Jocks & Cheerleaders Ch. 02

"OK. I like that idea. And it gives us a chance to get to know each other better. I know I liked being cuddled by you."

Her honesty and straightforward talk was disconcerting, but you certainly knew where you stood. He tried to match it.

"You have no idea what a privilege it was to cuddle you last night. And to wake up next to you this morning was unbelievable. I don't want that to end."

The significance of his statement was not lost on Angel, and it gave her both a warm feeling and a dread that she couldn't do it.

"Listen, you stay there. Relax and recover a bit, because you've had a terrible shock. I'll make us some tea."

He got up and went out to find the tea things in the kitchen. Angel lay there. She felt relaxed and dopey in the warm bed, thoughts drifting slowly through her mind in random order. Slightly bereft that he had left, much to her surprise. Glad of the warm indent next to her where he had been. Jumpy about the unknown midnight move. Confused about her feelings. Glad he couldn't do maths. Aware that she was still fully dressed and in her fat suit. Loved. Hey that was surprising, loved.

Suddenly he was back with steaming mugs of tea and bacon rolls. The delightful smell of the bacon roused her and made her mouth water. It was deliciously well cooked. She sat up and plumped the pillows behind her, feeling the mattress tilt slightly as he came to sit beside her. Their legs touched, and she realised she liked the feeling. He handed her a roll, and she picked up her mug of tea which he had put down on the table beside her. A gulp of tea cleaned, and her mouth watered as she bit into the luscious bacon in the soft roll.

"Mmmm. Thanks. This is wonderful. How did you know?"

"I saw the bacon in the fridge when I was finding the milk, and couldn't resist. How are you feeling?"

She looked up at him and grinned. "Pampered. It's lovely."

He whispered, "It's you that is lovely. Inside and out."

A tear tracked its way down her cheek, and he reached over to wipe it away, kissing the top of her head. "I'm sorry. Too far too fast."

"I'm just not used to it. It's the fact that you care."

"Well, you have to be open to it, or you wouldn't have an emotional reaction. Thank you." He said gently.

They finished their bacon rolls and tea in companionable silence, then she rested her head against him. He dropped a kiss on top of her hair and settled back against the pillows.

After a few minutes in which they both visibly relaxed, Angel roused herself and looked up. "I'm going for a shower, but don't get any ideas."

"My brain's not getting any ideas, but other bits of me are." He laughed.

Angel blushed slightly and scooted out of the room. Jock absentmindedly took the mugs and plates to the kitchen and cleared up. Then he had a quick lick and a promise at the kitchen sink, straightened his clothes as best he could, and sat down to wait.

It wasn't long before he heard Angel coming into the room behind him. When he turned, he gasped. She wasn't wearing the fat suit and looked so stunning in jeans and a spaghetti top that he was breathless.

Angel was well aware of the impression she had made on him, and his awed "wow" made her smile. With some amazement, she realised she was happy being herself in front of this man. Again to her surprise she walked over and kissed him. His hands came up to cradle her face, and his kiss back was so reverent and gentle she felt goose bumps on her skin.

When they finally came up for air, they were both panting a little and slightly dazed. He looked up regretfully into her eyes.

"I'm really sorry, but I have to go. I need a shower, and I've got a practice I need to get to. Can I come back after the practice, or would you prefer that I came late evening?"

"Can I go with you to your practice?"

Jock's face lit up in obvious pleasure, and Angel was gratified to get that reaction. Then she panicked. She'd have to put her fat suit on, but she didn't want to. That was a first.

He saw the panic in her eyes. "It's OK. You don't have to come. It was lovely that you asked, though."

His reaction warmed her again. "I'll be OK. But I still need my protection from others."

His hands caressed her cheeks and his lips touched hers. Suddenly he was being pulled into a hard embrace -- touching from thigh to breast -- and her lips were urgent on him. The feel of her slim body crushed against his was electric. His hands moved to run through her glorious curls and down her back to rest gently on her other cheeks. Their lips separated, panting for breath again, and the pleasure of her kisses on his neck made him twitch.

She was giddy with his touch. Lost in his kisses. Revelling in the feel of his hands in her hair and on her ass. She could feel him hard against her and was elated as her kisses made him twitch. Reluctantly she broke her hold and stepped back. Giving him a quick kiss on the mouth, she whispered, "I need to get ready or I'll make you late."

