-pitched. “You’re still a huge pussy. I mean, it’s obvious you’re just scared I’ll beat you.”

Charlie sighed. There was no easy way to say this, but his friend deserved the truth. “Honestly, I’m scared I’ll hurt you.”

 “What the hell are you talking about, man?”

“Ever since your accident, your body has, um, changed a lot. You just look a lot more fragile.”

Cocking his obviously wider hips, Ryan rolled his eyes. “You don’t have to beat around the bush. Yes, I was in a motorcycle accident. Yes, my balls were smashed to jelly, and what was left of ‘em had to be removed. Yes, the doctors have been having a lot of trouble getting my hormonal balance under control. But none of that makes me any less of a man. Okay?” Tears gleamed in his eyes, and he looked away. “And it’s, like, really hurtful to insinuate otherwise.”

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. Let’s play.”

Ryan grinned and wiped away the tears. “Awesome! Just, like, watch out for my boobs. They’re really sensitive.”