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Part 1 - http://74.6.238.254/search/srpcache?ei=UTF-8&p=quarterback+with+the+emerald+eyes&fr=ush-groups&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=quarterback+with+the+emerald+eyes&d=4997100169136832&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=acfabe6,e12495d1&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=kcxL.gZhIETJr1Qecu1qLQ--

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Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 19:58:52 -0800

From: dsc110875@hotmail.com

Subject: Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes - Part 1

This story is fiction.  Any similarity to any persons living or dead is

merely a coincidence.  If you are not allowed by law to view this material,

please do not do so. If you are under 18 years of age, please leave now.

This is a love story between two barely under the age of 18 year old boys

in high school.  If that offends you, I apologize and ask that you not read

any further.  Otherwise, enjoy.

Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes -- Part 1

        I really don't know where to begin.  How about I start with

describing myself and give you some background on how I learned I was gay.

My name is Blake; I live in Atlanta and have just graduated high school.

Tall, about 6'1", 230 pounds, 18 years old, dark blond hair and crystal

blue eyes.  All the girls think I'm hot, (their words not mine) and have

even seen some of the guys jealous because I attract so much attention.

I've known I was gay for a couple of years but could never tell anyone

about it for fear they would say something to other people.

        I lost my virginity, orally only, when I was 16.  It was around

Christmas time and I had to run to the mall to pick up a few items, when

the urge to go to the bathroom was overwhelming.  With three bags in hand,

I found the corridor to the restrooms and ran as fast as I could.  Once in

the stall, bags down and coat on the back of the door, I sat and did my

business.  Once I was done cleaning up, I finally got a look around the

stall and saw a hole leading into the next stall.  My first thought was

`What the hell is this for?' but once the stall was occupied, I quickly

figured it out.

        The man next to me sat and I immediately turned my eyes forward but

couldn't help but glance sideways at the hole.  When I did, I saw the other

man's penis.  It was a nice size, I guess.  After a quick glance, I would

then turn forward again.  I was nervous I think for fear this guy would see

my penis, so I pulled my shirt a little forward to cover myself.  But

curiosity kept getting the better of me and I kept glancing through the

hole.  There was no change on the other side until I looked again and the

guy had his hand wrapped around his shaft which was completely hard by now.

As I looked, I had a strange feeling inside and then realized it was

actually between my legs.  I lifted my shirt and saw that I had a raging

hard on and didn't know why.

        When I glanced back at the man, he was slowly stroking his hard

penis.  I kept my eyes on the hole and watched with excitement and horror.

I was excited to see this happening to someone else and know that I, nor my

brother, weren't the only ones who did it and horror as to why I couldn't

take my eyes off it.  Before I knew it, I hand my own hand stroking myself

to a beautiful climax.  I was almost there when the man made a move and

stood up.  I thought he was about to leave and I was disappointed, but

instead he moved over to the hole and put his dick through it.

        I stared at it for a minute then figured he wanted me to stroke it

for him so I gently wrapped my hand around his hard muscle and slowly moved

it to then fro.  I did this for a few minutes then I heard him whisper,

"Suck it."

        I immediately withdrew my hand and stared at it.  He wanted me to

put this in my mouth.  Why would he want that?  I grew up under very strict

parents, church going and no pornography.  My dad even told me that if I

pleasured myself then I would go blind.  I was young and I believed him so

I never did until last year.  I kept waking up with my underwear wet and

couldn't figure it out until I asked my older brother, Mitch.  He told me

that dad had told him the same thing about going blind but he's been doing

it for more than five years and he can still see fine.  So I finally

figured out about self pleasure and partook in it as much as I could.

        In all of my one year jerking off, I didn't think there was

anything else to pleasuring oneself, until you got married.  Now this man

told me to suck his dick.  I was scared to death but at the same time eager

to understand more about sex.  I put my hand back on him to let him know I

was going to suck him but I wanted to smell it first.  I put my nose closer

to it and took a whiff.  It smelled rather pleasant.  The faintest odor of

soap still lingered, so I figured if it didn't smell bad, it couldn't

possibly taste bad so I put out my tongue and ran it over the slit in his

penis.  There wasn't really a taste so I went even further and put his head

in my mouth.

        "Watch your teeth!" he whispered harshly.  I didn't even think of

that, so I carefully went back on his dick, covering my teeth with my lips

and started sucking it like I was trying to get a drink through a straw.  I

guess the man figured I was a rookie and figured I needed a little

coaching.  He started to withdraw his dick from my mouth and before it

popped out, he pushed back in and said, "Yeah, that's the way."

        So I figured that I needed to bob on it instead of actually suck

it, so I did.  He gave a couple of low moans and sighs and I guess I

figured out exactly what I was supposed to do.  I was just getting into a

rhythm when we both heard the first of two doors entering the bathroom

open.  He pulled his penis out of my mouth and sat down and I went back to

my normal looking forward position.  After a couple of minutes, the new

occupant finished and left.

        Looking back at the guy to my left, he motioned for me to put my

ear next to the hole and I obliged.  He whispered, "I see you have some

bags.  Put them along the outside wall and one up front so if anyone else

comes in, they won't be able to see your feet."

        I didn't know why he would suggest it but I did as I was instructed

and looked back.  "You new at this?" he asked.

        "Yeah," I answered.

        "Ever suck a dick before?"

        "You were my first.  I hope I did okay."

        "You did fine for starters.  Hey, why don't you let me blow you for

a few minutes to let you know how it's supposed to feel?"

        "Blow me?  You want to blow air on my penis?"  (Boy I was naive

then.)

        "Blow is another work for suck.  Blow job, sucking dick.  Same

thing," he explained.

        "Oh," I said embarrassed.  I stood up and swung my right leg around

the toilet then slowly put my dick through the hole.  Once on the other

side, I felt the man wrap his hand around it and slowly start stroking it.

I thought self pleasure was good, but this man was making me feel amazing.

I closed my eyes and enjoyed the new sensation I was receiving.  Then I

about busted out of my skin when I felt his mouth take my dick into the

warm wetness.  My eyes shot open and my knees buckled.  Thank goodness they

were only an inch from the divider and I didn't crash to the floor.

        He started with just the head and sucked, that is bobbed, on it for

a few moments and the feeling was like electricity starting at my dick and

overloading my brain.  Every nerve in my body was sensitive.  It didn't

take him long to go down further and further on my dick until it was buried

and I could actually see his lips on my side of the wall.  For whatever

reason, seeing his lips wrapped around my dick and knowing that my six and

a half inches was actually in someone else brought me to an orgasm.  It

wasn't like where you jerk off and you feel it building, this one wasn't

there one second then I was shooting into his mouth the next.  The most

intense orgasm of my life.

        After I climbed the climax mountain, twice, I think, I came back to

my senses and felt him still sucking me.  At that point, I snatched my dick

out of his mouth.

        "Sensitive?" he asked.

        "Like you wouldn't believe," I answered, breathlessly and felt for

the toilet seat and lowered myself back into a sitting position.

        Hearing a smile in his voice, he said, "You could've warned me,"

and heard a chuckle.

        "I didn't have any warning.  That was my first blowjob and it was

way intense."

        "Ahh, that explains why you came so soon."

        "Yeah, sorry bout that," I said sheepishly.

        "Don't be.  It was good and tasty."

        "You ate it?" I asked in disbelief.

        "Yeah, better than waste it," he answered and chuckled again.

"Listen, my break is almost over.  Give me about a minute then go back to

the mall then up one flight to the food court.  I'll know who you are

because of the bags, okay?"

        "Sure," I said.

        Once I heard the outside door close, I started to count to sixty

while getting my pants back up around my waist.  When I got to sixty, I

practically bolted from the bathroom and found the first set of stairs.

When I arrived at the food court I stopped and looked around.  There were

so many handsome men and I started fantasizing about which one I had sucked

on.  Then from behind me I heard the same whisper say, "I can still taste

you on my tongue."

        When I turned around I just about fainted.  I was looking into the

eyes of the high school football quarterback.

        We stared at each other for a few minutes when I finally broke the

silence between us and said, "That was you?"

        He looked just as dumbfounded as I was and squeaked, "Yeah," then

cleared his throat and said it again in a lower voice, "Yeah and if you

tell anyone at school, I will fucking kill you."

        He continued to stare at me waiting for an answer.  "Why would I

tell anybody?"

        "Trying to black mail me or something."  His face was still rigid

with fear.

        "Listen, Todd, I didn't expect anything like that would ever happen

to me, but I have to say, if I can ever feel like that again, I wouldn't

talk again in my life."

        "Well, don't expect it from me again.  If I had known it was you, I

wouldn't have done it."

        "Fine," I said, not knowing why he was so upset.  "Don't worry, I

won't tell anybody, I promise."

        "I swear, if you do..." I looked down and saw his hands turn to

fists and cut him off.  "I won't, don't worry."

        He gave me one last look and turned and walked away.  Before he got

too far, I called his name and he turned back.  "Thanks," I said, with a

smile.  He just turned and kept walking.

        I didn't see Todd again until after the New Year.  I was in the

mall with my parents and we were just walking around, looking at the sales

going on.  As my parents were going into the book store, I looked across

the hall and saw the Discovery store and asked if I could go in and look

around.

        "Don't you leave that store until we come and get you.  The only

other place you can go is back over here, okay, son?" my dad said.

        "Okay, dad, I won't," and turned and walked away.  When I got to

the store, I turned around and gave him a wave letting him know that I will

be here. Then he turned into the bookstore.

        I walked around a little and picked up a few items and examined

them then replacing them back where I found them.  A little further down, a

bright color caught my attention and I walked over to it.  I picked up the

book and on the cover was a beautiful picture of the Earth on it so I

flipped open the pages and saw the most amazing photographs with the most

brilliant colors.  Completely lost in the book, I almost didn't hear the

guy behind me ask if he could help me.

        "No thanks," I said, turning, "just checking..." My words trailed

off when I saw it was Todd.

        Quickly looking around, he asked, "What the hell are you doing

here?"

        "Just looking around.  I'm here with my parents."

        "Bullshit!!!  Are you following me?"

        "No, I said I was with my parents."

        Looking around, he said, "So then, where are they?  There's no one

else here."

        "They're in the bookstore across the way."

        "Look, asshole, I told you before that if I had known it was you it

wouldn't have happened.  It will never happen again, so stop fucking

following me," he said in a harsh whisper.

        Just as I was about to respond, I heard my dad call my name,

"Blake?"  Just after he said my name, he rounded the corner and found me.

"Ah, there you are."

        "Hey dad.  I was just looking at this book when Todd came up to say

hey."  Looking at Todd, I introduced them.  "Todd this is my dad, Thomas.

Dad this is Todd Blyth.  He's the quarterback for the football team at

school."

        A big smile spread across my dad's face and reached out his hand

for Todd to shake.  "Hey, Todd.  Listen, I don't go to the games anymore,

but I heard you had an amazing season.  Only one loss."

        "Yes, sir.  It's sad the only loss we got was on the day I was

sick.  Against our arch rivals, too.  That's what cost us the division.

They went down undefeated."

        "What are you, a senior?"

        "Will be next year, sir."

        "A junior quarterback with that record, I'm impressed," said my

dad.  "You playing again next year?"

        "I intend to, if some young hot shot doesn't come in and make me

look bad."

        "Doubt that could happen.  Listen, next season, Blake and I'll have

to have some father/son nights and come to a few games and cheer you on."

        Glancing nervously at me, Todd answered with a smile, "That'd be

great, sir.  The more support the better."

        "Great then.  Well, it was good meeting you, but we've got a lot

more shopping to do."  Turning to me, dad asked if I was ready.

        "Sure dad," putting the book back, I looked at Todd and said, "see

you when school starts back."

        "Cool," he said with a smile and my dad and I went to meet my mom

on a bench out the door.

        A few days later, school did start back and I was just excited as

if it was the first day of high school.  My nose has always been in a book.

I love learning and anything I can read about, I do.  So far, there is only

one other person giving me competition on GPA.  Kelly Marx and I both had a

high school career GPA of 4.0.  We were good friends and the competition

was just our way of ribbing each other.  We shared all but one of our

classes, which was an elective.  She was in art and I in woodshop.  I guess

the reason we both had the same GPA was because we basically studied

together.

        Not to brag, but since we were the smartest in out sophomore class,

we figured that if we studied together, then at least we could go faster

than if we studied with some other students.  They would probably just hold

us back from our normal fast pace of learning.

        When I got to school that morning, Kelly found me and asked how my

Christmas vacation was.  "It was fine," I answered.  "And yours?"

        "It was great."  She continued to tell me how her family went to

Colorado to ski and named each gift she got and continued to talk about her

wonderful vacation.  While she did so, I found myself remembering that day

in the mall and picturing sex with Todd again, only this time without the

wall divider between us.

        Pulling me out of my daydream, Kelly put her hand on my shoulder

and asked, "Are you okay?"

        Realizing I had a boner, I casually moved my bag over my crotch and

said I was fine.  "So, what was the best thing that happened to you over

the holiday?" she asked.

        Knowing I couldn't tell her the truth, I blurted the first thing

that came to my mind, "The best thing that happened to me was I had a wet

dream."  As soon as I said it, I regretted it.

        She looked excited.  "Really?  About who?"

        Again, the first thing that came to my mind.  Ok, the second.  The

first was Todd.  "Drew Barrymore."  She looked puzzled.  "I had just seen

'50 first dates' with my brother earlier that evening.  I guess she just

stuck with me."

        "That's weird," she said.

        "Why?" I asked.

        "Drew Barrymore.  Of all the girls, why Drew Barrymore?"

        "Like I said, I had just seen the DVD and when it was over, I went

to bed."

        "I wish that would happen to me.  I would watch a movie with Zac

Ephron," she said, dreamily.

        `Me too,' I thought.  "C'mon, let's get to class; I don't want to

be late."

        Later on that day, Kelly and I were in Chemistry class and things

were going rather well when suddenly there was a boom and next thing you

know, I was covered in purple wetness.

        "Kinsey!!!" Mr. Perry called out, using one of my troublemaking

classmate's last name only.  "What did you do this time?"

        "I don't know, Mr. Perry.  I was just following the instructions

and it exploded."

        Looking at the ingredients around Josh's workstation, Mr. Perry

realized it wasn't acidic, then looked up and saw me covered in purple goo.

        "Don't worry, Blake.  It's not going to hurt you but you do need to

get cleaned up so it doesn't stain your skin."

        "Okay," I said, trying to figure out how.

        "Here," he said, walking back to his desk.  He wrote something on a

note and handed it to me.  "Take this to coach Walker.  He'll let you use

the shower.  Make sure you wash real good."

        Looking at Kelly, she understood and said, "I'll get your books."

        "Thanks."

        Grabbing the note gently so I wouldn't get it messy, I headed for

the gym.  When I got to coach's office, I knocked and he said come in.

        "Coach, I can't open the door."

        A few seconds later, it opened.  "My God, son, what happened?" he

asked.

        "A student blew something up in chemistry and Mr. Perry sent me to

you.  Here," I said, lifting my hand with the note it in.

        "Here, follow me," and he led to way to the showers.  "The towels

are over in the laundry room, and while your there, you might as well put

your clothes in the wash.  I'll write you a note for being late because of

your clothes.  Let's just get you cleaned up."

        "Thanks, coach."  Looking around, I noticed that no one else was

here.  "Where is every body?"

        "Not many kids signed up for PE this year.  This period and next

are my free ones.  I'm going to be in my office.  If you need anything,

just let me know, okay?"

        "Okay.  Thanks again coach."

        Then he turned and left the locker room.  I began to get undressed

and once naked; I dropped my clothes in the washer and started them up.  I

was about to grab a towel when I realized my hands were still messy, so I

figured I'd come back after my shower.

        About ten minutes into my shower, I realized I basically had all

the time in the world because of my clothes, at least as long as it took to

wash and dry them, so I just stood under the spray and relaxed.  I soaped

myself up and washed real good to make sure all the purple stuff was gone.

When I rinsed off the soap and cleared my eyes of water, I saw someone

staring at me.

        My first instinct was to cover myself.  No one has ever seen me

naked.  Not in a long time.  Not since my mom stopped giving me baths at

eight years old.  So my hands flew to my crotch to hide myself and realized

it was Todd staring at me.

        "I swear I'm not following you.  I just needed to get a shower and

coach said it was okay.  I didn't even know you were going to be here.  I

swear."

        Smiling, he looked at me and said, "I know.  The bell just rang and

the next period just started and this is my free time.  I wasn't expecting

the shower to be running so I came over to see who was here."

        When I realized he wasn't angry, my body just sort of went limp,

meaning my hands went back to my side leaving me completely exposed.

"You're not angry?"

        "Nah.  Last time I saw you, you could have ratted me out to your

father, about me being mean to you, but you didn't.  It was then I figured

you were telling the truth and that I could trust you with your word.  Then

I realized how mean to you I actually was.  I'm sorry."

        "No big deal."

        "It was to me.  I really am sorry."

        Staring at him for a minute, I saw his eyes glance at my crotch and

realize that I was still standing naked in front of Todd.  "Apology

accepted," I said and turned my back on him back under the shower spray.

        "What the hell is that?" he asked.

        "What?" I asked back.

        "That purple stuff on your back?"

        I tried to turn to see where it was but ended up looking like a dog

chasing his tail.  "I thought I got it all.  Stupid Josh Kinsey blew

something up in chem. lab and I got hit solid.  It must've dripped down my

shirt and I didn't know it."

        Grabbing the soap, I created a good lather and tried to reach it.

"Did I get it?" I asked, turning my back to Todd.

        "Nope.  Here, let me help," he said, walking into the shower.

        "But you'll get wet," I said.

        "Not if you come over here," he motioned five feet away from the

shower head.

        "Oh, right," I said with a clumsy smile.  I walked over to him and

turned around.  He came around me and got some water on his hands and the

soap and walked back around me again.  I felt his hands touch my skin and

immediately felt a twitch.  `Oh, God, not now,' I thought.

        After putting the soap in the tray, I felt his hands move more

vigorously over my skin.  I knew my lower back was washed, but his hands

roamed over that area as well.  I was about to say something about that,

but thought twice instead.  I figured I might as well see where this goes

and kept my mouth shut.

        His fingers dug into my skin with just the right amount of

pressure.  Then he started doing full strokes on my back from shoulders to

the small of my back.  On about the fourth or fifth pass, he stopped at my

lower back and moved even lower, gently grazing his palms across the cheeks

of my butt.  My half hard penis jumped to full salute.

        I closed my eyes and let him continue his assault on my body.  His

gentle touch got firmer when I showed no signs of protest and forgot about

my back completely.  He was kneading my butt cheeks forcefully until he was

pulling them apart and letting the cool air hit my hole.  A minute later, I

felt his finger graze my hole and my eyes flew open.

        Taking a small step away, I turned and said, "What are you doing?"

        "Helping you get clean," he said, honestly.  "You didn't like it?"

        Before I could answer, he closed the gap between us and said, "I

think you did like it," and wrapped his soapy hands around my boner.

        All I could do was take a sharp intake of breath.  Stars flying in

front of my eyes, I lazily got out, "Whadda bout...coach?"

        "He had a meeting with the principal.  Told me it was gonna take

all period," he said, still slowly stroking my dick.

        Still distracted, I said, "Students?...Teachers?"

        "No students are signed up for this period and if any teacher walks

in, we'll hear the door.  If we do, I'll have enough time to hide in the

locker room while you finish up your shower."

        Figuring he had all the bases covered, I answered, "K," and let my

head fall on his shoulder with my eyes closed.  For a few minutes, his hand

kept making love to my erection.  The only thing between us was a very thin

layer of soap.  Deep in my belly and scrotum, I felt the start of what was

supposed to be an amazing climax, but instead, the feeling of his lips

touching mine brought me back to the full consciousness of my surroundings.

When I lifted my head off his shoulder and pulled back slightly from his

lips, he stopped moving his hand.

        "What's the matter?" he asked.

        "You kissed me," I answered in disbelief.

        "What?  You don't kiss?"

        "Todd, as embarrassing as this may sound, I have never done

anything before that thing in the mall."  I was waiting for him to show

some anger at me bringing up that subject again, but he didn't.

        "What about porn movies or magazines?  They show kissing in those."

        "I haven't seen any before."

        Smiling a little, he said, "Wow, you really are a virgin, aren't

you?"

        When he said it like that, I thought that he was going to start

making fun of me so I pulled away and went back to the shower and washed

off the suds that were slowly sliding down my body.  "Yeah, I am," I said

with an attitude.

        Smiling again, he said, "Hey, it's alright.  I was too up until

April of this year.  Never done anything with anybody before that."

        I was hanging on every word he said, but acted like I didn't care

and continued my rinsing.  After myself and Todd knew that I was completely

clean from the soap, I heard him ask me to turn off the water.

Reluctantly, I complied and turned to look at him.  After the water stopped

flowing on the floor, Todd walked up to me and looked in my eyes.

        "I want to kiss you, Blake."

        "Why?" I asked, but so wanted to do the same thing to him.

        "I really don't know.  But I have this overwhelming urge to kiss

you.  Can I, please?"

        Being bold, I figured that I would be the one to kiss him, so I

leaned in and gave him a peck on the lips and pulled away.

        "You do know that I'm not your mom.  I don't want a good night

kiss, I want a real one."

        I guess I looked puzzled and he closed the very small gap between

us and I just stared into his eyes and notice him lick his lips.  Without

knowing it, I did the same.  He pressed his lips against mine for a few

moments then I felt him part his lips slightly and felt his tongue brush

over my own lips.  Shock at something new took me over again and before I

could pull away, his right hand went to the back of my head and his left

went to my back to hold me still.

        Not really knowing what to do, I mimicked his actions and parted my

lips and felt his tongue enter my mouth.  Any excitement I lost in my penis

from our misunderstanding returned with full force.  Since we were so

close, the farthest up it could go was right between Todd's legs on the

underside of his denim crotch.  Even though I didn't completely understand

what kind of kissing this was, my body and brain soon became aware that I

liked it.  Before I knew it, my arms were wrapped around him like a kid

seeing their daddy return from a long business trip, never wanting to let

him go.

        I think I finally got the hang of the kiss, with our tongues

fighting and exploring the mouths of each other, but obviously, I forgot

how to breathe.  When my lungs actually sent a signal to my brain that it

needed air and the message finally got through, I was just about to pass

out.  I abruptly pulled out of the kiss and took a couple steps back.

        "You okay?" Todd asked, a little concerned.

        Catching my breath a little while my palms were still on my knees,

I answered, "Yeah, I'm fine, but I forgot to breath."

        This time, Todd laughed out loud.  I was a little hurt at first,

but realized that it was kinda funny, so I joined him.  "When you kiss like

that, how are you supposed to breathe?" I asked.

        "Deeply and through the nose," he answered still giggling.

        After the laughter passed and I got my breath back, I walked back

and asked if we could try it again.

        "Why don't you come out here with me?  I've got another idea."

        He turned and grabbed my hand and led me to the locker room.  When

we arrived at a bench, he slowly pushed me down and I understood the other

idea he was having.

        "Are you sure you want to do this?  I mean, remember last time.  It

only lasted a few seconds."

        "Yeah, but this time, when you get close, put your hands on my head

and I'll stop."

        "Okay, I'll try, but I can't promise anything."  As Todd started

down my chest I looked up at the clock and noticed we still had half an

hour and that was the last thing I noticed until a wave a pleasure over

took me completely.  Instinctively, my eyes closed, but I forced them open

because I wanted to see what was actually happening.  When I looked down, I

saw Todd lick the head of my dick and open his mouth and engulf it

completely down to my pubic bush.  Then he did something with his throat

and I felt that familiar feeling start so I put my hands on his head and he

pulled off a little to let my penis remain in his mouth but not touch

anything.

        After the feeling subsided, he pulled off me completely and asked,

"Can you do it again?"

        "I think so," I answered and saw him smile and go back to the task

at hand.

        After my penis was lodged in his throat again, he did that same

trick and this time I concentrated on the feeling without letting it put me

over the edge.  A few seconds later, he slowly pulled himself up and came

almost completely off but, with the same speed, went right back down to the

hilt.  I got so caught up in the feeling that I didn't realize that I put

both my hands on his head until he stopped.  I looked down and saw why he

stopped and slowly put force behind my hands and said, "I'm okay.  Keep

going."

        Todd did as instructed and kept up the same speed and care he was

taking on my dick.  I started rubbing my hands around on his head with just

a little force on every down stroke he took.  A couple minutes later, I

caught myself moaning slightly and then realized the feeling was starting

again.  This time I grabbed around his cheeks and told him to stop, which

he did.  "You're getting better.  That was at least five minutes."

        "Yeah.  It was, but you are driving me crazy."

        "This time we'll go all the way.  But before you cum, give me a

little warning, will ya.  I don't want to choke like last time."  He didn't

wait for an answer; he just smiled that beautiful smile of his and went to

put my penis back in his mouth.  Within the next five minutes, I gave him

his warning and shot the best feeling load I could into his waiting mouth.

When I came, I closed my eyes tight and had to hold the bench with one hand

while my other was on his head.

        When I was done, I slumped forward and draped an arm across Todd's

back.  He pulled off my now spent dick and looked up at me.

        "Good?" he asked in a shit eating grin.

        "Oh, my God, incredible."

        "I'm glad you enjoyed it," then came up to me and kissed me.  His

tongue parted my lips and I gladly welcomed it in.  When he broke the kiss,

I smacked my lips together and got a faint taste of something sweet.

Looking at him, confused, he said, "That's what you taste like.  Like

candy, you're so sweet."

        "That was me?  Wow, I didn't know it could taste that good."

        Looking at his watch, he said, "We only have about fifteen minutes

left.  Shouldn't you be getting dressed?"

        "Before we do, can I return the favor?  Or at least try to?"

        Smiling at me, he asked, "Are you sure?"

        "Yeah.  You've already done me twice and I haven't helped you out

at all."

        "Okay, but why don't you get dressed first, in case coach walks in,

it won't look so weird."

        "Good idea."  I walked over to the dryer and got my clothes out.

Putting my shirt on, it felt a little damp.  I then grabbed my underwear

and it still felt soaked.  "Darn," I exclaimed.

        He giggled and repeated, "Darn?"

        "Yeah, my underwear is still wet."  Feeling my pants, I said, "And

so are my jeans.  I'm not going to have enough time to keep drying these

without missing another class."

        Todd stayed silent for a minute and then said, "Follow me."  I put

my clothes back in the dryer and did as I was told.

        He walked over to a locker and said, "I always keep a clean set of

clothes in my locker.  What size are you?" he asked, looking down at what I

would assume was my waist and not my penis.

        "32," I answered.

        "Me, too.  These should work.  And I have some underwear, too," he

said, pulling them both out and handing them over to me.

        "You don't mind?" I asked, taking them from him.

        "Nah.  You can get them back to me whenever.  I'm not going to need

them today, anyway."

        "Cool.  Thanks," I said and slipped on his underwear.  Even though

it was almost the exact same underwear that I wear, it felt even better

knowing that they were once on his body.  When they were completely on, my

penis gave a little bounce letting me know it was getting excited again.

Realizing I was wasting time, I quickly put on his pants and got down on my

knees for him to sit on the bench.

        "Why don't you sit and I'll stand in front of you,"

        I did as I was told and when I did, he stood in front of me and

unbuttoned his pants.  When he unzipped his fly, I could tell he was

excited.  I swear the bulge in his underwear helped propel the zipper

downward.  He then hooked his thumbs in his underwear and tugged them down

releasing himself to me.  Through the hole in the mall, it looked big, but

seeing it attached to Todd, it looked even bigger.

        I grabbed it gently with my right hand and licked the slit of the

head and tasted the fluid sitting there.  It was a salty sweet liquid that

my taste buds did summersaults for.  I knew that if I got him to cum, there

would be a lot more where that came from.  Without thinking, I engulfed the

first half of his dick in my mouth and didn't think of anything else until

I heard him inhale violently.

        "What happened?" I asked

        "Teeth.  You gotta be more careful."

        "Sorry," I said, embarrassed.  "I will."

        I tried it again and this time I made sure my teeth were out of the

way.  I bobbed back and forth on his penis for a few minutes.  He was

enjoying this because of the low soft moans he was giving me.  Feeling

bolder, yet, I decided to go down even further on him, like he did me.  Big

mistake.  When I did go down farther on him, my gag reflex took over and I

pulled myself off him so fast, you would have thought he burned my throat.

        "Too much, too soon," he said to me with a smile.

        "How big are you?" I asked, wiping my lips with the back of my

hand.

        "Last time I measured, almost eight and a half.

        "Holy crap.  You're about two inches bigger than me."

        "In time and with practice, you'll be able to take it all."

        "With practice?" I asked.  "You mean we can do this again?"

        Smiling that big smile of his, he said, "I sure hope so.  But for

now, get back to work," and he winked at me.

        I smiled and grabbed it again, but as soon as I did, we both heard

the gym door open.  "Shit," Todd said and quickly fixed his pants and sat

beside me to hide his hard on.

        Three seconds later, the coach came around the corner.  "Blake,

what are you still doing here?"

        "Waiting on you coach.  You were supposed to write me a pass about

missing class."

        "Oh, crap.  I completely forgot.  Come in the office, I'll get it

for you," then he walked away.

        "That was close.  You think he suspected anything?"

        "Nah," Todd answered, "knowing coach, he was probably seething

about anything Principal Adams told him.  I wouldn't worry about it."

        "How are you doing down there?" I asked.

        "Completely limp.  Coach scared it away."

        "I'm sorry I didn't get to finish.  That's two I owe you."

        "Don't you worry about it.  I'll make you pay up one day," again,

the wink and a big smile.

        "Cool.  Well, I guess I'll see you around."

        "Yeah, you too."  I turned to walk away, when he got my attention

again.  "Don't forget to tell coach about your clothes.  Tell him you'll be

back to get them after school."

        "Thanks for reminding me."  Standing there silently staring at

Todd, I gave an awkward smile and lifted my hand and gave a little wave

goodbye and headed to the coaches office.

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Part 5 - http://74.6.238.254/search/srpcache?ei=UTF-8&p=quarterback+with+the+emerald+eyes&fr=ush-groups&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=quarterback+with+the+emerald+eyes&d=4822110316989100&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=90a36d18,c0e2e91c&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=etqKO0Nf7khtUo45gQ1jmQ--

-----------------------------------------------

Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:47:41 -0700

From: David Courson <dsc110875@hotmail.com>

Subject: Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes - Part 5

This story is fiction.  Any similarity to any persons living or dead is

merely a coincidence.  If you are not allowed by law to view this material,

please do not do so. If you are under 18 years of age, please leave now.

This is a love story between two barely under the age of 18 year old boys

in high school.  If that offends you, I apologize and ask that you not read

any further.  Otherwise, enjoy.  (Author's note: For the readers in Atlanta

or familiar with the city, the places I speak of are entirely fictional,

except for the Sun Dial.  If there are there, they were opened since my

last visit about two years ago.)

Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes -- Part 5

        In the morning, I awoke, again with the clock in the ten `o'clock

hour.  I could get used to sleeping in and waking in Todd's embrace.

Moving my arm, I laid it across Todd's arm, which was as it was yesterday,

with his hand flat on my chest.  I had to pee, and today it was a little

more intense.  I decided I had to try, even if I woke Todd. I grabbed his

hand and slowly moved it and placed it on his side, and then I pulled the

covers off me and slowly hung my legs over the side and sat up.

        My ass was throbbing.  It was a dull ache starting at my asshole

and working it way throughout my entire butt.  I took a deep breath and

pushed myself into a standing position.  `That wasn't so bad,' I thought.

When I took my first step, I froze.  The soreness was overwhelming.

Whenever I stepped forward, the muscles in my legs seemed to pull the

muscles in my ass.  I reached back and felt for any mutilation of the skin

and brought my fingers around front, inspecting them for blood.  They were

clean, so the soreness, I would guess, was like a hangover after drinking

too much the night before.  If you want to enjoy it, there would be

consequences.

        I reached to put on my underwear and was finally able to take the

smallest of steps without much pain, but before I got to the door, there

came a question from behind me.  "Are you okay?"

        Turning my torso, I said, "I think so, but my ass hurts like hell.

I can barely walk."

        Growing concerned, Todd got out of bed and said, "Bend over.  Let

me see."

        I felt silly, since I was doing this without any sexual activities

following, but I bent over a little and felt him pull my underwear down and

spread my cheeks.  "Damn, you're really red."

        "Is there any blood?"

        "No."

        "How `bout a fire?"

        Laughing, he said, "No.  Just really red."  There was silence for a

moment, and then Todd left me.  Looking over my shoulder, I saw him grab

the lotion bottle.  Fear gripping me, pain be damned, I turned very quick

and said, "No way are you gonna fuck me again."

        Smiling, he said, "I don't wanna fuck you again.  Well, I mean, I

want to, but not right now.  I was gonna put this on your ass.  It looks a

little chapped and this might help with the discomfort."

        Giving him a, `you try anything...,' look, I turned and resumed my

position.  I heard him squeeze a little lotion on his fingers and felt him

part my ass again.  His fingers made contact and it was cold.  After

rubbing it in, the pain started to dull even further.  The massage he was

giving me combined with the lotion covering the sore spots seemed to help a

lot.  He gave me two to three applications before he finally declared he

was done.

        Standing upright, I cautiously stepped forward a short ways and the

pain was even less.  I turned to him and took a few steps and the pain was

very bearable.  Reaching him, I said thanks and leaned in for a kiss.  "You

really do know how to make me feel good."

        "Hey, it's a gift," he said, nonchalantly.  "Where were you going,

anyway?"

        "Bathroom," I said and lifted my underwear back over my hips.

"Back in a sec."

        A minute later I was back and he had his underwear on heading to

the bathroom.  `His mother must be home,' I thought.  Instead of waiting, I

started putting the running shorts back on and when I was dressed, he came

in the room.  Following my lead, I waited until he was dressed then we

walked down to the kitchen.

        "Mornin', mom," he said to her, seeing her cooking.

        "Morning, Mrs. Blyth," I said as well.

        "Morning, boys.  How'd you sleep?"

        "Very, well, thank you," I answered.

        "So, how was last night?" Todd asked.

        "It wasn't too bad.  The office spent a fortune to keep this guy

entertained, but he gives us good business."

        "How much did last night cost?"

        Thinking for a moment, she answered, "'Bout fifteen hundred."

        "Oh, my God, mom.  Are you serious?"

        "Yeah, we went to the Sun Dial, had dinner and many drinks, then

the show, then he wanted to go to a few clubs then he got hungry again and

we went to another restaurant, then he wanted go to back out again and when

we finally dropped him off, he was plastered."

        "All that cost fifteen hundred dollars?  Wow, your firm must really

like him."

        "His company gives us millions of dollars in business each year, so

fifteen hundred isn't much."

        All this talk about money was throwing my mind into a tail spin.  I

don't have a clue how much my mother or father makes.  It was understood to

be impolite to ask.  When we went out to eat, it was impolite to ask the

amount of the bill unless you were going to pay for it and now, Todd and

his mom were talking thousands and millions of dollars as casually as if he

had asked her for her favorite color.

        Changing the subject, Todd asked, "Whatcha cookin'?"

        "Bacon, eggs, grits, toast and coffee."

        "Is the coffee done?" he asked.

        "Yeah, just finished."

        Todd walked around the island and grabbed a cup from the cupboard.

"You want some?" he asked me.

        "I've never had coffee before," I said to their amazed looks.

        "How old are you again, Todd," his mom asked.

        "Sixteen.  I'll be seventeen in June."

        "And you've never had coffee?" Todd jumped in.

        "No.  Mom wouldn't let us.  She and dad could drink it but not us

boys."

        Pouring a cup, he handed me one and poured another for himself.

        Taking a sip, I skewed my face at the disgusting, bitter taste.

Holding it out to Todd, I said, "Thanks, but I don't like it."

        "Try it with some milk and sugar.  I can't drink it black.  It has

to have sugar."

