Heroic Measures (continued)

Walter did not hear Red enter the changing room. Startled, he fumbled with and dropped his underwear. Snatching them from the ground, he used them to shield his private parts from sight until he could put them on. When he recognized Red, Walter relaxed somewhat, but did not lower his hands. He had never felt comfortable being naked around other boys. The locker rooms at school had been a nightmare; a recurring one that had managed suffered through . . . somehow.

Red studied him curiously.

"Are you all right?"

Walter swallowed and stared back at Red.

"Yeah."

"Are you sure?"

Walter nodded. It was not entirely true, but he did not wish to discuss it with Red—or anyone—while standing there in nothing but his skin.

Red eyed him dubiously.

When Red made no move to either turn away, or at least avert his eyes, Walter said, "Do you mind?"

Red seemed puzzled by his request. Walter flashed his gaze downward, hoping that Red would get the point without him having to state it. Red's eyes followed his and then went back to Walter's face. His expression became one of faint bemusement.

"What?" Red said, laughing lightly. "You think I've never seen one before?"

Walter implored him with his eyes and then finally pleaded aloud.

"Please?"

Red rolled his eyes, but pointedly looked away, finding something on a nearby wall for them to examine. Walter quickly slid into his underwear and pulled on his jeans. He was only slightly more comfortable being bare-chested with other men, but he could tolerate it as it was necessity while swimming.

"Okay," Walter said, reaching for his shirt.

Red's gaze took their time returning to him. For some reason, this made Walter feel better.

"I've seen smaller," Red said.

Walter's cheeks burned.

"I'm kidding!"

Walter could not decide whether that made him feel better or not. He let it pass as he really did not want to pursue the matter. He was almost certain that Red did not walk both sides of that street, but one could never know for sure . . .