And she was gone. Leaving him breathless and dazed. He sat down to recover, resting his head against the back of the chair.

Angel was back after what seemed like seconds. Her impish grin was a delight to see as she gave a twirl to show him the effect. She still had amazing dress sense, and looked good, even fat. Her hair shone in the light, and he grabbed a passing hand to pull her down into his lap and kiss her thoroughly.

Angel grinned shyly up at him. "You like me fat as well as thin." It was a statement, not a question, and said in a wondering tone.

"It would be more accurate to say that I love you fat as well as thin." He laughed.

Angel's cheeks went pink. She ducked her head and whispered, "Thank you."

The practice was amazing. She just sat there in a corner, gobsmacked. It wasn't really her type of music, but boy was it good. His mates were lovely too. Their admiration of her was obvious , but there was no innuendo, just plain straightforward conversation. He was discussing a difficult part with two of them. From the look of them, they must be twins, she thought. The third, John, came over to her.

"I'm dying of curiosity! How ever did you get him to go out with you."

Angel laughed. "I didn't. I did everything I could to turn him off. We just grew on each other."

"So where did you meet him?"

"He's in my maths class."

"Maths! My God, he's always moaning about the maths. Makes him surly as a bear. He must have been as off putting to you as you were to him."

Angel grinned. "Something like that."

John started shifting and looking down. He was obviously unsure about something, embarrassed even.

"Umm. I don't quite know how to say this."

Angel looked at him in confusion.

"You see ... Umm ... What I mean is ... He ... well he had a bad experience ..."

Angel surprised herself by reaching out to touch John's arm. "He told me about it."

John's look of surprise was comic. "He what?" He almost shouted, and was immediately bright red to the roots of his hair. The others looked over. In a much quieter voice, he went on, "I'm sorry. That was an appalling reaction. It's just I don't think he's looked at a girl since, and telling anyone apart from his closest friends is about as likely as snow in the Sahara."

Angel was immeasurably cheered to know. She had guessed that to be the case, but it was a boost to her own sadly damaged morale to hear it confirmed.

"You could say we are two of a kind." Had she really even hinted at her experience? Wow, what an effect Jock had had on her already.

John was immediately sympathetic. "Please forgive me. I was going to warn you not to let him down. But you already understand. Did you enjoy the music?"

She was grateful for the change of subject. "It was amazing. I've never really appreciated that kind of music. You seemed to do two very different types?"

"Yes. The second set we practiced was much older music that the first. We like the more recent stuff, but the older music is stunning, both to play and to listen to." John grinned at her. "Do you play anything."

"The fool." She came back so fast that a crack of laughter escaped him.

"Hey, what's so funny?" Jock asked as he joined them.

"Your girlfriend is lightening quick."

"Bright as a button."

Angel was pleased with the compliments, and struck by the fact that Jock's friends treated her like a real person. She also liked it that they were protective of him, and wished she had friends like that. For a brief moment her spirits dropped like a stone, remembering the two real friends she had had to leave behind.

Jock squeezed her hand, ever sensitive to her mood. "Let's go get some food. We usually go to John's for grub after the practice. Will you come with us?"

Angel smiled her thanks and nodded. The five of them went off together, laughing and chatting.

Anthea giggled as Angel told her about the light in her bedroom. "I'm useless with practical things." She revealed. "I can't believe you were able to make it work." She poked Angel gently in the ribs. "I'm so glad it went wrong."

Angel coloured, but grinned back. "He's a real sweetie." She realised she'd found a friend in John's wife Anthea. They were also perfect foils for each other. Angel tall, normally slight, with chestnut hair. Anthea petite, curvy and blonde. She was such fun.

Anthea got up. "I need to go and dish up. Come through in a couple of minutes and help me carry."

Angel got up too, and spent a few moments roaming round the room looking at the incredible paintings, drawings, sculptures, and admiring the wonderful way the room was furnished. She suddenly realised how clever Anthea had been. The chair she had been sitting in was old, threadbare and comfortable, but a strategic splash of colour in a throw, and contrasting cushions, made it look like it was from an expensive interior design shop.

Angel felt a hand on her shoulder, and jumped, giving a squeak of alarm. The person stepped back to give her room, a courtesy she much appreciated. It was one of the twins.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. My name's Jo."