        He brought the milk and sugar over along with a spoon and he

started spooning sugar into my coffee, then his own.  Adding just a little

milk, he repeated the process for his cup.  After stirring, I hesitantly

brought the cup back to my lips and took another taste.  "Wow, that's

better," I said then took another sip of the steaming liquid.

        "Yeah, mom and dad drink it black, but I can't stand the taste."

Turning his attention back to his mother, he asked, "Where's dad?"

        "Still asleep.  He did all the drinking last night so I could

drive, so I'm letting him sleep it off.  He passed three sheets before our

second trip to the restaurant."

        "Man, he's gonna have a head ache when he gets up."

        "I know.  I already have the aspirin and water sitting on the

bedside table."

        The rest of the morning passed by smoothly.  I had a little trouble

sitting on the hard stool to eat, but after I got used to the pain, things

got better.  About 12:30, Don finally decided to join us.  He came down the

stairs in his boxers, holding his head and giving small moans of

disagreement at every downward step he had to take.  When he reached the

kitchen, Mrs. Blyth had a plate of food waiting.

        Todd and I just hung out for the rest of the day.  I had to be home

by five, so we watched some movies, played some video games and ended up

lying on the bed so we could talk.  We had about an hour to go and there

was silence between us.

        After we both just about dozed off, he broke the silence, saying,

"You know," I opened my eyes to look at him.  "I'm real glad I met you."

        I didn't say anything for a moment but when he looked at me, I

turned on my side, facing him, and put my hand on his chest.  "I'm glad we

met, too."

        "You seemed a little unsure with that pause."

        "No, it's not that I'm unsure, it's just that I wish we could have

met under different circumstances."

        "Whadda mean?" he asked, putting his hand on top of mine.

        "Well, I mean, I wish we could have met without the sex and maybe,

possibly go on a date first."

        "Why?  You don't like the sex?"

        "No, I mean, yes, I do like it, very much, but I just wish we could

have dated first then had sex.  The sex is great, and with what we did

yesterday, it only enhanced it, but I just..."  Growing frustrated on how

to explain it, I said, "I don't know.  Never mind."

        "I think I know what you mean.  But if that had happened, how do

you know we would have known about each other.  I mean, it's not an open

topic at school."

        "I know.  I probably wouldn't have known about myself for a year or

more if it hadn't been for the mall thing."

        "Yeah, if it wasn't for the mall, we might never have met."

        I know that was supposed to be in innocent statement, but the way

he said it cut me, deeply.  Pulling away, I rolled off the bed to get

dressed, saying, "Oh, yeah.  I forgot."

        Utterly confused, he said, "What?  You forgot what?"

        "Nothing," I said, waving my hand in the air as a sign to forget

it.

        Getting off the bed and walking to me, he asked, "No.  What is that

supposed to mean?  `Oh, yeah.  I forgot.'"

        Sorry that I said anything, I dropped my hands down to my side and

looked at him.  "I'm the nerd.  I'm not cool.  I'm not even good looking.

If we hadn't met at the mall, you never would've noticed me.  Not that it

would've mattered.  Remember, I didn't even know about sex before you."

        "That's doesn't seem fair," he said, sitting on the edge of the

bed.

        "It's not fair.  The way society sees our kind is a disgrace.  I

can never tell anyone about me.  I'll be looked down upon.  My mom and

dad'll throw me out and my brother'll probably never speak to me again.  I

have to hide who I am when all I want to do is tell the world."

        Todd shuffled, uncomfortably.

        "See, even you don't like it."

        "I guess I'm a little scared, too.  I mean, if anyone found out, we

would be ridiculed at school.  I probably wouldn't be allowed in the locker

room again, much less the football team."

        "That's my point.  You care more about how the school and your team

will look at you.  We shouldn't have to worry about that."

        Standing, he walked over to me, "I know we shouldn't have to worry,

but we do.  We have to play a part.  I don't like it, either, but we gotta

stay quiet."

        "I know," I agreed, half heartedly.  Walking over to my clothes, I

stripped his off and got into mine.  Looking at the clock, I said, "I guess

I better get going."

        "You still have forty five minutes."

        "I know, but I need to get going."

        Turning towards the door, he stopped me, again, "Hey, perk up, will

ya?"  Putting his arms around me, he looked into my eyes and said,

"Remember this.  From me to you, you are very good looking.  Other people

may think you're a nerd, but I see the real person.  Handsome, smart,

caring and sensitive.  Now that I know you, that's what I like about you."

        Looking down, I produced a small smile and he hooked his finger

under my chin and pulled it up.  "Don't change that, okay.  I like who you

are now.  Don't try and be something else."

        I didn't answer.  I just continued to stare into his eyes.  He

closed the few inches between us and kissed me softly.  I gave into the

kiss and closed my eyes.  I lifted my right hand and pressed it against his

left cheek, feeling the beginnings of a beard with my thumb.  I pulled

away, gently and smiled again.

        "Go on," he said, pulling his hands back.

        "See you tomorrow," I said then headed out the door.

        I gave my goodbyes to his parents and they told me I was welcomed

anytime.  They would cover for me if I ever needed them to.  I didn't plan

on lying to my parents, but I know that if I ever needed them, hopefully,

they would help me out.

        When I got home, mom and dad asked how my weekend was and if Todd

understood the math.  Feeling the guilt rise, I told him that he seemed to

understand it completely and told them that I even thought he was going to

get an A.  They seemed pleased and we kept talking and just being with each

other until bedtime.

        The following day at school, Todd came up behind me and we made

some small talk before the bell to the next class rang.  When he went back

to his group of friends to get to their next class, I overheard one ask,

"Who's the fag?"  He said that I was very good at math and that I had

helped him, then he was out of earshot.  I, not once, heard a defense from

him for me.  Feeling like crap, I sighed and slammed my locker and headed

down the hall.

        Nothing out of the ordinary happened for the remainder of the

school year.  Todd and I didn't see much of each other in school.  We had

small talk here and there, but nothing important.  We still saw each other

about two, maybe three, time a week for sexual activities.  It was always

with the premise that I was helping Todd with math, for my parent's sake.

After school was over, Todd and I talked just about everyday.  He still had

his football buddies, and would go out with them every now and then, but we

still had our routine of at least twice a week.

        June was a big month for me.  Of course, I was turning seventeen.

My birthday fell on a Wednesday and my parents took me out for dinner.  My

brother refused, saying he had a date.  It was a great birthday.  For my

present, my parents gave me some money and then, dad handed me an envelope.

        I opened it and, inside was a piece of paper.  When I pulled it

out, I first saw the word `DEED'.  I looked at my dad and he said, "It's

the deed to your car.  It's completely yours now.  I figured that with the

chores you do around the house and mowing the lawn, you've paid the debt."

        "Wow, thanks," was all I could say.  What he didn't realize for a

seventeen year old, that any repairs now came out of my pocket.  I mean,

the freedom of having my own car was great, but now the burden of keeping

it up wasn't so great.  I didn't have a job so my allowance would pay for

gas, but any repairs, I would have to ask to borrow the money and be in

debt again.

        The night ended well.  After dinner, we went to a movie and had a

great time.  I missed spending time with my parents.  Mom was always at

home, but dad had work, so a lot of times, he wouldn't get home till late.

        When we got home, I was starting to go to my room when my dad asked

me to come to the living room.  I followed him in and my mother was waiting

for us.  She handed him a bag and he turned to me.  "We have one more

gift," and handed the bag to me.

        I opened it and saw a brand new cell phone.  I was all kinds of

excited.  "A cell phone?" I said.  "Oh, wow.  This is great," I said,

opening the box and getting all the parts together.

        "We have you on a plan with five hundred minutes, unlimited text,

call waiting, three way-calling and free cell to cell calling to someone in

the same network."

        "But, I don't have the money to pay for it," I said, disappointed.

        "Don't worry about that.  I'll cover you for a year, but if you go

over your minutes, you'll have to pay me back.  When you turn eighteen,

it'll be your responsibility.  Deal?"

        "Deal," I said, standing to give them both hugs.

        Since it was still early, I read the directions while the battery

charged and then called Todd.  When I told him the good news, he was just

as happy for me.  We talked for a while and he asked if I was free Friday

night.

        "I think so, why?"

        "I wanna take you out for your birthday."

        "I don't know what mom and dad'll say, but I'll ask."

        Sighing, he said, "You know, I know your parents have rules and

everything, but your seventeen and you still have to ask permission?  Can't

they lighten up on you a little?"

        "Until the day I move out of this house, I'll have to ask

permission.  If that's not until I'm twenty five, then that's how it'll be.

They're rules."

        "I know, but it just seems silly."

        "I agree, but what can I do?" I asked rhetorically.

        "Well, since you have to, you can ask them and call me back."

        "Okay.  I'll call you in a few minutes."

        I hung up the phone and went to ask my parents.  They asked why he

wanted to take me out and, thinking on the fly, I said because he made an A

in math for the year and he wanted to pay me back.

        "He's such a nice young man," my mother said.

        "Yeah.  I guess it'll be fine.  Will you be staying the night?" my

dad asked.

        I didn't even think of that, but answered that I probably would,

even though Todd never asked me.  I was more shocked that my dad suggested

it without me having to ask.

        I called Todd back and told him what my dad said.  "Cool.  Now we

won't have a curfew.  We can go to a movie, too"

        We talked for a little while longer and said we made plans to meet

on Friday at four.

        I got to Todd's house right on schedule, bag in hand, and he met me

at the door.  "Happy Birthday," he said to me as I approached him on the

porch.

        "Thanks."

        We walked in and his parents gave me birthday wishes as well then

he and I bounded up the stairs to his room.  After I put my bag down, I

turned to look at Todd.  He walked over to me and gave me a long,

lingering, soft kiss and pulled away, saying, "Happy birthday."

        Getting the feeling back in my legs, I said thanks, again, and ask

if that was my birthday gift.

        "Don't you worry about that.  That comes later tonight," he said

with that sly smile of his.

        We piddled around for a bit until I got hungry.  When I told him,

he told me that I was not to eat until we went out.  It was someplace

special and I was to enjoy it.  I disappointedly crossed my arms and said,

in a playful manner, "Fine.  Then when do we eat?"

        "We'll leave in about an hour."

        "An hour?" I exclaimed, for real this time.

        "Yeah.  You can hold out for that long.  I'm about to starve, too,

but I wanna wait."

        I could hold out for another hour, but I figured I would tease him

a little first.  "C'mon, just a little snack?"

        "Nope."

        "What about just a little protein shake, then?"

        He was about to refuse again when he caught the gist of my meaning.

"Ah, good one, but no.  Not tonight."

        Now I was surprised.  "None tonight?  None at all?"

        Looking me up and down, a mischievous smile upon his lips, he said,

"We'll see.  Depends on how good you are."

        We talked and teased each other for another half hour before Todd

suggested we get dressed.

        "What are you talking about, I am dressed," I said, wearing a polo

type shirt and some blue jeans.

        "No, where I'm taking you, you need to dress up a little more."

        "But I don't have anything else to wear except more of the same."

        "Wear something of mine, then," he suggested.  "C'mere, I'm sure I

have something for you to wear."

        Going to his closet, he pulled out a nice, button down, white

shirt.  After handing it to me, he moved some slacks around and found a

black pair.  "These should do," he said, handing them to me.

        Looking at the shirt, I agreed, but the pants.  "Do you get your

pants longer than you need?"

        "Jeans, yes, but slacks, no.  I get them to fit me right."

        "Then, I can't wear these," I said handing them back.

        "Why not?" he asked.

        "Have you not noticed that I am taller than you?"

        "You don't have to rub it in, but you are only taller by a couple

inches."

        Standing side by side with Todd, I said, "Look at our waists.  Mine

is higher than yours by four inches.  If I put these on, you'll be able to

see my socks."  Removing the pants from the hanger, he held them up to my

waist and said, "You're right.  They will be too small."

        Putting them back, he walked out of the room and called for his dad

to come upstairs.  When he arrived, he explained the problem and told us to

follow him into his bedroom.  Looking through his closet, he pulled out a

pair of black slacks and told me try them on.  As I was doing that, Todd

went back to his room to get dressed.

        Seeing as how I was more comfortable around Don, even getting naked

a few times at night watching TV over the months, I stripped off my jeans

and pulled on the slacks.  Clasping and zipping them up, I turned around

and he said they fit great.  I unclasped and unzipped and started to put on

my shirt when Don handed me a tee shirt to put on first.  When that was

done, I put on the button down and then tucked everything in and clasped

the slacks again.

        "Lookin' sharp, Blake.  Hold on, you need a belt."  Looking back in

the closet, he grabbed a black belt with a gold buckle.  After putting it

on, he told me we were almost done.  Reaching back in the closet, he

brought out a tie and handed it to me.  It was a blue tie that had red

streaks flowing long ways that ended at the edge of the fabric.

        I told him I didn't know how to tie one and he slipped it around my

neck and stood behind me.  Looking in the mirror, I watched him tie the tie

as if he was wearing it himself.  All those flips and tucks and pull

throughs, I was thoroughly confused, but when he was done, I looked like a

million bucks.

        Todd had come in as I was admiring myself in the mirror.  "Wow.

You clean up very well," Todd said, teasing me.  His dad had a smile on his

face.

        "Butt," I said, hitting his arm.

        Being more serious, he asked if I was ready to go.

        "I just need some shoes, unless you want me to wear my tennis

shoes."

        "What size are you?" Todd asked.

        "Eleven."

        "I'm only a ten.  You can't wear mine."

        Reaching back in his closet, Don grabbed a pair of black dress

shoes.  "I'm eleven and a half, they'll be just a tad big, but they should

do."

        Stepping into them, I said thanks.

        "Where're you two going?" asked his father.

        "It's a surprise, but I'm sure he'll enjoy it."

        Going downstairs, his mom got a look at us and gave a whistle.

"Don't you boys look handsome?"

        I blushed a little, but thanked her for the compliment.  A few

minutes later, we headed out the door to the Honda.

        On the way to wherever, he pulled onto Peachtree Street and reached

over and took my hand in his.  I looked down, thinking he wanted something,

but then he didn't move.  I gave a small squeeze and looked back at the

road.  He drove us from Buckhead towards the city.  When we entered the

Mid-Town area, he turned off and headed back into a neighborhood.

        "Where're we going?" I asked, confused and excited.

        Taking a quick glance, he said "You'll see," then smiled at me and

turned to look forward.

        A few turns later, we ended up on Piedmont Avenue.  We drove down

the one-way street and then he started to slow.  He found what he was

looking for and parked.  Getting out, he waited for me.  When I reached

him, he grabbed my hand, again, and we started walking.  I was a little

apprehensive about holding his hand in public, so I tried to gently pull it

away.  When I did, he noticed and stopped to look at me.

        "Something wrong?" he asked.

        "We're in public," I answered, cautiously looking around.

        "You do know we're in Mid-Town, right?"

        "Yeah, so?"

        "Mid-Town is the gay center of the city.  We can hold hands and no

one cares."

        Yanking my hand away, I looked around more openly.  "Now, what's

wrong?"

        "What if someone recognizes us?  What if my parents find out?"

        Closing the gap between us, he put his hands on my face and said,

"No one'll recognize us.  We don't know any gay kids at school. . ."

        I cut him off, saying, "What about Mike Parsons.  You know there

are rumors about him being gay."

        "Mike the trumpet player in the band?  I don't think so.  Even if

he is gay, I doubt he'd be in this part of town."

        "How do you know?" I asked, trying to make my case.  "He could be

walking down the street as we speak and see us and. . ."

        Cutting me off, he said, "Blake, you would relax?  So what if Mike

is gay and he sees us?  What's the worse that could happen?"

        "My parents could find out and they would throw me out, that's

what."

        "Okay, listen, if you want to go somewhere else, we can, but we

will look kinda strange, two teenagers dressed up for dinner without any

girls around.  I mean, it is a date night."

        Thinking about the logic of his words, I gave a little huff and

said, "No, you're right.  I guess I'm just a little nervous."

        "Don't be.  Tonight we celebrate you."  He started to lean in but

stopped.  I guess he figured I might get uncomfortable again.  He turned

around and started walking down the street.  A few seconds later, I caught

up to him and took his hand in mine.

        About two blocks away was a little hole in the wall restaurant.

From the outside, it looked like it was about to fall apart, but inside was

a completely different story.  There were many tables draped in white

tablecloths, two or four place settings, wine, water and liquor glasses and

candles burning.  I looked around as he walked up to the hostess.  I joined

him as I heard him say, "Reservation for Blyth."

        The young lady looked at the book then back at us smiling, saying,

"Welcome to Atlas.  Just the two of you tonight?" she asked, grabbing some

menus and walking around the podium.

        "Yes, ma'am.  We're celebrating my boyfriend's birthday."

        I instantly turned red from head to foot.

        Smiling, she said, "Well, happy birthday.  Follow me, please.  I

have just the right romantic spot for you."

        We walked through the dining room and I felt as if I was walking a

runway.  I kept thinking everyone was looking at us, but when I glanced, I

saw that they kept talking and eating without paying us any mind.  When we

arrived at our table, Todd pulled out a chair and I chose the other.

        "Uh, hum," he said, clearing his throat.

        I looked at him and he gestured for me to sit in the chair he was

holding.  I smiled a little, knowing that gesture went completely over my

head and walked over to sit.  He pushed my chair in for me and walked back

around to his seat.

        When we sat, the hostess asked my age, when I told her, she said,

"I remember seventeen.  Those were some good times."  Looking at my eyes,

she said, "Enjoy it, okay?  Once your eighteen, you'll never be seventeen

again," then proceeded to tell us the specials.

        After she had left, I smiled at Todd, gave a small look around as I

opened my menu and looked back.  I just about choked when I saw the prices.

Finding the cheapest item listed, I looked over at Todd.  He was looking at

his menu, trying to decide what to have.

        "Todd," I whispered.

        He looked up, giving me his attention.  "We can't eat here."

        "Why not?"

        "This is too expensive.  I don't want you to have to spend this

kind of money on me."

        "It's not that expensive," he said, looking back at his menu.

        "Oh, really?  A fifteen dollar hamburger isn't expensive?  And for

cheese, two dollars more?  That's not expensive?"

        Looking back at me and laughing, slightly, he said, "Would you shut

up and decide what you want."

        I cautiously turned my attention back to the menu and looked over

my choices.  I ended up settling on a steak with a baked potato and some

vegetables.  A salad came with it and when it arrived, our server, a very

cute guy named Cliff, about 23 years old, had a selection of dressings for

us to choose from.  When we decided, he grabbed our salads and spooned the

dressing over it and placed it in front of us.

        While we ate, we had nice conversations about many different

things.  I was beginning to get more comfortable.  Looking around the room,

again, I noticed that a lot of the couples were of the same gender.  More

men couples then women, but there were also some straight couples mixed in.

Many of the couples were outwardly showing affection towards each other.

It wasn't overly publicized, but it wasn't hidden either.

        Across the room, there was a handsome couple, I would guess early

thirties that had their hands across the table towards each other with

their fingers interlocked, smiling as they talked.

        Another couple, a little further distance from the first, had both

men sitting on the same side of the table and one man had his arm across

the shoulders of the other with his other hand resting on the guys arm.

        A lesbian couple had one of the ladies lightly rubbing her partners

arm with her fingertips.

        As I slowly looked around the room, I saw that everyone was smiling

that comfortable smile of knowing their partner was there with them.  I

looked back at Todd and he had just finished his salad and put his for down

when I reached my hand across the table with my palm up.  He looked at me,

puzzled, and then placed his hand in mine.

        "I thought you were uncomfortable?"

        "Looking around this place," I started, with a small wave of my

hand to show my surrounding, "almost everyone here is like us.  I don't

think I've ever felt more comfortable.  Except when I'm in your arms, of

course."

        "Oh, of course," he said, smiling.  "I'm glad you're relaxing.  You

look much cuter when you're relaxed.

        We continued to talk and I was trying to get more information out

of him to find out if there was more to my birthday surprise, but he just

wouldn't budge.  I even whisper begged, but he refused, saying, "If I tell

you, it won't be a surprise."

        I finally gave up when the food arrived.  When Cliff got our

attention, our hands parted so that he had full access to the table.  As he

placed our dished before us, he asked if there was any special occasion why

we were here.  I guessed he saw our hands, but wasn't sure.

        Todd answered, "Actually, there are two occasions.  It's our first

official date and it's Blake's birthday."

        Looking at me and giving me a big smile, Cliff said, "Well then,

happy birthday."

        "Thanks," I said.

        Before he could ask my age or any other questions, he had

everything in place.  The only other question he did ask was if he could

get us anything else.  When we said there wasn't, he told us to enjoy and

left us.

        Again, our conversations shifted to many different topics.  We

laughed out loud at some things, and kept quiet on others.  I was having

such a wonderful time in my surroundings and with Todd; I didn't ever want

this night to end.  When we were done, Cliff cleared the dishes and a few

minutes later, came over with a big slice of chocolate cake with one tiny

candle stuck inside.

        "With our best birthday wishes to you," Cliff said, setting the

plate in front of me.

        "Wow, thank you," I said to Cliff and he left us once again.

        I picked up my fork and stabbed a small piece, with frosting, and

put it in my mouth.  "Oh, my God," I said with my mouth full.  Not being

able to talk, all I could do was continue to point, repeatedly, with my

fork, at the cake.  Swallowing, I told Todd he needed to try it.  He looked

around but found his fork was gone.  I noticed also and grabbed a piece and

fed him over the table.

        He took the piece from the fork and his eyes closed with delight at

the taste of the chocolate hitting his tongue.  Smiling, I said, "Good,

isn't it?"

        "Best I've ever had."

        I took another small piece then fed Todd a second helping.  Because

the chocolate was so rich, we couldn't eat anymore and when Cliff returned,

we asked if we could take the rest with us.  He grabbed the plate and

placed the check on the table equidistance between us.  Once he had left,

Todd reached for the check and then, his wallet.

        I didn't ask the bill total, nor did I want to know, but he put

five twenties in the book with the check and placed it back on the table.

My eyes must've gotten bigger at the amount he put in the book, because he

told me not to worry about it.  "This is nothing.  I would do anything for

you."

        Cliff returned with our cake in a plastic carry home case and Todd

handed him the bill, thanking him and complimenting him on his service.

Before we left, Cliff told us that if he was working when we decided to

come back, he would gladly serve us again.

        On our way out of the restaurant, I grabbed Todd's right hand with

my left and reached across with my right hand to grab his bicep.  I

couldn't get the smile I had off my face.  When we reached the outdoors, my

attitude changed a little and I pulled away from him.  The sidewalks were

filled with more people and I started getting nervous again.  Looking

around, I saw that ninety percent of the people were couples and most of

them were of the same sex.  Relaxing again, I resumed my touching of Todd

as we walked back to the car.

        We rode around Mid-Town for a few minutes with Todd pointing out

various shops and stores and eateries.  All gay owned or gay friendly.

"When you're in this part of town, you really can be yourself," he told me.

He turned down 10th Street and we passed my Piedmont Park.  As we did, he

said that that's where Pride was held.

        "What's Pride?" I asked him.

        "Gay Pride.  Please tell me you've heard of it."

        Giving him that `I've been a sheltered little boy my whole life'

smile, he explained that gay Pride was a festival of mostly gay people

getting together to show that they exist so that the government doesn't

forget they are out there.  He explained about the Stonewall riots and how

Pride started from that.  In all my seventeen years, I'd never even heard

of it.  My parents must've had to work extra hard in June to keep it from

getting to my eyes or ears.

        "When is it held?" I asked him.

        "In a couple weeks," he answered.  Then he got a bright look in his

eyes and said, "Hey, you wanna go?"

        "You mean us, go to gay Pride?  What if someone sees us?"

        "Doubt that.  At least two hundred and fifty thousand people go to

the festival.  There's no way anyone would be able to spot us."

        "I don't know," I said a little apprehensively

        "Oh, come on.  It'll be loads of fun.  They have bands playing,

booths, games, I think, and lots of stuff.  I think it'll be great."

        "I'll think about it," I said to him, squeezing his hand for

affirmation.

        He dropped the subject and made more turns until we were on

Peachtree, again, heading to the city.

        "Now where are we going?" I asked.

        "Have you ever been to the Sun Dial?"

        "No," I answered.

        "You're gonna love this," he said and didn't say anything else.

        We pulled up to a hotel and I looked at him, confused.  He handed

his keys to the valet and we started inside.  "Are we getting a room?" I

asked.

        "Not here," he said.  "These rooms are way too expensive.  We're

just going to the Sun Dial."

        "What is the Sun Dial?" I asked.

        "You'll see.  Just hold your horses," he said, smiling.

        Walking into the glamorous hotel, I couldn't help but look around

as I walked.  When I finally took in all I could, I looked over and found

Todd about twenty steps in front of me.  I trotted up to him and we headed

to the information desk.

        "How can I help you, sir?" asked the receptionist.

        "Is there an inside elevator to the Sun Dial?  I want it to be a

surprise for him when we get there."

        "Yes, sir."  Pointing with her entire hand, palm out faced, she

said, "If you just go down this hall, you'll see a bank of elevators.  The

last door on the right is the express to the Sun Dial."

        Smiling back at her, Todd told her thanks and we headed on the

intended path she gave us.  When we arrived, the elevator was just

unloading so we stepped in and had the tiny room to ourselves.  When I

looked at the buttons, there were only two.  Floor one and floor

seventy-two.  Todd pushed it and off we went.

        "Seventy second floor?  What is this place?"

        "It's the highest restaurant in Atlanta."

        "But, we just ate."

        "There's also a bar."

        "But, we can't drink."

        I guess he was growing a little tired of all my questions and

contradictions.  He smiled big and put his hands on my shoulders and said,

"Would you stop worrying about things.  Enjoy this, okay."  He dropped his

hands back to his side and leaned against the back wall.

        Walking up to him, I put my head on his shoulder and grabbed his

hand.  I was only able to rest it for a few seconds before the tiny bell

alerted us to our destination.  I stood upright and waited for the doors to

open.  When they did, all I could see was a wall in front of us.  Todd

walked past me, saying, "C'mon."

        I did as I was instructed and we climbed one set of stairs, turned

down a small hallway then a second set.  When we reached the top, I

couldn't believe what I was seeing.  We were on a circular floor that only

reached about half the regular floor and right in front of me, all around

the room was nothing but plate glass windows.  I walked up to the railing

and saw the entire city of Atlanta stretched out before me, twinkling in

the twilight.

        Looking over the railing, I saw the restaurant below me that

stretched to the windows.  Looking at the diner's, I noticed they were

moving.  "The floor's moving," I said to Todd.

        "Yeah, it revolves to show the entire city."

        "Wow," I said in amazement.  "It would've been cool to eat here," I

said to him.

        "Well, for two people, it averages about seventy-five dollars

apiece."

        I couldn't speak.  I just looked at Todd with my eyes opened wide.

        "C'mon, let's go to the bar and get a Coke."

        I followed him to the bar and we chose a table.  To my delight, the

strip of tables set up around the bar was also on a part of the floor that

revolved.  After we were seated, the waitress came over and Todd explained

our reasoning for being here, save the boyfriend title, and ordered us a

couple of sodas.  Todd explained that it took between forty five minutes

and an hour to make a complete revolution.

        We talked and looked out over the city.  In the dark distance, we

saw the lights of the Georgia Dome, Stone Mountain, Buckhead and many other

familiarities of the city.  I never knew how beautiful Atlanta really was

and possible never would have, had I not been sitting atop the city that

night.

        When we arrived at our starting point, Todd suggested we leave.

"There's still one more surprise left."

        I smiled and we headed down stairs.  In the elevator, again it was

just the two of us.  I walked over to him and put my arms around his waist

and kissed him.  "Tonight has been the best night of my life.  Thank you,"

and leaned back in for another kiss.

        After the kiss was broken, he said, "It's not over yet."  He winked

at me with a smile and the bell chimed, announcing our stop.

        Back in the car, Todd drove back towards Mid-Town.  After a few

turns off the main highway, and about a block from Piedmont Park, he turned

into what looked like a residence's driveway.  I grew a little nervous, but

figured he had everything under control.  I was about to ask where we were,

but grasped the idea I would probably get the stock answer of `You'll see',

so I kept quiet and let the night continue on.

        Pulling around back, I noticed about six other cars parked.  I

still had no idea where we were, but still, I put my trust in Todd to not

get us hurt.  I followed his lead out of the car and up to a door.  When he

got there, he didn't knock, but instead, opened it for me and then followed

me through.  On the inside, I realized we were at a hotel or something like

it.  There was a registration desk against one wall and a set of living

room furniture against an opposite corner.

        While I was looking around, I heard a voice behind me say, "Good

evening.  How may I help you?"  It was a man probably in his late twenties,

tall, nice looking with handsome features.

        Todd walked up to the desk and gave his last name.

        "Ah, Mr. Blyth.  Everything is in order."  By this time, I joined

him at the desk.  "If you just follow the petals, they will take you where

you need to go," and gave a big smile.

        I guess I was just too nervous when I came in, but when he told us

to follow the petals, I never noticed there were rose petals, red, pink and

white, scattered all over the ground leading out the very door we used to

enter.  I looked at Todd and he smiled and nodded his head towards the

door.  I led the way with him right behind me.  Once outside, I asked,

"What is this?"

        He continued to smile, not saying a word.  He grabbed my hand and I

watched the roses wind down the walkway until they turned into a small

garden.  Following them through the short hedges, they disappeared into a

door directly ahead of us.  When we got there, I looked at him again and he

lifted the key to the door.  I took it from him with an excited but puzzled

look and unlocked the barrier.

        When the door swung open, the rose petals led across the room until

I saw them scattered all over the bed.  Stepping inside, I realized there

were dozens of candles burning, music playing softly with a bottle of

something sitting in a bucket of ice with two champagne glasses nearby.

        On the bed, amidst the roses, sat a present, wrapped in paper with

a bow on top.  Looking at Todd, I smiled and walked towards it.  As I did,

he closed the door and joined me on the bed.

        "May I?" I asked, holding the gift in my hands.

        "Please," he said, softly.

        Tearing the paper, I saw the front cover of the book that I was

looking at in the store where he worked.  The bright colors of the Earth

looked just like it did that same day.  Getting rid of the paper, I opened

the cover and flipped a couple of pages when something caught my eye.

Flipping back a page, I saw that Todd made an inscription.

        It read:

        `You take my breath away.  Happy Birthday.  Todd.'

        Looking into Todd's eyes, he leaned in for a lingering kiss.  I got

so caught up that the book slipped from my hands and landed on the floor

with a muffled thud against the carpet.  We both pulled away at the sound

and Todd laughed while bending over to pick it up.  Walking a few feet, he

placed it on the table and came back towards me.  He didn't sit, but

instead, reached his hand out for me to take.  When I did, he pulled me to

stand with him and he wrapped his arms around me and we slow danced to the

music.  I, in turn, wrapped my arms around his shoulders while resting my

head against the nape of his neck.

        He was running his hands up my back, up to my head and slowly,

gingerly over my neck then back down.  We slowly turned in circles and I

was paying attention to his skin against my own.  The scent he was giving

off to me was the best fragrance I've ever smelled.  The soft humming of

the music from his throat sent shivers down my spine with the vibration

against my cheek.

        He tilted his head down and started kissing my neck as we continued

to dance.  Slowly, he worked his way to my cheek then finally, my lips.  As

we kissed, he reached up and started undoing my tie.  Once it was on the

floor, he slowly started unbuttoning my shirt from the neck down.  I took

his lead and started with his tie and then the shirt. While he worked on my

shirt, his lips moved back towards my neck and his lips touched every inch

of skin it could find.

        He placed his hands on my shoulders under the fabric and started to

push outward, causing my shirt to fall down my arms and finally, the floor.

Only my tee shirt stood in the way of him kissing my chest and before he

had the chance, I pulled that over my head and let it fall upon my tie.  He

started back towards my body, but I put my finger over his lips and

whispered, "Wait," while I took my time taking off his shirt and tee shirt.

When it was done, we started kissing again wearing only our slacks, socks,

shoes and underwear.

        We kissed and danced for a few more minutes, while our arms held

each other close.  Finally his hands reached towards my belt and started

undoing it.  After he was done, he got my pants unclasped and unzipped and

slipped his hands against my hips and slowly started to push them down.  I

slipped my shoes off and flung them across the room as my pants hit the

floor around my feet.

        I repeated the process on him and, left only in our underwear and

socks, he pulled away from our kiss and slowly slid my underwear down to

the floor then his own.  He got on the bed and grabbed my hand and pulled

me along with him.  He gently pushed me down upon the bed with the cool,

silky soft rose petals against my back.  We made love for over two hours.

        During the throws of passion, my emotion as well as the pleasure he

was giving to me, overtook my brain and mouth.  I pulled him down and

kissed his neck while he continued his slow, gently thrusts, and for some

reason, I whispered the words, "I love you," in his ear.  I didn't get a

response from him so I let it go.  Either he didn't hear me or he didn't

want to.  I wanted to think it was the former as to why my statement went

unanswered.

        To Be Continued.

Comments welcomed at dsc110875@hotmail.com.  If you want to be added to the

email notification list for chapter postings, just ask.

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Part 8 - http://74.6.117.48/search/srpcache?ei=UTF-8&p=quarterback+with+the+emerald+eyes&fr=yfp-t-701&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=quarterback+with+the+emerald+eyes&d=4694962106139930&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=d3ba9486,d0eb6e49&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=Jwl0P8P31rjqbLMZ_Tv97w--

--------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 16:29:18 -0700

From: David Courson <dsc110875@hotmail.com>

Subject: Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes - Part 8

This story is fiction.  Any similarity to any persons living or dead is

merely a coincidence.  If you are not allowed by law to view this material,

please do not do so. If you are under 18 years of age, please leave now.

This is a love story between two barely under the age of 18, year old boys

in high school.  If that offends you, I apologize and ask that you not read

any further.  Otherwise, enjoy.

I want to thank everyone who has written to me.  Last chapter was the

hardest for me to write because I felt the emotions that Blake was putting

out.  When you guys said you felt it too, it warmed my heart to know I

could touch as many of you as I did.  THANK YOU for letting me know that.

It has been a joy to get your letters.  I look forward, everyday, if

possible, to reading what you have sent to me.  It makes the road more

bearable knowing that when I stop at night, I can read and respond to your

kind words.  I thank each and every one of you who have written me.  And

hope you keep doing so as the story progresses.

Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes -- Part 8

        My body woke, first, feeling like shit.  I slowly opened my eyes

and had to shield them from the light that was creeping in from every nook

and cranny it could find.  I let my eyes adjust and looked around the room.

Nothing looked familiar.  "Where am I?" I asked myself.  "How'd I get

here?"

        Thinking hard, the last thing I remembered was the rain storm.  I

listened and heard nothing.  The rain had stopped, but when?  What day was

it?  I thought back and remembered.  `Thunderstorm . . . Rain pounding the

roof of the car . . . Someone knocking on the window . . . Todd.  Todd

knocked on the window.  We fought in the rain.  We yelled.  I beat his

chest and finally pushed him away and told him to leave.'

        Thinking harder, I couldn't remember how I got here.  `After he

left, I laid down on the back seat . . .Mrs. Blyth.  Todd's mom came and

got me.  Told me I was gonna live with her family.  I must be in the spare

bedroom.'

        I looked around again and saw nothing.  No pictures.  No knick

knacks; only a sewing machine in one of the corners of the room.  I tried

to lift myself up on my elbows, but immediately got dizzy.  "Ohhhh," I

moaned, lying back down.

        I moment later, I heard a light tap on the door.  I turned my head

and before I could speak, the door started to open.  A head came through

the opening and it was Todd.  I closed my eyes and wondered what he wanted

now.

        "Mornin'," he said with a smile in his voice.

        "What do you want?" I asked, plainly.

        "To check on you," he said, coming into the room.  "Mom checked on

you earlier and you had a fever.  She gave you some medicine and told me to

keep an eye on ya."

