Bruised Heel

All persons characterized in this story are 18 and older.

L'art de plaire est l'art de tromper (The art of pleasing is the art of deception)

"So are you gonna help out with this project or not, Joey"

Jessie was ask about helping with an upcoming art show. He was asking me in particular to be present for any technical mishaps. Jessie's art exhibit was holographic display thus why he needed some with experience with optics and engineering. Someone like me, my major was in electrical engineering. At 21 years old I was close to graduating. Jessie was studying graphic design and economics, the first steps to a potential MBA. The university we were both attending in New England had (and still has in my opinion) a robust program in advanced computer sciences.

Here we were in the stands of a soccer field along with a small crowd of locals watching an intramural match between some guys in casual sportswear. Spring was turning into summer and the tits were out on campus. Around this time exams were wrapping up and the game was a nice break from all night study sessions. The match wasn't terribly exciting but Jessie and I had a thing for the sport. I turned to Jessie to respond, his focus was on the game.

"If the device is set up right and the program works fine, I really don't think you need me there bud".

I could tell Jessie was nervous. He wanted the project to go off without any screw ups. Having me there was more for his comfort than anything else. I wasn't opposed to going with him at all. My exams had gone well, and I wasn't too busy with lab duties for engineering department. But, Jessie can be obsessive when it comes to his pet projects.

"It has to be perfect. Once things get rolling I just need to you monitor the system and make sure the shit doesn't fail on me. I want the audience to be impressed. They'll have food catering and along a bar there, but you have to pay for the drinks."

The mention of booze got me got attention.

"Any girls gonna be there? Balore is a small college. You gonna be my wingman bro?", I was hoping to meet someone new. My last relationship ended pretty quick, she wanted a long-term commitment that I couldn't give. We were both too young for that anyways.

"Sure dude, plenty of female artists from the local college and New England itself. Balore is coming up now whoa-" Jessie quickly turned his attention to field as one of players took a nasty fall forward. Yikes, it didn't help that the grass was synthetic. For as much money as they were charging in tuition, they could at the very least invest in organic grass not this new synthetic hybrid shit.

"That's gonna leave a mark", I said.

"Heh, No shit." That was all Jessie had to add. I figured I'd use this opportunity to pack it in. Some of the players were helping out the one who fell. He was wearing a red shirt with black shorts. About my height maybe smaller ( i couldn't tell for sure), jet black hair done up in a man bun in the back. Slim, but tone upper body and a little thicker in thighs and legs. Good looking guy facially, he must get a lot of attention from the ladies. It was time head out.

"I'll be there, send me the schedule and the address. Wait, does this thing have a dress code?" I really hoped it didn't. Shopping was the last thing on my mind.

"Business Casual nothing fancy." Jessie gave me an amused look. We had been friends for a while he knew me well enough by then.

"Alright see you on Saturday. Send me the link to the website." I got up and walked back to my apartment. Classes were winding down with the summer break coming up, as well as my lab work with Professor Katz. I received the link and the schedule from Jessie a couple hours after arriving at my place. The "Balore Art Show" at Balore College, situated in a small college town near by, was a display of technological art. AI images, 3D printed sculptures, and other oddities. Jessie's piece would fit right in, I was scheduled to be there 30 minutes prior.

****

Saturday night was warm and humid, so I made sure to dress light in blue chinos pants, and teal dress shirt with a hint of cologne sprayed on. The show room was leased by the school for the event. It was impressive for a small college like Balore to be putting on an event this big. There were lots of artists from across the region. They were busy setting things up for the show when I walked in. I found Jessie in a rotunda along with Selena, who partnered up with him on this project. They had holographic project up next to some other team displaying a piece of "bioart" (very creepy stuff if you ask me). I checked my watch, it looked like I was right on time. They must have gotten in a little earlier.

"Hi Selena you look good. How is the set up going?" I gestured towards the optical device. At 5'5 Selena was gorgeous with honey brown eyes, beautiful ginger hair, and a bright smile. She had a decent amount of muscle on her pear shaped figure, the benefits of many hours in the gym. She had her major in graphic design at the time. Jessie and her were friend since high school. I always surprised the two of them never got together. For Jessie, Selena was like a sister to him since their families were pretty close before they born.