Her hand experienced a firm, dry handshake from a slim hand with long fingers, and she was aware of the long dark hair, elfin features, beautiful long neck and slim body.

"Angel." Now why on earth had she introduced herself as that? She supposed it must be because Jo was Jock's friend. She decided it was a rather nice feeling to be known by a different name. It somehow mattered that it distanced the connection to her other self and the whole experience.

"How did you get into playing like that?"

Jo laughed. "A long story, starting with being made to play the piano, but getting better!"

Angel grinned, then remembered that Anthea had asked her to help. "Sorry -- I need to go and help Anthea carry the food -- I promised a few minutes ago."

"S'OK, I'll come and help too."

They both walked through to the kitchen.

"Hi, Jo, Angel. Here, take anything from the side there through, would you?"

They both grabbed what they could carry and took it through to the table.

"What's your work?" Angel enquired diffidently.

"I'm doing graphic design. I met him through Anthea when she married John, a friend of his. In case you hadn't realised, she's arty too."

Jo had answered her unspoken question.

"We realised we all had music in common, and we started mucking about together. Then we did a charity gig in aid of the local homeless centre. Then we graduated to local halls, like our next one. It's fun."

As they wandered back to the kitchen for more, Angel said over her shoulder, "It looked fun and sounded wonderful. Oh, Anthea, whatever that is it smells wonderful."

Anthea gave her the oven gloves. "Jo, could you cut up that bread and take it in. Angel, can you call the others when that's on the table."

When they were all seated, Jo's twin, whom she hadn't really met, said "Let's all hold hands."

It felt a bit strange, but very friendly.

"Thank you for good friends, companionship, interests in common, Angel, and this mouth watering food."

They all chorused, "Thank you." Angel was blushing bright red, and Jo's twin gave her a wicked look.

"This is my irrepressible twin, Steph. Steph, this is Angel. Out with it -- why did you do that to her?"

Steph had the grace to look slightly sheepish, but stayed quiet. The others joined in pestering her. Finally she gave in and turned to Angel.

"I'm sorry. That was mean of me. I was pleased for Jock, and I did want to welcome you, and ... um ... well you see ... I was jealous. I want someone to talk about me the way Jock was talking about you." She smiled at Angel. "Not very adult I'm afraid."

Angel couldn't help smiling in return. She whispered back, "You don't know how lucky I am."

Steph gave her a quizzical look, and tucked the response away to ask about privately later.

The meal was fun, Angel reflected. The conversation was lively, ranging over so many subjects. She realised that whenever it was scientific, they all instinctively deferred to her after Jock had asked her to arbitrate in a discussion about moon landings. She felt Jock's gaze on her frequently, and was immeasurably comforted by it and Steph's words about him played at the back of her mind.

"I had such fun." She told Jock as they walked back. "It felt so good sharing such good friends." A shadow of sadness crossed her face.

"Why does fun and friends make you slightly sad?"

"I couldn't help thinking of my best friends. They are twins too, and very similar to Jo and Steph." She twinkled mischievously up at him. "In fact I think I'm going to invite them over to stay. Oh." Angel stopped dead, a stunned look on her face.

Jock put his arm around her. "What's up?"

Angel looked up at him in amazement. "I've never felt able to contact any of my old friends. I just cut them off because I couldn't face anything, let alone them." She said in a wondering tone.

Suddenly she reached up, flung her arms round him and kissed him so thoroughly he thought he might die of happiness and lack of oxygen. She drew back for a moment and laughed up into his face. She was stunning, and this happy she was heartstoppingly lovely.

"Yes." It was a strong word, said with great conviction.

"What do you mean, Yes?"

She giggled and looked up at him under her lashes. "Yes please."

"Angel, what do you mean ..." He gasped as the import of what she was saying burst on him. He picked her up and twirled her round and round. "Oh God. Oh God. I'm so happy."

They were both giddy when Jock put her down, and they clung together kissing and laughing. Eventually making their way to Angel's place. As Angel let them in, Jock was saying excitedly,

"We'll go out early tomorrow -- well, not too early," he grinned, "and buy a ring together."

Angel smiled up at him, "I'd love to choose it with you. That will be a fun outing to look forward to."

Later that night they went to bed together, Jock holding her in his arms until she was asleep. What could he do to prove the memory was there? Ah -- that would do it and be a great pleasure for him too. He grinned wickedly to himself and reached out to caress Angel's breast through her night clothes. As he had hoped, she woke up fairly quickly.