        I looked around and realized there was LIGHT coming into the room.

"What time is it," I asked in panic.

        "A little after ten."

        "Oh, shit.  I'm late for school," I said, about to get up.

        Before I could move, Todd put his hand on my shoulder and told me I

wasn't going anywhere.  "Mom's already called the school and told them you

weren't coming.  You need your rest."

        "But . . ." I started to protest.

        "No, buts," he said, putting his hand on my forehead.  I turned my

head to keep him from touching me.  "I'm trying to see if you're still

hot."

        I looked at him, but gave in.  He put his hand on my head and said,

"You ARE still hot.  Betcha still have a fever, too."

        He sat and dropped his hand into his lap and just stared at me.

        The silence was uncomfortable.  A moment later, I felt the pressure

in my bladder.  "I need to pee," I said.

        Todd stood and watched me.  Before I moved, I lifted the covers and

saw that I was naked.  I uncovered my legs and hung them over the side of

the bed and sat up.  The bed clothes were still covering my midsection and

I pulled them tighter to make sure it stayed that way.  After sitting up, I

had to grab the side of the mattress to keep from falling over.  Everything

was spinning.  I closed my eyes and allowed my body to adjust.

        Opening them, I looked at Todd and asked for my underwear.

        "Why?  I've seen you naked plenty o' times."

        "You don't have that right, anymore.  Can you just hand me my

underwear?"

        Exhaling hard, he walked over and got my underwear and handed it to

me.  They were very stiff.  I tried to lean over to put them on my feet,

but had to sit upright, quick, because I became dizzy again.  Pulling my

foot up, I placed it in the correct hole and pulled it up to my knees.

Then I repeated the same step with my other foot.  I leaned back on the bed

and pulled my shorts under the covers and lifted my butt off the bed and

slid them over it.  Sitting back up, I inspected my work and was pleased

that I was now covered completely.  I threw the covers off and stood.

        I started wobbling and Todd stepped forward and grabbed me.  "You

okay, Blake?"

        "I'm fine," I answered, pulling myself from his grip and sat back

on the bed.  I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths.  I tried again,

and the same thing happened.  This time, I didn't pull away.

        "Here, let me help you to the bathroom."

        I didn't want him touching me, but my bladder was screaming at me

for release; I gave in.  I was too weak, emotionally, to protest so I let

him help me.  When we got to the door, I told him I could take it from

here.

        "I don't want you to fall.  Let me help hold you up."

        "I said I got it.  I'm gonna sit down and pee.  I'm too dizzy to

stand."

        He helped me into the bathroom and when he saw I had the sink, he

let go.  "Let me know when you've finished. I'll help you back to your

room."

        He closed the door and I lowered my underwear with one hand.

Slowly, I moved to the toilet and sat.  Pointing myself downward, I let go

and felt the best release of my life.  I finished up and washed my hands

and opened the door.  Todd was standing there, leaning against the door

jam.

        I walked out and he put his arm back across my back with his hand

on my waist.  I put my other arm on his shoulder and he guided me back to

the bed.  After I sat, I started shivering.  I was freezing.  Noticing

this, he told me to lie back on the bed.  He held the covers up as I did

so.  After he lowered the covers, I used the last bit of energy to take off

my underwear.  My extra sensitive skin couldn't take the roughness of the

air dried fabric.  At least, not as sick as I was.  I pushed them down and

used my legs to walk them to my feet.  I pushed my right foot out from

under the covers with my underwear hanging on the big toe.  Todd grabbed it

and tossed it with the rest of my clothes.

        Still shivering, Todd told me to get comfortable.  After turning on

my side, he walked around the bed and started pushing the blanket and sheet

under me, where my body met the bed.  He got me from shoulder to foot and

came back to tuck it under my front side.  I reached down and cupped my

penis and scrotum in my hand.  If I didn't, he would have touched it when

he tucked the covers under my hip.

        When he finished, he stood and looked at his handiwork.  "Snug as a

bug in a rug, as my grandmother used to say."

        I closed my eyes and then rolled them.  I didn't want to start

anything, but c'mon, what a saying.  How. . .second grade.

        "You feeling warmer?" he asked.

        "I'm fine.  I just need some sleep."  Actually, I was feeling a lot

warmer.  His tucking of the covers under me was trapping the heat my body

produced, acting like an oven.

        "I'll check back on you in a couple hours."

        Before he walked out the door, I asked, "Why are you not in

school?"

        "Mom wanted me to stay with you.  In case you needed anything."

        Satisfied with that answer, I closed my eyes, heard the door close,

gently, and headed back to sleep.

        A few hours later, I was becoming conscience that someone was

touching me.  I concentrated on the feeling and realized someone was

brushing my hair out of my eyes and off my forehead.  I slowly opened my

eyes and saw it was Todd.  Instinctively, I pulled my head away from his

hand.  He looked hurt at my gesture, but I didn't care.  I didn't want his

hands on me.

        "I warmed up some chicken noodle soup," he said, pulling the bowl

off the end table.

        I pulled myself up and made sure the covers were tight around my

waist.  As I reached for the bowl, he acted like he was about to start

feeding me.  I pulled my head back a little and looked at him.  "I can

still feed myself," I said, reaching for the bowl.

        "I was just trying to help."

        I took a spoonful of the hot liquid and my mouth awoke.  My taste

buds were alive and kicking.  The soup tasted so good in my cotton mouth, a

little salty, but still, good.  As I ate, Todd just looked at me.  I was

getting tired of him scrutinizing my every move, but I still didn't want to

start a fight or a yelling match.  I closed my eyes and finished my soup in

peace.

        He took the empty bowl from me and placed it on his lap.  "Are you

ready to get up?"

        "No.  I'm still cold and tired.  I'm going back to sleep."

        He stood and turned so I could get comfortable without having to

try and work around the covers.  When I was done, I said, "Thanks for the

soup."  I figured that was being too nice, but I had to say something.

        Looking at me, he asked, "You want me to tuck you in again?"

        "I'm fine." I said.  He smiled a small smile and headed for the

door.  "What did you tell them?" I asked, putting my head on the pillow and

waiting for his answer.

        "Who?"

        "Your parents?  What did you tell them?"

        "About you?  Nothing.  All I sad was that you told me your parents

kicked you out."

        "They don't know I'm gay?"

        "It's not my business to tell them.  I figured when you were ready,

you'll let them know."

        "Have you told them about you, yet?"

        "No.  I plan on telling them this week.  They're bound to figure it

out; might as well get it over with."

        Todd and I shared a look before he finally said, "Well, I'll let

you get back to sleep."

        He closed the door and I closed my eyes.

        Later that evening, I woke when Mrs. Blyth sat on the bed.  I

jumped a little and she placed a hand on my chest and told me it was her.

I relaxed back into the bed and she asked how I was feeling.

        "Tired," I said, sluggishly.

        "Turn your head for me," she said, holding up an ear thermometer.

I did as she asked and she stuck it in my ear.  A second later, it beeped.

"98.9.  Well, at least your fever's gone.  Do you feel like eating?"

        I concentrated on my stomach and realized I was hungry.

        "I think so."

        "Get dressed and come down for dinner."

        "All my clothes are in my car," I told her.

        "That's okay; I'll get something of Todd's for you to wear."  She

got up and left the room.  A minute later, she returned with a pair of

underwear, some shorts and a shirt.  "See you downstairs in a bit."

        "Thanks."

        I slowly sat up and the dizziness was gone.  I got dressed and

headed down to the kitchen.  When I rounded the corner, I saw Todd and his

parents sitting at the island, talking.

        "Hey, Sport," Don said, seeing me first.

        "Hey guys.  How are ya?"

        "We're doing good.  How `bout you?" he asked.

        "Better.  I'm still tired, but hungry."

        "Then, take a seat.  I was waiting for you to serve dinner,"

Mrs. Blyth instructed.

        Since the only table in the house was the formal dinner table in

the dining room, we ate at the island.  I choose a bar stool, two away from

Todd, and sat.  After doing so, a moment later, Mrs. Blyth placed a bowl of

beef stew in front of me, while Todd served us tea.  After everyone was

sat, we ate.  I didn't talk too much.  I was famished from not having eaten

anything since the night before.  The chicken soup hit the spot earlier,

but it didn't fill me up.  I kept waiting for someone to ask about my

parents, but it never happened.  When the meal was over, I excused myself

and started up the stairs when Mrs. Blyth asked to speak with me.

        While Todd and his dad went to the living room, she told me the

plan for tomorrow.  "I'll send a note with you tomorrow for your absence.

I'll tell them you're staying with us for the week because your parents are

out of town.  Once we figure everything out, we'll let them know exactly

what's going on.  I need to look into a few things at work to see what's

legal."

        "Is anyone gonna get into trouble?" I asked.

        "Well, I guess you could tell the authorities about your parents

kicking you out.  They might get into trouble, but I'm not completely sure.

I only deal with business law, not family law.  I do know you can sue for

emancipation, if you want."

        "Emancipation?  What's that?"

        "It's like a divorce from your parents.  Since your still under

eighteen, you're still a minor by law, but if you can get a judge to issue

you emancipation, you're legally an adult."

        "How long would that take?"

        "I really don't know.  I would guess about six to nine months."

        "I turn eighteen in three months.  I don't think it would be worth

it."

        "Probably not, but I'll ask our family lawyer a few questions.

Just to make sure."

        "Thanks, Mrs. Blyth."

        As I was about to turn, she put her hand on my shoulder and said,

"Listen, when you're ready to talk about everything, I'm here for you.

This is your house now and I would like for you to consider us your family,

if you're comfortable doing so.  Even after your parents realize they've

made a mistake and want you to come back home."

        Smiling at her, I said, "I don't think they'll ever want me again,

and I will start thinking of you guys as my family."

        She had a confused look on her face to my first statement, but then

smiled after my second.  Putting her hand on my cheek, she said, "Sleep

well.  We'll see you tomorrow."

        "Good night," I said and climbed the stairs.

        The following morning, Mrs. Blyth handed me my excuse for being

absent and told me to tell them if they had any questions, to give her a

call.  She also handed Todd a note for his absence.  As Todd and I were

walking out the door, he asked if I wanted to ride with him.

        "Why?" I asked, not thinking.

        "Because, we're both going to the same place.  Might as well save

some gas if we can."

        I really didn't want to, but thinking quick, I said, "I can't.

Have to go to college for math."

        "Oh, right," he said and just stared at me.

        I figured I answered his question and walked to my car.  Without

saying a word, I cranked it and backed out of the drive.  As I was pulling

away, he was still staring, keys in hand.

        Getting to school, I saw Kelly and said hi.  The bell rang and I

had to get to the office before homeroom and told her I would tell her

everything soon.  Parting ways, I headed to the office.  When it was my

turn, I handed in the note and the secretary read it and thanked me,

without question.  As I was leaving, I opened the door and saw Todd.  I

held it opened for him to pass then, silently, walked out.

        I know it seems harsh to keep Todd guessing about everything, but I

just wasn't ready to forgive him.  Not after what he put me through.  Even

though my exterior was hardened, I felt as if my insides would give away

and betray me at any moment.  I was still too emotionally drained and

didn't want to get into any arguments, so I just tried to avoid Todd as

best I could.  Now that I was living with him, things were going to be a

whole lot different.

        At lunch, I found Kelly in our usual spot and sat.  Taking my first

bite, she asked if things were okay with me.

        Swallowing, I said, "Things are better.  They still aren't the

best, but they're getting there."

        "Well, you know, if you need to talk, I'm there for you."

        "I know," I said, smiling.  "I'm almost back at a hundred percent.

I've got about five more to go and when I get there, we will talk, for

sure.  There are some things I want to tell you."

        "What's the last five percent about?"

        Choosing my words, delicately, I said, "It's . . .  matters of the

heart."

        Surprised, she asked, "You're in love?"

        Freezing my fork in mid air, I guess I didn't choose the right

words.  "I'm not sure, anymore."

        "Well, who is she?" she asked with a smile on her face.

        Feeling squeamish, I said, "I really don't want to talk about it

now, but very soon, I'll tell you everything."

        Looking a little hurt, she said, "Okay, but you have to promise to

tell me.  I do want to know."

        "I promise.  You'll know everything as soon as things are back to

normal."

        "Cool," she said, staring at me.  "So, did you finish your homework

last night?"

        "I was absent, remember?"

        "Oh, yeah."

        The next couple of days were just about as normal as could be.

Once I got home from my college class, I went straight up to my room, which

Don had found an old desk and put in there for me, and got on my homework.

I was usually occupied until dinner.  This was good for me, because Todd

still wanted to talk and I didn't.  On Friday, I finished up early and

headed down for a snack.  When I arrived, Todd was already in the kitchen.

        Ignoring him, I went about my business and made a sandwich and sat

at the bar.  Todd just stared at me without speaking.  I could feel his

eyes burn my skin.  I could tell he wanted to talk, but still, I wasn't

ready.  My heart was begging me to forgive him but my head wouldn't let it

go.  With him staring at me, I became so frustrated; I put down the rest of

my sandwich and went upstairs.

        Going to my room, I fell upon the bed and started thinking.  A few

minutes later, I felt one side sink as Todd got on one knee and leaned over

and, innocently, asked, "Why won't you talk to me?"

        "Why should I?" I asked, not turning.

        "Because, I want us to get back to normal.  Be like it used to be."

        Sitting up, I said, "Todd, I don't think there is going to be `back

to normal' with us."

        "Why not?" he asked.

        "Because I can't trust you, that's why," I said.

        "Can't trust me?" he asked with attitude.  "Why can't you trust

me?"

        "Because you fucking lied to me."

        "It was a little lie.  Big deal," he said in that pleading voice.

        "Yeah, it was a big deal," I said standing.  "You told me to call

you.  On Friday night.  The night of your date, the one you were actively

planning."

        "I told you I forgot about that."

        "Bullshit," I shot back.  "Your mom said you were planning it for

three days.  Why would she lie about it?  What would she have to gain?"

        "I don't know," he said, feeling defeated.

        "By the way, you never told me.  What did you do on that date?"

        "Nothing."

        "So, you picked her up and did nothing.  Must've been some date.

Paige must've been real impressed.  You didn't even take her out to eat?"

        "We ate," he said, in a small voice.

        "Where?" I asked, my patients getting thinner by the second.

        "I can't remember," he told me.

        "A date you were planning for three days and you can't remember the

restaurant?"

        "No."

        "Oh, come off it, Todd.  Where the fuck did you go?"

        "The Atlas, alright?" he yelled at me, looking me dead in the eye.

        Dumbfounded, I looked at him.  "You took her to the Sun Dial, too,

didn't you?"

        By way of an answer, he looked down, ashamed.  "I can't fucking

believe this.  You took her on my date.  My birthday date, no less.  Did

you take her to the Gregory Bed and Breakfast, too?"

        "No.  That was just you and me," he said, looking up at me.

        "How am I supposed to believe you?  You lie to me, you take her on

the most perfect date I've ever had . . . Hell, the only date I've ever

had, and I'm supposed to believe you didn't fuck her?"

        "I didn't, I swear.  She tried to feel my dick through my pants but

I stopped her.  We didn't do anything that night."  I could see that his

eyes were starting to swell and form tears.

        "That night?  So you fucked her on another night?"

        "No. . .  I mean, I never fucked her at all.  We never did

anything."

        Feeling exasperated, I looked at him.  "You know what, just get

out."

        He looked up at me, pleading with his water filled eyes.

        To make my point, I walked to the door and grabbed the handle.

"Please, leave."

        Head fallen, he walked through the door as I saw a tear fall down

his cheek.  When he was gone, I closed and locked it behind him.

        He went to his room, I could hear him cuss and fall on the bed.  A

few minutes later, I heard his muffled sobs through the wall.  Listening to

him, tears started to well up in my eyes as well.  I, angrily, wiped my

eyes and put my headphones on and turned on my CD player and ended up

falling asleep.

        ~~~~~

        I opened my eyes and I saw nothing.  There wasn't any light in the

room and I thought I had slept until way past midnight.

        I was standing.  I don't remember getting out of bed.

        I started to walk to the wall to turn on the light and stuck out my

hands and hit something.  I felt around and the smooth surface my hands

came in contact with was tall.  I reached as high as I could, but couldn't

feel the top.

        I started to explore to the left and after only a foot, I felt a

corner.  Feeling around on the same smooth surface, I felt for the light

switch.  Still nothing hit my fingertips.  After exploring everything I

could feel, I realized I was inside a box of sorts.  I reached out my

hands, on either side of me, and my finger tips could just feel the smooth

surfaces.  I spun and it was the same for the other two sides.

        "Hello?  Anybody there?"  The sound of my voice died, instantly.

No echo.  No reverberation.  Nothing.

        "Mrs. Blyth?  Don?"  Still nothing.  No answer, no light.

        "Todd?"  As soon as his name was said, the room I was in was

blinded with light.  I turned and saw the most brilliant, white light and

had to shield my eyes.  I looked up and couldn't see where the light was

coming from.  There wasn't an end to the room.  It continued up, forever.

        Turning my back on the lights, I looked around and saw that I was,

indeed, in a box made of glass.  I could see a black wall beyond the glass

about twenty feet.  I looked to the right and saw another black wall.  Same

to the left.  Shielding my eyes, again, I turned and could see a figure

make its way towards me.

        The light shifted and it was no longer in my eyes.  I lowered my

arm and watched the figure descend upon me.  I was scared and shaking.

        "Who are you?" I called out.  Could they hear me?  "Don't come near

me."  The figure kept walking.  I backed up against the glass wall, hoping

they couldn't get inside.  I closed my eyes and waited for the sound of

breaking glass while I crouched down to the fetal position.

        "Blake?" came a tender voice.  I opened my eyes and saw Todd

standing before me, outside the box.  He was wearing his football uniform,

shoulder pads and all.

        "Todd, what's going on?  Let me out," I said standing, instantly

relieved.

        "I can't.  I didn't put you there."  He put his hand against the

glass and I cautiously walked over to him, only a pane of glass separated

us.

        "Where are we?"

        "I don't know.  I woke up and here I was.  You know, I still love

you, though."

        "Todd, now's not the time.  We need to find a way out."

        "Why?  I like it here?" he said, smiling and looking around.

        "Todd, there's nothing here but you and me.  Nothing!!!"

        "There only needs to be you and me to have something.  We still

have each other."

        I was growing frustrated.  "But where is here?" I asked again.

        Looking at me, he said, "Don't know, don't care.  As long as you're

here, I'm happy."

        I was about to say something when the lights started to flash and

turned red.  Todd and I both turned towards the red lights to find out what

was happening.  My head turned all around the small box and I couldn't see

anything.  Todd turned to me and smiled.  "I love you, Blake."

        At that moment, a man with a black mask appeared out of no where.

"Todd," I heard myself instinctively call out.  He never turned.  He kept

the smile on his face while staring at me.  "Turn around," I warned him.

        "I don't want to.  I just want to look at you."

        "But, there's a man behind you," I said, hitting the glass.

        He never turned.  His eyes were locked on me.

        The man started walking towards Todd and I panicked.  "Todd, he's

coming this way.  Turn around, please.  Get out of here."

        Todd never blinked.  About five feet from Todd, he man raised his

hand with his palm out and Todd went rigid.

        "What are you doing?" I yelled.  "Stop!!!!  Let him go."

        The man shook his head.  "What do you care?  You don't love him

anymore, remember?"

        "I do.  I do still love him.  Please, stop hurting him."  Todd

reached his hand back up on the glass.  I placed mine against his, calling

his name.

        A moment later, Todd was floating, in mid air, away from me.

"No!!!! Todd, please.  Fight it.  Let him go!!!!!"

        About twenty feet from me, Todd came to a stop and I watched.

Tears flowed down my cheeks like rivers trying to find the ocean.  "Please,

no!!!"

        There was a flash and Todd was naked.  His hands were in cuffs,

suspended above his head and hooked to a chain.  I followed it up and

couldn't see the top.  Looking back at his face, I saw there was tape over

his mouth.

        A second flash and a table with bright, reflective objects appeared

on top.  The man looked at me.  All I could see was his eyes.  All his skin

was covered.  He reached down and picked up an object.  The light reflected

off it, blinding me.

        "He's been giving his heart to you, but you won't accept it.  I

think I could do something to help him out."

        The man brought the object to Todd's chest and placed it upon his

skin.  "No!!!!  Please don't do this."

        The man stopped for a moment and looked at me.  "But he wants you

to have it," then went back to what he was doing.

        "NO!!!" I screamed even louder.

        A moment later, blood started pouring out of Todd's chest.  It fell

along his body down to the feet that were barely holding him up.  I heard

him whimpering.  His eyes were pleading with me to make the pain stop.

"I've accepted his heart.  I've accepted his love.  Please, don't do this."

        I didn't get a response.  The man lifted the object and moved it

onto a different part of his chest.  Again, he started cutting.  There were

only whimpers from Todd.  With the blood that was gushing from his chest,

he must have been in tremendous pain.

        "There, you see, that wasn't so bad, was it?"  I saw Todd shake his

head to agree with the man.

        "Why are you doing this?" I yelled.

        "Because, it's the only way.  You'll see what I mean.  Just hold

on."

        "Please, don't hurt him anymore.  Please, stop."

        Turning to look at me, the man's voice became stern.  "I never hurt

him.  It was YOU!!!!!  You hurt him.  He did everything he could to make

you forgive him, but you never did.  After this, you'll never be able to

hurt him again."

        "I forgive him.  I really do.  Please, don't hurt him anymore."

        The man ignored me and pulled away two flaps of skin showing the

beating of Todd's heart.  "This beats only for you," he said, still looking

into Todd's chest.  "The pain he feels with every beat is because you

rejected his love."

        "I'm sorry," I screamed.  "Todd, I'm sorry.  I do love you.

Please, don't feel pain because of me.  I love you."

        The man never turned back.  He lifted a flap of skin away from the

hole and used a nail to hold it against Todd's chest.  I tried to protest,

but he took no notice of me.  He repeated the process until all four flaps

were nailed to Todd's chest, leaving a hole where his heart shone, beating.

        Turning to look at me, the man said, "Now, this is the hard part.

But you have to look.  He's depending on you."

        "Please," I said again, almost in a whisper.  The tears were coming

faster than I had ever remembered.

        The man reached through the hole and grabbed Todd's heart.  I heard

Todd finally scream out in pain behind the tape.  I grabbed my chest.  It

hurt.  I could barely keep my eyes open.  I looked at Todd's eyes and they

were closed as tight as could be.

        "Stop this.  Leave him alone.  Stop!!!!!  STOP!!!!!!!!"  I started

beating the glass trying to get him to stop and give me his attention.  He

never did.

        After getting a firm grip on Todd's heart, he yanked until his

heart was outside his body, still beating.  Todd's screams stopped and he

opened his eyes.  They were staring right into my own.  The emerald eyes I

fell in love with were now colorless.  He was fading.  I could see the

color drain from his face and body.

        "He wanted you to have this.  And now, you will."

        I saw Todd go completely limp, held up only by the never ending

chain above his head.  Looking at the man, he tossed the heart towards me.

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!"

        ~~~~~

        I woke with a start, gasping for air and grabbing my chest.  When I

realized it was only a dream, I gave a sigh and relaxed.  I put my CD

player on the end of the bed and started down the stairs.  Before I reached

bottom, I heard Todd ask his parents if they could talk.  He needed to tell

them something.  I stood there and listened.

        "Let's go to the living room.  We need to sit."

        I softly went back up a couple of stairs and sat with my knees

against my chest and my arms wrapped around them.

        "Is everything alright?" I heard Mrs. Blyth ask.

        "They will be in a few minutes," I heard him say and I heard their

footsteps mute as they stepped on the carpet.

        "There's something I need to tell you guys.  I didn't know how and

really, still don't, but you need to know what's going on."

        I heard Todd take a few deep breaths and continue.  "Something's

happened to me.  Don't worry, I'm okay.  Nothing's wrong," he added,

quickly.  I would imagine his parent's faces gave a worried look.

        "It's just that I've realized something about myself and didn't

know how to tell you guys.  I guess you could say I was scared.  Still am,

a little."

        "Son, you know you can tell us anything.  You never have to be

afraid to talk to us.  C'mon, now.  Just say what you need to say," his

father encouraged.

        "Okay, here goes.  Last year, I fell in love with someone and it

was great, up until school started this year.  I messed up, bad, and things

got out of control."

        "She's not pregnant, is she?" I heard Mrs. Blyth interrupt.

        I smiled and heard Todd chuckle.  "No, mom.  No one's pregnant."

        "Oh, thank heavens."

        "Anyway, things haven't been going well lately and it's my fault.

I wish I could take back what I did, but I know it's too late and no matter

how many times I say I'm sorry, they won't forgive me.  I don't know what

to do.  I'm still in love with them but they just keep ignoring me."

        There was silence for a moment when Mrs. Blyth asked, "Todd, who

are you talking about?"

        After a very long pause and a very big exhale, I heard him say my

name.  "Blake."

        I wish I could have been a fly on the wall.  All I could do was

hear what was happening.  I wanted to see it.  I waited, anxiously, for

their response.  Would they kick him out?  Would they stop loving him?  I

needed to know so I would know what to do.

        After what seemed like an eternity, the long silence was broken

with Don's deep voice.  "We had an idea you two were together, but weren't

sure."

        "What? You mean, you knew?" I heard Todd asked, surprised.

        "Well, we didn't really know, but we had some suspicions,"

Mrs. Blyth added.

        "How?  We thought we were hiding it.  What did we do wrong?"

        "Well, we were concerned . . . No.  Concerned isn't the right

word," Mr. Blyth corrected, "We thought it odd that two, almost adult,

teenagers would sleep in the same room when there's an extra bed right next

door.  And I guess we confirmed it when the morning after Blake stayed the

night that first time, I came to wake you guys for breakfast and when I

opened the door, your arms were wrapped around him."  I cupped my face in

my hands, embarrassed; I can only imagine what Todd was doing.  "I told

your mother and we've come to accept the fact that you're . . . Are you gay

or bisexual?"

        "I'm gay."

        "Well, we've come to accept it," he finished.

        Mrs. Blyth started in from there.  "Todd, why were you afraid to

tell us?"

        "I don't know.  I was afraid you might stop loving me or tell me to

leave or something."  I heard his voice break.

        "Honey, we would never do that.  You know how many gay friends we

have.  You knew that we went to Kent's and Charlie's commitment ceremony.

And Lisa's and Wendy's.  Did you think we would treat you any different?"

        "I don't know."  I could hear the tears falling from the sound of

his voice.  "I was just afraid that because I'm your only son, it might be

different.  I didn't want to disappoint you."

        "Todd, you could never disappoint us.  No matter what you could

have said today, nothing would make us stop loving you.  Nothing," Don

confirmed.

        I heard some shuffling and I assumed that they were hugging.  I had

tears in my eyes at the love and acceptance they were showing Todd.  Why

couldn't my parents be this understanding?  They didn't even give me a

chance.  At that moment, I have never hated my parents more.  They treated

me like trash and Todd's were forgiving, welcoming.  I wished Mr. and

Mrs. Blyth were my parents.

        "You know," I heard Don start, "the minute you were born, your mom

looked at me and said, `From now on, you're number two.'  I didn't know

what she meant until I held you for the first time.  I knew that no matter

what, I was going to do everything I could to protect you.  To love you is

our first priority.  Just don't ever be afraid to talk to us, again, okay."

        "Okay, dad."  He sniffled.  "I'm sorry I didn't come to you guys

earlier."

        "Don't worry about that.  Now we know and things are still the

same."

        "Well, almost," Todd said.

        "Is that why Blake's parents kicked him out?  Because they found

out about you two?" Mrs. Blyth asked.

        "He told me because he told his mom he was gay.  He never said they

found out anything."

        "What did you do to make him mad?" Don asked.

        "He told me he loved me and I didn't respond.  Then when school

started, I asked Paige to go out with me so people wouldn't get suspicious.

Then I told him to call me one Friday and I was out with her.  I completely

forgot I had plans with her and he thought I lied to him."

        "Did you?" his mom asked.

        "No, I honestly forgot.  When he asked if we could get together, I

couldn't think of anything else.  I said yes and just wasn't thinking that

far ahead."

        "Why didn't you tell him you loved him back?" she asked.

        "I was afraid."

        "Of what?"

        "Of everything.  You two, the team, the students.  Everything.  I

wanted to tell him I loved him, too, but all these new emotions came up in

me and I didn't know what to do.  I finally did, but he told me it was too

late."

        "Give him time, son.  If he still loves you, he'll come around," I

heard her say.  Next, I heard someone pat his leg and his mom said,

"Dinner's almost ready.  I'm going to get Blake and we'll be down soon."

        I didn't hear another word.  I, quickly but quietly, got up and

walked to my room and closed the door.  I got on the bed and cleared my

eyes of the tears.  I waited for a few minutes before I heard a knock at

the door.

        "Come in," I said.

        The door opened and Mrs. Blyth came in and smiled as she looked at

me.  "How ya doing?"

        "Not too bad," I answered.

        She came and sat on the edge of the bed.  "Todd told us why you're

parents kicked you out."

        I just stared at her.  I couldn't move or speak.  "I can't believe

they would do that for such a stupid reason."

        "In their mind, it's one of the worst things that could happen."

        "In Don's and mine, it doesn't make one bit of difference.  Blake,

with all the time you've spent with us over the summer, we think of you as

a second son.  We'll love you no matter what."

        I started to tear up at finally being accepted for who I was.

Mrs. Blyth held out her arms and said, "Come `ere."

        I fell into her arms and got the best hug I've ever had.  Pulling

away, she said, "Now, dry your eyes.  Dinner's almost ready."

        I wiped my eyes and she stood up.  "You coming?"

        "I'll be there in a minute," I told her.  She turned and I called

her name.  Looking at me, I said, "Thank you."  She smiled and disappeared

through the door.

        I made my way to the bathroom and splashed some cold water on my

face then headed downstairs for dinner.  After dinner, we watched some TV.

Mr. and Mrs. Blyth on the sofa and Todd and I in chairs on opposite sides

of the room.  I could feel Todd staring at me, but I kept my focus on the

show that was playing.

        When Mrs. Blyth excused herself for bed, I got up and said, "May I

walk you upstairs?  I'm going to bed myself."

        "Sure can," she said with a smile.

        I walked over to her and extended my elbow and she slipped her arm

through.  "Wow, to be treated like a queen in my own house.  I don't know

what to do."

        "Don't get used to it, dear," Don said.

        "Oh, poo," she retorted.

        I turned my head and said good night to Don.  He told me to sleep

well and I looked at Todd, but couldn't speak.  He was hurt.  I could see

it in his face.  I walked Mrs. Blyth to her room and wished her a good

night sleep.  She did the same for me and closed her door.  I walked over

to my room and stripped down to my underwear and got in bed.

        The same dream played itself again.  Everything I saw the first

time, it was there the second.  I saw the life drain out of Todd, his

beating heart being tossed to me.  I reached out, but the glass kept it

from landing in my hands.

        "You fucking bastard!!!!" I yelled.  "How could you do this?"

        Once again, I woke with a start.  I opened my eyes and saw the

street lights finding every crack it could find to get in my room.  I

looked around and saw my desk, the sewing machine and the bedside table.  I

reached over and picked up my cell and saw the clock said 1:43 am.  I put

it back and took a deep breath.

        I got up and went to the bathroom.  Washing my hands, I splashed

more water on my face and looked into my own eyes.  "What's wrong with me?"

I asked myself.  I shook my head, dried my hands and face and headed back

to my room.

        When I reached my door, I stopped and looked at Todd's.  I walked

over and put my ear to the wood and couldn't hear anything.  I slowly

opened the door and peeked inside.  Todd was sleeping.  He had the covers

up to just above his crotch.  I could see his underwear just sticking out

from under the sheet.  His beautiful chest was in a slow, rhythmic motion

of up and down with every breath.  The blinds to his two windows were open

and the light from outside poured down over his body.  I saw his face.

        It was turned to the right, away from the door, his bangs falling

over his eyes and cheeks.  His left hand on his belly, and his right,

laying palm down next to him on the bed.  I came in the room and closed the

door to a crack.  I watched him.  Sleeping peacefully.  How could someone

who hurt me so bad, still look just as beautiful?

        I gently walked over to the desk chair at the end of the bed and

sat.  I just stared at him.  A minute later, I started to whisper.

        "You hurt me more than anything in this world.  My parents kicking

me out didn't hurt as bad as what you did to me.  I gave you everything.

Made you my world and you didn't want it.  I know, you were scared, but so

was I.  I just wanted someone who I didn't have to be scared around.  I

knew you were having the same feelings, but I just wish you could have said

it.  If you did, we might not be in this mess.

        "Todd, I do love you.  I always will, but I'm hurting now.  You've

got to understand that.  I fell in love with you the minute you kissed me

for the first time.  When all the endorphins in my body went to my brain,

and you gave me a feeling I've never felt, I knew that I was hopelessly in

love.  I want to feel like that again.  I want to feel it with you, but my

heart is scared.  It's scared you're gonna hurt it again.

        "I love you, Todd.  I just wish . . ."  Getting up, I walked over

to him and looked down at his angelic face.  "I wish you could understand

what I'm feeling.  Why it hurts to even look at you."  I gently reached

down and ran my finger over his lips.  He didn't stir.  I felt the outline

of his full lips then brought my fingers up and kissed them.  Lowering them

back, I placed them upon his own.  After staring a moment longer, I moved

my hand up and swept his hair back away from his face.  He stirred, a

little, and turned his head towards me.  His eyes never opened and his

breathing stayed the same.  "I love you, baby," and went back to my bed.

        The dream returned for one last time.  Everything was the same.

        ~~~~~

        I saw the life drain out of Todd, his beating heart being tossed to

me.  I reached out, but the glass kept it from landing in my hands.

        "You fucking bastard!!!!" I yelled.  "How could you do this?"

        "I didn't do it.  You did," said the man in a calm voice.

        I started beating the glass with my fists.  "Fuck you!!!!  You

bastard!!!!  Fuck you!!!!"

        The man reached back and pulled the mask off.  I was looking at my

own face and staring into my own eyes.  When the realization hit me, all I

could do was scream.

        ~~~~~

        "Blake!!  Blake, wake up!!" I heard someone say.

        I was thrashing around on the bed, hands flailing everywhere.

Finally, being restrained by the voice's hands, I opened my eyes and saw

Todd holding me down.

        "It's okay.  It's okay, it was just a dream."

        I threw myself around Todd and said, "I'm so sorry.  I'm sorry, I'm

sorry, I'm sorry."

        I felt his body turn and a moment later, I saw light enter the

hall.  He was trying to shush me, but all I could do was cry and repeat

that I was sorry.  His hand started smoothing my hair and I held onto him,

tight.  He started rocking us back and forth and I slowly calmed down.

        Ten minutes passed and he pulled away from me and asked if I was

okay.

        I sniffled and said, "Yeah, I'm fine."

        Todd reached up and placed his hand on my cheek and wiped away the

tears that were falling with his thumb.  "Everything's going to be okay,"

he whispered.

        I looked up at him and said, "Stay with me.  Please don't leave me

alone."

        He stared into my eyes and then gave an understanding smile.

"Scoot over," he said, nodding his head.  I did as I was told and he lifted

the covers and climbed in.  A moment later, I had never felt safer.  He had

his body pressed against mine and his arms wrapped around me.  His face was

pressed against my neck, his left arm under my head and his right, flat

against my chest.

        "Get some sleep," he whispered to me.

        "I love you, Todd," I told him.

        "I love you, more."

         To Be Continued.  Comments welcomed at dsc110875@hotmail.com.  If

you want to be added to the email notification list for chapter postings,

just ask.

