Pulling Away — Shawn Lane

Noah grew up with Charlie. They'd always been friends, if not close. Noah becomes the only friend that sticks around after Charlie practically becomes a hermit. Determined to get through to Charlie, Noah invents an identity on the computer. And while Charlie still keeps Noah at arm's length, he opens up to his new computer buddy. Noah's dream finally comes true when his friendship with Charlie changes to include sex, but each time they are together, Charlie withdraws afterward. Every time Noah tries to get through to him, Charlie grows even more distant. Then Charlie tells Noah's disguised internet persona that he doesn't have a boyfriend, merely a neighbor with whom he has sex. Crushed and heartbroken, Noah thinks it's time to give up and forget Charlie ever loving him the way he loves Charlie. But is pulling away from Charlie too much for Noah to take?