"Its coming together. I need you to check the wiring. I'll be back for the show" she started for the west side of the building where the bar was located.

"Going to get a drink already damn girl?" I gave her a rye smile. Her reply was a middle finger as she walked off. That girl knew how to have fun.

The show went as well as Jessie could have hoped. After a wiring check, I monitored the system from my laptop close by just in case. Those types of systems had a habit of overheating. Selena would pop in to talk to the patrons about the display. The rest of the time she was at the bar chatting up a local from the college while Jessie and I entertained with the groups enjoying the show. There were a lot of couples with kids in attendance, prospective students, local politicians, professors, and visitors from out of town. Jessie's display (an incredibly realistic depiction of the Mona Lisa) sort of took a back seat to Jessie himself. Jessie was handsome with a full of shaggy brown and piercing blue eyes. He may have slim without any kind of masculine build but that didn't stop girls and even some older ladies from showering him attention. He was the art show as far as they were concerned.

After 2 hours of entertaining guest the two of us were desperate need of a drink. We caught up with Selena at the bar sipping IPAs with another girl. The bar itself was tucked away from catering service close by. A small group of patrons had gather to drink and watch the sports channel. The woman was showing Selena pictures on her phone. I got a good look at her as we approach. She had to be about 5'9, black hair with purple on the ends to match her violet lipstick, high cheek bones, a lovely Greek nose and slim thick figure. Her eyes were the most striking feature. Grey almost silver eyes, I was pretty sure she had contacts on. She was gorgeous.

"Time to mingle." We bumped fists. Jessie and I had attended enough parties to know each others' game plan. We made our way over to them.

"Selena, I think Jessie's display was a hit. Who your friend?"

"Excussse you, SHE is my soulmate, I love this girl. AAAND NO you cant have her, get lost". The two of them started chuckling like teenagers. It was clear Selena was tipsy, her friend not so much. Jessie had made his way to the bar ordering his drinks and chatting up a redhead on his right.

"My names, Valerie so you're the engineer. I can tell" She said with a smirk.

"I'm Joey. How can you tell." I asked full well knowing I would probably be made the but of joke.

"You look like haven't step outside in a year. Too busy spanking it." I guess that was reference to about me being pale. Selena was doubled over by now. They were having a good old time at my expense.

"Ah ha, fuck you too chica. I get plenty." I shrugged it off that wasn't going to stop me from shooting my shot. I sat at the other end of the bar next to her and ordered the local brew. It gave me enough time rethink my approach and make my move.

"So let me guess, accounting major, right? No, you seem more like a coder." She was wearing a black Balore college shirt with jeans rolled up at the ends. I figured guessing her field of study would help strike up a conversation.

"Computer Science and photography, if you need to know." She was amused. Selena piped up at that point.

"She's really good. I saw some of her work. Show him your camera footage from the lake nearby."

Valerie pulled out her camera, it was one of those fancy hi def devices with the large scopes. She was indeed really good. She handed me the camera with a gallery of photos from the lake. One of them captured a swan in mid-flight just above the water's surface. The resolution was impressive, she clearly had talent. As I was looking through her gallery I noticed a scar on her leg. She was wearing tight jeans with the ends rolled up and soft sneakers.

"Did you get that scar shooting photos in the field?" I gestured toward her leg.

"No i just slipped on a jog." She took back the camera. "You should try it sometime. You know, jogging, spend enough time outside and maybe you'll actually get laid" She smiled and went back to chatting with Selena.

'WTF, is that supposed to mean?' I thought to myself. At 5'11 and 185 lbs with short cropped hair and dark brown eyes I was in pretty good shape.

At this point I was done talking this brat. Something was off with her. For the next half hour Jessie and I were drinking beer and watching sports. Jessie had been making progress with the redhead from the art college. There weren't too many patrons since most of the art connoisseurs consisted of couples with children, big wigs and young prospective students. I chatted with two other girls, both of whom turned out to under 18 (jail bait), so that didn't turn out to well. For the rest of the evening I just sat with Jesse. After 6 or 7 (I don't remember exactly) beers the bartender cut me off. It was near closing time, so I decided I would make my excuses in another 5 or 10 minutes and head home.