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Part 13 - http://74.6.238.254/search/srpcache?ei=UTF-8&p=quarterback+with+the+emerald+eyes&fr=ush-groups&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=quarterback+with+the+emerald+eyes&d=4810183194577999&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=b54c5ab7,66476ebb&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=Kz8pxbLgp2Mt7Q9B_Rq8JA--

-------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:56:38 -0700

From: David Courson <dsc110875@hotmail.com>

Subject: Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes - Part 13

This story is fiction.  Any similarity to any persons living or dead is

merely a coincidence.  If you are not allowed by law to view this material,

please do not do so. If you are under 18 years of age, please leave now.

This is a love story between two barely under the age of 18 year old boys

in high school.  If that offends you, I apologize and ask that you not read

any further.  Otherwise, enjoy.

Check out the Quarterback Yahoo group.  There are photos of guys who you

might think Blake or Todd looks like.  Submit a picture of how you see the

boys or just post your own picture in the members section.  There are polls

and just general messages.  Please check it out at

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Quarterback_with_the_Emerald_Eyes/

I also want to thank Stephen and Vann for helping me with the story.  After

I write it, they read it over and find all my stupid little mistakes to

make it an easier and better read for you guys.  So to you two; Thanks for

everything, guys.

And to George, thanks for keeping up with the group.  Without you, it

probably wouldn't be as successful as it is.  You're the best.

Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes -- Part 13

        The following day was a lazy day, and we hung around the house with

the parents and relaxed, or tried to until I remembered it was Saturday and

we needed to see Pax.  When I did remember, I ran to the clock and saw I

had about an hour before I needed to be there.  When I told Todd, he said

he'd come with me if I wanted his company.  I said I would, but he didn't

need to if he didn't want.

        Todd and I left around 12:30 and got to Pax's about one, as usual.

When we arrived, he had lunch waiting for us.  We sat and ate baked ham,

corn on the cob, potato salad, and sweet tea.  He was happy to see us both

and asked how our relationship was going.  I told him a few things, and

then Todd jumped in and told a few things.  He sat and listened until Todd

mentioned the prom.

        "What do you mean you're not going to the prom?" he asked, looking

at me.

        "Before you jump down my throat, I've been reconsidering it, and I

think I might go after all."

        "Since when?" Todd asked.

        "Since Mrs. Thompson told me not to worry about the little things.

If I do, the big things won't matter 'cause they won't be worth much."

        "Huh?" Todd asked.

        "Basically, if I worry about people watching us the whole night and

don't go, I'll regret not going for a stupid reason when I get older.  Or

at least, that's the message I got from her."

        "She sounds like a smart teacher to me," Pax said.

        "Yeah, she's pretty great."

        "So, what have you decided about the prom?  I mean, have you made a

definite decision yet?" Todd asked.

        "I'm leaning towards going.  What about you?  Do you want to go?"

        "What ever you want to do, I'll do."

        "That's not an answer, Todd.  What do you want to do?" Pax asked.

        "Yeah," I agreed.

        "I would like to go 'cause it's my last year, but I don't want to

go alone, and I don't want you to go just to please me if it would make you

feel uncomfortable."

        "Well, Kelly's going.  So if nothing else, I can always talk and

dance with her if Howie won't mind.  I just don't know if you and I will be

able to dance together."

        "Why not?" Todd asked.

        "What if the chaperones won't allow it?"

        "Fuck `em," Pax said.

        "Exactly.  I mean, what could they do, throw us out?" Todd asked.

        "Yeah, they could," I said.

        "So be it then.  I won't care.  I just want to be with you, no

matter what we do.  But if you want to go, you need to decide by Tuesday

'cause that's the last day for tickets, seeing as how the prom's on

Friday."

        "I'll let you know by tomorrow or Monday for sure."

        After this discussion, Todd and I helped Pax clean up, then he

suggested, instead of a movie, we grab some cards and a board game or two

and head to the park.  Since it was a nice day with the breeze blowing and

a cloudless sky, Todd and I happily agreed.

        Pax grabbed a small cooler, filled it with drinks, picked up the

games we agreed on, and headed across the street to the park.  We spent all

afternoon laughing, talking, and beating the crap out of each other in

penny poker.  All in all, it was a great day.

        As one of our last games of cards was being played, I asked how

things were going in Pax's love life.

        "Funny you should mention that.  There's a guy I've been talking to

for a couple weeks now.  His name's Tristian."

        "Oh really," I said, teasing him.  "Where'd you meet him, in the

park?"

        As I smiled, Pax gave me that eat shit look and answered, "As a

matter of fact, yes, and before your mind gets in the gutter, I met him

because he was out walking his dogs and taking pictures of the park."

        "Did you invite him over to your place," again, in that teasing

tone.

        "Listen, you little fuck, just 'cause I tried that trick on you

doesn't make me a whore," he said smiling big.

        I laughed, and Todd looked utterly confused.

        "I'm sorry.  I'm sorry.  So start over, how did you meet?" I said,

giving him my full attention.

        "Like I said, he was taking pictures of the park while his two dogs

were playing.  I commented on the dogs, and we just started talking.  He's

just moved from Seattle, obviously, he's a photographer, a little older

than me, salt and pepper hair, and very handsome."

        "Why'd he leave Seattle?" Todd asked.

        "He wanted to get out of the rain," Pax explained.  "I told him we

had rain and thunderstorms here, but he said at least it wasn't nine months

out of the year.  Plus, he said he had photographed everything there was in

Seattle and the surrounding areas, and he wanted something new for his

pictures."

        "So he picked Georgia?" I asked.

        "Yeah, I asked the same question.  He now knows what it feels like

to have major heat with major humidity."

        "Is he surviving?" I asked.

        "Barely, but he's making it.  He thanks God everyday for air

conditioning.  We have a date for tomorrow, by the way."

        "Your first date?" Todd asked.

        "No, it's our second."

        "Had any fun yet?" I said, smiling.

        "God you're a little bitch sometimes," Pax said to me.

        "Tell me about it," Todd said, agreeing, but smiling.

        "Hey," I said, hitting his arm.

        "You know I love ya though," he said, wrapping his arm around my

head and pulling me to him.

        "You better," I said, smiling at Pax.

        Pax smiled and watched us for a minute before I asked him what he

was thinking.

        "You two remind me of myself at your age.  Maybe just a little

older."

        "How?" I asked, pulling myself out of Todd's grip and started

shuffling the cards for the next round."

        "My first boyfriend and I used to play with each other like that.

Oh he was a pistol, that one.  He was the first guy I fell in love with."

        "So what happened?  Where is he today?" I asked.

        "Don't know.  He and I broke up after four years, and he just left.

No word goodbye, no fuck you, no nothing.  He just moved out, and a week

later he disappeared."

        "Did y'all fight or something?"

        "We started sniping at each other, a lot.  Finally, we had had

enough and he left.  I missed him for years.  Still do sometimes, but it

wasn't meant to be I guess."

        "So," Todd started, "do you think Tristian might be the one?"

        "Honey, at my age, everybody's the one until it ends.  Hell, I can

fall in and out of love in a heartbeat.  I see a cute guy, and I fall in

love.  He walks away, I never see him again, and my heart breaks."

        "That's not good for you, Pax," I said.

        "I know, but I just feel at my age I won't find the one anymore."

        "Don't look at it like that.  There's got to be someone out there

for you.  You just have to wait until it happens."

        "I guess I'm just tired of waiting.  I mean, I have all the money

I'll ever need, and I don't do a damn thing with it.  I know things aren't

about money, but if I had someone to share it with, we'd be on vacations,

I'd shower him with gifts, and just little things that would make me happy.

All I want to do is find a guy who I can love and for him to love me back

just the same."

        I reached over and placed my hand on top of his.  "Pax, you'll find

him sooner or later.  You're an amazing person.  The love and caring you

showed me when I got kicked out; offering a place for me to live, feeding

me on Saturdays and letting me do my laundry; I was lucky you found me.

When the right man comes along, he'll be very lucky."

        "Thanks, baby.  I just hope I don't have to wait until forever

before it happens."

        "I don't think you will.  Who knows, Tristian might be the one."

        "Yeah, you never know.  But I'm not getting my hopes up either."

        We finished up our poker game with Todd being the winner.  He had

three dollars of pennies and stuffed them in his pocket.  Pax and I gave

him a strange look.

        "What?" he asked seeing our faces.

        "You know, that's our play money.  You don't get to keep it," Pax

explained.

        "I'm not going to keep it, but we gotta carry it back to the house,

right?"

        "Whatever," Pax said smiling, thinking Todd had changed his story

at the last minute.

        After we said our goodbyes to Pax, we headed back to our house.  On

the way, I made up my mind.  "Okay, let's go to the prom."

        Todd looked at me out of the corner of his eye and asked, "What did

that teacher say to you to make you change your mind that was different

from what I said?"

        Looking at Todd, I said, "She told me what I said earlier and that

if I needed anyone at school I could come to her with any problems I might

have."

        "So essentially, she's gonna look after you?"

        "No, not look after, but she actually has the power to do something

if I get picked on or discriminated against."

        "Well, Ryan, Jessie, Howie, and Derik can do the same thing, only

they'd beat the shit out of whoever did it."

        "But that's exactly what I don't want.  Why should I have them

fight for me?  If it goes that far, and I have to fight, I want to be able

to defend myself.  If there is more than one, then I wouldn't care if the

guys jumped in to help.  This way, if things haven't gotten that far, I can

tell Mrs. Thompson about it, and she could do something or at least keep an

eye out."

        "I understand your point; you don't want any violence unless it's

unavoidable."

        "Exactly.  That's why when school's out, I'm going to start working

out with you to build up my lanky frame and get some muscle."

        "It's gonna be tough.  I want you to know that from the start.

I'll be getting up at five every morning and go running.  Then about three

times a week, I'll be going to the gym."

        "Five?  As in A.M.?" I said, shocked.

        "That's what in the morning means," he said, smiling at me.

        "Oh God," I said, leaning back into my seat.

        "Don't worry.  I won't run your ass off in the beginning."

        "But why so early?"

        "First, it's still cool at that time, and second, I am going back

to the Discovery store for the summer."

        "You're going to stay away from that bathroom, right?"

        "You have nothing to worry about there.  I've already hooked the

catch of a lifetime."

        For the rest of the afternoon, we relaxed and hung out with the

parents.  I caught myself staring at Don and Mrs. Blyth while watching TV.

With me finding Todd, and his parents coming into my life and taking me in,

it made me feel like the luckiest guy in the world.  I understood that it

had to have been fate that brought this family into my life, for without

them, I would still be on the streets, or maybe living with Pax, which

could've been fun.

        When it was time to get dinner started, we headed into the kitchen

to do our part.  Todd was sitting at the island, talking to us while his

mom was cooking, and Don and I were washing and drying the dishes.  I

couldn't remember what I said, but before I knew it, Don's wet hands had me

by the neck and he was giving me a noogie.

        With one arm wrapped around my neck and his wet knuckles digging

into my scalp, I was laughing so much and didn't realize what I said.

        "Ahhh, dad, stop.  You're getting my hair wet."

        Silence engulfed the room, save for the popping of the homemade

fried chicken that was cooking, and I looked around and asked what was

wrong.

        "You did it again," Todd said.

        "Did what?" I asked

        "You just called me dad," Don said.

        "I did?" I asked.

        "Yeah."

        "I'm sorry about that," I said, looking at the floor.

        "Hey, there's nothing to be sorry about.  If you're comfortable, I

don't mind."

        I felt strange calling someone other than my own father dad, but I

thought about the fact that he was acting like my father.  He even got on

to me a few times since I moved in about leaving things out of place or not

getting the assigned chores done.  That's what a dad does, right?  I

thought for another moment and said, "I guess I could.  I might slip up and

call you Don, but dad seems to fit the bill."

        Watching the conversation, Christine said, "And you can call me mom

if you want."

        "Thanks," I said, smiling at her.  I figured that would probably be

easier since my mother had been acting like she had.  Since I never have

had any interaction with my father since the day before my mother kicked me

out, I really can't say how he feels.  My hope is that my mother

manipulated the situation with my father and if he really knew the truth,

he would accept me.  My greatest fear is that if or when I do ask him about

it, he will completely agree with my mom.

        After we had dinner and watched a little more TV, Don and Christine

decided to turn in at the same time.  As they were leaving, Todd told them

good night.  I figured I might as well try the new titles and said, "Night

mom.  Night dad."

        Smiling, they both looked back and told us to sleep well.

        After they were gone, I moved over and sat in Todd's lap and put my

arms around his neck.  "I've never seen them go to bed at the same time

before."

        "Yeah, it probably is an early day for both of `em tomorrow."

        "Are you sure they aren't going to do it?" I asked, smiling big.

        "Ewww.  Too much information!!!  I told you before; I don't want to

think about it."

        I started laughing, and Todd, getting me back for the image in his

head, started tickling me.  After a few minutes of playing, he stopped, and

I relaxed.  I leaned in and gave him a kiss.  "I love you," I said.

        "Not as much as I love you," he replied.  "C'mon, let's hit the

hay.  One week left before we're done with school.  Don't want to fuck it

up now."

        "Okay," I said standing and grabbing his hand.

        The following week started and Todd bought two tickets to the prom.

When I told Kelly, she was thrilled.  She couldn't wait to see us in our

tuxedoes.  "I bet you two will be the best looking couple there," she said.

        "Todd, yes, but me, I don't know.  I've never worn a tux before."

        Kelly got on to me about downing myself, but then changed the

subject.

        Tuesday morning, in homeroom, there was an announcement made over

the school PA system.  `The ballots have been tallied, and the prom king

and queen have been chosen.  To find out who they'll be, don't forget to

get your prom tickets.  Today is the last day to buy.'

        On Wednesday, Todd and I went to the mall and got the tuxedoes we

were going to wear with dark green cumber buns and bowties to match.  He

wanted blue but I won out by batting my eyes at him, and he caved.

        On Thursday, Todd had an appointment to get his car fixed and

repainted, so I followed him to the body shop to leave his car, and then we

headed to school.  It wasn't scheduled to be ready for pickup until we got

out of school on Friday.  He told me that it better be ready or he was

gonna be yelling at someone.  I laughed at him for being so negative, but

grabbed his hand while I drove.

        On Friday afternoon, we headed to the body shop, and sure enough,

it was like brand new.  Todd saw it and almost couldn't speak.  They'd done

a great job of sanding the body and giving it a new paint job.  "Wow," was

all he could come up with.  Pulling out a check which his dad had signed,

he filled in the blanks and handed it over.

        The week went by fast for everyone.  All the finals were out of the

way, and now only one thing stood in the way of graduation for the seniors:

Prom!!

        It was being held in a ballroom at a local hotel, and there was a

package that included dinner in the restaurant.  Todd and I passed on that

and decided to go somewhere fairly inexpensive for dinner in our tuxes.  We

had some strange looks, but it didn't bother us.  Being in midtown, two

guys eating together was no big deal; two guys in tuxedoes was another

story.

        When we were done eating, we had about an hour to kill before the

prom officially kicked off.  We didn't want to be the first ones there, nor

the last, so we decided about thirty to forty five minutes after starting

time, we'd make our entrance.  After wasting time around Ansley Mall, we

headed to the hotel and found parking on the seventh level of the garage.

Heading to the entrance, I couldn't help but fidget, and Todd noticed.

        "What's wrong?" he asked me.

        "Just nervous," I answered.

        "Don't be.  Things are gonna be fine."

        "What if they start staring?"

        "They're gonna stare, but I think it'll be because they want to see

the best looking guy dressed in a tux."

        "They'll see you, but they'll be staring at us."

        "Would you stop doing that?"  He put his hand on my arm to stop me

from walking.  Grabbing my arms on the biceps, he said, "You are the best

looking guy here tonight.  I don't care what anyone else says."  Running

his fingers through my hair to straighten it out, he said, "Just don't let

it get to you.  If they stare, let `em.  Let's just have a good time

tonight, okay?"

        I smiled knowing that he was right.  What was the reason for my

nervousness other than people watching me?  I took a deep breath and said,

"Okay.  Let's have fun."

        He leaned in for a quick peck, but before his lips could touch mine

my cell phone rang.  I closed the distance for the kiss then answered the

phone.

        "Where are you?" Kelly asked.

        "In the hotel.  We're on our way."

        "Hurry, will ya?  I can't wait to see you two."

        Laughing, I said, "Okay, okay.  We're coming.  Be there in a

minute."

        I placed the phone back in my pocket, and we started walking

towards the ballroom.  Coming around the corner, we saw a lot of students

all decked out.  Looking through the sea of faces, Kelly and I spotted each

other at the same time.  She pulled Howie behind her as she came over to

us.

        "Oh wow.  You two look amazing," she said with a big smile.

        "Well, thanks," Todd said, grabbing his lapels and giving a small

bow.

        Standing there in her peach, strapless, floor length gown, I said,

"And you look stunning."

        "Thanks," she said, smiling and turning towards Howie.

        "Dude, you guys look great," he said.

        "Same back at ya, big guy," Todd said and shook his hand.

        "Okay, you ready to get inside?" Kelly asked.

        Taking a deep breath, I said, "Yeah."

        Kelly turned and wrapped her arm around Howie's arm, and I looked

at Todd, confused.

        "Don't worry.  You don't have to take my arm.  We'll just walk

together."

        "Cool," I said.

        As we walked, I reached over and grabbed his hand and held it

tight.  So far, so good.  Only a couple of glances our way, but no one was

staring yet.  When we got to the entrance to the ballroom, there were

several adults waiting.  As we passed through, we saw a table for

collecting tickets.  Todd took the lead and stepped a couple inches before

me while still having hold of my hand.

        Reaching in his breast pocket, he produced two tickets to hand to

principal Rudd.  "I'm sorry Mr. Blyth, but I can't allow the two of you in

as a couple."

        At that moment, I was talking with Kelly when I heard that

statement and snapped my head around.  "Why not?" I asked.

        "Because, Mr. Moore, it's not accepted at Carter High."

        "But that's not fair.  They've already bought the tickets," Kelly

cut in, walking around us to face Mrs. Rudd.

        "Young lady, this is none of your concern."

        "These two are my friends; I think that makes it my concern."

        "Well, you're mistaken then.  Please go on into the ballroom for

the dance, Ms. Marx."

        Kelly was about to respond when I touched her arm.  "It's fine

Kelly.  Don't worry about it."  Looking at Todd, I said, "Where's my

ticket?"

        Todd handed one to me and I looked at Mrs. Rudd and said, "Well, it

looks like I'm going stag.  Don't think Carter High would have a problem

with that, huh?"

        "Yeah, same with me," Todd said, handing over his ticket.

        Mrs. Rudd was not happy, but knew she couldn't do anything about

it.  She took the tickets from us, and we headed into the ballroom with

Kelly and Howie following close behind.

        Once inside, there were decorations everywhere.  The theme was `A

Night to Remember'.  There were streamers of the school colors, red, blue

and gold, coming from each of the three chandeliers down to the walls, a

walkway from the entrance to about half the room.  The back half was filled

with tables on either side of the walkway and the front half of the room

was the dance floor.

        Up on stage, stuck to one side, was a DJ playing all the current

music of the day.  The music was loud enough to enjoy, but not so loud as

to have to scream.  To the front left of the tables was the refreshment

stand.  There were little finger foods and a huge bowl of punch.

        Kelly suggested we sit for a few minutes and watch the crowd, and

Howie and Todd went to get some refreshments for us.

        "I can't believe principal Rudd wouldn't let you guys in."

        "I can't either, I just hope its cause she's so old fashioned that

she hadn't caught up with the times yet?"

        "Why?"

        "'Cause, if she was up with the times in today's world, she really

needs to get over herself and realize there are a lot of different people

out there.  I mean, she can't go around thinking that there are only

straight people; I mean, she has to know."

        "I guess you're right.  She is ancient, but still, to be a

principal and not allow you two to come in as a couple is just stupid."

        "Just set in her ways, I guess.  But we're in now, so let's not let

her ruin our night, okay?"

        "You got it," she said as the boys returned with some punch.

        "I was gonna bring back some of the food, but it tasted horrible,"

Todd said.

        "What was it?" Kelly asked.

        "I don't know.  I thought it was a peanut butter thing or something

like it, but it turned out to be some burnt cheese puff or something."

        "Oh gross."  She and I both gave a face of disgust.

        After the boys sat and Todd grabbed my hand under the table, Paige

and her date came over to say hi.

        "Wow Paige, you look wonderful.  And that dress is beautiful,"

Kelly said.

        "Thanks.  My grandmother made it for me."

        "Oh wow.  That's even better.  It's so . . . old fashioned.  Just

gorgeous."

        "Thanks.  She asked me what I wanted.  I told her a simple dress,

and she came up with this."

        Paige had on an off white, lacy floor length gown.  The best way I

could describe it would probably be an old wedding gown, but with more lace

and ruffles.  It had short sleeves and the front and back dipped to about

the same level; just above the cleavage line.  Very classy.

        "I looked at a dress like that, but it was a little pricey.  I

couldn't afford it," Paige said.

        "This dress was a steal.  It didn't cost that much at all," Kelly

offered.

        "Really?  Where'd you get it?" she asked as she took a seat next to

Kelly.

        Paige's date, Jason, asked, "Paige, would you like something to

drink?"

        Looking back, she said, "Thanks, Jason.  That would be great."  She

took his hand and squeezed it, and once he stepped away, turned back to her

conversation with Kelly.

        "Jason, hold up.  I'll come with you," Todd offered.

        Left were the two girls, Howie, and myself.  I looked over at Howie

and said, "Girls.  When they get together it's either about boys or

fashion."

        "Yeah, tell me about it.  When we go out to the mall, she has to

window shop every store."

        Without stopping her conversation, Kelly back handed Howie's chest

and gave me an eat shit and die look.  Howie and I both laughed as they

continued their talk.

        A few moments later, the guys returned, and Jason took the seat

between Paige and myself.  After making Paige aware of his return, he

looked at me and asked, "So how are things with you?"

        "Me?  Not bad.  School's almost over; passed all my finals."

Turning to Todd, I said, "I got a ninety seven on my math final, by the

way."  Turning back to Jason, I said, "Everything with me is great.  How

about you?"

        "Not bad.  Passed my finals and finally got Paige to agree to the

prom," he said, winking at Todd like an inside joke or something.  "Got a

job lined up for the summer and my scholarship info came for college."

        "Cool.  What's the scholarship for?"

        "Football.  My dream is to end up in the NFL, but I gotta start off

slow."

        "What college?"

        "Auburn.  It's close to home, and I've loved them since I can

remember."

        "That's great, Jason.  I told you you had nothing to worry about,"

Todd said.

        "Yeah, well, was still nervous."

        "What about you Todd?  Where're you going, or have you decided?"

Howie asked.

        "I've applied to a couple colleges.  GSU, of course, but I really

want to go to NYU."

        This was the first I had heard of it.  I looked at Todd and said,

"NYU?  You never told me about New York."

        "Well, I don't know if I got accepted yet, but I am hoping.  I've

wanted to go there for a long time."

        "Why?"

        "Well, it's New York City, for one.  What better way to get to live

there than go to college.  It's way too expensive to live there outside the

dorms, and this way I can say that I once lived in New York."

        "Yeah, but won't it be expensive in the dorms, too?"

        "Yeah, but I'm hoping I get some financial help with scholarships."

        I turned my head back and looked at the table. Todd finished his

question from Howie and then asked if I was okay.

        "Yeah, it's just . . . New York City is just so far away."

        "I know, and I had these plans before we got together.  It's just

that I've wanted to go to NYU since I was like thirteen or so.  I really

don't want us to fall apart or anything, but it's been a dream of mine for

so long."

        Looking back at him, I said, "I don't want you to have to give up

your dream for me or anyone, I just never really thought about you and

college before now.  I mean, I assumed you would go, but just not so far

away."

        "Well, I'm not gone yet.  I haven't even been accepted yet, so

don't let it bring down the night, okay?"

        "I won't, I just don't think I could live a whole year with out you

around though."

        "Well, I'll be home for Christmas and Spring Break.  We'll talk all

the time, and I'll show you how to use instant messenger on the computer.

It'll be just like I never left."

        I gave him a crazy look and said, "Believe me, if you're gone for

more than a week, I'll be able to feel it, if nothing else."

        "Well, yeah, there's that," he said, leaning in closer and smiling.

"Maybe we can get some webcams," he suggested and raised his eyebrows.

Pulling away, he said, "C'mon, let's dance."

        "But I don't know how," I said.

        "All you have to do is move your body.  It doesn't matter how it

looks, if you call it dancing, then it's dancing."

        "Why don't we all go?  We don't want bitch Rudd trying to start

something else," Howie suggested.

        "What?" Paige asked.

        Kelly explained what happened, and Page turned a bright red with

anger.  "I can't believe she did that shit."

        "Well, we're in the dance now, so let's dance," Todd said.

        The table got up, and we all went over to a clearing on the floor

and danced as a group, not one on one.  I looked around and found a few

chaperones and Mrs. Rudd watching us, but since we were in a group dancing

with everyone, there really wasn't much they could do.

        After about twenty minutes, we all called for a break and headed

back to the table for a breather.  I headed over to the punch and got six

glasses and carried them as carefully as possible back to the table.  When

I got there, Jason and Todd grabbed two glasses each and distributed them

to the others.

        We sat and talked and enjoyed the music.  Other guys from the team

stopped by to say hi, and some introduced their dates from other schools.

Most of the girls from my school I had seen but didn't know their names.

When they all realized that Todd and I were together, they didn't

care. Some thought it was cool that a gay couple had the balls to attend

and were supportive.

        Just around the nine `o'clock hour, the DJ announced that there

would be two slow dances before the announcement of the king and queen.

Kelly looked at Howie and he nodded his head towards the floor as he smiled

at her.  Jason asked Paige if she'd like to dance, and she gracefully

accepted.

        When they were gone, Todd looked at me and smiled.

        "What?" I asked.

        "Nothing.  Just looking at your handsome face in that tuxedo.

You're very sexy, you know."

        "Whatever," I said, rolling my eyes.

        "You did it again," he said, exasperated.  Leaning towards me, he

continued, "I wish you'd stop doubting yourself.  You're the smartest, best

looking, funniest, bitchiest person I know."

        "Hey," I said, and threw a balled up napkin at him and laughed.

        "You always doubt any compliment that comes your way, especially

when it's from me when I mention your looks."

        "I'm sorry, but I've never been good at accepting them.  No one's

ever given me compliments on my looks before you.  It just makes me feel

strange."

        "But you know I love you.  Why would I tell you something I didn't

mean?"

        "You wouldn't.  I know that, but, like I said, I never got any

compliments before you."

        Putting his hand on my knee, he said, "Just do me a favor and take

my compliments for what they are and don't throw them away."

        I put my hand on top of his and said, "I won't.  I promise."

        Todd looked around and told me to do the same.  "What am I looking

for?"

        "There aren't any stares," he said.

        I looked harder and noticed he was right.  Either we hadn't been in

the middle of any action or people already looked and didn't care anymore.

"I hadn't even noticed."

        "And you were worried."  He smiled at me and leaned in for a quick

kiss.  Pulling back, he scanned the crowd again, and still nothing.  No

stares, no snickers, and best of all, no principal.

        "C'mon," he said, extending his hand.  "I want to dance a slow

dance with you."

        "Okay, but maybe we shouldn't hold hands right now.  Let's get in

the middle of everyone then we can touch.  I don't want Mrs. Rudd seeing

us."

        "Deal," he said and stood.  I did the same and followed him into

the crowd.  We spotted Kelly and Howie and near them were Paige and Jason.

There was a clearing just big enough for two more people, and Todd wrapped

his arms around me and pulled me close.

        We danced and had a wonderful minute or so before Todd pulled away

from me and turned around.

        "I've already told you there will be none of that," principal Rudd

said.

        "But he's my boyfriend.  I just want one dance," he said in a

pleading tone.

        "I'm sorry; it's not going to happen at this dance."

        I could see the anger rise in Todd and his face turn red under the

dim lights.  A few couples stopped dancing to watch the confrontation, our

friends included.

        "Where does it say that we can't dance together?" Todd asked,

trying to hold his composure.

        "It's a rule that I just told you about.  Now, there will be no

dancing with a partner of the same sex."

        "I can't believe this.  You're a homophobe," Todd yelled at her.

        "I beg your pardon, Mister, I am no such thing.  I am responsible

for the students here, and I don't want to have angry parents calling me

because you want to dance."

        "Look around.  No one gives a shit but you."

        "Mr. Blyth, you need to watch your tone with me, and your language,

or I'll have to ask you to leave."

        "Mrs. Rudd, this is totally unfair," Paige said, jumping in.  "I

mean it's not like their doing it to piss you off.  They really do love

each other."

        "I don't want to hear that.  It's not right, and I am the one that

can stop it."

        "Maybe here, yes, but not in the real world," Todd said, stepping

closer to her.  I grabbed his arm to hold him back.

        "Like I said before, there will be none of that.  Now, either you

go back to your table or you leave.  Those are your options."

        "C'mon, Todd.  Let's just go back to the table.  We'll dance

later."

        Todd didn't move and said nothing, but continued to stare at

Mrs. Rudd.  When she turned away, I could tell Todd wanted to go after her,

but I had a firm grip on his arm.

        We watched her go to the DJ and say something to him.  A moment

later, he picked up the microphone and said, "It looks like we're gonna

hold off on that second song for a few minutes and get right to the

announcements of the royal court."

        I could hear all the girls giggle with excitement.  Everyone faced

the stage, and Jenny Smith, president of the prom committee, had an

envelope.

        "Good evening everyone.  I hope you are all having a great time."

        The crowd erupted in applause.

        "Great.  The prom committee and I put a lot of hard work into

making this a night to remember for you guys, so we're happy you're

enjoying it."  Another round of applause.

        "So without further ado, it's time to announce the court."

        After reading off the names of each of the five girls, they all

screamed with delight, and when they, escorted by her dates, made it on

stage, they seemed to have tears in their eyes.  I didn't understand it,

but it looked like they were happy.  When the guy's names were announced,

they gave a high five to their buddies and walked with their dates on

stage.

        "Now that we have the court, it's time to find out who our king and

queen will be."  She fiddled with a new envelope and reached for a card

inside.  "When your name is announced, you and your date will come up on

stage and stand next to me for the crowning."  There was a silence for a

moment then she said, "And the Prom King is . . . Todd Blyth."

        The ballroom went nuts with applause and Todd looked surprised.

"Holy, shit.  Listen to `em," he said to me.

        "I know.  They love you," I said.

        "C'mon.  Let's go."

        Todd grabbed my hand, and we headed to the stairs.  When we got

there, Mrs. Rudd was waiting.  "Mr. Moore, you'll have to wait down here."

        "No he won't, he's coming with me up there."

        "Then I'm sorry, you won't be going either.  Make your choice now."

        The applause slowly died, and I assumed they were wondering where

Todd was.

        "I am not going up there without him," Todd said firmly.

        "Then I'm sorry.  You've just forfeited the title."

        Todd's anger came back full fledged, and I knew he was about to say

something he'd regret later.  I stepped in between him and Mrs. Rudd and

said, "C'mon.  Let's just go.  We won't have any fun here."

        "This is stupid.  Just cause she hates us, she's gonna ruin our

whole night."

        "It's not worth it.  Let's just go," I pleaded.

        Todd looked back at Mrs. Rudd, and I looked over his shoulder at

Kelly.  She was giving me a sign.  She brought her hand up to her mouth and

kissed it, then pointed to me and then Todd.

        "Todd, Kelly's telling me to kiss you."

        "What?" he asked, looking at me.

        "She's telling me to kiss you."

        Todd turned around and saw Kelly mimic the same action to him.  A

second later, Todd turned and looked at Mrs. Rudd then at me.  His arms

were around me in a flash, and his lips locked onto mine.

        I heard Mrs. Rudd gasp at the spectacle before her.  "Stop that.

Stop that, this instant."

        Todd obviously went deaf at that moment because he did no such

thing.  A few seconds later, I heard a couple people start to clap.  I

opened my eyes and saw Kelly and Paige, both, clapping.  Soon after, a few

more, then a few more, until the whole room were rooting us on with

applause.

        Finally pulling away, he looked at Mrs. Rudd and said, "Who needs

that title, anyway?  Come on, babe, let's go."

        He turned and wrapped his arm across my back, and I did the same to

him as we headed out the door.  A minute later, Kelly ran after us.

        "Oh my God guys, that was awesome.  Mrs. Rudd still hasn't moved.

She's in shock," she said, laughing.

        Todd turned to her and said, "Thanks for the idea.  I think that

got her more than anything I could say."

        "I know.  That's why I suggested it.  That was great!" she said

again.

        "Thanks, Kelly.  I hope you and Howie have fun."

        "I wish you guys didn't have to leave," she said, taking my hand.

        "Me either.  I'm finally comfortable with everything, and she goes

and pulls this."

        "Where're you guys going?"

        "Don't know, as long as it's away from here," Todd said.  "Tell

everyone we said bye, will ya?"

        "Sure thing.  Be careful," she said and waved us goodbye.

        Todd and I turned and walked back down the hotel hallway we had

used to come to our prom.  "I had a great time," I told him.

        "How?  With everything she did?"

        "That's why it was so great.  I have never seen her drop her jaw

before; it was pretty awesome.  And we got to hang out with your friends.

I really did have a good time."

        "I'm just glad I was with you.  That made the night very special

for me."

        "Sometimes I think you're too sweet."

        "Yeah, well, I may rot your teeth, but I'll always be here."

        I put my head on his shoulder as we headed to the car.  After a few

minutes talking, we decided we were hungry and wanted dessert.  Cowtippers

was where we agreed on, so that's where we headed.

        We arrived and got a funny look from the host.  We explained that

we just came from the prom, and the reason, and he was nice enough to offer

us dessert on the house.  It was a nice warm night, and we decided to sit

outside on the patio.  It wasn't as busy as I would have expected for a

Friday, but I guess the dinner part of the dates was over, and now it was

clubbing time.

        We were seated and received our drinks as we looked over the menu.

A few minutes later I got a call.

        "Hello?"

        "Hey, it's me, Kelly.  Where are you guys?"

        "We decided to go to Cowtippers for dessert.  What are you doing

calling me?  Shouldn't you be dancing?"

        "That's actually why I'm calling. After you guys left, they

announced the queen.  It was Paige, but she wouldn't accept the title.  She

told Mrs. Rudd that if there was no king then there wouldn't be a queen,

and she walked out with Jason behind her."

        "You're fucking joking," I said, smiling big.

        "What?" Todd asked.

        I held up a finger for him to hold on and went back to the

conversation.  "That's not all.  Over half the kids there followed them

out, and we're outside wondering where to go."

        "Are you serious?" I asked in a more serious tone.

        "Very.  There are like seventy to eighty students here in the

lobby.  How is Cowtippers?  Are they busy?"

        I scanned over the empty tables and said, "No.  They seem dead."

        "Cool, I'm gonna tell everyone you and Todd are there.  I'll be

there for sure, but there might be a lot more coming with."

        "Oh shit.  Okay.  See you soon."

        I ended the call and looked at Todd.  "What happened?" he asked.

        "Paige won queen but declined saying if there wasn't a king then

she wouldn't be the queen, and then walked out."

        "Are you kidding me?" he asked, smiling just as big.

        "No.  She also told me that over half the prom walked out with her

when she left.  I think they're on their way here."

        "Who?" he asked.

        "Everyone who left," I said, seriously.

        "No fuckin' way."

        "It sounded that way when Kelly said it."

        "Oh shit.  What do we do?"

        "We might want to warn the host."

        "Yeah, we better," Todd said and stood.

        I followed him up to the host stand, and he asked if he could help

us again.

        "Actually, I think it's us who's gonna help you.  See, my boyfriend

just got a call from one of our friends saying that they might show up here

in a few minutes."

        "That's fine.  There are plenty of table open."

        "Enough for about seventy people?" I asked.

        "Please tell me you're joking," the host replied, losing his smile

fast.

        "Well, according to her they were looking for a place to go.  I

don't know if all of them will show up, but it sounded like it."

        "Oh shit," he said.  Looking at us, he said, "I'm so sorry.  I

didn't mean to cuss."