"What are you doing?"

"You tell me."

"You were feeling me up." Angel said indignantly.

"Ah, so you remember."

Angel looked confused, then her face cleared. She pulled him into her arms and gave him a big kiss. "So you've proved your point. Thank you." She grinned wickedly at him. "You'll have to do it again to prove that my memory and my waking always works!"

Jock could feel himself hardening at her words. He wondered if he could get away with skin contact. As they dropped off again, his mind was pleasurably engaged. When she was fully asleep, he moved his hand gently under her top and caressed her tight stomach. Once again, she woke fairly quickly.

"You see, you wake up as soon as I start. And here was I hoping to get much further!"

To his surprise, Angel laughed. "Shame. Now let's get some sleep."

Later the next morning they went out an chose an engagement ring. It was fun going round the shops together, and he was proud to have her on his arm.

He had another practice that afternoon. Angel quite wanted to watch and listen, but decided she wasn't ready yet to face them without her fat suit. Anyway she had an assignment she needed to get on with.

When she opened the door to him her genuine smile of welcome rocked him to the core. She looked adorable with her hair messed and an ink smudge on her cheek. He reached out and smoothed his thumb over it. She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. Without them realising her arms snaked up around his neck and his closed round her back, and what started as a gentle brush became passionate as they clung to each other. When their lips separated, they were both breathing quickly and slightly flushed.

"Wow." Jock whispered.

"More than wow." Angel whispered back.

They rested their foreheads together and smiled. He felt her fingers playing in the hair at the nape of his neck. His hands were gentle, making whorls on her back. They were both so relaxed in each other's company that it was quite shocking. Suddenly he realised something.

"You're not wearing your fat suit."

She grinned up at him with a slight lift of her eyebrows. "As you know, I don't wear it around the house. Apart from anything else, it's hot and slightly uncomfortable to wear. If I get caught out..." There was a wicked look in her eye, "...I just pretend to be a twin. But I knew it was you."

He grinned back, and said seriously, "You know I like you in both guises."

She looked wonderingly up at him, and said slowly. "Yes, I know. I can't quite believe it, but I know it's true."

"But you're not wearing the fat suit to our wedding. I want our kids to know how beautiful their mother is."

Once again tears streamed down her face.

"Angel, I'm sorry. My big mouth."

She was shaking her head, obviously wanting to speak but not quite able to through the tears. "I .... I ... don't know if I can have kids after ... what ... happened."

Jock pulled her to him and cradled her in his arms. "Shhh. Sweetheart, it's you I love, and kids are a bonus, not a requirement. Listen, the guys are eating at John and Anthea's again, and asked us to join them. Do you want to? Or shall I ring and tell them we're not coming?"

"You know what? I'd love to show them all my ring. Have you told them?"

"Yes. They pried it out of me because I was so happy. Sorry."

"Actually, I think that's easier for me." Angel said thoughtfully. "I'll go and tidy up."

A few minutes later they left for John and Anthea's. On the walk, Angel asked how the practice had gone, and told him she'd finished her assignment.

Anthea answered the door, and was so excited to see the ring. Suddenly she stopped dead.

"Hang on a sec. You can't have discovered a diet that works that quickly! Explain what's going on."

Angel looked embarrassed, but Jock took her hand and explained to Anthea that she'd been raped badly, and had been wearing a fat suit to protect herself and ward off unwanted attention.

"Brilliant idea. But surely you wear it all the time?"

"Well, I did until I met Jock." Angel blushed. "He's given me the confidence to take it off, and you are the first people I've trusted with the real me."

She took Angel by the hand and practically dragged her in to see the others.

"Guys, you have no idea. Angel is SO brave and we are the first to see her without her protection, and the first to see the ring."

They all crowded round and exclaimed. There were kisses and hugs all round. John appeared with a tray of glasses and when everyone had one in their hand, he spoke,

"I've been friends with Jock," He twinkled at them both, "for too many years. In turn, he has become friends with Anthea and these two reprobates." He indicated the twins. "We have comforted him in his misfortune and frequently, though not to him, bemoaned the fact that he was anti-female. So we were all delighted to meet Angel. Now Angel it seems also suffered misfortune and adopted a most ingenious protection in her industrial strength underwear..."