Checking my phone out of boredom, I noticed a social media notification for a soccer group on campus. Their account was just created an hour ago, which was curious. Since it was still public i checked their page. There were members listed off to the side next to photos & videos of them on the field. As I was scrolling through the member listed in the account, I came across one fellow who seemed familiar to me. Zachary Vidman, he was the guy that took that nasty fall on field. I knew it was because I recognized his man bun, but that wasn't all I recognized.

"Huh", I said absentmindedly. My spidey senses were tingly.

There was a full body photo of him with another guy in sportswear on the field. The bruise was still fresh I suppose. I thought the alcohol was getting to me because the bruise looked exactly like Valerie's. It was even in the same area of his leg. In fact, Zack himself appeared to bear a striking resemblance to Valerie. Same dark hair, high cheek bones, full lips and creamy white skin. The eyes were a different color though. Maybe they are related? But that didn't explain the scar. There's no way could Valerie be a dude in drag!? Selena rose from her chair and started heading towards the restroom. As Valerie followed, I discreetly took several photo of her from behind. I even managed to capture her face in profile. Using a smartphone app on my phone I compare the two pictures. It wasn't perfect for obvious reasons, but every detail lined up perfectly. Even the bruises were same. No.. no way!

"Holy shit.." I whispered

"Whats up? Joey?" Jessie must have over heard. I exited out of the app, I didn't want Jessie to think I was crazy.

"Nothing just.. Um". The alcohol was tripping me up. "What happened with that cute redhead?"

"Her name's Cass. We set up something up for later. Redhead aren't exactly my type but I think we have chemistry."

"That's great. Do you know anything about Val? I mean, Selena seems to love her is she a friend of hers or yours?" I was curious if he knew anything.

"Valerie. No, I never seen her before. Selena just met her today." Jessie wasn't going to be much help. Speak of the devil, the two of them were on their back from the little girls room. In that moment I had a bright idea on how to solve this mystery.

"Jessie you should probably take Selena back to campus, it's getting late. Besides, she has been hitting the bottle pretty hard."

Jessie nodded and asked "Are you gonna hangout here? The bar is closing dude?"

"No I am gonna give it one last shot, if you know what mean". Selena cut in to the conversation asking " Are we hitting up the town or what? I know a rustic bar a few blocks away they serve the best food there, Val?"

Instead, Val said she had to head back to her dorm room at Balore. Selena was disappointed, I was elated. That was my moment, I had to time it just right. I used my account to send Zack a message with a picture of Val: "Is this you? ;)"

A few moments after Jessie and Selena were headed out the door, Val checked her phone notifications. The color draining from her face told me all I needed to know. She was caught there's no way question about it. Zach and Val were the same.

I needed to act fast. As carefully as I could, I approach her and put my hand on her back. Val was slightly startled, she turned to face me. "Her" or rather "his" lovely silver eyes screamed fear, shame and panic.

"Easy there" He was caught and he knew it. At that moment I was in control.

"Just breathe. No one else knows" I said. He studied my face.

"Please... Don't. Just." He couldn't complete a sentence. Even though it was closing time there were still some patrons in the dining hall. Mostly older couples drinking, eating or just standing about. I waste no time in hooking my arm around his.

"It's alright, let's go some place more private." We exited the building and went to my car. He got in and buckled still shaken from being discovered. I asked for his address and we drove to his place since less than 10 minutes by car.

Driving into the neighborhood and parking close to his apartment I could tell he came from some serious money. It was a closed off community on the east side of town. Zack was so nervous that he dropped his keys multiple times trying to unlock the door. I was stunned when we entered his apartment and he switched on the lights. Apparently, the whole house was his. He had a big screen TV in the living, the kitchen was gorgeous with granite counter tops & a smart fridge. A china set in the dining room with a beautiful chandelier.

"This place is yours? It's beautiful." I was impressed.

"Yes, my..my family is well off. Um, How?"