        "Hey, if it was me, I would've said something worse," Todd said,

smiling.

        "Okay then.  Let me tell the kitchen."

        "Before you go, what time do you close?"

        Looking at his watch, he said, "The kitchen closes in about an

hour, but the bar is open for two more."

        "Well, you can tell our friends the kitchen is closed and has only

appetizers and desserts available, if that's alright.  It might help save

some time," I suggested.

        "That's not a bad idea.  I'll have to speak to the manager."

Before leaving, he asked if he decided on a dessert.  Once we told him, he

headed in the restaurant.

        Todd and I went back to our table and talked until our dessert

came.  It was a big piece of key lime pie, which we learned was one our

favorites.  He picked up his fork, dug in and fed me the first bite.

        "Oh wow.  This is good," I said, chewing and enjoying the

wonderful, sweet, tart flavor of the lime.

        Todd took a bite and had the same reaction.  I picked up my fork

and had a second bite as Todd went for another taste.  By the time the pie

was gone, we had started another conversation when Kelly and Howie came

driving up.

        Kelly stepped out of the car, and I walked towards her.  "Are you

guys the only ones coming?"

        "No, the rest will be here in a few minutes."

        "How many are coming?" Todd asked as he walked up behind me.

        "I don't know.  I think all of them."

        I looked at Todd and sighed.  "I can't believe they walked out of

the prom."

        "Me either.  I told Howie that I wanted to leave, and they

announced Paige's name for prom queen.  She walked over to Mrs. Rudd and

told her she wouldn't accept the title because she wouldn't let you two go

on stage together, turned her back on her, and walked out with me and

Howie.  After that everyone started coming out the doors."

        "Did they all leave because of us?" Todd asked.

        "I think so.  There were a lot of people there supporting you

guys."

        "I never would have guessed this would happen," I said.

        Just about that time, cars started coming into the parking lot.  I

turned to see the host and a manager, I would guess, walking our way.

        Todd walked over and talked to them for a few minutes and then

returned.  "Okay, the grill is closed, but desserts and appetizers are

still available.  They close in two hours, so. . ."

        "That should be enough time for us to enjoy ourselves," Kelly

chimed in, smiling.  She lifted her dress and headed to a table near ours.

As Howie passed, he patted me on the back and smiled.

        As the other students came in, they said hello to us, calling us by

name.  I didn't know who they were, but I smiled and shook hands with

everyone that passed.

        Paige and Jason were about three quarters down the line of

students, and when they came up, Todd smiled at her.  "So you aren't always

a bitch, I see."

        "Yeah, well, don't get used to it," she said, smiling and hugging

him.  "I just couldn't believe she did that to you guys."

        "Yeah, well, that's the way things are sometimes."

        "Either way, I wasn't going to accept queen without a king, so I

left."

        "I appreciate that you did, but I don't want you regretting it

later."

        "I won't regret anything.  Friends stand up for each other.  Just

knowing I won the title and that you were my king is enough."

        When I looked up, I saw Jason watching us.  "Hiya, Jase," Todd

said.

        "Hey buddy.  I can't believe that bitch."

        "Yeah, well, shit happens, right?"

        "Thank God we only have two more days," Jason said.

        "Yeah, you're tellin' me.  I just hope I don't see her between now

and Tuesday.  She definitely won't like me then."

        "If you do, I just hope I'm around to hear," he laughed.  "How are

you doing, Blake," he asked.

        "I'm a lot better now.  With all these people here, it makes me

feel good.  I guess I can stop worrying so much."

        "I think there are a lot more people who are open minded than you

think."

        "It sure seems like it," I said and looked at the crowd.

        "Hey," a guy called out from the crowd.  "Why don't y'all come over

here and join the party.  I mean, we're all here because of you guys."

        Todd put his hand on my shoulder and we headed back to our table

with Paige and Jason close behind.

        After everyone put in their drink and dessert or appetizer orders,

the students we didn't know introduced themselves.  There were seniors,

juniors, and some sophomores.  After the introductions, people started to

relive the prom with laughter; `Did you see her face when they kissed?'

type questions and banter.

        They asked us a few questions about our coming out, our meeting and

about the graffiti on the lockers.  We told everything like we told Kelly,

hiding the real truth about our meeting and explained that we still didn't

know who the word artist was.

        Things carried on until after the restaurant closed.  The manager

told us we could stay, but we had to try to keep things quiet seeing as we

were in a residential neighborhood.  We thanked them and went back to the

many conversations flying every which way.

        For another hour or so, we talked, laughed, and had a good time

with our new friends.  There was no way in hell I was going to remember

their names, but I knew I would remember their faces.  The guts it took for

them to walk out of the prom with Mrs. Rudd there, was something I wasn't

going to forget.  It really made me feel good to know there were so many

kids who, at first stared, but then thought nothing of it.

        It made me think with these people sitting around me and Todd, some

of who didn't know us before tonight, there had to be more like them in

school.  Maybe I was being paranoid for nothing.  I just hoped after

tonight this is what the next year, my final year, was going to be like.

        A few people had already left, but we were having too much fun to

leave.  When he caught my yawns, Todd decided to call it a night.  We both

kissed Kelly and Paige goodnight and told everyone we would see them on

Monday.

        On the way to the car, I walked behind Todd and wrapped my arms

around him and put my chin on his shoulder.

        "I can't believe how this night turned out."

        "Pretty amazing, huh?"

        "Yeah.  Way better than I imagined."

        We went to the car, and Todd unlocked my door and held it open.

"I'm glad you had a great night, baby."

        "Me, too.  And to think, you're the king."

        Todd closed my door and walked around the car.  I reached over and

unlocked his door.  When he got in, I finished my thought.  "You know, I've

always wanted to have sex with a royal subject."

        Putting the key in the ignition, he said, "When we get home, I'm

sure we can fulfill that fantasy."

        "I was hoping you were going to say that," I said and smiled.

Looking out the window, I waved goodbye to everyone else, once again

feeling amazed.

        To be continued . . . .  Emails welcomed at dsc110875@hotmail.com

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Part 20 - http://74.6.238.254/search/srpcache?ei=UTF-8&p=quarterback+with+the+emerald+eyes&fr=ush-groups&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=quarterback+with+the+emerald+eyes&d=5006982886130089&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=cc145682,e4f020b1&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=iXCxcKGkU9vRF3HA.HKczA--

----------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:27:31 -0800

From: David Courson <dsc110875@hotmail.com>

Subject: Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes - Part 20 --Repost

      Jarod, George and Vann, thank you for continuing to help me with this

story and for taking the time to proofread it for me.  After writing and

reading so many times, I eyes tell me everything is fine, until I get your

notes.  Thanks for your time.

      To the readers: Well, what can I say?  Without you guys, this story

probably wouldn't have gone this far.  Thanks to every one of you for your

support of this story and I hope you continue to enjoy each new chapter as

they get posted.  I know I've said this so many times before, but I really

want to thank you guys for your patience: the old readers who've been with

me from the beginning and the new readers just finding me within the last

few months.

      My job now has other drivers with me, learning how to drive the big

rigs.  Because of this, it's kinda hard to try to write a gay, erotic love

story with someone whose views you aren't aware of.  I also don't know how

my company would feel about me if I came out or was outed to them and for

now, I really need to keep the job I have.  I won't always have people with

me, and when I don't, I promise to put more time in this story.  I have a

lot of it worked out and am excited again to get it down on paper for all

of you guys to read.  I also am going to try to write as my trainees are

driving and if they ask, it's my personal journal, and so far, it's

working.

      I have had a lot of people ask me how I'm doing and I must say; I am

in a better place now.  Still lonely and single, but my true friends have

stuck with me and haven't deceived me as other people did.  I know that's

part of life when that happens, but because I value friendship so much, it

still hurts, even those that were online only.  But that's in the past.

Things are going very well for me and I hope they continue so that I can

get the best story down for you guys to enjoy.  Since this is the first

chapter of the New Year, I hope that every one of you enjoyed your holiday,

be it Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukah or whatever holiday you celebrate.

      One last thing to say then I'm done with announcements.  The yahoo

group has been offline for a while now.  I deleted the group because of

stupid reasons, actually, and now, looking back, I regret it, but I guess

my emotions got the better of me then.

      I also want to thank a new reader for emailing me and reminding me

about something I found a long time ago.  A fan of the story took it upon

himself to create T-shirts for the story.  If anyone is interested, the web

address is http://www.zazzle.com/qbwtee_shirt-235131417576545955.  I have

nothing to do with this site and any proceeds will not come to me.  I am

flattered that someone enjoys the story so much that they would do this.

It made me smile when I found it.  Thanks to whomever you are.


      Anyway, enjoy the chapter!!!!

      Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes -- Part 20

      The following morning, the phone woke everyone at 8:30 with a wrong

number, but someone was looking over us to make sure we were awake because

when we realized the time, we all started scrambling to get dressed and

Todd and I packed to check out.  At one point, there were three of us

around the sink brushing our teeth as the fourth person was in the shower.

We were rushing because we promised Aunt Connie we would be there by nine

and if we were late, Mark said she wouldn't let us forget it.

      Things worked out, but just barely.  As we arrived and opened the

sliding glass door to the living room, the chimes on the mantle clock

started to sound nine.  I saw Aunt Connie look at her watch, to make a show

of how we were almost late, then continue her conversation with Aunt Vicky

as we walked in and settled down.  Within ten minutes, we were all gathered

around the table, eating way too much food, having great conversations and

laughing from old stories that Granny was telling us about her sons.

      The topic of conversation changed many times and eventually came back

to how Barb and Charles treated me.  I stayed quiet, for I had relived that

story and the experience in my mind so many times; I really just wanted to

forget about it.  I was polite and answered questions, but didn't jump in

to offer anymore clarification on the matter.  I allowed them to talk and

say what they wanted to say.  A few times, Todd glanced at me and I just

smiled, but as soon as his eyes flicked away, my smile was gone.

      I think Granny saw my expression and, very shortly thereafter, she

changed the subject and asked when Todd and I were leaving.

      "About an hour or so," I said.  "We have a long drive ahead of us and

Todd needs to start packing for school."

      Aunt Vicky looked at Todd and asked when he was leaving.

      "Thursday, mom, dad, and I are leaving out.  Classes start the

following Monday."

      "How exciting for you," Aunt Vicky said.  "What time's your flight?"

      "Oh, we're not flying.  We're driving.  Got a little too much to take

on the plane," Todd said.

      "How long will it take?" she asked.

      "About twelve, thirteen hours.  It's almost 900 miles."

      "That's not so bad, considering our trips in the car from Colorado

and Kansas," she said, looking at Aunt Connie and Uncle Daniel.

      "It'll be the longest trip for us together.  All our vacations were

in the south or were flown to.  I'm sure gonna have my PSP ready."

      The adults chuckled, or at least the ones who knew what a PSP was,

while the others joined in with the fake chuckle as to not wanting to be

left out of the `inside joke'.  When the chuckling subsided, Uncle Dan got

my attention and asked, "So, sport, when do you start school?"

      "On Wednesday.  Final year and I am so excited to be done with it."

      "Where are you going to college?" he asked me.

      Instead of telling the truth, I decided to lie to keep the

disapproval down.  "Not sure yet; still looking into a few options."

      "It's good to have options," Uncle Mark said.  "Make them want you."

      "Yes, sir," I said and lifted my coffee like I was toasting him, then

took a sip.

      After breakfast, Todd and I made the rounds to say goodbye to

everyone.  I gave hugs to the members of my family and when Todd tried to

shake hands, my family took him in a hug.  It was their way of welcoming

him into our family.  When I got to Mark and Tripp, we exchanged email

addresses and phone numbers and gave big hugs before saying goodbye. They

did the same to Todd as we were walking out the door.

      Granny followed us down the stairs and got me for one last hug and

told me that if I needed anything that I better call her.

      "Thanks, Granny.  I will.  I pretty much have things under control,

but if I need to, I'll let you know."

      "I love you, Blake.  Please, always know that," she said to me.

      "I love you, too, Granny Sue.  And be sure to call when you come to

Atlanta.  I would love for you to meet Christine and Don."

      "You bet your butt I will."  One last hug and Todd and I were back in

the car heading home.

      After arriving home, Todd and I unpacked the car and got settled in

as mom and dad asked us about our weekend.  We told them of the small

adventure that was had and when we told them of what Granny did to Barbara

and Charles I could see mom try to hide a smile on her face.  She didn't'

succeed as well as she thought but it didn't bother me.  Looking back, they

deserved what Granny gave them.  Maybe now they actually feel how I felt

when they kicked me out of their house.

      Our routine started back like it was before our Savannah trip only

Todd went into to work for his last day on Monday so that he would have the

rest of the week to pack and get things ready for the move.  I went to work

on Monday and Tuesday, but since school started on Wednesday, I asked Joe

for that day off so that I could get used to my schedule and spend the rest

of the day with Todd, seeing how it was going to be his last day in

Atlanta.  Joe understood and gave me the time I asked for.

      On Wednesday, I got up early and got ready for school.  As I was

leaving our room I looked back and saw Todd still asleep.  I decided to

give him a goodbye kiss before doing so and walked back to the bed and

pressed my lips against his.  He stirred a bit but didn't wake.  On my way

to school my cell rang and when I answered it Kelly asked where I was.  The

excitement in her voice was a little prevalent and I knew it was the start

of another competition.

      "I'm about five minutes away.  I'll meet you on the steps, like last

year."

      "Okay, but hurry up," she said, then hung up.

      I smiled as I ended the call and tossed the phone in the passenger

seat.

      I had gotten a letter about a week ago letting me know my homeroom

and my schedule.  Kelly and I, of course, were in the same class again this

year.  We were taking World History on campus and Kelly went to UGA for her

math.  I opted out of Math, as it wasn't required, so that I could keep my

job.  She was a bit disappointed but I assured her that she could work with

me if she had any problems and we'd figure it out together.  She understood

and didn't hold it against me.

      When I pulled up, I was finally able to park in the senior parking

lot.  It was just a bit closer to the school and solely reserved for the

senior students.  After parking, I walked to the stairs and Kelly was there

talking with Howie.  He saw me first and called my name.

      "Hey guys," I said, walking to Kelly and giving her a hug.  Releasing

her, I shook Howie's hand.  "So, did you guys carpool?" I asked them.

      "Yeah," she said.

      "How long has she made you wait at school?  An hour?"

      "Yeah, she's just excited."

      Kelly hit Howie's arm and said, "It's only been forty five minutes."

      I laughed and Howie leaned over and said, "It's been an hour."

      "Same ole Kelly," I said.

      "So, what's Todd up to today?" Howie asked me.

      "Right now, he's still in bed, but he and mom will be packing things,

getting ready to leave tomorrow."

      "I need to call him tonight," Howie said.

      "Maybe the four of us can get together for an early dinner or

something," I said, "Unless mom and dad have plans."

      "Sounds good," Kelly said.  "Let us know when you can."

      "Yeah, okay.  C'mon, let's get to homeroom," I said, grabbing the

door and holding it open for the two of them.

      Walking through the halls, Kelly and I were chatting when I heard my

name.  I turned around and saw a girl wave at me.  I waved back but didn't

know who she was.  When I asked Kelly, she didn't know either.  During our

short walk, about five people said hey to me.  I didn't know any of them.

I could only assume that they were at the prom when everything happened

last year.

      World History was boring, as I expected it to be.  Mr. Roberts didn't

really do a lot of teaching.  Well, he did a little, but he really liked

kidding and talking to the students while at his desk more than he did

expanding our minds.  I had heard these rumors for a while and hoped I

never got him, but my hope ran out when I saw his name on my schedule.  The

only other World History class was after lunch and I damn well wasn't going

to quit work for that.

      When class was over, Kelly realized the mistake she and Howie made.

Howie had the keys to the car and his class had already started and she had

no way to get to college for her math.  I offered to take her to UGA, but

she didn't have a way back.

      "I'm just gonna have to get his keys and then come back and get him

when school's over."

      "Looks like it," I said, smiling.  "This is what you get when you've

got a smart girlfriend who forgets small details," I said.

      "Yeah, yeah, yeah," she said.  "I guess we'll have to drive our own

cars from now on."

      "Yup," I said.  "Anyway, you better get going.  Don't want to be late

on your first day."

      "I wish you were going to be with me," she said.

      "Yeah, I know, but with my job, well, I don't want to quit.  If it

was mandatory, then I would, but since it's not..."

      "Yeah, I know.  Anyway, give me a call if you guys are free tonight."

      "Will do," I said, reaching over and giving her a hug.

      "Take it easy," she said to me as she turned back towards the school

doors.

      "Bye," I said, and headed to my car.

      When I got home, I dropped my books off by the door and headed to the

kitchen for something to drink.  Within two minutes, I heard Todd coming

down the stairs.  A minute later, I felt his arms wrap around me.

      "How was school?" he asked.

      "Boring.  History.  How was your morning?"

      "Boring but still busy," he answered, releasing me.

      I turned and saw he was nude and asked where mom was.

      "She had to go into the office for some work.  Said she'd be back

around one or so."

      I looked at the microwave and it read only 8:42.

      "What have you packed?" I asked.

      "I haven't started this morning, not yet, but I will soon."

      "Just remember, the more you wait, the longer you'll have to work

tonight.  Speaking of which, Howie and Kelly want to get together for an

early dinner if mom and dad don't have plans."

      "They haven't said anything, but it'll have to be a Mickey D's or BK

or something like that.  I don't want to spend too much time away from mom

and dad on my last day home."

      "You're gonna be with them for the rest of the weekend and in the car

for what, fourteen hours or so?"

      "You know what I mean.  It'll be the last day to relax before we

leave, and I still want to go and see Pax and Tristian before then."

      "What about calling to see if they can get together for lunch with

us?  Maybe about noon and then get home after and finish packing.  We can

work some before lunch too."

      "That's cool, but right now, we got the house to ourselves so why

don't we have a little fun?" Todd suggested.

      "I would love that, but don't we have a lot to do?  We can always

have sex in bed tonight, quietly."

      "But why wait when we don't need to?"

      "You gotta point.  Make sure the front door is locked and I'll call

Pax."

      Todd went to the door and turned the dead bolt and locked the knob as

well as I called Pax on the phone.

      "There's no answer," I said to Todd as I hung up.

      "Oh, right, they're in France, remember?" he said.

      "Right," I said, putting the phone down on the counter.

      As soon as I did, Todd grabbed me under my arms and lifted me to sit

on the island.  When I was on the counter, he slowly lowered me down and

started working on my belt.  I tried to get him to stop so we could go

upstairs, but he just smiled and unzipped my pants and pulled my underwear

down to reveal my flaccid penis.  A few seconds later, I felt the warm

wetness of Todd's mouth engulf me and it took all my self control to not

blow right then and there.  I was so lost in what Todd was doing that I

didn't realize I was about to climax until I grabbed his head and told him

to stop.

      A few seconds later, I gave a sigh and told him I was okay and he

could continue if he wanted.  He put my cock back in his mouth and smiled

up at me and I knew he was going for the gusto.  I moved my hand to Todd's

head and encouraged him on with the wonderful job he was doing.  When I

tried to stop him so I could return the favor, he wouldn't listen, but

instead, grabbed my wrists and held them on the island beside my body and

kept going.  When I warned him I was about to cum, he never stopped.  He

placed his hand flat on my chest as I climaxed in his mouth and then he

cleaned me off with his tongue once he swallowed.

      "Wow, that was a tasty mid-morning snack," he said, finally coming up

for air.

      "God, that felt great, baby," I said to him.

      He walked around to the side of the island and leaned over and kissed

me.  Breaking the kiss, he looked down over me and thanked me.

      "For what?" I asked.

      "For being you," he said.

      "Ahhh, you big softy," I said, teasing him.  "Give me a couple

minutes and I'll return the favor."

      "No need.  I'm good for now.  I've just wanted to blow you all

morning.  Right now, I'm satisfied."

      I looked down and saw that Todd was sporting a major hard on and

smiled.  Looking at him, he noticed my smile and asked what I was thinking.

      "Just thinking of ways to attack your dick to where you'll let me

keep going instead of pulling me off."

      At that point, Todd came back to between my knees and pulled me up.

Sitting with my bare butt on the counter top, Todd put his arms around me

and looked into my eyes and gave me a smile.  "As long as I give you

pleasure, that makes me happy.  Getting pleasure in return is great, but

you know it's not necessary."

      "But you forget, giving you pleasure makes me happy, too," I said.

      "I know, but sometimes we just need to learn to give and take.

Sometimes I'll please you and that will be it for me.  Sometimes, you'll do

the same.  But for right now, I'm good.  I don't need anything in return."

      I looked down again and saw his dick had deflated.  I used his

shoulders for support as I got off the counter and looked him in the eyes

and reached for his dick.  "Tonight, this is mine.  I need you to make love

to me one more time before you leave."

      Tipping his head up, just a bit, to kiss me, his soft lips made

contact with mine and then he pulled away, saying, "Your wish..."

      I smiled and so wanted to finish the sentence for him, but let it

hang in the air after I saw his smile.  I pulled my pants up, but not

before he could cop a feel of my ass, then headed up stairs and looked

around for anything I could help him pack up.

      We worked for a bit, packing clothes, getting his school supplies in

one box, while getting all his bedding and toiletries in another.  By lunch

time, we decided to go out for a quick bite, just to get out of the house.

We looked around and found that we pretty much had everything packed.  The

last thing left was the computer.

      We headed out to a little hole in the wall restaurant, just to try

something different and to be together.  We didn't care what we ate.  We

could have eaten rotten eggs for all we knew.  We were too involved in each

other's eyes and conversations, we didn't even taste the food.

      After we left the restaurant, we headed over to OutWrite books and

got a fancy coffee then got back in the car and headed home.  During the

ride, Todd reached over and grabbed my hand and gave me a side glance

before putting his attention back on the road.  When we arrived home mom

was in the kitchen and asked where we went off to.  We told her we just

went out for a quick lunch, and being the mother, she asked how it was.

      "Good," Todd said.

      "Good," mom said, going through the mail.

      As we were heading to the stairs, mom finally gave us her attention

and asked how much Todd got packed.

      "Everything but the `puter.  Blake and I are gonna get that later."

      "Great, then I don't have anything to do.  I think I'm gonna watch my

soaps.  You boys wanna join me?"

      "Uh, no thanks, mom," I said.  "Since we don't have anything to do

either, Todd and I have to go someplace to get something."

      "You do?" she asked.

      "We do?" Todd asked, simultaneously.

      "Yeah.  I was looking at the instant messenger thing and it can use

cameras, so I want us to get a couple so when we chat we can see each other

too."

      I turned my back to mom and winked to Todd and I saw a sliver of a

smile cross his lips before he said, "Hey, that's a great idea."

      "Well, you boys don't be too long.  Your father's getting off in

about an hour," she said, as she flipped the TV to the program she wanted

to watch.

      "Are we doing anything for dinner tonight, mom?"

      "I was gonna have your favorite dishes.  Might be a while before you

get them again."

      "That sounds great.  "We'll be back in an hour or so," I said to mom.

      "Be careful," she called as the door was closing.

      On the way to the car, Todd pulled out his phone and saw that Howie

still had another half hour before he was done with school.  I suggested he

call Kelly and so he did.

      "Hey, Kelly, it's Todd."

      "Oh, not too bad.  Got all the packing done, now just gotta wait

until tomorrow to leave."

      "Yeah, it's gonna be a long ride, but I'll probably sleep most of the

way there.  I'm sure I'll be exhausted in the morning."

      "Well, it's Blake's and my last night together, if you get my drift."

      I looked at him and blushed, knowing that Kelly knew what was planned

for tonight and knowing I would be grilled about it tomorrow morning.

      "Yeah, well, it might be all night if I have any say in it."

      "I'll let him get some sleep, but just not sure how much yet," he

said, looking at me with a big smile.

      "Listen, I was calling to let you know we won't be able to get

together tonight for dinner.  Mom's cooking all my favs and I'm kinda

looking forward to it."

      "Well, if you guys wanna come over after Howie gets out of school,

maybe we could hang out for an hour or so.  Maybe take a quick dip in the

pool."

      "Actually, that's perfect.  Blake and I are on our way out for about

an hour or so and then we'll be home for the rest of the night."

      "Great...yeah...okay, see you in a couple hours, then...Okay, bye."

      As he hung up the cell, I looked down and shook my head.

      "What?" he asked.

      "You had to tell her, didn't you?  You know she's gonna grill me for

details tomorrow."

      "So let her," he said.  "She just wants to know what she's missing,

is all," he said, smiling and giggling.

      "Oh, aren't we a little full of ourselves?" I said, teasing him.

      "You're the one that said she had a crush..."  He realized I was

teasing and said, "Get in the car, asshole."

      "Yes sir, Mr. Dick."

      We drove to the mall and went to an electronics store and got two web

cams.  They were small enough to mount on my laptop and had an alternate

base for Todd to sit on his monitor.  We paid for the cams and left and

headed back to the car, when Todd said he wanted to drop by the Discovery

store to say goodbye to Mr. Avery one last time.

      We got there and saw Mr. Avery walking through the store and when he

spotted Todd, he stopped and smiled.  They greeted each other and Todd

officially introduced me, even though Mr. Avery and I already met.  They

talked for about ten to fifteen minutes and then Todd held out his hand for

Mr. Avery to shake, which he did, and they said goodbye.

      When we arrived home, Todd and I walked in and saw dad sitting on the

couch with mom.

      "Hey, Todd.  How's the packing going?" he asked.

      "Good.  Just gotta get the computer pulled apart and packed up and

I'm done."

      "I was thinking about that," I said, cutting in.  "Why don't you take

my laptop and let me keep the big computer here?"

      "That was your birthday gift from Pax.  I can't take it from you."

      "You won't be taking it from me; you'll be borrowing it, that's all."

      "I've got a better idea," dad said, standing and walking to the hall

closet.

      Todd and I followed him with our eyes and he reached in and pulled

out a laptop bag.

      "See, he already got a bag for you to use mine," I said.

      Walking to Todd, dad handed him the bag.

      "Damn, dad.  It's heavy.  What's in here?"

      "Well, your mom and I can't compete with Blake's computer, but it's

your very own laptop.  We hope you like it."

      Todd shifted his eyes between mom and dad and a smile broke his

surprised face.  "Really?"

      "Yeah.  Take it out and look it over," dad instructed.

      Todd walked over to the counter on the island and mom joined us in

the kitchen as Todd took it out of the case and flipped it open.  On the

side of the computer was the power button.  Hitting it, the screen came to

life.

      "It has wireless internet capability, a 256 gig hard drive..."

      "What's this?" Todd interrupted, pointing to a small bar on the

bottom of the keyboard.

      "That's a fingerprint reader.  To unlock your computer, or when you

start it, you'll have to swipe your finger over it so it knows it's you."

      "Awesome!!" Todd exclaimed.

      "In case it gets stolen, someone would have to go through a lot of

trouble to access your information."

      "Guys, thanks a million.  This is gonna come in handy.  I was

dreading taking the computer apart and carrying it with me."

      "Now you won't have to," mom said.

      "This is great.  I'm gonna go upstairs and get things I need off my

old computer and put them in here."  Looking at me, Todd said, "C'mon."

      Todd closed the lid and started upstairs.  I grabbed the bag and

followed him.  Once upstairs, he booted up his old computer and, while

waiting, placed his laptop on the desk next to it and got things ready to

transfer.

      After a couple of hours, he had just finished transferring all the

information he wanted onto his new computer and also installing the drivers

for the camera we just bought, then he did the same to my computer, when

the doorbell rang.  A minute later, we heard mom calling our names.

      Going downstairs, we saw Kelly and Howie.

      "Hey, guys," Todd said and gave Kelly a hug and a kiss on the cheek

and shook Howie's hand.  I did the same once he was out of the way.

      "So, tomorrow's the big day, huh?" Howie asked.

      "Yup.  Gotta long trip ahead of us, but I'm so excited."

      "You'll have to keep in touch and let me know how it is.  I'll have

to go through it next year," Howie said.

      "Yeah, only difference is you'll probably have a football

scholarship," Todd said.

      "I can only hope," Howie responded.

      After offering them something to drink, we headed upstairs so Todd

could show off his laptop.  While Todd and Howie were talking, I joined

Kelly on the bed.

      "So, how was math?" I asked.

      "Not too bad.  Advanced statistics is only so much fun.  Lots of word

problems and stuff."

      "Yeah, well, you know what you're doing.  You'll probably breeze

right through it."

      "I think so too.  It won't be too bad, but I won't have my study

partner anymore," she said, hitting her shoulder against mine.

      "Yeah, sorry `bout that," I said, smiling sheepishly.

      "Oh, it's no big deal," she said, grabbing my hand in hers.

      "Well, look at it this way; you'll have the higher GPA.  You'll be

the Valedictorian."

      "Yeah, but without competition, what's the fun in that?"

      "For three years, you had competition.  Now you're just taking an

extra class, so you'll end up winning."

      "It's not about winning, Blake," she said.

      "Stop lying, bitch.  We both know that secretly we wanted to be top

dog.  You were hoping it was you and I was hoping it was me.  Because of me

not taking that class this year, you'll be it."

      Kelly gave me a smile while saying she was sorry with her eyes.

      "Right now, I have different priorities; that's all.  I guess I

didn't want it bad enough anymore."

      "No matter what, you really deserve it.  We both know you're a hair

smarter than I am," she said.

      "You do have a point," I said, trying to keep a straight face.

      "Asshole," she said, hitting my arm.

      "What?  I just agreed with you."

      "You're not as smart as I thought you were."

      "What'd I do wrong?" I asked, chuckling.

      "You're never supposed to let the girl think you're smarter than she

is," she explained.

      "Honey, are you forgetting one small detail?"

      "Like what?" she asked, confused.

      "I don't know how to treat girls in relationships.  I have a

boyfriend, remember."

      "That's a lousy excuse."

      "But, one that works," I said, laughing.  I put my arms around her

and gave her a hug.  She put hers around me and before I knew it, I was

pulling us both down to lie on the bed.

      "Ahhh, let me up," she said.

      "Why?" I asked, thinking I hurt her.

      "I don't know what's been going on in this bed.  I don't want to

know!"

      Before I could answer, I heard Todd's voice break the silence that

had fallen.  "Just sleeping... oh... and lots of fucking."

      "Oh, God," she said and gave a look of playful disgust.

      Howie turned around and put his hands in his pockets and said,

"Didn't need to know that."

      The three of us laughed at his momentary feeling of awkwardness,

until Todd turned back to the computer and they started back on their

conversation.  Kelly and I got more comfortable on the bed with her head on

my shoulder and us talking quietly.

         The conversation and their visit only lasted about another hour

before Howie mentioned that they needed to head out.  They were having a

date night and dinner and a movie waited for them.

      "Well, you guys have a good time," I said to them as they started

walking out of the bedroom.

      "We will, thanks," Kelly said.

      "And, you, my man, take care in New York and be careful, okay," Howie

said to Todd as he put his hand out for a shake.

      Taking it, Todd pulled him into a hug and said he would.  Turning to

Kelly, he gave her one last hug and then we headed downstairs.  After

watching them drive away, Todd and I came back into the house and mom

announced that dinner would be ready in an hour.  We told her we'd be back

down by then and headed back to our room.

      In the room, Todd turned the camera on to test it out and when the

picture came on the screen, he positioned the camera on me on the bed.

      "It works," he said.

      "Cool.  Can it record or just broadcast over the net?" I asked.

      "I think it can record, too.  Most do."  Looking at the program, he

confirmed that it did record.

      "Good, turn it on."

      Todd gave me that `what are you up to' kinda look, but hit the button

with the mouse and then told me it was recording.

      "Am I in the frame, okay?"

      "Yeah."

      "Hey, Todd.  I miss you and hope you're doing well in school.  I love

you and can't wait for you to come home..."

      "What are you doing?" he asked, interrupting me.

      "Giving you something to watch when you start missing me.  You'll be

able to see my face when I'm talking and maybe you won't miss me as much."

      "Blake, when I get out of the driveway without you in the car, I'll

be missing you already."

      "That's one reason I love you so much," I said, smiling.

      "Why?" he asked, coming to the bed and lying down next to me.

      I turned my torso and rested my body on my outstretched hand and

said, "Because, underneath all those muscles and behind that tough faÏ„ade,

you're just a big ole softy."

      "Only with you, baby.  Just don't tell anyone else, will ya?"

      "You're secret's safe with me, mister."  I looked down and smiled at

him.

      "C'mere," he said, and used his finger to emphasize his point.

      I leaned down and planted my lips upon his and, once broken, he

pulled me down to put my head on his shoulder.  I wrapped my left arm

across his chest and he brought his right hand from behind his head and

placed it on top of mine.  We lay there for a few minutes with Todd playing

with my hair with his left hand in silence until I thought of something I

wanted to ask.

      "Have you heard anything about a roommate yet?"

      "Nope, other than I'm getting one.  Probably won't get any

information on who it is until we both show up."

      "What if you end up with someone who doesn't like gay people?"

      "Don't really know.  I did let them know I was gay, so hopefully,

they'll put me with another gay guy, or at least someone who doesn't care."

      "If you end up with a gay roommate make sure you warn him if he

touches you he'll have me to deal with."

      Todd laughed and said, "Yeah, he won't want to mess with you when

you're angry."

      "Damn, right," I said, climbing on Todd to lie on top of him.

      "I can't breathe," he said in a fake voice of being out of breath.

      "Oh, deal with it.  I ain't movin'," I said, putting my head on his

chest.

      I felt his arms engulf me and I felt as safe as I could possibly be.

      We chatted for another forty five minutes or so before mom called us

down for dinner.  On the way out I told Todd I would meet him downstairs

because I had to use the restroom.  When he was gone I went back to the

bedroom and opened the side table drawer and pulled out a card I bought

from work.  I grabbed his clothes bag and put it on the bed and unzipped an

end pocket and slipped the card in and replaced the bag on the floor.

      Coming down the stairs I could smell the feast mom had prepared.

When I arrived in the kitchen no one was there.  I turned around and saw

that they had moved the food into the formal dining room, which we've never

used before.  I went in and asked if there was anything else I could help

with.  At that time, the buzzer on the stove went off and mom told me I

could grab the biscuits and bring those in.

      I placed the biscuits in a wicker basket, lined with a towel, and

brought those in and sat them on the table.  Before me was pepper steak,

Todd's absolute favorite dinner, green bean casserole, butter beans, corn

on the cob, baked Vidalia onions, and homemade biscuits.  And, of course,

there was sweet tea to top everything off.

      As I was sitting mom said, "Now, don't fill up too much.  For

dessert, I made a chocolate cake with chocolate icing.

      "Mom, you went all out.  You didn't have to do all this," Todd said,

appreciatively.

      "It's the last time you might get a home cooked meal for a while.  I

didn't mind a bit, baby," she said to him.

      We grabbed the hands of the person next to us and dad said Grace.

Unfortunately, we didn't heed mom's warning and Todd and I ended up having

to split a piece of cake.  When we were done, we told mom to go on to the

living room and that us guys would clean up.  She decided to head upstairs

and get ready for bed instead and told us goodnight.

      "Five o'clock comes early, so I'm gonna get in bed soon," she said.

"Don't you boys stay up too long."

      "When are we leaving the house?" Todd asked.

      "Six A.M.," dad answered.

      "We'll I'm gonna get my shower tonight, so I'll set my alarm for

5:30," Todd said.

      "Just make sure you get up when it goes off," mom said.

      Coming to me, mom told me to give her a hug because I probably

wouldn't see her before they left in the morning.  After she disappeared up

the stairs, us guys got busy putting food away and loaded the dishwasher.

Dad wanted to wash the dishes, but I told him I'd unload the dishwasher in

the morning before school, so he relented.

      After the kitchen was clean, Todd grabbed a big plastic cup and

filled it with ice and poured another glass of tea then we headed upstairs.

Dad turned off the lights downstairs and followed us up.

      "Sleep tight, boys.  See you in the morning."

      "Night dad," we said in unison.

      After he turned into his room, Todd and I stripped down and headed

for the bathroom.  After the shower was set to the perfect temperature, we

got in and washed, with a little touchy feely here and there for good

measure.  When we were done, I hung my towel up, and Todd was about to do

the same but I grabbed it from him.

      "Watcha doin'?" he asked.

      "You'll see.  I have an idea."

      He smiled and followed me back to the bedroom.  After the door was

closed, I dropped his towel on the floor and pushed it up against the crack

at the bottom of the door.

      "Ya care to fill me in?" Todd said.

      "I made a promise to you a while back and I figured tonight I can do

it."

      "A promise?" he asked, thinking back.

      "Yeah, we'll need the lights on so the towel will block the light

from seeping out if mom or dad comes out of their room."

      Todd still looked confused so I clued him in.  "Get the camera ready

and point it on the bed.  I told you we could record ourselves so you could

have something to watch in New York."

      Instantly, a smile crossed his face and his semi hard dick stood at

attention.

      "I see you like that idea," I said getting on the bed.

      "Fuck, yeah.  This is gonna be hot."  He walked over to the computer

and realized he had never shut the camera off from before.  We had gotten

distracted and forgot about it.  He stopped the recording and saved the

file and started a new file for our new session.

      After positioning the camera for the best angle on the bed, he

started recording and came over to me.  Lying down on top of me, I told him

we needed to be quiet so we wouldn't wake up the parents.  He nodded his

head in understanding and then kissed me, passionately.

      I pushed him off me and had him lay on his back then I got on top of

him and straddled his hips with my knees next to his side and lowered

myself back to his lips.  I felt his hands roam over my naked back and to

the top of my butt.  After a few more minutes I sat up and smiled at him.

Reaching back, I grabbed his still hard dick in my hand and gave a few

strokes.

      "You ready for the best blow job of your life?" I asked.

      "Hell yeah, baby."

      I pushed my butt past his dick and had him spread his legs so that I

could get to my target.  I lay down between his splayed legs and took hold

of his cock in my right hand as my tongue found his hairy balls.  I swirled

around the loose skinned sack for a few seconds then allowed my tongue to

travel up the highway of veins on his shaft until I just touched the bottom

edge of his swollen head.  I repeated the process, licking him like a

lollipop, never touching his head.

      After seeing his squirm for a bit, I decided to let him off the hook

and on my last upward travel I swirled around until the underside of my

tongue was covering his head.  Pulling my tongue back inside my mouth, I

lowered my lips over his dick and took just the head inside.  Swirling my

tongue around the sensitive gland I felt Todd put his hands in my hair.

      "Oh God, baby.  You're making me feel so good."

      "That's the plan," I said, pulling off, and then I smiled at him.

"Scoot your head over a little towards the window," I said, getting him to

turn so that the camera could see what I was doing.  When he settled back

into position, I went back to my pleasuring him.

      Within five minutes, I was hard as a rock and trapping my dick

between me and the bed, I could already feel that I was leaking precum.

After a few more minutes I felt Todd put his hands under my arms and try to

pull me up, but I didn't give in.  I pulled my mouth off him and gave him a

look.

      "It's my turn," he said.

      "The fuck it is," I said and smiled at him.

      "Baby, you keep this up, you're gonna make me cum," he said.  "Let me

suck you for a bit."

      "Nope.  This is my night, remember.  We'll do things on my schedule."

      Without waiting for a response, I went back down on Todd, all the way

to the balls.  In doing so, he lifted his shoulders off the bed with his

head as he leaned back and inhaled sharply.  I worked the head of his cock

with my throat muscles which drove him crazy.  Pulling up to breathe, I

repeated the process for another few minutes until he told me he was

getting close.  I immediately stopped and slowly pulled his dick through my

lips.  Sucking just the head for a second or two, I pulled off him and sat

up.

      "So, how was it?" I asked him.

      "The best blow job of my life," he said, laying his arm across his

eyes.

      "Told ya," I said, lowering myself down on top of him, crushing his

dick between our hips.

      He removed his arm and pulled my head down to his and kissed me,

deeply.  When he broke the kiss, he got off the bed and walked to the end

of the bed and grabbed my feet and pulled me down until he had me

positioned just right, then he got on his knees on the floor and took me

straight down the balls.  There was no foreplay with him when he was this

horny and I loved it that way.

      He sucked me for a bit and, because I was already horny, he was

getting me close faster than I expected.

      "Slow down, Todd.  I'm almost there."

      He pulled off me just long enough to turn my butt to the side of the

bed and then he lifted my legs up and dove for my pucker.

      "Oh, God!  That feels amazing," I said, grabbing fistfuls of

comforter.  Instantly, I let go of the fabric and grabbed behind my knees

and held my legs up.  Todd's hands went to my ass and pulled my cheeks

apart for better access.  After putting his face on the right spot, he

would let go of my ass and put his hands back under my knees and push so

that my ass would come up in the air even farther.

      I was flailing my head from side to side, inhaling loudly.  I put my

hands on his head and pulled him into me harder as his tongue would get

rigid and poke my hole.  I was enjoying the sensations he was giving me,

but I wanted to put my mouth back on him, in some fashion.

      Lifting my head, all I said was sixty-nine and he dropped my ass back

to the bed and came around and put his knees on either side of my head as

he hooked my legs under his arms and brought my ass back in contact with

his lips and very talented tongue.

      I took his cock back in my mouth and was in the perfect position to

deep throat him, which I did until he warned me he was close again.

      "Give me your ass," I said in a whisper.

      He lifted first one leg, then the other so I could get my arms from

between us and I grabbed his ass and pulled him down so I could get access

to his pucker.  When my tongue made contact, I heard him inhale and pull

off me, briefly, before continuing his task on me.

      We rimmed each other like this for a few minutes before I told him I

needed to stretch my legs out.  He pulled his arms back so my legs could

fall over the side of the bed and then he went down and grabbed my dick in

his hand while staying bent over for me to continue rimming him.  He put

his head on my thigh and enjoyed the sensation for a while.

      After a bit, he started sucking me and I let my head fall back to the

bed to enjoy the sensation of his warm mouth on my sensitive skin.  I

wanted to keep some pleasure for him, so I sucked my thumb for a second and

got it wet and placed it over his hole.  With the feeling of something

harder than a tongue, Todd sat up a bit and asked what I was doing.

      "Don't worry.  I'm not going to enter just rubbing the outside."

      He seemed to relax and lowered himself back to my cock.  I ran my

thumb over his asshole while he continued the blowjob he was giving me.  At

one point, I started putting a little more pressure on his hole as I ran

over it and he hesitated for a moment and then kept things going.  I so

wanted to at least finger him, even if he would never let me fuck him, so I

tried to think of a way to get my finger inside my boyfriend.

      After a couple more minutes of playing with his hole I finally

decided to use pity.  I brought my hands down from his ass and tapped his

thighs.  He lifted his right leg and I lifted my head and told him I wanted

to get up.  I rolled out from under his lifted leg and he was about to

move, but I told him I wanted to rim him in this position.  He lowered his

chest to the bed and I got behind him and started on my assault of his

hole.  Immediately, soft moans filled the room.

      A few times he lifted himself up on his outstretched arms and cursed

and told me he how much was enjoying the feeling.  That only encouraged me

to give my baby more pleasure.  I, slyly, brought my finger up to his hole

and placed it on the bottom rim as my tongue worked his sensitive pucker.

He was so into it he didn't know I had done it.  Over the course of the

next five minutes or so, I slowly put pressure on his hole with my finger

as my tongue worked its magic.

      As slow as it took, my finger finally broke through his sphincter

barrier and I got up to the first knuckle inside him.  I kept my finger

still but kept my tongue moving to keep him distracted.  He was enjoying

everything so much; he didn't notice that I started pushing in even slower

than before.  It took about ten minutes but I finally got up to the second

knuckle of my first finger and I wanted to wiggle it but I figured I needed

to warn him so he wouldn't freak out when he felt the movement.

      I gave one last lick and poke with my tongue and then lifted up and

called his name.

      "Yeah, baby?" he said, out of breath.

      "You like?" I whispered.

      "Fuck, yeah.  This is the best rim job you've ever given me.  I can't

tell you what's different but I can tell you its more intense than before."

      "Well, I think I might know why."

      Without moving he turned his head and looked at me.  "Why?"

      I put my left hand on his shoulder and wiggled my first finger on my

right hand.  Immediately, he stood up on his knees which pulled my finger

out of his ass.

      "You had your finger in my ass?" he asked, upset.

      "Yeah, I kinda snuck it in while I was rimming you."

      "I told you I didn't want that.  I told you I didn't..."

      "You said you were afraid of the pain," I said, interrupting him.

      "Damn, Blake," he said, then walked over to the door and flipped off

the light before opening it and walking out.

      I sat on the bed and wondered what was wrong. There wasn't any pain.

Why was he so upset?  I thought back to what Mark told me.  Maybe Todd was

afraid of losing his masculinity if he had anything in his ass.  I lay back

on the bed and hit it with anger.  The last thing I wanted to do was upset

Todd before he left for college.  After thinking for a minute longer, I was

just about to get up and go after him, when the door opened.

      Todd came back in and first thing I did was apologize to him.

      "It's okay.  I overreacted a bit."

      "What's wrong?  I got my finger in there and you never knew it.  Not

until I moved it."

      "I told you before; I don't like anything in my ass."

      "But why?" I asked.

      "I don't know," he said, and turned away from me.

      I didn't move for a minute, then got on my knees and walked over to

him on the bed and wrapped my arms around him from the back, with my chin

on his shoulder.

      "I'm sorry, baby.  I didn't mean to upset you."

      He lifted a hand and grabbed my left arm.  "I know."

      "Come on back to bed.  We don't have to do anything else, if you

don't want.  Let's just sleep."

      "No, I want to go further, but that kinda freaked me out."

      Lying back on the bed, I moved closer to him and put my chin on his

chest and looked at him.  "Can I ask another question about it?"

      "What?" he said, giving me that `please drop it' look.

      "Do you think that maybe you're afraid of losing your dominance in

our relationship?  I mean, taking it up the ass is the more feminine role

in the relationship.  Do you think that might be it?"

      "That might have something to do with it, but to be honest, I really

don't know.  All I know is that I don't want anything in there."

      "Okay, then.  I won't do anything like that again.  I just wasn't

thinking."

      "You know, you're so cute when you're apologizing," he said, smiling

at me.

      I lifted myself up a bit and brought my lips to meet his.  We kissed,

softly for a few minutes, before I broke it and turned over to the bedside

table.  I opened the drawer and got the lube out.

      "You ready?" I asked.

      "Yeah, just let me turn the light back on first."  He got out of bed

and flipped the light on.  While he did that I got on the bed, on my back,

and tossed the lube to him.  He gave me that wicked smile of his and his

eyes sparkled at me.

      He worked on my hole with his fingers for a little bit before

replacing them with his cock.  As he slid inside me I felt like I was in

heaven again.  He lowered himself down as he kept his hips moving and

locked his lips against mine.  I wrapped my arms around his back and pulled

him into me.

      He brought his face from next to my head and looked me in the eyes.

"I love you so much, Blake," then kissed me while filling me with passion.

      A few minutes later, Todd lifted himself up and grabbed my ankles and

pulled them both to his left.  I ended up on my right side with my knees

together.  He positioned himself back at my entrance and slipped inside.

When he did, my eyes inadvertently closed.  He rocked our bodies for a

while and brought us closer to the finish line for both of us.

      It was a bit longer when it was me who wanted to change positions.  I

pushed his body up and I slipped him out of me and got back on the center

of the bed and lowered my chest to the bed with my ass up in the air

waiting for him to take it.

      "Get a little kinky with me.  Give me the quarterback fuck; you're

good in that position."  I gave a smile and he returned it with mischief.

      He got behind me and got on his feet and lowered himself into me.

From this angle, I was thinking that the camera behind us both should be

able to see everything.  Once he lowered himself all the way in my moans

started.  He was hitting my prostate with every downward thrust he gave me.

As he sped up, so did the frequency of my moans.  At one point, he was

going fast and then he thrust himself down and stayed there.  When he did

that, I had to turn my head into the pillow to stifle my moan.

      The moan that escaped was because of the fullness he was giving me,

but he had also started gyrating his hips so that he was constantly rubbing

my prostate with his cock.  The feeling was so amazing that I almost came

and I had to put my hand back and frantically wave it around to stop him.

      "You okay, baby?" he asked, as he lowered his chest to my back while

staying inside me.

      "God, you almost made me cum.  I'm not ready, yet," I told him,

breathing hard.

      "Sorry," he said in a chuckle.

      "Don't be.  It's awesome but I gotta take a quick break to get my

breath back."

      He pulled his dick out of my ass, slowly, which only tortured me.  I

didn't want it gone but I needed a breather.  When he was out, he lay down

on his back and I just let my body fall over on his.  My ass ended up on

his hip as my head landed on his bicep.  He told me to turn over and I had

to find the strength to do so, but did as I was asked.

      "You seem worn out," he said, smiling.

      "Not worn out.  Well, my ass is worn out and my prostate is screaming

for release, but I'm doing pretty good.  I could go all night if you

wanted."

      "Don't tell me that or we'll never get to sleep," he said, chuckling

under his breath.

      We lay motionless for about five minutes, until I got my breath back.

I reached over and got the lube and opened the top and turned it up over

his cock.  After a few dollops found its target, I closed the lid and used

my right hand to rub the lube all over his head and shaft, then brought my

hand back and gave my ass another coating of the lubrication.  When I got

that done, I put my hands on his chest and straddled his hips.

      "Ah, so you want to take over now, do ya?" he said, smiling big.

      "Yeah, and this is gonna be some ride," I said, winking at him.

      "I can't wait," he said and grabbed my hips.

      I reached back and grabbed his hard cock and pulled it up to my hole

and slowly lowered myself down so the head could slide in slowly.  I took

my time going all the way down, and every few seconds or so, would raise

myself up or fuck myself slowly with only about an inch of his cock.  This

drove me wild and I knew Todd was enjoying it.  His hands started roaming

all over my chest and stomach.  I finally got myself lowered all the way

down and then reached back and grabbed his balls in my hand.  The skin was

still loose around his nuts, but felt them react when I grabbed them.

      "Like that," I asked, as I raised my eyebrows.

      "Yeah, feels great," he said, smiling with his eyes closed.

      I shifted my hips forward and then moved side to side to feel the

large head rub back and forth on my prostate.  I closed my eyes and tilted

my head back towards the ceiling.

      "Oh, God, baby.  You give just the right pressure."

      I kept this going for another minute before Todd told me to stop.

When I did, he pushed my hips back just an inch or so and then I felt him

touch my prostate again.  He didn't move, but I felt it.

      "Damn, how'd you do that?" I asked, looking down at him.

      Again, I felt my prostate get hit a few times in a row.  I finally

figured it out.

      "Are you making your dick jump?"

      "Yeah, how's it feel?"

      "Great, as usual."  I pushed my hips closer so that constant contact

was being made and told him to do it again.  When he did, my head dropped

forward and my mouth fell open.  "Oh, shit.  That's even better.  Fuck,

Todd, I need to cum."

      "When you do, cum in my mouth, baby.  I need to taste it again, so I

won't forget."

      I smiled down at him then lowered my chest to his and slowly rocked

our bodies where his cock was coming out of me only a few inches before

returning balls deep.  I wanted to give him something to really miss if he

ever watched this in New York.

      As we were kissing I completely forgot about my own cock until Todd

reached between us and grabbed it.  He slowly started stroking me as I

worked my ass up and down his cock.  I was getting closer by the second and

before long I pulled his cock out of me as I crawled up the bed and put my

dick in his mouth.  As soon as the seal was made, I lost my load.  I fell

over and put my cheek against the wall with my left hand on the bed holding

me up.  I took my right arm and hooked it behind his head and held him

still as I came.

      With the foreplay we did earlier and it being a few days since our

last full on sexual contact, I blew a huge load in his mouth.  I felt him

swallow a couple times and the head of my cock felt more sensitive than

before.  Once my climax passed, he started pulling pressure with his mouth

and I just about came again.  The feeling was more intense than before and

I had to yank my dick out of his mouth.  He looked up and all I could do

was say, "More sensitive."

      I walked back down on my knees to his hips and grabbed his cock and

pointed it back at my hole then impaled myself and leaned down and kissed

him.  In his mouth was some of my cum which he hadn't swallowed and we

shared the bit that was left.  My cum, mixed with his saliva made the taste

more sweet.  Our tongues fought each other and I felt him start bucking his

hips.  When he did, I sat up and stopped him.

      "What?' he said, whining.  "You're gonna get your nut and not let me

have mine?"

      "Are you fucking kidding?" I asked, lowering myself back down,

looking over him with my arms holding me up from either side of his head.

"No, I'm gonna ask something of you now, since you asked something of me."

      Giving a sideways smile, he asked, "And what would that be?"

      "I want you to cum, and then I want you to stay still for a bit.

While you're still sensitive, I wanna move around a little bit and see if

we can work you through the sensitivity so we can go again."

      "Ah, Blake, you know how sensitive I am.  It's gonna be too much for

me.  Seems like you even know what I'm talking about now, after a few

minutes ago."

      "Yeah, I think I understand, but what I wanna do is keep you hard

after you cum so you can fuck me again.  It can be a quick one or however

long you need.  I just don't want it to stop.  Please?" I begged, "Can we

try this?"

      Todd kept his mouth shut and looked me up and down and reached down

and grabbed my never-ending hard cock and then looked back up at me and

nodded his head as his answer.  I smiled, leaned down and gave him a quick

kiss then sat up and started riding him with vigor.  He just smiled at me

with the gusto I was using to get him off; he didn't know how excited I was

to see what was going to happen.

      I kept up my up and down assault on his cock, but every once in a

while, I would sink down all the way and gyrate my ass around to keep him

inside me and touch everything he could.  When I did, he would close his

eyes and give a small moan at the feeling.  I made a note then and there

that he really enjoyed doing that and he also loved this position.

      I kept up my routine and Todd's face fell into concentration.  I knew

he was getting close and finally, he pulled me down on top of him and

lifted his hips up.  In doing so, he dropped his ass faster than usual then

brought his hips back up to fuck me.  Knowing what he was doing, I kept my

ass up in the air for a bit so he could take over and do what he needed to

do.

      "Oh, Blake, I'm getting close."

      "Put your arms around me, baby."

      Todd wrapped his arms around my back, and on every up thrust, he

would pull down on me, slightly.

      "Oh, my God, I'm about to cum.  I'm about to cum...I'm cumming."

      When he said that, I put my lips over his and kissed him with as much

passion as I could muster.  He reciprocated and pushed his tongue in my

mouth as he breathed heavily through his nose and moaned into my mouth.  I

felt his dick jump inside me six solid times before aftershocks took over.

His moaning became so loud, I was sure he was gonna wake the parents.  If

they heard, they never said anything.

      He lowered us both back to the bed, with him still inside me, and

dropped his head to the side to break the kiss, so he could breath.  When

he did, I lifted my ass up about an inch and I saw his face turn to that

painful face.

      "It's okay, baby.  I'm gonna go slow.  I just want to see if there's

anything I can do to keep you hard and going."

      "Okay, but slow," he said, never opening his eyes.

      I lifted myself up a little more and he made the same face.  I kept

up my lifting until the head and some of the shaft was still inside, then I

started sitting back down.  When I did, he opened his eyes wide and stared

at me.  He wanted to protest, but for me, he dealt with the sensitivity

because I asked him to.

      When I got him all the way inside again, I started back on lifting

and his face was still that of way too sensitive.

      "Try just fucking me fast for a second.  See what that does?"

      He opened his eyes and lifted his head off the bed and said, "Are you

fucking nuts?"

      "No, I'm fucking you.  Give it a shot and try."

      He sighed but gave in.  I lifted my ass a little higher and he gave

me about four thrusts.  The first two were very sensitive for him, but I

could see his face soften on thrusts three and four.  He stopped for only a

couple seconds before he did it again.  When he did I saw the smile I was

looking for spread across his face.

      "Better?" I asked.

      "Amazing," he said.

      I squeezed my ass tight around his cock and he opened his mouth with

the feeling of the pressure around his cock but never stopped his

thrusting.

      Suffice it to say, the camera never got turned off.  After that

second round we collapsed on the bed and rested.  Todd had just fallen

asleep but his dick was sticking up in the air, even after all the work it

had done.  I decided I was going to be slick and fuck him while he slept.

Once mounted, I started my up and down thrusts and he opened his eyes.

      "Holy shit, Blake.  Aren't you tired?"

      "I'm not gonna get to fuck you or make love to you or even suck your

cock, or worst of all, kiss you for what?  Four months?  I'm gonna get all

I can tonight.  Go to sleep if you're tired.  As long as you stay hard,

I'll be happy."

      "God, you're so perverted.  Fucking a sleeping man.  That's

desperate."

      "Not desperate, just in love."

      He smiled up at me, then grabbed my shoulder and pulled me down to

lock our lips together.

      By the end of the night, Todd had given me four loads and I gave him

three.  After that fourth load he called it quits.  He said he couldn't go

any longer.  I collapsed on top of him and listened to his heartbeat and we

both caught our breath.

      "God, I love you, Blake.  This has been one of the best nights of my

life."

      "Mine, too, Todd.  Tonight was amazing."

      I felt him reach his arm over from around me and grab the clock as he

asked what time it was.

      "Holy fuck.  It's quarter till five.  I'm gonna be exhausted."

      "Least you're not driving," I said to him, "Nor do you have school or

work to do."

      He gave me a smile as he replaced the clock and told me to lie next

to him and get some sleep.

      "I don't wanna.  I know when I wake up, you won't be here anymore."

      He turned his body and I slid off him to my side of the bed, staring

into his eyes.

      "It's only until Christmas.  C'mon, get some sleep.  We'll see each

other on the computer every night.  We'll talk on the phone every day."

      "It won't be the same," I said, putting my hand on his face and

running my thumb over his lips.

      He grabbed my hand and kissed my thumb and told me to turn over.  As

I did, I felt him turn the opposite way and about to get off the bed.

      "Hold me for a few minutes, please.  I want to feel your arms around

me one last time."

      He smiled and got back on the bed and put his left arm under my head

and pulled my body back against his and put his right arm under my right

one and placed his hand flat on my chest.  I closed my eyes and felt the

warmth of his body against mine.

      Next thing I remember was my cell phone ringing and thinking, who the

hell is calling me at five in the morning.  When I answered it, it was

Todd.

      "Are you up, baby?"

      "Up?  No.  It's just been like five minutes since I fell asleep."

      "Baby, it's after six."

      "Oh, shit.  I got to go to class."

      "I know; that's why I called to make sure you were up."

      "Thanks, puppy.  I love you."

      "I love you too, baby boy.  Now get in the shower.  You'll wake up

there, just don't stay too long."

      "Okay.  You guys have a good trip, okay?"

      "We will."  In a softer voice, he said, "They actually got some sleep

last night, unlike us."

      I laughed and said, "Good.  Tell them I said hey and that I love

them."

      "Will do.  Talk to you soon.  Love you, Blake."

      "Love you, too.  Talk to you later.

      "Okay, bye."

      "Bye," I said and flipped my phone shut and threw it on the bed.

      I knew if I stayed on the bed any longer, I was gonna fall asleep, so

I forced myself to get up and headed to the bathroom for a leak and a

shower.  When I got out of the shower I started brushing my hair then I got

my teeth and as I was brushing, I saw something in the mirror on my neck.

Upon closer inspection, I saw that during the course of the evening, Todd

had given me a hickey.

      "God, how tacky," I said and laughed to myself.  "Kelly's gonna love

this one."

      When I got dressed, I chose a collared shirt, with the collar turned

up to hide the evidence.  When I arrived at school, I ran into Kelly and

Howie at the usual place.

      "Whoa, did we take a time warp back to the eighties?" she asked.

      "Huh?" I asked, confused.

      "You're collar's turned up.  What's up with that?"

      I got closer to her and lowered the collar to show her the bruise.

      "Holy shit, Blake.  Damn, you did have fun last night, huh?"

      I raised my hand with four fingers showing and said, "Four times."

      "Oh, damn," Howie said.  "Four times?  How is that possible?  I start

hurting after two."

      "Not Todd.  He's got stamina, but he didn't get any sleep.  I'm

working on about an hour myself."

      "How long did this last?" Kelly asked.

      "From about eight till five this morning."

      Kelly was actually speechless.  She looked at me and her mouth

actually fell open.  I saw her count on her fingers and her mind was

working to figure out exactly how long that was.

      "Nine hours?  You guys had sex for nine hours?" she asked.

      "Yup, and it's all on his new laptop.  We recorded it so he could

remember tonight."

      "Are you serious?" she asked, surprised.

      "Yeah.  It was just supposed to be once, but we kinda got carried

away."

      "Seems like it.  Nine hours," she said, shaking her head.  "I don't

think I could last that long."

      "Neither did I, but when your boyfriend is gonna be gone for four

months, you want as much of him as you can get.  I tell you what, I'll

never forget last night."  Leaning in closer for only Kelly to hear, I

added, "And neither will my ass.  I'm sore as hell today.  I can barely

walk."

      "Damn, Blake.  He fucked you for nine hours?" she whispered.

      "I'd say about seven of `em.  Now you know why I'm sore."

      "Yeah," she said.  Right after that, the warning bell rang letting us

know we had five minutes before school started.

      "C'mon, I might need these five minutes to get comfortable in my

seat."

      Kelly laughed and Howie just looked at me, confused.  "You don't

wanna know," she said, patting his chest and walking past.

      "Okay," he said and followed us inside.

      After my one class, Kelly and I walked back to the cars to head home.

When we got to hers, I told her bye, but she stopped me and wanted to ask a

question.

      "Sure, what?"

      "You said that last night got recorded?"

      I smiled and looked at her.  "You wanna see it don't you?"

      "Well, yeah, I'm kinda curious."

      "Why?"

      "I don't know.  I think it'd be hot."

      "You just wanna see Todd's dick, dontcha?"

      "No, no.  I just want to know what could possibly happen for nine

hours."

      "Yeah, right," I said, smirking.  "Well, if I had a copy, then I

would say, I don't care, but I don't have a copy of it.  It's on Todd's

computer."

      "Damnit," she said, disappointed.

      "If I can get a copy, I'll let you see it if you really want to.

Might be kinda weird, but I'll let you see it anyway."

      "I've never seen sex between guys before, so I think it'd just be

hot."

      "Oh, it is," I said, raising my eyebrows.  "Listen, I gotta go.  I'll

see you tomorrow."

      "Sounds good.  Keep your chin up.  You'll talk to him soon."

      "I know.  Bye, babe."

      "Bye," she said, getting into her car.  I started out towards mine

and got in and drove off.

      I didn't have too long before I had to be at work, but instead of

heading to Ansley, I passed it by and headed over to Pax's for a few

minutes.  When I arrived, I knocked on the door and waited until he

answered.  After a few minutes, there was no answer and I started growing

concerned.

      I knocked louder and got my key in the knob and unlocked the door.

Putting my head inside, I called his name, then Tristian's.  Still no

answer.  I walked in and looked around and found the place immaculate.

Nothing was out of place, so they hadn't been robbed.  I walked up the

stairs and didn't find any bodies, so they were still alive.

      "Where could they be?" I asked myself.

      When I got back in the kitchen, I saw a piece of paper on the table.

Walking over to it, I saw Pax had a note left for me.

      Tristian and I'll be back around the first of September, so if you

need the place for any alone time, you're more than welcome to it, just

make sure you change the sheets.  LOL

      All our love, Pax and Tristian

      I can't believe I forgot they were in France for the second time

within a twenty-four hour period. I'm not sure exactly why, but at that

moment, my phone rang and it was Pax.

      "Did you have an overwhelming urge to call at this minute, or what?"

I asked with a smile in my voice.

      "Something told me to call you.  How are you?"

      "Not too bad, just sitting in your house."

      "My house?  What are you doing there?"

      "I forgot you guys were on vacation and I came over to talk."

      "Well, I'm here, honey.  Talk."

      "He's gone."

      I heard silence for a few seconds, then I heard Pax say, "Aww, baby,

it won't be for too long.  He'll be back for Christmas."

      "I know, but it just seems like forever away.  Hell, he only left

this morning, but I already miss him terribly."

      "It's gonna be okay, Blake.  You'll talk to him every day, I'm sure,

and then maybe you can go and visit him before Christmas or something."

      "Doubt it, but I can only hope.  Well, change of subject.  How are

you guys doing?  Ya'll having fun?"

      "Loads of fun.  Tristian is snapping pictures like you wouldn't

believe.  He's insisting on having me in most, but he's not in a lot of

them.  I wish I could hire someone to take pictures so we could get some

together."

      "Get you a disposable or buy a cheap digital camera and snap some of

him.  You might get some great pictures too."

      "Yeah, I'm gonna have to do something if I want any pictures of him

in France."

      "Don't worry so much about pictures and all.  You're in France; go to

Paris and out to the country.  Enjoy each other; that's what this vacation

was about, remember?" I said to Pax.

      "Oh, we are.  We're having the time of our lives.  Next time we come

back, we're gonna have to bring Christine and Don."

      "I'm sure they'd love it."

      Pax stayed quiet for a moment longer and said, "Cheer up, honey.  It

won't be as bad as it seems before too long.  It'll be like he hadn't left,

you'll talk so often."

      "I know, but he won't be holding me at night anymore."

      "Just until Christmas," he said.  "Focus on Christmas."

      I looked over at the calendar hanging on the wall in the kitchen and

saw the little months next to the big month August and counted the months

until then.

      "I am," I said.

      "Listen, Tristian is wanting me for another picture, damn him," he

said, and chuckled.  "You gonna be okay?"

      "I'll be fine, go and get your picture taken."

      "Thanks honey, and keep smiling.  It really won't be that bad."

      "Thanks, Pax.  Give my love to Tristian."

      "Thanks, Blake.  Talk to you soon.  I love you."

      "You too.  Take care.  Bye."

      "Bye."

      I hung up my phone and looked at the clock.  I still had half an hour

but decided being at work was better than being by myself at the moment so

I locked up the house and headed to Ansley Square.

      After work that night, Todd called me and we talked for a while.  He

described the layout of his dorm, explained that his roommate hadn't

arrived yet, but found out his name was Martin Thomson.

      "Oh, shit.  You better watch out if his name is Martin.  Remember

last year?"

      "Yeah, I do.  Have you run into him yet this year?" he asked.

      "No, thank God.  I hope I don't.  Now that I got a little muscle on

me, thanks to you, I feel I could take him though.  Plus, Howie won't be

far behind I'm sure."

      "Probably not if he hears the fight has you involved.  He'll have

your back, along with the other guys."

      "Yeah, well, with just one class this year, I just hope it won't come

to that."

      "Yeah, I know.  So, you got any plans for tonight?"

      "No, just going to bed alone."

      "Please don't remind me of that.  I'm dreading that myself."

      "At least you'll have someone else in the room with you, whereas,

I'll be totally by myself."

      "Now, I'm starting to feel guilty I left."

      "You better not, mister man.  It's just my way of saying I miss you.

You do this.  This is your adventure.  Enjoy it, okay?"

      "I'm gonna try.  Listen, tomorrow mom and dad are leaving to come

back home.  Maybe you and I can test these cameras out."  I heard a little

delight in his voice as he said it.

      I couldn't help but smile knowing that I would at least get to see

him but then thought of Martin.  "What about your roommate?"

      "He's not arriving until Sunday morning from what I've been told.  He

just lives about three hours away so he won't be bringing too much with

him, I gather."

      "Cool, then tomorrow, after they leave it's a date.  Maybe you can

give me a tour of the place."

      "I'll definitely do that, for sure."

      "Good, I look forward to it.  Anyway, tell the parents I said hey and

that I'll be looking for them tomorrow night and to drive safe."

      "I will.  We're just about to go out for dinner, so I gotta run.  I

love you, though."

      "I love you too, puppy.  Talk to you tomorrow."

      "Dream of me tonight."

      "I definitely will.  Bye."

      "Bye, Blake."

      I hung up the phone and collapsed on the sofa.  It was still just six

thirty, but I was so exhausted because of lack of sleep the night before.

I mustered up enough energy to pull myself upstairs, strip down and jump in

the bed.  I thought it was gonna be hard getting to sleep without Todd next

to me, but I was wrong.  My body had had enough for one week.


      To Be Continued. . . . .

      Emails welcomed at dsc110875@hotmail.com.  Please be patient for a

reply, thanks.

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Part 21 - http://74.6.238.254/search/srpcache?ei=UTF-8&p=quarterback+with+the+emerald+eyes&fr=ush-groups&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=quarterback+with+the+emerald+eyes&d=4661534376134237&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=2ab15310,44ce645f&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=o_KQBnJx54ayBbuKJeYRxQ--

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Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 22:12:03 -0700

From: David Courson <dsc110875@hotmail.com>

Subject: Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes - Part 21

      To all of my proofreaders, thank you for continuing to help me with

this story and for taking the time to proofread it for me.  After writing

and reading so many times, my eyes tell me everything is fine, until I get

your notes.  Thanks for your time.

      To the readers: I need to apologize for taking so long in getting

this chapter out to you guys.  A lot of stuff has happened over the last

few months and I've had to deal with a few things that have taken up my

time.  As of now, I am on a medication with a side effect that includes

severe depression, among other things.  Things are going well for me, but

sometimes I get down because of the pills and I don't feel like writing or

even answering emails.

      I still have a lot of emails to get to and I am sorry for not keeping

up with them on a timely manner as I promised I would.  Please don't give

up on hearing back from me.  I promise that I will answer each and every

one I receive.  I know I've said this so many times before, but I really

want to thank you guys for your patience: the old readers who've been with

me from the beginning and the new readers just finding me within the last

few chapters.  I cannot promise when the next chapter will be out, but

please understand that the story will continue.  I will not just leave the

story open without an ending.  I plan of finishing the remaining 50 or so

chapters, so you have nothing to worry about.  The story is far from over.

      Now, for an author's note.  I have never been to New York City, not

yet, at least, and I have never stayed at the Plaza Hotel, nor been

anyplace that I may have mentioned in this and future chapters.  Besides

the actual places of business and residences, all the rest of the

description is from my mind's eye.  If I am wrong in any of the detail,

there is no need to email me and let me know I am wrong, only because I

have never been there and it's all imaginary.

      Anyway, enjoy the chapter!!!!

      Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes -- Part 21

      The following morning I awoke about 5:30 and was starving.  I had

slept for almost eleven hours and I was still tired.  I didn't know what to

do.  I got up and went to the bathroom and got my shower out of the way.

After that was done and I was dressed, I headed downstairs and decided to

make some breakfast.  I wanted some scrambled eggs but realized I didn't

know how to cook them.  I had seen Barbara do it many times but never paid

any attention as to how she had done it.  I knew about how to make the

bacon but again, wasn't sure how high the heat needed to be to cook the

bacon without burning it.

      I closed the fridge and looked in the cabinets and saw a box with

big, fluffy pancakes on it and thought that would be good for breakfast.  I

got the box down, read the directions, but then again, I didn't know how

high to make the heat to cook without burning.  I was about to give up but

then decided, unless I try I'll never learn.

      I got out a bowl and the milk, eggs, salt and the box of Bisquick and

started mixing, following the directions.  After that batter was ready I

got out a flat pan and put it on the largest eye and turned it on high.  I

waited a couple minutes and then remembered something Barbara used to do.

She would get some water on her fingers and flick it on the griddle to see

if it was hot enough.  I went to the sink and did the same, but when I

flicked, the water beaded and stayed put.  So I waited a little longer

until the water beads started dancing and finally, evaporated.

      I grabbed the batter and poured a little in the center of the pan and

watched it cook.  I stared at it for a minute until the bubbles started

showing on the topside, which the box said, the underside was ready for

turning.  I looked around and couldn't find a spatula and was frantically

looking through drawers and everywhere for it, when the pancake started

smoking.