I didn't understand the question "How, what?"

"How, did you know? You fucking idiot!" He was shaken before now he was pissed off and red in the face, almost crying from fear.

"The bruise. You took a nasty dive on field back at Uni, I was there with Jessie. Soccer is kind of my thing." I shrugged off his rage, keeping my cool and more important control over him.

"Fuck! Oh my god are you sure no one else knows?" He was almost pleading with me. He was holding back trying to keep it together. I didn't want him afraid or terrified. I wasn't quite sure how wanted this situation end, to be honest.

"I'm pretty sure Jessie and Selena don't know or anyone else for that matter." There was a liquor cabinet near by and I decided to help myself to some vodka and ice.

"Okay, okay, okay" He was trying to calm down. All he was really doing was making me nervous pacing back and forth. Then, he stop and looked at me with those grayish silver eyes full of intensity.

"You have to delete that photo of me." He demanded.

I scoff, "No i don't. This is your fault you know, if you were nicer to me early I would have let it slide and kept my mouth shut. But right now, my silence will come with a price" I took sip of my vodka as he stared daggers at me. To this day, the memory of what happened feels for fiction than fact. And listen, you guys reading this probably think I am an asshole for doing what I did. To that I plead guilty but you guys would have done same be honest with yourselves.

"Really! Oh for fuck's-" He proceeded massaging his temples trying to work the knots generated by offense and exasperation. I took the opportunity to look him up and down. I hadn't considered myself gay or bi before hand but damn he was so hot, there was no denying it. The dark purple hair framed his feminine face perfectly along with those piercing eyes. The muscles in his arms did well to compliment his slender shoulders. The tight jeans he was wearing could do little to hide his muscled legs and rotund bubble butt. His body was simply a work of art, and most woman would kill for an ass like that.

"Fine, How much?" He looked at me with hands on hips similar to what girls do when they are upset with their man. I took the exact same pose to twist the knife in a little more which only served to enrage him even further. Time to cut the bullshit. I closed the distance and pulled him in by the waist into a slow gentle kiss testing the waters of what was permissible. When he kissed me back I went further before long were making out in the living room. With my hands I explored the muscles of his back and squeezed his rear end while his hands examined my muscled chest & abs. He tasted of mint gum and hops from the IPA. I broke the kiss.

"Let's go upstairs, show me your room."

In moments were up the stairs in his bedroom. I was anticipating a messy room but it was neat and clean. We continued our make out session with the light set to a slight dim. What ever panic or fury seem to melt away with Valerie. He was more focus on unbuttoning my shirt. I took it off and tossed it to the side then sat on the bed while discarding my shoes. I gestured for him to come closer.

"Val, take your clothes off" He was nervous maybe a bit shy about exposing his body. After a few moments he dispensed of his Balore shirt and undid the bralette underneath revealing a willowy chest with bright pink nipples. And then proceeding to unbuckle is jeans and let them drop. He had some light muscle in his upper body but was much more developed in his lower half. His muscled leg were creamy white skin and almost no hair whatsoever some peach fuzz around his groin covered with a pair of erotic lacy panties. I noted he was packing a respectable 6 to 7 inches down there. Not bad coming from such a feminine looking dude. All in all, Val was drop dead gorgeous. I needed to keep my cool and reassert my dominance now. Standing up and looking in his eyes, I pointed to the floor. No words were needed he knew exactly what I wanted.

Val blushing from the heat of the situation, looked away for a brief moment and then got on his knees. He was now eye level with my crotch. Tentatively, he reached the elastic band of briefs with his fingers and in one swoop brought them down to the floor. My 9" inch cock sprung forward like a jack in the box. He pulled back a bit, obviously not expecting to be confronted with my large member. It was always a thrill watching girls be shocked and surprised when they saw my dick. "Nerds have BIG hard drives" was the line I used to tease women with in those moments (it's cheesy I know). He reached out a hand, grabbed and started jerking it. His hands were so soft and delicate for a guy it was hard to believe. He looked up at me for a second gauging my reaction and proceeded to kiss the tip working his way up to mouthing the head. After a few minutes he sucking it, the pleasure was incredible.