      I ended up panicking and turned off the eye and put the pan in the

sink and turned on the cold water to stop the smoke, which, in turn only

created steam, and a lot of it.  At this point, I was just about ready to

cry.  Not about the mishap of the cooking, but because I was so frustrated

that Todd wasn't around and that I hadn't slept well.  All I wanted to do

was see Todd again.  Why was I being so helpless without him?  He couldn't

help me instantly make the pancakes better or with me automatically knowing

how to scramble eggs just because he's here.  Why do I feel so helpless

without him?

      I got so frustrated that I sat at one of the barstools at the island

and put my head down.  I so wanted to cry but then thought there wasn't a

need to.  It was only going to be four months before he was back in town.

In thinking that, a tear formed and ran down my nose and I saw it fall to

the counter.  A few more tears escaped before I sat up and wiped my eyes.

I looked at the mess I had made in the kitchen and decided to get myself

busy and clean it up.

      I rinsed the bowl with the batter in it, scooped up the half cooked

pancake and threw it away and washed the pan and bowl and placed them on

the drain board.  After that, I grabbed a bowl and some cereal and was

going to have breakfast but then realized I used the last of the milk for

the pancake.  I left the open box of cereal on the counter and the bowl

with the cereal sitting in it and grabbed my bag and left the house.  I

felt that if I left things would get better.  Boy was I wrong.

      On the way to school, a dog ran out in front of me, which caused me

to slam on brakes and spill the Starbucks I had bought only five minutes

before then, after cussing up a storm and trying not to let it get to me,

the car started shaking and so I pulled over and got out only to discover a

flat tire.  At this point I was about ready to slice my own throat.

      "Why are you doing this to me?" I asked the heavens.  "What did I do

to deserve all this at the same time?"

      Tears started flowing down my cheeks, harder, out of frustration.  I

reached for my wallet, to get my triple A card, only to discover that I had

left my wallet at home.  Cussing like a sailor, I got in the car and

reached for my cell only to find I didn't have that either.  To top

everything off, it started raining and I didn't have an umbrella.

      I threw open the door and went around to the trunk and got the spare

out of the back.  I grabbed the jack and the crowbar and got on the ground

to find out where to place the stupid thing to lift the car.  After I

finally got it situated, I put the crowbar in the slot and started pumping,

but nothing happened.  Finally, I picked up the jack and read the

directions on the side while getting soaked to the bone.

      I did as the directions said and turned a knob then started pumping

again, finally, with a response.  As the jack lifted, I saw the tire come

off the ground and, after being able to turn the tire freely; I put the lug

nut wrench on the first nut and tried to turn it, only to have the whole

tire turn instead.  I tried yanking it and then tried others, with the same

reaction.  I stood up and threw the wrench to the ground, only to have it

bounce off the concrete and hit my car, scratching the paint.

      I just gave up.  I sat on the ground with my back against the car and

let the tears flow.  Yes, I missed Todd, but I was so pissed at myself for

not knowing how to change a stupid tire that I had had it and just didn't

care anymore.  About ten minutes later, another car pulled over behind me

and the driver got out and came over toward me.  By this time, I had

stopped crying, but luckily, the rain hid my tear soaked cheeks.

      "Having trouble?" a stranger asked.

      Standing, I said, "Yeah, I got a flat, but don't know how to change

it.  I lifted it up, but now the tire won't stop turning."

      "That's fixable," the man said.  "Lower the car back to the ground

with the tire just touching and then loosen the bolts."

      He handed me his umbrella and I held it over him as he got the wrench

and lowered the jack to the ground.  After doing so, he easily loosened

every bolt, but didn't remove them.  Lifting the car back up, he then

finished removing the bolts and finally, the tire came off.

      "Where's the spare?" he asked me.

      "Here in the trunk," I said, walking with him to keep him dry under

the umbrella.

      He lifted up the faux bottom of the trunk and there it was, never

been used.  He unscrewed the stabilization screw and lifted the tire into

the rain.  Carrying it to the front passenger wheel, he lined up the holes

and placed it back on the bolts.

      "Do me a favor, will ya?" he asked.  "Put your foot down at the

bottom to hold it on so I can put the bolts on."

      I did as I was instructed and he started replacing the bolts and

finally grabbed the wrench.

      "Here, let me lower it down.  You've done a lot for me already."

      "Well, I gotta tighten them first," he said with a smile.

      He placed the wrench on the bottom bolt first and used the spinning

tire to counteract his tightening.  As the tire spun one way, he would push

the wrench the other.  He repeated the step until all bolts were tighten

then handed me the wrench and took back his umbrella.

      "Now, lower it all the way to the ground and then give them another

good tightening and you'll be done."

      "Thanks, I really do appreciate your help.  It's been one hell of a

morning so far."

      "I'm glad I was able to help.  But I gotta get going.  I might be

late for work as it is."

      "I'm sorry about that.  Can I give you something?  Pay you for your

time?"

      "I wouldn't even think of it.  Just pass along the gesture to someone

else in need when you can."  He turned and walked away and said, "Good

luck."

      "Thanks," I hollered back, not even remembering to get his name.

      After tightening the bolts one last time, I put the old tire in the

same place as the spare and placed everything in the trunk and got back in

the car.  When I did, the bell to let me know I was low on gas started

dinging and so I went directly to a station to put my last ten dollars in

the tank.  With all that done, I got back in my car and steered my way

home.  I didn't even feel like going to school anymore.

      Back at the house, I went upstairs and stripped down and got back in

the shower and warmed myself back up.  When I was done, I flopped down on

the bed and curled up, grabbed Todd's pillow and hugged it to my chest with

it under my nose and dozed off.

      About forty-five minutes later, I was awakened to the sound of my

cell going off.  I rolled over and grabbed it off the bed side table, where

I left it the night before and forgot it this morning, and answered the

call from Kelly.

      "Hey," I said.

      "Where are you?" she asked, concerned.

      "I'm not coming today."

      "Are you sick?" she asked.

      "No.  It's a long story.  I'll tell you tonight."

      I heard the bell ring and told her that she'd better get going before

she was late.  "What do I tell Mr. Roberts if he asks?"

      "Tell him I had a fever or something.  It'll be an unexcused absence,

so it doesn't matter, really."

      "Okay.  Are you going to work today?" she asked me.

      "Yeah, but I'll be done by five.  Hey, you wanna catch a burger or

something after I get done?"

      "Sure.  Howie's gonna head over to Ari's tonight just to hang out, so

I'll be by myself."

      "Cool.  I'll call you when I'm done.  We'll go somewhere up here in

Buckhead."

      "No, let me come down there.  I don't get to come to Midtown that

often.  It'll be a change of scenery."

      "Okay.  I'll call you about half an hour before I'm done then.

Cool?"

      "Cool," she said, then told me goodbye.

      I set my alarm on my phone for another hour and fifteen minutes then

dozed back off.  Five minutes before my alarm went off, the phone rang

again.  I rolled over and grabbed it from the bed and gave a not so nice

hello to the caller.

      "What's wrong with you, baby?"

      "Oh, Todd, it's you.  Sorry, it's been an awful morning."

      "Something told me that, that's why I called.  You okay?"

      "Yeah, but the things that have happened to me in just the last few

hours, don't usually happen to people in a whole week."

      "Okay, let me have it," he said.

      I told him of my morning and how I just decided to play hooky and

sleep my cares away.  He apologized to me several times and I had to keep

telling him it's not his fault.  That fate was torturing me, just because

it can.

      He gave a chuckle and told me to cheer up, that things won't be that

bad every day.

      "I know," I said, then continued, "I just don't want to have another

one like today."

      "Well, it doesn't get better.  Hell, maybe today was just a day for

fuck ups."

       "Why do you say it doesn't get any better?"

      "Mom and dad decided to stay over another night, so we'll have to

postpone our date."

      "Oh, shit.  I forgot about that.  This is actually the best thing

that's happened so far."

      "Postponing our date is a good thing?" he asked.

      "Yeah, well, I promised Kelly that we would get together tonight for

dinner, completely forgetting about our date, so it kinda worked out.  Now,

unless Martin shows up early, we'll have more time tomorrow."

      "If he knows what's good for him, he'll not show up until he said he

would.  I'll lock him out if I need to."

      "Todd, you don't know this kid, and he doesn't know you.  How is he

expected to know what's best for him when it comes to you?"

      "It's just a figure of speech.  If he comes in, then we'll have to

put it off for a little longer."

      "Why?" I asked.  "Do you want it to be sexual?"

      "Well, I was kinda hoping for a little dirty talk, at least."

      I laughed and said, "Well, I can get naked for you on the webcam.  At

least you'd be able to see me."

      "What good will that do me?" he asked.  "I won't be able to touch

myself if he shows up early."

      "Oh, poor baby," I said in a condescending voice.

      "Shut up, asshole," he told me.

      Again, I laughed.  "Let's just hope he doesn't show up, then."

      "Yeah," he said.  "Shouldn't you be getting ready for work?"

      "What time is it?" I asked, too lazy to turn over and look at the

clock.

      "A little after 8:30."

      "Yeah, I need to get dressed and head out the door soon."

      "Well, I'll let you go.  Call me tonight when you and Kelly are done,

k?"

      "Will do, puppy.  Love you."

      "Love you, too, Blake.  Bye."

      "Bye."

      After I hung up, I got up and got dressed, seeing as I had already

had two showers this morning, I felt I was clean enough.  Once I got things

together, my cell phone and wallet, especially, I headed out to work.

      I stopped down at Starbucks before heading into work, hoping I

wouldn't spill it again, and arrived without incident.  Walking in the

store, Joe greeted me with a super happy hello.

      "What the hell crawled up his ass this morning?" I asked Carl, as I

stepped behind the counter.

      "Mike's back from his business trip.  I think Joe got lucky last

night."

      "Oh.  Cool.  I'm glad he's so happy, but does he need to rub it in?"

      "Missin' Todd, huh?"

      "Like you wouldn't believe.  He just left yesterday, but I feel like

there's a hole in my heart."

      "I know how you feel.  When I was twenty-two, I think, I had a

boyfriend move because of a job.  We never broke up or anything, but with

him being so far away, something felt off.  Like you said; a hole in my

heart.  I went to visit a few times, and he came back to visit me, but it

just kinda fell apart."

      "If you guys still loved each other, why did it fall apart?"

      "Well, I decided to surprise him one day and flew out to Denver.

When I got to his place, I walked in like I usually would do, then went to

the bedroom.  When I got there, there was another guy in the bed with him."

      "Oh, man.  What'd you do?"

      "I turned around, without making any sounds, and started to leave.

When I passed the dining room table, I stopped, took off my ring and set it

down.  Then as I left, I slammed the door shut and took off.  Within

minutes, he was calling me, but I never answered.

      "I went back to the airport and got my ticket changed for the

earliest flight back to Atlanta.  It wasn't until the next day, so I

checked into the hotel at the airport and just waited.  I ended up crying

myself to sleep that night, I was so heartbroken.  When I woke up the next

morning, I turned on my cell and had seventeen voicemails."

      "Seventeen?  What was he saying?"

      "Everything from how sorry he was, to blaming me for not telling him

I was coming, then back to how sorry he was.  When I finally did talk to

him, which was about a month later, I told him to never contact me again.

He begged me for forgiveness and to give him another chance but I just

laughed at him.  I was over it.  I didn't want to even try again with him.

Since that day I haven't talked to him."

      "Sorry to hear that buddy.  I guess it would kinda suck."

      "It did, but like I said, I'm over it.  Since then, I've had a couple

more boyfriends, but the right one hasn't come along just yet."

      I gave him a hug and said, "As smart, funny and cute as you are,

someone's gonna be a lucky guy when you finally snag them."

      Pulling away, he smiled and said, "From your lips to God's ears."

      I smiled back at him then a guest walked up.  I helped them and got

my routine going for the day.

      About half an hour before quitting time, I gave Kelly a call and told

her just to come on down to the store and when she got here, I should be

finished.  She agreed and showed up, right as I was getting ready to clock

out for the day.  When I came back from the office, I looked at her and

asked if she was ready.

      "Sure am," she said and then waved bye to Carl and Matthew.

      "Good to meet you, Kelly," Matthew called.  "See ya later."

      When we got outside, I asked Kelly for what she was in the mood.

      "I don't know.  What's around here?" she asked.

      "Well, we got bagels, grocery store deli, the Bread CafÎ˜, buffet

style restaurant and Starbucks for snacks."

      "How about the Bread CafÎ˜ for a sandwich and Starbucks for dessert?"

      "Cool, you wanna follow or ride with me?  It's just on the lower

level, down there."

      "I'll follow you.  Don't want to take up what little parking they

have up here," she said.

      We got in our respective cars and she followed me out to Piedmont

Road, then down about a half a block before we turned into the main Ansley

Mall area.  Pulling up to the Bread CafÎ˜, she parked next to me and we

walked in.

      After putting in our order, we took a table close to the front, near

the window, and talked while we waited for our order to be ready.

      "So, how are things?" she asked.

      "So far, so good,... all except for today, that is," I answered.

      "Yeah," she said.  "What happened?"

      I told her about my morning and how bad it was, all up until I went

to work, and then how things had slowly got better as the day went on.

      "I don't blame you a bit.  I would've done the exact same thing.

Well, you didn't miss much.  History was as it always is...boring.  That

would be a great class if Mr. Roberts would actually teach instead of

joking around so much."

      "Yeah, I know.  I'm almost ready to just drop out and get my degree

this December.  I've already got the credits; I'm just doing it to stay in

school for now."

      "I swear, Blake, if you leave me in that class by myself..." she

said, picking up her left hand and shaking a finger at me.

      With the sun shining in the window, I saw a glint of something that

caught my eye.

      "I won't," I said laughing and grabbing her hand.  Looking down, I

saw that she was wearing a gold ring on her ring finger.

      "What's this?" I asked, twisting the ring around her finger.

      Quickly, she pulled it away, saying, "Oh, nothing," then immediately

looked down.

      "That doesn't look like nothing to me.  Did Howie give it to you?"

      She brought her hand back up from under the table and rested it where

her plate would eventually go.

      "Yeah, he gave it to me," she said, smiling.

      "Any special occasion?  You're birthday isn't for a couple months,

still."

      "Well, yeah, it's a special occasion.  He proposed."

      "He did what?" I asked, a little louder than normal.

      "Blake, quiet," she said, grabbing my arm and looking around.

      "Sorry.  Did I hear you right?  He asked you to marry him?"

      "Yeah," she said, admiring the ring.

      "What did you say?" I asked, stunned.

      "Duh," she said, rising her hand.  "I'm wearing the ring, aren't I?"

      "Not to be a material whore, but isn't there supposed to be a diamond

in that ring somewhere to be an engagement ring?"

      "He doesn't have a lot of money, so he told me he was going to have

to do it backwards.  My wedding band first, then the engagement band during

the wedding.  Personally, I hope he surprises me with my engagement ring

before the wedding and asks for this one back until the wedding day.

But...if it doesn't happen, I won't be upset."

      "I just can't believe it," I said, looking at her.

"Congratulations," I said and leaned over and gave her a hug.

      "Thanks," she said, pulling out of the hug and settling back into her

seat. "He caught me off guard when he asked."

      I gave her a look of interest and she continued.

      "We were at a movie, and onscreen, there was this guy who proposed to

his girlfriend.  As he said the words `will you marry me', Howie put

something in my hand.  I looked down and saw it was a box.  I opened it and

could barely see it, so I got my cell phone and lit the screen and pointed

it at the box.  When I saw it was a ring, I looked at him confused and

asked what it was for.  He whispered to me, `what he said...in the movie',

then grabbed the ring and asked me himself.

      "I couldn't believe it.  I watched him slip it on my finger and got

teary eyed.  I looked at it gleam from the movie screen then looked at him

and said yes.  He kissed me and I don't have a clue what happened with the

rest of the movie.  I kept staring at the ring and him.  I couldn't even

get the smile off my face, I was so happy."

      "I can't believe it.  When's the big day?" I asked.

      "Not for a long while.  I'm going to college first, and then after we

graduate, we'll think about a date."

      At that time, the person behind the counter called our number and I

excused myself to get our order.  Once back at the table, I placed her

plate in front of her and I sat my food on the table.

      "Not to be pessimistic or anything, but you've only known him since,

when?  April?  Are you sure he's the one."

      "Definitely!!" she said without hesitation.  "I know it's only been

four months or so, but still, I know he's the one for me.  I can feel it."

      "That's awesome, baby.  I can't wait to tell mom and..."

      "No!!" she said cutting me off.  "You can't tell anyone.  I don't

want anyone finding out right now.  I don't want anyone telling us we're

doing the wrong thing.  If they just think it's a promise ring, like yours,

they won't say anything.

      "Howie and I agreed we would keep it a secret until after graduation

and then we would break the news.  That way, at least we'd have a year

together before anyone said anything.  Then, like I said, we'd both go off

to college, and get married after that."

      "Sounds like a plan," I said.  "But can I at least tell Todd if I

tell him not to tell anyone?"

      Thinking for a second, she said, "Yes, but please tell him not to

tell anyone.  At least not right now."

      "He won't.  You know I trust him."

      "Yeah, I know," she said picking up her sandwich.  "I forgot these

things were so big.  We might have to skip dessert."

      "Yeah, right, like you'd actually give up Starbucks," I said with a

smirk.

      Looking at me a second, she said, "Yeah, you're right.  What was I

thinking?"  She laughed a small laugh and took a bite out of her sandwich.

      We talked for another hour or so at the Bread CafÎ˜, then headed down

the walkway to the coffee shop.  We talked for a couple more hours, and

after two coffees each, said goodnight and headed home.

      When I got home, I grabbed my phone and called Todd.  After two

rings, he picked up.

      "Hey baby, can I call you back a little later?  We're eating right

now."

      "Sure, puppy.  Tell mom and dad I said hi.  Talk to you soon."

      "Okay, love you.  Bye."

      "Love you, too, Todd.  Bye."

      I dropped down to the couch and flipped on the TV.  I flipped through

a few channels before coming to what seemed to be an interesting reality

show.  After five minutes, I was asleep.  Tells you how interesting it was.

I got about a half hour nap in when the phone rang.  I woke up and grabbed

the remote and flipped off the TV.  Answering the phone, it was Todd

calling me back.

      "Hey, baby.  How was your date with Kelly?" he asked.

      "Very interesting.  I found out some news today," I said.

      "What news?" he asked.

      "Your friend, Howie...remember him?"

      "No, I don't remember Howie," he said sarcastically.  "What about

him?"

      "He proposed to Kelly?"

      "He did what?" Todd asked, in a louder than normal voice.

      "I had the same reaction," I said giggling.

      "When did this happen?" he asked me.

      "A couple of weeks ago.  They were in the movie theater when it

happened."

      "In a movie theater.  That didn't seem too romantic," he said.

      "She thought it was clever.  As the man onscreen was proposing to his

girlfriend, Howie proposed to Kelly."

      "Oh, well, that was kinda clever," Todd said.  "But they've only

known each other for..."

      "Four months," I said, finishing the sentence for him.  "I know, I

said the same thing, but she said she was one hundred percent sure he was

the one for her."

      "What about Howie?" he asked me.

      "Don't know.  He was with Ari tonight, she said.  So it was just her

and me."

      "Guess I better call and ask.  Wow, I can't believe it.  I never

figured him for the fall in love fast type.  He must really love Kelly."

      "When I've seen them together, he seems like he does.  I really know

she does and I really hope he does.  I would hate it if he hurt her."

      "Don't you worry about Howie?  He's a great guy.  He would go to the

end of the Earth for his friends, and if he loves Kelly enough to propose,

he'd find a way to catch a falling star if she asked."

      "That makes me feel better," I said, turning to lie on the couch.

"Oh, and don't tell anyone, okay?  They aren't getting married until after

college graduation, but they're gonna make it official after they graduate

high school."

      "Why are they waiting so long?" he asked.

      "They both want to go to school, and they probably won't go to the

same college.  If I know Kelly, she's already applied to Princeton, Harvard

and Yale.  She's Ivy League all the way."

      "Yeah, and Howie is college ball all the way.  As different as they

are, I hope it works for `em."

      "Me too.  Anyway, change of subject.  So...what're you wearing?" I

asked and gave a silly grin.

      "Right now, nothing."

      "Oh, well in that case, you wanna have a little fun?"

      "Baby, I would love to, but I'm too beat to get excited.  We toured

all over the city today.  Probably walked a good ten miles and I'm

exhausted."

      "That's cool, puppy.  After mom and dad leave tomorrow, give me a

call, and we'll meet up for our date.  I don't have any plans, `cept for

you, of course."

      "Thanks, Blake, I appreciate it.  I'm about to get a shower then pass

out."

      "Go and relax under the water and sleep well, okay?"

      "That's my plan, baby.  I'll call you tomorrow."

      "I love you," I said.

      "You too.  Night."

      "Night."

      I hung up the phone and thought about Todd standing naked under the

water and started getting hard.  He was so sexy with water running over the

muscles in his back and through the valleys of his abs.  I decided to

pleasure myself, which would be the first time in over a year, but when I

got upstairs, I saw the bathroom and figured a shower would be good first.

After I got out, I collapsed on the bed and fell asleep.

      The following day was completely different than the day before.

Since I didn't have school or work, I didn't have to do anything.  When I

finally woke up, it was a little after ten, so I threw on some of Todd's

shorts and headed downstairs for some cereal and some TV.  When I arrived

in the kitchen, the bowl of cereal I poured the previous morning was still

on the island with the open box standing next to it.

      I closed the box and threw it away after tasting how stale the cereal

had become and went to the pantry for another choice.  It wasn't my

favorite cereal, but it'd do.  Looking in the fridge, I realized I still

didn't have any milk and forgot to buy some the day before.  Running back

upstairs, I threw on my shirt and my shoes, without socks, and grabbed my

wallet and headed down to the closest store for some milk.

      After arriving back at the house, I poured myself a bowl of cereal,

with milk finally, and went to the living room and flipped on the TV.

After a while of flipping and not finding anything on TV that Saturday

morning, I popped in a movie and enjoyed that.

      That's just about how the rest of the day went, just watching movies

and relaxing.  That night, Todd and I got on our computers with the webcams

while we talked on the phone.  It was nice to see each other, but we both

missed the kisses and touching.  Luckily, Martin never showed, so we were

able to get a little frisky on the webcams, which I must say, it wasn't the

real thing, but damn if it didn't work to get me off seeing him in all his

naked glory.

      After we both had our orgasm, we talked for a bit longer then said

goodnight.  I went to the bathroom and took a quick shower, then came back

to my room and crawled into bed dreaming of Todd.

      The following morning, mom came in about nine thirty and woke me to

tell me they were back.

      "Wow, I didn't expect you until after noon," I said sitting up,

bringing the sheet with me to keep myself covered.

      "Neither did we, but we both woke up around four and just decided to

hit the road.  There wasn't a lot of traffic so we made pretty good time."

Seeing me yawn, she added, "Go on back to sleep if you want, I just wanted

to let you know we were home."

      "It's okay.  I'm awake now," I said rubbing my eyes.  "I'll be down

in a few minutes."

      "You want some breakfast?" she asked, standing and walking to the

door.

      "Please, and if you don't mind, can you show me how to make scrambled

eggs and pancakes?"

      "Sure," she said confused.

      "I tried to make pancakes the other morning and it was a disaster.  I

just want to learn for next time."

      "Okay, be down in five minutes."

      "Thanks, mom."

      She left and I got up and got dressed and headed down for my first

cooking lesson.

      Todd and I texted each other all day and about two in the afternoon,

his roommate showed up and he said he'd talk to me later.  I texted him

back telling him okay.  I settled down on the couch next to dad and he and

I watched a movie as mom went upstairs to nap.  After the movie he asked

what I wanted to do next.  I looked at him and said I wanted to take a dip

in the pool and asked if he wanted to join me.

      He agreed and we both headed towards the pool.  He stopped at the

hall closet and grabbed a couple of towels and followed me out the door.

At the pool, we both stripped down and jumped in.  The water was nice and

the sun was just down behind the trees so we weren't blinded by the bright

sun as we both did about twenty laps then leisurely floated around in the

water to cool down.

      We talked for a bit, just about the news and stuff, and then he asked

me how I was doing.  I told him about what happened to me on Friday and he

said he didn't blame me for just coming back home.  I asked about their

time in New York and he told me about what they had done, where they ate,

what they saw and so on.  From the way he talked, he and mom had a great

time; he then admitted that he almost teared up, knowing they were leaving

Todd behind.

      "I know it's not the same, you being his father, but like everyone's

telling me: just focus on Christmas."

      "I know.  It's only four months, and it's not like we won't talk to

him, but it's gonna be strange not having him around as usual."

      "I know," I said.  "Hey," I remembered what Pax had told me about

inviting mom and dad on their next trip, so I told him the news.  "I talked

to Pax a couple days ago and he told me that he and Tristian were having a

great time in France and he said that when they go back, they were going to

take you and mom with them."

      "France, huh?  I've never been there.  I bet it'd be amazing."

      "Yeah, he said that they were having the time of their lives.

Knowing Pax, it'll probably be a yearly thing with them.  Some exotic

vacation once or twice a year."

      "Well, it's good that he and Tristian have each other.  They haven't

been together for too long, have they?"

      "No, just about four months or so.  They met right after Todd came

out to his friends."

      "I just hope it works for them.  They seem happy together.  But..."

dad said, trailing off his thought.

      "But what?" I asked, curious.

      "I was just thinking.  What if Tristian likes Pax for his money?"

      "He didn't know about the money until just a few weeks ago.  He asked

Tristian how he felt and Tristian told him.  Todd and I were there.  Pax

knew it was heartfelt honesty coming from Tristian, so that's when he told

him about the money."

      "What was his reaction?" dad asked.

      "He was speechless," I said smiling.  "He couldn't believe what Pax

told him.  He asked him if this was American money he was talking about."

      Dad gave a chuckle and said, "Yeah, well, it's kinda hard to believe

when someone tells you news like that."

      "Yeah, it was for me when he finally told us.  I couldn't think of

anything to say.  I just dropped my jaw and stared."

      "Well, at least he can have the time of his life, now that he has

someone to share it with."

      "And believe me, I think he is," I said, getting out of the water and

grabbing a towel.

      Dad followed suit and did the same.  As he was drying off, I couldn't

help but sneak glances at his body, knowing Todd would probably look just

like his father in a couple decades.

      Once we finished, we grabbed our clothes, all except for our shorts,

which we put back on, and headed back inside.  As we walked in the door, I

heard my cell ring upstairs.

      "That's Todd," I said, running up the stairs.

      "Tell him we said hey," dad yelled after me.

      I got to the phone and pushed the button and said hello.

      "You are not going to believe what I've had to go through today," he

said.

      "Whatever it is, it doesn't sound good.  What's wrong?"

      "Are all Martin's homophobes?" he asked me.

      "You've got to be kidding me.  What happened?"

      "He walks in and puts his things down and I go up and shake hands

and introduce myself, then offer to help him with the rest of his stuff.

We go down and help his father unload the car and bring everything up and

he tells his dad goodbye.  After getting everything settled, he starts

looking around the room.  Do you remember that picture that Kelly took of

us on prom night at the restaurant with her phone?"

      "Yeah, why?" I asked, puzzled.

      "He came over to my desk and picked it up and asked if you were my

brother and I told him that, `no, you were my boyfriend."  He paused.

      "And?" I prodded.

      "He completely freaked.  He put the picture back down and told me

that he had specifically asked to be housed with anyone but a gay person.

I tried to reassure him that things would be cool and he'd have nothing to

worry about, but he kept going.  Then he threw in the Bible."

      "Oh, God.  What'd you do?" I asked, rolling my eyes and laying back

on the bed.

      "I don't know it that well, so I really couldn't fight him on it, but

I asked him, if it was so wrong, why did God make me this way?  He started

in again and said He didn't.  Said something about the devil and walked

out.  About half an hour later, he came back, furious.

      "Out of curiosity, I asked him what's wrong.  He looked at me for a

few seconds, then after a few more seconds of silence, he told me that they

couldn't move him because the dorm was full.  I asked about another dorm

and he snapped at me saying they were all full, and unless someone else

complains about their roommate, then all of them, the students and

administrators, sit down and talk and see if a switch would be okay, he'd

have to stay with me."

      "So, what's he doing now?" I asked.

      "No clue.  After that, he left.  I haven't seen him for a few hours.

I met up with another guy I met yesterday and told him about what was going

on and we've been talking for the last couple hours."

      "Honey, I'm so sorry.  Why do people need to be assholes?"

      "I don't know, but I think I got one of the bigger ones," he

explained.

      "Well, my advice would be to just avoid him, if you can, stick to

yourself while in your room and don't go back there unless you need to

study or sleep or something."

      "That's my plan, I think.  Just gotta see how things play out."

      "So, who's this friend you were talking to?"

      "Name's Chuck.  Cool guy from Alaska."

      "Alaska?  What the hell is he doing in New York?"

      "He told me he just needed to get away from the wilderness.  He's

been here for four days already.  Told me he's already seen everything in

New York and hadn't slept but about four hours since he arrived."

      "Did all he have to look at was the forest?" I asked, gigging.

      "From the way he talked, yeah, I think so."

      "Soooo... Is he cute?"

      Before he could say I word, I could picture a smirk on his face

telling me I had nothing to worry about.  Then he opened his mouth, "You

have nothing to worry about.  He's straight."

      "Okay, but is he cute?" I asked, smiling big, giving him a hard time.

      "Actually, just a bit cuter than you," he said, and I could hear the

smile.

      "Dick head," I said in retort.

      "Yes, he's cute, but like I said, he's straight.  And besides,

there's only one guy who I have my eye on."

      Smiling big, I asked, "Oh, yeah?  Who's that?"

      "Well," I could hear the playfulness come back to his voice.  "He's

about six foot, maybe a bit taller."

      "Really?" I asked.

      "Oh yeah, and very handsome, beautiful blue eyes."

      "Sounds cute, so far."

      "Oh, he's more than cute.  Absolutely stunning to look at, very

funny, very smart, especially in math."

      "What color is his hair?" I asked, smiling still.

      "A light brown, parted down the middle, with the ends just a bit too

long, but it's actually kinda sexy."

      "Nice," I said.

      "And his name is Bruce."

      "Damnit, you're an asshole," I said, laughing.

      "Had to make sure you were paying attention."

      "Well, I was."

      "Oh, I did forget to mention one more thing."

      "Yeah?  What else does Bruce do for you?" I asked, emphasizing the

name.

      "That I'm completely in love with you.  For now, and always."

      I turned over in bed and smiled and said, "I love you too, Todd.  I

miss you already," I said, letting my smile fade.

      "Me too, baby."  At that second, I could hear, in the background, the

sound of a door opening and I figured the asshole was back.  "He's just

come back, I guess I better go."

      "You want me to debate the Bible with him?  You know I can."

      "No," he said, giving a chuckle.  "It's okay."

      "Put his ass on the phone.  I'll take care of him for you."

      In a whisper, he said, "So, it's okay for you to fight my fights, but

I can't fight yours?"

      "That's different.  I needed to prove myself, if it ever came to it,

this would be just words, and after seventeen years on never missing church

and knowing the Bible, I could take him."

      "Thanks, but no.  I'll take care of myself."

      "Fine, but when I get to come and visit, I'll beat him up for you."

      Todd laughed and said, "We'll see.  I gotta go.  Take care.  Love

you."

      "Love you, too.  Night."

      With that said, Todd hung up and I did the same.

      I felt sorry for Todd, having to put up with his Martin, but being so

far away, there wasn't anything I could do.

      The following day, I made it a point to get up early and run like

Todd and I used to do, then I got home just in time to get a shower and get

to school.  After school, I went on to work to bullshit with everyone until

my shift started, sometimes, dropping by Starbucks for coffee for everyone,

first.  Then after work, I would go down to the gym and start my workout

routine.  I got to know a couple of regulars there and they helped me with

my regimen and showed me how to define, not just work out, parts of my

body.

      After my two hours of gym time, I would go home, being freshly

showered at the gym and get into Todd's basketball shorts and a tee shirt

and then hang out with mom and dad until the phone rang, then run upstairs

and talk to Todd, or rather listen to him bitch about Martin.  It got

tiring after the third night of listening to him, but he needed to vent, so

I decided that the first fifteen minutes would be devoted to the venting,

but then we would talk about other things.

      After the phone calls, and sometimes even with the webcams, I would

usually strip and go on to bed, but sometimes, I would go back down and

tell the parents of Todd's current ordeal.  That became my routine over the

next four months, and on the weekends I decided to not go to the gym.  It

gave my body some time off and usually, I spent at least one weekend day

with Pax and Tristian and kept them up to date on Todd.

      In September, Todd and I were talking and using the webcams, not

doing anything sexual, but because Martin wasn't around, we decided to take

advantage of the privacy and just stare at each other while talking.

During a webcam/phone conversation, there was a knock at the door and it

was his friend, Chuck.  Todd brought him over to the computer and handed

him the phone and introduced us.  We talked for a few minutes and then he

handed the phone back to Todd.

      I told him that he was right, and that Chuck was cute.  He laughed

and told me that they had plans to go down to the coffee shop down the way

and do some studying.  I told them to have a good time and let him go.

      October rolled around with my routine still intact, and with me about

fifteen pounds heavier with muscle, which I must say was looking pretty

good.  Anyway, Todd didn't talk too much about Martin anymore, `cept to

tell me how he's getting on Martin's nerves.  When I asked how, he

explained that Martin was a prude and would never show his body.  Always

fully clothed, he would say, so he figured he would get under Martin's skin

and after his showers, he would walk out of the bathroom completely naked

and Martin would throw a hissy fit.

      He told me he knew it aggravated him, that's why he did it.  He even

started sleeping naked, which Martin hated.  I told him that he shouldn't

be so mean, even if Martin didn't like it.  And he explained to me that he

only started aggravating him after he had called him a fag.

      "Oh, shit.  What did you do?" I asked, knowing how much he hated that

word.

      "I walked up to him, and he kinda flinched backwards in his chair and

I put my hands on the arms of his chair and said, `If you want to see me

explode on your ass, and I'm not talking sex, say that word again,' then I

stared at him, three inches from his face, waiting."

      I couldn't help but laugh and I asked, "What he'd do?"

      "He kept his mouth shut and looked away.  He was real uncomfortable,

if not scared.  He's not nearly as big as me, and I think he thought I was

gonna hit him.  But I guarantee he'll never say it to me again."

      "Oh, I've seen that face before.  As mean as you look, he'd be

stupid.  That's the only time you've ever really had me worried.  I was

afraid that you might actually hit Paige that day, and if I hadn't held you

back, God knows what you would have done to Bobby."

      "Yeah, well, nothing happened thank God.  Anyway, now I just subtly

piss him off."

      "You really should stop."

      "Not until he apologizes about calling me a fag.  When he does, I'll

stop."

      "Did you tell him that?" I asked, being serious now.

      "I shouldn't have to.  If he wants it to stop, he'll figure it out.

Otherwise, he'll always be a prick."

      "Don't you think that if he could stop you from being naked; which I

don't know why anyone would want to," I said, with a smile in my voice.

      "Ha, ha, very funny," he retorted.

      "...And if you told him that all he had to do was say he was sorry,

then he would do it."

      "Oh, I'm sure he would, but it's more fun this way.  At least, for

me."

      "I hope I never piss you off," I said.

      "I don't think you can, baby boy."

      "Let's hope not," I said.

      "Well, I hate to cut this short, but I got a test on Monday."

      "What subject?"

      "Your favorite," he said.

      "Having any problems?  I can help you out if needed," I offered.

      "Nah, this year's pretty much okay.  I understand how to get the

answers, but it's showing the work without screwing up.  That's the hard

part."

      "Oh, that was easy for me.  It's like a puzzle to figure out."

      "You're good at math, and I'm good at football.  How `bout you play

on the team for a year and I'll work on my math."

      "Are you kidding?  Those guys would crush me."

      "Exactly, but unless you tried, you'd never learn how to play, now

would you?"

      "I get your point, mister.  Well, I'll let you go.  Study hard and

I'll talk to you soon."

      "Talk to you tomorrow night, Blake.  Sleep well and tell mom and dad

I said hey and that I love them."

      "I will.  I love you."

      "You too," he said, and hung up.

      That night, I decided to fill the parents in the next day and went on

to bed.

      The following day was Friday and it started out like every other day.

I got up and ran, came back and showered, headed out to school and when I

was done, I headed to work.  When I got there, Pax was sitting in his car,

waiting for me.  When I parked and got out, he walked over to me.

      "What are you doing here?" I asked.

      "I need your help with something?"

      "Sure," I said.  "What's up?"

      "I need to get some new suits made and I want your opinion."

      I looked at him with a quizzical look and asked, "You need my opinion

on some suits you're going to get?"

      "Yeah," he said, shoving his hands in his pockets.

      "Well, I gotta work.  Can it wait until this evening?  I could skip

the gym."

      "Actually no.  I have an appointment time.  Listen, I've already

talked to Joe and he said that you can have the day off."

      "What about Tristian?  Can't he go with you?"

      "He is, but sometimes he can be such a fuddy duddy when it comes to

clothes.  I need someone young to help me."

      "Are you sure Joe gave me the day off?" I asked, still skeptical.

      "Yeah, go in and ask if you want."

      Eyeing him for a few seconds more, I walked to the door, and opened

it and asked Joe if what Pax was saying was true.

      "Yes, go.  We got it for today," he said.

      I came back to Pax and said, "You got something up your sleeve," and

gave him a look.

      "No I don't.  I just need some help with the suits."

      "Yeah, right.  So, what time's the appointment?"

      "Noon," he answered.  "Listen, just leave your car here and come with

me."

      I locked up my car and got in Pax's SUV and we headed back to his

place.  Waiting in front was a limousine.

      "What's the car for?" I asked.

      "To start us on our journey," he said, with a sly smile.

      "I know you got something up your sleeve," I said to him, but he just

smiled back.

      Parking the SUV, we got out and Tristian was walking out of the

apartment at that point.

      "Ready?" Pax asked of Tristian.

      "Yeah."  Looking at me, he said, "Hello, Blake.  How are ya?"

      "Confused," I said, giving Pax another look.

      "Ah, don't be confused.  Just enjoy the ride," Pax said.

      "I've never been in a limo before," I said.

      "Oh, you'll just love it," Pax said and opened the door.  At that

moment, the front door opened and the driver got out, ready to come back,

but Pax told him it was okay, that he had it.  The driver got back inside

and I jumped in the opened back door and sat on the side seat, taking in

the luxury of the limo.

      After Pax and Tristian got in, the car pulled away and I was acting

like a kid in a candy store.  I pushed buttons, and flipped switches and

moved to all the available seats that were empty, just to see what it felt

like to ride sideways and backwards.  All the while, Pax was staring at me,

smiling.

      About twenty minutes later, we got off the interstate at the airport

exit.  Noticing this, I asked, "Why are we going to the airport?"

      "For my tailor's appointment."

      "He works at the airport?"  I asked.

      "No," Pax said.  "Washington, D. C."

      "What?" I asked, panic starting to settle in.  "I can't go to D. C."

      "Why not?  I already talked to Christine and she said it would be

okay."

      "But I don't have any clothes?" I said.

      "So, we'll buy you some," he responded.

      I looked at him for a few seconds and smiled and asked, "How long

have you had this planned?"

      "A couple of days.  We just wanted to get you away from the city for

a weekend."

      "And you knew about this?" I asked of Tristian.

      Giving a guilty look, he smiled and said, "Yeah.  Just enjoy the

weekend.  Think of what you'll tell Todd next time you talk to him."

      I looked back out the window and asked myself, `I wonder how far New

York is from D. C.?'

      If Pax or Tristian heard, neither one answered my question.

      After arriving at the drop off at the airport, the driver came around

and unloaded the bags.  Once things were removed from the car, Pax gave me

two bucks to go and get one of those carts for the luggage.  I obliged and

was back in five minutes.  After loading it up, I followed them through the

doors and asked what airline we were taking.

      "Paxton Airways," he said over his shoulders.

      "I've never heard of it," I said.

      "That's because we're taking a private jet.  I call it that, because

I'll be on it."

      "A private jet?" I asked.  "This is going to be so cool."

      I followed them to a counter that said `Private VIP'.  Pax talked to

the agent then turned and asked for my driver's license.  I handed it over,

and within five minutes, our tickets were printed and someone came over and

took control of the luggage cart.  When I realized that was his job, I let

go and we all followed the young man through security and then down the

elevator to the terminal train.

      We got off at the D terminal and followed the young man past the

escalator through a door in the back.  After swiping a badge through a

reader, the door opened.  Once inside, it was amazing.  It was like walking

into a fancy hotel lobby.  There were a few people waiting around an unlit

fireplace, straight ahead.  To my left was a room for smokers and to the

right was a small bar that served what looked like appetizers and drinks.

There was an older woman sitting there, swigging her clear drink and she

gave me a smile and lifted her glass as I walked by.  I nodded and

continued to follow everyone; trying to keep up was the problem.

      We arrived at another desk and the agent behind the counter asked for

the tickets.  After Pax handed them to her, she said, "Mr. Andrews and

party.  The jet's just arrived.  If you'll follow Ted, he'll show you to

it."

      She handed the tickets back and we all followed Ted, the one who took

over the luggage cart from me, to the tarmac.  Once outside, I saw a faded

green carpet leading to the jet.  I couldn't help but smile the whole way.

This was so exciting.  Once we got to the stairs of the plane, Ted motioned

for us to climb them and enter.  I couldn't wait and I was the first up the

stairs.  Behind me, I heard Pax tell Tristian that he acted the same way

the first time he got on a private jet.

      I ignored them and continued my climb and once inside, I didn't know

what to do first.  In the back, there was a desk and a lamp on it.  In

front of that, was a couch against one side of the plane and on the other

was two recliners, leather seats facing the couch.  In front of that, on

both sides of the jet, was eight recliners, leather, swivel seats, four on

each side, facing each other around a small table.

      I went and sat on the couch first as Pax and Tristian took two of the

four seats near the entrance door.  As Ted was putting up the luggage, a

young man came from the cockpit and introduced himself.

      "Hello.  My name is Mark.  I'll be your flight attendant.  If there

is anything you need, please just ask."

      From the back of the jet, I said, "Thanks."

      He smiled and headed back up towards the cockpit.  Once Ted was done

loading us, Pax thanked him and handed him a tip before his leaving down

the stairs.  When he was gone, Mark came back from the cockpit area and

pulled the stairs closed.

      "Is everyone ready?" he asked.

      "Almost," Pax said, and stood.  I could see him whisper something to

Mark, but I was still too busy looking around to care what it was.

      "Sure thing, Mr. Andrews.  If you guys would just buckle up, we'll be

taking off in just a few minutes."

      "Blake," Pax called.

      "Yeah," I said, looking towards him.

      "Get your little butt up here and buckle in.  We're just about to

leave."

      I looked around again, as I was walking up and when I got there, I

sat in the seat next to the window.  I was bouncing in my chair like an

impatient child on Christmas morning waiting for his first gift.  I kept

looking at Pax and Tristian and telling them that this was too cool.

      "Yeah, I know.  The first time I got on a private jet, I was just as

excited as you are.  It was very cool.  I was nervous as hell, but once I

got inside, everything just kinda fell into place and I relaxed."

      "Where did you go the first time you took a jet?" Tristian asked.

      "I flew to San Francisco.  Never been before, and I figured, `why

not?'"

      We got silent, with me still looking out at the tarmac, when the

captain came over the loudspeaker and announced that we would be the forth

to take off and that we should be in the air in about ten minutes.

      "Do I have time to pee first?" I asked Pax.  "I guess I got a bit

excited."

      "Why don't you wait until we're up in the air?  This way, you won't

get banged around in the bathroom."

      "I guess I can hold it," I said, looking back through the window.

      The plane took off and we were up in the air, on our way to

Washington.  I went and used the bathroom then came back and lay on the

couch for a few minutes.  It was actually very comfortable, and then Pax

told me that it actually pulled out to lay flat so that it could be used as

a bed.  I was so startled, that I got up and looked around it and found a

button on the side and pushed it.

      The couch started to hum and then the seat slowly and mechanically

lifted up, then the back started to lower down, until it was finally laying

flat.  Pax walked over and I looked at him and said, "This is so cool," and

then crawled on it and lay on my back.

      "Is it comfy?" Pax asked.

      "Very.  Lay down with me," I said, scooting over to give him room.

      He followed my invitation and was lying with me.

      "This is more comfortable than my bed," he said, closing his eyes.

      "Yeah, I know.  Mine too," I offered.

      Tristian came over with his camera and started to take a few

pictures.  Pax ended up grabbing me and we were hugging each other in a

couple pictures, then he turned over and pulled my arms around him,

spooning him.  We were having a good time, just goofing off when Pax said

he'd need to get up before he fell asleep.

      "You go right ahead," I said.  "I might just get me a quick nap."

      "Okay.  I'll wake you before we land."

      "Thanks," I said.  Looking around, I didn't see any pillows and found

the button to call for Mark.  I reached over and pushed it and Mark

emerged.

      "Yes, sir?" he asked, putting his hands behind his back, smiling.

      "May I get a Coke and a pillow, please?"

      "Certainly," he said, and walked to the back of the plane and grabbed

a pillow.  "Would you like a blanket?"

      "No, thank you.  Just a pillow."

      He walked back and handed me a pillow then told me he'd be back with

my drink in a minute.  On his way up, I heard him ask Pax and Tristian if

they would like a drink.  Pax ordered a Cosmo and Tristian, a vodka tonic.

Within three minutes, my Coke had arrived and I took a sip and got

comfortable.

      "Wake up, Blake.  We're about to land," I heard Pax say as he shook

me.

      I rubbed my eyes and sat up.  "How long did I sleep?" I asked.

      "'Bout an hour," he said.  "Come on.  Get in your seat and buckle

up."

      I stood up and pushed to button to turn the bed back into a couch,

put the pillow on the seat cushion, grabbed my coke and went up to my seat.

Settling back in the recliner, I put the glass in one of the cup holders on

the table and looked out the window.  The city below me looked much bigger

than I imagined.

      "Where's the White House?" I asked.  No one answered.

      I scanned the city and then looked back at Pax and Tristian and said,

"I didn't know that D.C. had so many tall buildings.  They don't show any

on T.V."

      I saw Pax grow a big smile on his face, and I knew something wasn't

right.  I looked back out at the city and scanned it for anything that

would help me recognize it.  Then I looked down and saw a big lady holding

a torch.

      "Is that New York?" I asked, snapping my head back to the two of

them.

      "Surprise," Pax said.

      "I'm gonna see Todd?" I asked, still flabbergasted.

      "That's the plan," he said.

      "Pax's booked us two rooms at the Plaza Hotel for the weekend.  As

much as you talk about missing Todd, we wanted to do something for you."

      "Does mom know?" I asked.

      "Yeah.  She thought it would be a great idea.  Told us to send him

their love," Pax answered.

      I looked back out the window and said to myself, `I'm gonna see

Todd.'

      I watched as the city got bigger and bigger, then finally the captain

came over the speaker and told us we were about to land and to make sure we

were buckled up.  I tightened my seatbelt just a bit tighter in

anticipation of our landing.  Still looking out the window, I asked, "Does

Todd know?"

      "No, I hope you know where he is, because we're gonna surprise him,

too."

      "I know he's in a dorm," I said, giving a weak smile, not really

remembering.

      "Please tell me you know where he is," Pax said.  "I so wanted to

surprise him too."

      "If we have to call and tell him, then we will," Tristian said.

      "I know, but I really want to see his face," Pax said.

      "That would be sweet," I said, imagining his face when he saw us.

      I thought a bit longer and was trying to remember the name of the

dorm he told me about.  "I know it's on a park.  Washington Square Park, I

think.  He told me it's next to a Starbucks."

      "Maybe..."  Looking at Pax, Tristian asked if he got a car for us, or

were we taking a taxi?

      "A car.  I don't particularly like the taxis in New York."

      "Well, maybe the driver will know which one it would be," Tristian

offered.

      "I think it started with a G, but I'm not a hundred percent sure," I

said, still trying hard to remember.

      "Well, let's not worry about it until we talk to the driver,"

Tristian said.

      A few minutes later, I was looking out the window as we started our

approach and finally landed.  Once on the ground, the plane taxied up to

the VIP gate and, once stopped, Mark was there to lower the stairs.  As we

stood, he told us that someone would be right up to get our bags and

thanked us for flying with them.

      Pax and Tristian thanked him for his help during the flight and Pax

gave him a tip as a bonus.  I followed the other two and down the stairs I

went, across the tarmac and in the VIP lounge to check in.  We waited for

the porter to get our bags, and he led us to the main entrance to the

airport.  As we were coming up the stairs, Tristian saw a sign with Pax's

name on it.

      "Oh, good, the car's here waiting," Pax said.

      He walked up to the driver and gave his name and the driver took the

cart from the porter then Pax handed him a tip as thanks.  Once our bags

were in the back and we were in a very nice stretched Cadillac, the driver

asked where we were off to.  Pax, noticing my excitement, moved closer to

the driver and asked if he knew which dorms of NYU were on Washington

Square, instead of telling him the Plaza Hotel.

      "Well, there're two of them.  You got Hayden Hall and Goddard Hall,"

he answered.

      "Goddard Hall," I yelled out.  "I think that's it.  Is there a

Starbucks next to it?"

      "Sure is, sir."

      "That's the one," I said, certain I was right.

      We enjoyed our ride through the city.  Tristian and I were busy

looking around at the city as it passed as Pax watched us with enjoyment.

I couldn't believe how tall some of those buildings were, but they were

amazing.  When we finally arrived, I now knew the meaning when someone said

`the concrete jungle'.  Truly spectacular.

      I felt my heart race with the fact that I was going to see Todd after

what seemed like years, but knowing it was only a few months.  As I stepped

out, I started walking towards the front door, but noticed that upon entry,

everyone was showing their ID to the guard on duty.  I stopped and turned

towards Pax.

      "This won't work.  We won't be able to surprise Todd."

      "Why not?" he asked.

      "There's a guard.  He's not just going to let us go in and find him.

He's gonna let him know we're here."

      "You do make an excellent point," he said, scratching his forehead.

      At that moment, I thought I saw a familiar face, and started towards

the man I thought I recognized.

      "Excuse me," I said to the guy with a blue bag over his shoulder.

      He turned and answered, "Do I know you?"

      "If you're Chuck from Alaska, you do."

      He stared at me for a minute and gave a puzzling look.  "I'm Chuck,

but I'm afraid I don't remember who you are."

      "I'm Blake, Todd's boyfriend from Atlanta.  We met on the phone and

webcam," I explained.

      A look of instant recognition came over him and he said, "Yeah, now I

remember.  How are you?" he asked, extending his hand.

      "Great, now that I'm here.  How about you?  You doing okay?"

      "Oh, yeah, never better.  Loving the city and the school.  This is

the best place on Earth."

      "Awesome," I said.  Noticing Pax and Tristian walking up behind me, I

said, "Chuck, this is my friend Pax, and his partner, Tristian."

      "Pleased to meet you both," he said, shaking their hands.

      "So, you guys here to see Todd, I assume," he said.

      "Yeah, well, we have one little snag.  See, this is supposed to be a

surprise but he never mentioned the guard at the entrance.  Will he just

let us in without notifying Todd?"

      "Hell, no.  These guys are sticklers about security.  But hey, I'll

sign you guys in and after Todd's surprised, he'll come back and clear

things up."

      "Oh, my God, would you?" Pax asked.

      "Sure.  It'll be my pleasure.  Follow me, oh," he said, and turned

back towards us, "Get your licenses out and ready.  He'll have to hold them

while you're here."

      As we started walking, the three of us got our ID's out and went

through the front door to the guard station.

      "Afternoon, Mr. Mason.  I have some friends that are here to surprise

someone," Chuck explained.

      "And who are they here to see?" he asked of Chuck.

      "Todd Blyth.  Room 16-F."

      "Mr. Blyth should be down here checking them in, then," he said.

      "Mr. Mason, they just flew in from Atlanta, here to surprise him.

Let me be responsible for `em.  If anything happens, then you can blame me.

After they find Todd, then he'll come back down and fix things up.  Deal?"

      Mr. Mason looked us over then finally back at Chuck and exhaled, and

said, "Make sure nothing happens, got it?"

      "Will do, Mr. Mason.  Thanks."

      He showed his ID, and then Mr. Mason told us to sign in and asked for

our ID's to hold while we were inside.  We went over to the elevator and

got in as Chuck hit the button for the sixteenth floor.

      "He's gonna be so surprised to see you guys, I'm sure.  He's been

talking about being a bit home sick, so this is gonna make his day."

      "Oh, I hope so," Pax said.

      "Me, too," Tristian echoed.

      At the sixteenth floor, the door opened and Chuck told us to follow

him.  When we arrived at 16-F, he told us to stand back a bit so Todd

couldn't see us just yet.  He knocked on the door and called Todd's name.

      The door opened and a voice said, "TV lounge," then the door promptly

closed.

      "Asshole," Chuck said to the door.

      "Was that his roommate?" Tristian asked.

      "If you can call him that, yeah.  C'mon, he's upstairs in the

lounge."

      We got back on the elevator and he punched the button for the

twenty-fifth floor.  Up the elevator went, until it reached its

destination.  Once there, we walked out and followed Chuck around a corner

until a big TV came into view.  There sitting on the couch, with his back

to the hall was Todd.  I could recognize him anywhere.  Chuck told us to

walk up behind him, and to wait for his cue.  We did as he instructed and

before Chuck walked around the couch, he put his finger to his lips to tell

everyone else to stay quiet.  Rounding the couch, he took a seat next to

Todd as the three of us walked up behind.

      "Where ya been?  You were supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago," a

girl asked.

      "I know, I got held up."

      "With what?" Todd asked.

      "I had to get something for you," he explained, looking at Todd.

      "Like what?" Todd asked.

      I took that as my cue and bent over and asked, "Don't you have a math

test to be studying for?"

      Todd turned around and his eyes got as big as saucers.  "Blake," he

cried and stood and climbed over the couch to get to me, instead of walking

around.  Once he cleared the couch, he practically jumped in my arms.

      "Oh, my God, what are you guys doing here?" he asked, letting me go

and giving Pax and Tristian a hug.

      "Hopefully, stealing you away from your friends for the weekend, if

they don't mind," Pax answered with a hopeful look on his face.

      Behind us, we heard a few people say it was okay, and Todd turned

around and started the introductions.

      "Guys, this is my boyfriend, Blake," he said, and touched my arm.

"And these guys are Pax and his partner Tristian."  Looking back at us he

said, "And guys, these guys are my study partner and friends."  He started

at the left and pointed to each person as he introduced them.  "This is

Andy, Michael, Sarah, Mary Anne, Kimberly, Katherine, James, and of course

you know Chuck."

      "Good to meet you all," I said.

      "It's so nice to finally put a face to the name.  For a while there,

I thought his boyfriend was nonexistent," Kimberly said, as she walked up

to us to shake hands.

      "Unless he's talked about someone else beside Blake, then, no, I'm

real," I said, smiling at her.

      "I thought you said his name was Bruce," James called out.

      "Would you shut up?" Todd said, playfully.  "He doesn't know about

him."

      "Oh, my bad," James said, laughing.

      Todd turned back to me and asked why I didn't let him know we were

coming.

      "I thought we were going to D.C.  Pax met me at work and told me we

were going to get him some suits, and then he told me it was in Washington.

By the way, we flew up here in a private jet.  Just the three of us."

      "Awesome," Todd said, looking at Pax.

      "Yeah, anyway, when we got here, I looked out the window and asked

where the White House was.  I didn't know we were coming," I concluded.

      "Always with the surprises, huh, Pax?" Todd said and walked over and

put his arm around Pax's back.

      "Well, the boy here was talking about how much he missed you, so I

figured, why not?  To tell you the truth, we were starting to miss you

too."

      "And I missed you guys.  I really love it here, but I miss home, a

lot."

      "Are your classes done for the day?" I asked of Todd.

      "Just got one left.  It's not for a couple hours still.  What do you

guys wanna do?"

      "We still gotta check in at the hotel.  We got two rooms..." Pax

said, trailing off his sentence to put a point across to Todd.

      "Well, then, I guess I better pack an overnight bag," he said.

Turning back to his friends, he asked, "You guys really don't mind if I

skip group today?"

      "You think you'll be okay with the test on Monday?" Mary Anne asked.

      "Blake here is about three classes above us, so if I have any

questions, he'll help me out," Todd said, beaming.

      "I thought you said he was a year younger than you," Andy said.

      "He is," Todd answered.

      "You've already taken Calculus two?" James asked.

      "Yup, took that in tenth grade.  For my junior year, I went to GSU

for Statistics I.  Would have been in Statistics II this year, but I passed

it up.  Wasn't mandatory."

      "Then we have a problem for you that we can't figure out the work

on," Michael said.

      "Sure," I said, walking around the couch and took a seat.

      "Listen, I'll be back in a few minutes.  I'm going to pack my bag,"

Todd said.

      "Need some help?" Tristian asked.

      "Not really, but you're welcome to come and see my room.  It's not

much, but it's a room."

      Tristian excused himself from us and went with Todd down to his room,

while Pax stayed up with us and took an empty chair as I helped the group

with their problem.  Michael opened the book to the problem they were

focused on and as soon as I saw it, I knew the answer.

      "Oh, that's easy," I said, without thinking.

      "Maybe to you," Sarah said, with a slight attitude.

      Realizing my mistake, I said, "Listen, guys.  I'm sorry.  Math is

like a second language to me.  Once I see a problem, it's almost

immediately that I know the answer.  I know it's hard for some people, but

to me, it's just like breathing."

      "So, just looking at the problem, what's the answer?" asked

Katherine.

      I scanned the problem and said, "Zero vector."

      Katherine looked at the back of the book and found that I was

correct.  "That's amazing, but how did you know?"

      I asked for a pen and some paper and solved the problem for them,

telling them each step along the way.

      "How could we not have seen that?" Chuck asked.  "It was right there

in front of us."

      "I've had problems that I couldn't figure out.  What I did, was take

a break from it, for like five minutes, then came back and did each step

and checked each one before moving on to another.  Sometimes the stress of

all the calculations messes with your brain.  Take a deep breath and relax

and try again, checking each step as you go.  I tell you, it really does

work."

      At that moment, Todd and Tristian re-emerged from around the corner.

      "Todd, don't ever make him mad, okay?" Andy said.

      "Okay, why?" Todd asked, confused.

      "Because we might need his help in the future," Katherine explained.

      Todd laughed and said he'd promise to stay on my good side.  Looking

at me he asked, "So, are we ready to go?"

      "Yeah.  Did you bring your Calculus book?" I asked.

      "No, I left it in the room."

      "We'll get it on the way down.  We're gonna do a little studying this

weekend.  You need to ace that test."

      Not even arguing he said, "Fine."

      Turning to the group, I told them that it was a pleasure meeting them

and that if they needed some help have Todd call me.

      "Thanks, Blake.  Believe me, we might just do that," Chuck said.

      Pax and I stood and followed Todd and Tristian back to the elevator.

On the way back down, we stopped by his room and got his book.  As he

opened the door again to leave, we all heard sniping coming from his

roommate.

      When Todd got to us Pax asked, "Is that the homo hater?"

      "Yup, that's him," Todd said, giving a long, breathy sigh.

      Pax started walking towards the door and said, "Let me at him.  I'll

teach him a lesson or two."

      Todd grabbed his arm and stopped him and I started towards the door

as well.  Todd reached out his other hand, grabbed my arm and asked,

"Where're you going?"

      "To help Pax," I said.

      "Neither of you are going to do anything.  He's just an asshole.

Nothing you can say would make any difference, plus, there might be

ramifications later that you guys won't have to deal with."

      "He's right," Tristian said.  "Just let it go.  Todd can handle

himself."

      "I know, but I'd love to debate him on the Bible," I said.

      "Ohhh, that might be fun to watch," Pax said smiling.

      "Wouldn't it?" I said back.

      "There will be no debating," Todd said.  "Now, let's go.  I still

have another class later."

      "Fine," Pax said and turned back around and headed back towards

Tristian.

      As we walked, Todd put his arm across my back and we followed the

other two back to the elevator.

      When we got out on the street, Todd started to call a taxi over, but

Tristian stopped him and told him we had a car waiting.  He pointed to the

Cadillac, and Todd smiled.  Getting in, we all got settled and the driver

asked where to.

      "The Plaza Hotel, please," Pax answered.

      "The Plaza?  I haven't been there, yet," Todd said.

      "It one of the best in town," Pax answered.

      "What time is your class?" I asked Todd.

      "1:30," he answered.  "There's a subway stop near there, so I can

just catch that back."

      "Nonsense," Pax interjected.  "You can use the car.  It's not that

far away."

      "Yeah, but it would probably be quicker using the subway."  Turning

to me, he asked, "Hey, you wanna come with?  It's Calculus."

      "Sure," I said, kinda excited.

      "You'll like the professor.  Real nice guy.  He's helped me out a few

times."

      "Cool," I said, and grabbed his hand and held it in mine.

      On the remaining part of the ride, I was busy looking out the window

as the city passed as Todd's thumb continued to rub the top of my hand.

The three of them would talk a bit, then quiet down, all while I was trying

to take in all the sites I could as they whizzed by.

      Once we arrived at the Plaza, the chauffer parked and started around

back as a doorman opened our door for us.  Pax was the first to step out,

leading the way for us to follow.  When we were all out, the bags were

carried by two bellmen who led the way to the front desk.

      Walking up those stairs, I felt like I was about to enter a palace.

Everything was so grand.  I was almost afraid to touch the hand rail for

fear I might leave a fingerprint.  I can just imagine that after every

guest someone must come and wipe it down.  I smiled at myself for such a

weird thought.

      The doors leading into the hotel were on either side of a big

revolving door.  As Pax and Tristian chose the pull doors to enter through,

I pulled Todd through the revolving door.  He smiled and dropped my hand,

and after I stepped through, he followed in the compartment behind me.

When we both were through the door, Pax looked back and called our names.

We caught up with them and continued our sightseeing tour through the

lobby.

      When we arrived at the counter, a tall, handsome, lanky man spoke

first.

      "Ahh, Mr. Andrews, welcome back to the Plaza Hotel," and stretched

out his hands to shake Pax.

      "Why, thank you, Pierre.  It's nice to be back," he said and grabbed

Pierre's hands in welcome.

      I looked at Todd and asked, "Has he ever mentioned coming to New York

to you?"

      "No," he answered.  "You?"

      "Nah uh," I said, and turned my attention back to the desk.

      "I see you have friends with you today," Pierre said, seeing us three

behind Pax.

      "Ah, yes, Pierre.  This handsome man is my partner, Tristian

Bergeron," Pax said, starting the introductions.

      "Very pleased to meet you, Mr. Bergeron," Pierre said and reached for

Tristian's outstretched hand.

      "And these two rascals are very good friends of mine from Atlanta.

This is Todd Blyth and this is Blake Moore."

      "It's a pleasure to meet you both.  To meet all of you.  Any friend

of Mr. Andrews is always welcomed at the Plaza."

      "Good to meet you, too," I said.

      "Well, Mr. Andrews, what brings you back to our wonderful city?"

Pierre asked, looking at his computer, hidden under the desk counter.

      "Todd is going to school here and we all started missing him,

especially Blake, so we decided to come in for the weekend to visit," Pax

explained.

      "Well, I see that you have two rooms this weekend, both with king

size beds, is that correct?"

      "Yes, sir," Pax answered.

      "Wonderful," Pierre said.  "It looks like your usual suite is

available; would you like to have it this visit?"

      "No, give that one to the boys.  Put us anywhere.  I want them to

have that view this time."

      "The suite across the hall is available, with a view that's just as

magnificent.  Will that be satisfactory?"

      "That would be wonderful, Pierre, thank you," Pax said.

      "My pleasure, Mr. Andrews.  Anything for one of my favorite guests.

Now, would you like to use the same card as last time or do you need to

update anything on your account?"

      "Actually, I want to change cards.  The other expired," Pax said,

pulling out his wallet.

      As he did, Pierre said, "Ah, you're right.  Just a few months ago I

see."

      "Yes," Pax said, handing over the card, "And can you also add these

three to the account for a room here anytime with approval to use that card

for all charges?"

      "Of course, Mr. Andrews."  Reaching under the desk, Pierre produced a

piece of paper and said, "If you would just list their names here and sign

the bottom, I'll make sure that accounting gets this straight away.

Everything should be in the system by this evening."

      As Pax was filling out the information, Todd and I continued to look

around at the magnificent lobby around us.  It was bustling with guests,

coming and going.  The restaurant across the marble floor was full, with

people being turned away at the door.

      I heard Pierre thank Pax for the paper and then explained that Bobby

and Chris would be happy to bring our bags up.

      "You remember the floor, right Mr. Andrews?"

      "Of course.  One of the best views from that floor," Pax answered,

smiling.

      "May I be of any further assistance?" Pierre asked.

      "Actually, there is one more thing.  Could you please have all the

liquor removed from their mini bar and replace it with..." Turning to us he

asked, "What drinks do you want?"

      I looked at Pierre and asked, "Do you have any Mello Yellow?"

      "Alas, Mr. Moore, we don't.  But we do have Mountain Dew.  Would that

be acceptable?"

      "Yes, sir, please."

      "And for you, Todd?" Pax asked.

      "Some Coke, Diet Coke and bottled water would be great," he said.

      "It shall be done, immediately," Pierre said, smiling big.

      "Thank you, Pierre.  Also, please give these boys anything they need.

There is no limit this weekend," Pax explained.

      "It will be my pleasure, sir."  Pierre motioned for Bobby and Chris

to join us at the desk.  "Here are the room keys," he said, handing each of

them a key.  "Please escort our guests to their room and give them anything

they need."

      "Thank you, Mr. Mobley."  Turning to us, Chris continued, "If you'll

follow us, we'll be happy to escort you to your rooms."

      With that, they both turned, carrying our bags in their arms and

hands, leading us to a bank of elevators.  Pax remembered one more thing

and turned back to Pierre.  "Also, Pierre, seven o'clock in the Oak Room,

if possible?"

      "Consider it done, Mr. Andrews."

      "Thanks again, Pierre."

      Pax turned back towards us and Bobby and Chris turned and finished

our walk to the elevators.  They chose the far left and swiped a badge over

a reader and the doors popped open.  We walked in the elevator and Bobby

hit one of two buttons on the panel.

      "The penthouse?" I said, looking at Pax.

      "What else?" Pax said, smiling.

      "They have two penthouses?" Todd asked.

      "Well, they have the Presidential suite, is that correct?" he asked

of one of the bellmen.

      "Oh, yes sir.  We have the Presidential suite and three junior suites

on this floor," Bobby explained.

      "We don't have the Presidential..." Todd began.

      "At fifteen thousand a night, no," Pax said, smiling.

      I mouthed the words fifteen thousand, thinking he meant hundred, but

he nodded at me, confirming the price.  I couldn't believe it.  I almost

couldn't breathe.  I looked at Tristian, and even he swallowed big at that

price.

      A few second later, a nice soft chime let us know we had arrived on

our floor.  Bobby and Chris walked out and we followed.  Turning to the

left out of the elevators, I looked down the hall and didn't see any doors.

I saw two alcoves at our end of the hall, both in the middle between the

end of the building and the elevator hallway.  I turned and looked behind

me and saw the same on the other end.  If there were only four rooms on

this floor, I couldn't wait to see just how big our room was.

      When we got to the entrances to the room, which were directly across

the way from each other, Pax pointed at the room to the left and said,

"This one is yours, boys.  I hope you like it.  It's overlooking the park.

Spectacular view."

      Turning to the bellmen, Pax explained which bags when to which room,

and the two guys had to juggle a couple of bags around, but when they had

the right bags for the right rooms, they each produced the key cards and

opened the doors.  When they were opened, they each motioned for us to

enter first.

      Upon walking in the room, I only made it a few feet before my body

froze from the size and beauty of the room.  Taking a wild estimate, I

figured it was bigger than our home in Atlanta.  As I stood, taking in the

view of the room, Bobby, our bellman, walked past, excusing himself, and

into an adjacent room.  When I saw him disappear, I followed out of

curiosity.

      Rounding the corner and entering the other room, I took an audible

breath at the sheer size of the room itself.  Bobby went over to the closet

and opened the doors and placed our bags on one of the shelves.  When he

did, Todd looked at me and said, "That closet is bigger than my dorm."

      "We could get lost in there," I said, teasing him.

      "Is this your first time at the Plaza?" Bobby asked.

      "Yes, sir," I said.

      Bobby gave a small smile at the formality.  "Then let me tell you

just a bit about the room and hotel.  Through these doors," he said,

walking to a pair of French doors and opening them, "is the bathroom with

separate shower and tub areas, with dual sinks."

      Turning around, he started walking back to the living room by which

we entered.  "On the other side of the living room are a dining room and a

kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, china and everything

else you might need."

      "A kitchen?" I asked, surprised they would offer one.

      "Yes, sir.  Also, if you need anything, please just dial eight

thousand.  We have two butlers on this floor, twenty four hours a day."

      "Butlers?" Todd asked.

      "What do butlers do?" I asked.

      "Anything you need, they can handle for you.  Down on the fifth floor

is the pool and full gym.  On the third floor is the Oak Room.  I heard you

already have reservations for that, I hope you enjoy it."

      "I'm sure they will," Pax said, walking into the room, followed by

Tristian.

      "Great, then.  Is there anything else that I can do for you?" Bobby

asked, looking at Todd and myself.

      "I think we're good, thanks," Todd answered.

      "My pleasure, sirs.  Have a great stay at the Plaza.  If there is

anything anyone can do, please just ask."

      As he turned, Pax extended his hand and gave Bobby a tip.  He thanked

Pax and quietly closed the door behind him.

      "So, what do you think?" Pax asked.

      "It's amazing," Todd said.

      "Yeah, it is," I echoed.

      "Have you seen the view yet?" he asked us.

      We walked over to the windows and pulled back the sheer curtains that

covered the glass and looked out over the park.

      "Oh, wow, that's beautiful," Todd said.

      "It's just amazing," I said, looking at the park and surrounding

skyline.  "I never imagined that New York was this big.  I mean, I knew it

was big, but I had no idea.

      The four of us ended up staring out the window for a few more minutes

before Tristian suggested that he and Pax go back to their room.  Pax

called out and reminded us that the reservations were at seven for dinner

and told us it was formal.

      "Pax, I didn't pack anything, remember?  I don't have a suit to

wear," I said.

        "Oh, right.  I did forget that little detail."  Looking at Todd, he

asked, "You didn't by any chance bring a suit with you to New York, did

you?"

      "Yeah, I brought one, but I don't have any ties.  That's the one

thing I did forget."

      "I can handle that.  How about the three of us go and get you a suit

for tonight while Todd's at class?"

      "Seems like a good idea.  Next time you come up for a visit, maybe

you can go to class with me," Todd explained.

      "Yeah, okay.  Any particular kinda tie you want?" I asked.

      "Anything but plaid."

      "My dear boy, what makes you think that I would let you wear plaid?"

Pax asked.

      "I just wanted to make sure.  After class, I'll stop by the dorm and

get my suit."

      "Perfect," Pax said.  "Just don't be late to class.  We'll talk to

you soon."

      Pax and Tristian said goodbye and went back to their room.  As soon

as the door closed, Todd grabbed me and placed his lips upon mine.

      "I've waited for the last hour to do that," he said, breaking the

kiss and smiling at me.

      "Me, too, now do it again," I said and smiled back.

      To Be Continued. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .